On Friday afternoon at 16:00 hours East Brandywine Fire Company volunteers were dispatched to St. Martha's Manor nursing home for a reported building fire. A call from the facility indicated that they had smoke coming from the ceiling. In addition to East Brandywine Fire Company, Thorndale Fire Company, Downingtown Fire Department, and the Lionville Fire Company were also due on the assignment.

Engine 49-1, Engine 49-5, and Ladder 49 made the response, shortly after dispatch. Upon arrival crews went into service to identify the source of the smoke. Once the source was identified as a plug, crews checked for extension and naturally ventilated the building.

Companies went available within under an hour of the original call.