Crews from Eastern Berks Fire Department and eventually companies from Berks, Lehigh and Montgomery Counties fought a three alarm house fire on Lenape Road in Washington Twp, Berks County on Sunday night August 18th.
First dispatched at 5:30 pm as a garage fire, EBFD Chief Mike Mutter arrived on location and upgraded the incident to a working fire with entrapment.
Two people were in the home, and one had to be rescued by EBFD firefighters. Both were turned over EMS for transport to a local hospital.
A second alarm was sent, as well as additional engines and tankers from a third alarm for personnel and water in this rural area. A tanker fill site was established on nearby Airport Rd.
In the meantime, EMS was calling for additional units to treat and transport firefighters suffering from heat exhaustion. Eight fire personnel were sent to the hospital.
Among fire departments on the scene included from Berks County: Eastern Berks, Boyertown, Hereford, Earl, Topton, Lyons, and Seisholtsville; from Lehigh County: Alburtis, and Upper Milford; and from Montgomery County: Pennsburg, Gilbertsville, and New Hanover.
EMS units included: Bally, Boyertown, Topton, Pottstown, St Luke’s, Emmaus, Upper Perk, Southern Berks, Life Lion, and Cetronia.
Thanks to Red Hill FD for covered Eastern Berks and helping us put our trucks back in service.
The salvation Army Canteen from Boyertown, and North Penn Goodwill Canteen from Souderton responded to help keep firefighters and EMS personnel hydrated and fed.
The home was a total loss.
