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training

March 22, 2026

Controlled Burn Conducted Following Completion of Advanced Structure Training

Girard, PA

At the completion of the advanced structure burn class held in Girard this weekend, crews carried out a planned controlled burn of the training structure, which was part of the agreement approved by t…

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Recent Publications

training

Firefighters Complete Day Two of Advanced Structure Burn Class with Varied Live-Fire Training Scenarios

Girard, PA – On Sunday, firefighters attended day two of the Advanced Structure Burn Class hosted by the A.F. Dobler Hose and instructed by Butler County Community College. The second day featured a new series of live-fire evolutions, where crews were assigned a variety of fireground scenarios that they were tasked with managing in a controlled training environment.At the start of the day, instructors briefed the class and provided feedback from the first day of training. Overall, they expressed that they were very pleased with the students’ performance, noting that participants remained engaged, actively took part in the evolutions, and effectively carried out their assigned responsibilities. Instructors also highlighted several areas for firefighters to focus on as they moved through the day’s training scenarios. Additionally, instructors noted that the training structure held up much better than anticipated, likely due to its older construction. This allowed crews to safely conduct additional evolutions and spend extended time operating inside the building.Throughout the day, firefighters experienced more advanced fire conditions, with evolutions designed to allow for varying fire conditions. This provided crews with increased opportunities to operate on the fireground, work through tactical decision-making, and perform more extensive overhaul operations after knockdown.From the exterior, observers could see fire conditions developing primarily on the first floor, with visible fire occasionally extending to the second floor depending on the evolution. These conditions created realistic training scenarios that required coordinated teamwork, communication, and disciplined fire attack strategies.As fire conditions intensified, crews continued to work effectively within their assigned teams, carrying out engine operations, ventilation tasks, command functions, rapid intervention coverage, and support roles. Despite the increased complexity of the evolutions, firefighters adapted well and successfully completed each scenario.Overall, instructors and participants described the class as very successful, with students reporting that they gained valuable hands-on experience and confidence from the training. Opportunities like this provide firefighters with realistic exposure to fireground conditions while reinforcing teamwork and operational readiness which benefits the communities that they serve.

Published 18 hours ago11,400
training

24 Firefighters Complete Six Live-Fire Evolutions During Advanced Structure Burn Training in Girard

Girard, PA – Today, firefighters from across the region participated in an Advanced Structure Burn Class hosted by the A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co. and instructed by Butler County Community College. The class was full, with 24 volunteer firefighters enrolled, taking part in hands-on live-fire training evolutions designed to build real-world fireground experience.Throughout the day, crews completed a total of six live-fire evolutions. During each evolution, firefighters were assigned different operational roles, allowing them to gain experience across multiple functions that are critical on the fireground. These roles included engine/attack operations, truck company operations such as ventilation, incident command functions, rapid intervention team (RIT) assignments, and support roles including overhaul operations.Following each evolution, participating crews reported to the Bravo side of the structure for structured debriefing sessions. These discussions focused on reviewing what worked well, identifying challenges encountered during the evolution, and providing constructive feedback to help firefighters continue refining their skills. The debrief process provided an important opportunity for learning, collaboration, and professional development in a controlled training environment.The live-fire training allowed participants to experience realistic fireground conditions under supervision, with scenarios designed to strengthen proficiency in fire attack, coordinated search efforts, ventilation timing, communication, and overall incident safety - all critical components firefighters rely on during actual emergencies. Training events like this are especially important because they give firefighters the opportunity to refresh and strengthen skills they may not use on a regular basis, while also reinforcing teamwork, building confidence, and improving decision-making under pressure. The repetition of evolutions and the rotation of operational roles helped ensure firefighters gained well-rounded experience throughout the day.Also attending today’s training event were local leaders who had the opportunity to experience firsthand the demanding and complex tasks firefighters face during a structure fire response. Among those in attendance were Erie County Executive Christina Vogel, Erie City Mayor Daria Devlin, and Girard Borough Council Member Jeff Orr, all of whom observed training evolutions and gained insight into the coordination, strategy, and physical challenges involved in fireground operations.This training opportunity was made possible through coordination with Girard Borough and the Girard Cemetery, which allowed crews to safely utilize a structure for multiple planned evolutions. Additionally, multiple partnering fire departments provided standby coverage (Lake City Fire Company) and assisted with tanker shuttle water supply operations, including Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department, Platea Volunteer Fire Company, and Fairview Lake Shore Fire Department. Mckean Hose Company had an engine at the event as well. Community members also supported the event by donating food and drinks for participants.Crews are scheduled to return tomorrow to complete the second day of the advanced burn class. Church Street in Girard will be closed again on Sunday from Route 20 to Shenango Street.

Published 2 days ago14,084
motor vehicle accident

Vehicle Rollover Reported on I-90 Eastbound Near 9 Mile Marker

Girard Township, PA – This afternoon at around 4:30 PM, fire and rescue personnel from Platea Volunteer Fire Department, Springfield Volunteer Fire Department, and West County Paramedics were dispatched to the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 near the 9 mile marker, just east of the Route 18 / I-90 interchange, for a reported motor vehicle accident involving a rollover. Due to the reported mechanism of the crash, STAT MedEvac was initially placed on standby.West County Paramedics unit 110 began responding to the scene. While traveling in the area, Girard's 551 came upon the incident and stopped to check on the vehicle and its occupants. 551 reported a single vehicle overturned in a ditch with its wheels facing upward. Personnel quickly began assessing the situation and reported that two patients required medical evaluation. Based on the initial assessment, the medical helicopter was placed back in service.Shortly after, Platea units 592 and 599 went enroute, with 592 arriving on scene moments later. Upon their arrival, Pennsylvania State Police advised that fire department units could be placed back in service and assumed control of the incident. West County Paramedics 110 continued with patient care and transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.It was later determined that a secondary vehicle was involved in the incident. Pennsylvania State Police troopers remained on scene to conduct an investigation into the crash. Eagle Towing responded promptly and worked to remove the overturned vehicle from the ditch.

Published 3 days ago39,304
electrical emergency

Wires Down Closes East Main Street in Girard

Girard, PA – At approximately 7:57 PM, personnel from A.F. Dobler Hose were dispatched to reports of wires down in the area of East Main Street near the Champagn Center. Brush 548 went enroute, and responding units were advised of an additional caller from Taco Bell reporting that a utility pole had snapped with wires down. Brush 548 arrived on scene approximately one minute later and confirmed the dispatch.Upon arrival, crews found large strands of communication wires lying in the roadway, with a utility pole snapped at the base and being supported by the power lines above. While crews were on scene, a secondary pole snapped. Due to the roadway being impassable and the hazardous conditions present, personnel from Girard shut down East Main Street at Sunset Drive and Trinity Drive. Fire police established a detour, directing traffic down Sunset Drive and around to Trinity Drive.Units 546 and 548 assisted with traffic control operations until Brush 548 was released to respond to additional calls. Fire police units and Engine 546 remained on scene until around 2 AM. Girard Borough Police assisted with traffic control as well.

Published 7 days ago36,019
vegetation fire

Wind-Driven Bluff Brush Fire Contained by Multiple Departments

Girard Township, PA – Last night at just before 8:30 PM, firefighters from the Lake City Fire Company were dispatched to a reported brush fire along the bluff overlooking Lake Erie behind a residence. The response came after a caller reported seeing a “glow” over the bluff. Lake City personnel arrived on scene and reported a large, wind-driven fire burning over the bluff and spreading due to strong wind conditions. Chief 560 requested additional manpower along with two additional brush units to assist with the incident.Lake City’s Brush 5616 responded along with Engine 572 and Utility 566, while Girard’s brush unit 548 also responded to the scene. Upon arrival, crews quickly went to work stopping the forward spread of the fire in harsh, windy conditions that were causing fire growth. Firefighters utilized hand tools, hose lines, water from brush units, and Indian tanks to canvas the area and knock down active fire.Chief 560 made access down a trail over the bluff and reported multiple spot fires. Additional crews worked to locate and extinguish spot fires and remaining hotspots to prevent rekindle. Platea’s brush unit was placed on standby prior to arrival as Lake City units began receiving additional calls for trees down in the area. Platea personnel assisted with these incidents and stood by the station while crews operated at the brush fire.Crews were able to bring the fire under control and clear the scene approximately one and a half hours after arriving on scene.

Published 7 days ago17,696

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