First Due Fire

 
By Deputy Chief Brandon Cole
May 14, 2026
 

At approximately 2200 hours on May 14, the Avondale Fire Company, along with mutual aid from the West Grove Fire Company, Hockessin Fire Company, Cranston Heights Fire Company, Mill Creek Fire Company, Longwood Fire Company, Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company and Kennett Fire Company, were dispatched for a reported house fire.

Chief 23 arrived first on scene and reported a two-story single-family dwelling with smoke showing from the garage. Engine 23 and Ladder 19 arrived shortly after. Engine 23 secured the hydrant past the residence and stretched a 300-foot handline to the front door. Ladder 19 arrived as the first-due truck company, positioning in the front yard while crews initiated a primary search for possible occupants.

Fire crews located the main body of the fire in the garage. Engine 23 quickly placed water on the fire while Ladder 19’s crew began opening up to check for extension. Kennett’s Engine 24 arrived as the second-due engine and stretched a backup line to the front door. Ladder 22 and Engine 22 also arrived and assisted with overhaul operations and checked for extension around the base of the fire on Division 1.

The fire was placed under control within 15 minutes of Engine 23’s arrival. Crews remained on scene to assist the fire marshal with the investigation.

All units cleared the scene at approximately 2330 hours.

 
Units: Engine, Squad, Chief, Utility, Ambulance 1&2, AFC Fire Police
 
Mutual Aid: West Grove, Hockessin, Cranston Heights, Kennett Regional Fire Company, Mill Creek Fire Company, FM 101,102,103