In response to multiple 911 calls, firefighters in Ewing Township in Mercer County, arrived to Berwyn Avenue to find flames blowing out nearly every window on the second and third floors of a 2-1/2-story dwelling. Prior to arrival, responding crews from Prospect Heights (Station 31) and West Trenton (Station 33) volunteer fire companies and Ewing’s career staff (Squad 30) reported a large column of smoke visible for miles. Due to the volume of 911 calls, Mercer County Central transmitted a full first alarm, which sent mutual aid to the scene from Lawrence (Engine 22), Pennington (Engine 51), Trenton (Ladder 1), and Hamilton (Engine 2 and Truck 2). Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior attack, however, heavy fire conditions and a collapse of the stairs to the third floor forced Prospect Heights Chief Doug Brower to order crews to evacuate and switch to defensive operations. Interior operations later resumed after the bulk of the fire was knocked down with exterior hoselines and Squrt 31’s elevated master stream. The blaze was finally declared under control at 1427.
– Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe
