Fire News Pennsylvania, May/June 2024

Trailer Fire in Butler Township

Butler County 911 received a call for a trailer fire on Rolling Valley Lane in Connoquenessing Township in Butler County. See story on page 8

1 Dead, 16 Displaced in Bucks County Blaze

One man was killed and more than a dozen of his neighbors were left homeless by an early-morning blaze.

See story on page 10

Brew Pub Fire in Granville

Granville Township and surrounding stations were alerted for a fire at Wingman Brewery.

See story on page 12

19 Homeless After Lancaster Apartment Blaze

Lancaster Township Fire Department was dispatched on April 7, 2024, for a stove fire on Passey Lane, in the Creekside South Apartments.

See story on page 16

1 Rescued in Oberlin House Fire

Swatara Fire and Rescue Chief 91 radioed Dauphin County Fire to report a working house fire on Main Street.

See story on page 30

Obituary

LODD: Philadelphia’s John Garrow

See story on page 42

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Firefighters Spot Harrisburg Dwelling Fire

On March 16, 2024, at 1325, as Hill companies were returning to quarters from a downtown fire alarm, crews noticed a smoke column in the area and went to investigate. The lieutenant from Tower1 radioed County Fire requesting the box to be sent for the 1400 block of Regina Street forfire from the rearof a 2-1/2 story dwelling. Box 1-2 was filled out with Squad 8, Wagon 4, Tower 1, Truck 2, and Chief 7 (Bastinelli). Two lines were stretched forfire on two floors of the Regina Street home. Chief 7 requested the working fire assignment which brought Truck 32, Rescue 69, and Air13 to the scene. The bulk of the fire was knocked down quickly and searches were negative. The fire was placed undercontrol at 1339.

Allentown

3rd-FloorFire

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Firefighters from the City of Allentown battled a dwelling fire on North 4th Street on April 1, 2024. Crews removed several occupants on arrival and extinguished a third-floorfire.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold Jr.

Cover Story Cat Killed in Falls Township Fire

Afamily was left homeless and one of theirpets died when flames gutted a mobile home in the Pennwood Crossing community in Falls Township, Bucks County, on February 17, 2024. Crews from Falls Township, Fairless Hills, Levittown 1, Levittown 2 and Edgely were dispatched on Tthe call at 2132. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing from an Aldrich Drive structure. An interiorattack was initiated, howevercrews were ordered to evacuate the structure due to a watersupply issue. Once a positive watersupply was established, the bulk of the fire was knocked down from the exteriorand then interioroperations resumed. The blaze was officially declared undercontrol at 2155. Afterthe fire was extinguished, it was confirmed that of the family’s three cats, two had managed to escape to safety and one had died.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe

Hard Access at Salisbury House Fire

Firefighters from Salisbury Township, Allentown, Emmaus, South Whitehall Township and LowerSaucon Township battled a working dwelling fire at Waldheim Park in Salisbury on February 20, 2024. Crews arrived to find a fully involved dwelling fire. Due to the limited access area, the roadway only supported one lane of apparatus, crews worked to drag a supply line to an area were several tankers were set up. Crews from LowerMilford, UpperSaucon and Vera Cruz responded with tankers. Allentown EMS and St. Lukes Hospital EMS provided rehab on the scene.

- Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Duquesne House Fire

At 2000 hours on February 19, 2024, Duquesne VolunteerFire Department 133 was activated fora house fire on the 1000 block of Lincoln Avenue. Police arrived and confirmed fire from the Charlie-Delta corner. Crews from Dravosburg 131, United VFR 135, Lincoln 184, Homeville 293, Duquesne Annex 294, and

Wilmerding 306 responded on mutual aid. Also assisting were McKeesport Ambulance Rescue Service 620, the Salvation Army of Western PA470 and Duquesne Police.

- Fire News photo by Nicholas Kurta

TrailerFire in ButlerTwp.

On April 7, 2024, at around 0612, ButlerCounty 911 received a call fora trailerfire on Rolling Valley Lane in Connoquenessing Township in ButlerCounty. Station 12 (Connoquenessing ), Station 3 (ButlerTwp. Fire District), Station 13 (Prospect) and Station 99 (ButlerAmbulance) were dispatched. ButlerAmbulance was first to arrive and confirmed a fully involved trailerfire endangering other trailers. Chief 12-2 arrived and took command. Tanker3 was first to arrive and was ordered to pull a 2-1/2 inch attack line. Fire suppression began as otherunits arrived on scene. The fire was knocked down and contained to the trailerof origin. The fire caused minordamage to a neighboring trailer. All crews cleared the scene around 0810. - Fire News photos by Artie Osniak

2-Alarmerin Philadelphia

While companies were operating at an all-hands box in Chinatown, at 1556 on February 19, 2024, Box 7647, was toned fora fire on Ridge Avenue, reported to be a building on the second floor. Ladder 1 arrived to a three-story, occupied, brick apartment building with heavy smoke showing from the roofline. Battalion 3 placed all hands in service and requested 2 & 2 above the box. Heavy fire

involved the third floorand roof and extended to the exteriorof an attached, four-story, lightweight construction building on side D. Command requested an emergency evacuation orderand companies went in service with exterioroperations using masterstreams, deck guns, and ground appliances. The fire was placed undercontrol in about two hours. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

SUVon Fire in Arnold

At 1718 on March 3, 2024, Stations 95-2 (Arnold) and 56-2 (New Kensington) were called fora working vehicle fire at the intersection of Drey Street and Kimball Avenue in Arnold, Westmoreland County. Crews arrived to find a fully involved SUV. Firefighters made short work of the fire, and hosed down a nearby residence that suffered minordamage from the blaze.

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Fire News photo by Steve Matto

Burnham Boro Structure Fire

At 2314 on February 15, 2024, Mifflin County 911 dispatched first-alarm units from Burnham Fire, Yeagertown Fire, Chief Logan Fire, Fame EMS and local firepolice to First Ave nue in Burnham Boro fora possible structure fire. Upon arrival of Chief Harpster, he confirmed a working fire with fire visible in the basement and division 1. Crews initially encountered heavy fire on both floors and worked quickly to bring the flames under control. Crews remained on the scene until around 0100 with extensive overhaul required.

- Fire News photo by Sam Baumgardner

1 Dead, 16 Displaced in Bucks County Blaze

One man was killed and more than a dozen of his neighbors were left homeless by an early-morning blaze that erupted in an apartment building in Morrisville Borough, Bucks County, on March 9, 2024. Morrisville firefighters, along with mutual aid companies, were dispatched to Orchard View Apartments on Plaza Boulevard just after0530. Heavy fire was venting through the roof of the middle of Building Awhen Morrisville Chief John Weiss III arrived.

Told that a resident was believed to be trapped, Weiss donned his gear, passed command to the next-due chief, and attempted a rescue. Otherfirefighters from the Morrisville, Falls, Fairless Hills, Levittown 1, Levittown 2, Edgley and YardleyMakefield soon arrived to back him up. Multiple hoselines were put in service, ground ladders thrown, searches conducted, and adjacent apartments evacuated. The bulk of the fire was quickly knocked down.

Afterthe blaze was brought undercontrol, the body of the 28-year-old victim was recovered. Unattended cooking was later blamed forhaving started the fire in the victim’s second-floorapartment. The Philadelphia chapterof the Red Cross announced assisted 16 people who had been displaced by the fire.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe

Brew Pub Fire in Granville

Around 0300 on March 14, 2024, Granville Township and surrounding stations were alerted fora fire at Wingman Brewery. First arriving units found heavy fire at the front doorarea, but an aggressive attack stopped the flames in about 20 minutes, preventing severe damage to the dining area.

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Fire News photos by Patrick Shoop

2 Fatalities at St. Marys’Blaze

The Crystal Fire Department of the City of St. Marys in Elk County was dispatched to a residential house fire on Jackson Road at 0817 on March 30, 2024. Upon arrival, firefighters found a working fire with two occupants trapped. Mutual aid was requested from Emporium, Johnsonburg and Fox Township. Laterin the incident the Elkland Search and Rescue unit was requested forits rehab unit. The fire was declared undercontrol at 1057. Afterthe fire was contained, two occupants of the house were found deceased. Ridgway was on standby forSt. Marys. The origin and cause of the fire was investigated by Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshals.

- Submitted by Jay Bradish

Good Stop in Juniata County

Around 0410, on April 20, 2024, Juniata County 911 dispatchers started receiving calls reporting a house fire on North Third Street in Mifflintown Borough. The residence, which sits at the intersection of North Third Street and Orange Street, contains three apartments. Just afterdispatch, Mifflintown Hose Captain TylerMingle arrived and reported heavy fire showing from the rearof the residence. Ashort time later, Chief Jeremy Henry arrived and assumed command. As othercrews arrived they were able to perform an aggressive interiorattack which stopped the fire.’s spread. Two units received moderate to severe damage and the third received minorto moderate damage. Chief Henry reported that one occupant was assisted from the residence upon fire department arrival and five people were displaced and are assisted by the Red Cross. Chief Henry marked the fire undercontrol around 0530. Mifflintown were assisted by Friendship Fire of Port Royal, Fayette Fire, Beale Twp. Fire, Thompsontown Fire, Chief Logan Fire, Central Juniata EMS, Port Royal EMS, and Fayette Twp. EMS. Crews from Junction Fire, Granville Fire, and Heritage Fire were on standby.

- Fire News photo by Samuel Baumgardner & Alexander Baumgardner

Commercial Fire Requires Long Fight

At 0113 on April 22, 2024, the Lehigh County Communications Centersent Station 26, Engine Tanker22, Engine 16, Tankers 16 and 12, Tower16, Rescue Engine 22, and Station 67 (NOVAEMS) to DoctorDiesel on Kernsville Road fora structure fire. The caller reported that the entire building was engulfed in flames and glass was breaking and flames were shooting out. Deputy Chief 22 arrived to a single-story, 120- x 150-foot, commercial building that was fully involved and had a complete roof collapse. Deputy Chief 22 struck the second alarm which brought Rescue Engine 11, Engines 32, 56, 3,12 and 39, Tankers 11 and 8, Engine Tankers 32,

10, and 51, Tower3, Quint 18, Ladder2, Air32, Station 11 (RIT), and Station 101. Engine 26 arrived on scene first, stretched many handlines, and requested three more tankers. Crews utilized handlines to knock down the multiple cars, vans, two 53-foot trailers, and a dumpsterthat were all on fire surrounding the building. Watersupply issues hampered the fire attack. Tankers from Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon and Berks counties were called into the scene. The fire burned formultiple hours, and crews remained on scene well into the afternoon hours dousing hot spots.

- Fire News photos by Geoffrey Wetherhold

19 Homeless AfterApartment Building Blaze in LancasterTownship

The LancasterTownship Fire Department was dispatched at 1816 on April 7, 2024, fora stove fire on Passey Lane, Building C, in the Creekside South Apartments, which contained eight apartment units. Arriving firefighters encountered heavy fire venting from a second-floorkitchen window and living room patio doors. Firefighters were required to extinguish flames that had extended down the entry staircase as they fought theirway up the stairs to the burning apartment, which was engulfed in flames. The bulk of the fire was knocked down by 1830, but extensive overhaul was required to extinguish the hotspots and remove burning debris and insulation from the attic space above. The fire was stopped from spreading to

the otherapartments by the firewalls, but some apartments received waterdamage, others smoke damage; one apartment was a total loss. All residents safely evacuated the building. Unattended cooking was determined as the cause of the blaze. The Central Pennsylvania Chapterof the American Red Cross Red Cross was summoned to assist the estimated eight adults and 11 children displaced by the blaze. Assisting LancasterTownship volunteers were Manheim Twp. Fire/Rescue, Lafayette, New Danville, LancasterCity, Blue Rock Fire/Rescue, WillowStreet, Mountville and Rohrerstown Fire Company.

- Submitted by Lancaster Twp. Capt. Greg Leaman

Quick Knock on Enola House Fire

At 1254, on March 16, 2024, Engine Companies 17, 20 and 30 and Trucks 17 and 30 were dispatched on Box 5-04 on South Enola Drive forsmoke from a house. Chief 5 arrived to fire showing on the first floor of a three-story duplex. Afirst alarm working fire assignment was requested, bringing Engines 14 and 13, Truck 2, Rescues 69 and 30, and Air13 to the scene. One handline was stretched from Engine 17 made a quick knock down of the fire that involved the walls and exteriorwith no extension.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Chemical Reaction Call

In late March 2024, a truck on the township public works property had a chemical reaction inside of it. Ahazmat was declared, resulting in both the county hazmat unit and the DOWchemical team responding. Area streets were closed and a special needs playground was closed, as well. Afterabout two hours the chemicals were neutralized. There were no injuries.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Long Fight in LowerFrederick

On February 12, 2024, at 2344, multiple departments were dispatched fora fire on Village Drive in LowerFrederick. Chief 52 confirmed a working fire, with fire showing through the roof. Crews operated handlines and mutual aid companies assisted with throwing ladders and making entry into the home, keeping the fire pre-

dominantly in the home of origin. Crews fought the fire forseveral hours. Responding units were LowerFrederick 52, Upper Frederick 87, Harleysville 89, Limerick 51, Skippack 86, Perkiomen 66, UpperSalford 78, and Green Lane 42, as well as EMS units from 308 and 336 and RFIT1. - Fire News photos by Regina Jelski

Fire Damages 4 Homes in Whitehall

Firefighters from the Whitehall Fire Department were dispatched to a reported house fire on Carolina Avenue in the township on March 4, 2024. Responding personnel were advised that the Lehigh County 911 Centerwas receiving numerous calls that the rearof a house was on fire. FM 35 arrived and reported several houses well involved and called fora second alarm. Crews went to work with numerous handlines being deployed to both the front and back of the row of homes. The crew of Ladder2 went to the roof and started opening up. Numerous additional engines were called formanpoweras crews battled the fire that damaged fourhomes. About an hourin to the fire it was finally called undercontrol. Crews remained on the scene mopping up and assisting the fire marshal.

- Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold Jr.

130 Displaced in Carlisle Apartment Fire

On March 31, 2024, at 1744, Cumberland County Box 45-01 dispatched crews to Northside Lane at the Northside Village Apartments foran apartment fire. Due to a heavy smoke column, a working fire assignment was requested almost immediately, adding additional apparatus and personnel. Truck 45 arrived to a four-story, occupied apartment building with heavy fire showing from the rear, extending from the second floorto the fourth floor and up to the roof. Truck 45’s masterstream was placed in service and handlines were stretched to the interiorto contain the fire to the area of origin. The bulk of the fire, mainly on the exterior, was knocked down quickly and brought undercontrol within 30 minutes. The fire started on a second-floorpatio and sprinkleractivation kept the fire from extending to the interior. Approximately 130 residents were displaced.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

House Fire in South HanoverTwp.

At 1730 on February 24, 2024, crews responded to Tulane Road for a reported house fire. Duty Office 4 advised of a fire in the living room. An attack line was stretched from Engine 91-5 and Truck 46 forfire in a single-family dwelling. The fire was placed undercontrol at 1824.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Norfolk-Southern Derailment in LowerSaucon

Firefighters from LowerSaucon Township were dispatched after 0700 on March 2, 2024, fora train derailment off Riverside Drive in the township. Arequest was made forthe Lehigh County HazMat Team, given the additional information of possible train cars in the Lehigh River. Crews arrived to find a train derailment with two locomotives down an embankment and one in the Lehigh. The crew of the train was out of the lead locomotive and along the embankment when crews arrived. An additional train crew was located inside a second train that had rearended a third train at the location. Crews set up rope rescue equipment in orderto get the two crews to safety. Additionally, waterrescue units were dispatched to assist the HazMat team with containment of diesel fuel that was running in to the Lehigh. Emergency crews worked into the afternoon to contain the hazards before turning the scene over to Norfolk Southern forcleanup.

- Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

ButlerTwp. Tap Room Fire ButlerTwp. Tap Room Fire

On February 18, 2024, just after0200, ButlerCounty 911 received multiple calls fora structure fire at W. Ricks Tap Room on Meridian Road in ButlerTownship. Station 3 (ButlerTwp. Fire District), Station 38 (Veterans Affairs Fire), Station 99 (Butler Ambulance) and ButlerTownship Police were dispatched. Chief 32 requested a second alarm on arrival. Second alarm companies arrived and went to work assisting with the fire attack. Command requested all units out of the structure due to the roof being compromised. At that time, the fire units switched overto two aerial masterstreams to knock down the fire. The fire was darkened down and crews continued with extensive overhaul. All units cleared the scene at 0638.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

2nd FloorJumperin Harrisburg

On April 11, 2024, at 0602, Box 1-3 sent Wagon 3 and 4, Squad 8, and Tower1 to Ross Street fora structure fire. County advised of reports of an entrapment. Truck 2 and Chief Enterline were en route to a working fire across the riverin East Pennsboro Township and diverted to the Ross Street box. Due to the information received, Enterline requested the first alarm bringing Truck 32, Rescue 33, and Air35 to the single house which was fully involved. As companies were stretching the preconnect off of Wagon 3, the deck gun was put in service, knocking down the tremendous body

of fire, and allowing crews to resume interioroperations. Chief 7 assumed command and requested the second alarm with fire in a row of 12, two-story dwellings of ordinary construction with fire in about six homes. One occupant jumped from a second-floorrear and was transported with non-life-threatening injuries. Companies were also getting reports of entrapment in the exposures, however, all searches proved to be negative. The fire was placed undercontrol within an hour.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Apartment Complex

2-Alarmerin Butler

On April 18, 2024, around 2120, ButlerCounty 911 dispatched Station 1 (Butler Bureau of Fire), Station 3 (ButlerTwp. Fire District), Station 38 (Veterans Affairs Fire Department.), Station 99 (ButlerAmbulance), Chief 1 (ButlerBureau of Fire) and City of ButlerPolice to the 100 block of South Cliff Street in the City of Butler. ButlerBureau of Fire units arrived on location to a working fire on the second floor of an apartment complex. Command requested a second alarm at 2126 which recalled all off-duty ButlerBureau of Fire personal. Crews made an interiorattack on the second floorand contained the fire to the area of origin. Crews knocked down the fire and started overhaul operations. No injuries were reported and crews cleared the scene at 2259.

Perkiomen Assists in Collegeville

At 1031 on March 4, 2024, Perkiomen Township’s Engine 66, Tanker66 and an allvolunteercrew responded as mutual aid to the Pep Boys on Main Street and the Collegeville Shopping Centerforan initial report of smoke and then fire from the rooftop. Engine 66 laid a supply line from a hydrant on Main Street while Tanker66 stood by at the hydrant. Multiple area fire companies were dispatched and assisted as mutual aid to assist the Collegeville Fire Company. The fire and smoke were contained to the roof area. Perkiomen volunteers were in service forabout 90 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Steelton Fire Damages Duplex

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Braddock Bor.

Attic Fire

Around 1900 hours on April 1, 2024, crews from Rivers Edge 113, Edgewood 137, Forest Hills 153, and North Braddock 207 were activated fora structure fire on George Street in Braddock Borough. Crews quickly arrived to a working fire in the attic. The fire was quickly placed undercontrol and the Allegheny County Fire Marshall was called to investigate. Also assisting on the scene were Eastern Area Prehospital Service 310 and Braddock Borough Police.

- Fire News photo by Nicholas Kurta

At 1716 hours, on March 8, 2024, Steelton Box 501 sent Company 50, Engines 55, 88 and 91, Wagon 4, Truck 32, Tower1, Rescues 40 and 59, and Air13 to Reading Street fora residential structure fire. Engine 50 with four members was advised of a callerreporting fire in the attic. Captain 91 arrived to find a 2-1/2 story duplex with fire showing on the second floor. Lines were stretched off Engines 50 and 91-3 and all occupants were reported out of the building. Command requested the first alarm as fire was in both units of the duplex, adding Rescue 33 and 69, and Truck 34 to the scene. Interiorcrews opened up and made a good knock on the fire in about 15 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

City of Butler

2-Alarmer

On April 4, 2024, around 1840, ButlerCounty 911 received calls fora house on fire in the 200 block of West Wayne Street in the City of Butler. Station 1 (ButlerBureau of Fire), Station 3 (ButlerTwp. Fire District), Station 38 (Veterans Affairs Fire Department), Station 99 (Butler Ambulance) and ButlerCity Police were dispatched. City fire units arrived to find a two-story single-family dwelling with a working fire on the top floor. Asecond alarm was requested to bring in all off-duty Butler Bureau of Fire shifts. Units contained the fire to the top floorof the residence and cleared the scene at around 2024. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Philadelphia MOR Fire Snuffed

On February 19, 2024, at 1130, Philadelphia firefighters responded to East Westmoreland Street fora reported dwelling fire, with multiple calls being received. Engine 25 arrived to a two-story, middle-of-the-row occupied dwelling with heavy fire on the second floorand placed 2 & 2 in service. Two lines were stretched and operated and the fire was placed undercontrol at 1147.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Fire Destroys Uptown Harrisburg Building

At 0703 on February 18, 2024, Harrisburg Box 1-3 sent Wagon 3, Squad 8, Truck 2, Tower1 and Battalion Chief 8 to North 7th and Emerald streets in the city’s Uptown fora structure fire. Chief 8 was advised by county that FirefighterFullerwas on his way into work and saw a building fully off nearTri-State Recycling. Chief 8 confirmed he could see it from the State Street Bridge. Companies had access issues as the building sat behind a clothing store and the first alarm was requested, bringing mutual aid to the scene. Wagon 3 and Tower1 were the only apparatus that were able to reach the fire and get into position fordefensive operations. The fire also extended to an attached dsingle-story, brick building. The fire was darkened down in about two hours and placed undercontrol at 0952 hours. City units returned to the scene around 1600 fora flare up and again in the overnight hours fora rekindle in which a box alarm was used to extinguish the fire. This was the second fire in less than two years that destroyed an automotive business in a two block stretch of North 7th Street.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

4 Alarm Fire Destroys Ephrata Grocery

On February 15, 2024, at 0355, Ephrata Township, LancasterCounty Wide Communications dispatched crews to West Main Street at Martin’s Country Market fora building fire. Deputy 16 advised a callerreporting a laundry room fire, but arrived to nothing showing from the front. Afterfurtherinvestigation, he reported heavy smoke from the rearof the building. Aftera brief interiorattack, 16 reported heavy fire through the roof and requested the evacuation tones. Additional resources were requested and companies went into a defensive posture. Tankers were positioned at several fill sites, as the Ephrata Borough watersystem was overwhelmed. Multiple ground appliances and masterstreams from at least nine aerial trucks poured wateron the building, which housed a grocery store and an appliance business. Afire wall between the market and appliance store kept the fire from extending to that area of the building. The grocery store was destroyed however, and at least two firefighters were injured. The fire reached fouralarms and brought 200 firefighters from at least 40 companies who worked foroversix hours to contain the blaze. Martin’s Country Market has been a staple in the community with operations dating back to 1932.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Afternoon House Fire

On April 4, 2024, stations were alerted fora reported house fire on Old Stage Road. First arriving Truck 1 (Burnham) found heavy smoke and fire showing. All occupants of the home were evacuated. Multiple stations from Mifflin and Snydercounties responded.

- Fire News photos by Patrick Shoop

1 Rescued in Oberlin House Fire

At 1128 on February 7, 2024, Swatara Fire and Rescue Chief 91 radioed Dauphin County Fire to report a working house fire on Main Street in the Oberlin section of the township. Chief 91 reported heavy fire and smoke to the rearof a two-story duplex. Before companies arrived, Chief 91 requested the first alarm and reports of possible entrapment. Engine 91 arrived with fourand immediately stretched an attack line via the rearexteriorsteps making a good

knock on the fire and rescuing an occupant. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about five minutes and truck crews opened up around the roof area to check forany extension to the attic. The fire was placed undercontrol in about 30 minutes. This duplex was the site of a working fire on September25, 2010, and involved similar circumstances in which entrapment was reported and fire involved the second-floorrear. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Londonderry Twp. House Fire

On March 22, 2024, at 0356, Box 54-1 toned fora report of a structure fire on Newberry Road. Chief 54 arrived to smoke showing from a 1-1/2 story, single-family dwelling. Engine 88 laid a line up the driveway and crews stretched lines forfire in the addition side of the home. Chief 54 requested the first alarm, bringing Truck 46 and Tanker47 to the scene. The fire was brought undercontrol in less than 45 minutes with no injuries. All occupants were able to escape priorto arrival of the fire department. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

2nd-Alarm House Fire in Lewisberry

At 0049, on March 24, 2024, York County Box 68-06 sent Company 68, Engines, 66 and 69-2, Tankers 66, 24, 31 and 28, and Truck 23 to West Front Street in Lewisberry fora residential structure fire. Chief 68 (Hawkins) advised that the back of the home was on fire, there were two pets inside and all occupants were reportedly out. He requested the working fire assignment and also requested fouradditional tankers. First arriving companies encountered heavy fire from the entire rearof a 2-1/2 story, wood-frame, multi-family dwelling and an exposure issue on side B, a 2-1/2 story, occupied, woodframe dwelling and requested a second alarm. Aportable pool was set up to facilitate watersupply to the scene. Multiple lines were operated while Truck 23 opened up the roof. The fire was placed undercontrol in less than two hours with companies remaining on scene foran extended period performing extensive overhaul. At least six occupants were displaced in the fire. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Once in a Lifetime Advanced Structure Burn Class

March 7, 8, 9 and 10, 2024, Veterans Affairs (VA) ButlerFire and Emergency Services hosted a once-in-a-lifetime Advanced Structure Burn Class on the campus of the VAin Butler. Crews from New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia used a three-story midrise building to test theirskills in firefighting operations. Crews trained in incident command, fire attack, using a Sandpipe and leaderlines, SAR and RIT. Those that participated in the training were three VAFire Departments from Butler, Canandaigua (NY) and Martinsburg (WV). Othercrews involved ButlerBureau of Fire, ButlerTownship Fire District, Adams Area Fire District, Unionville

Fire Company, Slippery Rock Fire Department, Harrisville Fire Company, Harmony Fire District, Connoquenessing Fire, Beaver Falls Fire, CornplanterFire, Titusville Fire, Akron (OH) Fire, Cranberry Township Fire, Prospect Fire, Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire, Mckeesport Fire, Herman Fire, SarverFire, North Washington Fire, Mahoning Township Fire, Prince William County (VA) Fire and Fairfax County (VA) Fire. Several State of Pennsylvania Fire instructors were on hand to guide the students as well as several additional ground support members.

- Fire News photos by Artie Osniak

Derry Twp Mifflin County Pennsylvania

On March 16, 2024, firefighters from Junction Fire Company and Chief Logan Fire Company met with students from Mifflin Juniata Academy of Science and Technologies EMT-Basic Class at Parson’s Towing in Burnham. Crews worked forseveral hours on various

rescue techniques with the class. Students in the class came from all overMifflin, Juniata and Huntingdon counties.

- Fire News photos by Sam Baumgardner

Police CarCrashes into LowerPaxton Building

New LancasterValley Fire, Milroy Fire and EMS, Reedsville Fire, Fame EMS and local fire police, handles an MVAon February 9, 2024. - Fire News photo by Sam Baumgardner

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Bensalem medics responded to a minortwo-carMVA.

Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Crews from Berkley Hills 247, Peebels 188, and Ross West View EMS Rescue 40 operated on a vehicle rolloveron Amity Road in Ross Township on January13, 2024.

Fire News photo by Nicholas Kurta

February 25, 2024, Company 33, Engine 34-1, Rescue 35, Rescue 33 responded to a police carinto a building.

Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Bensalem Fire Rescue was called out fora bicycle-versus-caraccident on Hulmeville Road.

Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Morningside House Breakfast with First Responders

Recently, UpperProvidence Department of Fire and Emergency Services (Montgomery County) Engine 68 (APlatoon) and firefighters joined with the Friendship Ambulance of Royersford crew and officers with UpperProvidence Township Police Department at Morningside House of Collegeville fora breakfast with first respon-

ders. The crews enjoyed meeting the residents, sharing conversations and a meal. Also, the group celebrated OfficerParkins’birthday with a cupcake! Thanks to Morningside House forthe invite and the hospitality!

- Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins

Emmaus Firehouse Dedication

Emmaus dedication ribbon cutting fornew addition and refurbishing of central firehouse was held December9, 2023. - Fire News photos by Steve Lenz

Advanced Structure Training

(More coverage on page 32)

Members of the Cranberry Township Fire Company taking part in the Advanced Structure Burn Class on March 7 through 10, 2024. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Firefighters from Prince Williams and Fairfax Counties in Virginia taking part in the Advanced Structure Burn Class.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Firefighters from Veterans Affairs ButlerFire and Emergency Services, Martinsburg Veterans Affairs FD (WV) and Canandaigua Veterans Affairs FD (NY), at the Advanced Structure Burn Class. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Members from the ButlerTownship Fire District, Harmony Fire District and Canandaigua Veterans Affairs FD took at the Advanced Structure Burn Class.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Perkiomen Tours DPS Campus

On April 1, 2024, Perkiomen Township volunteers got a tourof the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety’s Eagleville Campus and the county Emergency Operations Center. The team was able to see the logistics warehouse, county field operations and communications apparatus plus rescue and hazmat resources. The

team then took a tourof the 911 Communications Center. Thanks to Todd and everyone at the DPS Eagleville facility forthe tourand theirtime. It’s great to meet part of the nearby county team that supports us and ourresidents.

- Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins

New Apparatus forPleasant Hills

Pleasant Hills recently received this 2024 Sutphen Monarch SPH100. IThe new apparatus replaced their1992 Spartan Grumman Aerialcat, the last one to be produced by Grumman. Theirold truck remains in the area owned by a private collector.

- Fire News photos by Nicholas Kurta

Bradford Township Annual Awards Banquet

The Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 68th year of service to Bradford Township at its 42nd annual awards banquet on March 23, 2024. Over 60 members and invited guests attended the event. Abuffet dinner preceded the awards ceremony. Guest speaker for the event was McKean County President Judge John Pavlock. Service awards were presented to Harry Lamielle, (40 years); Bob Eliason, (25); and Jim Maze, (five). Maze also received the award for “Service Above and Beyond.”

Also receiving awards, but not present were Steve Disney, (15); Matt Mongillo, (10); Drew Shreve, (10).

Assistant Fire Chiefs Bob Eliason and Tim

Burkhouse presented training awards to 13 firefighters. Qualifications for the training awards included a minimum of 32 hours of certified training and attending at least 50 percent of in-house training nights. Members receiving the award were Jay Bradish, Fire Chief Dan Burkhouse, Assistant Fire Chief Bob Eliason, Assistant Fire Chief Tim Burkhouse, Nick Colley, Andrew Erickson, Dillon Goodreau, Robert Mackey, Mike Maze, Jim Maze, Matt Mongillo, Chad Niver, and Randy Wolfgang. Overall department members participated in 1201 man-hours of certified training and 1,407 hours of in-house training.

The evening concluded with a “Year in Review” video presentation of training and

UPTDFES Ride-Along to Oaks Elem. School

UpperProvidence Department of Fire and Emergency Services (Montgomery County) Engine 68 (C Platoon) had the honorto escort Oaks Elementary School third grade student Brantley P. to school on April 12, 2024, as a part of UpperProvidence Twp Fire Department’s “Ride to School” program. Brantley was selected from a raffle at the school. We are proud to partnerwith ourcolleagues at the UpperProvidence Police Department and staff/teachers at Oaks Elementary School forthis experience.

- Fire News photos by Melissa Wilson & Ted Hodgins

EMTClass Hosted by Moshannon

Valley EMS Education Institute

Students were: Autumn Conner, Alisha Surkovic, Fiona Dundon, Noah Charney, Samantha Grieb and JenniferRobins. Instructors were Terry Root, Theresea Blazosky and TylerThomas. Noah is the son of Irma Charney of Brisbin and Edward Charney of Houtzdale. He is currently a Juniorat Moshannon Valley Jr.-Sr. High School. He completed his EMTin December, and is a juniorfirefighterwith the Houtzdale Fire Company and an attendant with HREMS and Mountain Top EMS. He has completed his MOD 1, MOD 2, MOD 3, hazmat awareness and wildland firefighting requirements.

- Submitted by Irma Charney

incidents that members participated in during 2023. (Left to right): Jim Maze; President Shawn Galbraith, Fire Chief Dan Burkhouse, Harry Lamielle and Assistant Fire Chief Bob Eliason. - Submitted by Jay Bradish

Perkiomen FundraiserRace

Perkiomen Fire Company 3rd Annual 5K and Fun Run was held on April 20, 2024. Over100 runners participated in this

ESO SOLUTIONS AND IAMRESPONDINGTEAM UPTO ENHANCE DATA-BASED SITUATIONALAWARENESS AND INCIDENT REPORTINGCAPABILITIES FOR FIRSTRESPONDERS

IamResponding announced a strategic partnership with ESO, a leading data and software company serving fire departments, emergency medical services (EMS), hospitals and state and federal agencies. IamResponding, a RapidSOS solution, and ESO combine the strengths of the premier incident alerting and situational awareness communication platform with the industry-leading records management system.

This partnership focuses on making a real impact where it counts the most, reshaping the dynamics of emergency response. The two companies’collaboration marks a pivotal moment in emergency services, introducing enhanced incident data capabilities that empower first responders to make better-informed decisions swiftly and efficiently. Customers can expect exciting enhancements to IamResponding and ESO’s offerings:

• Real-Time Insights forRapid Response: With rich incident data from IamResponding including actual 911 caller location, health profiles, vehicle telematics, alarm information and more from over 500M connected devices and ESO’s extensive repository of critical information - including property details, occupancy status, pre-plans, hydrant locations and inspection recordsresponders get a clear view of the situation fast. This means quicker, more informed decisions that can save time and lives. The comprehensive dataset enables a more informed emergency response and assists mutual aid agencies, improving coordination and effectiveness across jurisdictions.

• Streamlined Incident Management and Permitting Processes: By leveraging the IamResponding community portal and ESO Properties, Inspections and Permits modules, first responders can streamline operations and easily stay compliant. This integration empowers users to easily tap into a vast network of resources and expertise for smoother workflows.

• Closed Feedback Loop forContinuous Improvement:

The collaboration goes beyond initial response efforts, as incident response data from IamResponding will be seamlessly delivered back into the ESO platform. This closed-loop system ensures that every incident contributes to refining future responses, enhancing overall

efficiency and effectiveness.

• Comprehensive Solutions forEmpowered Response: Together, ESO and IamResponding offer a robust toolkit for emergency response and department operations. From mobile dispatch alerts and real-time tracking to logistics management and fire-incident reporting, responders can access industry-leading tools that streamline operations and elevate performance.

When paired, the two technologies offer unparalleled reporting and data insights, comprehensive fire records management, seamless compliance for national and state-level requirements, real-time caller locations and apparatus tracking, interactive mapping and more for first responders. “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership presents to our customers and the first responder community at large,” said Eric Beck, President and CEO of ESO. “IamResponding is an innovative solution for our customers looking for real-time critical incident information, and further enhances their ability to improve community health and safety through the power of data.”

“This partnership with ESO marks an exciting milestone in our journey, but it’s just the beginning,” said Daniel Seidberg, President of IamResponding. “Together, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in emergency response technology, ensuring that first responders have the tools and enhanced emergency data they need for situational awareness in an ever-evolving emergency response landscape.”

The collaboration taps into combined decades of industry experience and cutting-edge technology. Today, IamResponding and ESO will focus on their core strengths while leveraging each other’s expertise to enhance technology features and make data even more actionable for improved patient outcomes. Both companies are committed to ensuring seamless integration and delivering unmatched value to their shared customer base.

The

fundraiserrace on the Perkiomen Trail.

- Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins

Two Proven Leaders in Emergency Response Leverage Decades of Industry Experience to Deliver the Best-in-Class, Cutting-Edge Technology

Remembering Margerum’s 32nd LODD Anniversary

Firefighters and family gathered at Station 0 on March 15, 2024, to honorand rememberLine of Duty Death’s past-Chief Nelson

‘Snooky’Margerum’s 32nd yearanniversary. Always Remembered, NeverForgotten. - Fire News photos by Jeff Goldberg

LODD: Philadelphia’s John Garrow

Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company and Newtown Emergency Services Department participated in an Honor Arch on March 13, 2024, at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery for Line of Duty Death of Philadelphia Fire Department Battalion Chief John Garrow. He was 61-years old.

Garrow died after experiencing a medical emergency after a fire on February 19, 2024. Garrow was a PFD member for 32 years and was last assigned to Battalion 8 at Engine 59 in Nicetown. He also served as a US Army Combat Engineer prior to joining the PFD.

Chief Garrow is survived by his loving wife Shanon. Beloved father

Becky Garrow (Mike), Brandon

Adored Pop-Pop of Henry, Maeve, and Mycol,

and

is

to Gerry Bonner (Jim), Donna Brown (Jeff), Kevin Garrow (Diane), Ali Garrow (Jon), and the late Eileen Garrow, Michael Garrow, Maureen Garrow, and Timothy Garrow. Chief Garrow is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Donations in his memory to the Philadelphia Fire Dept., Local 22 Widow's Fund, 415 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA19123, would be appreciated.

of

Weyer (Kate),

Mycol Dennis.

Jr. He

brother

- Fire News photos by Jeff Goldberg