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Multiple calls were received by Communications as heavy smoke billowed from the Millmont section of Reading around 13:30 this afternoon. Phone Box 158 was dispatched at 13:33 for the 400 BLK of Orrton Avenue, a primarily industrial area of Millmont. E14-E5-E1-L1-R1-E13 Safety-Cars 1-2-9 & County M685 responded. E14 arrived within the minute at 301 Orrton Avenue, International Foundry Supply Industries, Building 3.
Heavy black smoke was pushing from all the orifices of the 100x200 foot 2 to 3 story block building with no windows. S1 (T1) was special called to the Phantom Box assignment, Car 600 also responded.
Initial reports stated the fire was in an area of the hazardous material Resin which was being heated by oil, Car 1 immediately received MSDS sheets for the buildings HazMats from plant personnel.
Interior lines were advanced from E14 on the westside of the building and E1 on the eastside. E5 supplied the sprinkler connection which kept the fire in check until the line from E1 knocked the fire down in the SE portion of the building. The bulk of the fire was knocked down by 14:02 and after a line was stretched up L1 to knock down some fire in the roof, the fire was placed under control at 14:21.
UGI and Met-Ed cut utilities from the street.
Unit 200 responded to the Box. EMA was called as some hydrocarbons in the runoff got into the catch basin.
Three Engines on the Box were bolstered in manpower as Probationary firefighters were driver training for the day and got some "on the job training". Crews cleared the scene after 1600 and an investigation is ongoing.
One person was reportedly taken to the hospital. The victim was the same person working in the area of the fire just prior to the outbreak.
Thanks to Dispatcher Heister for contributing to this story and to FF D. Marks for sending us the photos.
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