On April 16, Easter Sunday, just before 3p.m. Ladder 1 was dispatched on the assist to Birdsboro (C07) for a reported structure/furnace fire at 123 Cinder St. The first arriving unit from Co 7 reported heavy smoke and fire at the door and made it a working fire. Within 10 minutes a second alarm was called for additional companies which sent Engine 1 to the scene along with the rest of the second alarm companies. The smoky fire had rapidly extended from the lower level and up the walls and compromised the structural integrity of the second floor. Crews did extensive ventilation to lift the smoke so the hose crews could make progress. The fire was placed under control with extensive overhaul needed at 4:45p.m. Units from Mt. Penn were able to return shortly before 6p.m. The exact cause of this fire remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal. A special thank you goes to Western Berks (Ladder 18) and Laureldale (E13) for standing by at our station and providing coverage for the area.
