Fire News Pennsylvania, July/August 2028

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-Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop

Story on page 6.

-Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop

Training

Classifieds

NYCompanies Assist Shinglehouse

On May 19, 2023, the Shinglehouse Fire Department was dispatched for a structure fire

See story on page 4

Moran Road

3-Alarmer

Butler County 911 received a call for a house on fire on Moran Road in Clearfield Township.

See story on page 7

Duckling Rescue at Kohl’s

The Limerick Fire Department was alerted for ducklings stuck in a storm drain.

See story on page 9

Bradford City

2-Alarmer

The Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched for a house fire with smoke and flames showing.

See story on page 10

Duquesne Apt. Complex Fire

The Duquesne FD was dispatched to the Duquesne Place Apartments for smoke coming from an apartment.

See story on page 18

Remembering Philadelphia’s Fallen

Members of the Philadelphia FD laid a wreath in a ceremony held at Franklin Square Park.

See story on page 25

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From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor

When Does Training End?

I recently overheard a conversation between two firefighters who were talking about all of the experience they had in their department. I looked up and asked, “how many years have you been in the department?” I actually chuckled when I was told by one of the members that he had six years of experience in the fire service. I am willing to bet that as you read my last sentence, you too have a smile on your face. Truthfully, being a first responder is a job that requires constant training and practice from your first day on the job until your last.

Years of service does not necessarily qualify you to say that you are an experienced responder. This time of the year, I get nervous because we are entering brush fire season. Let’s face it, many firefighters have very little experience fighting brush fires. I am sure if you have been in the fire service for a few years, you have encountered a brush fire that might appear large to you upon arrival, but in reality it was a small fire that was quickly knocked down by two or three members who were lucky enough to be part of the crew on the brush truck. The fire that I worry about is the wind-driven brush fire that manages to take advantage of the strong winds of spring and runs through an area like a freight

train. The next time you sit in your ready room, share stories of brush fires of the past that have challenged your department.

Training never ends. All responders need to know every aspect of their job. Are you able to perform your job when the conditions get rough? Ask yourself if you are truly physically fit to perform under challenging conditions. Kudos to those members that go to the gym regularly to maintain their fitness and cardio performance.

Are you a student of your craft? Do you read articles that talk about recent fires or new products? When was the last time you came down to the firehouse and took a short rope and performed some of the basic knots with which you’re supposed to be proficient? Do you know how to use that knot to quickly hoist a line or a tool to a roof? If you think you can, challenge yourself and do it! Talking about forcing a door is not the same as doing it. Don’t wait for the yearly drill on a specific tool. You must remain proficient in the techniques and operations that you use every day.

Regardless of your years of experience, your current rank or your rank from the past, lead by example. Remain dedicated to your job. Study, practice, try new things, and ask

questions! Astory of the past that is shared with one another means nothing if it does not end with a lesson being shared and learned by others.

When the alarm sounds, respond to the call with enthusiasm. If you miss the truck, stay at the firehouse until the truck returns. Offer to fill bottles, wash tools, and hear the story about the call.

When does training end? I say never!

- Dennis

NYCompanies Assist Shinglehouse

On May 19, 2023, at 1744, the Shinglehouse Fire Department was dispatched for a structure fire in the borough. Chief 39-20 arrived on scene and reported a working garage fire and requested a second alarm. Portville (NY) responded and Westons Mills (NY), with Coudersport, (PA) being on standby at Shinglehouse. The fire was quickly brought undercontrol using two handlines and a blitz fire.

- Fire News photo by Kylee Bachand

Kitchen Fire Followed by Medical Emergency

On May 21, 2023, at 1943, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched foran appliance fire on Brooke Drive. Ladder 51, Squad 51, Assistant 51, and Fire Police responded. Reports stated that fire was contained to the oven. Crews arrived and ventilated a light smoke condition from the home. While en route back to the station the department was dispatched to assist with a medical emergency.

- Submitted by the Limerick FD

House Fire in Lewistown

Porch Fire Goes to

2 Alarms

Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire on South Avenue, and found a working fire on the second-floorporch that had already penetrated the attic space. A second alarm was sounded bringing all off-duty city firefighters and the Bradford Township VolunteerFire Department RIT team to the scene. Engine 1 and Tower1 utilized aerial master streams, a deck gun and several attack lines to extinguish the fire. Derrick City VolunteerFire Department responded with Rescue 11 forairsupply. Firefighters were on scene for5-1/2 hours.

- Fire News photo by Jay Bradish

On June 8, 2023, the Lewistown Fire Department arrived to find heavy fire from the second floorof a house located on West 5th Street on . - Fire News photos by Patrick Shoop

Moran Road 3-Alarmer

On May 3, 2023, around 1927, ButlerCounty 911 received a call fora house on fire in the 300 block of Moran Road in Clearfield Township. ButlerCounty. Station 10 (Herman), Station 9 (East Butler), Station 1 (ButlerBureau of Fire), Station 250 (Worthington West Franklin Armstrong County) and Station 44 (East Butler Ambulance) were dispatched as part of the first alarm. Chief 10 requested a second alarm. Station 15 (Saxonburg), Station 26 (Chicora), Station 27 (Buffalo Twp.) were dispatched. Command 10 arrived to a working structure fire. Chief 10 requested a third alarm fortankers only. Station 3 (ButlerTwp. Fire District) and Station 35 (Oneida Valley) were dispatched fortankers. Crews went to work on a two-story single-family dwelling with fire on both the first and second floors. Crews knocked down the fire and had extensive overhaul. No injuries were repo rted.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Small Fire at Pittsburgh KFC

Pittsburgh fire companies quickly knocked down a fire at a Bloomfield KFC on April 22, 2023. Aline was stretched from Engine 6 extinguishing a fire in the walls of the entrance. All employees safely escaped and companies were on scene forabout a half hour. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Cranberry Township Emergency Response Simulation Training

Members from Cranberry Township VolunteerFire Company, Harmony Fire District, Adams Area Fire District, ButlerTownship Fire District and Etna Fire Company participated in a 24-hour Emergency Response Simulation on May 6, 2023.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Firefighters Nate Hezlep and Alex Kovac from the Cranberry Township Fire Company took part in the 24-hourEmergency Response Simulations at the Cranberry Township Fire Company on May 6, 2023.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Duckling Rescue at Kohl’s

At 1319 on June 12, 2023, the Limerick Fire Department’s duty officer, Battalion Chief 51, was alerted that ducklings were stuck in a storm drain in the Kohls parking lot. Firefighters and Limerick Police rescued the ducks and returned them to their mother.

- Submitted by the Limerick FD

Box Truck Fire Shuts Down Peters Mountain

Calls came in fora box truck fire on the Dauphin-Middle Paxton side of Peters Mountain. While en route to the scene, county was advised of a column of smoke visible. Upon Tanker38’s arrival they found a working fire in the engine/cab area of a box truck. Crews from Company 37 and 29 assisted in the extinguishment/overhaul of remaining hot spots. Crews were assisted by EMS from Life Team as well as Pennsylvania State Police and fire police. RiverDrive Service C enteroperated on scene to remove the damaged truck - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Harrisburg Boarding House Fire

Bradford City 2-Alarmer

On May 3, 2023, Harrisburg Box 1-3 sent Wagon 3, Squad 8, Truck 2, Tower1, and Battalion Chief 7 (Bastinelli) to Muench Street fora house fire. Multiple calls were being received fora rooming house with fire showing from the second floor. The address was then updated to Susquehanna Street and the first alarm was requested. Chief 7 assumed incident command. Several lines were stretched and the fire was knocked down within 15 minutes. Illegally occupied as a boarding house, the building was condemned.

On June 11, 2023, at 1504, the Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched fora house fire with smoke and flames showing. Captain JD Tehle arrived, reported a working fire and requested a second alarm, bringing in all off-duty city fire fighters, and additional crews. Firefighters used two attack lines and remained on scene for2-1/2 hours. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by Jay Bradish

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

TankerFire Collapses I-95 Overpass

Atankerfire on the underpass of Interstate 95 caused a portion of the interstate to collapse. Fire crews scrambled to contain the fire, which was brought undercontrol in about 90 minutes. The road was closed for two miles in eitherdirection. Gas leaks caused manhole covers to explode. Multiple city agencies responded.

Any Crash You Walk Away From …

Allegheny County Airport Engine 6 and Crash 7 on the scene of an Alert 1, which turned out to be a landing gearfailure of an incoming plane. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photos by Alex Lloyd Gross

- Fire News photo by Nicholas Kurta

Limerick Assists Ringing Hill as RIT

On May 31, 2023, at 1004, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched to assist Ringing Hill Fire Company at a building fire on North Valley Road. The crew from Rescue 51 stood by at the call as the RIT. - Submitted by the Limerick FD

USSteel Crew Assist with Brush Fire

Crews from US Steel Irvin workson the scene of a brush fire right outside of the mill property.

- Fire News photo by Nicholas Kurta

Narrow Streets Hamper Firefighters Efforts

Philadelphia firefighters were called to Simon Street in the Wi ssinoming section of the city, fora recycling plant which had caught fire. Upon arrival, firefighters had heavy smoke and flames showing from one of the buildings. Athird alarm was quickly called. Fire crews were hampered by narrow streets. Most of the apparatus was staged and manpoweradvanced to the fire. Companies went in service with deck guns from nearby rooftops in an effort to get wateron the fire. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Vehicle Fire on 422

At 1111 on May 12, 2023, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched to a vehicle fire on 422 west at the Airport Road overpass. The crew from Rescue 51 and Squad 51 extinguished the fire and cleaned up the debris. Fire Police assisted with traffic control.

- Submitted by the Limerick FD

122nd Annual CVVFA Convention

The Singerly Fire Company of Elkton, MD, will hold the 122nd Annual CVVFA Convention August 2 to 4, 2023. Guests and members alike are invited for a fun and informative convention. The convention begins on Wednesday evening August 2 with a CVVFA Board of Directors Meeting and opening of the hospitality room with our partners, the Chickenheaders of Montgomery County, PA.

Registration and Opening Ceremonies take place at Singerly Stat ion 13, 300 Newark Avenue, Elkton, MD, on Thursday morning, followed by the annual memorial service and business meeting. The day ca ps off with a picnic.

August 4 is the convening of the CVVFAPresidents Council Meeting with lunch provided. The banquet and award ceremony, al ong with the installation of officers is at 1800.

Keynote Speaker: 1330, Thursday, August 3 - Ed Klima “Behind the Scenes - Fire and EMS Operations at Major League Sporting and Automobile Racing Venues”

Banquet Speaker: Friday, August 4 - Jack Sullivan “Born Out of Tragedy- Backward Glances at 25 Years of the Emergency Responder Safety Institute”

The headquarters hotel is La Quinta by Wyndham Newark-Elkton, 304 Belle Hill Road in Elkton (410-620-9494; identify that you wish to reserve a room in the Cumberland Valley Block). The rate is $123 per night plus tax. The Hospitality room is located at the La Quint a.

These rooms are filling quickly. Two backup properties are available: Hampton Inn, 2 Warner Road, Elkton (410-398-7777), and Holiday Inn Express and Suites, 1570 Elkton Road, Elkton, (443-3509154) both overflow hotels are conveniently located near the convention site.

Join the CVVFAat www.cvvfa.org. Dues are $5 per year and include a subscription to Fire News mailed directly to your address.

4 Displaced in Linglestown Fire

On May 15, 2023, LowerPaxton Township Box 35-1 was toned at 2042 forNassau Road in the village of Linglestown fora house fire. Chief 35 arrived to a fully involved garage attached to the house and everyone evacuated. The fire was located on the B and C side and into the loft. Two lines were stretched and operated from Engine 34 darkening down the bulk of the fire in about 10 minutes. Trucks 35 and 34 performed ventilation, searches and placed ground ladders. Fouroccupants were displaced.

- Fire News photo Jason Coleman-Cobb

House Fire on Fort Bevon Rd. in Skippack Twp.

At 1225 on May 28, 2023, Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s Engine 66 and Air66 responded as mutual aid to the 2000 block of Fort Bevon Road in Skippack Township fora residential building fire. Volunteers refilled SCBAbottles forthe firefighters that were on scene. Station 66 was just one of many mutual aid fire companies to respond to assist Skippack.

Allentown House Fire

Firefighters from the Allentown Fire Department battled a dwelling fire on North Madison Street on May 10, 2023.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Whitehall Brush Fire

Firefighters from the Whitehall Township Fire Department were d ispatched to a brush fire in the wooded area off North Front Street in the area of Hokendauqua Street. Crews found numerous fires in the wooded area between the Lehigh River and the Ironton Rail Trail. Numerous brush units from Coplay, Catasauqua and North Catasauqua assisted. Northampton Borough also responded with a pumper forwatersupply.

Bradford City ExcavatorFire

On May 13, 2023, at 1615, Bradford Township VolunteerFire Department was dispatched to an excavatorfire. Upon arrival, crews found the excavatorfully involved. Firefighters used one handline to extinguish the fire and were on the scene for50 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

- Fire News photo by Jay Bradish

in Bradford

Bradford Township VolunteerFire Department was dispatched to a wildfire on April 27, 2023, at 1854. Three engines responded and firefighters used 1-3/4 inch attack line and various hand tools to extinguish the fire. In addition to the wildfire, numerous tires and otherdebris was burning, necessitating full bunkergearand SCBA. Firefighters were on scene forthree hours

- Fire News photos by Jay Bradish

Abandoned House Fire in McKeesport

Recently, McKeesport Police were on patrol and noticed smoke and flames coming from an abandoned house. The City of McKeesport Fire Department was dispatched to the 700 block of Jenny Lind Street and a second alarm was struck by 190 Deputy 2. The second alarm brought in units from surrounding areas such as Glassport, White Oak, Port Vue, Liberty, Swissvale, and the Allegheny County Airport. The fire was quickly brought undercontrol with no injuries. The cause was underinvestigation by the Allegheny County Fire Marshall’s office.

- Fire News photo by Nicholas Kurta

Duquesne Apt. Complex Fire

On May 4, 2023, the Duquesne Fire Department was dispatched to the Duquesne Place Apartments forsmoke coming from an apartment. Police quickly arrived and reported heavy smoke coming from the complex. Throughout the fire, multiple agencies from West Mifflin, Dravosburg, Swissvale, Homestead, East McKeesport, Liberty, Munhall, and Braddock, along with multiple tankers from Blaine Hill and Lincoln Borough were called to assist. The Allegheny County Fire Marshall was investigating.

- Fire News photo by Nick Kurta

Feasterville Carvs. MC MVA

Feasterville Fire Company was called to a carversus motorcycle MVAin May 2023, on Street Road. Avehicle made a left turn in front of a motorcycle, seriously injuring the driver.

Carvs. Motorcycle MVA

Medics in Bristol Township treated an injured motorcycle rider afterhe was seriously hurt in a crash with an errant driver. Only one medic unit was needed as the driverof the carrefused treatment. The accident happened at Edgley and Millcreek Roads and was caused when the carturned in front of the motorcycle.

US Hwy. 322 MVA

Engine 4 (Chief Logan), Rescue 14 (Lewistown) and Medic 12 (Fame EMS) handle a rolloverMVAon US Highway 322. One injury was reported. -

MVAon South RiverRd. forHalifax

Halifax Fire Department 29 was called to South RiverRoad fora reported two-vehicle MVAon April 28, 2023. Chief 29 responded to the scene along with EMS. The event was upgraded to an MVAwith entrapment/confinement and Engine 29-1 was added and responded. Crews worked to extricate the victim from one of the vehicles. Upon taking the roof off crews safely extricated the victim into the care of EMS. -

- Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop

Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Traumatic Injury Brings Life Lion to Gratz

On May 23, 2023, a traumatic injury call on the west side of Gratz came in forEMS. Upon evaluation of the patient, EMS requested air medical. Gratz Fire Company was dispatched to assist at the scene with Rescue 27 and Engine 27. They established an LZ at the ball field directly behind Station 27. Soon after, Life Lion arrived. Fire personnel assisted in carrying the patient to the helicopter.

MVAwith Entrapment and Medevac

Klingerstown Fire Company along with Herndon, Hickory Corners, Pillow and Mahantongo were packing up from a brush fire on April 19, 2023, when county advised of reports of a crash with entrapment on Schwaben Creek Road. Crews arrived to find two vehicles — a van on a section of guide rail and a small SUVon its side. The driverof the van was out of the vehicle unharmed, but the driverof the othervehicle was trapped. Life Flight was requested to the scene as crew from Klingerstown and Mahantongo worked rapidly to extricate the occupant.

Motorcycle Crash on SR 125

The Klingerstown Fire Company responded fora motorcycle accident with injuries on May 21, 2023. Engines 65, 10-10 and Rescue 13-50 and EMS from Mahantongo Ambulance and Area Services responded. Rescue 13-50 was placed in-service percommand. After crews and EMS arrived it was determined the need fora medevac. Command had an LZ set up at the Pitman Little League field directly behind the Mahantongo tation. Life Flight 5 arrived. and the patient was loaded onto the helicopter.

Extrication at MVAon South RiverRd in Halifax

On April 13, 2023, Halifax Fire Company 29 was dispatched to South RiverRoad (Route 147) foran MVA. On Chief 29’s arrival he found a utility bucket truck and a pickup involved with an entrapment. On arrival crews went to work extricating the driver. Millersburg Engine 20 was added on to the call to assist. With EMS on scene airmedical was requested and Fisherville Engine 216-1 was added to assist with LZ ops. As Life Lion touched down and crews assisted with loading the patient.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

West Kittanning Hosts Live Burn Class

On June 10, 2023, the West Kittanning Fire Department hosted an acquired structure burn class in West Kittanning Fire District. Members from multiple fire departments from different areas participated in the all-day class.

- Fire News photos by Artie Osniak

De-Escalation Training

Members of the Bucks County Fire Police Association gathered at the Public Safety Training CenterforDe-escalation training. About 75 fire police showed up forthe six-hourclass. The class was taught by a psychologist who also trains police and public safety personnel.

Emergency Response Simulations

Firefighters from the Etna Fire Company participated in the 24HourEmergency Response Simulations on May 6, 2023, at the Cranberry Township Fire Company training facility.

- Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Training Bi-Yearly 24 HourSimulation Training

On May 6, 2023, the Cranberry Township VolunteerFire Department hosted a 24-houremergency response simulations training class. Firefighters from Station 21 (Cranberry Twp.), Station 22 (Harmony Fire District), Station 42 (Adams Area Fire District), Station 3 (ButlerTwp. Fire District ) and Station 149 (Etna Fire, Allegheny County) participated in the program. Calls ranged from medical assist calls, fire alarms, structure fires, vehicle fires, confined space, rope rescue, helicopterfire, brush fires, tech rescues, and a l ist of othercalls. Every call challenged the firefighters. All participants had a fun time. Cranberry Township Fire Company does these trainings twice a year, once in the spring and then in the fall.

- Fire News photos by Artie Osniak

Remembering Philadelphia’s Fallen

Members of the Philadelphia Fire Department laid a wreath at the Living Flame ceremony held in early May at Franklin Square Park. This remembrance ceremony pays tribute to public safety personnel in the city that died in the line of duty.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Pine Grove Area Mock DUI Prom-Awareness Event

Amock DUI prom awareness event was held at the Pine Grove Area High School on April 27, 2023. Students watched as tarps were pulled from two staged damaged vehicles with fellow classmates portraying the injured and deceased victims. The event included patient evaluation to vehicle extrications and landing GeisingerLife Flight 5. The Schuylkill County Coronerand Pennsylvania State Police along with fire crew members spoke to the students following the presentation.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Montgomery Co. Academy Graduating Class

Congratulations to the Montgomery County Fire Academy graduating class of 2301 on theircompletion of Firefighter1. The class consisted of 30 graduates from the following fire companies: Barren Hill, 29; LowerProvidence, 53; New Hanover, 37; Royersford, 98;

Gladwyne, 24; Broomall, Delaware County, 53; UpperGwynedd, 80; Limerick, 51; Po-Mar-Lin, ChesterCounty, 36; Oakmont, Delaware County, 38; Sanatoga, 58; Bryn Mawr, 23; Norriton, 61; Brookline, Delaware County, 35; Perkiomen, 66; Skippack, 86; Trappe, 68-2; Glenside, 1; Llanerch, Delaware County, 34; and Harmonville, 44.

Congratulations to FirefighterMorgan Shockley of the Norriton Fire Company on acquiring the Academic Interior FirefighterAward! Aspecial thank you to all the training officers, teachers, and mentors who helped the graduates achieve theirFirefighter1 certification. Good luck to all the new firefighters as they serve theircommunities.

- Fire News photos by Regina Jelski

Perkiomen Twp. Community Day

Perkiomen Township Fire Company volunteers were on-site at the Township’s Community Day on June 3, 2023, to meet ourneighbors and area community associations and businesses.

- Fire News photo by Summer Uchin

Smile!

On May 27, 2023, members drove the Limerick Fire Department apparatus to the Philadelphia Premium Outlets to set up the trucks foran updated photo. Thank you to Ringing Hill 59 forletting the department use theirtowerto get aerial photos.

- Submitted by the Limerick FD

Injured Philadelphia FirefighterGets Big Break

Philadelphia Firefighter Randy Ballinger, 38, fell 25-feet off a twostory row home on South Paxton Street, after putting out a fire on February 25, 2023. Luckily, he was properly wearing his issued helmet which helped to save his life that day. He then spent the next 11 days at the trauma center until he was released.

The father of two from Roxborough suffered a punctured lung, broken pelvis, and fractures in his legs. He also underwent heart surgery.

When he is not putting out fires, Ballinger is shredding his bass guitar in the punk band, Jersey Calling, comprised of four friends with whom he grew up with in and around South Jersey. Ballinger has been recovering in a wheel chair and still practicing with the band. When word reached Geoff Gordon, President of Live Nation Northeast about Ballinger, Gordon said, “We need to find a slot at the Adjacent Music Festival (held Memorial Day weekend) for Randy and his band.”

Jersey Calling’s music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all other streaming services, including their hits “Anthem of the Alchemist” and “The Broken People.” - Submitted by Ike Richman

Hegins Valley Fire Rescue Parade

The Hegins Valley Fire Rescue Parade was held June 8, 2023.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko