NORTHAMTPON COUNTY, PA – Firefighters were dispatched to 4555 Lehigh Drive in Lehigh Township for a possible dwelling fire at 6:26 a.m. on Sunday, February 13. The local alarm included Lehigh Township Station 47, Walnutport Truck 4421 (Lehigh County 2931), Allen Township Tender 4531 and Northampton Regional EMS.
A caller reported fire on the side of an unoccupied house, and Chief 4751 was advised that it sounded like he was going to encounter a working fire. 4755 quickly confirmed the working fire. Chief 4751 requested the box be upgraded to a first alarm. The first alarm was struck and brought Laury’s Station Tanker 1221 and Allen Township Engine 4512.
Chief 4751 arrived on scene and reported heavy fire showing from the first floor. He then assumed command of Lehigh Drive. Command directed Engine 4712 to take the A/B corner and begin an interior attack. Truck 4421 was directed to the A side and to fly the aerial to the roof. Tanker 4731 arrived, dropped their dump tank behind 4712, and began a tanker shuttle. Command requested additional tankers and RIT be dispatched.
The request added tankers from Bath, East Allen Township, and Klecknersville, along with Friedens and Neffs from Lehigh County. Northampton Truck 4221 was dispatched as RIT.
Within fifteen minutes command reported the bulk of the fire had been darkened down and crews were searching for hot spots.
Lehigh County Engine 1211 was dispatched and requested to respond to the Berlinsville Quarry to set up a fill site. Prior to arriving, they were redirected to the scene as Slatington Engine 2412 was dispatched to set up the fill site.
Northampton Truck 4221 arrived and sent their crew to the A/D corner to operate as RIT.
With the fire knocked down, crews remained searching for hot spots and performing overhaul throughout the morning.
Although the original call stated the house was unoccupied one male was chased out of the house by fire and was uninjured.
As crews were picking up from the fire, a large column of smoke was noticed less than a mile down the road. A fully involved barn fire was discovered, which required two alarms to contain.
