Vacant Building catches Ablaze in East Reading

Photo by Thomas RehrCrews first arrived to find a well involved vacant building after investigating an unknown type fire.

Photo by Thomas RehrTower 1 operated the elevated master steams to knock down the fire.

Photo by Thomas RehrThe roof of the building collapsed into the 2nd floor.

Photo by Thomas Rehr
At 04:19 hours on March 4th Engine 3 Was dispatched to the 1907 Holly Rd for an unknown type fire in the woods across from that address. Engine 3 and Car 2 arrived and confirmed a large fire possibly in the area of the old East End Club. As Companies redirected to the 200 block of S 19th St in the area of Glen Rd Car 2 requested the Box to the filled. Just after the box was dispatched Car 2 confirmed a working fire with the 2nd and 3rd floor of the old East End Club well off. Car 2 advised all companies that this incident would be defensive operations only. Engine 3 arrived and forced entry through a gate to get the initial line stretched. Engine 1 began laying in from the hydrant that was over 1500 Feet away. Crews began making a knock on the fire as Tower 1 set up for an elevated master stream. Engine 7 utilized the Humat valve that was connected to the hydrant to boost pressure going to the scene. Firefighters operated masterstreams from Tower‘s bucket to knock down the fire. One handline was stretched to the rear of the building to assist with mopping up debris that was on fire. The fire Marshal’s office was requested to respond. The fire was placed under control at 05:37 hours. Companies remained on scene until the early afternoon wetting down the building and extinguishing hot spots. The scene was turned over to the fire marshal’s office for investigation as the remaining units went available.