Springfield Township, PA – This evening at approximately 5:00 PM, rescue personnel from Springfield Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident with rollover on Route 6N, just north of Biscoff Road. West County EMS units 110, 111, and 112 responded, while Chief 640 went enroute to the station. Engine 643, Rescue 644, and Utility 646 went enroute to the scene. Responding units were advised that initial reports suggested up to three patients might have been involved, including one possibly trapped beneath the overturned vehicle off the roadway in the woods.

Engine 643 arrived on scene, and Chief 640 assumed command. Upon arrival, first responders confirmed that only one patient was involved and that the individual was not trapped under the vehicle. West County 112 was placed back in service after confirmation that only one patient required care. Once the individual was extricated out of the woods, fire personnel provided a secondary search of the area to ensure that there was only one individual.

Fire police were requested to temporarily close Route 6N. Due to the nature of the accident, STAT MedEvac was initially placed on standby; however, the helicopter was later stood down because of weather conditions. One individual was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Springfield Volunteer Fire Department responded with a crew of eleven members.  Pennsylvania State Police were on scene investigating the accident and assisting fire personnel with extrication from the woods.

Summit Township, PA – Three east county fire departments, Fuller, Crescent, and Harborcreek, gathered this week at National Fuel’s Fire Field on Robinson Road for the second phase of a specialized training program focused on natural gas emergencies.

The program, designed in two parts, first introduced participants to the classroom side of natural gas safety earlier this spring. That session covered an overview of National Fuel operations, the science and hazards of natural gas, carbon monoxide awareness, and lessons learned from past incidents across the United States.

This week’s field component brought theory into practice. Firefighters rotated through five live-fire scenarios, including a ruptured gas well, a line strike, and sheared piping, all modeled after real-world emergencies. Crews gained hands-on experience using both water suppression tactics and chemical fire extinguishers designed specifically for natural gas-fed fires. The training highlighted how challenging it can be to extinguish natural gas with water alone, while demonstrating the effectiveness of specialized suppression tools.

“Tonight’s National Fuel Gas Emergency class was an outstanding experience,” said Chris Skrekla, Captain of Fuller Hose. “The combination of classroom education and hands-on training provided valuable insight into emergency response procedures.”

A key emphasis from National Fuel’s instructors was scene management and responder safety. Firefighters were reminded that in many cases, the safest course of action is not extinguishment but rather maintaining a secure perimeter, protecting nearby exposures, and allowing controlled burning until the fuel source can be shut off. Attempting to prematurely put out a gas fire, instructors cautioned, risks allowing dangerous vapors to accumulate, creating the potential for larger, more hazardous situations.

Skrekla added: “Learning directly from professionals in the field gave us practical knowledge and real-world strategies to effectively handle gas-related emergencies. We’re grateful for the opportunity and highly recommend this training to other departments in Erie County.”

The joint training gave local departments valuable exposure to scenarios they may encounter in the field, ensuring that east county crews are better prepared to respond quickly, effectively, and safely to natural gas emergencies in their communities.

This training was hosted by National Fuel and led by Scott Kerr, who guided the participating firefighters through both classroom and live-fire components. The program is open to all fire departments in the region that are interested in strengthening their knowledge and response capabilities when it comes to natural gas emergencies.

McKean, PA – At approximately 11:15 PM, McKean Hose Company was dispatched to establish a landing zone for STAT MedEvac near the I-79 Exit 174 to intercept with Meadville Area Ambulance 33-07. Chief 400 responded and notified dispatch that the landing zone would be set up at McKean Elementary School.

Crews were advised of a roughly 12-minute ETA for the helicopter. Chief 400 and 405 arrived to secure the landing area, with STAT MedEvac touching down minutes later. Meadville Area Ambulance 33-07 arrived at about the same time.

The flight crew provided intervention alongside Meadville’s EMS team before transferring the patient into the aircraft. STAT MedEvac then departed for transport to a nearby hospital.

Springfield Township, PA – At approximately 8:40 AM on Saturday, rescue and EMS personnel from Springfield Volunteer Fire Company and West County Paramedics were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle. West County 111 and 112 responded to the scene.

Crews were advised that a medical helicopter had been placed on standby, with a 17-minute estimated time of arrival if needed. Upon arrival of Engine 643 and Utility 646, 650 assumed command. After assessing the situation, the helicopter was stood down and the patient was transported by ground to a nearby hospital via West County 111.

The roadway remained closed for an extended period while the Pennsylvania State Police conducted an investigation. The roadway was later reopened at around 10:15 AM, and crews cleared the scene and returned in service.

Springfield Township, PA – This afternoon at approximately 1:30 PM, first responders from the Springfield Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a reported vehicle fire near the 4-mile marker westbound on I-90. Shortly after the initial dispatch, the location was updated to the 6-mile marker, where it was reported that a towed vehicle was on fire.

Engines 643 and 644, along with Utility 646, responded to the scene. Engine 643 was first to arrive and found one vehicle, being towed by another, with a working fire in the engine compartment. Extension was made into the cab area of the towed vehicle. Engines 643 and 644 accessed the scene via the westbound entrance ramp, as the vehicles were located near that area of the interstate. Utility 646 relocated to the east side of the incident and assisted with traffic control.

Crews deployed a handline from Engine 643 and began fire suppression efforts. The fire was brought under control within three minutes of arrival.

Personnel remained on scene until the arrival of the Pennsylvania State Police.