Reading PA Fire Department

Early in the evening B platoon companies were sent to 5th and Perry Streets for an accident involving a motorcycle. Later in the evening,

Engine 5, Ladder 1, Medic 602, and Car 7 were dispatched for a stove fire reported out with a burn victim at 320 Wood Street just after 1800. Engine 5 and Medic 602 arrived soon after dispatch and found a male with a severely burned arm standing out front of the residence.

Firefighters found a medium smoke condition in the 2 story MOR townhouse and called for mechanical ventilation from the Ladder Company. Damage was minimal from smoke and grease through out the kitchen area. Medic 602 transported the victim Class 2 to RHMC.

Medic 602 and Engine 1 were dispatched to 8th & Court streets shortly after 2230 hrs for a report of a woman stabbed. Crews found a woman severly bleeding by a bench in front of city hall. A trauma alert was called as Medics Spaydt and Sninsky worked the critically injured woman. With Car 7 and Engine 1's chauffuer left on scene, the gruesome task began of cleaning up the aftermath. Rescue 1 was special called to the scene, for extra bleach and manpower to assist. Blood was tracked from the victims home 3 blocks away to 2 sides of city hall.

Around 15:30 this afternoon, a box alarm was struck for 13th and Union area, address of the call was 1503 Linden St. Dispatched were E-9, 11, 1, 13safety, L-3, R-1, M604 and C-2. Information given from dispatch was the caller at 1501 smelled smoke and went next door and kicked open the door and confirmed a fire in the home attached to his. Engine 9 was first on the scene and confirmed a working fire thought to be a kitchen fire. As other apparatus arrived and began backup and search of the 3 story attached home it was discovered that the fire was below them in the basement area near the front of the home.

The home is situated on the high side of the street and elevated off the street level. Efforts to ventilate so firefighters could advance and the delay in finding the fire in the basements took additional time and allowed the fire to progress. Although crews had the fire under blackened down within a few minutes, an extensive overhaul was needed to bring the fire under control. Apparatus began leaving the scene after about one hour after the dispatch. The Fire Marshal's office was notified and is investigating. The was no word of damage or injuries.

  Photos By Tom Leszczynski