"Hack with it strike a 3rd!"
With that order "Hack with it strike a 3rd!" Reading fire alarm transmitted a 3rd alarm for a structure fire on Tempe Street.
Around 15:00:00 hours Reading fire sounded the tones and transmitted a box for a report of a structure fire with "Smoke and Fire showing" per the dispatch.
Reading Engine 3 which typically be station right around the corner was responded from the other side of town following a response to a MVA on Haverhill Street. Ironically they would still be the 1st due crew.
As they crossed the tracks on Woburn Street they called for the Working Fire assignment; prior to arrival; reporting they had a heavy loom up.
The Ladder which was also returning from the MVA experienced mechanical while en route but made it to the scene.
With not knowing if the Ladder was gone to make it there or not the senior officer on scene call dispatch and requested that they get North Reading's Ladder on the road.
"We have heavy fire on the Charlie / Delta corner fire alarm in a two and a half wood!"
Crew went into the fast attack mode pulling the 2.5" hand lines, but this would drain the tanks quickly and crews would have to take a second and connect up to the nearest plug about 40' down the road.
With the heavy fire and interior crews reporting that they believe the fire had made it into the half story attic space, just as the title suggests and in those exact words command called for the 3rd alarm.
With this aggressive attack and quick influx of personal companies where able to bring the fire under control very quickly.
After approximately one hour crews where in the make mode putting air bottles and hand tools back on their rigs. Picking up hoses and repacking them.
