Just after 3pm Gladwyne Firefighters were dispatched to the area of the VFW on River Road for a house fire. The caller was across the river and observed the back of a house on fire. Station 25 (Ardmore) was dispatched to assist. While responding to the call the correct address was provided to Ladder 24 as there were multiple callers now reporting heavy fire from the rear of the house. With multiple reports of heavy fire, the confirmed procedure was dispatched bringing Squad 22 (Belmont Hills) and Engine 26-1 (RIC Team) to the scene along with Narberth Ambulance and Lower Merion Police. Upon arrival of Ladder 24 there was heavy smoke coming from the eaves / roof area of the one story residence that sits between the river and roadway with not much room to operate / position apparatus. Crews initiated an interior attack but quickly learned that the fire had already consumed the entire attic space above the 1st floor ceiling. Command evacuated the building and went to a defensive attack protecting the houses (exposures) located on either side of the house. Firefighters worked for just under 3 hours to extinguish the fire and return to service.
We would like to thank all of the residents of River Road for your assistance along with George Clay Fire Company who stood by in our station with their Ladder truck and covered our Community while we were fighting the fire.
The fire is under investigation at this time by the Lower Merion Township Fire Marshall's Office
Units:
Ladder 24, Engine 24, Engine 24-1, Air 24 and Utility 24