READING, PA - At 4:19 A.M. on March 4th, Engine 3 was dispatched to 1907 Holly Rd. for an unknown type of fire in the woods across from that address. Engine 3 and Car 2 arrived and confirmed a large fire possibly in the area of the old East End Club.

As companies redirected to the 200 block of S 19th St. in the area of Glen Rd., Car 2 requested the Box to the filled. Just after the box was dispatched, Car 2 confirmed a working fire with the second and third floor of the old East End Club well off. Car 2 advised all companies that this incident would be defensive operations only.

Engine 3 arrived and forced entry through a gate to get the initial line stretched. Engine 1 began laying in from the hydrant that was over 1500-feet away. Crews began making a knock on the fire as Tower 1 set up for an elevated master stream. Engine 7 utilized the Humat valve that was connected to the hydrant to boost pressure going to the scene.  

Firefighters operated master streams from the tower‘s bucket to knock down the fire. One handline was stretched to the rear of the building to assist with mopping up debris that was on fire. The fire marshal’s office was requested to respond, and the fire was placed under control at 5:37 A.M. Companies remained on scene until the early afternoon wetting down the building and extinguishing hot spots. The scene was turned over to the fire marshal’s office for investigation as remaining units went available.