Reading PA Fire Department

Box 353 rang out at 0529 for a reported structure at 123 Greenwich Street, E11-E3-E1-L1-T1-R1-M603-E13 Safety- and Cars 5 and 7 responded on the Box.

Ladder 1, already on the street returning from an earlier AFA, reported heavy smoke and glow on the approach. 123 Greenwich is a 2 1/2 story end of row occupied apartment building with the Hope Lutheran Church as Exposure B, L1 confirmed it was the residence and not the church and the rear of the residence was well-involved. Victims from the apartments were gathered on the front porch including an oxygen dependent resident. Dispatch reported possible entrapment but residents confirmed everyone out of the building but a large quantity of oxygen cylinders remained. M603 tended to the residents with none being transported.

An 1 3/4 attack line was pulled from E3 down a rear alley from Pear Street to keep the fire at bay while 2-1 3/4 lines were stretched from E11 in the front door. Fire consumed 2 rooms on the 1st floor and was stopped right before the stockpile of O2 cylinders and breathing machine became involved. Crews encountered slight extension in the 2nd floor through a hole burnt through the floor and void spaces. All searchs were clear and numerous smoke detectors were in alarm. The fire was placed under control within 30 minutes with overhaul.

Dispatch reported receiving the AFA for Hope Lutheran Church and multiple fans were set up to ventilate the church.
The Fire Marshal was called to investigate and Cars 22 and 24 were on the scene. All companies were back in house by 0800 with the FMs office remaining on scene to investigate. Photos sent in by Paramedic B. Mack and FF A. Kutz.

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