On 11/28/23 at 19:22, Crary Hose, Clymer Hose, Harrison Township, Sabinsville Ambulance and Elkland with RIT were dispatched to 10 Hancock Hollow Rd, Westfield Township to the scene of a reported structure fire, fully involved. Engine 5-3 with crew of 5 and multiple units from Clymer Hose arrived on scene to a single-wide house trailer with flame showing from three sides. A 360 assessment by those first on-scene turned up no sign of anyone home or near exists, but the location of the occupants remained unknown during the incident. Crary and Clymer crews worked in unison to attempt to darken the fire with available tank water and two hand lines. The structure was almost completely engulfed in flames and had self-ventilated in numerous locations on the B, C and D sides. Crews quickly used up available tank water with little effect.
5″ LDH was laid from the scene to the bottom of Hancock Hill Rd and a reliable water supply was quickly established by a Harrison Twp pumper, supported by a tanker relay consisting of units from Crary Hose, Knoxville-Deerfield, Chatham Twp, Harrison Twp and Tri-Town, filling at Station 5.
Once a reliable source of water was acquired, suppression efforts resumed. By 19:45, three handlines were in service and the attack was very effective, darkening the blaze and bringing the fire under control at 20:05. Multiple searches of the structure were performed when fire conditions allowed for more access, all with negative findings. Crary, Clymer, Harrison, Elkland and Knoxville crews worked together in cold, slippery conditions in an extended overhaul session, with the fire finally being declared out around 22:00.
Tri-County was called to scene to secure the electrical service. PSP Fire Marshall was called to the scene to investigate, and the American Red Cross was contacted. Thankfully, it was later confirmed that the occupants of the dwelling were not home and contact was made with them. The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time. The home was heavily damaged. Our thoughts and prayers are with those left without a home by this incident.
Middlebury Twp FD served stand-by duty at Westfield station and Tri-Town at Harrison station during the incident. Thank you to Tioga County Dispatch for another job well-done.
Crary Hose would like to thank Clymer Hose for their exceptional response last night. Thank you to Middlebury Twp for covering our station and staying late once we returned to help our weary firefighters get Engine 5-3 back in service. Thank you to Sabinsville Ambulance for providing refreshments for the crews on scene. Thank you to Cassy Adams and Amanda Hughes (The Colonial Catering) for dropping coffee off at the station.
Crary Hose Firefighters serving at this incident: Chief 5 B. Goltz, Chief 5-10 B. Skelton, Chief 5-20 M. Heyler, Chief 5-30 K. Mack, FP Captain M. James, FP Lieutenant G. Bisel, Captain A. Adams, FF S. Brubaker, FF D. Earle, FF K. Miles, FF L. Miles, FF M. Reed, FF T. Streeter, J-FF Will Ladd, FF S. Mitchell, Prob. Member J. Jordain.
Chief 5 gave praise to all on-scene for their hard work in inclement weather conditions.