| Tredyffrin Twp., PA - The Berwyn Fire Company, along with mutual aid from the Paoli and Malvern fire companies were dispatched to the 60 block of Cabot Dr. in the Newport section of Chesterbrook for a house fire at 11:26 a.m. Due to Berwyn's Paramedic being on another emergency call, Lafayette Ambulance & Rescue Squad was added to the response.
Berwyn Assistant Chief Justin Brundage arrived on location and reported fire showing from the rear of a 3 story middle of the row townhouse. Additional assistance was called from the Valley Forge and Radnor fire companies and Malvern EMS.
A 2nd alarm was requested at 11:44 a.m. due to the extent of the fire and potential for it to spread to adjoining units. This brought fire and EMS resources from neighboring organizations from King of Prussia to East Whiteland. Firefighters were briefly evacuated after there was a partial collapse of the floor between the 2nd and 3rd floors. One firefighter fell through the collapsed area, but was able to extricate themselves without injury.
The fire was declared under control just past 12:30 p.m. Firefighters remained on the scene for several hours due to the size of the building requiring overhaul to ensure complete extinguishment. Firefighters also salvaged personal belongings in the affected townhomes for the homeowners.
All units were clear of the scene by 4:26 p.m. There were no reported firefighter injuries. One neighboring resident was evaluated on scene for smoke inhalation, but did not require transport to the hospital.
The home where the fire originated sustained major damage, while neighboring units suffered smoke and water damage. The Chester County Fire Marshal estimated property and contents losses at $350,000. The cause of the fire is under investigated by the Chester County Fire Marshal and the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to the scene to provide lodging and financial assistance for the affected resident where the fire had originated. Residents in neighboring units were allowed to return to their homes.
The Newtown Square Fire Company (Ladder 41), Lionville Fire Company (Engine 47-2) and Phoenixville EMS (MICU 67) stood-by at the Berwyn fire station during the fire in the event of other emergencies in Tredyffrin or Easttown Townships.
*All images courtesy of BFC Photographer Luke Rafferty. |
