On Saturday morning June 6, Company 85, along with our mutual aid partners from Wyomissing (L79), Western Berks FD (L18, E18-1, R18), Shillington (E36), Adamstown (LanCo L11), Reinholds (LanCo E18-1), Cumru (TN42), Reamstown (LanCo TN17-1), Denver RIT (LanCo R13) were dispatched to the 900 block of Fritztown Road in the Fritztown section of the Township for a possible house fire , with callers reporting fire from the back of the home. Additional info provided by Twp PD confirmed a working fire.

Engine 85 arrived on location to find fire showing from the back of a 2-story single family dwelling. E85s crew pulled a 2" hand line to the rear and initiated an aggressive attack on the fire running up the outside. After knocking own the exterior fire, the crew moved to an interior attack, found fire on all floors and rescued a dog from the second floor. In the meantime, WBFD E18-1 laid 1000' of 5" supply line from the hydrant at Wernersville and Fritztown Rds. to supply E85. L79 positioned at the rear and L18 set up on the side. Crews from Station 18 advanced an additional hose line thru the front door off E85. Due to the volume of fire and the need for relief personnel, Command struck a 2nd alarm.

Crews eventually pulled a total of three attack lines off E85 and one from L18 but were ultimately backed out of the structure to perform a defensive operation due to the large volume of fire in the attic. A ladder pipe from L18 and a handline advanced over L79 was used to attack the fire along with ground based hose lines. A second 5" supply line was laid to the hydrant at Fritztown and S Arthur, with tankers supplying additional water.

There were no civilian or firefighter injuries. During the incident a mayday was transmitted and but fortunately cleared shortly after with no injury to any firefighters.

Early on in the incident career recall was done and 4 off duty career staff reported to station to cover the township for any additional calls. All personnel remained at station to restore the engine to operating readiness. The fire is currently under investigation by the fire marshal's office.