On Friday morning at 9:46 AM, during a snowstorm, KVFD, and many other fire companies from Chester, Lancaster, and Cecil counties were dispatched to a building fire at a farm on Racetrack Road in Highland Township, Chester County. The first arriving unit was Eng 8-2 with FF/EMT Barrett, FF/EMT Bambrick, and Firefighter Jones riding as the Officer.

FF Jones said, "We found heavy fire conditions and poor visibility due to the snow and smoke." As the crew of Engine 8-2 went to work, Lt. Delestienne arrived and assumed "Old Racetrack Road Command." He said, "we were challenged by the weather conditions and a lack of water supply." Because there are no hydrants in this rural area of Highland, additional tankers were requested by Command.

Lt. Delestienne soon requested a second alarm. Deputy Chief Scott of the Westwood Fire Co. arrived and assumed command of the water supply eventually establishing a fill site at a hydrant on S. Church Street at E. 2nd Avenue in the Borough of Parkesburg. The tankers shuttled from here to the fire ground with water.

Capt. Null, Cochranville Fire Co. took command of Operations. Two master streams were placed in service using Ladder 8 and Engine 27-2, and four handlines were in service.

At 11:11 AM, Command reported that the fire was under control with all hands working on the overhaul. Over the next few hours apparatus and crews were released as hose and equipment was picked up.

Lt. Delestienne said that there were no injuries.

The fire is under investigation by the Chester County Fire Marshal's Office and the Highland Township fire marshal. The preliminary cause was released to the media as being a wood stove. Several exposures were protected by the firefighters but the building and its contents including tractors, ATVs, and farm equipment were destroyed.

Thanks to all the mutual aid companies who assisted in this effort!

Additional units from Lancaster, Chester and Cecil Counties provided coverage at Western Chester County fire stations.