Girard Township, PA – On Thursday afternoon, around 3:30 PM, A.F. Dobler Hose Company and other West County fire departments were dispatched to a reported garage fire near 9080 Ridge Road. The initial call reported an outside fire, which had spread to the garage by the time units were en route.

Upon arrival, crews were met with heavy fire conditions originating from the front of the garage. Engine 553 took the driveway and quickly deployed handlines to begin fire suppression. Shortly after, Engine 534 arrived and established a water supply to Engine 553. Engine 563 took position at the rear of the structure upon arrival and also deployed handlines to attack the fire from the backside. Engine 544 later arrived and supplemented water operations by supplying Engine 553 from Route 20.

Once Platea Fire Department arrived with their water shuttle, a porta-pond was deployed to support water supply efforts on the front side of the incident. During the response, crews identified fire extension to a nearby shed, which was quickly extinguished without further spread.

At the rear, Engine 563 was initially supplied by Fairview’s tender until a water supply could be secured via a nearby hydrant.

Interior operations began early in the incident; however, firefighters were ordered to evacuate the structure due to signs of an impending roof collapse. Despite this, crews successfully knocked down the bulk of the fire. Once the fire was brought under control, crews transitioned into overhaul mode to ensure full extinguishment and check for any remaining hotspots.

Assisting Girard on scene included Lake City Fire Company, Fairview Fire and Rescue, Platea Volunteer Fire Company, and West County Paramedics. Pennsylvania State Police were also on scene at the fire grounds.