At 6:26PM The Twin Valley Fire Department along with Lancaster County Station 3-4 (Churchtown), an Engine from Station 33 (Honey Brook), and 89 Ambulance (Elverson EMS) were dispatched to the USA Inn and Suites at 65 Mineview Drive in Caernarvon Township for the reported building fire. Deputy 69 (C.Hostetler) responded and was advised by the Chester County Fireboard that the caller reported a fire in the laundry room. Deputy 69 arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the front of the lobby area and took Mineview Command.
Within minutes, the fire flashed and consumed the entire first floor, consuming the lobby area. Ladder 69 arrived and began to knock down the fire on the first floor. Engine 69-2 and 69-5 took up positions out front and assisted with fire suppression. Tankers from 3-4 and 33 established a water supply, and sent manpower to the scene.
A Tanker Task Force was called due to a lack of fire hydrants in the area. Crews stopped the fire from running down the west wing of the motel by making a trench cut into the roof. Firefighters had a difficult time bringing the fire on the second floor under control due to the deteriorating conditions inside.
Relocates from Birdsboro (Berks Co. 7) and Ridge (62) were brought in to assist with overhaul. The fire was placed under control at 8:02PM, and all units returned at 10:23PM.
The fire is currently under investigation by the State Police Fire Marshall from the Reading Barracks.
