On May 2nd, shortly after 1630hrs Vigilant Hose Company units, along with numerous mutual aid companies were alerted for Box Alarm 6-1 for a reported House Fire in the 200blk of DePaul Street in Emmitsburg.

First arriving Engine 61 found a two story single family home with smoke showing from the alpha side of the structure. C6-2 (AC Brotherton) established the DePaul Street Command and requested the rapid intervention dispatch (RIT). The RIT is a group of Fire/Rescue units that are dispatched and solely assigned for the purpose of rapidly being assigned for emergency rescue of personnel operating on the scene of an active structural firefighting incident. C3 (McNeal) while in the Emmitsburg area was assigned fire attack. C10-1 (Brown) was assigned Charlie side division and C6-1 (Click) was assigned Alpha side division.

Crews initiated a rapid interior attack extinguishing the fire which began in the walls on the first floor and extended into the second floor. The fire was extinguished within 20 minutes. One occupant was displaced and is being assisted by the American Red Cross.

All VHC apparatus was staffed with volunteers, with an additional group available in quarters and on a previously dispatched EMS call and working our drive-thru Wing Feed. A total of 33 VHC VOLUNTEERS assisted for the fire.