Radnor Fire Company was dispatched at 10:13 a.m., Tuesday to the 600 block of Newtown Road in Villanova for reports of fire showing in the rear of a single family, two-story dwelling. Radnor Police confirmed smoke showing and fire throughout the building. Chief 15, Quint 15 and a crew of Radnor career staff and volunteers were the first fire crews on scene.

Radnor firefighters conducted a primary search and confirmed all occupants were out of the building while lines to fight the fire went into service. In order to get the ladder to the roof and provide water to the fire, Quint 15's skilled and experienced driver had to maneuver the ladder truck between two, narrow pillars dating to 1906 which gated the residence on Newtown Road.

Radnor crews were alerted to a missing dog and cat presumed to be in the building. A secondary search was conducted and Radnor firefighters rescued both a large dog and cat from the residence. All efforts were made to resuscitate both animals on scene prior to transport by Radnor Police to a local veterinary hospital.

Engine 15 arrived and established water supply to the scene from the hydrant at Radnor-Chester and Conestoga Roads. Squad 15, Rescue 15 and Berwyn Engine 2-1 were next on scene with additional crews. Neighboring, mutual aid companies also arrived quickly on scene to provide support including, Gladwyne Fire Company, Bryn Mawr Fire Company, Malvern Fire Company and Paoli Fire Company.

Firefighters put a quick knock on the initial fire but were faced with old construction and tongue in groove ceilings in trying to ensure the fire had not extended throughout the building. At one point, the fire reignited in the attic portion of the residence before being quickly put under control by crews on the second floor and the roof.

Chief 15 declared the fire under control at approximately 11:45 a.m., and crews worked on overhaul and wetting down primary areas for another hour.

Radnor Fire Company would like to thank the Radnor Police for excellent traffic control and scene support on both Newtown, Conestoga and Radnor-Chester Roads. Thanks to Newtown Square Fire Company for covering at Radnor Fire Company during the incident.

All crews cleared the scene by approximately 1 p.m.. and all roads were reopened to traffic.

All Photos: Courtesy of Dannon Voight Photography