Conneaut Township, PA – Just after midnight, crews from the Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 8900 block of Route 6N. Erie County Department of Public Safety advised incoming units that the blaze originated from a fireplace inside the residence. Upon arrival, firefighters also contended with challenging weather conditions, including heavy rain and gusty winds.

Cranesville’s A3 was first on scene and reported a one and a half story wood-frame home fully involved in flames. The crew confirmed that all occupants had safely evacuated and noted downed power lines near the structure, prompting a request for utility crews. Cranesville’s Engine 604 soon arrived, followed by Springfield’s Engine 643. Springfield’s Engine 644 established a water supply at a dry hydrant on Huntly Road near the Sportsman Club.

Two handlines from Engine 604 were quickly placed into service for an aggressive attack on the front and side of the residence, with Engine 643 providing water and additional manpower. Penelec utility crews responded shortly after, disconnecting electrical service to secure the scene.

To sustain operations, a tanker shuttle was established. Tankers dumped their loads into two portable ponds, shuttled back to refill, and returned in rotation to maintain a steady supply. An engine drafted from the ponds, ensuring a continuous water flow for suppression efforts.

After reports of the second floor possibly being compromised, and a well-established water supply was in operation, crews utilized Ladder 549 for water suppression efforts from overhead. Crews were able to direct the master stream to areas of concern and continued to work to put out the fire.

For area coverage, McKean transferred an engine to Edinboro on standby. Once Lake City units cleared the scene, their Engine 572 was reassigned to Cranesville for coverage.

The initial alarm included resources from Crawford County, Ohio, Edinboro, Girard, Platea, Springfield, Franklin, WC111, Springboro, and Conneautville fire departments. As the incident progressed, additional tankers were requested from Fairview and Lake City to bolster the water shuttle operation.