We unfortunately have some bad news to report for all of our Ladder 24 fans out there! On Friday morning we took the truck to the Lower Merion Township training grounds to have its annual aerial ladder test performed. While it was being tested, the truck caught fire and sustained major damage.

Gladwyne firefighters were in the station eating lunch when our brothers and sisters from Belmont Hills Fire Company and Union Fire Association were dispatched to the training grounds for a vehicle fire. The notes on the call were that a fire truck was on fire. Upon arrival of Squad 22 (Belmont Hills) they found heavy smoke coming from the cab of Ladder 24. Squad 22 and Engine 28 (Union Fire Association of Bala Cynwyd) started to extinguish the fire. Upon arrival of Chief 24, Engine 24 and Utility 24 were dispatched to assist in extinguishing our ladder truck and empty the equipment for transport back to the station. In addition, Merion Fire Company of Ardmore and Penn Wynne Fire Company - Station 21 were dispatched with their Utility trucks (pick up style trucks) were requested to assist in transporting equipment from the Ladder.

While the crews were fighting the fire, assistance was provided by Lower Merion Police Department and Narberth Ambulance.

We do not know why or how the truck caught fire and it is currently being investigated by the Lower Merion Fire Department Fire Marshals.

We would like to THANK all of our fellow brother and sister firefighters from all over the area that have reached out to offer assistance in this difficult time for our company.

It is important to note that there were no injuries to any firefighters or civilians, and for that we are grateful!

To our Gladwyne Community, do not worry we will continue to respond to your calls for help and will use our neighboring fire companies ladder trucks when needed.

In the coming days and weeks, the operational team at GFC LMFD and the insurance company will develop a long term plan on which direction we will take at either repairing or replacing our ladder truck. We are currently exploring our options on a temporary ladder truck at this time.

Again, THANK YOU to our Community and everybody that assisted or reached out.

Stay safe!

Blaine Leis, Chief
Gladwyne Fire Company