Bradford, PA, April 19, 2008
- A fire intentionally started by the occupant destroyed a home. The Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched at 1:19 A.M. for a structure fire reported as fully involved with live power lines down in the street. Tower 1 and Engine 1 responded with five firefighters under the command of Captain Chris Angell. Prior to arrival on scene, Angell requested a second alarm as the fire could be seen in the night sky from blocks away. Tower 1 approached the scene from the south side and Engine 1 went in from the north, laying a 400-foot supply line from a hydrant. A 150-foot supply line was hand laid to Tower 1. The initial attack was made using the deck gun and monitors from Engine 1 and Tower 1. The second alarm included Engine 2, two paramedic ambulances, a paramedic unit and the chief's car with 12 off-duty firefighters. The Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department sent two rescue pumpers and 18 firefighters.
Due to low water pressure, Bradford Township Engine 151 laid 300 feet of supply line from a hydrant and picked up the supply line laid by Engine 1 and pumped to Engine 1. Bradford Township Engine 153 was positioned with Tower 1 and supplemented its water supply with its 1,700 gallons of booster-tank water. As the water supply issues were resolved, Tower 1 placed an aerial master stream and two handlines in operation. Engine 1 also put two handlines in operation. Bradford Township was released from the scene at 4:19 A.M. Tower 1 and Engine 1 returned to quarters at 4:39 A.M. Engine 2 remained on scene for two more hours for mop-up operations.
An investigation by Bradford City Police and the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Division resulted in the occupant of the house being charged with arson, risking a catastrophe, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. A car parked nearby and a house across the street were damaged.
