In this issue...

7 Dead in West Reading Explosion/Collapse

West Reading and nearby companies were sent to the RM Palmer Company in West Reading for a reported explosion.

See story on page 5

Fire at Former West Mifflin Mall

On April 11, 2023, multiple units were dispatched to the former Century 3 Mall in West Mifflin for a fire.

See story on page 8

2FFs Injured at Turtle Creek Fire

On March 16, 2023, firefighters were dispatched to a residential fire on the Oak Avenue Extension in Turtle Creek.

See story on page 12

Fatal House Fire in Fairview Township

The Fairview Township Fire Department and mutual aid responded to a house fire with entrapment on Thorley Road.

See story on page 14

3 Hurt, Home Destroyed in Hempfield Twp.

On April 23, 2023, fire crews were called to a home to the Midway St. Clair section of Hempfield Township for a fire.

See story on page 20

Loren Collins Honored for 53 Years of Service

Perkiomen Township Fire Company members recognized 53 years of service from volunteer Firefighter Loren Collins.

See story on page 40

AService for Pennsylvania Firefighters and EMS Providers

Founded 1973

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY11713

FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher

TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer

DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor

GARYP. JOYCE, Managing Editor

MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales

CLIFFCHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager

BARBARACONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales

BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant

Graphic Artists:

LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

DAWN ALTSTATT, TED AURIG, LAUREN CARPENTER, JASON COLEMAN-COBB, TED FESSIDES, JEFF GOLDBERG, N. GRISWOLD, ALEX LLOYD GROSS, CHRIS HALDEMAN, TED HODGINS, CURTIS JURY, KEN LAGER, SETH LASKO, GREG LEAMAN, STEPHEN LENZ, ANDYMARSH SR., STEVEN MATTO, ARTIE OSNIAK, STEVE ROTH, PATRICK SHOOP, SHANE SHIFFLETT, JAYSON WAGNER, ASHLEYWALTERS, FRANK WESNOSKI, DENNIS WETHERHOLD, JR.

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Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY11713.

Dennis Whittam, Editor