Fire News, Pennsylvania, March 2019 edition

VOLUME 9, NO. 1

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In this issue...

2 Firefighters Injured in Swatara Twp. Blaze Box 456-3 sent Company 91 (Swatara) and Engine 59-1 (Lower Swatara) to Chambers Hill Road for a garage fire.

See story on page 6

Fire and Explosions at Williamstown Blaze Units were dspatched for a house fire near the Liberty Hose Company fire station on W. Broad St. See story on page 12

Homestead Borough Blaze Fire crews were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 300 block of East 17th Avenue in Homestead Borough.

See story on page 20

Susquehanna Township Blaze Box 37-4 sent Company 37, Engines 32, 35, 38, Truck 35 and Air 30 to Regency Circle for a structure fire.

See story on page 21

A Service for Pennsylvania Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS DAWN ALTSTATT, TED AURIG, LAUREN CARPENTER, JASON COLEMAN-COBB, JEFF GOLDBERG, N. GRISWOLD, ALEX LLOYD GROSS, CHRIS HALDEMAN, CURTIS JURY, KEN LAGER, GREG LEAMAN, ANDY MARSH SR., STEVEN MATTO, ARTIE OSNIAK, STEVE ROTH, PATRICK SHOOP, SHANE SHIFFLETT, JAYSON WAGNER, ASHLEY WALTERS, FRANK WESNOSKI, DENNIS WETHERHOLD, JR. COLUMNS KRAIG HERMAN, TIM SOLOBAY COPYRIGHT 2019, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Extrication in Allegheny Co. MVA A speeding truck crossed the center line on Hyde Park Road in Allegheny Township, striking an unloaded school bus.

See story on page 27

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

You Have a Voice!

It always amazes me how little people know about the fire service. The people in your community see your apparatus responding to calls, but really have no understanding what those manning the emergency vehicles go through to be allowed to respond to assist them. Many people are misinformed and actually think all responders are paid.

So many people, including members, do not realize that according to NFPA, approximately 70 percent of America’s firefighters are volunteers, and 85 percent of the nation’s fire departments are all or mostly volunteer.

The smallest communities — those with fewer than 10,000 residents — are almost always served by volunteer departments, according to the NFPA. Our Canadian neighbors have a fire service that is made up of 69percent volunteers. Yes, it is hard to believe that in this day and age the fire service is primarily made up of a force that is put together by dedicated people who are trained professionals.

Many years ago, the job required little training and it was easier for community members to volunteer. Today it is a different story. As you know, all first responders are required to take extensive training to become a firefighter or EMT. Like professional responders, you also are required to take yearly refresher courses to maintain your sta-

tus. In the early 90s, OSHA recommended yearly refresher courses in HazMat awareness and other important areas such as Violence in the Workplace, Sexual Harassment, and Bloodborne Pathogens. If you drive your department apparatus, you must take awareness and skill-based courses to show you are competent in the operation of your department vehicles. We live in changing times.

If I ask you what CFSI is, can you tell me?

The Congressional Fire Service Institute is an organization that is made up of people and organizations whose mission is, “To educate members of Congress about fire and life saving issues. Established in 1989 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy institute, CFSI is designed to educate members of Congress about the needs and challenges of our nation's fire and emergency services to help them understand how the federal government can support the needs of our local first responders.”

This organization holds a yearly symposium and dinner that draws over 1500 fire and emergency service leaders from all over the US. Their mission is to get together with members of Congress and discuss the current issues and concerns in the fire service.

I urge you to visit CFSI.org to learn about this aspect of the fire service. Read the biog-

raphies of the people that lead this wonderful organization and watch out for all responders. The 31st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner in Washington, DC, will be held on April 24-25, 2019. Speak to your leaders in Congress and urge them to participate in the CFSI Symposium, so that they are better educated about the challenges and needs of our nation's fire and emergency services. Make sure your department members realize that they have a voice on Capitol Hill that is watching out for them - Dennis

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2 FFs Injured in Swatara Twp. Blaze

On February 1, 2019, at 1500, Box 456-3 sent Company 91 (Swatara) and Engine 59-1 (Lower Swatara) to Chambers Hill Road for a garage fire. Chief Orth reported a column of smoke from the Chambers Hill Station. Chief Steele requested the first alarm en route, bringing Truck 46 (Hummelstown), Rescues 69 (York DLA) and 88 (Middletown). Crews arrived to fire in a detached, multi-bay garage. Engine 91-3 laid a line from Chambers Hill back to the drive way and set up on side along with Truck 91. Engine 91-5 sup-

plied these companies for defensive operations as multiple explosions, along with an air tank and fuel containers located in the garage, posed a hazard. Several lines were stretched after the master stream from Truck 91 knocked down the bulk of the fire.

Tankers 59 (Lower Swatara) and 47 (Union Deposit) were special called to the scene to assist with water supply, and Rescue 48 (Hershey) provided warming for operating crews. Two firefighters were injured.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Nice Save by Peebles Chief

On January 27, 2019, firefighters were dispatched to 9500 block of Park Edge Drive in the Town of McCandless for a house fire.

Peebles Fire Chief 188 arrived to heavy fire showing from the alpha side of the home. Dispatch reported the caller stated she was trapped in a bathroom. Chief 188 heard her screaming and was able to successfully rescue her before fire units arrived. She was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Fire units encountered issues with icy driveway conditions and a bad hydrant. Crews had

to walk up the steep driveway and attack the fire with tank water before a water supply could be established. A second alarm was requested. Crews entered and found hoarding conditions and multiple dogs inside the home. Chief 188 evacuated the structure as conditions deteriorated. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before the fire was finally placed under control. There were 17 dogs in the home; eight were successfully rescued with nine unaccounted for.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Page 8, Fire News, March 2019

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Electrical Fire Extends

On January 31, 2019, while returning from an EMS call, Hegins Area Ambulance Chief Musolino and Paramedic Geisinger noticed what appeared to be a significant amount of smoke not far from the Hegins Area Ambulance Association building. They quickly went to investigate and found smoke pushing from a twostory, single-family home. They rushed to the home’s front door and assisted people evacuating, getting the family into the back of an ambulance and out of the minus-five-degree temps. Engine 14-10 (Sacramento) and Rescue 13-50 (Hegins Valley Fire-Rescue) arrived along with North End Ladder 58-25. Engine 22-14 grabbed a hydrant but found it frozen. Members stretched a five-inch line to a secondary hydrant. Truck 58-25 started ventilation as Ladder 58-25 arrived.

North End Engine 58-15 laid in from a second hydrant to supply Ladder 58-25.

Rescue 67-50 handled SCBA refills. Yorkville Rescue (Pottsville) was designated the RIT with an additional truck from Minersville. The fire started in the basement of the home due to an electrical fault, then spread into the walls to the second floor. Units on scene were 10, 12, 13, 14, 22-4, 58, 67, Yorkville 63, Ladder 51, Hegins Area Ambulance, Minersville EMS. Additionally, two women assisted with hot coffee, hot chocolate and warm food for crews. The American Red Cross would also later arrive on scene to assist.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Where There’s Smoke ….

Old House Goes Fire crews from Southampton, Bensalem and Warminster converged on a fire in a singlefamily house on Knowles Avenue during January. The first-in companies found heavy smoke coming from the second floor and, within minutes, the dwelling was consumed with fire. The home’s old, mostly wood construction fed the fire, officials said. Parents picking up their children at a nearby school were detoured so as not to interfere with firefighting efforts.

- Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt

Sheridan House Fire Under frigid conditions at 2243 on February 1, 2019, units responded to West Grand Avenue for a house fire. Sheridan Capt 22-5 passing the scene notified county of the fire in the village of Sheridan. Engine 2215 positioned on the B side of the structure with Chief 22-5 taking command; at this time attack lines were stretched and charged off of Engine 2215. Tower City’s Engine 6610 supplied 2215. Shortly after tapping the plug, it froze. Command then requested a tanker task force as the fire began to rapidly spread. As crews went interior they were met with heavy fire conditions with partial spots in the floor compromised and the fire spreading towards the attic. Smoke began to thicken and pour out of the D-side eaves and attic windows and then fire erupted out of multiple spots.

Command evacuated the building. Crews continued their exterior attack and, eventually were able to re-enter. A short time after evac was struck the C side of the home’s roof started to cave. The occupants of the home were able to exit safely, however their pets perished in the blaze. Responding units also came from Joliett and Williamstown.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

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Washington Township Fire

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Firefighters from Lehigh County were dispatched to Cemetery adjoining house. Due to a lack of hydrants in the area, tankers were Street in Washington Township for a house fire. Units arrived to a called to assist. Companies came from Lehigh, Northampton and well-involved duplex. EMTs from Northern Valley EMS along with Carbon counties.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr. Slatington Fire Department were able to rescue a dog from an

Swatara Township Car Fire

On January 12, 2019, Box 49-2 sent Company 91 (Swatara Fire and an attack line, quickly knocking down the fire involving the front Rescue) to Paxton Street in the parking lot of the Bass Pro Shop for portion of an SUV. Truck 91 also assisted.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb a vehicle fire. Chief 91-3 arrived with Engine 91. The crew stretched

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Stove Fire Draws a Crowd

On February 14, 2019, a house fire on Route 356 in Allegheny Eventually, 19 companies responded to the fire from Westmoreland, Township started at a woodburning stove in the center of the home. Armstrong, Allegheny and Butler Counties.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto The nearest hydrant was more than a half-mile away, which spurred a convoy of tankers to assist in battling the blaze.

Page 12, Fire News, March 2019

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Fire and Explosions at Williamstown Blaze

On January 10, 2019, county began dispatching units for a house fire several hundred feet from the Liberty Hose Company (Williamstown) fire station on West Broad Street in Williamstown.

Crews arrived to heavy fire blowing out of the A and C sides of the structure. As crews began working, explosions were heard inside the home. Suddenly, larger explosions began to go off and push the fire load out the A and D sides. Crews pulled back as command noticed a powerline being compromised; the line then fell. Crews once again began their push and a larger explosion erupted from the first floor, knocking two firefighters off their feet. Additional

units responded. Due to the fire load being pushed back inside and the explosions of multiple oxygen cylinders, spots of the home’s floors were compromised. The eventually spread into the attic.

Truck 22 vented the roof as multiple crews threw ladders to the Aside porch. Heavy smoke began to billow out of the second story windows. Company 29 (Halifax) established a fill site at a nearby stream. Klingerstown Engine 65, Pillow Rescue 28 and Air 35 from Lingelstown also responded, with others covering. The box was eventually upgraded to a second alarm witha tanker request.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Arson in Pitcairn Boro On January 6, 2019, at 0429, firefighters were dispatched to a fire in the rear of a home located along in the 400 block of Wall Avenue in Pitcairn Borough. The Pitcairn chief reported a fire on the back porch of a home and requested the first engine to stretch a line to the rear. Crews arrived to fire which had run the walls into the roof.

Crews continued to battle the fire as a second alarm was requested.

One firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation. Pitcairn Police, along with the Allegheny County Fire Marshall’s office began an investigation. Several hours later, with the help of surveillance cameras, police arrested a 23-year-old man who admitted to lighting a towel on fire and setting it near the back door. One person was displaced.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

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Fire News, March 2019, Page 13

Pittsburgh House House Fire in Razed After Fire New Kensington

City of Pittsburgh firefighters were dispatched a second time to Fire Zone 3-15 for the same house on fire. Three minutes later, a second fire in Fire Zone 3-21 was dispatched for a house fire on West Street in the Borough of Wilkinsburg. Crews arrived to heavy smoke throughout a 2-½ story wood frame with exposures on both sides.

Crews were hampered by a bad hydrant. Interior crews then reported that all visible fire was knocked down, but command advised that smoke was getting darker and more intense and had crews start opening up walls and ceilings. A second alarm was requested at this point because of the worsening conditions and exposure issues.

Finally, command ordered all crews to evacuate and a defensive attack ensued. The fire was placed under control in about two hours, but crews remained on-scene for several more. Two apartments in the home were destroyed and four adults were displaced. The exposures sustained some smoke and water damage. The home was razed the following day. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal investigated.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

On February 3, 2019, crews responded to a house fire in New Kensington. The fire started when a cable installer accidentally drilled into the side of a house, hitting an electrical wire. The fire extended through the walls and into the attic. Crews had the fire under control in under 30 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

Page 14, Fire News, March 2019

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Zerbe Twp. Mobile Home Goes

On January 29, 2019, crews were dispatched for a structure fire on Sunshine Road just west of Trevorton in Zerbe Township, Northumberland County. A second alarm went out right away, bringing numerous resources to the scene due to the location as a mobile home park off a long secondary road with smoke visible. A short time later, command requested a third alarm for a tanker task force. Crews arrived to a fully-involved mobile home. One person working in the home reported hearing the furnace make a loud pop and then seeing flames. The mobile home was a total loss.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Apartment Fire in Greensburg On January 10, 2019, Greensburg Fire department responded to an apartment fire on Park Avenue.

Firefighters were met with heavy flames coming from a first-floor apartment. A resident on the second floor was alerted by neighbors and her cat was rescued by firefighters. Surrounding companies provided mutual aid.

- Fire News photo Courtesy of Greensburg FD

Chimney Fire in Lower Paxton At 2110 on January 29, 2019, Box 33-6 sent Company 33 (Colonial Park) and Engine 34 (Paxtonia) to Union Deposit Road for a chimney fire. Engine 33 reported nothing evident and was investigating. Command 33 requested the balance of the structure box for fire in a single-family house. Engine 35 (Linglestown) was added to the box. One line was stretched for fire in the walls on the first floor around the chimney area. The fire was quickly knocked down and companies opened up to address hot spots and check for extension.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Water Access Hampers Ross Twp. 3-Alarmer Just before 1830 on February 8, 2019, fire units were dispatched to Pittview Road in Ross Township for a house fire with possible entrapment. Police arrived to heavy smoke pouring from the home and were able to assist a resident out. All were treated for smoke inhalation. The first engine arrived in under four minutes and found fire through the roof. Due to a water main break, crews had issues finding a water supply. The fire quickly went to three alarms with additional tankers added to the assignment. Crews aggressively worked to contain the fire, but it took several hours before the fire was placed under control. One firefighter was transported to a local hospital for chest pains. The fire appeared to have started in the fireplace.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Cold Day for a Shed Fire On January 29, 2019, Klingerstown and Mahantongo Fire Companies responded to a building fire off of Schwaben Creek Road. Chief J. Saltzman arrived and positioned off the hard road in an adjoining field to find an approximately 8- x 8-foot outbuilding fully involved. The shed was filled with firewood and in close proximity to an outdoor wood burner. During the event temperatures were in the eight- to 10degree range with a biting below-zero windchill. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Auto Shop Fire in Philadelphia Philadelphia firefighters were called to Bennett Road for an auto shop fire on December 28, 2018.

The building was accessible only down a street with no outlet. Three alarms worth of companies were called and firefighters had to contend with rain and fog, as well as water supply problems.

Over three miles of five-inch hose was dropped and, at one point, all 12 lanes of the Roosevelt Boulevard were closed for about two hours. The building housed several businesses that were in the auto repair or detailing business.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

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1 Displaced by Middletown House Fire

Box 88-3 toned out at 0150 on January 30, 2019, sending Company 88 (Middletown), Engines 59 (Lower Swatara), 71 (HIA) and 74-1 (Elizabethtown) to South Union Street for a bathroom fire. Chief Whitebread was advised by County Communications that all occupants were out and police were reporting fire out one window, impinging on the exposure. A first-alarm assignment was requested bringing Engines 54 (Londonderry), 55 (Highspire), Truck 50 (Steelton), Rescue 59 (Lower Swatara) and Air 91-2 (Bressler). Engine 88 stretched to heavy fire in the rear of the occupied 2-1/2 story dwelling. An initial attack line was stretched to the second floor, knocking down the bulk of the fire. Additional lines were operated as fire extended in the walls and attic area. Truck 88 opened the roof. The fire was placed under control in about an hour. One occupant was left homeless in the fire that occurred in temperatures of about 15 degrees.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Page 18, Fire News, March 2019

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Nice Save on Christmas Eve On Christmas Eve 2018, a call came in for a house fire in lower Nothumberland County. Crews from Klingerstown, Herndon, Hickory Corners, Lower Mahanoy, Pillow, Americus Ambulance and Mahantongo, among others, responded. Chief 65 notified incoming units of a well-involved garage fire that was threatening to extend to the home. Lines were stretched, tankers responded and drafting sites were established. Interior crews were able to hold the fire to the garage area with very minor extension through a dining room door. Crews vented the structure and checked for further extension. The main part of the home suffered smoke and some minor water damage and was expected to be repaired.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

6 Displaced in Pittsburgh Fire On February 5, 2019, around 0045, City of Pittsburgh firefighters were dispatched to the 100 block of Jucunda Street for a house fire. Crews arrived to find a vacant home with heavy fire showing and heavy smoke coming from the delta side exposure. A second alarm was requested as crews went to work on both homes and were able to knock down the fire in the exposure quickly. Crews then spent about an hour getting the original fire building under control. A third alarm was called for manpower. No one was injured but six people who lived in the exposure home were displaced. The original fire building was vacant at the time and the cause was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Family Displaced in Homestead Boro Fire At 0303 on January 30, 2019, fire crews were dispatched for a house fire located along the 1900 block of McClure Street in Homestead Borough. Homestead’s deputy chief arrived to find a working fire on the first floor. A second alarm was requested for manpower due to single-digit temperatures. Crews were able to quickly knock down the fire and stayed on-scene for about two hours performing salvage and overhaul. Two adults and two children were home at the time but managed to escape without injury. The fire was believed to have started from an unattended candle in the kitchen area. The American Red Cross assisted the family.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Page 20, Fire News, March 2019

Homestead Borough Blaze

On January 5, 2019, fire crews were dispatched to a reported structure fire located along the 300 block of East 17th Avenue in Homestead Borough. Arriving crews found heavy fire from a two-story duplex. As crews attacked the fire from inside, one of the exposures began to catch and a second alarm was requested. Crews continued to work the fire in both the duplex and the exposure home for several hours before the fire was finally brought under

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control. Crews stayed on-scene for several more hours extinguishing hot spots. No one was injured and one man who was in a wheelchair was rescued from the duplex. That man and another person who lived in the duplex were displaced. It was reported that the other side of the duplex, along with the home were vacant.

The Allegheny County Fire Marshal was investigating.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Quick Stop of Vandergrift Church Fire

On February 11, 2019, Vandergrift firefighters responded to a fire a quick knock down of the fire, preventing any extensive damage to in the First United Methodist Church on Custer Avenue in the church.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto Vandergrift. The fire was in the bell tower. Multiple units provided

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Susquehanna Township Blaze

On February 12, 2019, at 0005, Box 37-4 sent Company 37 (Rescue), Engines 32 (Progress), 35 (Linglestown), 38 (Middle Paxton), Truck 35 (Linglestown) and Air 30 (Penbrook) to Regency Circle for a structure fire. Chief 84 advised a neighbor called, stating fire was coming from the roof, and it was unknown if the occupants were out. Police reported the second floor fully involved and Chief 84

confirmed the report with possible entrapment. A first-alarm assignment brought Rescue 35 (Linglestown) and Squad 20 (Northeast). Companies stretched multiple lines on the 2-1/2 story, single-family dwelling, knocking down the bulk of the fire in about 15 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Page 22, Fire News, March 2019

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Kiski Township House Fire On December 26, 2018, crews responded to a house fire in Kiski Township in Armstrong County.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

5 Displaced by Monroeville Apt. Fire On January 30, 2019, Monroeville Fire units were dispatched to an apartment complex on Cambridge Square Drive for a report of smoke coming from kitchen cabinets. As crews made entry into the 38unit apartment building, they encountered heavy smoke and finally found a working fire inside an apartment on the second floor. Crews were able to knock down the fire quickly, then began opening walls to check for extension. A second alarm was requested due to temperatures below-zero bringing additional manpower from Allegheny and Westmoreland County. The fire was placed under control in about 15 minutes. Two apartments were damaged, displacing three adults and two children. The American Red Cross assisted those families.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

That’s the Thanks He Got Just before 0200 on February 2, 2019, fire crews were dispatched for a residential structure fire in the 300 block of South 4th Street in the City of Duquesne. Duquesne Chief 133 discovered a working fire on the third division. Crews from 133 and Duquesne Annex Station 294 had issues with a hydrant and a tanker was brought in to supply Rescue Engine 294, but crews were able to get the hydrant open. Interior crews were able to get a quick knock on the bulk of the fire, as additional units were requested due to single-digit temperatures. Crews began extensive overhaul of the second and third floor before the fire was brought under control. One dog was rescued from the second floor and one firefighter who was assisting the dog was bit and treated on the scene.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

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3rd Floor Rescue in Pittsburgh

On January 12, 2019, City of Pittsburgh crews were dispatched for a porch fire in the 3900 block of Liberty Avenue in the Lawrenceville section of the city. Crews arrived to heavy smoke coming from the home. There was a report of someone trapped on the third floor and a second alarm was requested. Crews in the rear of the structure encountered heavy fire conditions and someone

yelling for help and were able to get a quick knock on the fire and rescue the person trapped on the third floor. The victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. Crews continued to battle the fire but had some issues with the construction of the building due to numerous renovations.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Page 24, Fire News, March 2019

Wilkins Township Blaze

At 0039 on January 7, 2019, firefighters were dispatched for a residential structure fire located along Ridgecrest Drive in Wilkins Township. As crews arrived, they found fire showing from the rear of the structure. Local neighbors informed crews that one man lived in the home and was unaccounted for. Crews made entry to search the home, while a second crew stretched a line to the rear. The search came up negative. It was later discovered the man who lived in the home was in the hospital. Once crews knocked down the fire

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in the rear, crews began an interior attack and a second alarm was requested. The fire was placed under control 0149 but crews remained on-scene until 0425 for overhaul and assisting the Allegheny County Fire Marshal with the investigation. The local fire marshal suffered an undisclosed injury and was transported to the hospital. Two dogs perished in the fire.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Paxtang Duplex Fire

At 1809 on January 30, 2019, Box 401 sent Company 40 (Paxtang), Engines 30 (Penbrook), 33 (Colonial Park), 91 (Swatara - Oberlin), 91-5 (Swatara - Rutherford), Truck 32 (Progress), Tower 1 (Harrisburg), Rescue 50 (Steeltyon), and Air 91-2 (Swatara Bressler) to Derry Street for a report of smoke coming from the home. Captain Lawrence (32) arrived to a 2-1/2 story duplex with a possible furnace malfunction. A line was stretched and companies

encountered a heavy interior smoke condition. Engine 91-2 (Swatara - Bressler) and Rescue 37 (Rescue) were dispatched as replacement units and Rescue 35 (Linglestown) special called to the scene. Crews located a fire in the basement and floor joists. A second line was stretched and the fire was knocked down in about 10 minutes. First floors walls were opened with negative extension.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Swissvale Borough Fire

At 0018 on January 21, 2019, fire crews were dispatched to the 2500 block of South Braddock Avenue in Swissvale Borough for a house fire. Crews reported heavy fire from the alpha-side second floor.

A second alarm was requested, and crews hit the fire with a deck gun until a water supply was established and an interior crew made

entry. Interior crews were able to knock the remainder of the fire down on the second floor, as the fire extended to the third floor.

Firefighters battled the blaze for over an hour in sub-zero wind chills before it was placed under control. Four adults were displaced.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Page 26, Fire News, March 2019

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Windstorm Takes Down Gas Station Canopy

On January 8, 2019, a line of strong thunderstorms producing wind but no one was seriously injured. Several fire companies and gusts of over 50 mph swept into Allegheny County. A canopy at a gas ambulances from Monroeville responded to the scene.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography station on Haymaker Road in Monroeville collapsed during one of the gusts. Several people were getting gas at the time

Carsonville Sets Up LZ On December 22, 2018, the Carsonville Volunteer Fire Company 19 was dispatched to establish an LZ for Life Lion for a transport.

Once established, Halifax Ambulance and a medic from Perry County arrived followed by Life Lion 1. The area chosen for the LZ was a private grass airstrip with a slight slope in proximity to the EMS call.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Ambulance vs. Car in Lewistown Just before midnight on January 18, 2019, the rescue local was dispatched for a vehicle accident with injuries at 3rd and Main Streets in Lewistown. Units arrived to find a car and ambulance collided in an intersection with the ambulance into a building. Three minor injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

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Extrication in Allegheny Co. MVA

On January 2, 2019, a speeding truck crossed the center line on school bus. The driver of the truck was trapped for over 30 minutes Hyde Park Road in Allegheny Township, striking an unloaded and suffered substantial injuries. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto

Page 28, Fire News, March 2019

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Schuylkill Firefighters Battle Pike Street Blaze

Firefighters from Schuylkill County were dispatched to Pike Street in Port Carbon on February 9, 2019. Crews arrived to find fire showing from a three-story middle-of-the-row. Command 59 ordered the first company to the front of the house with a deck gun. A second engine went to the rear where additional personnel were reporting heavy fire. A second alarm was struck for additional resources. Eventually the fire went to three alarms before being brought under control.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Mahantongo, Klingerstown Work LZ On the afternoon of January 25, 2019, EMS responded to a medical emergency. Upon patient assessment, it was decided that air medical was required. Mahantongo and Klingerstown were dispatched to establish an LZ for Geisinger Life Flight 5. Crews assisted with packaging and loading the patient on the helicopter.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

New Kensington Sets Up LZ New Kensington Station 56-4 provided an LZ for a LifeFlight helicopter for emergency transport of a patient who had taken a fall.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

Philadelphia MVA, Wreck Chasers An MVA at Rising Sun and Olney Avenues in Philadelphia had tow truck accident chasers interfere with the care of patients by pressuring them to sign tow agreements, then removed the cars before police arrived. During this crash, injuries were said to be moderate. It is accidents like this that caused the city to bring in a third-party vendor to deal with tow truck accident chasers. If wreck chasers try to do this, they now lose their tow license.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

FireNews.com

Fire News, March 2019, Page 29

Cover Story

Port Vue Borough Fire

On January 16, 2019, fire crews were dispatched for a house fire with entrapment in the 800 block of Weldon Street in Port Vue Borough. Arriving crews found a fully-involved 2-½ story wood frame house. A second alarm was immediately requested as crews went to work. An aggressive search-and-rescue attempt was made, while other crews attacked the fire. All searches came up

negative and it was later learned that the individual was not inside at the time, and all occupants were out and accounted for. Crews continued to battle the fire until finally bringing it under control. Two people were displaced and assisted by the American Red Cross.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Page 30, Fire News, March 2019

FireNews.com

Up Close & Personal On January 27, 2019, Peebles firefighters at a house fire. Peebles Fire.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

“It’s always a cool feeling when young girls get excited seeing a female firefighter either on scene or at an event for first responders. Set the pace... I think more women involved in a male career should not only represent themselves and their service but for the little girls who could be you someday...”

- Fire News photo by Ken Lager; caption by Ashley Hitz

On December 13, 2018, another home was saved due to working smoke detectors sounding and the homeowners quick thinking of shutting a bedroom door. A call came in for a reported structure fire in the 29-4 box.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

On January 30, 2019, Monroeville fire units were dispatched to an apartment complex on Cambridge Square Drive for a report of smoke coming from kitchen cabinets.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

On February 2, 2019, fire crews were dispatched for a residential structure fire in the 300 block of South 4th Street in the City of Duquesne.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Ross/West View EMSA Gator 40, driven by 210C6 Scott Garing, at the scene of a multi-alarm house fire in Fox Chapel on February 8, 2019.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Chelsea Cook from Turtle Creek Volunteer Fire Department with 1st Lieutenant Timothy Marbella. This is Chelsea’s very first fire ever and she got some work!

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Chief Radel at a rollover MVA on December 26, 2018.

- Fire News photo

by Seth Lasko

FireNews.com

Fire News, March 2019, Page 31

Obituary

Coast Twp./East End FC’s Scott Dannheimer

Pictured is Route 61 just east of Shamokin before the procession Pictured is the December 27, 2018, Line of Duty Death procession for Captain Scott Dannheimer, who passed away at the scene of a work- turned off onto Feeney Street, Coal Township, and again as units ing mobile home fire on December 20, 2019, in Coal Township. Captain crossed Route 901 to Main Street in the village of Brady.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and crews.

Dannheimer was a member of the Coal Township Fire Department/East - Fire News photos by Seth Lasko End Fire Company, Station 120.

Page 32, Fire News, March 2019

FireNews.com

Free Smoke Detectors Firefighters representing different departments across the region converged on the Philadelphia Fire Academy to obtain free smoke detectors for their respective locals. Some departments were able to stay for a lunch and hear remarks from Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel.

- Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt

New Seagrave Replaces Old Mack On December 26, 2018, the Almighty 2 house welcomed home its new Truck 2, an Aerialscope remount on a new Seagrave chassis. The Mack dog emblem from the old truck was saved and placed on the front doors as a tip of the hat to it. Once home, she was carefully backed into the station and then a few minutes later she traveled to Company 2’s township station where the crew began to load gear. The truck has since been placed into service.

A formal housing ceremony will be held at a later date.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Reading Fire Museum

Exhibits at the Reading Fire Museum, located in Reading, PA - Fire News photos by Steve Lenz

FireNews.com

Fire News, March 2019, Page 33

Help Wanted PT/FT Advertising Sales Rep • Great Commission • Flexible Hours/Days

For more info contact: Tim Edwards tim@firenews.com

Page 34, Fire News, March 2019

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Love Conquers All Kirwin Heights Fire Department Captain Bill Giehll will be marrying Brooke Sechrist in October 2019 and I am excited to have been chosen as their wedding photographer. We had a fun — but cold — time doing engagement photos on a cold night recently.

- Fire News photo by Ken Lager

Salvation Army Warming the Crews The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services of Western Pennsylvania supply all the firefighters with warm food and drinks at fires in freezing temps. Shown is the team out of Greentree (PA) at a fire in McCandless.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Millersburg Greets Santa The Millersburg Fire Company welcomed Santa Claus on December 16, 2018. Chief Snyder led off the parade in his beautiful classic fire engine with the Gratz Fair Queen on board. Truck 20 had special passengers Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the bucket. Utility and Attack 20 followed behind.

After a short trip through town, the small parade ended at Station 20 where kids had the chance to sit with and have their picture taken with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and then receive some parting goodies. Refreshments were also on hand.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

FireNews.com

Fire News, March 2019, Page 35

KIMTEK MARKS 35 YEARS OF INNOVATION

Makers of FIRELITE and MEDLITE transport skid units celebrate 35-year heritage in design, manufacture, and sales of public safety equipment worldwide KIMTEK Corp., makers of MEDLITE® and FIRELITE® Transport skid units for off-road rescue and wildland firefighting, have announced plans to celebrate the company’s 35th anniversary with a number of events planned throughout 2019.

KIMTEK Transport skid units fit easily into most utility vehicles and pick-up trucks, enabling first responders to travel over rough terrain and through tight clearances with essential fire and/or medical rescue equipment and attendants.

Markets have responded enthusiastically, resulting in record demand for KIMTEK products around the globe.

Reaching this corporate milestone represents a personal achievement for KIMTEK President and founder Kimball Johnson, a multiple patent-holder and retired fire chief who understands firsthand the challenges of meeting off-road rescue needs while under strict budget constraints typical for municipal and government agency emergency departments.

“After spending decades talking with first responders about the challenges of meeting off-road rescue and firefighting demands, I appreciate the particular needs of these agencies and departments,” said Johnson. “They need resources that are reliable, versatile, and affordable. It's why I started KIMTEK Research then, and it’s why our team keeps researching, adapting, and providing medical and fire rescue solutions that exactly meet first responders’ needs now,” he said.

Mr. Johnson and several KIMTEK employees are themselves experienced first responders, having routinely performed off-road rescues and wildfire suppression as part of their duties with fire departments

and ambulance squads. This field experience makes it inherently easier for KIMTEK to develop off-road solutions that are designed, built, and priced right.

More information about KIMTEK research and products is available at the company website: www.kimtekresearch.com and www.brushtruckskids.com, or by calling 888-546-8358.

About KIMTEK Corporation KIMTEK was founded in 1984 by Kimball Johnson, holder of several U.S. patents and a former EMT and fire chief, as a research and development company dedicated to advances in life safety technology in the fire sciences.

Headquartered in northern Vermont, KIMTEK’s Transport skid units are now in service in all 50 United States, all of Canada, all branches of the military, the National Park Service, numerous NASCAR tracks, sporting complexes, schools, universities, industrial and commercial facilities throughout the country, and other vital applications worldwide. KIMTEK’s Transport units are designed to work interchangeably with existing and new equipment, optimizing municipal budget dollars and enabling easy, affordable upgrades.

Since the company's inception, KIMTEK’s mission has been to offer affordable, practical solutions for the agencies they serve, resulting in highly popular emergency response products that emphasize modularity and flexibility and which offer the best in-class warranty coverages.

KIMTEK®, MEDLITE® and FIRELITE® are registered trademarks of KIMTEK Corporation.