Fatal House Fire in Parkesburg
 
By Deputy Fire Chief Randy Scott
August 15, 2015
 

At 4:53 AM Westwood was dispatched to a house fire assisting the Keystone Valley Fire Department on the 300 block of Main Street, Parkesburg Borough. Callers reported that the house was fully involved with "the family still inside."

Units arrived to find a three story triplex woodframe construction building. Firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions from middle of the row unit, and quickly began suppression efforts. Upon forcing entry, crews recovered one fire victim, who perished.

Firefighters making the interior attack were obstructed by a large amount of personal belongings stored inside the home.

When Chief Adam Grossman of the Sadsburyville Fire Company arrived, command was transferred to him with Deputy Chief Randy Scott of the Westwood Fire Company overseeing Operations. Keystone Valley Chief Brian Gathercole arrived at 5:38 AM and assisted.

Main Street Command reported that the fire was under control at 6:10 AM, with all crews were clear the scene by 8:30 AM. Main Street was shut down by area fire police for about four hours.

Three firefighters were evaluated by EMS during rehab. No transport was necessary.

There were no civilian injuries. Five cats and one dog are believed to have perished. The Red Cross is assisting a family of five, four children and one adult.

The fire is under investigation by the Chester County Fire Marshal, PA State Police Fire Marshal and the Parkesburg Borough police. The Chester County Coroner's Office is assisting in the investigation and took the decedent.

Chief Brian Gathercole said this afternoon, "The Keystone Valley Fire Department would like to thank all assisting companies (Chester County and Lancaster County) from this morning’s fire for your assistance, brotherhood and cooperation. Due to the early morning hours and the situation we are faced with the circumstances can be difficult. However, like teamwork everyone pulled together and got the job done. Thank you again for your assistance. Please keep the family in your prayers as they work through this very difficult situation."

 
Units: Rescue 44, Engine 44-5, Ambulance 44-1