Springfield Township, PA – This evening at approximately 7:45 PM, firefighters from the Springfield Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the area of 12600 Ridge Road in Springfield Township. Initial reports indicated that all occupants had safely exited the structure prior to fire department arrival.

Engine 643 arrived on scene and reported one structure with light smoke visible from the exterior. Chief 650 assumed command of operations on Ridge Road. At the scene, Engine 644 established a water supply to Engine 643, while Engine 553 staged near the roadway. Crews deployed a handline from Engine 643 and initiated an aggressive interior attack, quickly knocking down the flames and bringing the fire under control.

Firefighters gained access to the second floor and began ventilation efforts. Chief 650 reported that the fire was contained to contents on the floor and did not appear to have extended to the structure itself. Crews utilized positive pressure ventilation fans to remove heat and smoke from the interior.

Due to heavily charred contents inside, crews performed extensive overhaul and removed debris from the structure to ensure all hot spots were extinguished. With the situation stabilized, Engine 602 was instructed to standby at Station 64.

Pennsylvania State Police responded to the scene and were investigating the incident. The fire marshal was also notified. West County 112 provided a fire scene standby. No further details are available at this time.

Assisting Springfield included the mutual aid of A.F. Dobler Hose, Cranesville Fire Department, Platea Volunteer Fire Company, and West County Paramedics Association.

Fairview Township, PA – This evening around 6:45 PM, rescue and EMS personnel were dispatched alongside Pennsylvania State Police for a reported multi-vehicle accident near the 17-mile marker on I-90 eastbound. Incoming units were advised by Erie County Department of Public Safety that a vehicle had reportedly lost control, resulting in debris and large boulders scattered across the roadway. West County 110 was first to arrive on scene and confirmed that seven vehicles were involved.

Fire police from Girard and Fairview closed I-90 eastbound at the Fairview exit, with assistance from State Police. All traffic was diverted onto Route 98. Several vehicles were found off the roadway on both sides of the interstate. Fortunately, no injuries were reported at the scene. Pennsylvania State Police remained on location investigating the crash, and multiple tow trucks were called in to remove the vehicles. No further details are currently available.

The interstate has since reopened.

Conneaut Township, PA – Just after midnight, crews from the Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 8900 block of Route 6N. Erie County Department of Public Safety advised incoming units that the blaze originated from a fireplace inside the residence. Upon arrival, firefighters also contended with challenging weather conditions, including heavy rain and gusty winds.

Cranesville’s A3 was first on scene and reported a one and a half story wood-frame home fully involved in flames. The crew confirmed that all occupants had safely evacuated and noted downed power lines near the structure, prompting a request for utility crews. Cranesville’s Engine 604 soon arrived, followed by Springfield’s Engine 643. Springfield’s Engine 644 established a water supply at a dry hydrant on Huntly Road near the Sportsman Club.

Two handlines from Engine 604 were quickly placed into service for an aggressive attack on the front and side of the residence, with Engine 643 providing water and additional manpower. Penelec utility crews responded shortly after, disconnecting electrical service to secure the scene.

To sustain operations, a tanker shuttle was established. Tankers dumped their loads into two portable ponds, shuttled back to refill, and returned in rotation to maintain a steady supply. An engine drafted from the ponds, ensuring a continuous water flow for suppression efforts.

After reports of the second floor possibly being compromised, and a well-established water supply was in operation, crews utilized Ladder 549 for water suppression efforts from overhead. Crews were able to direct the master stream to areas of concern and continued to work to put out the fire.

For area coverage, McKean transferred an engine to Edinboro on standby. Once Lake City units cleared the scene, their Engine 572 was reassigned to Cranesville for coverage.

The initial alarm included resources from Crawford County, Ohio, Edinboro, Girard, Platea, Springfield, Franklin, WC111, Springboro, and Conneautville fire departments. As the incident progressed, additional tankers were requested from Fairview and Lake City to bolster the water shuttle operation.

Fairview Township, PA – This morning at just after 8:30 AM, Fairview Fire and Rescue and Lake Shore were dispatched for a reported swift water rescue in the vicinity of Dutch Road. In addition, Lake City Fire Company and Engine 925 from Millcreek were also dispatched and supported operations on scene. Initial reports advised of a fisherman trapped in a log jam along the south side of the north set of railroad tracks. The individual was reportedly not wearing a personal flotation device.

Upon arrival, Fairview crews accessed the area by traveling approximately a quarter mile east along the tracks before reaching the creek, where one victim was confirmed in the water. For responder safety and due to the proximity of apparatus to the tracks, command requested that railroad traffic be halted. As crews worked their way in, they reported hearing screams, which helped them locate and make contact with the victim. It was later discovered that the 911 caller remained on the phone with Erie County Public Safety during the duration of the initial response. This helped first responders quickly located the individual which was found to be trapped by a large strainer (a buildup of logs, branches, and debris).

Rescue personnel quickly deployed a flotation device and rope to the victim while additional crews prepared technical rescue equipment. Mule-56 assisted by transporting equipment and personnel down the tracks. Lake City Fire’s inflatable boat was brought to the scene, inflated, and launched with two rescue technicians on board. The technicians reached the victim, extricated him from the strainer, and brought him safely to shore. Downstream safety teams were also deployed during the operation.

The victim was transferred to medical personnel and was then transported via Mule-56 to nearby ambulance for continued care and eventual transfer to nearby hospital.

Railroad traffic was suspended during the rescue and resumed once all emergency vehicles cleared the right-of-way. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission is investigating the incident. The 911 caller, a companion of the victim, provided real-time updates that proved invaluable to the operation. No injuries were reported among responding personnel.

Special thanks to West County On Scene Correspondent Warren Anderson, whose support allows me to keep highlighting the great work of our local first responders while I’m at work or out of town.

Fairview Township, PA – Last night, just before 8:00 PM, first responders from Fairview Fire and Rescue were dispatched to a reported non-dwelling structure fire in the area of Hanna Drive, Fairview Township.

Dispatch advised incoming units that multiple callers reported a shed on fire in the backyard, with flames threatening nearby trees and fencing. WC 115 and Engine 534 arrived on scene almost simultaneously, confirming a fully involved shed fire with exposures to pine trees and fencing.

Crews from Engine 534 initiated the primary attack and quickly knocked down the bulk of the flames. Ladder 925 and Lake Shore’s Engine 509 arrived shortly thereafter to assist. Lake City’s Engine 563 secured a water supply by establishing a hydrant connection and laying a line into Engine 534.

On scene, crews performed extensive overhaul of the shed remains, nearby fencing, pine trees, and surrounding landscaping to ensure the fire was fully extinguished. No injuries or additional incidents were reported.

Assisting Fairview Fire and Rescue on scene were companies from West Ridge, Lake Shore, Lake City, and Millcreek Fire. West County 110 and 115 provided a fire scene standby.