Close Call in Westwood

On Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 the Westwood Fire Company was dispatched at 2054 to the unit block of Spruce Street for an electrical fire inside a residence.

Chief McWilliams responded one minute after dispatch at 2055 and was advised by the Chester County 911 Center that there were flames seen coming from an electrical outlet and that the residents were evacuating from the home.

Engine 44-5 and Ambulance 44 both responded at 2058 followed by Rescue 44. Chief McWilliams arrived onscene at 2059 and advised there was smoke showing from all sides of the home.

Engine 44-5 arrived and was instructed to deploy a hose line and enter through the rear of the residence where the fire was visible.

Chief McWilliams established "Spruce Street Command" and requested an Engine from the Sadsburyville Fire Company, the County Fire Marshals Office, and PECO to respond to the scene.

Crews quickly knocked the fire down and contained it to the room of origin. Ventilation was then accomplished with negative pressure fans to clear the smoke filled home.

Sadsburyville Engine 31-1 arrived and crews assisted with overhaul and provided their positive pressure fan to utilize in place of the negative pressure fans.

Once the home was clear of smoke, Sadsburyville Engine 31-1 was released from the scene to relocate to the Glen Moore Fire Company due to a house fire in their district.

Crews from Westwood did a final wet down and cleared the remaining debris from the home. After a quick clean up of equipment, units were released from the scene at 2219.

After a brief meeting with the homeowner, Chief McWilliams and County Fire Marshal Weer cleared the scene at 2233.