At 12:09 the company was dispatched to the unit block of Melrose Ave for a dwelling fire, reported to be in the attic. Pipeline 24 arrived at 12:12 to find heavy smoke pushing from the 3rd floor front side of a twin home. Engine 24 along with crews from Truck 19 and Squad 16 began an interior attack as RIT 20 setup. The snow and ice greatly hampered roof venting ops. so the interior crews had a difficult time trying to attack the heavy fire on the 3rd floor. At 12:18, due to deteriorating conditions in the main and exposure buildings a special call was made for an additional engine and truck co. At 12:21 Incident Command – Asst. 24 (S. Castellano) requested the full second alarm assignment. All hands were in service until the fire was placed under control at the 53 minute mark. Strong work by all departments, especially in the harsh weather conditions. No injuries reported to fire fighters or civilians. Red Cross is sheltering several residents. Companies assisting: 1st Alarm: 16 – Yeadon, 19 – Lansdowne, Rescue 20 – Garretford Drexel Hill (RIT), 22 – Millbourne, EMS from Mercy Fitgerald Hospital.
2nd Alarm: Co. 3 -Clifton Heights, 04 -Darby, 36 -Cardington Stonehurst, 56 – Manoa (2nd RIT) & full company 20 and Delaware County Emergency Services Field Communications unit. Thank you to all those assisting us today!
