TREDYFFRIN TWP., PA - On Thursday, May 10th at 8:25 p.m., the Berwyn Fire Company was dispatched to the 700 block of Thomas Jefferson Road in the Wayne section of Tredyffrin Township for an outbuilding fire. An alert neighbor noticed the fire and called 9-1-1. Automatic mutual aid from the Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company, King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company, and Kimberton Fire Company was also dispatched per standard protocol.

Berwyn Chief 2 and Engine 2-3 arrived on scene to find a shed engulfed in flames in the rear yard of a residence. The fire was also impinging on two 250 pound propane tanks, along with several 20 pound propane tanks. This particular residence also backs up against the Valley Forge National Historical Park.

As the firefighters from Engine 2-3 began to extinguish the flames, the gas in two of the propane tanks ignited. Personnel from Berwyn and Valley Forge worked quickly to bring the fire under control. Once it was determined the propane tanks did not pose any further danger, mutual aid units from King of Prussia and Kimberton were recalled from the incident.

The fire destroyed the shed, along with the contents inside it. Firefighters prevented the fire from spreading into the Park property. Officials from AmeriGas Propane were contacted to remove the damaged propane tanks. There were no first responder or civilian injuries and the cause of the fire was accidental in nature.

The Tredyffrin Township Police Department assisted by marking a nearby fire hydrant and providing traffic control. All emergency units cleared the scene within 90 minutes.