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JULY, 2020
87-YEAR-OLD WOMAN KILLED IN FAST-MOVING MUNHALL FIRE
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Munhall, PA – At 12:54 P.M. on May 27th, fire units were dispatched to the 1200 block of Ravine Street for a report of flames coming from a home. Police arrived on-scene first with smoke showing and attempted to enter the home to search for any possible residents, but were unable to make it past the front room due to heat and smoke. - See full story on page 12
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
ADVERTISER INDEX
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
A guide to finding great companies
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3
All Hands Fire Equipment 13 Backstop USA Campbell Supply.
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Fire Flow Services
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Firovac Power Systems
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FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
Fire Strikes Vacant Duquesne Home
Pinegrove Twp. Volunteer FD in Venango County runs Engine 1516 as the front line rig. It is a 1990 Spartan Gladiator/FMC 1250/1000 that originally saw service as Engine 144-1 at Hunlock Creek in Luzerne County.
City of Duquesne, PA – At 11:02 P.M. on June 6th, firefighters were dispatched to Catharine Street for a reported dwelling fire. Duquesne's Chief arrived on-scene and confirmed a fully involved abandoned house and had incoming units set up a defensive attack. The fire was brought under control at 11:55 P.M., but crews stayed on-scene until almost 2:00 A.M. extinguishing hot spots. No one was injured and the fire is under investigation. Pictured is Duquesne Chief Frank Cobb in command. FRANK ROBINSON
New Philadelphia Fire Company operates a 1992 E-One 1250/1000. The unit once saw service with the Hummelstown, PA FD.
CORPORATE INFORMATION
1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 24 No. 7 - 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 A division of: in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.
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Notice: The advertisements, articles, and letters contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. Advertisements are sold pursuant to the "space available" and corresponding fee schedule. The mere fact that advertisements are contained in this publication does not express nor imply that 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. vouches for the credibility of the claims made in the advertisements or the representations expressed or implied in them.
DALE FEEHRER
The City of Lancaster Fire & Rescue took delivery of this 2000 Pierce Contender (1250/500) as Engine 2. This engine formally served the Lealman Fire Dist. in Pinellas County, Florida. READINGPAFIRE.COM
Vehicles Burn in Reading Reading, PA - Early in the morning of Sunday, May 24th, firefighters on the C Platoon were woken at 5:00 A.M. for a vehicle burning at 9th and Laurel Streets. Companies arrived to a well-involved pickup truck with debris burning in the bed. After extinguishing the fire, a motorist stopped and advised the crew that there was a van on fire a block away. Chief Glore (Car 9) requested a second engine company and proceeded to the other fire. Companies arrived with a van on fire and quickly began extinguishment. No injuries were reported at either incident. The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
The Emlenton FD's 1993 Spartan Gladiator/New Lexington Engine 2000-1 now operates with the President Twp. Vol. FD as Engine 1824. It has a 2000-GPM pump, 1000 water, and A and B foam.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
July, 2020
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July, 2020
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Northampton Apartment Building Heavily Damaged in Two Alarmer Northampton, PA - Everyone was able to escape unharmed from this two-and-a-half story apartment building fire on May 24th. The call came in at 6:49 A.M. for a porch fully in- JUMP TO FILE# volved at 2006 052720104 Washington Ave., with extention and entrapment. The fire finally subsided after about a two hour firefight. The seven occupants were able to flee the building, later to be assisted by the American Red Cross. The companies responding to the call were East Allen, Allen Twp., Lehigh Twp., Coplay, Catasauqua, Nancy Run, Egypt and Walnutport. EMS personnel were able to save two of three cats. - KEN SNYDER
Firefighters check for hot spots in the front of the apartment.
KEN SNYDER
Fire Destroys Abandoned Bar in City of Duquesne City of Duquesne, PA – At 9:00 P.M. on May 31st, fire crews were dispatched to the intersection of Grant Avenue at Auriles Street for a reported structure on fire. Duquesne's Fire Chief arrived onscene and reported a working fire in an abandoned two- JUMP TO FILE# story commercial 060220114 structure with heavy fire throughout and requested a secondalarm. Duquesne's Chief then advised incoming units that no one was to enter the structure and that it would be defensive operations only. Two separate collapses occurred, requiring PAR checks for all units which were cleared both times. Crews battled the fire for several hours before it was brought under control at 1:26 A.M. Crews remained on-scene throughout the night and returned to the scene several times the next day to extinguish hot spots. Several people who lived next to the building were being assisted by the American Red Cross due to smoke and water damage, along with damage that occurred during the collapse. No injuries were reported and the fire is under investigation. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
Crews work to protect exposures during a fire in Duquesne, 5/31/20.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
July, 2020
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July, 2020
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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
Indiana: John Schoffstall, 41 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 26, 2020 Death Date: April 12, 2020 Fire Department: Terre Haute Fire Department Initial Summary: While on duty, Firefighter John Schoffstall contracted COVID-19 from working with another firefighter who had subsequently tested positive for the virus.
Kentucky: John "Andy" Andrew Kuchar III, 43 Rank: Sergeant Incident Date: March 2, 2020 Death Date: April 16, 2020 Fire Department:Burlington Fire Protection District Initial Summary: Sergeant Andy Kuchar was injured on-duty while performing station duties on 03/02/2020. Since that time, he was off work as a result of the injury. Sergeant Kuchar recently underwent surgery for the injury and passed away at his residence on 04/16/2020. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined. Illinois: Mario Araujo, 49 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 1, 2020 Death Date: April 7, 2020 Fire Department: Chicago Fire Department Initial Summary: While on official duty, Firefighter Mario Araujo contracted COVID-19 from exposure from a patient with a known case of COVID-19.
New Jersey: Israel Tolentino, Jr., 33 Rank: Firefighter/EMT Incident Date: March 14, 2020 Death Date: March 31, 2020 Fire Department: Passaic Fire Department Initial Summary: On March 14, 2020, Firefighter/EMT Israel Tolentino, Jr., responded with his fire department to an ongoing gas rupture at a residence. All members, including Firefighter/EMT Tolentino, entered the surrounding structures, including multi-family dwellings and apartments, to check for gas seepage and levels. Three of the residences he entered had individuals with known cases of COVID-19. Firefighter/EMT Tolentino
subsequently became ill, was diagnosed with COVID19, and passed away on March 31, 2020.
Texas: Eduardo Ramirez, 43 Rank: Fire Suppression Technician Incident Date: April 21, 2020 Death Date: April 21, 2020 Fire Department: El Paso Fire Department Initial Summary: On Tuesday evening, April 21, 2020, while performing department mandated physical fitness training, Fire Suppression Technician Eduardo Ramirez collapsed. He was immediately taken to the hospital where he passed away. The cause of his death is under investigation. Maine: Harold "Eddie" Moore, Jr., 42 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: April 28, 2020 Death Date: April 28, 2020 Fire Department: Jackson Fire Department Initial Summary: On Tuesday afternoon, April 28, 2020, Lieutenant Harold “Eddie” Moore, Jr., responded to a fire at a residence. Later in the evening, after arriving home, Lieutenant Moore suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away.
Illinois: Robert David Reisinger, 57 Rank: Firefighter/Paramedic Incident Date: March 24, 2020 Death Date: April 29, 2020 Fire Department: River Grove Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter/Paramedic Robert David Reisinger responded to a medical emergency on March 24, 2020. The patient had a known case of COVID-19. Firefighter/Paramedic Reisinger subsequently contracted the virus. He was quarantined at home and was scheduled to return to work on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Monday evening, April 27, 2020, he suffered a stroke and was immediately taken to the hospital. Upon arrival, hospital staff performed a COVID-19 test which came back positive. Firefighter/Paramedic Reisinger passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 from the stroke that was attributed to COVID-19.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
July, 2020
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TERRY RITZ
Upper Perkiomen High School Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremony with Fire Companies
Red Hill, PA - On Friday, June 12th at 5:00 P.M., local fire companies participated in Upper Perkiomen High School's graduation ceremonies. The fire companies that represent the Upper Perkiomen School District municipalities in Southeastern Pennsylvania were invited to participate in the senior graduation ceremonies at the high school. East Greenville and Pennsburg fire companies had the task of creating the arch with a large American flag in the center. Other fire companies in the district were Red Hill, Green Lane, Hereford and Siesholtzville. This was the first time ever an event like this was held and it was appreciated by all that attended, including the graduates and their families.
Crews work the scene of fatal house fire, 5/29/20.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Two Dead in Fatal Duquesne Fire City of Duquesne, PA – At exactly midnight on May 29th, firefighters were dispatched to the 1100 block of Karl Avenue for a reported house on fire. Duquense Annex Fire Department confirmed a working fire that they could see from their station. Dispatch advised incoming units that there was possible entrapment now. Duquense's Chief arrived on-scene and reported heavy fire from the rear of the
JUMP TO FILE #053020101 home. Arriving crews had a hard time entering the home due to the amount of fire. Once firefighters were able to knock the fire down enough, crews made entry and began searching the building. Crews found one victim on the second floor and extricated them
from the home. A short time later, a second victim was located on the third floor. Both victims were found deceased. Crews continued to fight the fire before it was brought under control in just over an hour. Both victims, a male and female, were 23-years-old. No other injuries were reported and the fire is under investigation. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
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.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Etna Fire Damages Two Homes, Displaces 10
Etna, PA – At 3:32 P.M. on May 9th, fire crews were dispatched to Wilson Street in Etna Borough for a residential structure fire. Crews arrived to find heavy fire conditions in the rear of the structure and quickly extending into an exposure. Crews quickly began to attack the fire as a second-alarm was requested. Firefighters were able to get the bulk of the fire knocked down but worked for almost an hour more chasing fire in both houses that extended throughout the walls. A third-alarm was eventually requested for additional manpower. Everyone who lived in the homes safely made it out, including two cats that were rescued. Four firefighters were treated on-scene for various medical issues. A total of six adults and four children were displaced. The fire, which appeared to begin on a rear porch, is under investigation.
KEN SNYDER
Topton Fire-Rescue Co. Engine 21 supplies water to the two-alarm chemical plant fire in Mertztown, February 17th.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
July, 2020
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Vehicle News
Keep the kitchen cool!! FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco
FRANK ROBINSON
Lake Harmony Fire Company now operates a 2020 Spartan/Rescue 1 Heavy Rescue.
It’s July and the last thing we want to do is turn on the oven, so let’s fire up those grills! When we are in the dead of summer, I try to use my grill as much as possible, whether at home or the firehouse. Most recipes that are ideal for cooking on the grill are fast cooking, making them perfect for those days that are just too hot to do anything. But instead of throwing a steak on and calling it a day, I try to keep it interesting and play with flavors, textures and techniques. Kabobs are ubiquitous with grilling but often fall short in the creativity department,
you know the ones I am talking about…protein, pepper, onion, repeat. But that is just way too boring for me, after all most kabobs sold pre-packed in the supermarket come exactly that way. Kabobs are the perfect vehicle for trying out new marinades and ingredients, so think outside the box! Kabobs require two things, the first being ingredient selection. Make sure to use proteins that cook fast like chicken, lean cuts of beef, lamb and even seafood. Chicken breast is great but I prefer boneless skinless thighs as they offer more flavor and are more forgiving when it comes to overcooking. They also take on marinades well. Beef can be tricky so I tend to use sirloin steak rather than something expensive like filet mignon. Pork tenderloin is fantastic because it cooks fast and the same goes for seafood, particularly shrimp. You must also think about
the other ingredients you will be using. Things like peppers, onions, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant all work well because they do not need extensive cooking times. With the recipe here I use corn, something not often used on kabobs, but the key here is to “par-cook” it on the grill before skewering to make sure it cooks through. Besides ingredient selection, you also need to consider how you will cut your ingredients before putting them on the skewer, this ensures ingredients will cook through. Think about how fast each ingredient cooks and cut them accordingly. Leave quicker cooking ingredients bigger and slower cooking ingredients a little smaller. Kabobs are great for feeding crowds and this recipe for Mexican Shrimp and Corn Kabobs will certainly be a hit at your next BBQ! Stay safe, eat well!
MEXICAN SHRIMP AND CORN KABOBS DALE FEEHRER
The Royersford FD now operates this 2019 Pierce Saber (1500/750) as Engine 98.
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
For Kabobs: 1 lb. Shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 Ears of Fresh Corn 2 Limes, 1 sliced thin / 1 cut into wedges Handful of Fresh Cilantro, rough chopped EVOO Kosher Salt Fresh Cracked Pepper Chili Powder Skewers, if using wood soak for at least 30 minutes Procedure:
FRANK ROBINSON
North Lebanon Fire Rescue now operates a 2019 Pierce Enforcer 1500/1000 as Engine 11.
FRANK ROBINSON
Union Fire Company of Bethel now operates a 2007 Spartan/General 1500/500/100 F as Engine 54.
-Preheat grill to high.
-Grill the corn with husk on for about 10 minutes, turning frequently. Remove and let cool. When cool to the touch, peel husk and cut into 2” pieces.
-To make the kabobs, alternate shrimp, lime slices and corn. Brush kabobs with olive oil, season with salt, pepper and chile powder. Oil the grill grates and grill the skewers for a few minutes per side, or until the shrimp just starts to turn pink. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
AJ FUSCO
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
July, 2020
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FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
THOMAS MCCLAFFERTY
One Rescued from Early Morning Fire in Reading
Reading, PA - Early on the morning of May 31st a box alarm was transmitted for 903A North 9th Street. With companies responding, Berks County DES dispatchers reported additional phone calls advising that there was still someone inside the building. Ladder 3 arrived with smoke showing from a three-story tax-payer. Seconds later, firefighters observed someone hanging from the second-floor window through the smoke. Firefighters immediately placed a portable ladder to the window to effect a rescue. The victim was removed and handed off to paramedics for treatment and transport. With the ladder rescue in progress, crews stretched a line into the first floor of the structure. With fire extending up the rear, an additional line was stretched. Firefighters were told by neighbors there was another person in the building. All searches proved to be clear with the other occupant escaping prior to the fire department arriving. Deputy Chief Stoudt (C4) placed the fire under control 45 minutes later at 5:31 A.M. The building housed a hair salon on the first floor with apartments on the second and third. No injuries were reported, and the Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.
Stay on top of the news that matters to Pennsylvania emergency responders with a daily visit to www.1RBN.com
87-Year-Old Woman Killed in Fast-Moving Munhall Fire Munhall, PA – At 12:54 P.M. on May 27th, fire units were dispatched to the 1200 block of Ravine Street for a report of flames coming from a home. Police arrived on-scene first with smoke showing and attempted to enter the home to search for any possible residents, but were unable to make it past the front room due to heat and smoke. Fire units quickly arrived and 204 Chief advised dispatch that it was assumed entrapment due to a car in the driveway. Crews made
JUMP TO FILE #052720112 entry into the home to conduct a search and found high heat and heavy smoke. 204 Lieutenant soon found a victim and requested EMS to report to the 'Charlie' side of the structure. Soon after the victim was removed, the front of the home flashed and command requested all units evacuate the home. Once crews were out, a defensive attack was set
up until the bulk of the fire was knocked down. Crews re-entered the home and continued to chase fire throughout the home before it was finally brought under control over an hour later. The victim, an 87-year-old woman, was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. One other firefighter was transported to the hospital for heat exhaustion. The fire is now under investigation. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
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July, 2020
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
TERRY RITZ
Two Trailers Loaded with Fireworks Explode and Kill One Person Lower Milford Twp., PA - On June 9th at 3:05 P.M., numerous fire companies from four counties battled a fire that involved two trailers loaded with fireworks that killed a man after they exploded. First responders on the scene had to put in for additional alarms for manpower and tankers for water. Fireworks were exploding inside the trailers while firemen kept their distance and put streams of water on the trailers. A pickup truck parked by a nearby house also caught fire from the fireworks. Neighbors were complaining about the noise and the shaking of their homes during the explosion.
JUMP TO FILE #061020100 Some homes experienced broken windows. The initial explosion took the life of a man who was nearby or in the trailers. The cause of the fire is pending the outcome of an investigation. There were other injuries reported involving firemen, but the severity of injuries were unknown. Numerous fire companies were relocated to stand by at the fire stations to cover their area. Other fire companies were brought in and placed at a location just in case they
were needed. Some of the fire companies that responded were Lower Milford, Upper Milford, East Greenville, Lower Macungie, Milford, Eastern Berks, Pennsburg, Emmaus, Telford, Tylersport, Red Hill, Green Lane, Hereford and Trumbauersville. Fire police from four counties also responded while EMS units from different locations were on stand by. PA State Police and local police were also on the scene. A state police Fire Marshal was called in to the scene, as was a coroner.
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- TERRY RITZ
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.
Pocomoke City, MD
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www.firovac.com FRANK ROBINSON
City of Lebanon Fire still operates this 1998 American LaFrance Metropolitan/LTI 100' Ladder as Truck 18.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
July, 2020
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Car Split in Half, Occupants Ejected at Fatal Accident in Reading Reading, PA - Around 4:30 A.M. on June 13th, dispatchers at the Berks County Department of Emergency Services received a phone call reporting a serious car accident with two people hurt in the 1300 block of Centre Avenue. With companies responding, Chief JUMP TO FILE# Moyer (C7) re- 061320101 quested an additional medic unit. Engine 7 arrived with a vehicle cut in half and two occupants ejected. As other units were pulling in, the company advised that one person was deceased and the other was in critical condition. Crews began packaging the injured occupant while other members contained a large gas spill alongside the car. Paramedics transported the victim to the Reading Hospital Trauma Center. Companies cleared shortly after. - JASON BATZ
DANIEL WADE
Deputy Chief Larry Moyer and members of the Reading PD look over the wreckage of an accident in the 1300 block of Centre Ave. The vehicle struck a pole, causing it to split in two sections and eject both occupants.
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.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Third Vacant Structure Fire in Two Weeks for City of Duquesne
City of Duquense, PA – At 10:33 P.M. on June 9th, firefighters were alerted to the area of Zewe Alley at Kennedy Street for the report of a brush fire. Dispatch then advised units they were now receiving calls of an abandoned house on fire in that area and a full structure assignment was dispatched. Duquense 133 Chief arrived on-scene confirming a working structure fire in an abandoned structure with exposure issues on the 'Delta' side and assumed command. Incoming units were advised to set up a transitional attack to knock down the bulk of the fire and protect the exposure. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked, crews entered the building. At one point, flames began shooting from the roof line above where crews were working, and command requested all units evacuate the structure. Once deemed safe again, crews re-entered and performed overall. The fire was placed under control at 11:29 P.M. No injuries were reported, and the fire is under investigation. This is third abandoned structure to go up in flames in less than two weeks in the City of Duquesne.
JASON BATZ
Tom English and Pat Griffin from Reading Engine 3 pose together after completing an air management drill.
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FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Fire destroys Lower Burrell apartment building, 5/21/20.
Fast-Moving Fire Destroys Lower Burrell Apartment Building Lower Burrell, PA – Just after 1:00 P.M. on May 21st, fire crews were dispatched to the Cedar Crest Apartments located along Puckety Church Road for a brush fire endangering a structure. Arriving crews found a large three-story apartment building with smoke showing from the attic area of the building. Crews quickly began evacuating residents and opening up the attic area to attack the fire. Once crews were able to get into the attic area, they found fire running along the length of the building. Additional fire crews were requested to the scene as crews continued to fight the fire. Interior crews on the thirdfloor reported fire above every apartment and began opening up
JUMP TO FILE #052220109 the apartments before crews were forced to evacuate. Crews then set up a defense attack until the bulk of the fire was knocked down. Crews then began the long task of overhaul and stayed on-scene for several more hours. All residents escaped without injures. Over 25 people lived in the apartments and the American Red Cross are assisting those residents. The entire third floor was destroyed, and the first and second floors sustained heavy smoke and water damage. The fire is still under investigation. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
PATRICK MANWILLER
Ladder 1 weaves their Seagrave Aerial through several power lines to make the roof during this top floor fire at 239 Greenwich St.
Second-Alarm Struck During Wind-Driven Fire in Reading Reading, PA - Shortly before 4:30 P.M. on Monday, May 11th, dispatchers at the Berks County DES began receiving phone calls reporting a fire in the 200 block of Greenwich Street. Chief Kemery (C3) arrived at a three-story semi-detached, multiple-dwelling with smoke showing from the rear. Initially, it was believed that a fence was burning in the backyard due to the smoke obscuring the side of the structure. Seconds later, a wind gust displaced the smoke and fire was observed from the third floor.
JUMP TO FILE #072913106 Firefighters stretched a line to the rear of the home and accessed the upper floor via a fire escape. With the wind gusting the fire spread rapidly and threatened the attached side. Chief Kemery requested a second-alarm for additional help at 4:46 P.M. Ladder companies had difficulty accessing the roof due to the number of overhead wires in the area. Crews would eventually
reach it after placing a roof ladder perpendicular to the tip of the aerial beam. Additional hose lines were stretched from both Engine 7 and Engine 3 to support firefighting operations. The fire was placed under control at 5:11 P.M., with a large amount of overhaul following. No injuries were reported, and the Fire Marshal's Office is investigating. Firefighters from West Reading, Wyomissing and Spring Township assisted. - JASON BATZ
OLD AND NEW If you have photos you would like to see in our Old and New feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Visit us at www.1RBN.com
RON JEFFERS
The Weavertown Fire Company of North Lebanon Twp. has replaced Rescue Engine 28's 1989 Seagrave 1750-GPM/750 unit with, right, a 2019 Seagrave 2000-GPM/1000-GPM/60-GFT model.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
PATCH OF THE MONTH
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.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Fire Destroys Large Westmoreland County Home
This patch belongs to the Houtzdale Fire Department, located in Clearfield County, PA.
EUGENE WEBER JR.
Mt. Pleasant Twp., PA – At 12:36 A.M. on May 21st, Westmoreland County fire crews were dispatched to the 1600 block of Kecksburg Rd. for a reported deck on fire attached to a residence. Additional calls were then received of a reported house on fire. Arriving crews found heavy fire showing from the 'Charlie' side and began to attack the fire. The fire quickly grew as crews had issues with hydrant pressure, so multiple tankers were requested from Westmoreland, Fayette and Somerset Counties. Less than 45 minutes after the first units arrived, all units were evacuated from the building and defensive operations began. Crews remained on-scene for over five hours trying to extinguish the fire. Two people were home at the time of the fire but escaped without injury. The fire is believed to have started from a fire pit that was located on the deck.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
July, 2020
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PENNSYLVANIA
Vacuum Units Deserve A Serious Look The universal challenge to Fire Departments today remains - adequate personnel and water for fire extinguishment. This is especially true in non-hydrant areas.
RAINMAN14
Firefighters operate outside the house as crews made the push to extinguish fire in the attic.
Firefighters Respond to House Fire in Muhlenberg Twp. Muhlenberg Twp., PA - On June 12th at 2:52 P.M., Muhlenberg Twp. Fire Rescue, Laureldale Engine 13, Township of Spring Rescue 85 for RIT and Muhlenberg EMS were dispatched to 4111 6th Avenue in Muhlenberg Twp. for a reported structure fire. Berks DES notified responding crews the additional that a carport attached to the house was on fire. Captain 66 arrived within minutes and found heavy fire showing from the rear of a house. After declaring a working fire, Captain 66 took command and requested the first-in engine to lay into the scene. Captain 66 stated that everyone was reported out of the house. Engine 66 laid in from the hydrant at S. Temple Blvd. and 6th Ave. As crews stretched lines to the rear of the house, Engine 13 connected the five-inch line to the hydrant and supplied Engine 66. Shortly after arrival crews had two lines in service knocking down the fire. Both Leesport and West Reading’s Rescues were dispatched to the scene as cover units. As additional manpower ar-
JUMP TO FILE #062020102 rived, crews began searches and stretched an additional line to take inside the house. Firefighters found the fire made it into the house and began shooting out of the eaves on the 'Delta' side. Crews brought the line up to the second floor where the line was charged. Crews were able to knock down the fire in the cockloft area as firefighters on the roof began vertical ventilation. FM 66 was requested to the scene to investigate. The fire was placed under control with overhaul at 3:32 P.M. Firefighters continued to work for over 30 minutes before command started releasing units. This incident was the first working structure fire in Muhlenberg Twp. since the merger of the Goodwill Fire Co. and Temple Fire Co. to form a new department, Muhlenberg Twp. Fire Rescue. - LUCAS RICHARDSON
Departments are fast discovering the savings in personnel, equipment and time with Firovac™ vacuum fire apparatus. The vacuum system works by air movement (like a primer pump), drafting water into the tank at 1,000-1,500 GPM. Discharging water out of the tank under pressure results in a complete empty and ISO rating of “zero” (no deduction for water left in tank). Loss of prime is not a problem in self-loading and freezing is greatly reduced as no water goes through the vacuum system. Versatility in self-loading from long hose lays up to 180’ and vertical lifts up to 28’ is can result in securing water from nearby water sources thereby saving
valuable time driving to a hydrant. They can do anything a non-vacuum unit can but go beyond to new evolutions of speed and versatility.
Firovac™ did not set out just to make another fire truck. A local Department noticed how efficiently and easily vacuum units could supply water, which resulted in a “better way” as discovered by firefighters in hands on situations. Designed specifically for fire service use, they “fit in” any water shuttle system even enhancing it by self-loading from its own water source. They can also increase the flow rate of a hydrant or supply source by running an extra line to a portable tank a safe distance away for the vacuum units to self-load from the portable tank.
The units are built to meet each specific Department’s needs.They can be constructed as a tanker/tender, tanker/pumper, pumper/tanker, res-
cue/pumper/tanker or wildland unit with features like any other unit. They have nurse, pump and roll, and pump and dump capability. Items like fire pumps, foam, hose reels, bumper turrets, deck guns, large volume floating and transfer strainers and power fold down brackets capable of containing two tanks are available. The advantages of vacuum units are obvious. Superior fill and flow rates using less tankers and less people means more people on the fireground fighting the fire, less equipment means cheaper maintenance and more equipment on the fire ground, the fill pumper now becomes the backup pumper on the scene, A win-win situation. Vacuum units deserve a serious look. www.firovac.com
FIROVAC
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
New York Rescues (3) VIDEO REVIEW
Video reviews by John Malecky
New York Rescues (3) 5 DVD Set By Advanced Print & Video Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street Hudson, MA -01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 E-mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire.police.ems.com Price: $69.95
This is the third disk of the set of five and features Rescue 3, which covers the Bronx and three
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battalions in Manhattan. Like the other two previously reviewed, it is 60 minutes in length and starts off with the same introduction sung by Fontana Bass. A second brief presentation follows, featuring fires of the past. At this point the viewer may think that he or she has the wrong disk, but low and behold it eventually gets to Rescue 3 footage. Unlike the first two disks where a member of the company introduces himself and orients the viewer about the responsibilities of the rescue unit, this disk does not have a formal introduction. You will see fires and collapses that the company responded to during 1998 and 1999, and see a training session on the search cam which is a long instrument used to be inserted within a collapse area to search for life and other conditions. Also is a tour of the inventory of the collapse unit, which is the second section of Rescue 3 which is a tractor-drawn vehicle. One of the collapses is in lower Manhattan involving a parking garage in which some 50 cars were destroyed. Heavy equipment was brought in to retrieve the cars and each had to be searched for possible casualties or fatalities. A second collapse of the building under repairs is featured. There is an explanation about the symbols on vacant buildings for instance and what each signifies to the Fire Department regarding entry or non-entry. The fire scenes include a multi-storied brick dwelling which appears to be vacant and has heavy fire through the roof but nothing showing on the lower floors. Other fires include a commercial business which actually burned twice within two months, an auto repair shop and other major fires. Radio transmissions can be heard and there is a brief announcement of when the incident was, where it was and what is involved. The next disk will feature Rescue Company 4.
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DALE FEEHRER
Garbage Truck Troubles in Mt. Joy Twp.
Mt. Joy Twp., PA - Shortly before 1:00 P.M. on Monday afternoon, May 18th, crews were called to Mt. Joy Township for a vehicle fire. Arriving units discovered a large pile of garbage burning that was expelled out of the back of the truck. The garbage truck operator noticed the garbage burning and quickly pulled into a secluded parking lot of an apartment complex and smartly pushed the burning contents out of the truck. Members of the Rheems FD extinguished a majority of the pile, and one engine from Elizabethtown was called in to assist with hot spots. Crews operated for about an hour before control was marked.
RICHARD BILLINGS
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
July, 2020
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July, 2020
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Structure Fire Destroys Overlook Lounge in Monroeville Monroeville, PA - Just after 11:00 A.M. on May 16th, Monroeville fire units responded to the Overlook Lounge, located along James Street, for a reported structure fire. C-11 arrived on-scene reporting a working fire. Engine 12 arrived and laid a supply line JUMP TO FILE# and crews began to 051720105 attack the fire. Fire quickly consumed the building as additional fire departments were requested to assist at the scene. The fire was finally placed under control at 1:53 P.M., but crews stayed on-scene for over four hours performing overhaul. A 90 plus year old woman who owns the lounge was inside at the time of the fire, but she escaped without injury. No other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The building is a complete loss. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
Crews battle a fire at Overlook Lounge in Monroeville, 5/16/20.
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July, 2020
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