At 8:41 AM, our department was alerted to assist Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company with a house fire on Dorchester Way in the Chapel View Estates, Schuylkill Township. The caller reported smoke coming from the basement, possibly due to an electrical issue.

Crews with Engine 65 and Ladder 65 responded to the incident. Upon arrival, Ladder 65 was setup on the driveway and four handlines were deployed from Engine 65. The interior stairs and exterior stairs with Bilco doors were both used to access the basement to get to the seat of the fire. Our crews manually dragged a supply line to a nearby hydrant to establish a water supply for Engine 65. Chief 65 was assigned supervision of the basement division and Deputy 65 was assigned supervision of the first floor.

The fire started in the basement and was able to extend through parts of the first floor and into the second floor. There was an extensive amount of overhaul needed in the house. Our crews cleared the scene after almost four hours.

During this incident, Kimberton Fire Company, Limerick Fire Department, and Liberty Fire Company assisted our department with a fire alarm at the Carrie Court Apartments on Gay Street. Crews accessed a vacant unit through a second-floor window using a ground ladder. The alarm was triggered by a faulty smoke detector.

An engine from Ridge Fire Company and a tower-ladder from Limerick Fire Department were transferred to Phoenixville to assist with any additional emergencies during this time. Both units were eventually called to the scene of the house fire for additional manpower.