Editorial

From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor Are You Learning from YourPeers?

When I joined the fire service, I was aware of some of the traditions that all fire departments seem to embrace. No, I most definitely am not speaking of hazing. Hazing is a ritual that involves risk, pain or harm as part of an initiation into a group. In the most organizations, hazing is frowned upon and has serious consequences.

One of the first traditions I learned at a very young age, was to knock with your elbows! If you visit any firehouse, bring a cake. It was a family ritual that every other Friday of the month I ventured with my dad to his firehouse in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Before we left our house, mom had a freshly baked cake ready to go with us. That cake meant a lot to the guys who were sitting at the kitchen table drinking their coffee and involved in conversation. Yes, the firehouse kitchen seemed like a special place where the family of firefighters were always welcomed and could also share their thoughts and ask questions.

The kitchen table was also a special place. Firefighters could share their personal experiences with one another. And whether they wanted it or not, a solution to any problem was offered. Believe it or not, most firefighters were versed in many different aspects of life.

Quite a few years back, I visited a neighboring firehouse and noticed a sign above a picnic table. The sign read, “Table of Knowledge.” Having a few years in the fire service, I simply read the sign and didn’t ask questions. Afew years later, my breakfast table became known as the roundtable. I have coffee every day at the roundtable and yes, I usually wind up in a discussion that turns into several cups of coffee.

The fire service is full of “unwritten rules.” You usually don’t learn about these sacred rules unless you share some time at the roundtable, the table of knowledge, the TVroom, or any other place that you can engage in constructive conversation at the firehouse. How many times have you heard, “The new kids just don't get it?” The special places where we can engage in constructive conversation is a place to eliminate future problems by clarifying the social norms and expected conduct that’s not covered by policy both in the station and on incidents.

I am always happy to see members working together as they helped each other practice for future practical exams. With the advent of portable training props, I often see small groups of members working to force a door or spring a lock so that they are ready for that early morning automatic alarm.

In the fire service, there is no excuse not to know something. Spending a little time sitting with the members of your company will prove to be a wealth of knowledge. Sit down together and discuss recent calls or events that you were at but weren’t sure why things were done in a certain manor. Make sense of the organized chaos by talking with the people who make a difference.

- Dennis

Restaurant Restaurant Total Loss at Total Loss at 3-Alarm Blaze 3-Alarm Blaze

On April 2, 2021, crews responded to a structure fire on Route 6 west in Coudersport Borough at Kaytee’s Restaurant. Initial dispatch reported a commercial structure fire with several calls reporting fire through the roof. Chief Phelps, AC Dunn and AC Dunn II immediately responded.

Chief Phelps could see the flames from his residence and immediately struck a second alarm. After approximately 35 minutes, command requested a third alarm The fire was brought under control several hours later with extensive overhaul and clean up to follow. The following departments were involved either on scene or for coverage: Station 2 Smethport, 3 Port Allegiant, 4 Eldred boro, 39 Shiglehouse, 44 Austin, 10 Galeton, 47 Ulysses, 46 Roulette, 20 Harrison Twp, 5 Westfield, 14 Emporium, 15 Bradford Twp, CVAAand Town of Allegany in all 13 with 175 firefighters.(18 Engines, 5 Rescues, 3 Aerial devices, 3 Squads, 4 Ambulances, 2 Tankers 2 Patrols). Austin, Galeton and Roulette laid secondary supply lines to the Allegany River, three in total all in excess of 1600 feet. Also assisting at the scene were UGI, WEST PENN POWER, Boro Water Authority, Boro PD and State Police CDSPTand the state police Fire Marshall Unit, and dispatchers at the TIOGAand Mckean Co 911 Centers. The restaurant was considered a total loss - Submitted by Chief Phelps

Marysville Structure Fire

At 0627 on June 19, 2021, Box 6-01 sent Marysville Engine 6, Tanker 6, Duncannon Rescue 2, Truck 2, Northeast Fire Tanker20, Squad 20, Rescue 20, and Progress RIT32 to Verbeke Street fora building fire with multiple vehicles involved. Companies arrived to a single-story, garage-type building with heavy fire showing. Tanker6 grabbed a hydrant and laid in to the front while Engine 6 picked up the line and supplied the water. Three lines were pulled and members were able to make a good knockdown of the fire. Members from Tanker20 opened up the roof and the fire was held to the area of origin. The bulk of fire was knocked down in 10 minutes. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Restaurant Fire in LowerPaxton Twp.

On June 8, 2021, at 2238, Box 33-2 in LowerPaxton Township alerted Company 33, Engines 30, 32 and 34, Truck 35, and Rescue 40 fora fire on Jonestown Road at a Taco Bell. Chief 32-2 arrived to a single-story restaurant with smoke showing on the D side. Engine 34 stretched a line and Engine 32 picked up a supply line. Two lines were stretched fora fire in the Taco Bell sign with minorextension to the rest of the building. The fire was placed undercontrol at 2254 hours and held to the LowerPaxton and Progress companies. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Harrisburg Residential Fire

May 28, 2021, at 0645, Harrisburg A-platoon members were dispatched to 17th and Vernon Streets in the city’s Allison Hill neighborhood, fora house fire. Squad 8, Wagon 4, Tower1, Truck 2, and Battalion Chief 6 (Bradford) responded. County advised companies the house was possibly abandoned. Chief 6 arrived to a well involved, three-story, vacant brick building located between Vernon and Thompson Streets with fire at the rear. Atwo-story occupied row was an exposure on the Thompson Street side and no extension was reported in those dwellings. Afirst alarm was requested by Chief 6 bringing Wagon 3, Rescue 69 and Air13. With heavy fire conditions threatening the exposures, Chief 1 requested a second alarm that brought county mutual aid to the scene (Engines 30 and 37, Trucks 32 and 50, and Rescue 91). The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 15 minutes with no furtherextension into the exposures. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Truck Fire in Summit Twp.

On May 17, 2021, around 1600, ButlerCounty 911 dispatched Station 10 (Herman), Station 1 (City of Butler), Station 9 (East Butler) and Station 44 (East ButlerAmbulance) fora traileron fire on Beck Road in Summit Township. Engine 10 arrived to an empty traileron fire along with otherdebris surrounding the trailer. Engine 10 requested a second alarm due to the time of day and lack of manpower. Companies made quick work of containing the fire to the area of origin. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

FireNews.com

Fire News, July/August 2021, Page 9 Fatal House Fire in New Kensington

On June 9, 2021, crews from New Kensington, Arnold, Lower Burrell, UpperBurrell and Logan’s Ferry Heights responded to a fire call at a house that had been converted into six apartments. The fire started in a first-floorapartment, and quickly ran the walls into the second and third divisions. One person that resided in the fire apartment of origin did not survive; all apartments were heavily damaged during the blaze.

- Fire News photos by Steve Matto

Page 10, Fire News, July/August 2021 Cover Story

Whitehall Township Fire Whitehall Township Fire

Firefighters were dispatched to Pennsylvania Street in Whitehall Township fora house fire with possible entrapment. Responding units reported a headerin the area. Upon arrival, chief officers found a well-off dwelling. Chief 35 and Assistant 38 made entry with a can to the rearof the house to check forany occupants. Their initial search was negative. The fire was knocked down in about 30 minutes but crews remained on the scene forhours mopping up and investigating. Assisting were Catasauqua, Greenawalds, Cetronia EMS and City of Allentown EMS. - Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

On May 2, 2021, at 1253, Eldred Township crews responded fora structure fire on Main Road in Pitman. Company 10 found a working barn fire with heavy fire from the Aside endangering the nearby home. Three 1-3/4 inch lines were put in service as was a masterstream. Crews split duties with attacking the heavy fire and others protecting the house. Engine 65 and laid a five-inch line from the scene up to Main Road where tankers staged and dumped into a porta pond. Soon aftera partial collapse of the Aside occurred with a chimney and part of the wall falling. Crews worked forsome time afterknocking down remaining hot spots. EMS staged on Main Road to the north with Williamstown EMS assisting with theirrehab trailerforcrews.

Barn Fire in Eldred Township

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Well, Good Place fora Fire We Guess

On April 20, 2021, crews were called to a structure fire in Fisherville, about 200 yards west of Fisherville Fire Company Station 216. Halifax Fire Company 29 and Reliance Hose of Elizabethville 21 arrived shortly afterand sent manpowerforward to assist. Crews knocked down the fire and began overhaul operations. Millersburg Fire Company Truck 20 arrived and its crew remained at the truck staging. Crews worked fora short time after pulling debris from within the remaining structure to knock down any remaining hotspots.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Arson in Paxtang

On June 26, 2021, at 0648, Paxtang Box 401, sent Company 40, Engines 30, 50, 91 and 91-5, Wagon 4, Truck 32, Tower1, Rescue 33, and Air91-2 to North 32nd Street fora structure fire. County Communications advised the call originated as a domestic with a male trying to start the house on fire. Paxtang Engine 40 arrived to fire showing from the first floorof a 2-1/2 story brick duplex. Engine 40 dropped a supply line and proceeded to side A, and Engine 91 picked up theirsupply line. Two lines were stretched from Engine 40 quickly knocking down a fire involving the first-floorliving room. The fire was contained primarily to the room of origin with little extension. A dog was killed in the fire and a person was being sought forarson. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Double-Fatal House Fire in Hegins

On May 22, 2021, Hegins Valley Fire Rescue was called to a structure fire on East Main Street in Hegins. Soon afterChief 13 responded, county advised of reportedly having two people possibly trapped in a 2-1/2 story wood frame multi-family dwelling. Rescue Engine 13-10 arrived to heavy fire and smoke coming from division 1 windows undera wraparound porch. Crews went to work battling the flames as smoke began to push from the second floorand roof line. Crews appeared to have gotten a handle on the blaze when the fire spread up a void in the wall. The smoke blackened and flames reappeared. Command requested everyone out. Tragically, a motherand herson perished in the blaze before first-in units arrived. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

New Tripoli Apartment House Fire

Firefighters from three counties battled a multiple-alarm apartment house fire on Decatur Street in New Tripoli on May 23, 2021. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke showing from the apartment house. Two supply lines were laid from local ponds to the scene and relay pumping forone supply line was required. Crews battled the fire forseveral hours before gaining the upperhand. Departments from Lehigh, Berks and Schuylkill counties responded. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Coplay Porch Fire

Companies from Lehigh and Northampton counties battled a fire on South 2nd Street in Coplay. Damage was held to the rearporch area.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

West Penn Twp. Pole Barn Blaze

Firefighters from West Penn Township and surrounding areas battled a multiple-alarm pole barn fire on June 5, 2021. Crews arrived to find a large pole barn full of hay well involved. Additional alarms were struck, as well as a request fornumerous tankers. During the fire several walls of the building came down as firefighters worked to gain control. Firefighters worked through the night. Afront-end loaderfrom the farm helped to break up the hay and get to hidden fire. Fire companies from Schuylkill, Carbon, Berks and Lehigh also responded. - Fire News photo by Goeffrey Wetherhold

Chestnut Hill 2-Alarmer

Firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire on Chestnut Hill Road in Salisbury Township on June 27, 2021. Several calls were received reporting a garage fire. Asecond alarm was struck along with a request forfive tankers due to the area being non-hydrant. Emmaus Engine 7 arrived and its crew went to work attacking a well-off garage. Western Salisbury Engine 31 arrived and provided additional wateruntil tankers could arrive from mutual aid companies. Crews had the fire knocked down quickly but remained on the scene foraround an hourperforming overhaul. - Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

Large Mountain Fire Brings 5 County Response

At 2058 on April 8, 2021, a call came in fora reported wildland/brush fire in the 216-3 box on Deitrich Road in Jackson Township. Upon arrival it was noted that approximately an acre was involved but it was up on the side of the mountain. Within minutes command requested additional units to the scene as the fire was being wind driven rapidly up the side of the mountain. Units from five counties along with DCNR operated to contain the fire. Abulldozerwas utilized on top of the mountain. Crews worked into the early morning hours to contain and control the fire which eventually burned 18 acres. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Long Stretch in Montoursville

On May 29, 2021, the Montoursville Fire Department and mutual aid responded to a fire in the bathroom at the Weis Market in the borough. Units stretched 400 feet of line to the rearof the store and contained the fire to the restroom. - Fire News photo by Montoursville FD and Joseph PHopple NRP

2 FFs Injured at Philadelphia House Fire

At least two Philadelphia firefighters were hurt at a fire on Holly Drive on June 10, 2021. As crews responded, they were greeted with heavy smoke and fire from the third-floorfront. Asecond alarm was called but canceled shortly afterdispatch. One firefighterslipped in the driveway and one more fell from a ladder on the second floor. The injuries were not life threatening. It took over40 minutes to put the fire undercontrol. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Monroeville 4-Alarmer

Just before 1600 on May 25, 2021, Monroeville firefighters were dispatched to a commercial structure fire at the Pro Bike+Run store located in the Miracle Mile Shopping Centeralong William Penn Highway. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke pushing from the Alpha side of the structure and additional units were quickly requested. Crews made entry to heavy fire on the Charlie side of the structure and on the second floor. Crews made an aggressive attack but crews on the second floorhad to exit the building due to heavy fire and high heat. Afourth alarm was requested as crews continued to battle the fire before it was placed undercontrol at 1644. Crews remained on-scene forseveral hours performing overhaul. Several employees and customers were in the store when the fire broke out but managed to evacuate without injuries. The contents of the store, which contained bikes along with running and biking apparel was considered a total loss. An AT&Tand GNC store were also damaged by the fire. The fire was underinvestigation.

MVAin Perkiomen

At 1454 on April 23, 2021, volunteers from Perkiomen Township Fire Station 66 responded to a single-vehicle accident at the intersection of Wartman Road and Bridge Street in the township. Volunteers were on scene forclose to an hour. Trappe EMS and Pennsylvania State Police were also on scene. - Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Not a Head-on

Fire crews from Parkland and Middletown were called to an MVAon Route 1 at Fee Avenue in late May 2021. The driverof the carmerged in front of the truck and aftertaking out several yards of guiderail, ended in this position. She was trapped fora brief period of time. Herinjuries were serious but not life threatening. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Medevac from Station 29

On May 2, 2021, crews were dispatched to an afternoon medical call in the 29-6 box. Upon EMS’assessment of the patient a medevac was requested and an LZ was set up at Station 29. Engine 291, Utility 29 and EMS from Life Team awaited the arrival of Life Lion. Shortly afterLife Lion arrived the patient was loaded and transported.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

TractorTrailer Rollover

Firefighters from New Tripoli and Germansville were recently dispatched foran MVAwith rescue on Route 309 in the area of Lochland Road. The Lehigh County 911 Centeradvised of a tractortrailerrolloverwith entrapment. Crews arriving on scene found a tractortraileracross all fourlanes of Route 309. The driverwas self extricated from the vehicle. Crews remained on the scene assisting with a small spill and traffic control until PennDot arrived. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

TractorTrailer Rolloveron I-81

On April 14, 2021, crews were called to the ramp to Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County nearTremont fora tractortrailerrollover. Crews arrived to find a tractortrailerhauling trash had flipped onto its side coming to rest against a guard rail of the on ramp. Crews remained on scene providing traffic control and assistance to Hammers Towing while they removed the wreckage. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Carroll Overturn

Recently, crews responded foran overturned oil tankeron Campground Road, in Carroll Township. - Fire News photo provided