The East Whiteland Fire Compnay participated in a large scale drill with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Taskforce Fire Work Group (SEPARTF) in the greater West Chester area on Sunday, June 6th.

The Taskforce is compromised of personnel and resources from Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. This is 1 of 9 taskforces that exist in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that are established to provide a coordinated response to large scale emergencies and disasters.

The overall scenario for the day was a simulated natural gas line emergency in the West Chester area causing multiple fires and in turn taxing the local resources to be overcome requiring the activation of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Taskforce.

East Whiteland Engine 5-2 crew’s responded to various emergency scenarios throughout the day, including a simulated building fire. The scenarios were set-up to test the teamwork and efficiency amongst fire companies on each taskforce. It also tested the communications and organizational capabilities of the SEPARTF and in particular the Chester County Department of Emergency Services.

Representatives from FEMA Region III, the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, and PEMA were in attendance to observe and evaluate the drill. State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann commented, "The Southeastern region is the most prepared group of first responders in the Commonwealth due to its commitment to training and ability to come together for a drill like this."

For additional information about the drill contact Patty Mains, Public Information Officer at the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, at 610-344-5000.

For additional information about Station 5’s participation in the drill, contact Michael Schon at mschon@eastwhitelandfire.org