No one was home when neighbor alerted authorities to smoke
Firefighters responded to the unit block of Woodland Avenue on Tuesday afternoon for what was determined to be an accidental kitchen fire.
Fortunately, a home in the unit block of Woodland Avenue was unoccupied at 2:09 p.m. on Tuesday when smoke began billowing out, said Acting Fire Chief Jim Lentz.
A neighbor called 9-1-1, Lentz said, and firefighters were on the scene in less than four minutes, he said. Though short-handed, the first crew managed to knock the fire down and ensure that no one was trapped inside, Lentz said, adding that smoke was coming from all three floors of the twin home. “Their quick action saved two homes and kept damage to a minimum,” he said.
Lentz said the fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes. Coatesville police and firefighters from Modena, Downingtown, Thorndale, and the Veterans’ Administration Medical Center assisted, he said. He said Assistant Chief Fire Marshal Jack Weer of the Chester County Fire Marshal’s Office helped trace the fire to the kitchen; it was deemed accidental, Lentz said.
“The fire was caused by a pot left cooking on the stove,” Lentz said. “Residents should be aware that stoves, ovens, and cooktops are designed to be supervised at all times when they are used.”
No one was injured, said Lentz, but the home sustained significant damage. It has been declared unsafe by the city’s Codes Department and cannot be occupied until repairs are made, he said, adding that the other half of the duplex was also affected.
Two adults from each home had to be evacuated, and the American Red Cross was contacted and is assisting them, Lentz said. He said he wanted to remind residents that smoke detectors should be installed on every floor and are available free to city residents who call 610-384-0300, ext. 3111.
