Fire Box 2171

At 1900 hours, the Union Fire Company No. 1 hosted a Full Scale Drill at the newly constructed Vista Ridge building in the Ware Presbyterian Village. The Drill utilized the full First Alarm and Working Fire Dispatch units from Oxford, West Grove, Rising Sun, Cochranville, Quarryville, and SCCEMS.

The Drill began with the Chester County Fire Communications alerting Station 21 for an Fire Alarm Activation at the building. Engine 21-1 arrived, simulating smoke showing from the second floor of the front of the building. Lieutenant 21a (Messaros) requested the upgraded to the Building Fire and asked for the Working Fire Dispatch. The crew stretched a 300' hand line to the second floor.

Apparatus then began to respond to the scene from Station 21 at 3-5 minute intervals. Upon arrival, each unit was assigned a task from throwing ground ladders, supplying the building's sprinkler systems, deploying additional hand lines, and searching the buildings.

Several rescues were made off of balconies via aerial ladders. Crews encounters simulated injured residents that were then removed from the building.

Instructions were posted throughout the building for crews to find out their assignments, as well as smoke and fire conditions. The simulated fire was found in a second floor apartment with fire extending into the third floor and attic areas.

Once the fire was placed under control, a MAYDAY scenario of a downed and trapped firefighter occurred on the second floor. The RIT teams of Quarryville and Cochranville were placed into service. The were able to free the firefighter, package him into a stokes basket and remove him from the building via Truck 57.

Following the Drill, the crews cleaned up before gathering the Banquet Hall of the Pavilion next to Vista Ridge for refreshments and a critique.

The Union Fire Company No. 1 wishes to thank EVERYONE involved with this Drill and to Tami Wiggins, Chris Haldeman, and Bob Norman for all of the photos.

GOOD JOB TO ALL!!!!