LanCo BOX Alarm15 Ephrata Boro Apt. Fire 01.18.11

[PUMP]

EPHRATA BOROUGH, PA -- Late on January 18th, BOX Alarm 15 was transmitted to the 400 Block of Washington Avenue for the reported apartment on fire. After transmitting the first alarm, Communications added Engine Company 16 to the first alarm after receiving multiple calls of a working fire. Police Department arrived on location reporting a heavily involved first floor apartment in a four story building. A man armed with a snow shovel was launching snow toward the fire as Engine 15-1 arrived on scene. Engine 15-1 deployed two 1.75" water lines into the apartment and had the bulk of the fire knocked with-in minutes of their arrival. During the incident, Command added Engine Companies 16 & 12 to the assignment along with Squad 17 for their air system. Multiple EMS units were also added for patient check ups for smoke inhalation and minor injuries. MORE PICTURES AND VIDEO COURTESY OF PUMPFIRE CHIEF CHRIS 'PUMP' HALDEMAN

[67272]

Looking at the pictures and the video the only thing I have a question about is the front door. With the number of people that were on the first in Engine Co why was the front door not controlled or taken off? Was the fire only on the first floor? Were groundladders needed? If so I didn't see any. Good quick knock by E151. Thanks for any answers!

[PUMP]

The screen door (Metal) and the front wooden door were heavily involved on arrival of the first in... The large wooden door was removed as the first line went into the door, as the screen door was left.

I believe there was only fire damage to the first floor apartment on the Alpha/Delta side as well as the porch in front.

[finegan]

Maybe there aren't any shots but.....where are the ground ladders??

[chuglyxj]

The door had burned off the hinges prior to us making entry and the fire was under control as the Truck AOS and was also the second piece to arrive. Basically the fire was out before anyone else got there. I can't claim anything it was just a crazy amazing stop, everything worked together and the fire went out. And we had a lot of help from a dude and his shovel.