Company assists West Grove on 2nd house fire of the day.

January 27th, 2008
By: Deputy Chief Steve Cole Jr.

On Sunday January 27th at approximately 2130 hours, the Avondale Fire Company was dispatched for Tanker 23 to assist the West Grove Fire Company (Stations 12 & 22), along with two Engines from Aetna Hose Hook & Ladder of Newark (Stations 7, 8, 9, &10) to a house fire on Flint Hill Road in London Britain Township.
Chief 22 responded right after the dispatch and was advised by the 911 Center of a fire on the roof, possibly extended from a chimney fire.
While Tanker 23 was responding to the fire, Deputy 22 arrived minutes confirming fire on the roof.
Chief 22 arrived and established "Flint Hill CP".

Engine 12-1 arrived minutes later and starting an aggressive fire attack to try and contain the fast moving roof fire on the three story farm house. Unfortunately, the fire had already spread into the attic and numerous void spaces. Two additional tankers and a "RIT (Rapid Intervention Team)" engine were added to assist.

Tanker 23 arrived and connected to a 5" supply line that had been laid up the driveway feeding water to Engine 12-1.

As the fast moving fire was now consuming the multiple roofs and extending into the upper floors of the house, Chief 22 requested the second alarm.
The second alarm re-alerted Station 23 for the balance along with additional units from surrounding companies.
Engine 23-2 went responding while the 2nd alarm was being dispatched, and Engine 23-1 responded 2 minutes later.
Engine 23-2 arrived and staged on Flint Hill Road and prepared to supply their tank water to the 5" line as the engine crew was requested to set up portable lighting to the rear of the house.
Once the lighting task was complete, crews reported to the manpower pool, meeting up with the crew from Engine 23-1.

Shortly after going into the manpower pool, crews went into service relieving other crews. Firefighters assisted in fire suppression, along with opening the walls on the interior and exterior of the house, and overhauling.
Due to the lack of fire hydrants in the area, an ample supply of water was a challenge throughout this incident. Two firefighters were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Once the fire was out, overhauling complete, and equipment cleaned up, the Avondale units cleared around 0115 hours.

We would like to thank the Pomeroy Fire Company (Station 29) and their engine crew for covering our district at Station 23 during this incident.

Units: Engine(s) 23-1, 23-2, Tanker 23.