TSFR Engine 85, Wyomissing Engine 79, West Reading Engine 64, Greenfields Engine 55, Reading FD Engine 3, Western Berks FD Ladder 18, Reading FD Ladder 1, Mohnton Station 57 RIT, western Berks EMS Medics 6511, and 6512 were dispatched for a structure fire in a commercial occupancy on Commerce Drive in northern Spring Township. While the companies were responding, additional information was provided by dispatch to the effect that boxes were on fire next to the building, and that someone was trying to extinguish the fire.

PIO85 arrived on scene reporting the incident to the rear of the stores and the fire appeared to be out. Chief 85 reduced the assignment to E85, E79, and L18. E85 and E79 arrived on scene and began investigating conditions, after which Captain 85 reported that a cardboard box had been on fire in the mulch, and the fire appeared to be out.

Accordingly, crews checked the interior of the store and discovered no smoke or signs of fire. Personnel then wetted down the area as well as a dumpster into which the occupants had placed the burned remains of a box. They then overhauled the mulch bed and verified extinguishment with a thermal imager. Township Asst Fire Marshal 43-1 arrived and obtained demographics.

When all equipment was secured and documentation obtained, the companies returned.