Mobile Home Fire on Baltimore Pike

Date: Novemeber 18, 2008
By: Deputy Chief Steve Cole Jr.

......On November 18, 2008, at 0424 hours, Chester County Fireboard dispatched Avondale and West Grove Fire Companies to a Mobile home reported on fire. As Deputy 23 was leaving his house, he could see the house on fire in the distance and immediately advised the radio room of a working structure fire. Deputy 23 arrived on scene seconds later and established “Baltimore Pike Command" requesting a re-dispatch of 23 and 22 along with PECO Electric. Engine 23-2 (Lieut Carroll) was first on the scene, and pulled 2) 1 ¾“attack line for fire suppresion. It was confirmed that all the family members’ of the house were out and accounted for. Tanker 23 arrived and supplied Engine 23-2. Kennett Fire Company was added for thier Pumper/Tanker Engine 24-6 for additional water. Engine 22 arrived shortly after and assisted 23’s crew with containing the fire. After a sufficient knockdown crews went into an offensive attack. As Tanker 22 and Engine 24-6 arrived they supplied water to Tanker 23.
......The fire was quickly knocked down, but did require extensive overhaul. As additional manpower arrived, crews assisted in overhaul, and salvage.
Command placed the fire under control at 0509 hours with units working.
Crews from 23,22,12, and 24 rotated through and removed debris from both inside and around the structure until all the hot spots were extinguished.
After a extensive overhaul and clean up, Avondale units cleared at 0631 hours.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the “A” team; Chester County Fire Marshall’s.

** Thank you to Hockessin Fire Company Engine 19-3 for standing by at our station**
** Thanks to Nikki Testa for the great photos!!!!**

Avondale Units: Chief's Vehicle(Deputy 23), Engine 23-1, Engine 23-2, Tanker 23, Ambulance 23-1, and Ambulance 23-2
Mutaul Aid: Engine 22,Engine 12-1, Tanker 22, Engine 24-2 Engine 24-6, FM 101 & 102, PECO, Red Cross.