Doylestown Fire Company was dispatched to Box 19-5, 232 Gatehouse Court, in the Charing Cross development in Doylestown Township. While en route to the scene, Battalion Chief 19 Paul Kreuter and Deputy Chief Mike Wood were informed by Bucks County Fire Radio of numerous calls for a dwelling fire, and a report from a Doylestown Township Police officer that it was a working fire. When Kreuter arrived on location, he reported heavy fire from the first floor, ordered Engine 19 to prepare to lead off with their deck gun, and established Doylestown Command. All occupants were out of the dwelling, and there was heavy fire from the garage and first floor. Heavy smoke was pushing from the second floor as Ladder 79 set up their main for ladder pipe operations and Engine 19 set up for a deck gun operation and a hand line was stretched.
Also responding on the first alarm were Plumsteadville, Midway and Warrington, along with Central Bucks Ambulance. Dublin and Chalfont were added for manpower. Engine 19-1 arrived and hit the hydrant and supplied Engine 19. Ladder 24 set up on the corner of Old Dublin and Trafalgar.
The second alarm was struck at 8:26 AM, bringing Warwick, Lingohocken, Harstville, Point Pleasant and Hilltown. Handlines were placed in service from both sides A and C. There was a collapse of the garage ceiling, and heavy fire on the second floor that was knocked down quickly. There was no extension to the attached exposure on side B, due to the quick and aggressive efforts of the companies. The fire was placed under control at 9:56 AM. There were no injuries. The fire is under investigation by the Doylestown Township fire marshal.
