NewsWorking. Fire Photographer was first to arrive at this working house fire. At 1838 hours, Coplay 5 and Whitehall engines 3 & 13 take-in a box for a house fire at 24 Saylor Drive in Coplay. Initial dispatch reports the fire to be "working". With that report, command struck a second alarm immediately.

Newsworking photographer arrives minutes later to find heavy fire conditions in the rear of a 1-story S/F/D. Whitehall's Squrt 3 arrives as first-due engine and stretches two lines - one to the front door and one to the rear using side B. The initial line to the front door was delayed in being charged because of pump problems.

Coplay Engine 5 arrives and stretches two lines to the rear. Another large handline was stretched off of Squrt 3 to the rear using the D side of the home.

Initial engine crews made a good attack through the front door after getting the line wet. However, with the delay in calling 911 (as the homeowner tried to battle the blaze) and with heavy fire conditions met on arrival, the attack was a little to late to save the house, as it was totally gutted.

Companies working the two alarm blaze: Coplay engines 511 and 512, Whitehall Engines 3, 13, 4, rescue 5, Cascade unit 3292 (Woodlawn) EMS 6291 (Cetronia) and Macungie Recon 6651.

The homeowner sustained burns to his feet and was transported to a local hospital. Red Cross was on scene assisting the family.