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Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department

15 publications

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
structure fire

Fairview Firefighters Contain Stove Fire, Rescue Pets from Home

Fairview Township, PA – This afternoon, shortly before 12:30 PM, Fairview Fire and Rescue, along with mutual aid departments, responded to a reported stove fire in the area of 5800 Dobler Road, between Barker and Antolik Roads. En route, responders were informed that a pot on the stove had ignited, burning the cupboards and the area behind the stove. It was also confirmed that all occupants had safely exited the house. Ambulance 527 arrived first on the scene and reported smoke visible on the delta side of the residence.Engine 534 arrived moments later, and Chief 530 assumed command. Crews initially used a water can to suppress the fire in the affected area. While checking for extension, firefighters discovered potential fire spread into the ceiling. Engine 563 and Rescue 544 were called up from their staging locations, with Rescue 544 bringing an additional water can. Shortly after, Lake City crews confirmed fire in the attic. Fairview teams deployed handlines to the interior and rear of the structure, while command requested an additional tanker from Franklin Township.Girard’s 541 reported significant fire and heat in the attic. Lake City crews tackled flames in the eaves and rear vent in the gable, while interior teams worked to gain access to the ceiling from within. As crews made progress, fire became visible along the roofline where it met the second story. Additionally, fire was reported in the second story within a room near the room. Exterior teams quickly extinguished the bulk of these flames, while interior crews made access through the second floor room to the attic above where the fire originated.The fire was brought under control without incident. No injuries were reported, and firefighters successfully rescued several cats from the structure.Fairview crews were assisted on scene by Lake Shore, Girard, Lake City, Franklin Township, West Ridge, and McKean fire departments.

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
vegetation fire

McKean Township Firefighters Tackle Spreading Brush Fire Near California Road

McKean Township, PA – Around 12:45 PM this afternoon, firefighters from the McKean Hose Company were dispatched to a brush fire near California Road and Millfair Road. Erie County Dispatch advised of receiving multiple calls regarding the brush fire. Chief 600 of McKean responded first, confirming a rapidly spreading fire in the woods and requesting additional support, including brush units from Perry Hi-Way and Franklin Township.Soon after, McKean’s Engine 405 and Utility 409 arrived, with crews quickly deploying a bumper line to attack the active fire. Additional firefighters entered the woods with wildland rakes to establish a fireline and contain the spread. Crews remained on scene for about thirty minutes afterward, conducting mop-up operations to ensure all hotspots were extinguished. Franklin Township was placed back in service prior to arriving on scene.The cause of the fire is currently unknown. Today’s incident underscores the heightened fire threat due to the unusually dry conditions this season. Despite recent light rain, 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

First Responders Respond to RV Rollover on I-90

McKean Township, PA – This afternoon, shortly after 4:45 PM, first responders from Mckean Hose Company were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident involving an RV rollover on I-90 westbound near the 20 mile marker. Due to the severity of the incident, STAT MedEvac was placed on standby. Initial reports indicated that the camper trailer had overturned while still attached to a truck, which remained upright.Medic 2 was the first unit on scene, confirming that the overturned trailer was blocking both westbound lanes. Chief 400 reported traffic backed up past Bargain Road while en route to the station. Pennsylvania State Police requested fire police assistance to close I-90 Westbound at the Cloverleaf interchange. Fairview Fire and Rescue, along with McKean’s Utility 409, managed the Cloverleaf closure, while Perry Hi-Way Hose Company’s Utility 438 closed the westbound ramp at Peach Street, as traffic backups extended further east. Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department's fire police assisted with traffic control, ensuring that vehicles followed the official PennDOT detour from I-79, directing traffic onto West Road and then to Sterrettania Road.Upon arrival, Medic 2 confirmed no injuries and placed STAT MedEvac back in service. Additional emergency units accessed the scene by traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes. Chief 400 reported that Ambulance 407 was on-site, with the overturned vehicle completely obstructing both lanes. Chief 400 assumed command, directing Rescue 408 to also approach from the east via the westbound lanes. Pennsylvania State Police were present, conducting an investigation, while Auto Recovery Technicians from Dave's AuTow worked to clear the roadway. Further details are unavailable at this time.

Published a year ago
motor vehicle accident

Two-Vehicle Rollover Accident Prompts Quick Emergency Response

Franklin Township, PA – On Thursday, just before 5:00 PM, emergency crews from the Franklin Township Fire Department, McKean Fire Department, Central County Paramedics Medic 2, and West County Paramedics were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident involving a rollover and potential entrapment. The incident occurred near the intersection of Route 98 and Old State Road, just north of Route 98. Initially, West County 110 was dispatched, but due to proximity, West County 112 took over the assignment. Dispatch reports indicated three possible patients, with a potential for entrapment.McKean’s Ambulance 407 and West County 112 were the first units to respond. Shortly thereafter, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) arrived on scene and confirmed that there was no entrapment. Franklin Township's L5 arrived soon after and reported one vehicle off the road and on its roof, assuming command of the scene on Route 98. Chief 721 subsequently placed Rescue 408 back in service after verifying that no entrapment had occurred. Franklin Township’s Engine 722 arrived a short time later.As Rescue 408 was returning to service, it encountered traffic on Route 98 north of the accident. Under the direction of command, Rescue 408 assisted with traffic control, helping to turn vehicles around until Franklin Township fire police took over traffic management at South Falls Road. On the south side of the incident, Franklin Township fire police redirected northbound traffic on Route 98 to either Old State Road East or West. Route 98 was temporarily closed between Old State Road and South Falls Road.At the scene, two vehicle recovery technicians from Eagle Towing arrived with flatbed trucks. Both vehicles involved in the accident were removed from the scene. One individual was transported by West County Ambulance 407 to UPMC Hamot for medical evaluation. No further information regarding the patient’s condition or the cause of the accident is available at this time.

Published a year 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 a year 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 a year ago
motor vehicle accident

Tractor Trailer Rollover Causes Temporary Closure on I-90, No Injuries Reported

McKean Township, PA – Overnight, at approximately 11:20 PM, first responders from the McKean Hose Company were dispatched to the scene of a tractor trailer that had reportedly slid off the roadway between the Sterrettania Road exit and the Millfair Road overpass in the eastbound lanes. Erie County 911 reportedly received multiple calls about the accident. Emergency personnel faced heavy traffic, with vehicles backed up to the Sterrettania Road exit. While en route, no further details were available including the nature of the accident and possible injuries.Ambulance 407 navigated through the congestion, eventually driving along the inside shoulder to reach the scene. Rescue 408, also en route, encountered similar traffic difficulties. Upon arrival, Rescue 408 confirmed that the tractor trailer had rolled onto its side. Chief 400 promptly assumed I-90 incident command. Initial reports from the scene indicated that diesel fuel was leaking from the engine compartment. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the accident.Due to the tractor trailer blocking all lanes of traffic, fire police from McKean and Franklin Township were requested to assist in shutting down I-90 at Sterrettania Road. First responders worked to manage traffic and contain the fuel spill.Pennsylvania State Police were on scene investigating. No further information is currently available.

Published a year ago
motor vehicle accident

Rollover Accident on Route 98 Causes Downed Power Lines

Franklin Township, PA – This morning around 10 AM, Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department and Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident involving a rollover and downed power lines near 10330 Route 98. Unit 390 was first to arrive, finding a pickup truck off the roadway and into a pole, but upright. Additionally, no entrapment was reported and two occupants were out of the vehicle. REA Electric crews were notified and on site, addressing the downed power lines.Franklin Township fire police managed traffic using a single lane on Route 98, maintaining northbound and southbound flow, while emergency crews were on scene.One person was transported via Edinboro’s 388 to AHN Saint Vincent. Pennsylvania State Police were also on scene performing an accident investigation.

Published 2 years ago
structure fire

Early Morning Blaze Destroys McKean Township Home; Firefighters from Multiple Departments Respond

McKean Township, PA – Early this morning at approximately 1:45 AM, firefighters of Mckean Hose Company and other mutual aid departments were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the vicinity of 3300 East Stancliff Road.While enroute, crews were advised that the fire originated in the living room. Within six minutes of dispatch, Erie County Department of Public Safety advised command that they received two additional calls reporting that they could see a house on fire.Shortly after, Medic 2 was the first to arrive on scene. Upon arrival, they reported a working fire, which was rapidly consuming the structure. Their assessment revealed a fully involved fire, with flames spreading throughout the house. Importantly, Medic 2 also relayed the critical information that all occupants were successfully able to exit the structure, a vital piece of news that allowed firefighters to focus entirely on combating the blaze without the immediate concern of rescue operations.Engine 405 arrived next, swiftly deploying onboard water to protect nearby exposures and suppressing the side of the fire closest to these risks. Incident command, led by Chief 400, called for additional resources, dispatching an engine from Stancliff (Waterford) and a tanker from Franklin Township. At this point, and during the entire operations, crews operated on a defensive exterior attack only due to the severity of the fire.Kuhl Hose’s Engine 683 established a water supply at 2489 East Stancliff Road, just east of the scene approximately 1.3 miles. Engine 383 then set up a portable pond between itself and Engine 405, drafting water to support three active lines, including two hand lines and a blitzfire. Fairview was subsequently requested to provide an additional tanker.The homeowner and their dog escaped unharmed. The fire marshal was called to investigate, and the American Red Cross was notified to assist the displaced occupants.The response was a collaborative effort, with McKean Hose Company being supported on scene by Stancliff Hose Company, Waterford PA, Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department, Perry Hi-Way Hose Company, Fairview Fire and Rescue, Kuhl Hose Fire Department, and Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department. Pennsylvania State Police were also on scene.

Published 2 years ago