On Friday afternoon a few minutes before 3 p.m. a large amount of smoke could be seen from most of the area. A dispatch for a barn fire was received, originally thought to be off of Route 401, but was determined to be on Valley Hill Road in Charlestown Township. Upon arrival, Chief 5 and Engine 5-1 advised the scene was down a very steep and long driveway. Engine 5-1 dropped a 5 " hose line the entire length to the scene. Engine (Tanker) 5-5 connected to the hose line on the main road. Additional tankers were called from Lionville, Paoli, and Valley Forge Fire Companies to shuttle water from a hydrant at Sagewood Drive and Newcomen Road in Charlestown Township. West Whiteland Fire Company Engine 6-2 provided the pumper function from the hydrant to fill tankers. East Whiteland Fire Police provided traffic control and assisted at the hydrant fill site. Other incoming apparatus provided personnel that were needed at the scene. Shortly after, the fire was able to spread to the heavily wooded area. Brush units were called to assist along with the Pennsylvania Department of Conversation and Natural Resources Forestry units. During the excitement an Ostrich escaped from the farm and was seen on Route 401, startling motorists. The Ostrich was eventually caught and brought back to the farm. Valley Hill Road was closed from Bodine Road to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, thanks to assistance from Lionville Fire Police. Additional units were requested to help bring the hose line back up to the main road. The remaining personnel and apparatus left the scene at 9 p.m. We would like to thank the many departments that assisted: Lionville Fire Company, Paoli Fire Company, Valley Forge Fire Company, West Whiteland Fire Company, Berwyn Fire Company, Kimberton Fire Company, Thorndale Fire Company, Chester County and Charlestown Township Fire Marshals, Downingtown Alert Fire Company and other apparatus providing stand-by service. We are very grateful to all personnel and departments for their assistance during a very long incident.
