Operation of a residential sprinkler limited damage in a kitchen fire that occurred late in the afternoon of Sunday October 6 in the Springmont community in northern Spring Township. A structure fire assignment was dispatched with Initial information described a stove fire, possibly out. TSFR responded, along with Wyomissing FD Engine 79, Reading FD Engine 3 and Ladder 1, West Reading Engine 64, Muhlenberg Ladder 66, Greenfields Engine 55, Mohnton Sta. 57 for RIT and Western Berks EMS Medics 6512 and 6521.

Upon arrival TSFR E85 reported an end of row townhouse with nothing evident and that they had their own water supply. Capt. 85 established command and was assigned Ops 1. In short order it was reported that the fire was extinguished with a moderate smoke condition throughout. The fire was controlled by a single residential style automatic sprinkler head located in the kitchen, where a grease fire on the stove had ignited. Fire damage was minor and confined to the kitchen with smoke on the 1st and 2nd floor. Accordingly, the assignment was scaled back.

Companies removed the smoke with fans, secured water to the sprinkler system and shut off gas to the stove. After verifying air quality with meters, they returned the property to the owner for repair and cleanup. E85s crew also remained to clear away landscaping that had grown around the hydrant. Units were placed available with the exception of Chief 85 who remained on location to complete transactions with the occupant.

Occupancies with private hydrants are reminded that hydrants must be both visible and accessible for fire department use. Landscaping and other impediments must be removed and trimmed. If there are any questions about this, citizens and property owners are urged to contact the Township Fire Marshal for clarification and guidance.