At 8:20 AM, our department and first-alarm mutual aid companies were alerted for a house fire to the rear of a house on the unit block of Washington Avenue in Phoenixville. Callers reported fire and black smoke from the rear of a house, and exposure to another house 20' away.

Chief, Engine, Ladder, Rescue, MICU 65-1, MICU 65-2 and numerous mutual aid units responded to the incident. Engine 65 arrived to find smoke coming from the rear of a 1 & 1/2 story single-family dwelling on the 100 block of Starr Street. Engine 65 laid a water supply line, assumed command of the incident, and requested a Working Fire Dispatch - bringing additional resources. Crews were assigned to the first & second floors and roof, with three hose lines placed in service. Searches were conducted to confirm that no occupants were present and to locate four cats. Two holes were cut in the roof to allow ventilation and inspection of the attic area. Walls and ceilings were opened up to access fire that had extended into those areas.

The fire was placed under control at 8:49 AM. No injuries were reported. Firefighters located and removed all of the cats, one required oxygen to be administered - all are reported to be doing well.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Chester County Fire Marshal's Office but believed to be accidental. Phoenixville Public Works assisted with salting due to ice that formed from the water runoff. Our last remaining crews cleared the scene within two hours.

An engine from each Ridge Fire Company and Limerick Fire Department were transferred to Phoenixville to assist with any additional emergencies in the area during this time.