At 1949 hrs (7:49 pm), the Twin Valley Fire Dept. (Station 69) was dispatched to the 900 block of Hemlock Rd for a reported building fire. Initial reports to 9-1-1 indicated that a piece of machinery was on fire in an industrial building.

Ladder 69 arrived on location and advised of heavy fire visible from a roll up garage door at Timet Titanium plant. Firefighters attempted to start an aggressive fire attack, but because of the many hazards associated with burning metal and high risk potential to life, a second alarm was struck shortly thereafter.

The second alarm assignment brought many resources from surrounding fire companies, including Lancaster and Berks counties. To help ensure that those districts were still protected from emergencies, other fire companies were dispatched to relocate to those companies. At 2011 hrs (8:11 pm), Engine 5-5 was dispatched to cover Station 69.

While enroute to Twin Valley's fire house, command struck a 3rd alarm and all incoming cover assignments, including Engine 5-5, were re-directed into the scene to assist.

Upon arrival, Engine 5-5's crew assisted with fire suppression, salvage, and overhaul. The blaze was difficult to fight as it involved metal on fire, which can't be extinguished with water. Special 'class D' extinguishers designed specifically for metal fires and foam were used to extinguish the fire.

Ultimately several hundred firefighters from numerous fire companies in 3 counties were called in to the scene to assist. There were no reported firefighter or civilian injuries.

The fire is still under investigation by Berks County and Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshals.

Station 5 cleared the scene at approximately 1 am.

Photos by Michael Schon and Chris Dunlap.