City of Williamsport Tower 1 was responding to assist Engine 1 on a medical run when they observed smoke coming from a church at Washington Boulevard and Packer Street. Upon arrival City Firemen were met with heavy smoke and what appeared to be a basement fire. The duty chief immediately struck the second alarm bringing in South units along with Old Lycoming and Montoursville. Loyalsock was on the street returning from an automatic fire alarm and responded in to assist. Rescue 5 was at the training grounds (CAFCA) with High Angle Rope 2 class and responded from there. Ladder 5responded from the station. Ladder 5 was involved in a minor MVA on the Market Street Bridge and 180 West Off Ramp and discontinued their response.
Ladder 5 immediately placed the apparatus in park and began to check for injuries. No injuries were reported, and no one was transported to the hospital.
Rescue 5 arrived on scene of the original dispatched fire and was assigned Rapid Intervention Team. Chief 5 completed a 360 and assisted with laddering the building for RIT responsibilities. Crew from Rescue 5 stood as RIT and eventually was pulled from RIT to assist with opening up and chasing a stubborn fire through the voids.
Ladder 5 was released by the Williamsport police department and after the engineer inspected the damage, deemed the apparatus safe to operate. Ladder 5 continued into the city non emergent and stood by in staging with manpower.
Units operated on scene approximately 1 and a half hours until released by City Command.
