On Monday evening, November 23, 2015, while KVFD members were preparing for training night at the East Station, KVFD along with Christiana Fire Company for an Engine and Tanker, were alerted for the chimney fire in the area of the 1200 block of Swan Road in West Sadsbury Township at 7:25 PM.

Ladder 8, Engine 8-1 and Ambulance 8-1 made the responses along with Chief 8 at 7:27 PM. Lancaster County Engine 52-1 and Tanker 52-1 followed at 7:28 PM.

Supplemental reports indicated that smoke was coming from around the chimney with the family evacuating. Ladder 8 was the first arriving unit at 7:33 PM hours and reported there was no fire showing from the exterior.

Chief Gathercole arrived on-scene and assumed the “Swan Road Command." Ladder 8’s crew entered the house and reported smoke showing on the second floor with a fire in the walls of the first floor. Deputy Chief Cazillo assumed command of the operations and crews from both stations placed a hose line in service from Ladder 8 to the first floor.

County fire radio was advised that units were in-service with an active fire in walls of the first-floor and smoke was evident on the second floor.

Tanker 52-1 established a supply line to Ladder 8 and crews worked on-scene with salvage and overhaul.

The incident was placed under control at 7:51 PM by Chief Gathercole.

Crews were able to mitigate the situation and quickly place a line in service to extinguish the fire and also work together to minimize the damage. Great team work on-scene by Keystone Valley and Christiana personnel.

Damage to the property was minimized because the homeowner recognized a serious situation and called 9-1-1 for help. As the cold weather approaches; incidents such as this will occur with fireplaces and chimneys. If it doesn't look right, please do not hesitate to call 911.