Crews Quickly Knock Down Greenhouse Fires at Skinner Road Farm

McKean Township, PA – This morning at 10:54 AM, the McKean Hose Company was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the area of 8530 Skinner Road in McKean Township. Erie County 911 advised responding units that the caller reported a greenhouse on fire at a farm.

Chief 400 responded shortly after the initial dispatch. Engines 383 and 405 followed moments later. While en route, Engine 405 reported seeing a smoke header from the borough, and Chief 400 subsequently reported a visible header near Bargain Road and Interstate 90. Engine 602 also responded to the scene as the rapid intervention team.

As units continued toward the scene, the caller reported that two greenhouses were on fire with flames threatening a third. Based on the potential fire load and the fact that no units had yet arrived to assess the conditions, Chief 400 requested a second alarm. The upgrade brought additional engines and tankers from Perry Hi-Way, Franklin Township and Edinboro, along with Kuhl Hose Company for firefighter rehabilitation, if needed.

At 11:06 AM, 12 minutes after the initial dispatch, Chief 400 reported that two hose lines had been deployed and crews were actively extinguishing the fire. He requested that Tanker 432, the next-due apparatus, supply Engine 405 with water.

One minute later, Chief 400 reported that crews had achieved a good knock on the fire and directed all apparatus not already responding to remain on standby. He later requested that units from Edinboro and Perry Hi-Way, along with Millcreek’s Engine 924, continue to the scene. All other responding units were returned to service.

Chief 400 reported the fire completely extinguished at 11:20 AM, and crews were actively performing overhaul operations. No injuries were reported.

Edinboro, Perry Hi-Way, Cranesville, Fairview and the West Ridge Fire Department were among the departments initially dispatched to assist McKean.