BERWYN, PA - As personnel and resources were preparing to clear the fireworks standby in Wilson Farm Park, firefighters were dispatched at 10:34 p.m. to the unit block of Branch Avenue in Tredyffrin Township for a dumpster fire. The initial 9-1-1 caller reported a large dumpster on fire in front of a residence.

First arriving units encountered a dumpster on fire within the new Stonehaven Homes development on the former site of Mack Oil.

The crews of Engine 2-2 and Engine 2-3 worked together to contain the fire that was putting off embers and flaming debris near homes on both sides of the street. Firefighters also placed absorbent booms and oil dry to limit water runoff into nearby storm drains.

Due to the dumpster being tightly packed with construction debris and trash, a backhoe from the Tredyffrin Township Public Works Department was requested to the scene. The backhoe was able to pull apart the tangled contents of the dumpster so the fire could be extinguished.

The initial 9-1-1 caller advised first responders that fireworks were set along Rt. 30 (Lancaster Ave.) in between the Berwyn Tavern and the Berwyn Train Station close to the neighborhood prior to the fire occurring. It is believed that this was the cause of the fire.

All units cleared the scene by 1 a.m. A total of 2 career staff and 12 volunteers responded to this incident. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection was notified due to the water runoff that occurred in nearby storm drains.

The Berwyn Fire Company reminds those that choose to use consumer fireworks, to use extra caution and to follow the State law. Here are the highlights of what not to do when setting off fireworks:

· They cannot be ignited or discharged on a public or private property without express permission of the property owner.
· They cannot be discharged from or within a motor vehicle or building.
· They cannot be discharged toward a motor vehicle or building.
· They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure.
· They cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug.

You can visit the Pennsylvania State Police website for additional information at http://www.psp.pa.gov/public-safety/pages/fireworks-safety.aspx