Second-Alarm Transmitted at Vacant House in Reading
By JASON BATZ, Correspondent | July 17, 2020 | PENNSYLVANIA
Story No. 071820110
Photo by Bradley LeasReading Engine 7 arrived with fire out the rear of this vacant dwelling at 136 Greenwich St., 7/17/20.
Reading, PA - On the evening of Friday, July 17th, dispatchers from the Berks County DES call center began receiving multiple calls reporting a house on fire at Greenwich and Pear Streets.
Engine 7 arrived at a three-story EOR vacant building with fire showing from the rear. With the building boarded up, firefighters attacked the fire from the outside until the arrival of a ladder company. Crews began working on removing the plywood coverings and placing portable ladders.
Crews stretched hose lines into the structure and began a search. Neighbors advised that a homeless individual may possibly still be inside. Crews reported the fire extended into the third floor and roof.
With temperatures in the mid-high 90's, Deputy Chief Stoudt (Car 4) requested a second-alarm. All searches were clear, and the fire was placed under control at 6:13 P.M.
Several firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion, with some transported to Reading Hospital. Units from Spring, West Reading, and Muhlenberg Township assisted. The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.
This article is a direct street report from our correspondent and has not been edited by the 1st Responder newsroom.