Station 85 along with Wyomissing Engine 79, West Reading Ladder 64 and Western Berks Fire Engine 18-2 were dispatched on Friday afternoon September 6 to Wilson High School on Grandview Blvd in the Township for a reported automatic fire alarm. While enroute E85 received additional information from County Communications that Township police were on location reporting an odor of smoke in the rear concession area, with a recommendation to enter from the rear side. E85 acknowledged and asked for the upgrade to a full structure fire assignment. This brought additional resources from Shillington, Kenhorst, Mohnton, Reading and Western Berks EMS.

E85 arrived on location on the C-side to find the building evacuated and nothing showing. Captain 85 established command while E85 and E79 ‘s crews investigated. Deputy 85 arrived and assumed command. FM 43-1 was sent to the A-side to the alarm panel and reported a manual pull station activation in the gym area. E18-2 covered the hydrant in the rear at the stadium entrance.

Investigating personnel were unable to locate a cause for the alarm but reported an odor of diesel exhaust from ongoing construction activity. Accordingly, Command advised BCCC of same, and the assignment was held to the units on scene. Crews continued to check conditions and used their gas detection to meter the area with normal readings throughout. At this point Command released E18-2 and L64 and, after conferring with school administration, permitted