Fire News Pennsylvania 5-2025 by Fire News

House Well Off in Strodes Mills

Granville Township and surrounding stations arrived to find a house well involved on Birch Drive in the village of Strodes Mills. See story on page 5

Controlled Burn Gets Out of Control

Acontrolled burn on Old Leechburg Roadh got out of hand, ripping through over an acre of land, leaving a path of destruction behind.

See story on page 8

Carlisle 3-Alarmer

Displaces 40 Residents

on February 22, 2025, Cumberland County Box 41-01 sent units to Veterans Way in Carlisle Borough for smoke in the building.

See story on page 10

No

Winter

Wonderland at South Greensburg Blaze

Icicles hung from a South Greensburg home Tuesday morning as firefighters worked to put out a fire in freezing temperatures.

See story on page 16

Busy Day for Limerick

On March 12, 2025, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched for a fire in a backyard on Linfield-Trappe Road.

See story on page 18

Mount Jewett House Destroyed

On March 7, 2025, the Mount Jewett Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire on Brennan Avenue.

See story on page 27

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Focus of the Month

Training

News

Long Fight at Bryn MawrFire

EasterMorning House Fire

On April 20, 2025, 0738 hours, several calls were placed to Dauphin County 911 reporting a house fire in the area of North 2nd Street in Gratz Borough. Chief 27 arrived and advised of heavy smoke and fire. Engine 27 laid in 700 feet of five-inch line. Crews placed two additional lines into service off of the Rescue. Command requested two tankers and a fill site was established. Within a short time, the bulk of the active fire was knocked down. As crews worked to knock down remaining hot spots othermembers worked to salvage belongings; sadly, the home was deemed a total loss.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Just after2200 hours on March 13, 2025, crews were dispatched to the 400 block of South Ithan Avenue in the Bryn Mawrsection of RadnorTownship. Crews from Bryn Mawr, Gladwyne, Merion, LowerMerion and Radnorwere on the scene formore than four hours. - Fire News photo by Sherry Tappan, Tappan Fire Photos

Port Vue, Others Handle Structure Fire

On February 23, 2025, the Port Vue Fire Department was alerted fora house fire. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the structure. With the help of otherstations, and a quick advance, the fire was located and put out without any injuries. Mutual aid departments from Citizen’s Hose Company 1 Of GlassportStation 161, VolunteerFireman’s Association of Liberty Borough, City of McKeesport Bureau of Fire, Dravosburg 1 VolunteerFire Department Allegheny County Station 131, Lincoln Boro VFRC 1, and West Mifflin 2 VolunteerFire Company assisted.

- Fire News photo by Nick Kurta

FFDown but OK at Leesport House Fire

At approximately 0300 hours on April 1, 2025, crews from several rural Berks County fire departments were dispatched to Grove Road, just outside the village of Leesport, fora structure fire with possible entrapment. Upon arrival, firefighters found a 2-1/2 story home fully engulfed in flames, with the sole occupant out. Crews began drawing waterfrom a pond on the property. Despite high winds, firefighters managed to bring the blaze undercontrol after more than an hourof intense work. During overhaul operations, a firefighter fell through the first floorinto the basement. Fortunately, the firefighterwas unharmed and was able to exit on theirown. The home was heavily damaged and is likely a total loss. Authorities have ruled out any criminal activity.

- Fire News photo by David J. Reimer Sr, Emergency

Services Photography

House Well Off in Strodes Mills

At around 0600 hours Granville Township and surrounding stations arrived to find a house well involved on Birch Drive in the village of Strodes Mills. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop

Good Stop at Allentown Fire

Controlled Burn Gets Out of Control

On March 14, 2025, a controlled burn on Old Leechburg Road in Plum Borough got out of hand, ripping through overan acre of land, jumping a road and leaving a path of destruction behind. Overa dozen departments responded to the call, including several tankers to shuttle waterto the scene. Aquick response kept a house from catching fire, but the yard and contents were charred very nearto the house. Crews had the bulk of the fire knocked down in underan hour, but remained on scene working on hot spots forseveral hours.

- Fire News photos by Steven Matto

At around 0945 hours on January 5, 2025, the Lehigh County Communications Centersent Allentown Battalion Chief 43, Engine 4, 9 and 10, Truck 2, and Engine 6 (RIT) to Chew Street fora house fire with entrapment. Multiple callers were reporting the house on fire with possible people trapped. Engine 4 arrived to a three-story end-of-the-row with fire showing from the third division. Crews began stretching lines and assisting people out of the building. Battalion Chief 43 arrived and struck a second alarm. Truck 2 set up in front of the building and assisted with the primary search and vertical ventilation. The fire was knocked down within 15 minutes, and the fire was kept to the third floorof the fire building. Crews remained on scene forabout an hour opening up and hitting hot spots. - Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

Fire Damages Linglestown Beauty Salon

At 0557 hours on April 12, 2025, Dauphin County Box 35-1 sent crews to Blue Valley Avenue fora structure fire. Chief 34 was advised of a callerreporting heavy flames from the windows and arrived at the single-story, commercial building at the ColorBarBeauty Salon on North Mountain Road. Command 35 requested the first-alarm assignment adding Engines 32, 37, Truck 32, 2, Rescue 37, and Air48 to the scene. Aline stretched from Engine 34-1 was able to knock down the main body of fire and an additional line was operated to assist with overhaul and any extension. Searches were negative and the fire was placed undercontrol at 0626 hours.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Fire Levels Barn, Sparks Brush Fires in Mifflin Twp.

Mifflin Townships crews responded to the 1200 block of Mountain Road in Mifflin Township fora fully-involved barn fire on March 21, 2025. Due to the wind blowing embers from the destroyed barn into a nearby wood and brush line, a significant brush fire started. Command requested additional brush trucks to be dispatched. Within minutes fire apparatus from Berrysburg, Millersburg, Gratz, Pillow and Elizabethville began to arrive. Crews battled flames where the barn once stood along with a burning pickup, a tractorand old demo-derby cars, as others worked to extinguish fourspot brush fires. Units from Fisherville, Sacramento, Halifax and Hickory Corners also assisted. Thankfully numerous livestock were safely removed and crews halted furtherspread of the brush fires. During the event, Life Team EMS staged just to the east at a nearby wood pallet business. Fire police conducted traffic control.

- Fire News photos by Seth Lasko

Carlisle 3-AlarmerDisplaces 40 Residents

At 2022 hours on February 22, 2025, Cumberland County Box 41-01 sent units to Veterans Way in Carlisle Borough forsmoke in the building. Engine 1-41 arrived in the area to heavy smoke in the street and laid in from a hydrant. Command 3 was established and reported heavy black smoke from the attic of the Residences at Seven Gables, an upscale, three-story, apartment building, and requested the second alarm at 2028 hours. Handlines were stretched from Engine 1-41 to the third floor, where crews encountered a moderate smoke condition and no visible fire as it was all above them. Othercrews forced doors and assisted with evacuating residents. Heavy fire broke through the roof and command ordered all companies out and transitioned to a defensive attack. Athird alarm was struck at 2047 hours. Blitz fires, deck guns, and aerial masterstreams were placed in service as heavy fire consumed the entire attic. Firefighters battled the blaze forovertwo hours before it was placed undercontrol. Over40 residents were evacuated with fourpeople, including a firefighter, transported to a local hospital and released. Firefighters operated on the scene until 0330 hours the following day before clearing the scene.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Brush Fire Stopped in Limerick

At 1216 hours on March 7, 2025, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched fora report of a brush fire next to the railroad tracks in the area of the Limerick Generating Station. Chief 51, Deputy 51, Field 51-1, Field 51-2, Tanker51, Utility 51, and Fire Police responded. Crews used equipment from the field trucks to extinguish the fire, cut down a few trees, and overhauled the brush and debris to prevent furtherfire spread and re-ignition.

- Fire News photo by Regina Jelski

CarFire at MacArthurRoad Walmart

Firefighters from Whitehall Township responded to this carfire in the parking lot of the Walmart on MacarthurRoad on February 6, 2025. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold Jr.

8 Hour3-Alarmerwith 3 People Saved

Recently, Company 17 was alerted to assist the Winburne Fire Company with a working structure fire with multiple entrapments. Upon arrival, Chief Baughman found three individuals – two adults and one infant –trapped on the roof of the third floor. As Chief Baughman was searching the area fora way to reach the victims, a neighborbrought a ladderto the structure and he deployed the ladder, gained access to the family, and led them to safety. As more units responded, the call was upgraded to a third alarm. When Company 17 arrived, they started to knock down the bulk of the fire but, due to the heavy fire load, crews were evacuated and conducted an exteriorattack. Approximately 25 companies, comprising up to 150 firefighters, battled the blaze forseveral hours. We would like to extend ourgratitude to the numerous residents who provided coffee to the firefighters, as well as to Minit Mart, The Market Place, and Sheetz forsupplying additional food and beverages as crews worked on the scene fornearly eight hours.

- Fire News photos by Chad Baughman

Knowlton Road Garage Fire

Just priorto 2200 hours on March 7, 2025, Aston Township Fire Department, along with several mutual aid companies, were dispatched to the 300 block of Knowlton Road fora garage fire. Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke showing from a twostory detached garage. At one point during suppression efforts, the evacuation orderwas given, due to the risk of a possible roof collapse. From there, defensive operations were utilized forthe remainderof the incident. Crews were on scene forabout three hours. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Sherry Tappan, Tappan Fire Photos

Northampton Borough Recycling CenterBlaze

At 0531 hours on February 4, 2025, the Northampton Communications Centersent crews to Smith Lane at Green StarRecycling in Northampton Borough fora reported structure fire. Multiple callers were reporting fire through the roof of the entire facility. Unit 4251 arrived to find fire throughout the building and through the roof, and struck a second alarm. Two lines were sent into an adjacent building connected to the fire building by a conveyorsystem. Tankers from Northampton, Lehigh, Carbon, Monroe, Bucks, Montgomery, Berks and counties from New Jersey were requested and rotated out throughout the day. The initial alarm companies were rotated out around the 10-hourmark, and companies remained on scene forabout a week, off-and-on hitting pockets of deep seated fire.

- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

Summerdale Garage Fire

On January 23, 2025, at1428 hours, while township companies were operating at a fire alarm, multiple calls were being received fora house fire at 4th and Mountain streets in the Summerdale section of East Pennsboro Township. Engine Companies 20, 17 and 6, and Trucks 30 and 2 were dispatched on the initial alarm. While companies were en route, headquarters started the first alarm assignment adding Engine Companies 30 and 37, Rescue 37, RIT69, and Air13 to the box. Tanker20 stretched on a single-story garage attached to a private dwelling by a small breezeway that was heavily involved. Two lines were stretched and operated, knocking down the visible fire and preventing extension to the house. The fire was placed undercontrol at 1512 hours. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Cats Saved at Drexel Hill Fire

Just after0700 hours on April 8, 2025, Delaware County Emergency Services received a report of a house fire on the 700 block of Morgan Avenue in Drexel Hill. Upon arrival, UpperDarby Fire found heavy fire showing in an attached, below-grade garage. Aworking fire dispatch was struck, calling mutual aid companies from Darby Fire Company 1, Lansdowne, Manoa and Springfield. The fire was placed undercontrol in about 20 minutes. No injuries were reported and three cats were reported safe and sound.

- Fire News photo by Sherry Tappan, Tappan Fire Photos

No WinterWonderland at South Greensburg Blaze

Icicles hung from a South Greensburg home Tuesday morning as firefighters worked to put out a fire in freezing temperatures. The fire started on January 20, 2025, on ParrStreet, around 2330 hours. The cold weathermade it difficult forthe firefighters, as they got wet and equipment quickly froze as did waterfrom the hoses; hydrants were slowerto work due to the negative temperatures. The homeownerwas able to escape safely and was taken to the hospital. Unfortunately, the house was destroyed. Firefighters worked forabout six hours overnight and returned the next morning afterthe fire rekindled. To help keep the firefighters warm, North Huntingdon EMS brought a bus, and Murrysville Medic One set up heaters and tents. The cold also created a safety risk, as the waterfrom the hoses quickly turned into ice on the ground. Firefighters were regularly encouraged to take breaks and use the warming tents. The freezing temperatures also affected the equipment. One of the fire truck’s engines froze during the response, and hoses were left frozen in the yard. Astate police fire marshal was investigating the cause of the fire.

- Fire News photo by James Brooks

House Fire with Possible Explosions

On April 27, 2025, around 1642 hours, ButlerCounty 911 took multiple calls fora house fire with explosions on Whitestown Road in ButlerTownship. Stations 3 (ButlerTwp. Fire District), Station 38 (Veterans Affairs Fire Department), Station 99 (ButlerAmbulance) and ButlerTownship Police were also dispatched. Chief 3 (Schmidt) arrived on location and confirmed the dispatch. Asecond alarm was requested. Stations 1 (ButlerBureau of Fire), Station 11 (Penn Township), Station 12 (Connoquenessing), Station 13 (Prospect), Station 14 (Unionville), and Station 20 (Evans City) were dispatched. Engine 38 arrived and deployed a 2-1/2 inch line. Chief 3 called for a defensive attack only. All first-alarm units along with ButlerBureau of Fire arrived. Chief 3 requested the rest of the second alarm to cancel. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Mechanicsburg House Fire Displaces 4

On March 11, 2025, around 0114 hours firefighters responded fora reported house fire on Edgewood Drive in the Borough of Mechanicsburg. Chief 1-29 arrived to find a two-story, single-family dwelling with fire at the rearand roof. Engine 29 led off with theirdeck gun to darken down the fire in the rear, while crews stretched two lines foran interiorattack. A2-1/2 inch line was also deployed to the rear. Command 8 requested the second alarm at 0127 hours and a few moments later requested the evacuation tones due to a partial collapse of the roof. Exteriorlines and the ladderpipe from Engine 37 knocked down the bulk of the fire and crews performed extensive overhaul and mop up. Command special called Engine Companies 36 and 34 to the scene formanpower. The fire was brought under control at 0210 hours and displaced fouroccupants.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Midday LowerMahanoy

Twp. Mountain Fire

Amidday call on April 24, 2025, came in fora reported brush fire in Lower Mahanoy Township. Upon arrival an approximately 20-yard-wide brush fire was foundjust off Route 225 and was spreading up the mountain side. Command requested additional brush trucks to the scene. Several firefighters scaled the mountain side to battle the fire. Due the fires spread, nearby Meckley’s Limestone assisted with a bulldozerto cut in and open up access forbrush units as well as creating a fire break. DCNR as well as Northumberland County Department of Public Safety also responded to the scene. The fire spread, burning approximately five acres.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Busy Day for Limerick

Bradford City Apartment Fire

On March 13, 2025, the Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire on Edwards Street at 1448 hours. First arriving firefighters requested a second alarm on arrival, bringing off-duty city firefighters and Bradford Township VolunteerFire Department’s RITteam to the scene. Derrick City VolunteerFire Department was on standby and also sent its air truck to the scene. Occupants of both apartments were able to exit the building without injury. Fire caused extensive fire damage to the second-floor apartment and waterdamage to the first-floorapartment. Firefighters were on the scene fortwo hours. Investigators from the Bradford City Fire Investigation Unit and the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal’s Unit also responded.

At 1620 hours on March 12, 2025, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched fora fire in a backyard on Linfield-Trappe Road. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire, which had spread in the grass priorto arrival. They turned overlogs and hit hotspots in the area before cleaning up theirequipment. While at the fire, the department was also dispatched to an automatic fire alarm on Enterprise Drive. Chief 51 and Rescue 51 responded. Crews were made available about an hourlater.

- Fire News photo by Regina Jelski

- Fire News photo by Jay K. Bradish

Commercial Fire on TimberLane in Reedsville

Around 0230 hours firefighters from Reedsville Fire Company were dispatched to MetzlerForest Products on TimberLane in Brown Township fora possible outside fire. Upon arrival of Reedsville Deputy Chief Jeff Shelly, he reported heavy fire showing from the kiln building, with possible extension into additional buildings, and requested a commercial building fire dispatch. Firefighters were able to bring the blaze undercontrol around 0530, but remained on scene until around 0730. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation. Assisting Reedsville were Burnham, Yeagertown, Milroy, City Hook and Ladder, Granville, West Granville, McVeytown, Belleville, Allensville, Newton Wayne, Heritage, Chief Logan, Stone Creek Valley, Mill Creek, Boalsburg, Milroy EMS, Big Valley EMS, the Rehabilitation Unit from Fame EMS, Mifflin County Regional Police and local fire police.

- Fire News photo by San Baumgardner

Garage and

CarFire in Allentown

Firefighters from the City of Allentown responded to a working house fire on North Marshall Street on March 6, 2025. Crews arrived to find a well-involved garage and engine compartment fire in a van.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Any Landing You Walk Away From …

Firefighters from the Lehigh Valley International Airport, along with firefighters from surrounding departments, responded to an Alert 3 on Runway 24 at the airport on April 18, 2025. The Piper airplane flipped overafterlanding at the airport. The single passengerwas evaluated by EMS on location.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Halifax Fire Establishes LZ

On March 1, 2025, Company 29 of the Halifax Fire Department was dispatched to establish an LZ forairmedical following the request of EMS. Company 29 personnel responded and Chief 29 advised county the LZ was established. Soon afterEMS arrived WellSpan WellFlight 490 was overhead. Aftera short time readying the patient forflight, members of Company 29 assisted the flight crew with loading the patient onto the helicopter, which flew the patient to a hospital. Once safely out of the LZ perimeter, WellFlight departed to the hospital. Command then placed the box available, returning to service.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

MVAw/Injuries in Perkiomen Twp.

At 1445 hours on April 1, 2025, Perkiomen Township’s Tanker66, Engine 66, Field 66 and an all-volunteercrew responded to a report of a two-vehicle MVAwith injuries at the intersection of Wartman Road and Bridge Street. Skippack Emergency Medical Services and PAState Police also responded. Vehicles were towed by Wynne’s Express Lube and Auto Repair.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Carinto

Tunungwant Creek

At 1542 hours on April 11, 2025, Derrick City VolunteerFire Department and Bradford City Fire Department ambulances were dispatched to a reported vehicle in the water. The vehicle ended up in the Tunungwant Creek nearthe southbound exit of Route 219 nearBolivarDrive. Firefighters used a 24-foot extension ladderto reach the driverof the vehicle who had exited the vehicle through the sunroof. Bradford City Police assisted at the scene. Emergency personnel were on scene foroveran hour.

- Fire News photo by Jay K. Bradish

Entrapment at Bensalem MVA

Bensalem fire crews were called to Knights and Byberry roads fora two-carMVAwith entrapment in January 2025. Upon arrival, they had one person trapped and crews quickly performed a doorpop. The injuries were not life threatening, police said. Aftertending to the patient, crews took care of fluids on the road and secured the vehicles.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

St. Patrick’s Day MVAforLimerick

At 1420 hours on March 17, 2025, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched to a single-vehicle MVAat the intersection of Linfield-Trappe and South Limerick roads. Rescue 51, Squad 51, Chief 51, Fire Police 51, Limerick Police, and Freedom Valley EMS responded. The vehicle struck several objects before landing in a wooded area. EMS evaluated the occupant of the vehicle while crews cleared debris and were able to secure the battery and move the truck out of the brush forthe tow company. Fire police directed traffic forthe duration of the call. All were made available within the hour. - Fire News photo by Regina Jelski

Fire Thru the Roof in LowerAllen

Chopped Up Auto Fire in

Uptown Harrisburg

On February 7, 2025, Harrisburg Wagon 3 and Truck 2 were dispatched to Atlas and Seneca streets at 1311 hours fora vehicle fire. Captain 5, riding on Truck 2, responded from the Hill, reporting smoke showing from the State Street Bridge. Wagon 3 arrived to a well involved, chopped up auto inside of a hollowed-out garage. One line quickly knocked down the fire.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

On March 3, 2025, at 0935 hours, Cumberland County 911 began to receive multiple calls reporting a house fire on Fox Hollow Road nearthe Lisburn section of the township. Chief 12 arrived to heavy fire issuing from the roof of the home, as companies stretched lines foran interiorattack. Due to there being no hydrants in the area, Command 11 requested a tankertask force, bringing additional tankers from Cumberland and York counties. Interior crews were evacuated from the structure and crews went into a defensive posture using handlines and a masterstream from Truck 12. Command requested the second alarm. The home, which was unoccupied at the time of the fire, suffered heavy damage and was brought undercontrol at 1044 hours.

Mount Jewett House Destroyed

On March 7, 2025, the Mount Jewett VolunteerFire Department was dispatched to a house fire on Brennan Avenue at 1901 hours. Upon arrival, crews requested mutual aid from Kane and Hamlin Township volunteerfire departments. Firefighters used multiple hoselines in attacking the fire, along with two aerial masterstreams from Kane’s Tower5 and a deck gun from Hamlin Township Tanker20. The metal roof on the house hampered firefighting operations. No one was in the residence at the time of the fire. Waterto extinguish the fire was supplied from two fire hydrants. Three engines, one squad, one rescue, one tanker, one towerladderand one ambulance responded. Firefighters were on the scene forfive hours. Smethport VolunteerFire Department was on standby. Mount Jewett and Kane firefighters were recalled to the scene laterthe next day fora rekindle and remained on scene fortwo hours. The house was destroyed. Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal’s Unit investigated the origin and cause of the fire. - Fire News photos by Jay K. Bradish

Kitchen Fire Damages Hampden Twp. Restaurant

At 0258 hours on January 14, 2025, Cumberland County Box 30-02 toned units to the area of East Trindle Road fora house fire. Due to calls and reports from police, the working fire assignment was alerted on the initial dispatch. Chief 3-30 arrived to a two-story, brick, mixed-use building with smoke and fire showing from sides B and C. Hampden Township Engine 1-30 stretched lines forthe fire attack and to supply Truck 29. Mechanicsburg Engine 29 stretched and placed two lines in service. Crews had fire in the kitchen of the Josie’s German Restaurant and were successful in preventing extension to the second-floorapartments. Searches were negative. Crews operated forabout three hours before going in service - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Fire at Colonial Point Apartments

Firefighters from Bensalem and LowerSouthampton were called to the Colonial Point apartments in Bensalem. Frigid temperatures at the end of January caused problems forfirst responders. When they arrived, firefighters had heavy fire from the first floor of an apartment which spread to the upstairs unit. Atotal of four apartment were seriously damaged. There were no injuries.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

East HanoverTwp.

Fatal TrailerFire

On January 6, 2025, at 0411 hours, East HanoverTownship Box 39-1 summoned Company 39, Engine 36-3, Rescue 2, and Tanker35 to Rabbit Lane foran unknown type fire. The box was upgraded at 0413 fora possible garage fire, adding Engines 34, 47 and 57-12, Truck 35, Tanker47, and Company 46 (RIT) to the assignment. Chief 39-1 arrived shortly afterto a very large outside fire. County advised units that the homeownerwas blind and could not be located. Crews stretched two lines from Engine 36-3 for fire involving a truck trailerwith extension to surrounding debris. Command special called Brush 47, 35, and 36-1 to the scene. During overhaul, crews discovered a deceased male in the trailer. The homeownerwas found to be safe.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

NewtoTHEM

Kitchen Fire in Allentown

Firefighters from the Allentown Fire Department responded to a house fire and arrived to find smoke showing. Crews stretched one line on a kitchen fire and made a quick knock of it. Crews remained on the scene forabout an houropening up and mopping up. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Chimney Fire on Hedgehog Lane

Bradford Township VolunteerFire Department was dispatched to a reported chimney fire on Hedgehog Lane on March 17, 2025, at 1008 hours. Firefighters used a dry chemical extinguisherto extinguish the fire in the chimney. Firefighters from two squads and one engine remained on the scene for75 minutes. Lewis Run and Corydon Township VolunteerFire Departments each responded with tankers. Bradford City Fire Department was on standby. - Fire News photo by Jay K. Bradish

Enhaut Fire Strikes 3 Homes

As companies were wrapping up from a second alarm fire on Walnut Street in Harrisburg City, at 0737 hours, on February 18, 2025, Box 49-4 summoned companies to Second Street in the Enhaut section of Swatara Township fora structure fire. County advised that a caller reported the home on fire and spreading to a neighbor’s. Engine 91 had a visible smoke column en route and requested the first-alarm assignment. Engine 91 arrived to a three-story, duplex with smoke showing and started laying a supply line. Heavy fire issued from the C/D cornerof two dwellings as crews stretched attack lines to the front doorforan interiorattack. Watersupply issues forced Command 91 to evacuate the building so crews could put a defensive knock on the fire and regroup forinterioroperations. With fire in three dwellings, Command requested a second alarm to the scene. Multiple lines were stretched into all involved structures and crews reported a collapse of the C/D cornerof the fire building. Firefighters had to breach walls foraccess to douse the flames. Command 91 special called fourengines, two trucks, rescue, and an airtruck. One firefighterwas treated forburns. The fire was placed undercontrol at 0931. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Limerick Garage Fire

At 2049 hours on January 20, 2025, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched to a garage fire on Church Road in Limerick. Mutual aid companies assisted, coming from Royersford, Spring City and East Coventry. Fire police also responded to temporarily close streets forthe duration of fire operations. Upon arrival, Assistant 51 reported smoke showing from a garage. Crews worked quickly in cold conditions to extinguish the fire before there could be significant damage or extension to the house. The fire was being investigated by the fire marshals. - Fire News photo by Regina Jelski

Training

HazMat RefresherCourse forBradford

On March 22, 2025, 18 members of the Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department completed their annual Hazardous Materials Operations refresherclass. The classroom portion of the class was followed by a drill at the local water treatment plant. Identification of the hazardous material, airmonitoring and a victim rescue were part of the drill. WaterAuthority employees demonstrated the use of a Type A chlorine spill kit.

- Fire News photos by Jay K. Bradish

Limerick Trains on Rope Rescue

On March 24, 2025, crews took advantage of the decent weatherto practice working with the Paratech Monopod and Tripod forrope rescues. Crews began by discussing the safety aspects of the setup, working capabilities, and the options fordifferent rescue situations. The firefighters were split into two groups which switched training stations on the church side and the Sunoco side of the Limerick station. On the church side, crews worked on setting up the Paratec Monopod working off the hitch at the rearof Rescue 51. They worked togetherto put the Monopod into service using guides lines to the eyebolts on the rescue and using a mechanical advantage anchorpoint across from the Monopod. The goal was to rescue a victim simulated down an embankment. On the Sunoco side, crews worked on the tripod set up overthe bilko doors and practiced using a harness and lowering a firefighterinto a hole fora rescue. - Fire News photos by Regina Jelski

Inaugural First Responder5k Gauntlet in UPT

On April 5, 2025, UpperProvidence Township (UPT) Department of Fire and Emergency Services, UPTPolice, UPTPublic Works and UPTParks and Recreation teams hosted the inaugural First Responders 5k Gauntlet and 1 mile Kids’Gauntlet on the UPT Black Rock Road Campus. Families had a blast completing the obstacles and running the course at Black Rock Park. Proceeds

from this event will support this summer’s UPTEmergency Services Academy. The UPTEmergency Services Academy introduces Cadets (10- to-15 years old) to the emergency services field. Cadets spend a week with Fire, Police, and EMS professionals and are exposed to a typical day in the life of an emergency responder.

- Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins

Understanding the “Why” Behind Mental Health in the Fire Service National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Partners with Darley forthe 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Competition

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), in partnership with W.S. Darley & Company, is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Contest. This initiative challenges firefighters nationwide to explore the critical yet often overlooked mental health issues within their ranks.

The competition seeks to uncover the deeper reasons behind firefighters’ persistent mental health challenges, beyond the daily high-stakes stress of their lifesaving roles. “Understanding the ‘why’behind the mental health crisis is crucial,” said Garry Briese, a member of the Darley Board of Directors. “This competition provides a unique platform for firefighters to voice their experiences and insights.”

With a focus on introspection and analysis, participants are encouraged to examine various factors contributing to mental health issues, including job stress, firehouse culture, and broader societal impacts that uniquely affect firefighters.

How to Participate:

• Eligibility: Open to active and retired firefighters, both career and volunteer.

• Essay Requirements: Submit a three-tofour-page essay in PDF format, using 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced.

• Submission Period: March 24 - June 2.

“We often hear firefighters say, ‘I’m OK,’masking the true emotional toll of their duties,” said Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive Officer of the NFFF. “This competition is a call to action for firefighters to express themselves openly.”

Submissions will be peer-reviewed by a panel of fire service and mental health experts, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the insights presented. For more details on the competition and submission guidelines, please visit https://darley.com/essay-contest.

FAMAand FEMSAReport the Passing of Richard E. (‘Dick’) Young

Dick Young passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025, at the age of 94. He was a very successful businessman, had a wonderful zest for life, and is an inspiration to all who knew him.

The Young family is an integral part of FAMA’s history. Young Fire Equipment was one of FAMA’s founding member companies.

Dick served as FAMA’s Board President in 1968 and 1969 and Dick’s father, Lester Young, served as FAMA’s Board President in 1947 and 1955.

The following is an excerpt from an Interview with Richard E. “Dick” Young published in the FAMA75th Anniversary History Book (2021). This passage demonstrates the significant value Dick brought to FAMAand the industry as a whole:

“Dick Young’s term of office as president (age 37) in 1968 was preceded by his chairmanship of FAMA’s Technical Committee and involvement on other committees since 1953. At that time FAMAwas, most interestingly, getting into automatic transmissions, some problems combining that with pumping, and we were getting into air brakes, power steering, and lots of new things.”

According to Young, the biggest challenges back then were technicaltrying to comply with new regulations. “It was a strange thing around the time of Jimmy Carter (late 1970s/early 1980s) when the cost of financing went through the roof. Interest rates were so high fire departments ceased buying trucks. When we got into the high inflation period, component companies would not honor the prices to which you were accustomed. You might get an order today that you couldn’t build for a year or so, and it would be ‘price as of the date of shipment.’It cost builders a ton of money.”

Acelebration of life for Dick was held March 23, 2025. Donations in Dick's memory may be made to Dick Young Heritage House, 10 Central Avenue, Lancaster, NY14086.

CTVFC 2024 Annual Dinnerand Awards

On February 1, 2025, Cranbury Township VolunteerFire Company (CTVFC) members and guests gathered forthe 2024 Annual Dinner. The following awards were given out: President’s Award: Tom Klingensmith; Chief’s Award: ConnerMack and John Pristas; Brigade Memberof the Year: Chris Snedeker; Company Member of the Year: Jack Carney; Associate Memberof the Year: Ted Mohrbacher; Rookie of the Year: Jacob Schreffler; Top 5 Volunteers of the Year: Jeff Ammerman, Ted Mohrbacher, Nick Szanto, Dave Mack and Chris Snedeker; Five-YearService Awards:

Ammerman, Nouhoum Cisse, Dave Dillinger, Richard Dunmire, Alex Hepler, Sean Mulraney,

and Kevin Starkey; 10-YearService Award: Dan Kane; 15-Year Service Award: ConnorMack and Colin Robinson; 25-YearService Award: Richard Barch, Dave Mack and Maria Kontros; 30-Year Service Award: Jason Hawk; 40-YearService Award: John Bachner and Gerry Ballentine; and 65-YearService Award: Andy Hack. - Fire News photos by Artie Osniak

Jeff

Artie Osniak, Dave Smith

Bradford Twp. Holds 43rd Annual Awards Banquet

Bradford Township VFD held its 43rd Annual Awards Banquet at their fire station. Over 80 members and guests attended. This was the 69th anniversary of the department’s formation. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a 50-year service award to Jim Long, who joined the department in 1975 and is still active today. Over the years he has served the department in many capacities such as Captain, Assistant Chief, President and a Board of Director member. Fire Chief Dan Burkhouse and President Shawn Galbraith presented Long with his service award. Jennifer Stillman, representing State Representative Martin Causer, presented him with a citation from the Pennsylvania House of

CleverIdea: Ride to School on a Fire Truck

UpperProvidence Township (UPT) Dept of Fire and Emergency Services Squad 68 (C Platoon) had the honorto escort Oaks Elementary School second-grade student Carson M. to school Monday morning April 7, 2025, as a part of UPTFire Department’s “Ride to School” program. Carson was selected from a raffle at the school. We are proud to partnerwith our colleagues at the UPTPolice Department, Friendship Ambulance 325 and staff at Oaks Elementary School to deliverthis fun experience. - Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Representatives. His wife, children, grandchildren and other family members were on hand for the event. Jim is the first member of the department to receive this award. Other firemen receiving service awards were Jay Bradish and Dick Tyger for 40 years of service, Dan Robinson and Chad Miller for 10 years and Chad Niver for five-years. Dillon Goodreau received the Fireman of the Year Award. Members receiving training awards were Bobbie Mackie, Dillon Goodreau, Ian Bisker, Dan Burkhouse, Tim Burkhouse, Nick Colley, Bob Eliason, Justin Marsh, Jim Maze, Chad Niver and Zack Webster. McKean County Commissioner Thomas Kreiner was the guest speaker. He spoke on the importance of volunteering in the fire service and emergency medical services and the issues that are facing the emergency services today. - Fire News photos by Jay K. Bradish

LODD Presentation of Real-World Incident

On April 21, 2025, the Limerick Fire Department hosted a Line of Duty Death (LODD) presentation at Spring-Ford High School, focused on the July 4, 2021, incident in Lower Merion. Approximately 200 firefighters from across the region - including departments from Trappe, Lower Frederick, Upper Frederick, Royersford, Pottstown, Perkiomen, Collegeville, Skippack, Harleysville, Black Rock, Upper Providence, Gilbertsville, Norco, Kimberton, Towamencin, and Sanatoga - attended the training.

Deputy Fire Marshal John Waters of Lower Merion presented a detailed timeline of the fire, using helmet and bodycam footage. His

presentation documented the progression of the incident, from the arrival of the first crews to locating Firefighter Sean DeMuynck, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty at that fire.

Studying LODD incidents is critical to improving firefighter safety. These analyses help identify key risk factors, enhance training, and strengthen safety protocols to help prevent future tragedies.

Special thanks to the fire police for coordinating apparatus parking, and to Servpro for providing water and pretzels for the event.

- Fire News photos by Regina Jelski and Ted Hodgins