Keystone Valley Fire Department along with mutual-aid were dispatched at 0251 hours for a reported dwelling fire in the 100 block of Washington Street in Parkesburg Borough.

At 0252 hours it was reported that white flames and arcing were observed coming from the residence and subjects were attempted to be evacuated. The incident was upgraded to a house fire with entrapment.

Several calls indicated that up to 13 people were possibly trapped and the fire was spreading to near-by residences.

At 0257 Ladder 8 responded and arrived on-scene with fire showing at 0259 hours and advised Engine 8 to pick-up the hydrant at Main Street and Route 10. Engine 8 arrived on scene at 0300 hours lying in from the hydrant called out.

Ladder 8 went into service with hand lines as the Engine 8 crew was pulling additional hand lines. A heavy fire load was present from 115, and 117 Washington Street spreading to 113& 111.

Chief 8 (Gathercole) assumed the Washington Street Command and reported heavy fire from sides A, C, D with exposures off. Command requested a WFD and a 2nd alarm be struck.

At 0308 hours three homes were fully involved with fire spreading. Fire personnel had several explosions prior to arrival and also have electricity compromising the fire attack. PECO was requested Priority -1.

At 0315 hours the entire block was involved including 119 & 121 Washington Street with heavy fire conditions.

Mutual-Aid units arriving were assigned and operations were taken up by Battalion 41 (Lentz) side –A-, Chief 27 (Harris) Side –C-, and division units being assigned by operations.

PA American Red Cross was requested along with resources from PA American Water, PECO for utilities.

Command at 0344 hours requested an evacuation from offensive to defensive in addresses of 111-117. A firefighter mayday was called in 119 and priority radio was requested as well as additional RIT personnel to the sides A & C of 119 residences. A firefighter collapsed through the floors and was removed from 119 Washington Street. That FF was transported to the hospital for evaluation.

At 0354 the entire operation on the unit block was placed in defensive operations only. PAR was then established and maintained throughout the incident.

Additionally, a division officer was assigned to each address/residence.

The fire was placed under control at 0600 hours with all units working.

Relocates that were standby were called into the scene giving the 3rd Alarm for this incident. Additional units were requested for manpower.

Due to the structural integrity of the homes the side C & D were compromised and caution taped off with a collapse zone placed around the scene.

North Penn Goodwill Service, Inc was dispatched Montgomery County Station # 41 for the canteen to assist with refreshments and food on-scene.

The incident is under investigation by Chester County Fire Marshal’s Office.

The incident was cleared at approximately 1145 hours.

Thank you to the Mutual-Aid responders from all stations Chester, Lancaster& Montgomery Counties assisting Station # 8.

Assisting KVFD was the following:

Cochranville Fire Company Station # 27
Sadsburyville Fire Company Station # 31
Westwood Fire Company Station # 44
Honey Brook Fire Company Station # 33
East Brandywine Fire Conpany Station # 49
Coatesville Fire Department Station # 41/43
Modena Fire Company Station # 37
Good Fellowship EMS Station # 55
Southern Chester County Medic # 94
Avondale Fire Police Station # 23
Gap Fire Company Station # 42
Christiana Fire Company Station # 52
Bart Fire Company Station # 51
Quarryville Fire Company Station # 57
White Horse Fire Company Station # 49
Refton Fire Company Station # 59
West Grove Fire Company Station # 22
Washington Hose Company EMS Station # 41
Minquas EMS Station # 46
North Penn Goodwill Service Station # 41
Parkesburg Police / East Fallowfield Police / PSP
Chester County Fire Marshals / Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshals
Belfor / 1-800 Board Up
Lewis Environmental
PECO & PA American Water

This unfortunate fire incident on the Easter Holiday has brought the Community together with Parkesburg Borough opening its doors and all the businesses and residents coming together to support the families that have been displaced and lost everything.