TREDYFFRIN TWP., PA - The Berwyn Fire Company was dispatched at 8:02 a.m. to the 100 block of Drummers Lane at the Glenhardie Condominiums – Franklin Building in Tredyffrin Township for an automatic fire alarm. Prior to dispatch Berwyn EMS crews were handling calls in both Tredyffrin and Easttown Townships that were dispatched at 6:58 a.m. and 7:18 a.m. respectively.

The incident was upgraded to a building fire response at 8:09 a.m. following a 9-1-1 report of smoke on the 3rd floor. This added automatic mutual aid resources from the King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company, Radnor Fire Company, Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company and Lafayette Ambulance.

First arriving personnel were met with smoke showing from the 3rd floor and roof of a 3-story apartment building. The crews of Berwyn Engine 2-1 and King of Prussia Engine 47-1 began to extinguish the flames, while additional personnel with Berwyn Tower 2 and Radnor Quint 15 worked in tandem performing various tasks. This included cutting a ventilation hole in the roof to remove heat and smoke from the structure.

Firefighters from the Paoli Fire Company, Newtown Square Fire Company, East Whiteland Fire Company and Kimberton Fire Department also assisted at the scene.

The Tredyffrin Township Police Department assisted with evacuating residents from the 1st and 2nd floors of the building. They also provided overall incident support and scene control throughout the incident.

The fire was declared under control at 8:42 a.m. by Berwyn Chief Eamon Brazunas. The Chester County Fire Marshal's Office investigated and ruled the fire accidental. The total fire loss is estimated at $300,000. All fire/EMS units cleared the scene by 11:30 a.m.

A resident was transported by Berwyn EMS to Paoli Hospital to be evaluated for smoke inhalation. There were no reported first responder injuries incurred during the response.

PECO gas and electric responded to ensure the utilities were turned off, while the American Red Cross assisted with temporary housing and other needs of those displaced by the fire. Aqua was also on the scene checking the fire hydrant that was being utilized.

Thank you to the crews of Bryn Mawr Fire Company (Ladder 23), Broomall Fire Company (Engine 53) and Good Fellowship Ambulance - West Chester (MICU 55-1) for providing a standby in the event of other incidents occurring in the area.

This fire was yet another great example of the operational coordination between fire companies that occurs in the area. This has been a cornerstone of the success of the Berwyn Fire Company for many years in providing services to the residents of Tredyffrin and Easttown Townships with a dedicated group of volunteers and career staff.