Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Firefighters save historic farmhouse
Neighbor reports blaze; 19th- century structure salvaged
EAST BRANDYWINE >> Firefighters quickly knocked down a fire in a historic farmhouse in a local park Thursday that was called in by a neighbor who lives nearly a quarter mile away. No injuries were reported. East Brandywine Fire Company was dispatched for a report of a house fire at 3: 48 p. m. Thursday in the 400 block of Dilworth Road in East Brandywine Township. While on their way, Chester County Emergency Radio alerted the firefighters that the building is a historic farmhouse in East Brandywine Park, and neighbors reported fire showing from the roof.
East Brandywine Fire Chief John Edwards arrived on scene at 3: 54 p. m. and confirmed that fire was showing from the roof. No injuries were reported.
His brother, Deputy Chief Joseph Edwards, said Friday that the first- in crew found the attic well- involved with fire. Other crew members went to the roof and opened the roof to get to the fire and also to help with ventilation. The fire was placed under control at 4: 01 p. m.
Edwards said that other crew
members checked for extension of the fire and helped with overhaul. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Chester County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Edwards commended the firefighters for their quick efforts and that they were able to contain the fire to that area. He added that the homeowners told the firefighters that they appreciated their efforts that kept the damage to a minimum. Edwards said that the attic and roof were damaged by the fire, and there is smoke and water damage in the home.
The homeowner posted on the East Brandywine Fire Company Facebook page to thank the firefighters for their quick response to the incident. He said that part of the home was built in 1813, and that he believes the damage could have been worse.
“Most of us will never need a fire department response, but from experience, when you need one, you really need one,” the homeowner wrote.
East Brandywine Capt a in Joe Monestere thanked another person for contributing to their quick efforts.
“The crews did an outstanding job, but the real hero today was an alert neighbor from Christian Circle, nearly a quarter mile away, who called 911 when he saw flames from the roof,” Monestere said.
Joseph Edwards said that they learned that someone walking nearby in the park also reported the fire. Two residents were home at the time of the fire.
East Brandywine firefighters said that personnel from the mutual aid fire companies worked well together to quickly bring the fire under control and minimize damage to the historic structure. Downingtown Fire Department, Thorndale, Honey Brook, Glen Moore and Lionville Fire Companies assisted East Brandywine. Westwood and West Bradford fire companies were on standby. East Brandywine police, Washington Hose Ambulance Company and Brandywine Hospital Medic 93 also responded.