Engine Assist on Two Alarm House Fire in Pocopson Township
By Fire Chief Frank Dowlin
September 1, 2015
On Tuesday, 9/2/2015, just after 6pm, Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company, Station 25 (Longwood) and Station 39 (West Bradford) were dispatched to Ayer Court, in Pocopson Township, for a House Fire. Captain 25, who was in the area, arrived first finding an attached garage with heavy fire showing. Chief 25 assisted Station 36 advising to dispatch a first alarm tanker task force for the non-hydrated area.
Chief 36 arrived on location and established Ayer Court Command. The fire was well-developed and beginning to enter the living areas of the house. Chief 36 ordered use of a dry hydrant about 200' down Northbrook Road for water supply.
Engine 36 and Tanker 36 arrived on scene. Engine 25-1 arrived and completed the lay up to the house using Engine 36 as a relay pumper in the middle of the long lay. Engine 39-3 arrived and established a draft at the dry hydrant to supply the water to the fire scene.
A combination of crews from Engine 36, Rescue 36, and Engine 25-1 deployed multiple 1 /34" hand lines to all divisions inside the structure. Division 2 and attic division were met with high heat and smoke conditions. Crews operated with hand tools opening up the walls and ceiling to gain access and try to combat the ever growing fire conditions.
Ladder 25 arrived and positioned in the driveway. Ladder 25 crew deployed ground ladders and main aerial ladder. Ladder 25’s crew began vertical ventilation in coordination with the 3 interior teams.
A second alarm was dispatched, requesting additional manpower for fire suppression, due the fast moving fire and the summer heat. Engine 37-2 was dispatched to relocate station 36, minutes after pulling out of the station was requested to the scene for manpower. Engine 37-2 arrived and its crew went to work assisting on fire suppression and overhaul.
