West County On Scene

Recent Publications

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

structure fire

Rear Deck Fire Quickly Contained by Platea Firefighters Amid Extreme Heat

Girard Township, PA – On Wednesday evening at approximately 5:38 PM, the Platea Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to the 10700 block of Cross Station Road for a reported structure fire. Initial reports indicated that a rear deck attached to the residence was on fire.Engine 553 responded immediately after dispatch at 5:39 PM, along with Chief 580. While crews were en route, Erie County 911 advised responders that propane cylinders were reportedly located along the side of the home and to use caution.Chief 580 arrived on scene moments later and reported a two-story wood-frame residence with smoke showing from the rear deck. Tanker 595 and Engine 592 also responded to the incident. After completing a size-up, Chief 580 advised that the fire was confined to the deck with no extension into the residence. As a result, all incoming mutual aid units, with the exception of Girard and Platea, were returned to service. Chief 580 placed the fire under control at approximately 5:47 PM - just nine minutes after the initial dispatch. Responding crews contended with 92-degree temperatures and high humidity while successfully containing the fire before it could extend into the residence.In addition to Platea and Girard, Fairview Lake Shore Fire Department, Lake City Fire Company, Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department, Springfield Volunteer Fire Department, Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department, and West County Paramedics 115 were originally dispatched to assist.

Published 8 days ago25
rescue

Worker Rescued After Trench Collapse in Girard Township

Lake City, PA – This afternoon at around 1 PM, first responders from Lake City Fire Company and West County Paramedics were dispatched for a reported trench collapse with one person trapped in the vicinity of Hall Avenue in Lake City Borough. A.F. Dobler Hose Company, Springfield Volunteer Fire Department, and Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department were also dispatched to assist.While crews were responding, Erie County 911 advised that a trench had collapsed with a worker buried up to their head, with only the victim’s head visible. Workers at the scene were reportedly attempting to dig the individual out. Chief 560 requested Perry Hi-Way Hose Company be added to the assignment with its trench rescue resources. County also advised that the Erie County Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team was available if needed, while police recommending responders access the scene via Clifton Drive. Chief 560 subsequently requested the USAR Team be dispatched, noting that Engine 563 was temporarily delayed by a passing train.Perry Hi-Way responded shortly afterward with its trench rescue trailer. While units continued responding, Erie County advised that police reported the victim had been freed from the collapse but remained inside the trench. Chief 560 requested all incoming units continue responding until he arrived on scene to better assess the situation.A short time later, the train cleared, allowing Engine 563 to arrive. Chief 560 then advised that the victim had been removed from the trench and released all incoming mutual aid units except for Lake City Fire Company and West County Paramedics.At the scene, firefighters and EMS personnel assisted with transferring the patient onto a stretcher before loading them into the awaiting ambulance. One person was transported by West County Paramedics 112 to a nearby hospital. No further information is currently available.

Published 9 days ago129
water rescue

Multiple Agencies Respond to Offshore Rescue After Boat Capsizes in Lake Erie

Girard Township, PA – This morning at approximately 7:20 AM, Lake City Fire Company, Springfield Volunteer Fire Department, Fairview Lake Shore Fire Department, and West County Paramedics were dispatched for a water rescue approximately seven miles offshore from the Bluffs at Erie Bluffs State Park. Initial reports indicated that a boat with five souls on board had capsized and was sinking, with one individual believed to be trapped beneath the vessel.Chief 560 requested dive teams from the City of Erie Fire and Fuller Hose. Additionally, Conneaut Fire Department was added to the assignment, responding with both a rescue boat and dive team.Lake City’s Rescue 579 and Boat 578 responded to the mouth of Elk Creek, while Fairview Lake Shore’s Rescue 508 responded to Walnut Creek Marina to rendezvous with Boat 519. Boat 578 launched from Elk Creek utilizing an amphibious launch with two personnel on board, while Boat 519 launched from Walnut Creek with four personnel. Erie County 911 paged the vessel’s coordinates to responding units to assist with locating the incident.While crews were en route, Erie County 911 advised that the caller remained on the line and reported another vessel in the area. Occupants of the capsized boat fired a distress flare, which Boat 519 observed and used to guide them to the scene.Boat 519 arrived shortly afterward and located the overturned vessel with one individual on top. No other occupants were immediately visible. Moments later, crews learned that three victims had been rescued by a Good Samaritan vessel. At that time, four of the five occupants had been accounted for, with one individual still believed to be trapped beneath the overturned boat. The three individuals aboard the Good Sam vessel were then transferred onto Boat 519.The United States Coast Guard arrived on scene shortly afterward. Meanwhile, the City of Erie dive team arrived at the Elk Creek access and immediately began preparing for dive operations. Divers suited up, assembled their equipment, and utilized one of Lake City’s smaller boats to depart land and head for the ongoing rescue operation.At approximately 8:17 AM, a rescue swimmer from Boat 578 evaluated the overturned vessel and prepared to enter the water. The swimmer confirmed that one victim was located beneath the boat, and crews assessed the safest method of extrication. Moments later, the victim was removed from beneath the vessel and transferred to the Coast Guard boat, where lifesaving efforts immediately began. The Coast Guard vessel then transported the victim to Walnut Creek Marina with Lake City personnel on board.Shortly afterward, West County Paramedics 112, Medic 1, West County 115, and Millcreek Fire’s 927 responded to Walnut Creek Marina to assist with patient care. Once all five occupants had been accounted for, dive teams were ordered to return to Elk Creek. Millcreek Boat 497 remained on scene with the capsized vessel to obtain additional drift information and updated coordinates.All responding boats eventually returned to Walnut Creek Marina, where EMS personnel evaluated the rescued occupants. One victim was transported to a local hospital in unknown condition.

Published 10 days ago210
water rescue

Boat Taking on Water Prompts Multi-Agency Response Near Walnut Creek Marina

Fairview Township, PA – Water rescue personnel were dispatched Sunday afternoon after reports of a vessel taking on water near the Walnut Creek Marina. At approximately 2 PM, Fairview Lake Shore Fire Department was dispatched for a possible watercraft in distress in the vicinity of the Walnut Creek Marina. Lake City Fire Company and West County Paramedics 116 were also dispatched to assist. While crews were en route, the Erie County Department of Public Safety advised responding units that the original report came from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, which believed the vessel was taking on water. Responders were advised to look for a 23-foot white-and-blue boat with five people aboard.Fairview Lake Shore’s Rescue 508 responded to the Walnut Creek Marina to rendezvous with Boat 519, which then launched with a crew of four toward the coordinates provided by Erie County Dispatch. Meanwhile, Lake City Fire Company’s Utility 579 responded to Avonia Beach, where Boat 578 was launched amphibiously with a crew of three.Boat 519 arrived on scene a short time later and located the distressed vessel. The U.S. Coast Guard was already on scene, with most of the five occupants transferred aboard the Coast Guard vessel. Coast Guard personnel remained on the disabled boat, actively bailing water as it was taken under tow.The Coast Guard towed the vessel back to the Walnut Creek Marina while continuing efforts to remove water. Once inside the marina, crews attempted to secure the boat alongside the courtesy dock and load it onto a trailer. Despite those efforts, the vessel continued taking on water, eventually sinking and coming to rest on the bottom of the marina. The Pennsylvania Great Lakes Emergency Spill Response Trailer was requested to the scene for containment booms. Fire department personnel then deployed containment booms around the submerged vessel to help contain a fuel leak.

Published 12 days ago177
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 a month ago592
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 a month ago87
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 a month ago16,265
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 2 months ago29,508
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 2 months ago23,300
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 ago31,220
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 3 months ago22,296
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 ago10,879
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 ago12,345
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 ago45,880
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 ago9,214