Fairview Township, PA – This morning, shortly after 7:15 AM, firefighters from Fairview Fire and Rescue and Lake Shore Fire Department were dispatched to the 8100 block of West Lake Road for a reported barn fire. West County Paramedics’ 115 arrived on scene within five minutes of dispatch and reported a visible header, followed by confirmation of a working fire. Unit 115 advised Erie County dispatch that the structure appeared to be the same one previously affected.

While en route, Engine 534 requested that Erie County dispatch two additional tankers due to the prior history at the location. This request brought in mutual aid tankers from Platea and Franklin Township. Millcreek’s Engine 925 was also added to the assignment for manpower support.

Upon arrival, Engine 534 laid in large diameter hose to the fireground, and Command was established by Chief 530. The structure was reported to be fully involved, with a heavy fire load on the north and west sides. Engine 472 established water supply at the road by pumping from a  portable pond positioned along West Lake Road. West Lake Road was closed between Avonia Road and Fairplain Road for the duration of the incident due to portable pond placement and active shuttle operations.

Water supply quickly became a significant challenge. Tanker shuttle operations were implemented to bring water in from several hydrants along West Lake Road; however, initial refill efforts were delayed when crews encountered a hydrant reportedly out of service. Eventually, active hydrants were located at Eaton and West Lake Road, Lord and West Lake Road, and near Station 53. Due to the ongoing water supply concerns, additional tankers from McKean Hose Company and Perry Hi-Way Hose Company were added to the response.

At 7:58 AM, evacuation tones were transmitted due to dwindling water on the fireground and emerging concerns over the building’s structural stability, particularly due to spongy floor conditions. All companies performed a Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) following the evacuation order. Lake City’s Support 56 and West Ridge’s 478 provided rehab services on scene, offering refreshments, seating, and cooling stations to allow crews to rotate out and recover before returning to operations.

At 8:59 AM, Chief 530 reported the fire was under control. However, around 9:00 AM, the structure partially collapsed due to the extent of the fire damage. A second set of evacuation tones were transmitted, and a full PAR was again conducted with all personnel accounted for and no injuries reported.

Crews remained on scene applying water to hotspots. Due to safety concerns related to further collapse potential, West County EMA assisted in securing an excavator to bring down the remaining structure.

Firefighters operated on scene for approximately four hours. At this time, no official determination has been made regarding the fire’s origin or cause. The residence had also experienced a fire the previous day, and no one was reportedly at home at the time due to that earlier incident. No injuries occurred, and all personnel remained safe throughout the operation.