Fire Rips Through Home During Snow Storm February 19, 2010 by Assistant Chief 68, Evan Taylor
On the evening of February 9, 2010, just as the snow from another major winter storm was beginning to fall, Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company along with Phoenixville Fire Department Engine 65 and MICU 67 were dispatched to a house fire across from the Valley Forge Freedom Foundation. Chiefs 68 and 65 responded and were advised of multiple calls reporting the rear of a house to be on fire. The two chiefs arrived simultaneously with Chief 68 confirming the rear of the residence to be well involved with fire. The working fire dispatch was requested, bringing Tower 61, Ladders 63 and 65 as well as Berwyn Engine 2-2.
Engine 68-2 was the first engine on the scene and began an aggressive interior attack. Two hose lines were immediately placed into service inside of the house and the bulk of the fire was knocked down. Next to arrive was Engine 65 and was assigned to perform a primary search of the second and third floors and ventilation. Engine 68-1 stretched 5 inch hose from a nearby hydrant as the remaining units arrived on the scene.
Due to the construction of the house, the fire had found its way into the walls on the rear of the dwelling and began working its way up the second and third floors. All crews assisted with extensive overhaul of the house. This included removing wall panels and pieces of the roof to fully extinguish the fire.
In the time passing, several inches of snow had fallen and crews ran into a bit of difficulty trying to remove their trucks from the long, steep and slippery driveway. Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company wishes to thank all the crews involved for their hard work. And a very special thank you to King of Prussia Fire Co for standing by in our station in case another emergency occurred. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Chester County Fire Marshall's Office.
