At 4:53 AM KVFD, with multiple surrounding departments, was dispatched to a house fire in the 300 block of Main Street, Parkesburg Borough. Firefighters were in the area for a fire alarm at 428 Strasburg Avenue, so our response was within a few minutes. Callers reported that the house was fully involved with "the family still inside."

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions from a twin home, got water on the fire immediately, made entry, and found and recovered one fire victim. That victim is a fatality.

FF/EMT Justin Shultz initially had Main Street Command while his partner on Amb 8-1, FF/EMT Joe Carmen got water on the fire using Ladder 8's bumper line. Capt. Schreiber with Lt. Budzik made the entry with a line and located the victim. The victim was removed, evaluated by EMS and found to be deceased.

Firefighters making the interior attack were obstructed by a large amount of personal belongings stored inside the home.

When Chief Adam Grossman of the Sadsburyville Fire Company arrived, command was transferred to him with Deputy Chief Randy Scott of the Westwood Fire Company overseeing Operations. Chief Gathercole arrived at 5:38 AM and assisted.

Main Street Command reported that the fire was under control at 6:10 AM, and all crews were clear by 8:30 AM. Main Street was shut down by area fire police for about four hours.

Three firefighters were evaluated by EMS and rehabbed. No transport was necessary.

There were no civilian injuries. Five cats and one dog are believed to have perished. The Red Cross is assisting a family of five, four children and one adult.

The fire is under investigation by the Chester County Fire Marshal, PA State Police fire marshal and the Parkesburg Borough police. The Chester County Coroner's Office is assisting in the investigation and took the decedent.

Bart Fire Company did a stand-by at our Central Station while West Grove covered Cochranville's station.

Chief Brian Gathercole said this afternoon, "The Keystone Valley Fire Department would like to thank all assisting companies (Chester County and Lancaster County) from this morning’s fire for your assistance, brotherhood and cooperation. Due to the early morning hours and the situation we are faced with the circumstances can be difficult. However, like teamwork everyone pulled together and got the job done. Thank you again for your assistance. Please keep the family in your prayers as they work through this very difficult situation."