| A dryer vent fire was reported in a residence on Singer Road in the Colony Park section of Spring Township late Wednesday afternoon, April 29, resulting in the dispatch of a full structural fire assignment. TSFR Engine 85 and Chief 85 responded, along with our mutual aid partners from Wyomissing (L79), Western Berks Fire (L18), Reading FD, (E3, M6031), West Reading (E64), Shillington (E36), Cumru Twp FD (42) for RIT and Western Berks EMS. Intermediate 6515. As units were enroute, additional information from Communications indicated that the fire was in a clothes dryer located on the second floor. The caller reported visible fire and smoke, alarms sounding, and all occupants evacuated.
L79 arrived on scene to find a residence with normal conditions. The crew set about investigation of conditions as E85 arrived and staged at the hydrant across the street. E85s crew reported all sides of the home clear, but with some charring and discoloration around the dryer vent in the rear. Interior personnel reported a small amount of heat in the wall with a moderate smoke condition but no visible fire, Members began to open the wall to check for extension as Command requested that all additional companies stage with their apparatus on arrival. The dryer was pulled away from the wall revealing minor smoldering, which was extinguished with a water extinguisher.
Command placed the fire under control and released all companies with the exception of E85, E3, L79, L18, and I6515. L79s crew began mechanical ventilation, as other crews completed overhaul. The dryer was removed from the second floor to the exterior driveway.
EMS advised they were evaluating one of the occupants for smoke inhalation. OFM was on scene and completing their investigation and obtaining photographs. Crews secured power to the entire dwelling at the main breaker in the garage.
When tasks were completed, Command released all companies and assisted the homeowner with notifying their insurance company. |
