Olive Street blaze believed to be accidental
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
Firefighters responded to the 500 block of Olive Street Tuesday night for a blaze that was brought under control in about 20 minutes, said Coatesville Interim Fire Chief Jim Lentz.
Heavy smoke coming from the first floor of a three-story dwelling in the 500 block of Olive Street greeted city firefighters who responded at 7:39 p.m. Tuesday, said Coatesville Interim Fire Chief Jim Lentz.
Assisted by personnel from the Modena and V.A. fire departments, the apparently accidental blaze was brought under control in about 20 minutes and contained to the first floor, Lentz said.
“The first fire suppression unit was on the scene within two minutes of departing from the fire station, less than four minutes from the initial alarm. This is exactly what prevented the fire from spreading to the balance of the dwelling and the neighbor’s home,” said Lentz. “The responding personnel deserve a pat on the back for a difficult job that very well done”.
Two homes have been declared unsafe by the Coatesville Codes Department and are not permitted to be occupied until repairs are made. The building where the fire originated, which had working smoke detectors, suffered extensive damage to the first floor, and the attached neighbor’s home experienced smoke damage, Lentz said.
Four adults and seven children, none of whom were injured, were displaced and are being assisted by the Red Cross, Lentz said.
Lentz said an investigation is being completed by the Chester County Fire Marshal’s office; however, the cause appears accidental in nature.
The City of Coatesville Bureau of Fire would like to remind residents that smoke detectors are available free of charge to residents by calling 610-384-0300, ext. 3101. Free home fire safety inspections are also available.
