Fairview Township, PA – This afternoon, at approximately 2:00 PM, first responders from Fairview Fire and Rescue were dispatched to a reported structure fire near the 8100 block of West Lake Road. At the time of the dispatch, Fairview’s 539 was just clearing an earlier accident in Girard and redirected to Station 52 to retrieve Engine 534. Chief 520 and West County Paramedics (Unit 111) also responded directly to the scene.

Initial reports indicated a fire in the basement of the structure. Engine 925 from Millcreek Fire went en route shortly after dispatch. Incoming crews were notified that the nearest hydrant was located at West Lake Road and Lord Road. With this information, Chief 520 requested two additional tankers, one from Franklin Township and one from Platea, to support the water supply.

Upon arrival, Chief 520 reported a one-and-a-half-story residence with smoke showing from all sectors. He also advised incoming units of low-hanging wires on the east side of the driveway and instructed all apparatus to stay left when entering. Engine 534 arrived shortly after and performed a lay-in of large diameter hose from West Lake Road down the driveway.

Chief 560 communicated additional concerns to Chief 520 regarding potential structural compromise on the first floor. However, crews were able to gain seamless access to the basement via cellar doors at the rear of the structure. Engine 502 established a position at the roadway and operated as a relay engine, pumping from incoming tankers to supply Engine 534. Meanwhile, the crew from Engine 925 deployed ladders on all sides of the structure.

After the bulk of the fire was knocked down in the basement, a secondary crew advanced an additional hoseline to the first floor. As Girard cleared their earlier motor vehicle crash, Chief 520 requested additional manpower to the scene, specifically interior-qualified firefighters and a pump operator. This added Rescue 544 and Engine 553 to the response.

By approximately 2:16 PM, interior crews reported the main body of fire had been knocked down and began checking for extension. Basement crews noted heavy charring to the floor joists in the C/D corner and cautioned those operating above.

Once the fire was declared under control, positive pressure ventilation was utilized by using portable fans to ventilate the structure. Penelec responded and secured the power. Lake City and Kuhl Hose arrived with their rehab trailers and assisted with hydration and firefighter support on scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.