Swarthmore Fire & Protective Association Report (February 1-19)

Engine 14-1, the attack pumper (center), flanked by engine 14-2 (right) and tower 14. The photo was taken with a 12-mm fisheye lens. The photographer, Andy Shelter, writes, “The trucks were all parked normally. It’s just the lens that makes it look that way.” Photo: Andy Shelter

Tyler Macrone at the February 5 fire on Highland Avenue. Photo: Pat O’Rourke Jr.

On February 5, a crew of four Swarthmore firefighters was dispatched to help the Morton-Rutledge fire department respond to a fire in the 400 block of Highland Avenue in Morton. It was a working-stove fire with flames extending from the stove.   

When Swarthmore’s Engine 14-1 arrived on the scene, smoke was rising from the single-story residence. Firefighters extended a 1¾”-diameter fire hose through the rear door. They found fire in both the kitchen and dining rooms, and extinguished it. 

Crews remained on scene for two hours, checking for any places where the fire might have extended, and assisting the fire marshal’s investigation of the scene. Fire departments also responded from Springfield, Holmes, and Prospect Park. 

The Springfield fire department checked for any inhabitants and hooked up the fire hoses to the hydrants to enable the water supply. The Prospect Park fire department sent a rapid intervention team (whose job was to be available to rescue emergency personnel if needed, rather than directly fight the fire).