A kitchen fire with extension occurred on Tuesday afternoon June 3 in the Berkshire Estates complex off State Hill Road in Spring Township. Accordingly TSFR Engine 85, Shillington Engine 36, Western Berks FD Engine18-1 and Ladder 18, Kenhorst Engine 69-1, Wyomissing Ladder 79, Mohnton Station 57 for RIT, Western Berks EMS Medic Meic 6512, Ambulance 6513, and Squad 650 responded. Further information was provided to the responding companies by County Communications indicating a fire in the kitchen and that the police were on location confirming a fire in the apartment. They also advised that the occupants had evacuated but that EMS was requested for a patient suffering from smoke inhalation.
Chief 85 arrived and reported a two-story end of row townhouse with smoke showing. E85 was directed to the Clover Drive side to advance a hose line. L79 positioned similarly and placed its aerial to the roof as the crew began primary searches. E85 crew stretched a 2” inch hose line, made access and begin to attack the fire on the first floor. Command then requested L18 to position on the parking lot side and had a second engine obtain a water supply. E18-1 complied and laid a 5” line, after which the crew advanced a 1 3/4” hose line to the second floor.
In short order Captain 85 reported that the bulk of the fire on the first floor was knocked down. Captain 79 reported the primary searches were complete and negative but there was extension to the second floor. With this report L18 was directed to open the roof. E36 arrived and completed a secondary search of both floors. The remainder of the companies went to staging and crews assigned to assist with overhaul and ventilation accordingly. Power and gas utilities were notified and controlled their respective services.
EMS treated and transported the two occupants to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment of possible smoke inhalation. The Spring Township Fire Marshal's office arrived and handled the investigation. The station was backfilled and covered by career and volunteer personnel during the incident.
