On Sunday, February 22, 2015, at approximately 1916 hrs (7:16 pm), Chester County Fireboard alerted Stations 61 (Kimberton), 5, and 65/67 (Phoenixville FD and West End Ambulance) for a reported house fire on Highland Hill Lane in Charlestown Township. The initial 9-1-1 call from the homeowner indicated that there was thick black smoke coming from the ceiling, and that they were evacuating. Within 2 minutes of dispatch, Engine 5-1 hit the streets, followed shortly thereafter by Engine 5-5.

Engine 5-1 arrived first on scene and found a large mansion at the end of cul-de-sac with smoke showing from the roof. Captain 5 (Nafziger) established "Highland Hill Command" while firefighters started an aggressive interior attack to try and contain the fire. With the arrival of Kimberton Units, Command was transferred to Assistant 61.

The size of the residence coupled with its location in a rural section of Charlestown Township with no ready available water supply (i.e. hydrant access) led to the striking of a second alarm at 2001 hrs (8:01 pm), bringing a Tanker Task Force and other additional units to assist. The second alarm brought units from Stations 3 (Paoli), 47 (Lionville), 62 (Ridge), and 68 (Valley Forge).

Firefighters quickly found themselves overwhelmed by fire in the ceilings and walls, from the basement all the way to the 2nd floor. The fire soon found its way into the attic and burnt thru the roof. Due to rapidly deteriorating conditions, Command ordered an evacuation of the building at 2005 hrs (8:05 pm), and firefighters on scene switched to from interior attack to exterior defensive positions.

Additional Medical assistance was requested, and EMS units from MICU 85 (Trappe, Phoenixville division), 3 (Paoli) and 4 (Malvern) responded.

Five (5) firefighters were injured fighting the fire, including one (1) East Whiteland firefighter, who sustained burns to his back and neck. Three (3) firefighters were transported from scene to area hospitals, and an additional (1) firefighter was transported later. One firefighter was injured but was treated and released on scene and was not transported to the hospital. The homeowner was also treated on scene and declined transportation to the hospital, and was also released on scene.

The injured East Whiteland firefighter was transported from scene to a local hospital for treatment, and has subsequently been released and is expected to make a full recovery.

The fire was brought under control at 21:07 hrs (9:07 pm), but crews remained on scene for several hours after preforming salvage and overhaul operations. Final East Whiteland units cleared the scene just after midnight.

Chester County Fire Marshalls conducted an investigation, which was ruled to be accidental in nature. Subsequent follow-up showed the fire had a substantial head start before the homeowners ever knew about the fire. Early estimates at damages are over a million dollars.

The East Whiteland Fire Company extends our thoughts to our injured brethren for a full and complete recovery.

Photos courtesy the Kimberton Fire Company & Station 5 Firefighter Helmet camera.