On Sunday morning 2/23/20 at 11:23am West Whiteland Fire Company along with several surrounding companies were dispatched to Brecknock Terrace for the reported house fire. Chief 6 made the response immediately and was advised by the county radio that the caller was reporting fire on the second floor with heavy black smoke coming from a vent.

Members of EBFC at this time were not dispatched to this call yet, however our members know that if this was a working fire we would be dispatched so they were proactive and crews were already arriving at Station 49 getting ready in case that happened. At 11:25am Chief 6 arrived and reported he had smoke showing and requested the working fire dispatch that added East Brandywine Fire Company to the call.

Within 2 minutes Engine 49-2 was responding and Ladder 49 was responding shortly after them. Upon the arrival of members from EBFC crews were still dealing with fire conditions in the residence as well as one of the exposures. The crews from Engine 49-2 and Ladder 49 proceeded to the rear of the building and placed several ground ladders while also forcing entry to the rear of the structure. Once they made entry the crew advanced an 1 3/4 handline to the second floor and began to open up the walls and ceilings to expose hidden fire. Crews were able to put a knock on the fire a short time later.

While members from 49 were on the second floor other crews were working on fire conditions in other parts of the residence as well. Members from Goshen Fire Company were on the roof cutting vent holes to allow dangerous gases, heat and smoke to escape allowing interior crews better working conditions.

Due to great communication and hard work by all companies involved the fire was placed under control at 11:50am. Crews remained on scene for approx. 1 more hour performing overhaul and removing any items that could possibly still be smoldering.

Engine 49-2 and Ladder 49 returned to station and began to clean up the apparatus and get all the equipment back in order. Just as crews were finishing this up we were again dispatched to a reported fire this time in Wallace Township in the 300blk of Devereux Rd. The caller reported a large shed on fire about 35ft away from the residence. Ladder 49, Engine 49-5, Deputy 49 and Utility 49 were enroute within 1 minute of dispatch followed by Engine 49-2 a short time later.

Chief 48 along with Engine 48-1 and 48-5 arrived first and had smoke visible from 1/4 mile away. Engine 48-1 laid a supply line down the driveway while Engine 48-5 hooked into the supply line to provide the scene with water. As Engine 49-5 and Ladder 49 arrived crews made the walk down the driveway and assisted crews from 48. Fortunately the shed was not on fire and it was just a large area of brush next to it. The shed did suffer some damage but was still standing. This fire was placed under control at 14:22hrs and crews cleared a short time later.

EBFC responded to both calls with over 20 volunteers. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families that were affected by these fires.

More photos can be found at https://www.irisheyezphotography.com/Emergencyservices/Incidents-/2020/February-2020/213-Brecknock-Terrace-West-Whiteland/