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Platea Volunteer Fire Company

24 publications

vehicle fire

Multiple Agencies Respond to Tractor-Trailer Fire on I-90 Near Mile Marker 9.5

Girard Township, PA – This morning at approximately 10:00 AM, firefighters from Platea and Springfield were dispatched to Interstate 90 eastbound near the 9.5 mile marker for a reported vehicle fire. Shortly after dispatch, Erie County 911 advised that Pennsylvania State Police were already on scene confirming a working fire involving both the cab and trailer of a tractor-trailer. Units were also advised that the trailer was reportedly hauling pizza products.Engines 642 and 592 responded, followed shortly by Tanker 595 and Engine 644. Engine 592 arrived on scene to find heavy fire involvement throughout the tractor and trailer, with Chief 580 establishing I-90 Command. As crews began operations, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) shut down the eastbound lanes ahead of the incident to provide a safe working area. An additional PSP unit was requested to the westbound lanes east of the scene to alert oncoming traffic.Crews from Engine 592 deployed a bumper line and initiated an aggressive fire attack. Engine 642 arrived shortly after and established a water supply to Engine 592, while Tanker 595 supplemented Engine 642. Engine 644 positioned alongside Engine 592, with crews deploying additional handlines to assist with suppression efforts.Within approximately 25 minutes of arrival, Chief 580 reported the fire under control, with crews transitioning into an extensive overhaul operation. Utility 599 assisted with scene support and traffic control, including diverting traffic west of Exit 18. During operations, Tanker 595 temporarily cleared the scene to refill before returning with additional water to support ongoing efforts. Utility 646 also arrived, providing additional manpower to assist crews on scene.During overhaul operations, crews continued extinguishing remaining hot spots within the trailer while opening up the load to ensure complete extinguishment. One lane of traffic was eventually reopened as conditions allowed. Eagle Towing arrived on scene and began separating the tractor from the trailer to assist crews in accessing remaining fire.All units cleared the scene and returned to service approximately 2.5 hours after the initial dispatch. Crews then relinquished the scene to Pennsylvania State Police, PennDOT, and Eagle Towing. No injuries were reported on scene and all occupants were able to exit the vehicle.

Published 21 days ago
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 a month ago
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 a month ago
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 a month ago
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 a month ago
structure fire

Garage Fire Contained by Multiple Departments on Ridge Road

Girard Township, PA – On Thursday afternoon, around 3:30 PM, A.F. Dobler Hose Company and other West County fire departments were dispatched to a reported garage fire near 9080 Ridge Road. The initial call reported an outside fire, which had spread to the garage by the time units were en route.Upon arrival, crews were met with heavy fire conditions originating from the front of the garage. Engine 553 took the driveway and quickly deployed handlines to begin fire suppression. Shortly after, Engine 534 arrived and established a water supply to Engine 553. Engine 563 took position at the rear of the structure upon arrival and also deployed handlines to attack the fire from the backside. Engine 544 later arrived and supplemented water operations by supplying Engine 553 from Route 20.Once Platea Fire Department arrived with their water shuttle, a porta-pond was deployed to support water supply efforts on the front side of the incident. During the response, crews identified fire extension to a nearby shed, which was quickly extinguished without further spread.At the rear, Engine 563 was initially supplied by Fairview’s tender until a water supply could be secured via a nearby hydrant.Interior operations began early in the incident; however, firefighters were ordered to evacuate the structure due to signs of an impending roof collapse. Despite this, crews successfully knocked down the bulk of the fire. Once the fire was brought under control, crews transitioned into overhaul mode to ensure full extinguishment and check for any remaining hotspots.Assisting Girard on scene included Lake City Fire Company, Fairview Fire and Rescue, Platea Volunteer Fire Company, and West County Paramedics. Pennsylvania State Police were also on scene at the fire grounds.

Published a year ago
structure fire

Platea Volunteer Fire Company Responds to Structure Fire in Girard Township

Girard Township, PA – This afternoon at approximately 2:00 PM, Platea Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to a reported structure fire near 6900 Lexington Road in Girard Township. While crews were en route, the Erie County Department of Public Safety relayed that an individual inside the residence had reported the fire before the call line remained open, with smoke detectors audibly activating in the background.Medic 1 was first to arrive on scene and confirmed a working fire. The crew assisted the resident in safely evacuating the structure. Shortly after, Girard’s Engine 553 arrived and reported a single-story wood-frame residence with active fire in the attic. Girard’s Chief 541 initially established command until Chief 580 arrived and assumed incident command.Engine 549 staged at the roadway while its crew conducted a primary search of the residence. Engine 644 arrived and laid a supply line from the roadway to Engine 553. Meanwhile, crews from Cranesville and Engine 602 set up water supply operations at the dry hydrant near the Pieper Road golf course.At the fire scene, crews ventilated the structure by cutting an opening in the roof, while interior firefighters conducted hydraulic ventilation to help remove heat and smoke. The fire was successfully knocked down, and at approximately 2:39 PM—30 minutes after crews arrived—Chief 580 declared the fire under control. Following extinguishment, firefighters used positive pressure ventilation to clear the structure and performed overhaul operations.Platea Fire and Rescue received mutual aid from multiple West County departments, including Edinboro, Girard, Fairview, Springfield, Cranesville, and Franklin Township. West County Paramedics were also dispatched and remained on scene to provide support. No injuries were reported. The Red Cross was notified for the resident of the structure. No further information is currently available.

Published a year ago
motor vehicle accident

Tandem Tractor-Trailer Rolls Over on I-90, Crews Respond to Entrapment

Girard Township, PA – Shortly after 1 AM, rescue and EMS crews from Platea Volunteer Fire Company, Springfield Volunteer Fire Company, and West County Paramedics were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident near the 13-mile marker on I-90 Westbound. Responding units were advised that Pennsylvania State Police were already on scene and had confirmed entrapment.Upon arrival, crews found that a tandem tractor-trailer had rolled off the roadway, striking trees and debris, which then fell onto the cab. West County Paramedics’ Ambulance 110 arrived first and reported moderate to heavy damage. Crews confirmed entrapment and requested an update on the fire department’s response for extrication. Platea crews arrived shortly after, followed by Springfield crews. Springfield was quickly relieved and placed back in service.Platea crews completed their operations and cleared the scene around 2 AM, turning it over to Pennsylvania State Police. No injuries were reported.

Published a year ago
structure fire

Frozen Hydrants, Sub-Zero Temperatures, and a Stubborn Blaze: Firefighters Battle Intense Harbor Street Fire

Conneaut, OH – Last night at approximately 9 PM, Conneaut Fire and Rescue crews responded to a reported structure fire near 670 Harbor Street. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with a residential structure with heavy involvement in the rear of the structure, extending to a vehicle in the driveway and threatening a nearby detached garage. Faced with extreme conditions, additional resources were requested from Erie County, PA, and Ashtabula County, OH, to combat the fire.The call for assistance was answered swiftly, with units from Ashtabula Township, Andover, Platea, Springfield, and Lake City joining the fight. Support also came in the form of Kingsville ambulance along with a specialized rehab unit from Lake City. These crews worked tirelessly in frigid, sub-zero temperatures that added layers of difficulty to the already challenging conditions.The cold weather dealt a critical setback to initial firefighting efforts, as two nearby hydrants - conveniently located almost directly across the street - were frozen and inoperable. This forced crews to utilize an operational hydrant at 12th and Beaver Streets, approximately a couple of blocks away. To maintain a steady water supply, a tanker shuttle task force was employed, highlighting the need for tankers and also the dedication and coordination of all responding units.As the fire continued, crews faced additional challenges when it was discovered that the basement stairs had burned out, leaving no direct access to the fire’s source. This required innovative tactics, including the deployment of cellar nozzles through holes cut in the floor above the basement. Despite these efforts, the stubborn blaze, coupled with the punishing cold, kept firefighters on the scene for an extended period.Ultimately, the fire was brought under control through sheer determination, expertise, and teamwork. The combined efforts of local and neighboring fire departments showcased their commitment to protecting lives and property, even under the harshest conditions. One individual was transported from the scene to University Hospital’s Brown Memorial for medical treatment.

Published a year ago
structure fire

Cranesville Firefighters Contain Route 18 House Fire, One Transported to Hospital

Conneaut Township, PA – Last evening at around 7:20 PM, the Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire near 10600 Route 18, across from the prison. As units responded, Erie County 911 received an additional report, including one involving a burn victim at a neighboring residence.Chief 601 was first to arrive and immediately assessed the scene. He reported a two-story wood-frame residential structure with heavy smoke visible and notified incoming units of the need for a large-diameter hose (LDH) connection to a hydrant conveniently located across from the residence. Recognizing the need for traffic control, Chief 601 requested assistance from Springboro Fire Police to close Route 18 at Carter and Platea Fire Police to block the southbound lanes.Engine 604 arrived moments later, and crews completed a 360-degree assessment of the structure. While no flames were visible from the exterior, heavy smoke poured from the eaves, signaling active fire within. Crews quickly advanced inside with a water can followed by a handline to begin suppression efforts. During their primary search, firefighters located active flames and initiated a direct attack, containing the fire within 15 minutes of their arrival.As interior crews worked, ventilation became necessary. Fans were deployed to entry points to clear smoke and improve visibility. With the fire under control, crews transitioned to mop-up operations and continued overhaul, ensuring no hotspots remained within the structure.Meanwhile, Engine 725 was released back into service before arriving on scene, while Engine 383 was directed to standby at Station 60 in case additional coverage was needed.Pennsylvania State Police arrived at the scene to conduct an investigation. No further details are available at this time regarding the cause of the fire or the condition of the burn victim. One individual was transported to UPMC Hamot.The Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department received support from Girard, Platea, Springfield, Springboro, Edinboro, and WC 111 during this incident. Their coordinated efforts ensured the situation was brought under control swiftly and safely.

Published a year ago
vegetation fire

Crews Work Around the Clock To Mitigate Hotspots at Tannery Road Brush Fire

Girard Township, PA – Crews have been working tirelessly, nearly around the clock, to conduct an extensive overhaul and mop-up operation on the firegrounds. On Tuesday morning, they returned to the area after new reports of smoke. Upon arrival, crews identified and began tackling pockets of active fire along the outer edges of the burned zone. After knocking down these initial flames, they began a systematic sweep of the area to identify any remaining hotspots.Personnel from Girard, Lake City, and West Ridge worked across multiple sectors of the firegrounds. In several areas, crews discovered underground fires, where roots and a layer of smoldering “duff” – the dense, organic forest floor material – presented hidden risks. Using specialized forestry tools, they meticulously broke up and cleared this layer, ensuring that no embers could reignite or potentially spread to nearby fuel sources.Members of the Crawford Erie County Wildlands Crew concentrated on their designated anchor point, where a minor burnover had occurred. They worked along the Brandy Run Creek bed, where challenging, steep terrain added to the difficulty of the task. Crews worked extensively to ensure that all hotspots were eliminated and ensured that a fireline was well established in the area.Support came from additional crews and resources from A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co., Lake City Fire Company, Platea Volunteer Fire Company, Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department, West Ridge Fire Department, Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department, and Fuller Hose Company #1, all working together to ensure the area was thoroughly secured.

Published a year ago
vegetation fire

Firefighters Respond to Rekindled Tannery Road Blaze, Deploying Backburning and Firelines to Contain Spread

Girard Township, PA – Overnight, crews were dispatched again to the area around 9000 Tannery Road due to reports of a rekindle at the previous Tannery Road brush fire. 541 arrived on scene, confirmed the reports, and called for additional support from Lake City, Springfield, and Platea. The rekindled fire was located approximately 200-300 yards off the access road being used by crews. 541 informed incoming units that roughly 1.5-2 acres were actively burning, with flames spreading rapidly. Two additional tankers were requested, including units from Platea and Franklin Township.As brush trucks arrived, crews moved quickly to establish a fireline around the active burn area using forestry rakes and backpack leaf blowers, successfully cutting off the fire’s fuel source and allowing it to burn out. Multiple forestry lines, stretching several hundred feet, were deployed through the woods to address hotspots throughout the burned area. Crews observed that the fire had spread from a valley area to the location of the previous burn site.Due to the topography of the area, crews were unable to create an effective fireline by means of physical interactions with the environment. Fire crews instead constructed a fireline further ahead of the advancing flames and conducted a controlled backburn, reinforcing the fireline and reducing fuel in the area. This combination of controlled fire use, preemptive firelines, and backburning helped firefighters manage key aspects of the wildfire, including heat, flame intensity, and spread direction. The use of fire, allowed crews to remove fuel from the area in a controlled manner. The use of controlled burns, backburning, and firelines is a common and effective strategy in wildfire management.Assisting A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co. on scene included the support of Lake City Fire Company, Springfield Vol. Fire Dept., Platea Volunteer Fire Company, and Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department. Members of the Crawford Erie County Wildlands Crew were on scene.

Published a year ago
vegetation fire

Wind-Driven Brush Fire in Girard Township Engulfs Structures, Requires Multi-Agency Effort

Girard Township, PA – Overnight, around midnight, A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co. was dispatched to a reported brush fire near 9160 Tannery Road. Erie County 911 received multiple calls, with one caller reporting explosions and another noting that the fire was spreading toward their home. Soon after, Fairview Fire and Rescue and Springfield Vol. Fire Dept. crews were dispatched to assist Girard. Upon arrival, 5401 reported heavy fire involvement and requested an additional tanker truck.Chief 540 arrived shortly afterward and immediately requested two more brush trucks and another engine. Lake City Fire Company was deployed for an engine, and Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department and Mckean Hose Company provided additional brush trucks. On scene, crews began pulling handlines and worked to establish firelines on the east and south sides of the blaze. Strong winds and challenging terrain complicated the response efforts.Crews confirmed that two structures had been destroyed and were already on the ground upon their arrival. Two vehicles were also found burning in the woods. The fire had spread across multiple acres of leaves and brush, requiring hours of work to contain, establish firelines, and complete mop-up operations across the affected area.Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department (for a tanker) along with Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department (for a brush truck and UTV) were also on scene.No further details are available at this time, and the cause of the fire remains undetermined. The fire marshal has been notified.Remember: there is a heightened fire threat due to the unusually dry conditions this season. The area remains highly susceptible to fire, with dry fuel, low relative humidity, and breezy conditions creating ideal circumstances for rapid fire growth and spread. Even small fires can become difficult to control under these conditions. To help prevent further risk, please take extra caution outdoors and avoid burning activities during this dry spell.

Published a year ago
structure fire

Swift Response by Cranesville Fire Department Controls Elk Creek Garage Fire

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.

Published a year ago
motor vehicle accident

Crews Respond to Semi Rollover on I-90 in Girard Township

Girard Township, PA – Early this morning at just before 5 AM, Platea Volunteer Fire Company, Springfield Vol. Fire Dept., and West County Paramedic Association were dispatched to a reported semi rollover near the mile-marker 9 westbound. West County 110 and 111 initially headed to the scene headed westbound on I-90 from Route 18.West County 111 came across the accident after a reported traffic standstill in the vicinity of the 7 mile marker of the westbound lanes. West County 111 arrived on the scene first and confirmed the initial reports of one semi on it's side, and added that the semi was blocking all westbound lanes. Shortly after, crews from Platea and Springfield arrived on scene.Platea's fire police, Unit 599, shut down I-90 westbound at Route 18, and also closed the I-90 westbound on ramp swing gates. West County 111 transported one individual to UPMC Hamot. Pennsylvania State Police were on scene investigating the accident.I-90 westbound at Route 18 is expected to remain closed for at least two to three hours this morning while crews clear the semi and it's scattered load from the roadway.

Published a year ago
commercial structure fire

Crews Respond to Reported Commercial Structure Fire in Girard

Girard, PA – On Tuesday evening at approximately 6:45 PM, A.F. Dobler Hose fire personnel were dispatched to a reported structure fire near 840 East Main Street. While Engine 534 and Engine 553 were en route, crews were informed of a fire in the southeastern corner of the building, with all occupants safely evacuated. Responding units were also advised that Girard Police were on scene and that the visible flames were extinguished.Engine 553 arrived first to find a single-story brick and steel industrial building with a light haze inside, but no active fire. Chief 541 assumed command of the East Main Street incident, with Engine 534 and Ladder 549 arriving shortly after. On scene, crews used thermal imaging cameras to confirm that the fire had been fully extinguished, while additional teams ventilated the structure to clear remaining smoke. All other incoming units were placed back in service by Command 541.Girard Police, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Fire Marshal were on scene investigating. The Erie City Fire Departments’ Accelerant Detection Dog was brought to the scene to assist with the investigation. Anyone with further information is urged to contact the Girard Police Department at (814) 774-2651 or the Pennsylvania State Police in Girard at (814) 774-9611.

Published a year ago
motor vehicle accident

Crews Respond to Early Morning Semi Rollover on I-90

Girard Township, PA – At approximately 5:40 AM, the Platea Volunteer Fire Company, Springfield Volunteer Fire Department, and West County Paramedics were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident involving a semi-truck rollover near the 11-mile marker on I-90 eastbound. West County 111 was first to arrive and found the vehicle on its side, with the driver having self-extricated. STAT MedEvac was placed on standby at the time of the initial dispatch.Once arriving on scene, Chief 580 reported that the tractor-trailer was blocking both the shoulder and the driving lane. Additionally, there was a significant fuel spill on the interstate, prompting Platea and Springfield units to continue to the scene. Crews assisted with hazardous materials containment, using specialized supplies to control the leaking fuel. Unit 599 handled traffic control, diverting vehicles to the passing lane and reducing speed.At approximately 7:15 AM, 591 requested the closure of I-90 at Route 6N. Girard personnel assisted by closing the eastbound entrance ramps, utilizing swing gates at Route 215, Route 6N, and Route 18. Eastbound traffic on I-90 was reopened between 11:00 and 11:30 AM.West County 111 transported one individual to UPMC Hamot. No further details regarding the incident are available at this time.

Published 2 years ago
structure fire

Cranesville Firefighters Lead Rapid Response to Albion Structure Fire

Albion, PA – Yesterday evening, just after 5 PM, first responders from Cranesville, along with mutual aid departments, were dispatched to a reported structure fire near Second Avenue in Albion. Cranesville’s Engine 604 responded within 4 minutes of the initial call and arrived on scene approximately 10 minutes after the initial call. Shortly after Engine 604 went en route, Rescue 544, Tanker 595, and Ladder 389 also went enroute to the scene.Upon arrival, Chief 600 reported a two-story residential structure with an exterior fire that had already been extinguished prior to the fire department’s arrival. Crews on scene conducted a thorough check of the structure for any further fire extension. Chief 600 placed all additional units, except for Station 60 units and Ladder 389, on standby.After confirming there was no extension to the structure, Chief 600 maintained units 602 and 604 on scene and released all other responding units. The Pennsylvania State Police and Fire Marshal were requested to investigate the incident. The cause is currently unknown and is being investigated.It was reported that before the fire department’s arrival, neighbors had used garden hoses to successfully extinguish the fire.Mutual aid was provided by departments from Edinboro, Springfield, Platea, Franklin Township, Girard, and Springboro.

Published 2 years ago
structure fire

Firefighters Contain Blaze from Out-of-Control Burn at Abandoned Structure on Meadville Road

Platea, PA – This evening, at approximately 6:40 PM, first responders from the Platea Volunteer Fire Company and several other west county departments were dispatched to a reported working structure fire in the vicinity of 8500 Meadville Road. Platea's Chief 580 was the first to arrive on scene and reported a fully involved fire consuming a two-story abandoned house. Upon assessment, Chief 580 determined that the incident stemmed from an out-of-control controlled burn and quickly took command of the situation.Chief 580 updated the assignment, requesting Platea’s Tanker 595 and Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department's Engine 602 to proceed directly to the scene while placing all other incoming units on standby. Once Engine 602 and Tanker 595 arrived, crews quickly deployed two handlines to protect nearby exposures and to slow the spread of the fire. Tanker 595 provided a direct water supply to Engine 602 through a supply line to ensure continuous flow during suppression operations.Shortly after initial suppression efforts began, Chief 580 requested additional support for water supply operations and directed Fairview Fire and Rescue's Tanker 525 to continue into the scene. Simultaneously, Chief 601 relayed instructions for Engine 604 to proceed to Sun Lake Drive to establish a reliable water supply point utilizing a dry hydrant. After approximately 35 minutes of coordinated firefighting efforts, Chief 580 marked the fire under control at around 7:15 PM. By around 8 PM, Chief 580 released all units from the scene and turned the property back over the property owner.The incident was effectively managed through prompt resource allocation and decisive action, preventing the fire from spreading to nearby structures.Prior to being placed on standby, A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co., Fairview Fire and Rescue, Springfield Vol. Fire Dept., A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co., Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department, Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department, Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department, and West County Paramedic Association were dispatched to the fire.

Published 2 years ago
structure fire

Springfield Fire Department Responds to Trailer Fire on Ridge Road

West Springfield, PA – Last evening around 9:30 PM, the Springfield Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a reported trailer fire at 13079 Ridge Road, between Nash and Nye Road. Engine 643 responded within two minutes and arrived on scene within five minutes of the initial dispatch. Initial reports indicated fire in the walls, but upon arrival, Engine 643 found no visible conditions from the exterior.Additional units, including West County 111, Engine 602, Engine 644, Rescue 544, Tanker 595, and Utility 646, went en route around the same time. Engine 643’s crew entered the residential trailer with a water can. Chief 640 then reported that they would handle the situation with Springfield units, and all other responding units were released.Inside the trailer, crews found light smoke conditions. Once the fire was confirmed to be extinguished with no extension, Springfield units cleared the scene and returned in service.

Published 2 years ago
structure fire

Neighbor and Firefighters Prevent Shed Fire Spread on Penn Avenue

Girard, PA – On Sunday evening at approximately 6:30 PM, firefighters from A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co. were dispatched to a reported shed fire near 100 Penn Avenue. Chief 540 immediately responded and was informed that a neighbor had reported the fire. Girard’s Romeo 1 arrived on scene first, observed smoke in the vicinity, and quickly identified the source. Romeo 1 confirmed that the fire had been extinguished, allowing all responding units, except Girard’s, to return to service.Engine 553 arrived on scene shortly thereafter, proceeding to the backyard with a water can and hand tools. The crew utilized a chainsaw to remove charred wood and pulled back insulation to ensure all hot spots were fully extinguished. Water was then applied from a water can to cool the area. Before clearing the scene, firefighters employed a thermal imaging camera to confirm that all remaining hot spots were eliminated.The quick actions of the shed owner, along with the assistance of a nearby firefighter, played a crucial role in preventing the fire from spreading further before first responders arrived. Using a garden hose, they were able to control the flames until the fire department took over. Mutual aid had been dispatched from Fairview Fire and Rescue, Lake City Fire Company, Platea Volunteer Fire Company, and West County 111, but these units were placed back in service before arriving on scene, thanks to the actions of those on scene.

Published 2 years ago
structure fire

Quick Action Contained Mulch Fire Threatening Shadybrook Circle Home, Mutual Aid Units Released

Girard Township, PA – This afternoon at around 4 PM, A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co. firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire near 540 Shadybrook Circle. Captain 551 was first to the scene and reported smoke coming from the side of the residence and began investigating. Shortly thereafter, 551 identified the source as a mulch fire next to the residence. It was determined that only one engine from Girard was needed, and all other units could return to service.Neighbors and 551 were able to extinguish the visible fire before the arrival of engine 553. Once 553 arrived, crews checked the residence for any fire extension and ensured that all hotspots were fully extinguished. The crews were able to return to service shortly thereafter.On the original dispatch, Fairview Fire and Rescue, Lake City Fire Company, Platea Volunteer Fire Company, and West County Paramedics were dispatched. As noted, all mutual aid departments were quickly placed in service once Girard personnel took command of the scene.

Published 2 years ago
vehicle fire

Platea Firefighters Tackle Two Fully Involved Tractor Fires on Francis Road

Girard Township, PA – This evening at just after 7 PM, firefighters from Platea Volunteer Fire Company were dispatched to a reported vehicle fire in the area of 8600 Francis Road. When Engine 592 went enroute, crews were advised that a tractor was on fire in front of the residence. Crews arrived shortly after to two fully involved tractors on fire and utilized an attack line to quickly bring the fire under control. Once the fire was extinguished and crews verified that all hotspots were fully extinguished, Platea returned to the station and went back in service. No injuries were reported.

Published 2 years ago
motor vehicle accident

Semi Strikes Beckman Road Bridge Near MM 12; No Injuries Reported

Girard Township, PA – This morning, the Platea Volunteer Fire Company, Springfield Volunteer Fire Company, West County Paramedics, and Pennsylvania State Police responded to a reported motor vehicle accident near mile marker 12 in the westbound lanes. While en route, crews were informed that multiple callers had reported a crash involving two tractor-trailers. Further updates indicated that the driver of a semi had reported striking the Beckman Road bridge, with no injuries reported.West County 110 and 111 arrived on scene and confirmed that no injuries had occurred. Engine 592 arrived shortly after and placed both Engine 643 and Utility 646 back in service.At this time, the Beckman Road bridge and sections of Beckman Road have been closed until further notice. PennDOT engineers will assess the structural integrity of the bridge, as a support beam beneath it sustained visible damage from the impact of the semi’s secured load. According to the last Beckman Road Bridge Feasibility Study released in 2023, the bridge has a clearance of just less than 14 feet over the westbound lanes. Additionally, the bridge was already slated for replacement in 2027.No further details are available at this time.

Published a year ago