At 5:20 hours Station 38 was alerted to the area of Kings Hwy and Bondsville Road for an unknown fire. Chief 38 responded and was advised that flames could be seen in the woods to the south of the location but was unsure what was on fire. Chief 38 arrived on location and upon further investigation, the incident was found to be a large compost pile fire. Deputy 38 established command as Engine 38 arrived and began to suppress the visible flames.
Command requested a tanker be dispatched to the scene for additional water supply. The visible flames were knocked down and at that time, it was determined the fire to be burning deep inside the pile underground. For crew safety, operations were shut down and the PA DCNR Forestry Crew was requested to the scene for assistance. Command also requested an additional Engine and tanker to standby on the north side of the incident in case of fire spread. To prevent significant runoff potentially polluting the nearby Beaver Creek and to prevent injury to fire crews, it was determined the best course of action was to let the deep-seated fire burn. Crews utilized the property owner and their equipment on site to cut a fire line around the burning pile. Crews were released as the fire line was completed.
The fire will continue to burn for several days if not weeks, and the site is under a fire watch. Smoke will be seen for quite some time. DEP and Chester County Conservation Department were advised and are working with Caln Township Codes and the Fire Company to coordinate if further action will be needed.