Building Fire at Chatham Acres

Date: June 27, 2008
By: Asst. Chief Augie Testa

At approximately 2000 hours the company was dispatched for the automatic fire alarm at Chatham Acres Nursing Home. Engine 23-3 and Engine 23-2 made the initial response. Both engines staged at the front of the building with the crew from 23-3 investigating along with the staff to determine the source and location of the alarm. Safety Officer Bessicks established the "Chatham Command". Lt. Carroll encountered a significant water flow and odor of smoke in one of the stairwells. Asst. Chief Testa and the crew from 23-2 entered the building and began to investigate with 23-3's crew the source of the smoke. The sprinkler activation and fire room were located on the 3rd floor. The fire had been extinguished by two activated sprinkler heads with a heavy smoke condition remaining in the building. Asst. Chief requested the balance of the company and Chester County Fire Marshalls. Engine 23-1, Tanker 23, Traffic 23, and Ambulance 23-2 made the response along with FM-101 and FM-102. Crews assisted with salvage and overhaul, water removal, and the Fire Marshall's investigation. All units were clear by 2300 hours. Thanks to Belfor Restoration for the water cleanup.

**Special Thanks to Engine 19-3 (Hockessin, DE) for covering our local during the fire.**

Units on Scene: Engines 23-1, 23-2, & 23-3, Tanker 23, Traffic 23, Chief 23, Ambulance 23-2, Chester County Fire Marshalls FM 101 & 102, Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshall, Belfor Restoration

Avondale apparatus on scene..............................The section of Chatam Acres where the fire was
..............................................................................located.

Deputy 23 (Cole) runs command from the newly.. Safety 23 (Bessicks) talks with FF/EMT's Harley
acquired Chief's Vehicle....................................... & Bisson.

Asst Hosemen/EMT Franks catches work on his..Crews cool down after exiting the building
second day home after returning from work in
Mississippi for a short leave.

Lt. Dijoseph talks with Captain Lysle about the.....Past Chief Decker driver of Engine 23-1 looks on
damage inside. Water discharged from the..........with Chief Engineer Testa who drove the Tanker
sprinklers can be seen cascading from the
building.