Elk Creek Township, PA – Just before midnight, Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a reported garage fire near 10100 Whittaker Road. On dispatch, Erie County 911 advised that it was a first party caller reporting their garage being involved.  Chief 600 arrived on the scene to find a 40-by-40-foot garage with heavy fire visible from the front of the garage and declared it a working fire.

Engine 604 was first to arrive and, following Chief 600’s directions, proceeded up the driveway to deploy handlines. The crew initiated an aggressive interior attack, quickly gaining control of the main body of the fire within five to ten minutes. Engine 602 arrived shortly after, positioned in the driveway, and provided Engine 604 with a large-diameter water supply line. Meanwhile, Tanker 595 set up a portable pond next to Engine 602, from which Engine 602 drafted water. Engine 643 also arrived to drop off additional personnel and then proceeded to establish a secondary water supply from a hydrant near SCI Albion.

While operating on scene, crews discovered fire in the attic space. With no direct access, they cut a hole in the roof, while other teams opened the attic space from the front above the garage doors. Additional crews also accessed the soffit areas at the front corners of the garage to tackle visible flames. Crews conducted extensive overhaul operations on scene ensuring that hot spots were eliminated from the fire ground. Crews operated on scene for just over two and a half hours.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown at this time. The fire marshal was notified per request from Chief 600. Assisting Cranesville included the support of Edinboro Fire Department, A.F. Dobler Hose (Girard), Platea Volunteer Fire Company, Springfield Volunteer Fire Company, Franklin Township Fire Department, and West County Paramedics. Springboro’s 21-5 stood by at Station 60 per Chief 600’s backfill request.