At 4:05 PM West Mead #1 and #2 were dispatched for a reported kitchen fire on Leslie Road in West Mead Township. Vernon Central and Meadville Ambulance were dispatched to assist. Engines 28-12, 11, and 13 and Squad 28-14 responded to the scene. While engines were en route, Vernon Central Officer John Fuller reported a working structure fire with smoke and then flames showing from a two-story single family dwelling. A second alarm was requested to assist with the fire, bringing crews from Meadville Central, East Mead and Blooming Valley. On arrival the 28-12 crew deployed the deck gun and began an exterior attack on the Bravo side using an 1 3/4″ handline. West Mead #2 arrived and pulled another handline for an interior attack on the Alpha side. When interior fire attacks failed to make progress, all firefighters were evacuated and the exterior attack was continued. During overhaul West Mead #1 firefighters focused their efforts on the second-story Charlie side, while West Mead #2 and Vernon Central firefighters worked mostly from the Alpha side. Cold temperatures slowed water supply and overhaul operations. Tankers from Vernon Township and Randolph were requested to assist with water supply, and Crawford County Scuba Team was requested to help with firefighter rehabilitation.
With all 28 units committed to the fire, Cochranton VFD was requested to stand by at West Mead #1’s Liberty Street station.
The house suffered extensive damage throughout the structure, but the occupants escaped unharmed and no firefighter injuries were reported. Two pets remained unaccounted for.
All 28 units returned to service by 10:37 PM.
For local news coverage of the incident, visit The Meadville Tribune’s story on the fire.
Some photos courtesy of Shannon Roae/The Meadville Tribune and Doug Sekerski, used by permission
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