July 01 - (21:10) DCFD first alarm companies were dispatched to 375 Main St., an apartment complex for senior citizens, for a report of the first floor filling with smoke. Chief Chowanec arrived on scene followed by Engine 23 (which was returning from one of our many mulch fires) to find a heavy smoke condition coming from an apartment on the first floor. The Engine crew established a water supply and advanced a hand line to the apartment while also venting the room as they gained entry to search for occupants. Ladder 23 split crews and checked the fire floor and the apartment above for extension but found none. Crews from Engine 22 and Rescue 27 did primary and secondary searches on all 3 floors above the fire. Once it was determined that all occupants were safely out of the building and that the fire did not extend beyond the apartment of origin, all companies were tasked with ventilating the 4 story building. As fire personnel were handling operations, EMS crews had their hands full with assisting approximately 42 displaced residents, many of whom required medical assistance to evacuate the building. The fire was caused by careless smoking. Approximately 8 residents were relocated for the evening by the American Red Cross. The officers and members of the DCFD would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who assisted at this incident. Everyone worked together as a team to make this experience less traumatizing to all the affected residents. Crews were on scene for 2-1/2 hours.
Companies on scene: C-23, L-23, E-23, E-22, R-27, 23-9, 25-8, 25-9, 2-9, Lackawanna Ambulance Units, CLS Units, American Red Cross, DCFD Ladies Auxiliary, DCPD.
SRN Companies L-20 and E-261 were placed on stand-by.
