Reading PA Fire Department

Box 165 was transmitted on Memorial Day at 1313 for a structure fire at 855 Lancaster Avenue summoning E14-E5-E3-L1-R1-E1 Safety-Medic 602 and Cars 5 and 7. Dispatch reported numerous calls for smoke from the roof of a BMW or Mercedes dealer, E14 arrived at the Tom Masano Mercedes Dealership and reported flames and smoke from the roof area. Employees were removing some expensive vehicles from the showroom floor and out front as the buildings truss roof became engulfed in flames. Much of the fire was hidden between the showroom ceiling and roof and advancing quickly. Two 1 3/4 lines were put into service off of E14. Car 7 arriving on the scene noticed the building construction and kept crews in a defensive position realizing imminent collapse of the truss roof and also having E5 supply the bedpipe of L1 and completely closing Lancaster Avenue. Dispatch realizing this would now be Phantom Box 2347, special dispatched Tower 1 to the scene. 10 minutes into the fire, the truss roof over the showroom collapsed and fire was spreading into other areas of the building including a large area with bowstring roof construction.

2nd Alarm on Phantom Box 2347 was struck at 1328 bringing E8(E13)-E11-E9-L3-Medic 601 and Cars 1-2-6-8-600 and 22 to the scene, Car 23 was called to investigate. A defensive attack went into effect with ground master streams and the aerials of L1 and T1, numerous handlines were also used from safe positions with building integrity questioned. E9 was the only Engine with no hose on the pavement.

At 1411 with temperatures in the 90s and 2 firefighters transported to the hospital for heat related symptoms, Car 1 called for 3rd Alarm which brought E2 and Snorkel 1 which were put into service on the 2nd Alarm. After flowing large amounts of water and opening up what could be opened up to get at the stubborn fire, the fire was placed under control at 1509. Crews started clearing shortly after 1600 with everyone available at 1700.

Initial report from Channel 69 news stated the fire may have been started by a discarded cigarette thrown into mulch near some hollow columns leading to the roof and the business will be up and running at an adjoining auto dealership the following morning.

The Spring Township Fire Department Rehab Unit was in full operation at the scene along with Boyertown's Salvation Army Unit. Some area residents and businesses also assisted in rehabbing the firefighting forces.

Check out pictures from this fire and then view a video on our Media Page.

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