| Late on Saturday night August 8, TSFRS Engine 85 responded into Wyomissing Borough as part of a mutual aid building fire assignment for a structure fire reported on Edgedale Court in the Wyomissing Hills neighborhood of the borough. Additional information provided on response included multiple calls received. The night was hot and extremely humid.
Wyomissing Ladder 79 arrived on location and reported a working fire and transmitted the 2nd alarm due to extent of fire throughout the structure. The fire was located at the end of a cul-de sac, and E85 assumed first due engine upon arrival with their own water supply from a hydrant in the circle.
Heavy fire involvement presented from the rear and interior of the house. E85s crew stretched an initial 2” attack hoseline to the back corner. Once the line was in place members also stretched a 200 foot 3” hose line to the rear to supply a portable master stream appliance. The crew started attacking all visible fire as a survey revealed that in addition to the fire showing from the rear and side, black smoke and fire were starting to show from the windows from the front and opposite side.
During sizeup it was noted that all doors were locked with no occupants outside and a car in the garage in the basement. Observations of these conditions led to the concern that the home might be occupied. Once all visible fire was knocked down, members relocated to the front and stretched an additional 2" attack line to the 2nd floor for protection while other crews did a search. As this search progressed, Command advised personnel that the residents were likely not home and on vacation.
E85 staff continued to support an extensive overhaul of the building alongside other personnel from neighboring departments. All personnel on location took a beating from the conditions in the building and outside in the humidity. Western Berks and Reading Fire EMS ensured that operating personnel were hydrated and rested. TSFRS operated on scene with additional overhaul until all fire was extinguished at which point E85 was permitted to take up. With the assistance of personnel from other departments, 800’ of 2” hose, 200’ of 3” hose, 200’ of 5” hose and 50’ of 1 ¾” hose were withdrawn and rolled for clean-up back at the station. E85 was among the last units released by command. |
