West County On Scene

Recent Publications

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

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 5 hours ago20,928
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 4 days ago34,974
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 4 days ago16,700
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 5 days ago16,699
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 6 days ago7,206
structure fire

Four-Wheeler Fire Extends to Deck, Prompts Structure Fire Response on Cross Station Road

Girard Township, PA – This evening at around 7:20 PM, firefighters from A.F. Dobler Hose were dispatched to a reported four-wheeler fire in the vicinity of 11390 Cross Station Road, with initial reports advising the ATV was on fire and close to a structure. Engine 553 went enroute within two minutes of dispatch. Chief 540 initially held the response to one engine; however, while enroute, visible smoke could be seen from Route 20, prompting a request for the balance of the first alarm assignment. This brought mutual aid from Lake City Fire Company, Platea Volunteer Fire Department, West County Paramedics, and an additional engine from Girard. The incident was subsequently upgraded to a structure fire response. Approximately seven minutes after the initial dispatch, Engine 553 arrived on scene and reported a well-involved four-wheeler with fire extension into a deck and possible involvement of a nearby mobile home. Crews quickly stretched a handline, placed it into service, and began applying water. Rescue 544 and Engine 572 responded shortly after to standby with additional water and manpower if needed. Moments later, Chief 540 advised the bulk of the fire had been knocked down. Firefighters then went interior to check for extension into the mobile home while additional units, including Girard’s 547, continued into the scene.Chief 540 later advised there was minor extension and crews would be transitioning into overhaul operations. At the scene, firefighters utilized pipe poles and trash poles to pull siding and soffit while using a thermal imaging camera (TIC) to check for hotspots and any remaining extension. Units that were not already enroute were returned to service, while those on scene completed overhaul and ensured the fire was fully extinguished. All units were placed back in service just before 8 PM. No injuries were reported and crews are investigating the incident.

Published 8 days ago14,166
water rescue

Water Rescue Crews Save Dog Trapped Under Bridge in Albion Borough Park

Albion Borough, PA – This afternoon at around 4:40 PM, rescue personnel from Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched for a reported dog stuck under a bridge at the Albion Borough Park. This incident followed multiple rounds of heavy rainfall throughout the day creating swift water conditions and a very high creek. Chief 601 went enroute to the scene and was advised that a Rottweiler that fell into the creek and was stuck under the most western bridge in the park. Following, Chief 601 requested Lake City Fire Company to standby their station while crews arrived to get a better understanding of the scope of the situation. Ambulance 617 and Engine 604 joined Chief 601 at the scene.At 5 minutes after the initial dispatch, Chief 601 was on scene and reported the water moving swiftly, with a dog on the underside of the bridge with audible barks present and requested the Lake City Water Rescue Team to respond to the scene. Lake City was enroute to the scene within 10 minutes after being initially requested to standby by Chief 601. Lake City arrived on scene at 5:08 PM and crews immediately sprang into action. Crews deployed an RDC as a platform in case they needed a water-based platform during the operations. Additional personnel went right to the scene of the bridge and began surveying the situation. Crews could continue to hear the dog within the underside of the bridge within the compartment.Before crews could gain access to the dog, the bridge acted as a strainer and collected debris from the raging creek. Large logs and large piles of debris had to be removed from the underside of the bridge (which was hollow) to allow crews to gain access to openings under the bridge to gain access to the dog. During this operation, crews had to access the underneath of the bridge from both sides to assist with the removal of the debris.Once crews removed debris from underneath the bridge, crews reevaluated the ongoing situation and devised a plan to rescue the dog. While the dog was not in the best position, practically swimming at that point to stay above water, the crews quickly went underneath the bridge and attached a collar to the dog. A water rescue technician then rescued the dog, pulling the dog from underneath of the bridge. At the same time, the dog owners and bystanders pulled on the rope and brought the dog over to the edge of the creek where the dog was placed onto dry ground. It was at that point that Chief 601 announced that it was a successful recovery as the dog shook off excess water.At that point, one person carried the dog to the back of a truck and wrapped the dog in blankets. The dog was then taken to a veterinary to be evaluated. No injuries were reported on scene and crews about an hour and ten minutes after the initial dispatch.

Published 9 days ago102,364
vegetation fire

Cranesville Firefighters Quickly Contain Grass Fire on Griffey Road

Conneaut Township, PA – This afternoon at around 12:30 PM, firefighters from the Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a reported grass fire in the vicinity of the 9800 block of Griffey Road. While units were enroute, Erie County 911 advised crews that approximately two acres were either actively burning or had recently burned.Ambulance 617 arrived on scene first and confirmed a small perimeter fire that was still actively burning. Engine 602 and Brush Truck 609 arrived a short time later, with crews deploying a forestry line to begin water suppression while additional personnel used fire rakes to establish a fire line around the perimeter.Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control within approximately 15 minutes of apparatus arriving on scene. Crews remained on location for a short time afterward to complete mop-up operations and ensure no hotspots remained.

Published 11 days ago4,630
vegetation fire

Wind-Driven Brush Fire Threatens Structure Along Route 98 in Franklin Township

Franklin Township, PA – This afternoon at approximately 3:20 PM, firefighters from Franklin Township and the Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a reported brush fire in the vicinity of 10200 Route 98. A.F. Dobler Hose Company was added to the assignment shortly after the initial dispatch for a brush truck response.Edinboro’s 38L1 arrived on scene and advised the fire was not a controlled burn, requesting all incoming units to continue priority one and asking for a tanker if one had not already been dispatched. 38L1 also reported that the wind-driven fire had spread to approximately one acre and was threatening a nearby structure located about 50 feet away, requiring crews to quickly work to cut off the fire’s advancement.Edinboro’s Brush Truck 397 arrived shortly after and crews deployed Indian tanks and hand tools, including rakes, along the fire perimeter to stop the forward spread. Girard Brush Truck 548 arrived a short time later and was directed to access the backyard with additional manpower and hand tools to assist with containment.The fire was placed under control at approximately 3:48 PM, about 11 minutes after Edinboro’s brush truck arrived on scene. Command then downgraded Engine 383 to priority two while crews remained on scene to continue investigating the cause of the fire. Once crews checked for hotspots and areas of smoldering debris, crews returned back in service.

Published 11 days ago8,888
rescue

Lake City Firefighters Rescue Individual from Creek Bed Along West Lake Road

Girard Township, PA – On Saturday at approximately 3:35 PM, personnel from the Lake City Fire Company were dispatched to the 9000 block of West Lake Road for a reported fall victim. This dispatch came shortly after units returned from a water standby for an event in Western Erie County. Units 579 and 577 (and later Utility 566 and the mule) responded to the call with six personnel.Upon arrival, crews were directed back to a nearby creek bed by a bystander where an injured individual was located. Due to the terrain and the victim’s location, responders requested Utility 566 and the department’s rescue mule to assist with accessing the patient and completing the extrication. Fairview Lake Shore Fire Department’s Utility 504 advised they were in the area and responded to assist with the incident.Prior to the dispatch, a bystander from the area had been alerted to a missing individual in the area. After conducting a quick search of the surrounding area, the bystander located the victim in the creek bed. Soon after, 911 was contacted, prompting the emergency response.With the assistance of bystanders and Lake City personnel, crews were able to quickly extricate the victim from the creek bed and move them onto dry land for further evaluation. The individual was then transported to a nearby hospital. Units cleared the scene a short time later after ensuring the patient was safely in the care of medical personnel.

Published 12 days ago15,056
rescue

Water Rescue Technicians Ferry Stranded Fishermen to Safety at Elk Creek

Girard Township, PA – This evening at around 6:45 PM, water rescue technicians, rescue personnel, and medical personnel from Lake City Fire Company and West County Paramedics were dispatched to a report of stranded fishermen at an inlet near the mouth of Elk Creek. Lake City responded to the incident with nine personnel total, including six water rescue technicians and three support personnel. The individuals had reportedly attempted multiple times to cross back to shore but became stuck in deep mud, in some spots nearly waist-deep.West County 112 and Chief 560 went enroute to the scene shortly after the initial dispatch. While enroute, Erie County 911 advised that the three individuals were on land and not in the water, with no reported injuries, but were unable to make their way back across due to thick mud conditions. Chief 560 arrived first on scene and reported seeing lights in the trees while approaching the vicinity of the mouth. Upon arrival, he confirmed three subjects were located on the island with no active distress but surrounded by difficult mud conditions.Ambulance 577 and Utility 566, along with the department’s mule, went enroute to the scene. Ambulance 577 and West County 112 arrived shortly thereafter and staged near the incident location. As Utility 566 approached, Chief 560 instructed the crew to illuminate the wooded area in an attempt to locate an alternate path to extricate the individuals from the island. After checking the area with no viable route found, Water Rescue 579 arrived on scene a short time later.Following a quick assessment of the area, crews determined the safest course of action would be to deploy the inflatable RDC and ferry the individuals across the water.Support and technical personnel on scene inflated the RDC using air tanks while additional members established a rope-based rigging system. A throw bag with rope was deployed to the stranded individuals, allowing them to pull the RDC across to their side of the island. During the first ferry trip, two individuals were transported across the water on the RDC. Once back on the shoreline, they were evaluated by EMS and subsequently released. A short time later, the final individual was ferried across to land and was also evaluated and released by EMS. No injuries were reported.

Published 17 days ago21,629
motor vehicle accident

One Transported After Two-Vehicle Crash on Happy Valley Road in Springfield Township

Springfield Township, PA – This morning at approximately 10:20 AM, rescue and medical personnel from Springfield Volunteer Fire Company and West County Paramedics were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident near the intersection of Happy Valley Road and Lucas Road, just north of the intersection.While units were enroute, Erie County 911 advised that the incident involved two vehicles, one striking a parked vehicle, with one person reportedly in the roadway.West County 110 arrived on scene, followed by Engine 643 and Utility 646. Due to road conditions in the area, Engine 644 was directed by Chief 640 to stage at the top of the hill near the railroad tracks to help slow approaching traffic and provide scene safety. Engine 643 reported two vehicles with moderate damage.West County 110 transported one patient to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Springfield units cleared the scene shortly after, and command was turned over to the Pennsylvania State Police, who remained on scene to complete the investigation and necessary paperwork.

Published 19 days ago21,668
motor vehicle accident

Crews Respond to Vehicle Striking Guardrail on I-90 Eastbound

Springfield Township, PA – Last evening at approximately 7:40 PM, rescue and medical personnel from Springfield Volunteer Fire Department and West County Paramedics were dispatched to the 1 mile-marker eastbound on I-90 for a reported motor vehicle accident. Initial reports indicated unknown injuries and a vehicle smoking following the crash.West County 110, Engine 643, and Utility 646 responded to the scene. West County 110 arrived alongside Pennsylvania State Police and reported a single vehicle with moderate damage after striking a guardrail. Springfield personnel secured the vehicle and confirmed there was no active fire.West County 110 transported one individual to a nearby hospital. Springfield units cleared the scene shortly after, while Pennsylvania State Police remained on location awaiting tow services.

Published 19 days ago7,622
vehicle fire

Springfield Firefighters Respond to Fully Involved Vehicle Fire on I-90

Springfield Township, PA – This evening at 7:17 PM, firefighters from the Springfield Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a reported vehicle fire near the 1 mile marker eastbound on I-90, just east of the Ohio state line. Erie County 911 relayed that the vehicle was reportedly fully involved in the eastbound lanes. Springfield units quickly confirmed the call and began responding.Engine 643, Engine 644, and Utility 646 went enroute to the incident. Upon arrival, Engine 643 confirmed a working vehicle fire with heavy fire conditions evident. Chief 650 arrived shortly after and assumed Incident Command. Crews deployed a handline and initiated an aggressive fire attack. The fire was brought under control quickly, preventing further extension and allowing crews to begin overhaul operations.At 8:10 PM, Chief 650 reported units were clearing the interstate. The scene was turned over to the Pennsylvania State Police, who remained on location awaiting a tow company. No injuries were reported.

Published 24 days ago26,269
motor vehicle accident

McKean Hose Company Responds to Jackknifed Tractor-Trailer on I-90

McKean Township, PA – This evening at shortly after 4 PM, McKean Hose Company was initially dispatched for fire police to assist Pennsylvania State Police with a jackknifed tractor trailer blocking the driving lane on I-90 eastbound near MM 19. Shortly after dispatch, the assignment was upgraded to respond with Rescue 408 for fluid mitigation efforts.Crews arrived on scene to find one tractor trailer jackknifed off the interstate into the trees along the interstate. While crews worked on scene to contain the fluid leaks, traffic remained flowing on the interstate and traffic was pushed over to the passing lane. Once the tow trucks arrived on scene, traffic on I-90 was temporarily halted.Pennsylvania State Police were on scene investigating the accident West Ridge assisted with fire police duties on the interstate. Traffic was later reopened. No injuries reported at the scene.

Published a month ago25,199