HOUSE FIRE ESCAPE

Extensive damage: Fire destroys building on East Chestnut Street No injuries: Three families left homeless following afternoon blaze

COATESVILLE » Two people escaped a blazing house fire that left three families homeless Monday afternoon. Firefighters were alerted to the blaze at 2:39 p.m. on the 700 block of East Chestnut Street.

Coatesville Fire Chief Gary Alderman said he was just around the block when the alarm sounded and arrived to find fire shooting out from under the porch awning. He quickly upgraded the alarm bringing an air unit, an additional ladder and the fire marshal.

“The fire had a good head start but crews made a quick knockdown,” said Alderman. “The first arriving truck was here in two minutes. The driver of the pumper hooked to the hydrant which was right on the corner while crews stretched the line.”

Alderman said the fire was contained to the first floor with heavy smoke damage to the adjoining homes.

“I was sleeping upstairs when something woke me up,” said Walid Alders as he watched crews remove debris from his home. “There was too much smoke so I had to climb out the window and jump off the roof.”

Alderman said he was un-

sure if smoke alarms sounded in the homes but said they are required by code in the three rental homes. The displaced residents were being aided by the Red Cross, he said.

Jessica Kopietz said her mother’s pet rabbit died in the blaze. Kopietz who lives on her own, rushed home to help the family when she heard of the fire.

“It was bad, my mom lost everything,”

Kopietz said her mom was at the dog park when the blaze broke out. Her 16-year-old sister was home but safely evacuated.

Alderman said the fire was under control in 30 to 40 minutes and it appeared the cause was accidental. The fire is being investigated by the Chester County Fire Marshals office.

Crews were on the scene into the early evening removing debris and checking for hidden fire. Firefighters had to open hole in the roof to allow gas to escape. Fire companies assisting Coatesville included: Modena, Coatesville VA, Downingtown, Keystone Valley, Westwood, Thorndale, Sadsburyville and Wagontown.

SUBMITTED PHOTO – COATESVILLE POLICE Coatesville firefighters battle a house fire Monday afternoon in the 700 block of East Chestnut Street. Nobody was injured.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Coatesville firefighters work at a house fire in the 700 block of East Chestnut Street on Monday afternoon.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Residents and neighbors watch as Coatesville firefighters work at a house fire in the 700 block of East Chestnut Street on Monday afternoon.

SUBMITTED PHOTO – MARK J. WALSH/IRISH EYEZ PHOTOGRAPHY A Westwood firefighter exits the home with a rabbit that was found in the house fire on Monday.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Coatesville firefighters remove damaged contents from the kitchen.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Coatesville firefighters work at a house fire in the 700 block of East Chestnut Street.