Liberty Hose Co. No. 2 - Incident Detail #3259

Company 22 dispatched class one to assist Company 23 on a box alarm for a structure fire at 217 Pottsville street in Wiconisco Township. Chief 23 on scene reported a fire to the C side of the structure that had spread to the house. Truck 22 was out with 4 and took the address side A/D of a 2 story front 3 story rear 33 foot by 65 foot wood frame single family dwelling with heavy smoke pushing from the rear of the structure. Engine 22 was out with 4 and took the C side of the structure and pulled a hand line and a step gun and attacked visible fire from the rear. The Truck went to the roof and ventilated and later put two guns in the bucket in service and attacked visible fire from the A and D sides. Two members entered side A first floor and knock down visible fire on the first floor advancing until they ran into burned out floors. Numerous other companies were arriving and setting up with Schuylkill Truck 58-25 going in service on the A/B side. Truck 22 was being supplied thru 5 inch by Engine 21 that was working off a hydrant at Plane and Pottsville streets. A handline was pulled off Truck 22 and taken to the D side and worked some fire from there. With numerous hand lines and deck guns in operation water supply became an issue and command requested a tanker task force to supplement the water supply. Members from 22, 27, 58 and 20 all cycled thru taking turns running boom ops. Fire attack continued for an extended period of time until crews were able to gain control of the structure. Many hidden pockets of fire were dug out and Command was able to mark control after an extended time. Command began releasing units while salvage and overhaul continued. The Engine and Truck were released by command after packing hose and ladders and returned available. Companies on scene included 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, Schuylkill 22-11, 22-15, 58-25, EMS from 24 and 13 and several other companies relocating to vacant stations or standing by on move-ups.