At 0408 hours on Saturday, May 7th, members were alerted for a stand-by assignment at Station 27D (Fairmount Engine Company) while Norristown (Station 27) and neighboring companies were operating at a working building fire with entrapment in the unit block of Dekalb Street. While enroute, the 2nd alarm was sounds and the Squad was diverted to the scene. Members were assigned and assisted with fire extinguishment, ventilation and overhaul. The crew operated for about 3 hours before returning home. Despite heroic attempts by first in units, the fire claimed the lives of four occupants and injured several more.
About two hours from being released from the 2nd alarm fire in Norristown, Station 47 and surrounding companies were alerted for another building fire, this time in the unit block of Patriot Road in the Valley Forge Homes section of our first due. In addition to Station 47, Engine 31 (Bridgeport Fire Company), Engine 32 (Goodwill Fire Company), Ladder 48 (Swedeland Fire Company), Squirt 49 (Swedesburg Fire Company), Delco Quint 15 (Radnor Fire Company), Ladder 6 (Flourtown Fire Company) and Ladder 27 (Norristown Fire Department) would respond on the run. Engine 47-1 arrived on location with heavy smoke showing, secured an initial water supply and stretched an 1 3/4″ attack line to the front door. Chief 47 arrived on location shortly thereafter and assumed Patriot Road command, ordering Squad 47 to go in service as the truck company, ventilating and opening interior ceilings and walls. Other units responding reported to the manpower pool and assisted with primary and secondary searches, extinguishing hotspots, salvage and overhaul. Units remained on location until just before noon.
The afternoon proved to be just as busy with the company responding to three additional calls for service including a cooking fire, an electrical fire and an overheated motor.
The officers and members of the company would like to extend our deepest condolences to family and friends of the victims who tragically lost their lives in incident in Norristown.
