Albion, PA – Yesterday evening, just after 5 PM, first responders from Cranesville, along with mutual aid departments, were dispatched to a reported structure fire near Second Avenue in Albion. Cranesville’s Engine 604 responded within 4 minutes of the initial call and arrived on scene approximately 10 minutes after the initial call. Shortly after Engine 604 went en route, Rescue 544, Tanker 595, and Ladder 389 also went enroute to the scene.

Upon arrival, Chief 600 reported a two-story residential structure with an exterior fire that had already been extinguished prior to the fire department’s arrival. Crews on scene conducted a thorough check of the structure for any further fire extension. Chief 600 placed all additional units, except for Station 60 units and Ladder 389, on standby.

After confirming there was no extension to the structure, Chief 600 maintained units 602 and 604 on scene and released all other responding units. The Pennsylvania State Police and Fire Marshal were requested to investigate the incident. The cause is currently unknown and is being investigated.

It was reported that before the fire department’s arrival, neighbors had used garden hoses to successfully extinguish the fire.

Mutual aid was provided by departments from Edinboro, Springfield, Platea, Franklin Township, Girard, and Springboro.

Fairview Township, PA – This afternoon, shortly after 4 PM, rescue personnel from Lake Shore Fire Department and Fairview Fire and Rescue were dispatched for a technical rescue near Lake Shore Country Club. It was reported that two individuals were stranded on the beach, uninjured, but unable to return to Walnut Creek Access due to rough wave conditions. The steep and hazardous bluff made it impossible for them to climb to safety.

Lake Shore Fire Department’s 511 reported that the bluff offered no safe access points to reach the beach. As a result, 511 requested Lake City Fire Company to respond with a boat for a shoreline rescue. Meanwhile, Fairview personnel (from Utility 529) continued scouting the bluff for any potential rescue points as a contingency plan. Ladder 509 arrived to Lake Shore Country Club, while Utility 504 proceeded to Walnut Creek Access to coordinate operations with Lake City’s 578 and 579 units.

When Lake City arrived on scene with their SeaLegs amphibious rescue boat, a Lake Shore crew member joined the boat team. During this time, Lake City’s drone was launched from Lake Shore Country Club and quickly located the stranded individuals using thermal and visible imaging cameras. The drone operator confirmed their position and identified two kayaks on the beach with the individuals, providing critical information to the crews.

While water rescue personnel from Lake City and Lake Shore navigated to the location, Fairview’s team prepared rigging for a potential bluff rescue if needed. Lake City’s 578 was able to drive onto the beach using its specialized drive wheels, and the drone provided aerial overwatch to ensure command had real-time situational awareness.

Both individuals, along with their kayaks, were safely transported back to Walnut Creek Access without incident, thanks to the seamless coordination and expertise of all responding agencies.

Platea, PA – This evening, at approximately 6:40 PM, first responders from the Platea Volunteer Fire Company and several other west county departments were dispatched to a reported working structure fire in the vicinity of 8500 Meadville Road. Platea's Chief 580 was the first to arrive on scene and reported a fully involved fire consuming a two-story abandoned house. Upon assessment, Chief 580 determined that the incident stemmed from an out-of-control controlled burn and quickly took command of the situation.

Chief 580 updated the assignment, requesting Platea’s Tanker 595 and Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department's Engine 602 to proceed directly to the scene while placing all other incoming units on standby. Once Engine 602 and Tanker 595 arrived, crews quickly deployed two handlines to protect nearby exposures and to slow the spread of the fire. Tanker 595 provided a direct water supply to Engine 602 through a supply line to ensure continuous flow during suppression operations.

Shortly after initial suppression efforts began, Chief 580 requested additional support for water supply operations and directed Fairview Fire and Rescue's Tanker 525 to continue into the scene. Simultaneously, Chief 601 relayed instructions for Engine 604 to proceed to Sun Lake Drive to establish a reliable water supply point utilizing a dry hydrant. After approximately 35 minutes of coordinated firefighting efforts, Chief 580 marked the fire under control at around 7:15 PM. By around 8 PM, Chief 580 released all units from the scene and turned the property back over the property owner.

The incident was effectively managed through prompt resource allocation and decisive action, preventing the fire from spreading to nearby structures.

Prior to being placed on standby, A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co., Fairview Fire and Rescue, Springfield Vol. Fire Dept., A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co., Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department, Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department, Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department, and West County Paramedic Association were dispatched to the fire.

Elk Creek Township, PA – This afternoon, shortly after 3:30 PM, first responders from the Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a reported combine fire, in a field, near 9800 Thrasher Road. Within four minutes of the initial dispatch, Engine 602, Engine 604, and Utility 609 were en route to the scene. While the units were still responding, 64L1, who was in the vicinity, confirmed that the combine was fully engulfed in flames and positioned approximately 200-250 yards off the roadway within the field.

Upon arrival, Chief 600 took command of the incident and directed the suppression efforts. Utility 609, a brush truck designed for off-road maneuverability as opposed to a fire engine, made its way into the field to begin fire suppression operations. After assessing field conditions and confirming they were firm enough for transit, Engine 602 entered the field to support operations by providing additional water to refill Utility 609 and deploying an extra handline to enhance fire suppression. Engine 604 remained at the road.

Through a coordinated effort, crews were able to contain the fire, and Chief 600 reported the fire to be under control at approximately 3:54 PM, roughly 20 minutes after the initial dispatch. The swift response and effective teamwork of the Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department units prevented the fire from spreading into the field and minimized further damage to the surrounding area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Overall, this incident highlights the importance of rapid response and strong coordination in successfully managing rural fire scenarios, especially when dealing with challenging off-road access and heavy equipment fires.

Girard, PA – At 7:30 PM, rescue and medical personnel from the A.F. Dobler Hose Company were dispatched to a reported three-vehicle accident at the intersection of Church Street and East Main Street. Units 540, 544, and 547 responded immediately and arrived on scene within minutes, along with West County 113.

All three vehicles sustained minor damage. Two patients were transported to UPMC Hamot with reportedly minor injuries. Rescue 544 positioned in the westbound turning lane, blocking traffic to the east of the accident site.

No further details are available at this time, and Girard Police are investigating the incident.