On Tuesday, April 30th, the Avondale Fire Company along with mutual aid were alerted for a residential structure fire in the 500 Block of Buena Vista Drive, in New Garden Township. Chester County Department of Emergency Services (CCDES) received a 911 call advising of a fire to the rear of a residence.

While units were responding, Chief 23 was advised by CCDES that they were receiving multiple calls for an active fire. Police Officers from Southern Chester County Regional Police Department arrived and confirmed an active fire in the rear of the townhome. Immediately, the working fire dispatch was requested, adding additional units to the assignment.

Chief 23 arrived with fire showing from the "C" side of a two-story, middle of the row, single family, type IV construction dwelling.

Engine 23-1 arrived as the first due engine, Engine 24 as the second due engine, Tower 24 as the first due special service, and Ladder 25 as the second due special service.

Chief 23 was advised by bystanders of possible entrapment in one of the residences. First arriving engines were tasked with fire suppression, while special services were tasked with searches (which were negative, and all residents were accounted for).

Due to the extent of the fire and exposures, the incident was upgraded to a 2-alarm structure fire, adding additional units from Chester County, Delaware County, Lancaster County, and New Castle County, Delaware.

The incident was placed under control at 1942 hours. Units operated on scene for approximately 5 hours from dispatch.

The Chester County Department of Emergency Services Emergency Management (CCDES EMA) and American Red Cross (ARC) were dispatched to assist the residents with post incident care and disaster relief.

The cause of the fire is an ongoing investigation by the Chester County Fire Marshal's Office and New Garden Township Fire Marshal's Office.

Thank you to the crews of Lancaster Tanker 52 for covering the Avondale Fire Company's district and taking in an active vehicle fire on Pemberton Road in New Garden Township.

**Kennett Area Community Services (KACS) are taking donations to help the families affected. For those wishing to donate please visit their website www.KACSImpact.org or feel free to give them a call at (610) 925- 3556.