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DECEMBER, 2017
FLAMES CONSUME HUGHESVILLE STORAGE BUILDING
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
Hughesville, PA - On Friday, October 20th at 6:41 P.M., Lycoming County control dispatched Box 24-1 for a working structure fire at 201 Boak Avenue, R.T. Machine Company. Hughesville FD/Station 24, Picture Rocks FD/Station 26, Muncy Area FD/Station 39, and Muncy Twp. FD for Tanker 23 were dispatched on the first-alarm.
- See full story on page 14
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December, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
ADVERTISER INDEX A guide to finding great companies
Company
Page
AirVac 911
27
Campbell Supply Co.
1,36
Choice Clean Gear
33
Choice Marketing
35
Command Fire App.
32
FDIC
31
Finley Fire Equipment
21
Fire Line Equipment
11
Hoffman Radio Network
19
Marco Equipment Sales
23
PGI-Inc.
5
Spartan
7
Spotted Dog Tech.
FRANK ROBINSON
Second-Alarm Strikes Brownstown Car Dealership
KEN SHULER
Vehicle Rescue Conducted in Limerick Township
Brownstown, PA - East Earl Township firefighters responded to a fire at John Sauder Chevrolet at 4161 Oregon Pike in Brownstown on October 22nd. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke showing in the rear of the service area of the building. The fire quickly went to a second-alarm and had several Lancaster County Fire Companies responding. The fire was quickly knocked down. The cause was found to be from a short in the power conduit. Fire Companies from West Earl, Farmersville, Akron, Ephrata, Lititz, Manheim Twp., Rothsville and Leola responded to the scene. The fire was placed under control in one hour, but firefighters remained on the scene for several additional hours doing overhaul work.
Limerick Twp., PA - On October 27th, Limerick and Linfield Fire Companies were dispatched to a vehicle on its side with the driver trapped on Ridge Pike by Evergreen Road. Rescue crews took a little over six minutes to stabilize and extricate the driver. The driver was shaken up, but didn’t appear to have any serious injuries. Traffic was shut down for about 45 minutes until the roadway was clear.
PATCH OF THE MONTH
ON THE LITER SIDE
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the Month” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
If you have photos you would like to see in our “On The Liter Side” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
17
Task Force Tips
3
Waterway
15
Zodiac
16
CORPORATE INFORMATION
1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 21 No. 12 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be A division of: brought to the attention of the newspaper during the s a m e month of publication.
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KENNETH HAWKINS
This is the morale patch of Exeter Township Fire Department, located in Berks County, PA.
JASON BATZ
Cumru Twp. Firefighter Butch Klein poses with a familiar looking training manikin during a rope rescue drill.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
December, 2017
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December, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
LT. MIKE GLORE
Firefighters Remove Roof to Extricate Patient in Car Accident
Reading, PA - Shortly before 10:00 P.M. on October 14th, firefighters from the "C" Platoon were dispatched to the intersection of Centre Ave. and Bern St. for a motor vehicle accident. Engine 7 arrived and found a two-car accident with one car rolled over. Crews worked to stabilize the vehicle to prevent movement and calm the confined occupant. Rescue 1 placed hydraulic tools into service to flap and remove the roof for medical care. The occupant was removed in 12 minutes, secured, and transported to Reading Hospital Trauma Center. A second medic unit transported the other victim to Reading as well. Chief Stoudt (C6) was in command.
Firefighters work to overhaul what is left of this trailer in East Union Township.
J. KRIESHER
Fire Destroys Sheppton House Trailer Schuylkill County, PA – At 5:55 A.M. on Saturday, November 11th, Schuylkill County 9-1-1 dispatched a first-alarm assignment to 119 West Pine Street in the Sheppton section of East Union Township for a reported house fire. The first-alarm included Districts 9 (Sheppton-Oneida) and 30 (Ringtown Valley), NurembergWeston, Mahanoy City (West End), Hazle Township and Harwood. A tanker task force was quickly added by Chief 09-02 after receiving reports of a fully involved dwelling. The tanker task force included Shenandoah (Polish American), Mahanoy City (Good American), Hazle Township and Ringtown Valley. Engine 09-10 arrived on scene with Chief 9 who found a fully involved house trailer. Chief 9 established command while the engine crew stretched a two-and-a-half inch attack line to begin fire attack and protect an exposure, which was
JUMP TO FILE #111117106 a garage a few feet from the trailer. Tanker 09-30 arrived on scene and stretched a supply line to the engine. Additional personnel began to arrive on scene and (two) oneand-three-quarter inch handlines were stretched to the residence from Engine 9-10. Crews maintained a defensive operation throughout the incident. Firefighters from Ringtown, West End and Hazle Township arrived on the scene and aided the Sheppton firefighters with pulling walls down and hitting whatever fire remained. Tankers staged on Pine Street and when ready, backed into the scene and fed their water to 09-10. Nuremberg Engine 582 set up a tanker fill site in the Humboldt Industrial Park on Green Mountain Road.
The bulk of the fire had been knocked down by 6:20 A.M. and crews were able to perform extensive overhaul. Out of town crews began to be released around 7:00 A.M. while the last ones were released by 8:00 A.M. PPL Electric was on the scene to disconnect power and the American Red Cross was dispatched to assist a displaced resident. Shenandoah EMS was on the scene to provide rehab to firefighters while Steward’s Store of Sheppton brought hot coffee for the firefighters working in temperatures in the teens. A State Police Fire Marshal was requested to respond to the scene to help investigate the cause of the fire. Sheppton crews remained on scene till just before 9:00 A.M. talking with the homeowner and extinguishing the final hot spots. - JC KRIESHER
EMERGENCY WATERCRAFT
If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Watercraft feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
BRETT MACK
Fire Displaces Occupants on Rose St. in Reading Reading, PA - Early into "C" Platoon's last night-shift on October 22nd, the Berks County Department of Emergency Services transmitted a box alarm for 1745 Rose Street. Deputy Chief Stoudt (C6) and Engine 7 arrived at an occupied three-story MOR with smoke showing. Firefighters quickly deployed a hose line and made entry, locating the fire in the rear of the first-floor. Crews conducted a search of the dwelling, finding no people but several caged birds. The fire was placed under control 20 minutes later with no injuries reported. Units would remain on scene for about an hour conducting overhaul of the entire first-floor. The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.
RAINMAN14
Keystone Water Rescue Inc. Scuba 16 tows Marine 16. Keystone Water Rescue/Dive Team provides 24/7/365 service to Berks County as Station 16.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
December, 2017
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December, 2017
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In memory of those who gave all
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty
Wisconsin: Matthew Mark Deicher, 47 Rank: Firefighter-EMT Incident Date: July 31, 2017 Death Date: September 23, 2017 Fire Department: Mosinee Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter-EMT Matthew Mark Deicher was paralyzed from a July 31, 2003, ambulance crash while located in the patient compartment of the vehicle. On September 23, 2017, Firefighter-EMT Deicher passed away from complications due to his injuries and related medical condition. Indiana: Eric J. Balliet, 41 Rank: Captain Incident Date: September 27, 2017 Death Date: September 27, 2017 Fire Department: Fort Wayne Fire Department Initial Summary: Captain Eric J. Balliet died September 27, 2017, during a training exercise at a commercial structure while leading a crew during physically demanding maneuvers. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined and reported.
North Carolina: Jason Keith Hensley, 40 Rank: Probationary Firefighter Incident Date: October 8, 2017 Death Date: October 9, 2017 Fire Department: Triple Community Fire Department Inc. Initial Summary: Probationary Firefighter Jason Keith Hensley responded to a call for service of a tree blocking the roadway. Firefighter Hensley's POV was parked behind the fire department's brush truck and a police department vehicle was also on the scene. All emergency vehicles had their lights activated. Just after midnight, a pickup traveling eastbound on US Highway 70 approached the scene
and failed to stop. The vehicle first struck Firefighter Hensley, who was wearing his reflective gear, killing him instantly, then crashed into the other vehicles at the scene. The driver of the vehicle spent the night in the hospital from injuries received and has since been charged by police with driving while impaired, no operator’s license, reckless driving, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. South Dakota: Donald Fred Manger, 54 Rank: Fire Chief Incident Date: October 14, 2017 Death Date: October 14, 2017 Fire Department: Presho Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Fire Chief Donald Fred Manger fell ill and passed away while on the scene of a working fire in an unoccupied structure. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.
Florida: Steven R. Terry, 53 Rank: Firefighter/Paramedic Incident Date: September 3, 2017 Death Date: September 14, 2017 Fire Department: Hernando County Fire Rescue Initial Summary: Firefighter/Paramedic Steven R. Terry passed away while on duty October 16, 2017. Firefighter/Paramedic Terry was found unresponsive by his fellow Fire Station #9 crew members who then initiated resuscitative measures. He was transported by Hernando County Fire Rescue paramedics to Bayfront Brooksville Hospital. Despite the exhaustive efforts by the Bayfront Brooksville Hospital ED team, Firefighter/Paramedic Steven R. Terry passed away. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined and reported.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
December, 2017
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EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES If you have photos you would like to see in our “EMS” feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
CURTIS ALLEMAN
STEVE JOHNSON
Cumberland County, PA - On September 28th, YBEMS Inc. placed into service a brand new 2017 RP90 Metro Express RP90/MR Type 3 Ford E350 Ambulance. This ambulance is replacing a 2001 Ford PL Custom. The 2001 unit will be used as a reserve unit and known as Ambulance 591.
Vehicle Rollover with Injuries in Reading Reading, PA - On Sunday, October 22nd, the Berks County Department of Emergency Services dispatched a rescue assignment to Front and Douglass Streets for a motor vehicle accident with injuries. Ladder 1 arrived at a multiple vehicle crash with one vehicle rolled onto its roof. With several persons injured, an additional EMS unit was requested. Firefighters worked to extricate the injured driver of the rolled car with a backboard. The victim was extricated in 15 minutes and sent to Reading Hospital Trauma Center in stable condition. Two other occupants of the other vehicles were also evaluated. Crews cleared the scene 45 minutes later after the tow company uprighted the vehicle. Deputy Chief Thorpe (C7) was in command. DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
DID Y OU K NOW
Clearfield County, PA - The Brady Township Fire Company of Luthersburg operates Ambulance 30, a 2015 Ford F-450/Braun with a cool color scheme.
?
The word ambulance is derived from the Latin “ambulare” which means to move about. It was used to describe the lifting or moving about of patients on two- wheeled carts. The Spanish first used such carts for emergency transport in 1487.
SHANE SHIFFLETT
St. Thomas, PA - West Shore Paramedic on scene of a medical emergency in Franklin County.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
December, 2017
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LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have photos you would like to see in our Little Big Guys feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
FRANK ROBINSON
Folks Township Fire Department operates a 2016 Ford F550/Brat 1000/300 Brush Truck.
CHESTER COUNTY WORKING FIRES
Heavy fire in an overturned tractor-trailer spread to a nearby car and killed the driver.
RAINMAN14
Oley Fire Co. Brush 5 is a 2014 GMC Sierra 4x4 with a 200-gallon tank. It is housed in their main station on Main St. in Oley.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
The Ruscombmanor Fire Company in Berks County operates a 2000 Ford F-550/KME as Attack 34. It has a 450 pump, 250 water and 20 foam.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
The Buchanan Valley Fire Company operates a 2009 Ford F450/CET as Brush 27, with 200/200/10 gallon CAFS.
Tractor-Trailer Overturns and Catches Fire in Fatal West Goshen MVA West Goshen, PA - Just before 12:30 P.M. on November 11th, crews were dispatched to South Matlack St. and Route 202 for a serious motor vehicle accident reported to be a tractor-trailer overturned and on fire with possible entrapment. Chief 53 arrived on scene and reported a multiple-vehicle MVA with an overturned tractor-trailer. The tractor-trailer's cab was well involved and spreading to the trailer and another car. As Engine 53 arrived and stretched a line, Chief 53 assumed Route 202 command and requested the next due engine and tanker. As he continued to investigate, he found more vehicles involved. As EMS and fire personnel scanned the scene, services found at least three injured persons and one DOA. EMS requested an additional BLS unit to the scene. Chief 53 requested a coroner and for a fire police task force to respond to assist with traffic control on scene of the accident. Route 202 and South Matlack Street
JUMP TO FILE #111717101 were closed for an extended period of time. The fire in the trailer was out of control, so a second line was stretched to assist the hose line in extinguishing the fire. When crews were able to locate the driver of the truck, they confirmed that the load of the truck was frozen turkeys. Crews found lots of diesel leaking from the cab of the tractor-trailer. Command requested that the Chester County Hazmat Team respond to the scene to assist with spill control after confirming that diesel fuel was getting into waterways. As the Hazmat Team went enroute, they were commanded to set up in the Kelly's Sports parking lot and to go in service. Downingtown's Minquas Fire Co. Rehab 46 was requested to the scene to provide food for the working crews. Penndot was also requested to the scene for multiple barri-
cades and a front end loader to help with debris. Peco and Verizon were also notified and requested due to multiple lines that were damaged by the tractor-trailer fire. Just before 1:30 P.M., the fire was placed under control and a fire marshal arrived on location. Even with the fire under control and all patients at the hospital, the situation was ongoing with the large fuel spill. As Hazmat went into service, they requested more Hazmat personnel to respond to the scene and assist. Before 3:00 P.M., the Hazmat Team controlled the spill and went available. Fire police, Company 53, and multiple light towers remained on scene as police investigated the accident and tow companies cleaned. At around 5:40 P.M., an additional engine was dispatched back to the scene. All fire crews went available around 6:30 P.M. The road finally reopened around 3:00 A.M. - LUCAS RICHARDSON
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
Originally serving Short Gap, West Virginia, this 1998 Pierce Saber engine now serves Fairchance Fire Company in Fayette County. Engine 16-1 has a 1250 pump and 1000 water. Crews battled heavy smoke for over an hour after the blaze broke out.
RAINMAN14
Large Outbuilding Fire Takes Hours to Extinguish in East Earl East Earl Twp., PA - Just after 7:40 P.M. on November 8th, Lancaster and Chester County fire departments were dispatched to Union Grove Rd. in East Earl Township for an outbuilding fire. Chief 30 arrived on scene, assumed the position of Command 30 and reported a working building fire. One engine and one ladder were sent up the driveway while everyone else staged on Union Grove Road. Command then requested additional manpower to the scene. The second-due engine from the west was told to take the hydrant just outside Terre Hill bor-
JUMP TO FILE #111117103 ough and lay into the scene. As lines were stretched and crews were battling the blaze, Command 30 requested Truck 39 to begin truck operations on the roof of the structure. As crews arrived on scene, command reported that there was plenty of manpower on scene and requested that the third-due aerial be a cover company instead of going to the scene. The fire was contained to the two-story detached garage. As fire flared up on the second-floor, com-
mand requested for an evacuation of the building. Crews were able to knock down a bulk of the fire and then continued roof and interior operations. Firefighters conducted extensive overhaul inside and outside of the building. Extended operations occurred for multiple hours as crews fought to find and knock down hot spots. Firefighters cleared the scene before 12:40 A.M. A Pennsylvania state police fire marshal was investigating the fire. A total of nine fire companies responded to the scene.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
Lycoming County's Antes Fort Fire Company operates a 1999 Ford F-550/JB Res-Q as Rescue 31. It was purchased from the Liberty Fire Company of Tioga County and replaced a 1975 Chevrolet/Grumman.
- LUCAS RICHARDSON
FRANK ROBINSON
Shamokin Fire Department maintains this 1993 Pierce Lance 1500/800/40Foam. The unit once saw service in Pearl River (Rockland County), NY.
Schuylkill Haven, PA Hose 2 now operates this 1977 Mack CF Aerialscope. The truck once ran with the Massapequa Fire Department in Nassau County, Long Island.
FRANK ROBINSON
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
December, 2017
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BUDDY SHOTS
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Buddy Shots” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
State Instructor James Lingg, Chief/State Instructor Charles Stanford, and Chief/State Instructor James Rohrer Jr. pose for a photo after sharing their years of experience and knowledge with Hershey Med students during a recent training exercise in Lancaster County. MADELYN ROHRER
Reading FF Jason Batz poses with former Fire Department Secretary Michele Klein on her last day before transferring to the Police Department. RON FREY
Reading DC James Stoudt poses with retired DC Nicholas Amicone after a job on North 5th Street. ANTHONY MICCICKE
J. KRIESHER
Minersville Fire Goes to Second-Alarm Schuylkill County, PA – At approximately 11:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 9th, the Minersville Fire Department was dispatched to the area of 111 Middle JUMP TO FILE# Street in Min- 111117105 ersville for a reported house fire. Assistant Chief 511 was first to respond and was advised that 9-1-1 was receiving reports of a fire with flames showing near the intersection of Middle and Spencer Streets. It was also relayed that there were conflicting reports on whether it was a house fire or a church fire. Chief 511 was quickly on scene and confirmed a working fire in a two-story dwelling at 116 Spencer Street. A second-alarm was requested which dispatched Pottsville City Stations 50 and 60. Engine 528 went responding and arrived on scene to find fire showing from the first-floor. Engine 528 positioned in the intersection and Tower 519 was directed to go past the engine to the front of the building. Engine 521 came down from Church Street where they secured a water supply. Multiple lines were stretched off both engines while the tower crew laddered the front of the building and ascended for vertical ventilation. Engine 534 arrived and secured an additional water supply. A hand line was stretched from Engine 534. Engine 62 approached the scene and was directed to set up a Rapid Intervention Team in the front of the building. Ladder 51 was assigned to throw ground ladders around the building. Crews found fire throughout the residence as they moved from floor to floor. Once the roof was opened up by the 519 crew, command was reporting heavy fire venting from the hole. Tower 519 was directed to set up for a possible elevated master stream opera-
Fire is visible from the first-floor of a Minersville house that caught fire. J. KRIESHER
tion. Command then requested District 3 and Schuylkill Haven RIT to be dispatched to the scene. Engine 3-10 arrived on scene and positioned to the rear of the address; their crew was directed to report to the front of building. All three Schuylkill Haven companies arrived and set up two rapid intervention teams. Yorkville’s RIT was broken down and crews assisted with interior attack. Firefighters battled the blaze for over an hour before the bulk of it was knocked down. During the fight, one firefighter was evaluated by Minersville EMS but did not require transport. An additional per-
son was also evaluated at the scene. The incident was placed under control around 12:30 A.M. At that time, out of town crews began to pick up their equipment and clear the scene. The American Red Cross was also on the scene to provide assistance to displaced residents. Pottsville companies cleared the scene shortly after 1:00 A.M., as did Engine 534. The remaining Minersville companies remained on the scene cleaning up and extinguishing hot spots. - JC KRIESHER
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
December, 2017
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COMMAND VEHICLES
If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Command Vehicles� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Chief 28 of Dingmans Ferry uses this Ford as a command vehicle.
KEN SNYDER
BRETT MACK
Firefighters arrived at 1040 North 5th Street to find fire showing from the rear of this 3-story dwelling in Reading.
Top Floor House Fire in Reading Reading, PA - Early on Sunday evening, November 5th, the Berks County Department of Emergency Services received a call from 1040 North 5th Street reporting a fire in the attic. With Box-0703 transmitted, additional calls rang into the call center reporting a working fire in the 1000 block of North 5th. Engine 7 arrived at a threestory MOR with smoke showing from the second-floor. Chief Stoudt (Car 6) arrived seconds later and reported fire blowing from the third-floor out of the rear, and that all occupants had safely evacuated. Firefighters started a hose stretch
JUMP TO FILE #110517105 into the dwelling, working their way to the upper floor. Crews reported water on the fire within minutes, making good progress. The Rescue company reported the primary search all clear. The fire was placed under control at 5:49 P.M., with no injuries reported. The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating. - JASON BATZ
JASON BATZ
Pottstown Fire Chief Michael Lessar operates this 2017 Ford Explorer as a command vehicle.
The Western Salisbury VFC uses this 2012 Ford Expedition as a command vehicle.
KEN SNYDER
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Flames Consume Hughesville Storage Building Hughesville, PA - On Friday, October 20th at 6:41 P.M., Lycoming County control dispatched Box 24-1 for a working structure fire at 201 Boak Avenue, R.T. Machine Company. Hughesville FD/Station 24, Picture Rocks FD/Station 26, JUMP TO FILE# Muncy Area FD/Sta- 102917111 tion 39, and Muncy Twp. FD for Tanker 23 were dispatched on the first-alarm. Chief 24, Steve Stiger, living only about a block from the scene, responded and was on scene within a minute of the dispatch reporting a working fire in a lean-to type shed, detached from the main building. The shed was approximately 20’x60’ with two of the four bays heavily involved. Engine 1-24 arrived on scene a few minutes after dispatch and pulled past the structure to take up a position between the main building and the shed. The crew immediately deployed a blitz gun on a pre-connected three-inch line to attack the main body of fire. The second half of the crew began to deploy a one-and-three-quarter inch line to stop the progression of the fire down the length of the shed. Tanker 24 arrived within three minutes of the engine and pulled up directly beside, hooking a short three-inch supply line into them to supplement their tank water. Ladder 39 arrived just behind the tanker, staged to the front of the main building and sent their manpower forward to assist in pulling the debris apart so that the attack lines could continue knocking down the fire. Just as Ladder 39 arrived, Engine 24 pulled in and stopped short of the fire building, as they saw that the fire was spreading into the dry overgrowth all around the side and rear of the shed. A one-and-threequarter inch line was pulled and advanced around to the rear of the shed and was used to soak down the heavy overgrowth in the back of the building. Engine 1-26 arrived along with Tanker 26 and the engine crew assisted with handling the brush fire to the side and rear of the structure while the tanker supported the engine with its water. Tanker 23 arrived just in time to replace Tanker 24 and immediately hooked into Engine 1-24 to supply them and to continue the attack and mopping up of the front of the shed. Fortunately, there was a hydrant not far down the street from the building, so Tanker 24 went to refill and returned to the scene shortly after. The fire was under control and being mopped up within 15 minutes of the initial dispatch and units were being released shortly thereafter. The State Police Fire Marshal is investigating. All units were released from the scene by 9:52 P.M., with a thank you to Stations 39, 23 and 26 for their assistance. - DARIN SMITH
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
Blitz line and one-and-three-quarter inch line being stretched to attack the fire as Tanker 24 arrives to supply additional water to the engine.
Putting a hit on the fire.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Jconboy@waterwayinc.com
December, 2017
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
STILL IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our “Still in Service” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
The Crystal Fire Dept. of Saint Marys (Elk County), still operates this 1992 Pierce Lance as Engine 14. It has a 1750 pump and 750 water. DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
JAY MABUS
Multi-Vehicle MVA Ends in Car Fire Milton, PA - On Wednesday, October 18th at 3:14 P.M., the Milton Fire Department was dispatched to Interstate 180 at Mile Marker 4 to assist Warrior Run Area Fire Department Co. 9 with a multiple vehicle MVA, with fire and possible entrapment. Chief 904 arrived to find a tractor-trailer well involved with
JUMP TO FILE #102517133 negative entrapment. Engine 9-1 arrived and deployed the initial attack line and Rescue 15-1 pulled an additional line and assisted with fire attack. Units on scene included
Chiefs 1502 Lupo, 1503 Derr, 902, 903 and 904, Rescue 15-1, Engine 9-1, Tankers 9-2 and 5-1, 1561, Micu's 8 and 15, Ambulance 8-4, Attack 9-1, Co. 9 fire police, Northumberland County Department of Public Safety, PSP and Penn Dot. - SCOTT DERR
RAINMAN14
Keystone Fire Company of Shillington still operates this 1988 Volvo/Sanford Rescue as Rescue 36 in Berks County.
ANTIQUE APPARATUS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Antique Apparatus” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
JAY MABUS
KEN SNYDER
This 1955 Ford/American LaFrance 500/300 once served Seltzer and is now owned by a PA collector.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
December, 2017
MEET ROVER
Meet His App “ROVER MOBILE”
Phone: (203) 445 6536 • www.spotteddogtech.com Built by firefighters, for firefighters
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December, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
What Do You Have to Offer? Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh
I have been watching about all of the disasters that have been happening. As part of the fire service, I responded to calls during Hurricane Irene, Super Storm Sandy and more than I can remember. As responders and caring people, we want to help. We raise money to send to help others. We gather new toys, new clothes, things needed for the household, whatever we can. We send it to places in need and hope that it makes a difference. We as a family of responders cannot sit on the side lines. I have the honor to be able to respond to places effected by hurricanes. I was able to speak to other responders and some stories need to get out, like the police officer that did not need money from the overtime that he received from working security at the shelters. He took the money that he earned and put it in the visor of his cruiser. He was able to take the money and put it in the hands of people who were in need. No forms. No waiting. Immediately helping. I don’t know about you but I do not have all that money. My mind went to a person that I had heard about at the gate of a temple. The man was lame from birth and had to beg to survive. We have seen people begging many times, especially in certain areas. Well, Peter and John were going into the temple. Peter looked at the man and said to him, “Silver and gold I do not have, BUT what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus, rise up and walk.” And the man was able to walk and leap. Acts 3 I know that all of us cannot do a miracle; but what can we do? What do we have to give? You would be surprised at what we have to give. First responders love to give. You give of yourselves on calls. We have our strength. We have our time. There are others things very important to the people who have gone through a disaster that also means so much. You have compassion. You have ears to listen to someone’s story. When I working in shelters, I was asked many questions by so many people. Where are my animals? What time is the next meal? So many questions that I had to research the answers because I did not have the answers. We don’t always need to have the answer. I was able to help some elderly people get their meals since they did not have the mobility. I was able to try to get a table, so some could play dominos but I want to share something that will stay with me forever. I was in a shelter and an older gentleman came up to me. He asked me if I was the chaplain. I said “yes, I am”. “You’re a man
of God?” “Yes, I am.” Then came the best question “can I have a hug?” “Of course you can.” The man put his head on my right shoulder as he hugged and then the left shoulder for another hug. He looked at me and asked if I would pray for him. I told him that I would. As I was going to pray with him there, he put his head on my right shoulder for a hug, then the left side for another hug and then he went away crying. He may have lost everything, or may have been homeless before everything started. I don’t know. But his need was so simple. He needed human contact. We take for granted how much we can help people, just by being there. If the only reason that I went to work in the shelters for two weeks was to give that hug, then it was worth the trip. Think of how many opportunities you may have to really have an impact on someone’s life. What do
you have to offer? What skills? Do you have ears to listen with compassion? Arms to come around someone who may have nothing? God has blessed us all so much. We may not be wealthy but as we live life the most important thing that we can give is … ourselves. Thank you to all our brothers and sisters who have been responded in the times of tragedy. Thank you to those who took care of their families and as soon as they were safe, kept responding to calls to help others. It is an honor to be associated with people who give of themselves. It was a pleasure to work with people from New Hampshire to Washington state, Alaska, Hawaii and the entire country. Who knows, maybe others will take other training for disasters and maybe I will see you in the shelters. Stay safe, Didymus McHugh
December, 2017
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FUTURE 1st RESPONDERS
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Future First Responders” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Royersford, PA - Future RFD firefighters learning early on how station cleaning detail works.
DAVE HUMMEL
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December, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
IN SERVICE
If you have photos you would like to see in our “In Service� feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
York County Rescue 36 of the Yoe Fire Company is this 2008 Pierce Enforcer 1500/750/20 Foam. DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
Firefighters from Engine 9 and Ladder 3 arrived at this vehicle fire that spread into an adjacent garage.
ANTHONY MICCICKE
Stolen Truck Found Torched in Reading Reading, PA - On Saturday, November 4th, "C" Platoon firefighters were approaching the end of the their day-shift when a still alarm was transmitted for a vehicle fire. As companies began to turnout, the Berks County DES call center upgraded the assignment to a full box after receiving several calls reporting a garage burning. Engine 9 arrived with a fully
JUMP TO FILE #110517103 involved pickup truck adjacent to a garage in the 1500 block of Mill Street. Firefighters stretched two hose lines down the alley. An attack was mounted on both the truck and the garage while firefighters threw portable ladders for roof work.
The fire was knocked down quickly, within 20 minutes, with a large amount of overhaul in progress. Companies were on scene for an hour with no injuries reported. The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating and reported that the truck was stolen from Lebanon. Chief Stoudt (Car 6) was in command. - JASON BATZ
The Smethport FD in McKean County recently placed their tanker back into service. The 2001 Sterling Acterra chassis had a 2017/4 Guys body built on it with a 500 pump and 3000 water. The previous body had no pump on it.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
FRANK ROBINSON
Bowmansville Fire Company operates this 2016 KME Preditor 1750/1000.
JOSHUA "GUNNER" KNOLL
Marion Fire Company Station 52 out of Berks County recently took delivery of Tanker 52, a 2017 Peterbilt/4 Guys Tanker with a 1,000GPM and 3,500-gallon tank.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
December, 2017
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December, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
TOOLS OF THE TRADE If you have photos you would like to see in our “Tools of the Trade� feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
KEN SHULER
Limerick Fire Co. Conducts Vehicle Rescue
Limerick, PA - On Friday night, November 3rd at approximately 7:23 P.M., Limerick and Linfield Fire Companies were dispatched to a vehicle accident with entrapment at 660 West Ridge Pike in the Township. PD on location reported a vehicle on its roof with the driver still inside, as well as an electrical pole split off, a fire hydrant knocked off and debris all over the roadway. Fire crews arrived, stabilized the vehicle and removed the driver from the passenger side of the vehicle. Rescue was complete in less than five minutes of arrival of the rescue truck. Ridge Pike was closed down for a period of time while debris was cleaned up and PECO and Verizon secured wires. The road was then opened but lanes were reduced while the pole was being replaced overnight.
MADELYN ROHRER
The East Petersburg Fire Company (Lancaster County), recently took delivery of two TL-9 Stabilizers. These devices are used with your hydraulic spreader to do vertical lifts on vehicles when you have someone underneath a vehicle. The device, when used in conjunction with your spreaders, makes your lift very stable.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
December, 2017
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December, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Into Harm’s Way ON THE BOOK SHELF
by John Malecky
Into Harms Way By Lieutenant Paul Geidel, FDNY Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 E-mail: support@fire-policeems.comj www.fire.police.ems.com Price: $24.99 This book is soft cover and measures 6-inches by 9-inches. It has 45 chapters within 187 pages. It is loaded with pictures as well so it is an easy read! The forward is written by the author's wife where
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she explains that the content is made up of his three most avid interests: FDNY Rescue 1 (where he served most of his career), the Korean War (where he served in a bomber squadron), and fast pitch softball (of which he was an excellent pitcher.) Sadly, he is also the father of two FDNY firefighters who lost their lives. One of his sons lost his life on 9/11 and his body was never found, while the second lost his life from ill health sustained by working on “the pile” trying to find his brother. There is a third brother who also worked in the recovery effort and is still alive. The author was a lieutenant at Rescue 1 and is now in his mid 80’s. He served the department during the ‘50’s, ‘60’s and ‘70’s and so this book is made up of many interesting and sorrowful stories that played out during that era including the 23rd Street Fire; the 1960 midair collision of two jets, each landing in a different borough; and the Constellation fire which occurred not too long after. Korean War stories are also interesting ones, and of course the fast pitch softball stories add a flair. As you can tell, the stories are not long and the pictures make reading it go a lot faster. If you are or were a firefighter, especially a career one, you will appreciate some of the comical stories and horseplay around the station which you just may relate to or recall some of your own. The stories are not in chronological order and they do bounce from one subject to another, but all in all it is another book that must be read. A color photo of his son, Gary is in the book and is removable. May he and all of our heroes rest in peace!
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Smokes escapes from a residence on Ohio Ave. in Shenandoah Heights after it caught fire for the second time.
Shenandoah Heights Duplex Damaged by Fire for Second Time Schuylkill County, PA – At 2:10 A.M. on Monday, October 30th, Schuylkill County 9-1-1 dispatched a firstalarm assignment for 193 Ohio Avenue in the Shenandoah Heights JUMP TO FILE# section of West Ma- 111117104 hanoy Township for a house fire. The first-alarm brought in Shenandoah Heights Fire, William Penn Fire, Altamont Fire, Shenandoah Fire Department (Squrt & Ladder 745, Engine 742, Rescue 741), Mahanoy City West End and Englewood for a Rapid Intervention Team. First responding units were advised that police were on scene and confirming a working fire. Shenandoah Marshal 747 arrived on the scene and assumed command where he found a working fire at 189-191 Ohio Avenue. Command directed Squrt 745 to grab a hydrant in the middle of the block and proceed to the front of the building. Ladder 745 followed behind the Squrt and was able to set up in a tight area. Engine 881 secured an additional water supply on Swatara Street and came down to the "A/B" corner. Engine 369 was directed to secure an additional water supply and go past Ohio Avenue where they would find heavy fire consuming the rear of the dwelling. Engines 742, 888 and 367 arrived and staged on Ohio Avenue and sent their crews to the front of the building. Crews stretched multiple lines through the front and rear of the building where they encountered fire on all floors. Command was now reporting fire visible through the roof. Firefighters continued to
J. KRIESHER
Fire vents from the roof of a duplex that caught fire in Shenandoah Heights.
make an aggressive push in the building and knocked down the remaining fire. Interior firefighters were able to bring the fire under control within 30 minutes of arriving on scene and began to overhaul the building. A crew from Ladder 745 ascended to the roof and began to open up some additional areas. The fire was officially placed
under control at the 60 minute PAR check. Overhaul was continued throughout the early morning hours and crews began to be released. This same building was the scene of a fire on April 9, 2013 where the opposite side of the duplex was damaged by a garage fire. - JC KRIESHER
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
December, 2017
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Limerick Fire Co. Holds Building Dedication & Open House for New Firehouse Limerick, PA - On Saturday, October 21st, Limerick Fire Company held its Building Dedication and Housing Ceremony. It was a beautiful warm, sunny day for the several hundred people in attendance for the ceremony. JUMP TO FILE # The ceremony 110917105 started at 11:00 A.M. with Limerick Township Fire Marshal Greg Breyer serving as master of ceremony, welcoming those in attendance. Reverend Paul Brandt of St. Teresa of Calcutta Church gave the invocation, which was followed by the flag raising presented by the Protective Service Program at the Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center. During the flag raising, Lisa Rawus, a Limerick Township resident, sang an impressive rendition of the National Anthem. Limerick Fire Company Chaplain Will Clemens read the Fireman's Prayer, which was followed by congratulatory comments from Representative Tom Quigley, Senator John Rafferty and Limerick Township Board Chairperson Kara Shuler. Fire Company President Tom
54 Crew.
54 Station.
Walters introduced the Administrative officers and Board of Directors followed by Chief Ken Shuler presenting the Limerick Fire Company Line Officers and Officers from visiting volunteer fire companies. Building committee Chairperson Pat Fota introduced the members of the building committee and provided a presentation to Jerry Gorski from Gorski Construction who constructed the new fire station. Pastor Kendall Harris of Limerick Chapel read a blessing for the members and new building. The members of Limerick Fire Company then lined the front of the station to partake in the Hose Uncoupling ceremony. President Tom Walters and Fire Chief Ken Shuler "uncoupled the Hose" as the members then passed and packed the hose to "open" the building. Pastor Kris McKinstry from St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church read a blessing for the apparatus prior to them being housed. Area fire companies assisted in the housing of the apparatus. After the ceremony, the public enjoyed a few hours of open house with free hotdogs, Dallas Fries, soft pretzels and homemade birch beer.
Building dedication truck housing.
KEN SHULER
- KEN SHULER
KEN SHULER
KEN SHULER
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December, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Fast Moving Fire in Reading Requires Second-Alarm Reading, PA - Late into "B" Platoon's day shift on November 6th, the Berks County DES call center began receiving frantic calls reporting a house on fire in the 700 block of North 9th Street. Chief Moyer (Car 8) and Fire Marshal Searfoss arrived at a three-story MOR JUMP TO FILE# with fire showing in 110717105 the rear. First arriving companies began stretching two-and-a-half inch lines to the rear to cut off the rapidly spreading fire. Chief Banks (Car 5) assumed command and requested the second-alarm be transmitted for manpower issues. Several lines would be stretched into 746 and 748 North 9th Street. Firefighters searched both dwellings and reported that no occupants were found. The main body of fire was darkened down within five minutes with firefighters stopping the extension into the structures. The fire was placed under control 40 minutes later with overhaul. The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating. Units from Muhlenberg and Spring Township assisted. - JASON BATZ
READINGPAFIRE.COM
First arriving officers were greeted with a large volume of fire from the rear of 746 and 748 North 9th Street in Reading.
Vehicle News
KEN SNYDER
FRANK ROBINSON
The City of DuBois, Fourth Ward Hose Co. recently Rescue Fire Co. No. 1 of Dallastown recently acquired City of Harrisburg now runs this 2017 Pierce Enforcer placed a 2017 Sutphen into service. Squad 74 has a this 2018 Pierce Enforcer 1500/2500 to run as Tanker 35. 1500/500. 2000-GPM pump and 750 water. DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
The Western Salisbury Volunteer Fire Co. in Lehigh Nancy Run Fire Company now runs this 2017 Spartan Squad 42 of the Green Lane Fire Co. is a 2017 Sutphen 1500/1000 and is the fourth Sutphen to be produced at County has acquired a 2017 Spartan/Marion 1500/775/20 2000/300/100' Tower Ladder. the PA plant. to run as E-3112. KEN SNYDER
FRANK ROBINSON
KEN SNYDER
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
December, 2017
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December, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our “Apparatus in Action� feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Reading FD Ladder 3 operating at 1947 Bernville Rd. in Bern Township at Evans Food Distributers. The fire would escalate to three alarms before being controlled. GARRY CLARKE
RAINMAN14
Rescue Engine 85 parked in front of the duplex with a line stretched and Ladder 18 set up to the 3rd floor.
Duplex Fire Quickly Knocked Down in Spring Township Spring Twp., PA - Just after 11:00 A.M. on November 5th, crews were dispatched to the 100 block of Telford Ave. for a structure fire reported to be from a dryer. A nearby Fire Marshal arrived within a couple minutes after the dispatch was sent and reported smoke showing. Township of Spring Fire Rescue Services Rescue Engine 85 arrived and stretched a line into the
JUMP TO FILE #110617133 three-story duplex. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire and vented the structure. Crews later stretched a second line into the house. Western Berks Fire Department set up their ladder between poles and wires to the third-floor. Multi-
ple ground ladders were placed around the structure. Crews forced entry through a second-story window to the other half of the duplex and found no extension into the other half of the duplex. Seven fire departments, as well as an ambulance and local police responded to the fire. - LUCAS RICHARDSON
Mt. Penn Fire Company Engine 1 working with a line stretched at a garage fire. RAINMAN14
J. KRIESHER
Coaldale Tower 40-24 working on the scene of a two-alarm fire on North Railroad St. in Tamaqua.
Crews work to get into the other half of the duplex to check for extension.
RAINMAN14
J. KRIESHER
Citizens Fire Company Engine 782 of Tamaqua works on the scene of a two-alarm fire.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Reading Fire Marshal’s Office Welcomes Newest Member Reading, PA - The Reading Fire Department recently welcomed the newest member of the Fire Marshal's Office, canine "Gracie". Gracie is a 2-year-old yellow labrador who is being trained in explosives and accelerant detection. The Reading FD was of- JUMP TO FILE# fered the dog 110817107 through the ATF and is one of three in Pennsylvania. The others are located in Philadelphia and Allegheny County. Gracie is assigned to Fire Prevention Lieutenant Trent Zulick. The pair are currently training together at the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms ATF Canine Training Center in Virgina. They are set to graduate together on December 8th and will be on-duty soon afterwards. Gracie is available for service through the ATF or special call by the Fire Marshal's Office. We can't wait for her to make station visits! - JASON BATZ
December, 2017
DRILLS/TRAINING
PAGE 29
To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Lancaster County, PA - Crews from Rheems Fire Company and East Petersburg Fire Company work with Hershey Med Students to teach them about auto extrication. The companies recently worked with 17 med students to teach them the basics of auto extrication and why at times crews may report
to them that the extrication may be extended. After teaching the med students the basic concepts of auto extrication, the med students were given a scenario and had 30 minutes to complete certain tasks. - MADELYN ROHRER
Hershey Med students and members of Rheems and East Petersburg Fire pose for a group shot after scenarios were complete.
MADELYN ROHRER
TRENT ZULICK
Reading Fire Prevention Lieutenant Trent Zulick and his new partner "Gracie". The pair is training together at the ATF canine school in Virginia.
Enjoy taking photographs? Get the most out of your hobby! Assistant Chief Ladd Robinson helps a student learn how to take a windshield. MADELYN ROHRER
1st Responder News compensates correspondents for their article & photograph submissions.
Contact Lindsey TODAY for more information! Lindsey@1strespondernews.com
845-534-7500 ext. 212
Firefighter/EMT Cory Carpenter guides a student with spreading a door. MADELYN ROHRER
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December, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Rules of the Firehouse Kitchen FORK & HOSE CO. Anyone
who
a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco
RON FREY
Kitchen Fire Quickly Knocked in Reading
Reading, PA - On November 10th, the city was experiencing it's first cold day of the season. With winds blowing, the ambient temperature was in the 20's. At 4:44 P.M., a passing motorist reported smoke showing from the area of Miltimore and West Greenwich Streets. Seconds later, several more phones calls would be answered at the Berks County DES call center reporting a garage on fire. With Box 0704 transmitted, Chief Kemery (C3) reported smoke showing from several blocks out. Units arrived at a three-story EOR with smoke in the rear. Crews stretched a line to a kitchen in the back of 600 Schuylkill Avenue. Searches were all declared clear in the vacant dwelling. The fire was place under control at 5:03 P.M. with no injuries reported. The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.
DRILLS/TRAINING
has ever been in a firehouse kitchen knows there are rules to follow. And while they may be unwritten, I can guarantee across America, many firehouses share these same rules. This concept may seem foreign to some home cooks, but just like in a professional kitchen, order must be established and “regulations” set. Ok, so maybe that all sounds a little too formal and strict, but it is very important to anyone who wants to take command of a kitchen. So without further ado, let’s share some of these “rules and regulations”..... It should be stated that these are not all my rules, these are just some rules I have heard from other firefighters. But please, by all
means, adopt some of these into your kitchen! And stay out of the chefs way! #1: “If you eat the meal and you don’t like it, you still need to pay up.” #2: “Probies eat last.” #3: “No phones at the table.” #4: “Firefighters on overtime chip in more for the meal/ buy dessert.” #5: “Make enough for leftovers.” #6: “Don’t complain to the chef if you don’t like the meal.” #7: “No farting at the table” crazy to think this has to be reiterated. #8: “Eat as a family, even if you aren’t participating in the crew meal.” And #9, the most popular by far….”If you cook/prep, you don’t help clean up!” If you have any more rules you would like to add to the list we would love to hear them. Send them to forkandhoseco@gmail.com or tell us on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter @forkandhoseco!
Read more from our columnists on our website! www.1rbn.com
To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
JASON BATZ
Reading, PA - The Reading Fire Department recently completed a 16 hour course in Tactical Emergency Casualty Care. With recent worldwide events, the department decided last year to begin training in conjunction with the police department to better prepare for hostile and terroristic events. The training included skills on threat identification, cover and concealment, rapid triage and life-saving care and evacuation. The department will be working next year with the police department through different scenarios. Pictured is Deputy Chief Tom Kemery demonstrating the proper procedures for an emergency crike.
APPARATUS FOR SALE The Board of Fire Commissioners of the Uniondale Fire District will accept sealed Bids until 2:00 pm, June 19, 2017, for the sale of one (1) Red 2005 International Ambulance. Add’l detailed info can be obtained. At 3pm, June 19, 2017, bid(s) will be opened and publicly read aloud. Vehicle is to be sold “as is”. The minimum accepted bid for the vehicle is $35,000 w/ firematic pkg. Sealed bid(s) may be delivered in person to District Office M-F 9:00a-5:00p at 501 Uniondale Ave., 2nd Floor, Uniondale, NY 11553. Sealed bid(s) must be marked “Bid for 2005 International Ambulance”. Sealed bid(s) must be accompanied with a check in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the bid price submitted or the bid will not be accepted. Contact District Secretary at (516) 481-8411 8:30a-5:00p M-F. The final sale payment is to be by certified or bank check. The Uniondale Fire District reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
December, 2017
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December, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Commercial Building Fire Goes to Three Alarms in Bern Twp. Bern Twp., PA - At approximately 7:50 P.M. on October 25th, four companies were dispatched to Bern Township in the 1900 block of Bernville Road at Evans Food Distribution for a fire alarm. Only about two JUMP TO FILE# minutes later did a 102517134 fire crew arrive on scene and requested to upgrade the assignment due to smoke showing from the "A/B" corner of a large commercial building. Engine 55 (Greenfields Fire Co.) arrived and crews hit the hydrant next to the parking lot of the building, stretched lines, and went inside to look for the fire. West Reading FD Engine 64 arrived and assisted crews with looking for the fire. While crews searched for the fire, Capt. 55 assumed command and requested Goodwill Fire Co. Ladder 10 to set up on the "A" side of the structure. Operations were moved to Berks Fire Ops 2. Interior crews had smoke pushed to the floor and temperatures still climbing. After several minutes under these conditions, the interior crew could not find the fire. Capt. 55 told crews to back out as the fire was likely burning above them. Around that time, he also requested a second RIT and two additional ambulances to be dispatched. EMS operations were switched to EMS Ops 1. As the heat became more intense, a working fire was officially declared even though the fire wasn't found. Command requested an additional aerial and RIT team which brought in Ladder 3 from the city of Reading and a third RIT team. As Ladder 10 set up, a manpower pool was started in front of the ladder. A second-alarm was struck, bringing in a fourth RIT team. A special request was made for Rehab and an air unit. When crews got to the roof, they realized that the whole roof was concrete. Many ground ladders were also placed and multiple firefighters went to the roof to work on opening it up. Ladder 3 from the city set up on the "D" side of the structure. Western Berks Ladder 18 set up on the "A/D" corner of the building. Crews used sledges to open holes and vent the roof. Multiple lines were stretched into the front door on the "A" side as well as two lines stretched to the garage on the "A/B" corner. To make easier access, crews cut open the garage doors near the "A/B"
corner to vent. As the parking lot of the building was filled up by fire trucks, second-alarm apparatus were told to stage on Bernville Road. Due to the amount of apparatus, fire police from multiple companies as well as two traffic units were dispatched to help with traffic control on the major route. Fire Police Capt. 64 had initial command of the fire police operations. As crews opened more holes in the roof, interior firefighters finally found fire near the "A/B" corner of the structure. By this point, smoke was coming out from all four sides of the 25,000-sq.-ft. building. Engine 55 pulled its bumper lines to the front door in addition to its crosslays. Rescue 11 was set up on Bernville Rd. as an air unit filling cylinders until Mt. Aetna Air 28 arrived. Rescue 11 continued to assist with filling cylinders after Air 28 arrived. As smoke seemed to billow out of the building faster than ever, the building was evacuated, evac tones were sent across all radios, and air horns blew to get everyone out of the building. Companies conducted par and tried to regroup for another push. Venting continued as crews broke the windows on the front of the building. Command requested a fifth RIT team, bringing Mt. Penn Rescue 1 in to assist. More ambulances were also dispatched to the scene. Cover companies were established across the area. Special requests for many apparatus were also made. Deputy 29 at the rear of the structure requested multiple units as fire moved towards the "B/C" corner. Engine 13 preformed a reverse lay, pulling a five-inch to Ladder 10 before driving down Bernville Rd. to the next hydrant. Just after the five-inch was charged, crews had a flashover in a room near the front door. Crews quickly moved multiple lines into position to extinguish the fire in the room from the exterior. As crews went to the roof again, a third-alarm was struck and the entire third-alarm assignment was directed to the rear of the building. As the third-alarm units were arriving, a second evacuation of the building commenced. Evac tones went across radios again as a minor collapse occurred on the "D" side of the building. Western Berks EMS Squad arrived to assist with further EMS operations. A total of three firefighters were transported for smoke inhalation as well other minor injuries. Firefighters opened up the rear garages with saws to
The fire flashed over on the "A" side shortly after crews evacuated the building.
try and vent more smoke. Fire then blew out of a roof vent near the rear of the structure. A ladder crew spotted the flames. The fire through the roof died, but two Aerials opened up on the roof to prevent flames from shooting out again. Crews in the rear geared up to go in and try to knock down some fire. They stretched a line into the building but even with a TIC, crews could find nothing and backed out. Fire continued to rage
through the building for hours and was finally placed under control at 6:00 A.M. Local and state police fire marshals are investigating the fire, as well as ATF. The cause has not yet been determined but the fire marshal reported that it was most likely accidental. Nearly 20 companies helped battle the blaze, coming from as far away as Mt. Aetna. Crews in the rear geared up to go in and try to knock down some fire. They stretched a line into the build-
Bob Long
RAINMAN14
ing but even with a TIC, crews could find nothing and backed out. Fire continued to rage through the building for hours and was placed under control by 6 am. Local and state police fire marshals are investigating as well as ATF. The cause has not yet been determined but The fire marshal says it is likely accidental. Nearly 20 companies helped battle the blaze, from as far as Mt. Aetna. - LUCAS RICHARDSON
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
December, 2017
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December, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
WORKING FACES
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JUDD WEBER
Reading Firefighters encountered hoarding conditions in this three-story dwelling on North 8th St. The incident required two alarms due to the amount of debris hampering fire attack.
Transformer Fire Dispatch Leads Firefighters to House Fire Reading, PA - Firefighters from the "C" Platoon had just began their last night shift on October 14th when a still alarm for 8th and Green Streets was transmitted for an electrical transformer on fire. Shortly after Engine 9 and Ladder 3 arrived, they discovered a house on fire at 537 North 8th. Engine 9 began to stretch a line while Ladder 3 requested a box alarm assignment. As dispatchers from Berks County DES filled out Box 0903, Chief Moyer (C8) assumed command and reported fire showing from the rear of a three-
JUMP TO FILE #101717108 story semi. Crews encountered hoarding conditions which slowed the hose stretch. Ladder 3's aerial was raised and used for access to the upper floors due to the debris field. With slow progress from firefighters within the dwelling, the fire extended into the upper floors and roof line. Fifteen minutes into the incident, Chief Moyer requested a second-alarm. Two additional hose lines were stretched to different lo-
cations in the dwelling to stop the spread of fire into the attached home. The roof was opened up in the rear and the fire was eventually placed under control an hour later. All searches proved clear, with no injuries reported. The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating. Units from Spring and Muhlenberg Townships, as well as Laureldale assisted. Off-duty firefighters placed reserve apparatus into service to cover the rest of the city. - JASON BATZ
MADELYN ROHRER
East Petersburg Fire Co. Firefighter Dave Hardy using the department's newly purchased Combi-Tool during a recent training session.
EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT
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D ID Y OU K NOW
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The word ambulance is derived from the Latin “ambulare� which means to move about. It was used to describe the lifting or moving about of patients on two- wheeled carts. The Spanish first used such carts for emergency transport in 1487.
RAINMAN14
Chester County, PA - Jefferson Hospital Jeffstat Medevac is an Airbus Helicopter. Jeffstat covers multiple hospitals in southeastern Pennsylvania.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
December, 2017
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December, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA