On Tuesday, 9/2/2015, just after 6pm, Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company, Station 25 (Longwood) and Station 39 (West Bradford) were dispatched to Ayer Court, in Pocopson Township, for a House Fire. Captain 25, who was in the area, arrived first finding an attached garage with heavy fire showing. Chief 25 assisted Station 36 advising to dispatch a first alarm tanker task force for the non hydrated area.

Chief 36 arrived on location and established Ayer Court Command. The fire was well-developed and beginning to enter the living areas of the house. Chief 36 ordered use of a dry hydrant about 200' down Northbrook Road for water supply.

Engine 36 and Tanker 36 arrived on scene. Engine 25-1 arrived and completed the lay up to the house using Engine 36 as a relay pumper in the middle of the long lay. Engine 39-3 arrived and established a draft at the dry hydrant to supply the water to the fire scene.

A combination of crews from Engine 36, Rescue 36, and Engine 25-1 deployed multiple 1 /34" hand lines to all divisions in side the structure. Division 2 and attic division were met with high heat and smoke conditions. Crews operated with hand tools opening up the walls and ceiling to gain access and try to combat the ever growing fire conditions.

Ladder 25 arrived and positioned in the driveway. Ladder 25 crew deployed ground ladders and main aerial ladder. Ladder 25’s crew began vertical ventilation in coordination with the 3 interior teams.

A second alarm was dispatched, requesting additional manpower for fire suppression, due the fast moving fire and the summer heat.

Captain 25a, with a crew from Ladder 25 and Rescue 36, were operating on second floor of the residence when a partial collapse occurred. The floor broke free from the side wall. Two Ladder 25 crew members slid down the floor towards the garage, where the fire originated. A Mayday was broadcast and all crews were instructed to evacuate the building. All firefighters on the second floor were able to self-extricate from the dangerous situation and exit the building. All firefighters were accounted for and no injuries were reported.

After all crews were accounted for, all units were placed back in service, in a defensive attack. Ladder 25’s master stream, a 2 1/2' blitz monitor, and multiple hand lines were used from the exterior to finally extinguish the flames.

Special Thanks to Robert Pearson for bringing the large machinery to move the contents of the garage so crews could cool hot spots.

Thanks to Engine 48-1 for standing by in our station to cover the rest of the community.

Chester County and PA State Police FM's are investigating the scene.

Photos Courtesy of Rick Franks and Tom Amico.