House Fire in Modena Borough
 
By EMS Chief Bill Dill
February 16, 2015
 

On Monday, February 16th, 2015 the Westwood Fire Company was dispatched at 1833 to assist the Modena Fire Company at a reported house fire on South Brandywine Avenue in Modena Borough.

Modena Chief Dowlin responded at 1836 and was advised by the Chester County 911 Center that wires attached to the house were arcing and on fire. The "Full Company" consisting of Engine 44-5, Rescue 44, Ambulance 44-1, Ambulance 44-2 and Traffic 44 all made the response shortly after dispatch. Modena Chief Dowlin was also contacted our personnel to advise that the Sadsburyville Fire Company was conducting joint training with Westwood, and he requeted for Engine 31-1 to respond and assist them as well.

Chief 37 arrived to confirm the report of the sparking wires on fire with extension into the house. Modena Chief Dowlin then requested an emergency response from PECO Energy and established "South Brandywine Avenue Command."

Modena Engine 37-2 arrived and began suppression efforts with Westwood units arriving shortly thereafter. Engine 44-5's crew assisted the Modena crews with suppression, as Rescue 44 deployed ground ladders and ascended to the roof to begin ventilation along with personnel from Sadsburyville Engine 31-1.

Ambulances from Modena and Westwood arrived and set up a rehabilitation area for the firefighters, while also providing warmth for the displaced residents. A second alarm was struck due to the potential spread of the fire which reached the cockloft and began to run down the row of homes.

Fortunately, interior crews had an aggressive hold on the fire, containing it to only two units and the second alarm was cancelled. The fire was placed under control at 1907 with all personnel working to complete salvage and overhaul operations.

Command requested a response from Belfor Property Restoration to secure several windows and a hole in the roof.

Ambulance 44-2 transported one patient to an area hospital for minor injuries sustained from the fire. Units remained on the scene until the Chester County Fire Marshals conducted an investigation while also waiting for the Red Cross to arrive and assist the families with shelter.

The command was terminated and all units cleared the scene at 2009.

 
Units: Engine 44-5, Rescue 44, Ambulance 44-1, Ambulance 44-2, and Traffic 44