Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company

3 Fire Calls… A Busy Saturday Morning

By Assistant Fire Chief, Evan Taylor
March 24, 2008

Early Saturday Morning, on March 22, 2008, at 00:30hrs, Valley Forge Fire Company was alerted to assist Berwyn Fire Company along with King of Prussia, to a reported house fire in Tredyffrin Township.  Members from Valley Forge responded within moments of the dispatch with a crew of six.  The first officer on the scene, Lieutenant 2B (from Berwyn), reported light smoke showing from an attached garage and established Sullivan Rd Command.  Deputy Chief 68, Kevin Geiger, arrived moments later and assumed Sullivan Rd CP (command post).

Engine 2-0 was the first truck to arrive on the scene with Engine 68-2 right behind it.  Upon further investigation, it was found that the source of the fire was from mulch burning next to the garage.  Valley Forge crews assisted with some minor overhaul and were released around 01:15 hours.

After returning to the station, while completing an incident report, our company received the another emergency call.  Valley Forge along with Kimberton Fire Company were alerted to assist Phoenixville Fire Department, for a reported Building fire.  Phoenixville Borough Chief 65, Jim Gable, arrived on the scene and reported a brush pile on fire next to a vacant outbuilding. Chief Gable held the response to one engine from Station 66 (Friendship/ Phoenixville) and Ladder 65 (PHH&L/ Phoenixville). All other units were recalled.  Valley Forge crews returned to the station around 01:30hrs hoping to get some much needed rest.

After some sleep and breakfast, Valley Forge members received the 3rd alert of the morning, this one being for a gas leak inside of a home on Valley Park Rd at 11:17hrs.  Upon arrival, crews entered the home and noticed a strong odor of Propane.  Investigating further, crews found a leaking 20 pound propane cylinder in the attached garage.  Firefighters removed the cylinder and ventilated the home.  All units were made available at 11:45hrs.