A relatively routine vehicle fire dispatched quickly turned into a larger incident on Tuesday when the WGFC was called to Blackberry Lane in Penn Township. The incident is one that demonstrates the value of staffed fire engines making a difference in emergency outcomes.

The WGFC was dispatched for a vehicle fire just before 1pm, with the West Grove-based Engine 22-1 making an immediate response, with crews staffed and on station. As that was happening, additional calls to the County 911 Center indicated that the car was very close to the house, and the fire was spreading to the residence. The incident was upgraded to a house fire, which added additional fire companies to the dispatch, including neighboring fire companies from Oxford, Cochranville, Avondale, Kennett Square and Longwood, all mutual aid partners to West Grove.

Engine 22-1 arrived quickly on scene, laying a large supply line down the long driveway where they found a fully-involved car fire with extension to the house. The three-man crew rapidly deployed a 1-3/4" attack line recognizing the need to protect the residence, and worked fast to knock down visible fire on the residence and then in the vehicle.

Additional units arrived including Ladder 22, Tanker 22 and Engine 22-2, along with units from neighboring companies. Firefighters opened up walls and used Thermal Imaging Cameras to assure that there was no further fire spread on the residence. The incident was scaled back quickly as the efforts of the first-in engine crew worked to quickly de-escalate a potential loss of a home.

"Time and time again, we see evidence of how speed of response can impact the outcome, and this emergency proves how engines staffed at the station make a difference between losing a residence and saving it," said Fire Chief Eric Felker. "Our organization, made up of both volunteer and career firefighters, is focused on delivering strong and rapid emergency responses for this community and I'm proud of our efforts at this fire."

One person was transported to the hospital by WGFC and Medic 94 crews to the hospital. Crews were on scene for about 90 minutes.