A Sunday afternoon house fire in London Britain Township provided a strong example of the power of long-term mutual aid partnerships between fire companies.

Fire units from three states were dispatched to assist the West Grove Fire Company for a reported house fire on Treetops Road off of South Bank Road. Reports indicated flames from the outside of the residence.

WGFC responded with a Ladder, two Engines, a Tanker, Utility and two Ambulances. Also responding were first responders from the Aetna Hook, Hose & Ladder of Newark, the Singerly Fire Company of Elkton, and the Hockessin Fire Company, each part of a well-established practice of mutual aid support for fires, even across state lines.

The first-in Engine was Squad 9 from Newark, who found a fire that started from a weed burner on the outside of the residence was largely extinguished by quick work by the homeowner using a garden hose. Crews from Newark, Singerly, and Hockessin, along with Ladder 22 and Utility 22-3 from WGFC checked for fire extension outside and inside the residence, and the rest of the dispatched assignment was returned.

Units were on the scene for approximately 30 minutes. WGFC EMS also handled an emergency call in New London during the fire emergency. There were no reported injuries.