Crews rescued one person from a fire Thursday evening that severely damaged a home in Exeter Township.
Initial reports of a structure fire with entrapment in the 1100 block of Claire Drive came in about 4:45 p.m. Multiple tankers, ladder trucks, rescue engines and medics were called to the scene.
A deck attached to the single-story manufactured home was on fire, trapping one male resident inside, initial reports said.
Firefighters approaching the scene reported a large column of smoke and heavy flames throughout the rear of the building. A second alarm was struck.
“Crews immediately went into rescue operations (when they arrived),” said Chris Jordan, Exeter fire chief. “They removed one victim through a first floor window.”
One firefighter was taken to the Reading Hospital for evaluation for smoke inhalation, and multiple others were treated at the scene, Jordan said.
“He is doing well,” Jordan said of the transported firefighter.
The victim also was transported to Reading Hospital, according to Jordan. His current condition was unknown.
Jordan said crews were faced with challenging conditions that complicated gaining access to the house, he said.
Crews faced challenging conditions that complicated access to the home on Claire Drive in Exeter, firefighters said. (Courtesy of Chris Jordan)
The fire was placed under control about an hour after crews arrived. The house was a total loss, Jordan said.
It was unknown whether any other residents were displaced from the home, firefighters said.
Bob Jordan, fire chief Emeritus, said the crews quickly arrived at the scene from a previous mulch fire at a nearby Redner’s grocery store.
“It was very heroic what the guys did (during the search and rescue),” Bob Jordan said. “The guys at Exeter go above and beyond. As an ex-fire chief, I’m very proud of them.”
Crews used axes and other tools to gain entry to a burning home on Claire Drive in Exeter. (Courtesy of Chris Roberts)
A house fire on Claire Drive in Exeter prompted a large response from the Exeter Township Fire Department. (Courtesy of Chris Jordan)