On Thursday morning around 2am East Brandywine Fire Company volunteers were dispatched to Brian's House on Hessian Court in East Brandywine Township for an automatic fire alarm (AFA). Within 2 minutes of the original AFA dispatch, Chester County Fire Radio upgraded the nature of the call to a working fire based on reports from the occupants that they had an active fire in the home.

Deputy 49 (Edwards) arrived on location and reported fire showing from a gable vent on the Delta side of the building. Based on the initial size-up the working fire dispatch and a tanker task force was requested. All of the occupants of the home were quickly accounted for, and personnel entered the residence to extinguish the fire.

Upon accessing the attic, personnel encountered a heavy smoke condition and a small fire which was being held in check by a residential sprinkler system. The fire was quickly extinguished and crews then checked for extension. The fire was placed under control within 20 minutes of arrival.

This properly installed fire sprinkler system reacted quickly dramatically reducing the threat to the occupants in this group home.

The origin and cause of the fire is currently being investigated by the State Police Fire Marshal and the Chester County Fire Marshals Office. This type of investigation is routine following a house fire.

Special thanks to the Glen Moore Fire Company, Honey Brook Fire Company, Lionville Fire Company, Thorndale Fire Company, Downingtown Fire Department, and Medic 93 for their assistance during the call. Also thanks to PECO and Belfor for the rapid response.

Lastly thank-you to Mark Walsh of Irish Eyez Photography for the photographs.