Firefighters battle multiple house fires on stormy day

POCOPSON » Chester County firefighters were kept busy battling three fires after a late afternoon storm passed through the area Monday. The first call was for a home on McCormick Way in New London, which was reported struck by lightning at about 4:20 p.m. Crews radioed a working fire with smoke from the attic, and requested additional tankers.

Around 4:30 p.m., a home in the 100 block of Osborne Circle, Pocopson was also reported to have been hit by lightning, with fire in the basement. Neigh-

bor Debbie Ventura said she was on her way home when the homeowner, who was out of state, called to say the home was on fire. A caretaker who was staying there,safely escaped. Ventura said the home, which was for sale, had recently had an agreement of purchase. According to Zillow, the 9,300-square-feet home was listed at $1,149,000.

Chester County Fire Marshal John Weer said three fire trucks each dropped 1,500 feet of hose to reach the blaze. Zoning codes in Pocopson do not require nearby hydrants. Weer said the fire went to three alarms for manpower and a tanker task force. Crews from Longwood, Po-MarLin, West Bradford and all three West Chester stations responded. Additional units came from as far east West Whiteland and Concordville. Weer said he is unable to confirm the cause until investigators have a chance to examine the house.

Po-Mar-Lin fire chief Steve Nuse said the fire was in the basement and extended into the walls. Thick smoke poured out of the chimney and could be seen coming from the roof line. Firefighters could be seen opening a hole in the roof to allow heat and smoke escape. Shortly afterwards, flames shot out of the hole as well as from the top of the chimney. Firefighters had the blaze under control shortly after 6 p.m.

There was no estimate on damages.

Shortly after the Pocopson fire, a third house fire was reported in the 700 block of Marshalltown Thorndale Road in West Bradford. Firefighters reported wires down with a smoke condition inside, however crews were able to quickly control the blaze.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Longwood firefighters leave the roof of a house in the 100 block of Osborne Circle in Pocopson after they opened a hole in the roof during a fire Monday. Nobody was injured in the blaze, which went to three alarms. The additional crews were required...

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Smoke pours out of the chimney of a house in the 100 block of Osborne Circle in Pocopson Monday afternoon.