At 03:03 hours 34, 77, 66, and 53 units were dispatched to 222 East Main Street in the Collegeville Shopping Center for a commercial building fire. Initial reports indicated smoke in the building.

Upon arrival, Battalion 34 reported heavy smoke showing from the eves of the building and assumed 34 command. A crew from 34 and 66 made initial entry to the building and found heavy smoke with intense heat, shortly before finding fire in the rear of the building. Chief 77 arrived and was assigned the C side of the building.

Upon arrival Ladder 77 was given orders to take the C-side of the building and to open up the roof. 86 crews arrived to assist Ladder 77 in additional ground ladder placement on sides C&D as well as with opening up the roof.

Companies on scene also checked for extension to neighboring units, provided ventilation and completed salvage/overhaul operations.

In all crews spent approximately three and a half hours on the fireground.

Photos courtesy of Tony Franz / Bill Kasper