West County On Scene

Recent Publications

Coverage of local emergency response incidents, news, and updates.

motor vehicle accident

Emergency Crews Respond to Overturned Vehicle and Damaged Home on Route 6N

Elk Creek Township, PA – This morning at approximately 10:10 AM, rescue and emergency medical personnel from Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department and Central County Paramedics were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident with ejection in the vicinity of 7900 Route 6N. Pennsylvania State Police from the Girard barracks responded promptly to the scene. Due to the nature of the incident, STAT MedEvac was also placed on standby.Edinboro Ambulance 388 went enroute within one minute of dispatch. Shortly after, Erie County Department of Public Safety (ECDOPS) advised responding units that additional 911 calls had been received, providing updated information that there was an additional occupant still within the vehicle. As a result, additional EMS resources were requested, including Cranesville Squad 617, West County 116, and Medic 1.ECDOPS later advised that STAT MedEvac 17 had an estimated arrival time of approximately 15 minutes. Based on the information being received from the scene, Ambulance 388 requested that the helicopter begin responding. A short time later, ECDOPS confirmed that STAT 17 was enroute and that a second helicopter had been placed on standby.Edinboro Ambulance 387 and Rescue 384 also responded to the scene. The first arriving Edinboro unit confirmed one individual trapped inside the vehicle and another occupant located in a nearby ditch. Chief 601 reported a single vehicle overturned onto its roof and advised that the crash had also caused structural damage to a nearby residence. Due to the vehicle blocking the roadway, Route 6N was closed at Ivera Road. Shortly thereafter, L1 advised that the trapped occupant had been successfully extricated.Engine 382 was initially assigned to establish a landing zone for STAT MedEvac at Walmart. However, L8 later advised that all patients would be transported by ground and requested the helicopter be canceled. Engine 382 was subsequently redirected to the crash scene, where crews assisted with roadway closures by placing traffic cones across Route 6N at Route 98 to stop westbound traffic.Upon arrival of Rescue 384, crews evaluated the residence for structural integrity and secured utilities to the building, including both electric and natural gas service. No one was reportedly at the residence at the time of the crash. Ambulances 387 and 388 transported patients to a nearby hospital. Medic 1 and West County 116 were subsequently released from the incident and returned to service.Franklin Township Fire Department was later dispatched to assist with traffic control at the intersections of Route 6N and Route 98, as well as Route 6N and Ivera Road, while Pennsylvania State Police conducted an extended investigation. No further details have been released.

Published 12 days ago458
motor vehicle accident

Semi Rollover Shuts Down I-90 Westbound Near Bear Creek Road

McKean Township, PA – First responders from McKean Hose Company, West County Paramedics, and Central County Paramedics were dispatched at around 3:20 AM Friday morning for a reported semi-truck rollover on Interstate 90 westbound near the 18-mile marker, just east of the Bear Creek Road overpass.West County 116 and Medic 4 responded shortly after dispatch. Erie County Dispatch advised that multiple callers were reporting the accident, and STAT MedEvac was placed on standby with an estimated 25-minute response time if needed. Rescue 408 responded to the accident within a couple minutes later.West County 116 arrived on scene and reported a tractor-trailer on its driver’s side blocking both westbound travel lanes. Initial reports indicated the driver was trapped inside the cab, with the windshield remaining intact. However, crews later advised that the driver was able to exit the cab without the need for advanced rescue operations.The tractor-trailer was reportedly hauling packages at the time of the crash. EMS personnel evaluated the driver, and West County 116 transported the patient to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. Due to the complete blockage of the westbound lanes, Fairview Lake Shore Fire Department was dispatched to assist with closing Interstate 90 at Exit 18 (Sterrettania Road) while emergency crews operated on the roadway.A heavy wrecker arrived on scene shortly after and was able to upright and remove the overturned tractor-trailer in a relatively short period of time. Once the vehicle was removed and debris cleared, Interstate 90 westbound was reopened to traffic.Near the scene, signs of the crash extended into the eastbound lanes. A construction arrow board sign was found mangled along the shoulder, while skid marks could be seen crossing the eastbound lanes, through the median, and into the westbound lanes. Damage to the guardrail was observed in the area where the overturned tractor-trailer was ultimately located by first responders.No additional information regarding the cause of the crash or the driver’s condition has been released at this time.

Published 13 days ago38
public service

Ducklings Rescued from Storm Drain by Fairview Lake Shore Firefighters

Fairview Township, PA – Fairview Lake Shore Fire Department recently received a call at the station regarding several ducks reportedly trapped in a storm drain in the Bear Run neighborhood. Rescue 539 responded to the scene with three personnel.Upon arrival, crews confirmed that two ducklings were trapped inside the storm drain with no viable means of escape. Rescue personnel began by cutting the tar sealant surrounding the drain grate. Crews then utilized a piece of cribbing as a fulcrum and a long bar for leverage, attaching a chain to the grate to safely lift and remove it.Once the grate was removed, one firefighter entered the catch basin and successfully rescued both ducklings. The ducklings were placed on a nearby lawn, where they patiently awaited their mother’s return. A short time later, the mother duck swooped in and landed nearby. The ducklings immediately waddled over to her, and she safely led them back to a neighborhood pond. As the sun set, the reunited family appeared to hold an evening debriefing following their unexpected rescue.

Published 17 days ago16,239
structural collapse

Multiple Fire Departments Respond After Trees Fall Onto Fairview Township Residence

Fairview Township, PA – This evening at around 6 PM, rescue personnel from Fairview Lake Shore Fire Department and Perry Highway Hose Company were dispatched to a reported partial structural collapse in the vicinity of Old Mill Road in Fairview Township. Initial information provided to first responders indicated that a tree had fallen onto a residence, causing a partial collapse of the structure. At the time of dispatch, no injuries were reported. A.F. Dobler Hose Company was also added to the assignment, and responded with rescue 544.Ladder 509 arrived on scene first and advised of one large tree into the residence. Rescue 539 arrived a short time later, with L4 assuming command. Rescue 544 was placed back in service prior to arriving on scene. Crews conducted both exterior and interior assessments of the structure and determined that two trees had fallen onto the residence and penetrated through the attic area. Personnel on scene also confirmed that all occupants had safely evacuated the home prior to their arrival.Rescue 428 continued to the scene to further evaluate the structural integrity of the residence and determine if any shoring operations would be necessary. Prior to Rescue 428’s arrival, crews from Ladder 509 and Rescue 539 secured the electric service and meter to the residence. Additionally, firefighters deployed high-visibility caution tape around the side of the structure where one of the trees was being partially supported by the wall of the house.No injuries were reported. After crews completed their assessments and secured the scene, command turned the incident back over to the homeowner.

Published a month ago29,475
structure fire

Fully Involved Mobile Home Fire Brings Multi-Department Response to Bond Street in Springfield Township

Springfield Township, PA – This morning at around 2:30 AM, Springfield Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the vicinity of 11920 Bond Street in Springfield Township for a reported structure fire. Upon dispatch, West County Paramedics units 112 and 115 went enroute to the scene, while Chief 640 responded to the station. Erie County Dispatch advised that Erie County 911 had received multiple calls reporting the structure fire.Engine 642 went enroute shortly after dispatch and arrived on scene within approximately one minute of leaving the station. Chief 640 assumed Bond Street Command and reported a fully involved mobile home fire with exposures on both sides of the structure, including residences in close proximity. An additional tanker was subsequently requested to respond to the scene due to the established water supply operations.Crews from Engine 642 immediately deployed handlines and initiated an aggressive exterior attack on the well involved fire. West County 112 arrived shortly after and staged EMS equipment, including a stretcher, near the fireground for firefighter standby operations. Engine 644 arrived on scene and established a water supply to Engine 642, while Tanker 595 later arrived and supplemented water operations.Firefighters continued primary suppression efforts as crews worked to contain the fire and protect the nearby exposures. A short time later, the bulk of the fire was knocked down. Crews then transitioned into overhaul operations and conducted searches throughout the residence while extinguishing remaining hotspots. Following, crews applied firefighting foam to help further extinguish the fire and suppress any possible remaining hotspots throughout the structure.Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal were requested to the scene to assist with the investigation. No further details regarding the incident have currently been released.Assisting Springfield on scene included mutual aid support from A.F. Dobler Hose Company, Platea Volunteer Fire Department, Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department, Lake City Fire Company, and West County Paramedics.

Published a month ago23,224
structure fire

Early Morning Semi Fire Spreads to Abandoned Gas Station Canopy on Sterrettania Road

McKean Township, PA – This morning at around 4:20 AM, firefighters from the McKean Hose Company were dispatched to the vicinity of 6320 Sterrettania Road for a reported semi fire.Chief 400 went enroute while Erie County Public Safety advised of multiple calls reporting a semi on fire. A few minutes later, additional callers reported that the fire had spread to the canopy of an abandoned gas station and asked if the first alarm should be started. Chief 400 acknowledged the update and requested the full assignment, which subsequently upgraded the incident to a structure fire response, dispatching additional manpower and apparatus from neighboring departments.Engine 405 arrived on scene and reported a working fire. Crews quickly deployed two handlines from Engine 405, placing them in service and beginning an aggressive attack on the well-involved fire. Engine 924 arrived second on scene and provided additional manpower to assist Engine 405’s crew with handline operations.Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down and only minimal extension remained, Chief 400 placed all additional apparatus back in service with the exception of Fairview Lake Shore’s Tanker 525, which remained on scene for support.Shortly after, Chief 400 placed the fire under control and advised crews would be engaged in extensive overhaul operations.

Published 2 months ago31,159
motor vehicle accident

Emergency Crews Respond to Evening Accident at Townline and Ridge Roads

Girard Township, PA – This evening at just after 8:15 PM, rescue and medical personnel from the A.F. Dobler Hose Fire Department and West County Paramedics were dispatched to the intersection of Townline Road and Ridge Road (Route 20) for a reported motor vehicle accident.West County 110 responded to the scene, with incoming units advised of a two-vehicle crash and a request for patient evaluations. Girard Chief 541 arrived shortly after and advised all additional units to continue responding priority two.West County 110 arrived on scene, followed by Rescue 544, which positioned on Route 20 just prior to the incident. Personnel assisted with roadway cleanup operations. After evaluating those involved, West County 110 returned to service with no injuries reported.Girard Fire Police, 5401, remained on scene to manage traffic control until a wrecker cleared the vehicles from the roadway. A Trooper from the Pennsylvania State Police was on scene conducting the investigation.

Published 2 months ago22,272
vehicle fire

Multiple Agencies Respond to Tractor-Trailer Fire on I-90 Near Mile Marker 9.5

Girard Township, PA – This morning at approximately 10:00 AM, firefighters from Platea and Springfield were dispatched to Interstate 90 eastbound near the 9.5 mile marker for a reported vehicle fire. Shortly after dispatch, Erie County 911 advised that Pennsylvania State Police were already on scene confirming a working fire involving both the cab and trailer of a tractor-trailer. Units were also advised that the trailer was reportedly hauling pizza products.Engines 642 and 592 responded, followed shortly by Tanker 595 and Engine 644. Engine 592 arrived on scene to find heavy fire involvement throughout the tractor and trailer, with Chief 580 establishing I-90 Command. As crews began operations, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) shut down the eastbound lanes ahead of the incident to provide a safe working area. An additional PSP unit was requested to the westbound lanes east of the scene to alert oncoming traffic.Crews from Engine 592 deployed a bumper line and initiated an aggressive fire attack. Engine 642 arrived shortly after and established a water supply to Engine 592, while Tanker 595 supplemented Engine 642. Engine 644 positioned alongside Engine 592, with crews deploying additional handlines to assist with suppression efforts.Within approximately 25 minutes of arrival, Chief 580 reported the fire under control, with crews transitioning into an extensive overhaul operation. Utility 599 assisted with scene support and traffic control, including diverting traffic west of Exit 18. During operations, Tanker 595 temporarily cleared the scene to refill before returning with additional water to support ongoing efforts. Utility 646 also arrived, providing additional manpower to assist crews on scene.During overhaul operations, crews continued extinguishing remaining hot spots within the trailer while opening up the load to ensure complete extinguishment. One lane of traffic was eventually reopened as conditions allowed. Eagle Towing arrived on scene and began separating the tractor from the trailer to assist crews in accessing remaining fire.All units cleared the scene and returned to service approximately 2.5 hours after the initial dispatch. Crews then relinquished the scene to Pennsylvania State Police, PennDOT, and Eagle Towing. No injuries were reported on scene and all occupants were able to exit the vehicle.

Published 3 months ago10,857
motor vehicle accident

Guardrail Through Vehicle in Route 6N Crash Leads to Rescue Response

Elk Creek Township, PA – This evening at approximately 6:15 PM, rescue and medical personnel from Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department and West County Paramedics were dispatched for a reported motor vehicle accident with entrapment in the vicinity of 10300 Route 6N, near the intersection of Meadville Road and Route 6N.West County 112, along with Cranesville units 604 and 617, initially responded to the incident. Springfield’s 646, which was operating on a detail in the area, came upon the crash and stopped to assist. Chief 640 arrived on scene and reported a single vehicle with heavy damage.At the scene, crews quickly determined that a section of guardrail had penetrated through the vehicle, complicating the rescue. Personnel from Springfield and Cranesville quickly initiated extrication efforts, utilizing hydraulic rescue tools to remove the vehicle’s doors and gain access to the occupant. Firefighters used cutting tools to cut a portion of the guardrail, relieving pressure on the vehicle and allowing for a controlled extrication of the occupant. Due to the number of individuals involved, a third ambulance was requested to the scene, bringing West County 110 to assist and later transport.Troopers from Pennsylvania State Police Girard were on scene conducting an investigation. Four individuals were transported to a nearby hospital. Vehicle recovery technicians from Eagle Auto service & Towing/Recovery were on scene to remove the vehicle. No further details are available at this time.

Published 3 months ago12,324
structural collapse

Tree Down on Residence in Cranesville

Cranesville, PA – This evening at approximately 6:40 PM, firefighters from Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the area of 10040Meadville Road for a reported tree down on a residence. Initial dispatch information indicated possible entrapment, a gas leak, and wires down, prompting a rapid response. Erie County 911 received multiple calls reporting the incident.Chief 601 arrived on scene and provided an updated size-up, confirming that there was no entrapment and that all occupants had safely exited the structure, including a dog. Crews quickly addressed the reported gas leak by shutting off the gas at the meter, mitigating any immediate hazard.Ambulance 617 evaluated one individual who was inside the residence at the time of the incident. Crews remained on scene to manage the situation and ensure the structure and surrounding hazards were secured. National Fuel was notified and Penelec was notified for safety concerns to both utilities. Power was reported to be out in the area.

Published 3 months ago45,865
vehicle fire

Vehicle Fire Quickly Contained on Crane Road

Franklin Township, PA – This morning at around 7:45 AM, firefighters from Franklin Township were dispatched to the area of 7030 Crane Road for a reported vehicle fire. Fire Police Unit 7201 arrived on scene and reported a vehicle fully involved, with heavy fire conditions present. Engine 735 responded to assist.Fire police immediately established traffic control in both directions of Crane Road due to heavy smoke crossing the roadway and reducing visibility for motorists. Upon arrival of Engine 735, Chief 720 assumed command of the incident.Crews deployed a bumper line from 735 and quickly brought the fire under control. Firefighters then utilized a Halligan tool to force open the hood and trunk of the vehicle to access hidden fire and ensure complete extinguishment. A thermal imaging camera was also used to check for any remaining hotspots.The fire was placed under control within a short period of time, and crews cleared the scene shortly after.

Published 3 months ago9,197
structure fire

Second Alarm Structure Fire in Monroe Township Draws Mutual Aid from Erie County

Monroe Township, OH – Last night, at approximately 9:10 PM, firefighters from Springfield and Cranesville were dispatched to assist Ashtabula County with a fully involved structure fire.Initially, at approximately 8:50 PM, firefighters from Monroe Township Fire Department, along with Pierpont Fire Department, were dispatched to the area of 6900 Hatches Corner Road in Monroe Township for a reported structure fire. Initial reports from the caller indicated that the structure was already “pretty well involved.” Due to the conditions reported, incoming units quickly requested the first alarm assignment, bringing additional resources from Kingsville, Sheffield, and Plymouth to the scene.Upon arrival, crews encountered a two-story, wood-frame structure that was fully involved in fire. Command was established, and a second alarm was subsequently requested as the extent of the fire became evident. This brought mutual aid from Erie County, Pennsylvania, including Springfield and Cranesville Volunteer Fire Departments, who were dispatched at approximately 9:10 PM.After conducting a size-up, crews determined that interior operations were not feasible due to the heavy fire load and partial structural collapse. Firefighters transitioned to a defensive strategy, operating from the exterior. Multiple handlines were deployed, and crews began aggressive water suppression efforts to contain the fire and protect any nearby exposures.Firefighters remained on scene for several hours, working into the overnight hours to bring the fire under control and extinguish remaining hot spots. According to crews operating on scene, the structure was unoccupied at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Published 3 months ago19,659
training

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 the Girard Cemetery, Girard Borough, and the A.F. Dobler Hose Fire Department that allowed firefighters to utilize the building for live-fire training.During the operation, firefighters focused on protecting nearby exposures, including a garage located to the rear of the structure and a neighboring residence to the south. Crews applied water to cool the exterior surfaces of these nearby structures as a protective measure throughout the burn. Girard firefighters also utilized their ladder truck for aerial support, applying water from an elevated position as needed to help manage fire conditions and safeguard surrounding properties. Ground crews remained positioned around the structure to continuously monitor fire progression and maintain control of the operation.The spectacle drew a large number of onlookers from around the area, many of whom gathered at a safe distance to observe the operation. During the controlled burn, rare fire whirls, sometimes referred to as “firenados,” were observed forming along the roofline, with rotating columns of flame and hot gases extending more than 20 feet into the air at times. These brief but intense fire dynamics highlighted the powerful and unpredictable behavior that can occur during structural fires.Throughout the operation, the fire remained well-controlled, with additional resources, including multiple tanker units, staged nearby with water supplies to support suppression efforts if conditions changed. The controlled burn marked the final operational phase of the training event, allowing firefighters to safely conclude activities while ensuring surrounding structures and the community remained protected.If you ever have a structure that you plan on tearing down or removing, consider reaching out to your local fire department. In many cases, departments may be able to utilize the building for critical hands-on training opportunities that directly benefit first responders and the communities they serve.

Published 3 months ago10,320
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 3 months ago15,371
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 3 months ago15,913