Lumber

On Saturday, February 9, 2013 at roughly 10:40PM Flourtown Fire Company was dispatched to a confirmed building fire at Rittenhouse Lumber. The storage/cutting shed behind the main buildings of the lumber yard was fully involved as units arrive. Joined by Oreland Fire Company, Wyndmoor Hose Co, Barren Hill Fire Company, and Fort Washington Fire Company to stubborn blaze pushed on by a steady cold wind made guarding exposures a priority. The fire totally destroyed the shed, but did not spread to any adjacent buildings or the nearby gas station. No injuries were reported. Extinguishment and hot spot operations lasted most of the night, with the last units leaving the scene at 5AM the next morning. Salt for icy conditions and backhoes had to be called from Whitemarsh and Springfield Township public works.

Photo credits: FFCo, Scott Lynch and Karl Ross

At approximately 3:30 PM, Squad 6 was requested at reduced speed to a vehicle accident by Chief 700. An auto came through the intersection of Walnut and Lorraine Avenues in Oreland and struck the corner support of the porch and front of the house on the corner. There were no injuries. Squad 6 responded and additional personnel responded in Utility 6 which also acted as Fire Police. Paratech shoring was used along with an air cylinder to shore up the porch. Station 700 assisted in the shoring operation and layed down oil dry. Lumber was brought in by Mike Thornton’s Carpentry Service to back up the temporary shoring and the porch was secure. There was extensive damage to the porch and front wall of the home. (Photos by Bob Wilmot)

See a photo slideshow here or below:

Rittenhouse Lumber Storage & Cutting Shed Fire

Auto into a House – Walnut and Lorraine – Oreland – 6/29/11