The Modena and West Bradford Fire Company's were dispatched at 1352 hours on March 1st for a fire type unknown reported at 1000 Laurel Road in Newlin Township. This area has limited road access due to the road being washed out in 2016 and closed by the township. Due to this limited access, the duel dispatch of unit is automatic.

Chief 39 (Law) was first to arrive and reported heavy smoke condition in the area; however, did not have eyes on the fire. In an attempt to locate the fire Brush and ATV units from Modena, West Bradford, and Po-Mar-Lin started to use know accesses into the wooded area.

Battalion 37 (Dowlin) arrived and established Laurel Road Command with the assistance of Chief 36 (Nuse). Additional brush units were dispatched at this time. Heavy wind conditions indicated a large fire spreading rapidly. The fire was eventually located deep in the woods and as suspected it was spreading rapidly. First units reported approximately 5 acres involved.

Multiple other departments were alerted for Brush units, ATV's, Engines and Tankers. The high winds caused fits for firefighters as the fire spread quickly. Crews worked diligently to try to contain it, second report was approximately 8-10 acres involved moving quickly up to the north. Deputy 35 (Zigler) arrived and due to the extensive years of forest fire experience was placed in charge of operations.

Units were able to access the fire with larger apparatus through the old Strasburg landfill. Due to some roads along the landfill fence line, crews were eventually able to make a stand. Crews were able to cut in lines to contain the fire. With the extensive size and wind conditions it took time to contain with exhausted firefighting efforts. Additional units continued to be called in and a staging area was set up by Assistant 37 (Bryant) at the entrance of the landfill. Units were deployed as needed around the fire scene.

The fire was eventually determined to be 100% contained at 1606 hours with extensive mop up. This included trees needing to be cut down due to burning 30-40 feet in the air. At this time, it was determined that 16 acres had burned. As the mop up continued evening quickly approached trees were snapping like twigs and high winds quickly became a safety concern for firefighting activity in the dark.

Laurel Road Command (Dowlin) now operating out of Chester County Mobile Command Unit (Comm 1) met with Warden 17-8, local forest fire warden, and operations. A joint decision was made to cease operations for the night. To ensure no fire spread, additional crews were brought in for a night watch. At approximately 1900 hours, 10 units from Delaware Counties brush taskforce came to assist with the night watch. The night watch plan was put in place. All original units cleaned up and went home for some much needed rest.

Throughout the evening a plan was made for the AM. Crews from Modena, West Bradford and Po-Mar-Lin would return and assist the state forest fire crews from District 17 at around 0800 hours the next morning.

Around 0100 hours, March 2nd, winds had subsided and no immediate fire spread damage was present. Delco units on night watch were released. Command post was broken down and all units went home for a couple hours nap. Incident remained open with Battalion 37 on chief notification if any calls came in regarding the incident.

At 0800 hours, Command (Dowlin), Operations (Zigler) returned with Modena, West Bradford, Po-Mar-Lin, and units from District 17 state forestry department. Crews worked the extreme terrain and mopped up hot spots and took down many burnt trees. Crews worked into the early afternoon until it was determined the fire was completely extinguished.

Battalion 37 (Dowlin) terminated Laurel Road Command at 1411 hours, 24 hours and 19 minutes after being dispatched to the incident. 74 units were assigned to the incident over the 24 hour period.

To everyone involved:
On behalf of the officers and members, the Modena Fire Company wants to extend our deepest gratitude for your assistance.

Wildland fires of this magnitude present unique challenges, requiring coordinated efforts, strong leadership, and relentless teamwork. Your department's commitment to protecting lives and property was evident in every aspect of the operation. Whether it was establishing water supply, cutting fire lines, or ensuring firefighter safety, your efforts were invaluable.

Situations like these remind us of the importance of the fire service brotherhood and the strength of our mutual aid partnerships. It is an honor to work alongside such skilled and dedicated firefighters, and we and our community truly appreciate your willingness to respond without hesitation.

Please extend our thanks to all the personnel from your department who contributed to this effort.