| Kennett Fire Company was dispatched to Red Clay Drive at 05:54. Upon arrival, Chief reported heavy fire through the roof. First in units laid approximately 3,000 feet of large diameter supply hose due to the lack of hydrants in the development. The roof collapsed within minutes of arriving units, forcing the firefighters to engage in an exterior primary attack. Temperatures were below freezing, and the snow/ice added just another obstacle to firefighters and incoming units. A tanker task force was called immediately to assist with water delivery to the scene.
In the more rural areas of the county, hydrant systems are not always available. For these areas, fire companies utilize a task force made up of water tender trucks that bring anywhere from 3,000-5,000 gallons of water per truck. These trucks form a train and dump water into port-a-tanks (basically portable swimming pools). The water is then suctioned by an engine and pumped through the 5" hose to the units at the scene.
All occupants were evacuated from the house safely, no injuries occurred on this fire. The cause is still under investigation by the Chester County Fire Marshal's office.
*Several photos compliments of Tom Amico |
