On Saturday evening, December 27th at 10:25 PM, the East Brandywine Fire Company was dispatched along with mutual aid companies to the unit block of N. Hawthorne Road in West Brandywine Township for a reported house fire. Initial reports indicated fire on the left side of the residence, with all occupants safely evacuated prior to the arrival of fire companies.

At 10:30 PM, Chief 6 and Safety 49 arrived on scene and found a two-story, single-family dwelling with heavy fire showing from both the first and second floors. A working fire dispatch was immediately requested.

Battalion 49 arrived shortly thereafter and assumed East Brandywine Command. Engine 76 arrived on scene, secured their own hydrant across the street, and crews stretched an 1 3/4” handline to the front door, followed by a second 1 3/4” line. As additional units arrived, crews worked to place ground ladders around the entire exterior of the residence, conducted searches, and assisted interior crews.

Ladder 49 set up in front of the residence and, due to the volume of fire, began positioning for potential aerial pipe operations and secured a water supply. At 10:43 PM, due to the large amount of fire on the second floor, the decision was made to evacuate the building and evacuation tones were sounded. All firefighters exited the structure and both handlines were immediately redeployed to the front yard, where crews began knocking down the fire from the exterior. A PAR (Personnel Accountability Report) was conducted, with all firefighters accounted for and no injuries reported.

At 10:47 PM, two additional engine companies were requested to the scene. A short time later, at 10:54 PM, crews re-entered the structure and resumed interior fire attack operations. Ladder 49 and Ladder 6 both positioned their aerials to the roof, and crews began roof ventilation while interior crews continued suppression efforts.

At 11:24 PM, the fire was placed under control. Crews remained on scene for an extended period conducting extensive overhaul.

Multiple departments assisted East Brandywine Fire Company at this incident, including Coatesville, VA Fire Department, Wagontown, Thorndale, Westwood, Honey Brook, Modena, Minquas, Glen Moore, West Bradford, West Whiteland, and Lionville, along with several EMS units. The Chester County Fire Marshal’s Office was also on scene.

EBFC had 29 firefighters on scene with Ladder 49, Engine 49-2, Engine 49-5 and Utility 49

Our thoughts are with the family affected by this fire.