Wednesday, September 5, 2012 The Berwyn Fire Company was dispatched at 2:14 p.m. to the intersection of Country Gate Dr. and Gate View Dr. in Tredyffrin Township for an automobile fire. The information from the Chester County Department of Emergency Services 9-1-1 Center indicated a Tredyffrin Township Police Officer was reporting their patrol car on fire.

Assistant Chief 2A (Justin Brundage) arrived on scene at 2:17 p.m. to find a Tredyffrin Township patrol car on fire in the middle of the roadway.

Just before firefighters from Engine 2-2 made their approach to extinguish the fire, there was an explosion that sent the trunk of the car over 50' into the air. The blast also sent glass, metal and other debris over 100' away from the patrol car. It is likely that the oxygen tank, stored in a medical bag in the trunk, caused the explosion.

The crew of Engine 2-2 was able to extinguish the fire shortly after their arrival. Firefighters also contained the fuel and other vehicle fluids that were flowing towards storm drains with absorbent pads and oil dry.

All Station 2 Fire/EMS units cleared the scene at 4:27 p.m. This call highlights the unexpected dangers firefighters encounter when dealing with these types of fires.

Fortunately, there were no first responders or civilians injured during this incident. The police officer involved was able to safely exit their vehicle after smelling smoke inside their car. The alert officer was able to remove their firearms and ammunition before the fire overtook the vehicle. This action greatly reduced the danger to firefighters and also to residents in the neighborhood.

The Chester County Fire Marshal's Office investigated the cause of the fire and has ruled it accidental. A preliminary source of the blaze has been attributed to the area of the secondary power distribution system located in the trunk of the car.