Earlier Thursday morning the Collingdale Police were alerted to a burglar alarm at Urban Neon Electric Sign Company, 1116 Macdade Blvd. Sgt. Ken Felker and Ptlm. Bill Carter arrived to find smoke pushing out a garage bay door and paint blistering on the door. They immediately requested the fire companies for the building fire. The assigment called for Company 06, Company 42, and RIT 44 (Springfield).  Engine 42 under the command of 1st Asst. Chief Rich Guerra and Quint 06 under the command of 2nd Lt. Mike Boyle arrived to a 300 X 100 one story commercial structure with heavy smoke showing from the middle bay door. 1st. Asst. Chief Guerra assumed Macdade Blvd. command and within seconds a loud explosion was heard from inside the building and heavy fire presented from the bay door. Rescue 42 and Engine 06-1 arrived shortly thereafter and crews went to work forcing entry into the building and stretching handlines in an attempt to contain the fire until a push could be made from inside. Engine Co. 09 (Sharon Hill), Engine Co. 04 (Darby #1),  Ladder 21 (Darby #2), and RIT 43 (Holmes) were added to the assignment and on their arrival immediately went to work assisting first-in crews with forcible entry and ventilation. Multiple metal cutting saws were placed in service and several holes were cut in the roof. Security measures to the building and a live electrical wire that came down directly in front of the fire building initially hampered crews access and advancement inside the building. A third alarm was struck for manpower bringing in Company 75 (Briarcliffe), Company 16 (Yeadon), Tower 05 (Glenolden), and Rescue 01 (Folcroft). Cover companies, Ladder 48 (Tinicum) and Engine 62 (Vauclain), were also called in for assistance with overhaul and clean-up. Rapid Intervention Services were handled by RIT 43 and RIT 44. RIT 45 (Parkside) was added when crews from 44 were placed in service with secondary building access and attack assigments. Canteen 67 (Woodlyn), Medic 06-7, and Medic 04-7 set up a rehab station with sandwiches and water. Companies were in service for approximately 5 1/2 hours. We extend our appreciation to all companies on scene for their assistance and we apologize if we missed anyone who came out to help. Special thanks to Wawa Store #19 for their donation of bottled water during the incident.

Click for audio. Courtesy of Fireground Audio - John Colden.

Click for more pics! All pictures are courtesy of Frank Wesnoski.

Conditions shortly after arrival.

Conditions on arrival.