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Recent Publications

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

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 6 days ago30,707
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 a month ago22,035
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 a month ago10,628
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 a month ago12,142
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 a month ago45,652
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 a month ago9,110
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 a month ago19,615
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 a month ago10,250
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 a month ago15,221
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 a month ago15,826
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 a month ago43,276
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 2 months ago36,167
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 2 months ago17,920
vegetation fire

Brush Fire Contained After Downed Power Line Sparks Woods Fire

Springfield Township, PA – This evening at around 6:30 PM, firefighters from the Springfield Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a reported brush fire in the vicinity of 13910 Ridge Road, behind a residence. Lieutenant 64L2 arrived on scene and reported an approximately quarter-acre fire burning in a wooded area, believed to have been caused by a downed power line. Brush 649, Utility 646, and additional personnel responded with Engine 644 to the incident.Upon arrival, crews confirmed that multiple wires had snapped, including a fiber optic communication line utilized by Penelec. Firefighters deployed hand tools to pull apart areas of active fire and establish a fire line around the perimeter to stop the fire’s forward progression. Crews also utilized Indian tanks from Brush 649 to extinguish remaining hotspots. An emergency call representative from Penelec arrived on scene promptly to assess the damage and coordinate with additional crews for repairs and power restoration.

Published 2 months ago17,904
structure fire

Early Morning Electrical Issue Investigated on Pin Oak Drive

Girard Township, PA – On Saturday morning at just before 7 AM, firefighters from A.F. Dobler Hose were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 4300 block of Pin Oak Drive. While crews were enroute, Erie County Public Safety advised that the caller was reporting smoke inside the residence and believed the issue may be electrical in nature.Engine 553 arrived on scene and reported a two-story residential structure with nothing visible from the exterior, with Chief 551 establishing command. Engine 563 arrived shortly after and was directed to send their crew to the structure. Interior crews from Engine 553 made entry and reported a slight haze along with a noticeable electrical odor. Command subsequently placed additional incoming units in service and held the assignment with Girard and Lake City units.While investigating the source of the smoke, crews located a melted and charred outlet power splitter. Firefighters isolated the affected outlet at the breaker panel to terminate power and prevent further hazards. Personnel remained on scene to conduct additional checks using thermal imaging cameras to confirm no fire extension had occurred.Crews cleared the scene approximately 30 minutes after arrival. No injuries were reported. Mutual aid on the initial dispatch included Lake City, Fairview Lake Shore, Platea, and West County Paramedics.

Published 2 months ago7,442