Reading's 3rd Alarm at the golf course.
Reading Fire Department responded to a fire at the Meadow Brook Golf Course in the wee hours of the morning, sometime around 04:40 a.m.
According to other sources the first arriving companies arrived to heavy smoke and fire showing. Companies quickly began to put big line (2.5 inch) lines into operation.
Unfortunately the fire could grow faster then the water could flow. The building being half way down a dead end street the demand on the water supply out grow its ability and the fire would continue to spread and grow. The senior officer called for the 2nd alarm in an attempt to get the upper hand; but; it would not be enough.
North Reading responded on the 2nd alarm with it's ladder truck and and set up on the Bravo side of the structure just behind Reading stick and put the boom in the air operating it's master stream. Lynnfield's aerial platform also responded in and went to the air on the Alpha / Bravo corner. This put an even greater drain on the already strained water supply.
Command set up a water supply command tasked with getting the wet stuff on the red stuff. This would involve having command call for a third alarm with additional engines over to lay LGH hose up Grove Street and out on to Franklin Street to the nearest plug. With the Engine on the plug and a hydrant assist valve tied in pressure improved; but; as more big lines where pulled the struggle to keep up with the demand continued and "water supply" found himself looking for another plug and more hose to get there.
After stretching supply line up Grove Street about a half mile; dumping several hose beds worth of hose; there finally was enough wet stuff for the hot stuff and crews began to gain the upper hand knocking down the fire; but; it wouldn't be before parts of the building burned and collapsed.
The mutual aid companies where making up and rolling out sometime around 10:00 while at the same time the in coming Reading officer where making there way to the scene to continue in the surround and drown overhaul process which would continue most of the day.
Boston Sparks Association rolled in with A-10 Rehab rig and set up a rehab station out in front of the building supplying the firefighters with much need refreshments.
