BERWYN, PA - On Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 11:26 a.m., the Berwyn Fire Company, along with mutual aid from the Paoli Fire Company and Radnor Fire Company were dispatched to the area of Irish Rd. and Carol Ln. in Tredyffrin Township for a house fire. The initial 9-1-1 caller reported black smoke coming from the windows of a home.

The Tredyffrin Township Police Department corrected the location to the 400 block of Irish Rd. and confirmed a fire in the single family residence. Upon receipt of this information, additional resources were requested that brought a Rapid Intervention Team from the Malvern Fire Company and an Air Unit from the Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company to the scene.

The crew of Berwyn Engine 2-1, Assistant Chief Matthew Valocchi and Safety Officer Craig Peterson arrived on location and encountered an unplowed driveway with a steep grade. Berwyn Fire Chief Eamon Brazunas arrived soon after and established Irish Road Command at 11:34 a.m.

Despite the challenging conditions, firefighters worked as a team to get fire hose up the difficult terrain to begin fire suppression efforts in less than 5 minutes from their arrival. The two fire hydrants that were used during the fire were covered with snow and had to be dug out.

Firefighters attempted to make an interior attack, but due to deteriorating conditions in the home all crews were evacuated. It was confirmed early on during the response that the residents were not home. Crews operated for several hours and were assisted by the Tredyffrin Township Public Works Department with a snow plow and backhoe. The fire was brought under control by 1:38 p.m. and all units were clear of the scene by 4:35 p.m. No first responder or civilian injuries were reported throughout the fire response.

The following fire/EMS companies responded to this fire; Berwyn Fire Company, Paoli Fire Company, Radnor Fire Company, Malvern Fire Company, Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company, King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company, Rocky Run Fire Company, Lafayette Ambulance, and Good Fellowship Ambulance Rehab Unit. A total of 60 volunteers and 10 paid personnel assisted with fire suppression, EMS, or traffic control throughout the incident.

There was a brief power outage in the immediate area as PECO worked to shut off the power to the fire building so first responders could safely operate. Irish Rd. between Donalyn Ln. and Howellville Rd. and Greene Rd. between Cassatt Rd. and Irish Rd. were closed for most of the afternoon.

The Chester Fire County Fire Marshals investigated the cause of the fire and were unable to determine an exact cause at this time. The total building and contents loss is estimated at $450,000. The American Red Cross Eastern Pennsylvania Region was called to assist the residents with the recovery process.

Tredyffrin and Easttown residents are encouraged to support T&E Care. The mission of T&E Care is to maintain a network of people providing financial and other material assistance to persons in need in and around the Tredyffrin and Easttown township area. This includes those affected by a house fire. You can visit their website at http://www.TECare.org.

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