A Fire in the Neighborhood

Photo by  Dylan Brandt

Because he arrived in time to get photos of flames 

(not shown here), Dylan is now 

an honorary 

member
of the brotherhood of

Mercury photographers.

So I'm a little worried my son may go into the family business.

When we heard the first report there was a fire on East Second Street between York and Johnson streets, Friday, my 16-year-old son Dylan went into action.

We live in the numbered streets, so he was pretty close.

He got there, saw firefighters dash down the alley between Second and Third streets, followed them and, when he saw the fire, asked permission of neighbors watching the fire if he could go up on their porch to shoot the fire from above.

I've got to make him understand that there is no money in journalism any more and he should stick to his plans to be a scientist.

Anyhow, fathers are like that.

While at the scene of the fire afterward, I was reminded how incredibly effective the Pottstown fire fighters are.

Photo by Dylan Brandt

He even had the presence of mind to shoot the scene.

Fire Chief Richard Lengel said the fire was essentially knocked down in about 15 minutes.

Looking at the charred remains of 39 E. Second St. and 37 E. Second St., both of which were destroyed by the fire, it occurred to me how much worse it could have been if the fire had been allowed to spread along the rest of the row homes on that block.

There may be turmoil among the fire companies right now because of the merger proposal, but its re-assuring to know that when it comes time to fight fires, these volunteers put those differences aside and do what they do best.

And they are very good at it.

If you get a chance, tell them so next time you see one of them.

Here are the Tweets from the fire scene.

This Week's Hot News

Mercury Photo by John Strickler

Don't let what happened to this Third Street home in June happen to your house. Learn how to prevent fires and how to escape when they occur.

It's Fire Prevention Week folks.

Mercury Photo by John Strickler

James March is rescued from the 

burning building

That means its time to think about a few things.

At last week's borough council meeting, Fire Chief Richard Lengel reminded us all never to leave things on or in the stove unattended and to clean out the lint from our dryers, the cause of many a fire in the borough.

That's not all he did.

He also presented Lifesaving Awards to David Saylor, Chad Quinter, Carleton Gillis and Drew Yanos for their role in the June 4 fire at 127 E. Third St. in which James March, 89, was found inside a burning building and rescued.

He died weeks later in a hospital.

The video below shows the ceremony in which the firefighters were honored:

Looking at the photos offers a sharp reminder not only of the dangers our firefighters face, but also of just how bad it can get.

How do you survive? Below are a few helpful tips from the experts:

Home fires can happen at any time and spread in just minutes, claiming the lives and property of those affected. During the week of October 7-13, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), in partnership with the National

Fire Protection Association, are encouraging individuals and families to have a fire escape plan. People can protect their homes and loved ones from emergencies by making their homes safer now and throughout the year.

Hundreds of thousands of fires happen in and around American homes every year, killing or injuring thousands of people and causing untold damage to families and communities. In 2010 alone, a total of 362,100 residential fires resulted in 2,555 deaths, 13,275 injuries, and more than $6.6 billion in property loss. For more information on fire statistics, visit:http://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/estimates/index.shtm.

Have a plan to get your family out.

FEMA Region III Acting Regional Administrator Robert Welch encourages everyone to prepare for and prevent against a fire: "In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you and your family must always be prepared. Having an escape plan and practicing it can help you get out quickly."

The best way to prepare for a fire is to plan in advance and practice your response plan. Here are some suggestions for how to get ready:

• Check that all smoke alarms work: USFA recommends that every residence be equipped with both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms or dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors;

• Make sure that there are two ways out of every room;

• Make a home fire plan; and

• Practice with family members including children, older family members, and individuals who have access and functional needs so that every person knows how to use both ways to get to safety.

For more information about fire safety and prevention, visit:
- National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org
- Ready.gov at Ready.gov/fires
- U.S. Fire Administration at www.usfa.fema.gov. View a USFA fire drill video athttp://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/9989.