At 9:50 AM, the Westwood Fire Company was dispatched to the unit block of Hemlock Avenue in the Westwood section of Valley Township for a reported chimney fire. Keystone Valley Ladder 8 was also added to the assignment to assist.

Engine 44-5 arrived within minutes and reported normal conditions from the exterior of the residence. Upon investigation, crews located an active fire inside the chimney box on the basement division, with smoke visibly escaping through cracks in the exterior masonry.

Firefighters entered the home and cleared the chimney box while simultaneously checking for fire extension throughout the basement, first floor, and attic using thermal imaging cameras. Once the interior box was cleared, smoke continued to push through the exterior chimney structure. Crews used hand tools to open portions of the outside chimney to expose and extinguish the remaining hot spots.

At the same time, the truck company from Keystone Valley operated chains from the roof to clean the chimney flue. With coordinated efforts from all hands, the incident was quickly brought under control.

Positive pressure ventilation was used to remove residual smoke from the home. Intermediate 44‑1 stood by on scene to provide EMS coverage for firefighters and residents if needed.

Deputy Chief Scott held Hemlock Avenue Command, with Assistant Chief Grossman overseeing Operations.

This incident was the 3rd fire/rescue response for the day. At 06:05 and immediately following this call, Westwood Firefighters responded to two other carbon monoxide alarms in Valley Township.