RIT GOES TO BROOMALL HOUSE FIRE: 107 THOMAS AVE.

At 12:45 pm Saturday afternoon, Companies 53 (Broomall), 56 (Manoa), Ladder 35 (Brookline), and Medic 53 (Marple Twp. EMS) were dispatched to 107 Thomas Ave. for a house fire, reported to be in the attic. As companies were responding, Fireboard advised 53 command that police were on scene with heavy smoke showing, so command immediately added RIT 20 to the assignment. First-in units reported heavy smoke from a 1 1/2 story single home and fire in the rear bedroom and attic area above. RIT/Rescue 20 (Lieut. Rapp) arrived and set-up for RIT on the “A” side of the dwelling. Crews were in service with several handlines to quickly knock the fire, with minimal extension. The job was placed under control in about 30 minutes. Due to the extreme heat and humidity, command added Rescue 41 (Newtown Square) for relief/manpower. Rescue 58 (Bon Air) was also added for the Air Bank. Rescue 20 stood-by for about 45 minutes before being released and heading back to the Township.