Company Chases Fire On Sullivan Chase Drive

On Wednesday October 9th at 1759 hours the Avondale Fire Company along with West Grove Fire Company's Ladder 22 were alerted for a chimney fire in London Grove Township. Soon after dispatch Deputy 23 (Carroll) contacted Chester County Fireboard with an additional report of possible fire in the walls from Hoseman 23 (Swift) and requested the working fire dispatch. Deputy 23 arrived on location to a two story SFD with fire evident in the chimney and smoke pushing at the eaves of roof and from the second story windows on the A,C and D sides of the structure. Deputy 23 established Sullivan Chase Command and had Hoseman 23 establish Sullivan Chase CP. Rescue 23 arrived and pulled an 1-3/4" hand line and made entry through the front door to start suppressing the fire at the chimney located in the family room. Engine 23-2 arrived and laid a 5" supply line from Rescue 23 to a near by hydrant. Engine 23-2's crew proceeded inside to the second floor to open up the ceilings and walls as the smoke on the second floor was starting to bank down to verify if there was extension into the second floor walls or attic. Chief 22 (Felker) arrived on scene and was given operation duties from command. Ladder 22 backed into the driveway and raised the ladder to prepare for fire suppression or ventilation if needed. The ladder crew went to the rear of the building to assist with suppression activities. Engine 12 arrived and was instructed to take the second line inside. Assistant 22 (Hannan) was also on scene and assumed manpower duties. Ladder 25 and N.C.C. Ladder 19 arrived and established R.I.T. duties placing ladders and verifying firefighter locations with manpower. Rescue 23's crew was still operating in the family room and noticed the floor starting to give way. An evacuation order was given, and P.A.R. (Personal Accountability Report) was initiated. All personnel were confirmed safely out of the building. Operations regrouped and the fire was knocked down with an 1-3/4" hand line. The second hand line that was placed into service in the rear of the structure was moved to the basement to check for fire, and crews found fire in the floor joists under the family room. With the floor being unstable crews had to cut the exterior of the chimney to extinguish the remainder of the fire. The fire was placed under control at 1931 hours with all units working. The floor where the firefighters were operating was observed and the section that had burned through the floor joists essentially only had carpet holding the crew from falling into the basement. Crews performed extensive overhaul operations in the basement and chimney area and cleared the scene at 2051 hours.

Special Thanks to the Stand-by's at 23-
Oxford Fire Company and Lancaster County Station 52 (Christiana)

This thank-you letter was written to the members of the Avondale Fire Company and surrounding companies from a homeowner in the Sullivan Chase community...

"The response from the number of fire departments was unbelievable! Most importantly, one of our neighbors that was sitting with the owners commented on how incredible and respectful all the firefighters were to them. It truly was an eye opener to many to the commitment these volunteers have to their community. As this call went out around dinner time, we know there were many families that had an empty seat at the dinner table or one less parent to run their child to practice. Therefore, the families of our volunteers are also recognized for their efforts in helping this family out tonight. On behalf of all the families that live in Sullivan Station, thank you!"