West County On Scene

Recent Publications

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

commercial structure fire

Crews Quickly Knock Down Greenhouse Fires at Skinner Road Farm

McKean Township, PA – This morning at 10:54 AM, the McKean Hose Company was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the area of 8530 Skinner Road in McKean Township. Erie County 911 advised responding units that the caller reported a greenhouse on fire at a farm.Chief 400 responded shortly after the initial dispatch. Engines 383 and 405 followed moments later. While en route, Engine 405 reported seeing a smoke header from the borough, and Chief 400 subsequently reported a visible header near Bargain Road and Interstate 90. Engine 602 also responded to the scene as the rapid intervention team.As units continued toward the scene, the caller reported that two greenhouses were on fire with flames threatening a third. Based on the potential fire load and the fact that no units had yet arrived to assess the conditions, Chief 400 requested a second alarm. The upgrade brought additional engines and tankers from Perry Hi-Way, Franklin Township and Edinboro, along with Kuhl Hose Company for firefighter rehabilitation, if needed.At 11:06 AM, 12 minutes after the initial dispatch, Chief 400 reported that two hose lines had been deployed and crews were actively extinguishing the fire. He requested that Tanker 432, the next-due apparatus, supply Engine 405 with water.One minute later, Chief 400 reported that crews had achieved a good knock on the fire and directed all apparatus not already responding to remain on standby. He later requested that units from Edinboro and Perry Hi-Way, along with Millcreek’s Engine 924, continue to the scene. All other responding units were returned to service.Chief 400 reported the fire completely extinguished at 11:20 AM, and crews were actively performing overhaul operations. No injuries were reported.Edinboro, Perry Hi-Way, Cranesville, Fairview and the West Ridge Fire Department were among the departments initially dispatched to assist McKean.

Published a month ago90
motor vehicle accident

Emergency Crews Respond to Pickup and Camper Rollover on I-90

Girard Township, PA – This afternoon at around 12:30 PM, the Platea Volunteer Fire Department, Springfield Volunteer Fire Department , and West County Paramedics were dispatched for a reported motor vehicle accident with rollover along Interstate 90 eastbound near the 11.5-mile marker.Due to the reported nature and mechanism of the accident, STAT MedEvac was placed on standby. West County 110 went enroute shortly after dispatch and was advised that STAT MedEvac had an approximately 12-minute estimated time of arrival if needed, pending weather conditions. Erie County Department of Public Safety also advised responding crews that an individual may have been pinned in the vehicle.West County 110 arrived shortly after and reported a pickup truck and camper on their roofs in the median of Interstate 90. Springfield’s Engine 642 went enroute shortly afterward, followed by Platea’s Engine 592.Following an initial assessment of the scene, West County 110 advised that STAT MedEvac could stand down. Crews confirmed there was no entrapment and that the occupants had been extricated from the vehicles. The eastbound passing lane was closed in the area of the accident, with traffic diverted into the driving lane around the scene.West County 110 transported two individuals to a nearby hospital. Engine 592 and Engine 642 later cleared the scene and returned to service.Pennsylvania State Police were on scene investigating the accident. No further details are currently available.

Published a month ago110
water rescue

Multi-Agency Search Underway After Boat Capsizes 10 Miles Off Conneaut Harbor

Conneaut, OH – This morning at approximately 11:00 AM, crews from Conneaut Fire and Rescue, Saybrook Water Rescue, Ashtabula City Fire, Lake City Fire Company, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Coast Guard were dispatched for a reported capsized boat approximately 10 miles offshore from Conneaut Harbor, near the Ohio-Pennsylvania state line.Initially, two individuals were rescued by a Good Samaritan fishing boat that was in the vicinity. The U.S. Coast Guard responded to the scene, followed by additional local agencies. The Conneaut Police boat and Lake City Fire Company’s Boat 578 responded toward coordinates that had been relayed to rescue crews.As crews arrived in the general vicinity, they requested that the Coast Guard fire a flare to help guide responding boats to the location of the overturned vessel. Once on scene, crews confirmed that two individuals had been rescued by the Good Samaritan vessel, while one individual remained missing.Divers from Conneaut entered the water and searched the hull and surrounding area of the overturned boat. A rescue swimmer from Lake City assisted Conneaut divers with operations in the water. The vessel was thoroughly searched, but no additional victims were located.Search operations then expanded into the surrounding waters. The Coast Guard began conducting grid searches while local agencies assisted with the search. The two survivors were transported back to shore, where they were transferred to awaiting emergency medical services personnel.Search efforts for the remaining missing individual continued for an extended period. Eventually, local crews returned to the Conneaut Public Dock, where all rescue personnel were accounted for. The U.S. Coast Guard continued search operations using water-based assets as well as a Coast Guard helicopter.No further information regarding the missing individual is currently available.

Published a month ago72
motor vehicle accident

Emergency Crews Respond to Two-Vehicle Collision at Haggerty and Middle Roads

Girard Township, PA – This afternoon at approximately 3:50 PM, firefighters from the Lake City Fire Department, West County Paramedics units 110 and 116, and A.F. Dobler Hose Rescue were dispatched to the intersection of Nursery Road (Haggerty Street) and Middle Road in Girard Township for a reported two-vehicle accident.Responding units were advised that two vehicles were involved and that STAT MedEvac was unavailable due to weather conditions if an air medical transport was needed. West County units 110 and 116 responded shortly after the initial dispatch. Rescue 577 arrived along with Engine 563 and Rescue 544. Officers from the Girard Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police also responded to the scene.Chief 560 established command and requested fire police to assist with traffic control. Upon arrival, firefighters assisted EMS crews with extricating patients from one of the vehicles. Two individuals were transported to a nearby hospital.Nursery Road (Haggerty Street) and Middle Road were temporarily closed in the immediate area while emergency crews worked to treat patients, investigate the crash, and remove the damaged vehicles from the roadway.No additional information has been released at this time.

Published 2 months ago256
structure fire

Firefighters Prevent Extension to Neighboring Homes During Cranesville House Fire

Cranesville, PA – This afternoon at approximately 4:31 PM, firefighters from Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department and West County Paramedics were dispatched to a reported residential structure fire in the vicinity of 10270 Crane Street. Station 60 acknowledged the call immediately, and West County Paramedics 110 responded shortly afterward. Moments after the initial dispatch, Station 60 advised Erie County 911 that they had a visible header from their station, located approximately one-half mile from the reported address. Dispatch also advised responding units that multiple callers were reporting the residence to be on fire.Chief 600 arrived on scene at 4:35 PM and confirmed a working structure fire involving both the first and second floors of the residence. Following his initial size-up, Chief 600 requested an additional engine from Edinboro Fire Department and advised that there were exposure concerns involving neighboring homes on both the east and west sides of the burning structure.Approximately six minutes after the initial dispatch, Cranesville’s Engine 604 arrived on scene. Chief 600 instructed the crew to stop short of the residence and deploy an initial attack line to the front of the structure to begin suppression efforts. As crews initiated the attack, Platea’s Tanker 595 responded to establish the initial water supply. Chief 600 directed Tanker 595 to back into Engine 604, supply the engine with water, and deploy its portable dump tank to support sustained firefighting operations. Springboro’s tanker arrived shortly afterward and supplemented the water supply as additional tankers made their way to the scene. As the incident quickly expanded into a full tanker shuttle operation, additional apparatus were requested from Springfield, while Fairview and McKean were dispatched to provide additional tankers and engines.During the initial stages of the incident, Chief 601 confirmed that all occupants had safely evacuated the residence. Chief 601 also requested Penelec to respond for live electrical wires that had come down at the scene due to the fire.Once a reliable water supply had been established, firefighters advanced interior attack lines into the first floor and began offensive suppression efforts. To support the operation, Edinboro Engine 383 established a drafting operation from a pond along Thrasher Road, while Engine 644 secured a secondary water supply from a hydrant near Northwestern Elementary School.At approximately 4:56 PM, Chief 601 ordered an emergency evacuation of all firefighters operating inside the structure after conditions on scene began to deteriorate. Around the same time, firefighters removed four dogs from a neighboring residence as a precaution due to the proximity of the fire. Crews also extinguished a small spot fire that had developed along a fence near the exposure on the east side of the incident.With temperatures climbing into the 90s and oppressive humidity affecting crews, West County Paramedics, operating as EMS Command, requested additional rehabilitation resources and another ambulance to support firefighter rehab operations. Erie County 911 subsequently dispatched rehabilitation trailers from Kuhl Hose Company and Lake City Fire Company, along with McKean’s Ambulance 407 to assist.Edinboro’s Ladder 389 later arrived from the east via Crane Road and positioned for aerial master stream operations. Firefighters deployed a 3-inch large-diameter supply line from Engine 604 to the ladder truck, allowing crews to direct elevated streams onto the heavily involved portions of the structure.Firefighters continued battling the blaze from multiple positions, utilizing handlines, ground ladders, and aerial master streams to extinguish the remaining fire and cool the structure. After visible fire had been knocked down, crews transitioned into extensive overhaul operations, removing sections of exterior siding and wall assemblies to expose and extinguish hidden fire extending within the walls. Small teams then re-entered the structure to complete overhaul and ensure all remaining hot spots had been extinguished.Before clearing the scene, firefighters applied firefighting foam throughout portions of the remaining structure to help suppress any lingering smoldering material and reduce the potential for rekindle. The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal was requested to investigate the fire, while the American Red Cross was notified to assist the displaced occupants. Firefighters were on scene for nearly five hours before clearing the incident.Throughout the lengthy operation, the surrounding community came together to support the first responders working in the extreme heat. Numerous residents and local businesses donated food, drinks, ice, and other refreshments to crews operating on scene. Firefighters and EMS personnel expressed their appreciation for the overwhelming support shown by the community during the incident.In addition to Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department and West County Paramedics, mutual aid was provided by the Edinboro, Girard, Platea, Franklin Township, Springfield, Fairview, McKean, and Springboro (Crawford County) fire departments. Throughout West County, multiple transfer assignments also ensued to ensure coverage of in case an additional emergency occurred.

Published 2 months ago329
commercial structure fire

Crews Respond to Reported Commercial Structure Fire in Girard

Girard Township, PA – Yesterday morning at around 11:00 AM, first responders from A.F. Dobler Hose were dispatched to a reported commercial structure fire at the GetGo along Route 20. Engines 563 and 553, along with Utility 529, responded shortly after the initial dispatch. While units were en route, Erie County 911 advised that employees inside the store reported smelling smoke within the structure.Before the arrival of fire personnel, GetGo employees evacuated customers and staff from the building and secured the parking lot by placing traffic cones at each entrance to prevent vehicles from entering and to keep the area clear for responding emergency vehicles.Engine 553 arrived on scene first and completed an initial size-up, reporting no visible signs of fire or smoke from the exterior. Crews were assigned to investigate the roof-mounted HVAC units, but no abnormal conditions were found. As a precaution, the HVAC system was temporarily shut down while firefighters continued searching for the source of the odor, which was reported to have an electrical smell.During the interior investigation, firefighters located a refrigerated display case with an excessively hot power cord and a noticeable electrical odor coming from the unit. The display case was immediately unplugged, and crews assisted store staff by removing the refrigerated products and transferring them to a cart before relocating them to a walk-in cooler to preserve the merchandise.After the faulty display case was isolated, the HVAC system was placed back into service. Crews then utilized positive pressure ventilation with a battery-powered fan positioned at one of the entrances to remove the remaining odor from the building. With no further hazards identified, units returned to service a short time later.

Published 2 months ago127
rescue

Mud Rescue Brings Multiple Agencies to Pond off West Lake Road

Fairview Township, PA – Yesterday morning at around 10:00 AM, first responders from Fairview Lake Shore Fire Department, West County Paramedics Association, and Lake City Fire Company were dispatched for a reported mud rescue in the vicinity of Hardscrabble Boulevard off West Lake Road. West County 112 and 115 responded to the scene along with Fairview Lake Shore’s Rescue 539 and Lake City’s Rescue 579.While units were responding, Erie County 911 advised that an individual was reportedly stuck in the mud up to their waist in a pond and that the individual was unable to free themselves from the mud. Dispatchers also maintained contact with a caller on scene who was able to provide video of the incident, allowing critical information to be relayed to responding crews.Shortly after arrival, Lake City personnel confirmed that one individual was trapped waist-deep in the mud and advised that the rescue could be completed with the units already responding, with no additional resources required. Rescue 539 and Rescue 579 arrived on scene moments later, and crews deployed a ladder from Rescue 539 to distribute weight across the soft terrain. Using a yellow flotation ring attached to a rope, rescuers were able to safely pull the individual from the mud.The rescue was completed without incident, and all units returned to service a short time later. No injuries were reported.

Published 2 months ago142
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 3 months ago118
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 3 months ago278
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 3 months ago314
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 3 months ago256
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 3 months ago734
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 3 months ago602
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 4 months ago16,302
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 4 months ago29,550