| On Thursday, March 12th, 2009 the Fire Company was dispatched at 1712 to the 1100 block of Hilltop Lane in Valley Township for reports of a field on fire.
Deputy Chief Sly responded at 1714 and was advised that several calls to the Chester County 911 Center were reporting a large fire in the back yard of a home, quickly spreading due to high winds.
Tac 44 responded two minutes after dispatch at 1714. Engine 44-5 followed at 1717.
Deputy 44 arrived on the scene at 1718 and reported approximately a 200' x 100' area of dry field involved in fire. Neighbors in the area were helping to keep the fire controlled with rakes and shovels until the arrival of the fire apparatus.
High winds fanned the fire which quickly traveled over a hillside and encroached a wooded area.
Tac 44 was instructed by Deputy 44 to halt the fire headed towards the woodline as the highest priority. Tac 44's crew quickly deployed a 1" forestry hose and began to attack the fire.
Deputy Chief Sly established "Hilltop Command" and requested an additional Brush Truck to assist at the scene. Modena Brush 37 was dispatched.
Additional firefighters from Engine 44-5 assisted with rakes and shovels helping to control the fire line.
The fire was brought under control at 1741, seventeen minutes after the arrival of Tac 44.
Crews spent several more minutes going over hot spots and cleaning up equipment.
The cause of the fire was determined to be a trash and compost fire which quickly got out of control. This fire had the potential to destroy countless acres of property as well as nearby homes. The fire eventually consumed approximately three acres of land.
As a reminder, there is currently no open burning allowed in Valley Township by order of the Valley Township Board of Supervisors.
All units cleared the scene at 1836. |
