On Friday August 26th East Brandywine Fire Company volunteers were dispatched to a house fire on Ridgewood Circle, in East Brandywine Township.

Additionally the Glen Moore Fire Company, Thorndale Fire Company, Downingtown Fire Department, Coatesville Veterans Hospital Fire Department, Lionville Fire Company, and an ambulance from the Washington Hose Company were also due on the assignment.

Within two minutes of dispatch Chief 49 (Edwards) arrived on scene and reported heavy fire on the "C" of a 2.5 story single family dwelling. Upon 360 degree survey the structure was actually 3 stories in the rear and a well advanced fire on all three floors resulted in tactics shifting to a defensive operation.

Assistant 49 (D'Amico) assumed Operations while Deputy 46 (Henninger) and Deputy 44 (Scott) coordinated Water Supply. As a result of Ridgewood Circle being located in an area of the Township without fire hydrants, over 100,000 gallons of water needed to be shuttled from a hydrant located at East Brandywine Fire Company.

The Chester County Fire Marshal's Office and the State Police Fire Marshal are currently investigating the incident to determine the origin and cause of the fire. This is investigation is a routine procedure following a house fire. The American Red Cross was also requested to provide assistance to the family whose home was a complete loss.

The East Brandywine Fire Company Line Officers would like to thank all of the Firefighters and EMS Personnel from surrounding Mutual Aide Companies who assisted with the fire on what proved to be a long night. We recognize many of you participated in your weekend activities will little to no sleep.

Special thanks to all of the Companies previously mentioned as well as:

Honey Brook Fire Company
Westwood Fire Company
Keystone Valley Fire Department
Ludwigs Corner Fire Company
Po Mar Lin Fire Company
West Bradford Fire Company
Brandywine Hospital Medic 93

Additionally thank-you to all of the Companies who provided standby coverage during the call. We would like to recognize Chief 37 (Dowlin) and his personnel from Modena Fire Company for all their assistance with clean-up.

Lastly our thoughts and prayers are with the Family who as been affected by this fire.

Thank-you Mark Walsh and IrishEyez Emergency Services Photography for the use of the photographs. Mark arrived on-scene within minutes of the dispatch and as photojournalist captured conditions from the start of the incident.