Skippack Fire Company was dispatched to a commercial building fire Friday evening at 19:37. The call for service at Palmer International on Lucon Road in the township, reported a machine on fire inside the building. Further reports stated that all occupants of the building were evacuated.

The Deputy Chief arrived on scene at 19:40 and reported smoke showing as he entered the campus. The Deputy Chief establish Palmer Command.

Command request several special calls bringing additional firefighters, EMS and equipment to the scene. At the incidents 20 minute mark with the county, command reported: three lines in service and two mains to the roof, with crews working to locate the seat of the fire.

At the incidents 30 minute mark with the county, command reported: the fire was contained to the duct work and one machine inside the building.

Crews worked with building employees to ensure the oxidizer machine involved was properly powered down and cooled before opening it to extinguish the remaining fire within it and the duct work.

The fire was declared under control at 20:47. Crews remained on scene for an extended period with extensive overhaul needed.

Skippack Fire Company units responding in addition to the Deputy Chief included: Chief, Ladder (with the Battalion Chief, Captain and Lieutenant), Squad (with the Assistant Chief), Special Service, Tanker and Utility 86.

Assisting on scene were: Harleysville, Lower Frederick, Lower Providence, Perkiomen, Towamencin, Trappe, Upper Salford and Worcester Fire Companies. EMS units assisting on scene included: Skippack Emergency Medical Services, Harleysville Area EMS and Trappe Fire Company Ambulance. Harleysville Area EMS transported one civilian for evaluation to a local hospital. There were no other injuries were reported.

Mutual Aid companies were released as the incident was brought under control. All Skippack Fire Company units were available and Palmer Command terminated at 23:24.

Photo Credits: Roberta Bracken, Keith Grierson and Ted Hodgins