On Sunday July 12th just after midnight at 12:08 am the Westwood Fire Company along with one Engine each from Sadsburyville and Wagontown Fire Company and a Pumper/Tanker from East Brandywine were alerted for a garage fire in the 100 block of Mineral Spring Road in Valley Township.

Multiple Calls were being received by the County 911 center and while en route Deputy Chief Scott requested a working fire dispatch. The Working Fire Dispatch added an additional Pumper/Tanker from Glenmore Fire Company and a Rescue Truck from Cochranville Fire Company as well the Chester County Fire Marshal's.

Deputy 44 (Scott) arrived and reported a 20'x30' detached metal butler building fully involved and established "Mineral Springs Command" and Chief 31 (Grossman) assumed Operation Officer. Engine 35 arrived first and deployed hand lines for an exterior attack, a total of 4 hand lines were used. Engine 31-1 arrived and took a position behind them in the driveway. Engine 44-5 arrived and staged at the end of the driveway and supplied water to Engine 35.

Chief 49 (Edwards) was assigned water supply and was able to use a Hydrant about a quarter mile West of the incident at the Township Sub-Station water plant. Mineral Spring Road being a narrow street, it was determined that due to the short distance that the Pumper/Tankers would just pull forward then back down the street to keep water supplied to Engine 44-5.

Emergency Apparatus arrived within 10 minutes of being alerted and the fire was placed under control at 12:38 am but units did not clear the scene until 2:30 am due to the extensive overhaul which was needed. The Home Owner was home at the time and reported that he had several cars and motorcycles along with a boat and a woodworking shop in the building. All were a total loss.

Photos Courtesy of Katie Simmers, Westwood EMS Division