Story and Photos by
GREG LEAMAN
Lancaster Township Fire Department, Lancaster County PA was dispatched for
an apartment building fire at 51 Michelle Drive at the Village of Lancaster
Green Apartment complex. Second Assistant Chief Keith Rankin enroute to the
scene was advised by Lancaster County Wide Communications they were
receiving multiple calls of the fire. Chief Rankin immediately requested
Truck 6-7 (Roherstown FC) for a R.I.T team and Engine 6-5-4 (Millersville
FC) be dispatched to the scene. LTFD Captain Steve Roy arrived on the scene
with fire showing from two apartments and immediately called for a second
alarm.
LTFD Engine 6-6-1 arrived and took a position on side one and secured in own
water supply from a hydrant. Engine 6-6-1 crew advanced their apartment line
through the front door of the building. LTFD Truck 6-6 arrived and took a
position on side 3. The truck crew was assigned to assist Engine 6-6-1 crew
in gaining entry. After gaining access to the unit involved, the crews
encountered heavy fire in the bedroom area of the apartment. Lt. Jim
Estremera, FF Frank Rineer and FF Joey Diaz stopped the fire and held it in
the room of origin on the first floor.
LTFD Truck 6-6 did a primary search which was negative. LTFD Engine 6-6-3
and 6-6-2 arrived and took position on side 3. The crews advanced a second
apartment line to the second floor where they found fire in one bedroom and
knocked it down.
After knocking down the fire, the crews were assisted by firefighters from
Station 6-5 on overhaul. Crews from Station 6-8 (West Lancaster FC) worked
on ventilation while Truck 5-12 (Willow Street FC) crew conducted a
secondary search of the entire building. Truck 2-3 (East Petersburg FC) crew
secured the utilities.
Command was run by LTFD Captain Steve Roy and LTFD Second Assistant Chief
Keith Rankin. Millersville Chief 6-5 ran operations on the incident.
Damage is estimated at $100,000 and my grow as the investigation continues.
The Lancaster Chapter of the American Red Cross was on the scene. The number
of displaced occupants could not be determined as of Sunday night.
One fire police officer was taken to Lancaster General Hospital and treated
for Heat exhaustion.
