Reading PA Fire Recent Calls

A quick knockdown of fire by firefighters minimizes damage at the woodworking company dispite lack of exits in basement and housekeeping issues. The fire is being investigated by the Fire Marshal's office.

This morning around 11:00hrs, a Phantom Box was dispatched for smoke in the building in the Second Street Learning Center inside the Opportunity House at 430 north Second Street. Engines 3, 11, 1, 13, Ladder 1, Tower 1, Rescue 1, Medic 603 and Cars 1 and 3 responded. Engine 3 and Ladder 1 arrived in the block and reported the building was being evacuated.

Firefighters detected an odor of smoke immediately upon entering the Learning Center. The smoke was filtering through the ventilation system and firefighters found a problem with the HVAC as the cause. The unit was tagged for repairs and firefighters ventilated the minor smoke condition.

Although the building was fully monitored, no alarm was received because of testing on the system. The call was received on the cell phone of the administrator of Readingpafire.com prior to dispatch being alerted. Personnel at the center were instructed on the use of the 911 system.

Box 134 was dispatched around 04:00 this morning for a report of a house fire in the 400 block of Strong Alley, located in the rear of the 400 block of Minor Street. Apparatus arrived on location and found fire blowing out several windows at 418 Strong Alley. Occupants had evacuated the home by the time firefighters arrived.

An 1 3/4 line was stretched into the dwelling and the fire was attacked head on. Two rooms on the 2nd floor were heavily involved but crews had the visible flames blackened down within 20 minutes. The fire had extensively damaged the interior and firefighters needed another hour to overhaul the upper floors and burned contents.

The Fire Marshal's office is investigating the fire, firefighters believe a candle may have been involved. Investigators are also checking on a delay in the time the fire was discovered and the first call to 911. Engines 5, 1, 3 and 13 safety, Tower 1, Ladder 1, Rescue 1 and Cars 4 and 8 responded.