Skippack Residential Structure Fire
 
By Battalion Chief Keith Grierson
September 30, 2018
 

Skippack Fire Company was dispatched to an appliance fire on Saturday afternoon at 14:39 in the 4000 block of Salem Circle in the township. As units were assembling a backup phone call to the Montgomery County Communications Center reported wires were also burning on the outside of the structure. The box was upgraded to a full structure assignment.

Battalion 86 arrived on scene and reported smoke from the structure while establishing Command 86 at 14:45. Command requested a working fire box and PECO a short time later. Engine 86 arrived on scene and crews went to work quickly knocking down the bulk of the fire in the mud/wash room and on the outside wall of the structure. The fire was placed under control at 15:02.

On scene units from Skippack Fire Company and Worcester Volunteer Fire Department were held on scene while the balance of the assignment was returned available. Crews worked to overhaul the walls and ceiling of the fire area once power was secured to the structure by PECO. Crews checked for further extension and the structure was ventilated.

Skippack Emergency Medical Services evaluated one resident of the home who suffered a minor injury exiting the residence and firefighter who was overcome with heat exhaustion on scene. SEMS obtained refusals on both patients and did not transport.

The State Police Fire Marshal was contacted to investigate the cause of the fire.

All units returned available by 15:56 and Command 86 was terminated.

Thank you to all companies on the assignment including Worcester, SEMS, Harleysville Fire Company and Lower Providence Township Fire Department. Skippack Units on the job included the Battalion Chief, Engine (with the Lieutenant) and Squad (with the Captain) 86.