BTFC was dispatched at 3:26pm Wednesday afternoon to assist the Quarryville Fire Company with a reported chicken house on fire on Robert Fulton Highway in East Drumore Township. First arriving Quarryville units arrived to confirm a 50'x300' chicken house with fire throughout and requested additional tankers and resources to the scene.

Engine 51-2 arrived and laid a second supply line back the driveway of approximately 1000' and the crew assisted with handlines and fire attack to protect the second chicken house that was right beside the fire building. Squad 51 arrived and the crew walked back the driveway to assist as needed. Tanker 51 set up a second nurse tanker operation, supplying the line laid by Engine 51-2 and also supplementing the supply for Tanker 57 on the other supply line. Tanker 51-2 responded and hauled several loads of water while Utility 51 and fire police assisted with traffic control around the scene.

Firefighters had to battle not only the flames but also extreme cold. Any water on the ground froze almost instantly with temperatures in the low teens and added more difficulties and safety concerns to the incident.
We would like to thank Garden Spot Fire Rescue (GSFR39) for standing by in our station while we were out, and also Intercourse Fire Company for doing the same and staying to help us clean hose when we got back. Thanks also to all of the BTFC members who made a nice meal (with plenty of warm food and drinks) for us when we returned.

Thanks to Tom Amico for most of the photos.