Engine Company Assist in Kennett Township

Date: July 28 2008
By: Asst. Chief Augie Testa


At approximately 1945 hrs on Sunday 07/27, the company was dispatched for two engines to assist Kennett Fire Company (24) along with Longwood Fire Company (25) in the Bayard Estates section of Kennett Township. Engines 23-1 and 23-2 along with Squad 23 made the response shortly thereafter. Chief 24 (Melton) arrived on scene with the report of smoke showing from the second floor, attic, and roof.  Crews from Kennett and Longwood arrived and placed ladders to the roof and stretched a 1.75" hand line to the second floor. Avondale units arrived on scene and assembled in the manpower pool located in the front yard of the residence. An engine from West Grove (22) arrived on scene to act as the Rapid Intervention Team in case of a firefighter emergency rescue situation. Crews worked quickly to expose the fire, extinguish, and perform overhaul within the fire area. It was determined that the house had been struck by lightning. The homeowners called 911 at the first sign of smoke which greatly helped limit the spread of the fire. All units were clear of the scene by 2200 hrs.

Units on Scene: Engine 23-1, Engine 23-2, Squad 23

Longwood crews gets to work on the roof............Embers can be seen underneath a dormer
.............................................................................where the lightning struck

Avondale crews can be seen through the............Avondale members wait for orders in the man
window opening the ceiling and checking for.......power pool
fire extension