North East Township, PA – At 6:15 PM, firefighters received a call about a building collapse in the 800 block of Gay Road, North East Township. Brush 216, with a crew of four, expected a minor issue like a damaged porch but arrived to find a barn with its roof partially collapsed and seven cows trapped inside. The barn’s owner reported the animals were stuck and needed immediate help. It was determined that the barn collapsed in sections, with the sides going down independent of each other. Members on scene informed first responders that a vehicle was inside of the barn.

Fuller L1 assessed the situation and requested reinforcements, recognizing the complexity of the rescue. The Pennsylvania Urban Search and Rescue Taskforce 4 and Agricultural Rescue Teams from Springfield and Cranesville were called in. Together, they devised a detailed plan to stabilize the structure and ensure a safe rescue. The team reinforced a critical corner of the barn using supports and struts to make the area secure for the cows’ evacuation.

The barn owner positioned his trailer, ready to transport the cows, and called to them with encouraging words. Rescuers guided the animals out one by one, their calm demeanor and strategic use of feed helping even the most reluctant cow climb aboard the trailer. By the time the operation was complete, all seven cows were safely evacuated.

The operation highlighted the effective use of resources and exceptional collaboration among multiple teams. Firefighters, agricultural rescue specialists, and urban search and rescue teams worked seamlessly, leveraging their unique expertise to stabilize the structure and guide the animals to safety. The coordinated effort, coupled with strategic planning and the barn owner’s cooperation, ensured a swift and safe resolution to a complex situation.