Skippack Fire Company was dispatched to a residential structure fire Friday morning at 10:54 in the 1000 block of Bridge Road. The initial call for service to the Montgomery County Emergency Operations Center reported heavy smoke coming from the side of the house, unknow cause, with everyone out of the residence. Battalion 86 went on scene at 10:55, established Command 86 and requested a working fire dispatch for the 2.5 story balloon frame dwelling. Deputy 86 arrived on scene at 10:56 and assumed Command, moving the Battalion Operations. Ladder 86 arrived on scene at 10:59 and made a quick transitional attack through the outside window at the AB corner of the structure. The initial attack line was then repositioned to the front door of the structure where the remaining fire was extinguished in the front room of the home.

Extensive efforts were made to check for extension through the interior of the home and the outside of the AB corner. The quick knock down of the fire limited the job to mainly a room and contents fire. Heavy smoke and heat damage was realized through the structure however. The fire was placed under control at 11:23 by Command.

Skippack Fire Company units on scene in addition to the Deputy and Battalion included Ladder, Squad, Tanker and Utility (with the Assistant) 86. Assisting on scene were: Skippack Emergency Medical Services, Harleysville Area Emergency Medical Services, Lower Providence Township Fire Department, Perkiomen Township Fire Company, Worcester Volunteer Fire Department and the Pennsylvania State Police and Fire Marshal.

The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the families of the residence. The cause of the fire is under investigation. All units cleared the scene available by 13:12.

Photo credits: Roberta Bracken and Ted Hodgins