On Tuesday March 10, 2015, the Thorndale Fire Company along with Minquas Fire Company of Downingtown, Tower 45 (Alert of Downingtown), Engine 49-5 (East Brandywine), and Rapid Intervention Team from Lionville were dispatched to the area of Glen View Lane and Hillcrest Drive in the Downing Ridge Section of Caln Township for a House Fire.

Caln Police quickly arrived on the scene and reported smoke showing from the dwelling along with an elderly patient suffering from smoke inhalation. Based on the report from the police, Chester County Fire Radio added the “Working Fire Dispatch” to the assignment, which brought Engine 45, Engine 49-1, Air 46 (Minquas of Downingtown), and Medic 46-1. Chief 39 (West Bradford) arrived on the scene shortly after the police and reported fire showing from a two story single family dwelling.

Chief 38 (Cordisco) arrived on the scene and established “Glen View Command” with Chief 39 taking Operations. Engine 46-2 arrived on the scene and laid a supply line from a hydrant at the corner of Glen View Lane and Hillcrest Drive and advanced an attack line to the fire. Engine 49-5 arrived on the scene and advanced a backup line as well as a line to the rear. Rescue 47 (Lionville) arrived and performed a 360 degree survey of the dwelling and established the rapid intervention group. The crew from Tower 45 laddered the building and ventilated the dwelling.

Due to the injuries of the patient, it was determined that air medical transportation was required. Engine 46-1 was requested to set up a landing zone at Parkside Drive and Water Plant Way. Ambulance 46-2 and Medic 46-1 transferred the patient to the landing zone where JeffStat 3 (Jefferson University Hospital Air Medical) airlifted the patient to Crozer-Chester Medical Center.

Personnel from the Thorndale Fire Company, Minquas Fire Company of Downingtown, Alert Fire Company of Downingtown, East Brandywine Fire Company and Lionville Fire Company worked collaboratively to extinguish the fire. The fire is currently under investigation by the Chester County Fire Marshal’s Office and Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the patient and family.

Thank you to Mark Walsh of IrishEyez Photography for the photographs.