Fire News Pennsylvania 9-2025 by Fire News

Fire News photos by Steve Matto

In this issue...

2-Alarmer in Allentown House Fire

Lehigh County Communications transmitted Allentown Box 3536, sending multiple units to North Sherman Street for a house fire.

See story on page 4

Glassport House Fire

Just after midnight, the first alarm assignment was activated for the 600 block of Michigan Avenue for a dwelling fire.

See story on page 7

Firefighters Battle

Dornsife Blaze

A call for a reported house fire was dispatched for the 100 block of State Road in Little Mahanoy Township in Dornsife.

See story on page 8

Harrisburg Homeless Encampment Spot Fires

Life Team EMS Medic 1-21 reported a smoke column coming from the homeless encampment on South Front Street

See story on page 10

Commercial Fire in Upper Leacock

Upper Leacock FC responded to Site Road and South Maple Avenue for a commercial building fire.

See story on page 14

Honoring a HeroCorey Comperatore

One year after his passing, there was a parade, motorcycle cruise, and a concert held in his honor.

See story on page 27

Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973

FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO

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This Looks Familiar

At 2158 hours on July 8, 2025, the Northampton County Communications Center sent stations 53, 15 and 17 (EMS) to Cobblestone Lane in Lower Nazareth Township for a dwelling fire. The same house had a second alarm fire in it the night before, as well. Multiple callers were reporting heavy fire through the entire roof. Chief 5351 arrived to a large two-story single-family dwelling with heavy fire showing from the second division and roof of the Charlie and Delta sides. He quickly struck a second alarm bringing in Stations 14, 17 and 27, Engine 5012, and Tanker 5431. Engine 5311 pulled in the driveway, stretched multiple handlines and put their snozzle in service. Truck 1521 set up on the Alpha side. Tanker 1521 supplied both 5311 and 1521. Crews initially tried an interior attack, but as the fire gained headway and progressed throughout the roof and attic space, crews were pulled out. Truck 2721 arrived on the Alpha-Bravo corner and set up. Crews continued to attack the fire via multiple handlines and ladder pipes. The bulk of the fire was knocked down within 45 minutes. Crews were sent back in shortly after and encountered small pockets of fire that were quickly extinguished. Crews remained on scene well into the early morning hours opening up and hitting hot spots.

- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

Lower Nazareth House Fire Night 2

This house burned two nights in a row. On July 7 and 8, 2025, a Lower Nazareth house burned for the second night in a row. The second night’s fire burned areas that had no fire the first night. - Fire News photo by Rich Rolen

2-Alarmer in Allentown House Fire

At around 2100 hours on July 24, 2025, the Lehigh County Communications Center transmitted Allentown Box 3536 sending Battalion Chief 43, Engines 13, 6, 9, Truck 2, and Engine 4 (RIT) to North Sherman Street for a reported house fire. Multiple callers were reporting flames from the second floor of the house. Engine 13 arrived to a 2-1/2 story duplex with fire showing from the Charlie side. Engine 13’s crew, backed up by the Engine 6, stretched a 1-3/4 inch handline and began the fire attack. Truck 2’s crew set up a series of ground ladders to the roof, as there was no aerial access. Truck 2’s crew started opening the roof as the interior crew began to make the push on the third floor. Battalion Chief 43 then struck the second alarm for more manpower bringing in Engines 14 and 10, Truck 1, Air 1, and the designated county units for cover assignments. Crews stretched more lines, and searches were completed. The bulk of the fire was knocked down within a half hour, but crews spent a few more hours opening up and hitting hot spots. - Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

Alleged Arson in Lykens Twp House Fire

At 0325 hours on the morning of July 6, 2025, a reported structure fire was dispatched in the 27-2 box 500 block of Picnic Road in Lykens Township. Soon after it was advised that it was a mobile home on fire. Chief 27, along with Engine 27, Rescue 27 responded, along with units from Berrysburg and Community Fire, Sacramento Fire, Liberty Hose Lykens, Klingerstown Fire and Wiconisco Fire. Upon Chief 27’s arrival, he found a well-involved mobile home with fire throughout; operations would be exterior/defensive. Soon after units arrived a majority of the structure had already been consumed. Crews were able to make quick work of the remaining fire and then switched to overhaul ops to knock down remaining hot spots. It was determined by the Fire Marshal that the fire had been intentionally set by the occupant of the home by disconnecting a propane gas line on a hot water heater and then ignited a propane stove which subsequently ignited the propane gas that had leaked into and built up within the structure. Upon the point of ignition, the fire flashed and the fire ensued being fed by the propane. A nearby neighbor had reported he heard a loud noise and saw the bfireshortly thereafter. The occupant was subsequently arrested and charged.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Swatara Township Attic Fire

On August 13, 2025, in Swatara Township, Box 49-6 toned for the address on Simpson Road for smoke from a roof. Company 91, Engines 301, 37, 50, 55 and 2-13, Rescues 33 and 69, Truck 32, Tower 1, and Squad 8 responded on the initial assignment. Chief 91-4 advised that a caller reported smoke from the roof and believes occupants were home. Engine 32-1 was added to the box with four aboard. Truck 32 arrived to a three-story, split-level, dwelling with smoke showing, and requested the first alarm. Chief 91-4 assumed command. Engine 32-1 laid out from Central Terrace and Simpson. Interior crews reported the fire was in the knee walls of the attic. Crews opened up from the inside and roof to expose the fire and used a handline to knock down the bulk of the fire. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

6 Displaced by Thompsontown 2 Alarmer

Around 1800 hours on August 18, 2025, firefighters from Thompsontown Fire Company and EMS were sent to East Main Street in Thompsontown for reports of an apartment building fire. According to Thompsontown Fire Chief Jay Walton on his arrival he had a large volume of smoke billowing from the second floor of the building. Walton reported that, initially, crews were making good progress then the fire had found a common space between 12 and East Main Street and jumped into the adjoining building. Firefighters fought with this stubborn fire for about an hour before the fire seemed to be under control. Walton said that the buildings which held four housing units displaced at least six persons all of whom were uninjured, Firefighters from three counties assisted Thompsontown at the scene including Port Royal Fire, Mifflintown Hose, Fayette Fire, Beale Twp Fire, Delaware Twp Fire, Liverpool Fire, Millerstown Fire, Newport Fire, Chief Logan Fire, Thompsontown EMS, Fayette Twp EMS, Pennsylvania State Police, and local firepolice. - Fire News photo by Sam Baumgardner

Glassport House Fire

Just after midnight, the first alarm assignment was activated for the 600 block of Michigan Avenue for a reported dwelling fire. After dispatch, additional calls were received reporting fire coming from the nd division. Chief 61 arrived and reported heavy fire showing from the second division of the 2-1/2 story single-family dwelling with exposure issues on the Bravo side. Engine 161 hit the streets within four minutes of dispatch with a crew of four, laid out a supply line and pulled past the structure to save room for the first-due truck. Truck 190 arrived and backed in to the deadend road. While crews were stretching lines and preparing to make entry, Engine 161 operator dumped the monitor/deck gun into the second division until crews were in place with a handline. Operations reported heavy fire in the second structure. Glassport crews split, while Glassport and McKeesport worked simultaneously on the main fire building to make an aggressive interior attack. Crews were temporarily evacuated from the fire floor until a water supply issue was resolved, and firefighters made the push into the exposure. Primary searches were completed in both structures and proved negative; one cat was rescued from the main fire building and one unfortunately succumbed to the high heat and smoke. The fire was placed under control in right around 25 minutes from arrival. Mutual aid units assisted in overhaul of both structures extinguishing hot spots.

- Fire News photo by Nick Kurta

No Damage to Residence in Driveway Fire

Lafayette Township and Bradford Township volunteer fire departments were dispatched to a reported vehicle fire endangering a house on West Warren Road at 0622 on July 18, 2025. Lafayette Township Engine 21 arrived first with Bradford Township Squad 15-2 second. Arriving firefighters found a vehicle in the driveway with an interior passenger compartment fire and quickly extinguished the fire with a 1-3/4 inch attack line. Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Department was on standby. There was no damage to the residence. Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit is investigating the origin and cause of the fire.

- Fire News photo by Jay. K. Bradish

FFs Battle Dornsife Blaze

At 1400 hours on July 15, 2025, a call for a reported house fire was dispatched for the 100 block of State Road in Little Mahanoy Township in Dornsife. As crew started arriving, the box was upgraded to a reported structure fire with possible entrapment. Chief 63 arrived and, assumed command, and advised county of a single-story story ranch with a metal roof and solar panels. Trevorton Engine 312 pulled into the driveway and stretched a line to the rear. Engine 63 supplied Engine 312 and a tanker shuttle needed to be established. Intense flames and thick smoke roared from the structure while crews began working. Command advised no roof operations as the roof had already begun to sink. While fill sites were being set up, crews set up a porta pond beside Engine 63 for tankers to offload. Due to the high heat and humidity, command requested rehab from Continental Fire be dispatched from Danville. Due to worsening conditions command advised all to evacuate the structure. Engine 312 utilized its deck gun as Engine 161 used their tele-squirt boom. Several units from areas including Herndon, Hickory Corners, Lower Mahanoy, Trevorton, Klingerstown, Shamokin, Lower Augusta, Stonington, Shamokin Dam, Sunbury and Northumberland responded to the scene. Shortly after, command was advised of live wires down on the A/C corner. Engine 33 utilized a residence pond. The home was a total loss; the homeowner was transported from the scene to be evaluated. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Trailer House Fire in Rome Township

At 1235 hours on June 29, 2025, the Bradford County Communications Center transmitted box 11-3 sending Stations 11, 6, 17, 21, Ulster EMS and Guthrie EMS to Mountain Dew Lane in Rome Township for a structure fire. Callers were reporting smoke and fire coming from a trailer. Crews arrived to find a trailer house with minimal fire coming from the exterior of the trailer and some minor extension inside. Crews quickly knocked down the fire and remained on scene for about a half hour hitting hot spots. - Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

Lititz Takes on Commercial Building Fire

Just before midnight on July 29, 2025, Lititz Fire Company responded to the 700 block of Rothsville Road for a reported commercial building fire. Police arrived and reported smoke showing from a 100- x 50-foot building. Engine 25-1 began to make an offensive attack on the fire, but firefighters were forced to exit the building after fire conditions became too intense. A defensive attack using master streams was established to darken down the bulk of the fire. Heavy equipment was also used to pull pieces of the building apart and fully extinguish the fire. The cause was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by Zack Spadaccia/Lititz FC

Working Fire in Emmaus

Firefighters from Emmaus and surrounding areas were dispatched to Lawrence Drive for a reported dwelling fire. The Lehigh County 911 Center advised numerous calls were reporting a working fire and the block covered with smoke. Companies responding struck a second alarm based on the additional information, as well as the smoke column they could see while responding. Crews arrived and found the rear of a twostory dwelling involved in fire. Crews stretched multiple lines and went to work. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Alllentown Commercial Fire Snuffed

Multiple Spot Fires at Harrisburg Homeless Encampment

At 1634 hours on August 15, 2025, Life Team EMS Medic 1-21 reported a smoke column coming from the homeless encampment on South Front Street, known as “Tent City.” Squad 8 and Tower 1 were dispatched to the location that has seen a rash of fires over the last few years. Tower 1 arrived to multiple spot fires and used a can to start knocking down the fires before Squad 8 arrived and stretched a line to fully extinguish five spot fires. The fire was placed under control at 1648 hours.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

City of Allentown firefighters responded to East Highland Street on July 9, 2025, for a commercial building fire. Crews arriving on scene found smoke showing from an auto mechanic shop. Crews went to work and had a knock on the fire within 30 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Tree Fire on Game Farm Road

Slatington

2 Alarm Fire

On July 7, 2025, crews were sent to the 600 block of Main Street in Slatington Borough in Lehigh County. A lawn mower caught fire, then spread to two other garages and at least two houses.

- Fire News photo by Rich Rolen

On July 5, 2025 at 0943 hours, Limerick Fire crews were dispatched to a report of a tree on fire on Game Farm Road. Field 51-1, Field 51-2, Tanker 51, Chief 51, and fire police responded. The tree had been struck by lightning a few nights prior and had been smoldering since. Crews attempted to soak the tree, but due to the fire burning through the approximately 80foot tree, they were unable to reach it from the outside. The property owner was able to assist by cutting down the tree and cutting it into pieces.

- Fire News photo by Regina Jelski

New Kensington Stubborn House Fire

On August 2, 2025, an early morning fire broke out in the back of a New Kensington residence. Crews attacked the fire at the back porch of the residence, but the fire was already spreading through the structure. The fire extended through the walls to all floors, even-

tually tearing through the roof. Multiple crews from two counties battled the stubborn fire for several hours.

- Fire News photos by Steve Matto

Bethlehem Three-Alarmer

City of Bethlehem three-alarm fire on July 6, 2025. - Fire News photo by Rich

Commercial Fire in Upper Leacock

Around 0300 hours on July 13, 2025, Upper Leacock Fire Company responded to Site Road and South Maple Avenue for a commercial building fire. Upon arrival, crews found an out-of-control warehouse fire with flames visible from the roof. Firefighters immediately went defensive, putting several master streams in service to darken down the fire. The incident remained at one alarm, however command requested a dozen additional tankers. Hazmat was also requested for possible chemicals inside the warehouse. Heavy equipment was used to pull apart the building and fully extinguish the fire. The State Police Fire Marshal was investigating.

- Fire News photo by Zack Spadaccia/Spadaccia Photography

Highspire

Shed Fire

On August 9, 2025 at 1817 hours, Box 55-1 dispatched Company 55, Engines 50, 59 and 71, Trucks 32 and 50, and Rescue 59 to Jury Street for a shed fire. Chief 55 arrived to heavy smoke in the area and a well involved shed to the rear on Mary Alley. Engine 55-1 laid a line in from Jury and Mumma Streets and a handline was stretched knocking down fire in a 10 x 20 shed. Command operated with Engines 55-1, 50, and Truck 32 bringing the fire under control at 1835 hours.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Duplex Fire in Wilson Borough

At 0005 hours on July 12, 2025, the Northampton County Communications Center sent Stations 24 and 27 (EMS) to Early Street in Wilson Borough for a dwelling fire. Multiple callers were reporting a large volume of fire coming from the rear of the residence. Chief 2451 arrived to a 2-1/2 story duplex with heavy fire showing from the Charlie and Delta sides. He then asked for an engine from Stations 20 and 27. Truck 2421 arrived and stretched multiple handlines. Engine 2412 arrived, hit a hydrant, and hand jacked a supply line down Early Street to Truck 2421. Engines 2018 and 2411 arrived and began to open up on the second and third divisions. Engines 2711 and 2712 went to work in the Bravo side of the duplex and began opening up as well. Crews in the exposure found moderate extension on the Charlie side second floor. Crews stretched another line to the rear and began opening up the second floor from the outside and inside simultaneously. The fire was knocked down within 30 minutes and crews remained on scene for a little over an hour opening up and hitting hot spots.

- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

Rolen

Mineral Oil Spill in Bradford City

On August 18, 2025, at 1147 hours, Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched to North Kendall Avenue to assist the American Refining Group (ARG) Fire Brigade with an oil spill, after a truck left the facility leaking mineral oil. Absorbent material was put down and cleaned up. No environmental impact was present. The roadway was closed for approximately one hour. Bradford City responded with Squad 1, Engine 1, two chief’s vehicles and an ambulance. American Refining Group responded HazMat 25 and Engine 25. Chief 1 (Butler) had North Kendall command along with ARG Chief Rettger). - Fire News photo by Jay K. Bradish

with Extrication in Lehigh Twp.

Lehigh Township auto extrication July 9, 2025. - Fire News photo by Rich Rolen

2 Injured in Hanover

Twp. Rollover

Emergency personnel were dispatched to Airport Road and Lloyd Streets in Hanover Township for an MVA with entrapment. Responding units were advised that a vehicle had rolled and occupants were now trapped inside. Catasauqua Rescue/Engine 2 arrived on scene and found a vehicle involved in a crash and had rolled but landed on its wheels. Two people were confined to the vehicle. Crews from Rescue/Engine 2 deployed two Hurst combi tools and went to work removing both the driver and passenger side doors. HanLe-Co Rescue/Engine 33 arrived on scene and assisted with manpower. Both victims in the vehicle were removed in stable condition and transported to a local hospital. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Triaxle Strikes Church Wall in Sacramento

On July 1, 2025, Sacramento Fire Company District 14 was dispatched to Fearnot Road and East Main Street in Sacramento for a non-injury auto accident. Upon arrival, it was found that a tri-axle truck had struck the stone wall at United Church of Christ Saint Paul at the intersection. Command requested additional fire police to assist with traffic control. Hammers Towing and Recovery arrived to begin recovery efforts. A payloader from nearby Hubley Township assisted in scooping a large chunk of the wall off of East Main Street. Immediately after, Hammers Towing positioned two tow trucks to remove the disabled truck. While one lifted the front end the second pulled the truck backwards. Without delay the truck was off the remaining wall and was then hooked up and towed from the scene. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Motorcycle vs Car MVA on American Pkwy

Emergency Personnel responded to the 900 block of American Parkway Northeast on June 26, 2025, for a reported crash between a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle. Numerous calls reported the motorcycle rider crossed the center line and struck an SUV head on. The driver of the motorcycle was thrown over the guardrail and down an embankment. Crews arriving on scene found a large debris field and the motorcycle driver down a 20-foot embankment. Fire crews used rope rescue gear and a Stokes basket to get the motorcycle driver up on level ground. He was then transported to the local trauma center.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold Jr.

Fatal 3-Car MVA in Liberty Township

On August 15, 2025, Star Hose Company of Port Allegany, Port Allegany Ambulance Service and Chemical Engine Company 1 of Roulette and Smethport Volunteer fire departments were dispatched to a reported three vehicle MVA with entrapment and fire on Route 6 in Liberty Township in McKean County. Responders found two vehicles on the roadway with the third vehicle over the guardrails, down an embankment on fire. The two occupants of the pickup truck which was on fire were rescued from the burning truck by passersbys before the truck became completely involved. The driver of one vehicle was heavily entrapped and died before the extrication could be completed. Two medical helicopters were requested to the scene. Star Hose responded with a squad and heavy rescue, Port Area ambulance responded with two ambulances, Roulette responded with a squad and an ambulance and Smethport responded with a tanker. The highway was closed for more than six hours while Pennsylvania State Police investigated.

- Fire News photos by Jay. K. Bradish

Single Vehicle Rollover Crash for Districts 10 & 13

On July 14, 2025, Districts 10 and 13 were dispatched to the 900 block of Creek Road in Eldred Township for a mid-day rollover MVA. An EMT on scene advised negative entrapment and the patient out of the vehicle. Engine 10-10 and Rescue 13-50 and 13-70 arrived with Ambulance 13-02. Crews found a single SUV had left the roadway impacting an embankment causing it to slide/rollover several times down the road before coming to rest. Initially air medical was asked to be placed on standby and then requested to be launched. County advised that due to incoming weather all air medical services declined flight. About this time Pennsylvania State Police and Ambulance 6701 arrived. Soon after both EMS units departed the scene transporting the driver to the chosen hospital. District 13 was placed available as District 10 remained until tow arrived to remove the vehicle. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

LifeFlight Landing Zone in Lower Burrell

On the evening of August 21, 2025, Station 69 in Lower Burrell was dispatched to set up a landing zone for a LifeFlight helicopter to transport a patient involved in a motorcycle accident.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

Route 309

Flooding

Early Morning Medevac

Just before 0800 hours on July 5, 2025, Districts 13 and 14 were dispatched to the Tri Valley High School grounds to establish an LZ. LZ. EMS arrived with MedEvac 7 soon after.

- Fire News photos by Seth Lasko

Electrocution at Allentown Work Site

Emergency Services personnel from the City of Allentown were dispatched to North 12th Street in the city for an electrocution on July 9, 2025. Responding personnel were advised a work crew doing facade work on a house had come in contact with power lines. Crews arriving on scene found a rented high lift in contact with high tension lines. Both were transported to a local trauma hospital.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Flooding on Route 309 in Upper Saucon Township. - Fire News photos by Rich Rolen

Spring Mill Fire Co. Goes the Extra Mile

Whitemarsh Township had severe impact with loss of power when powerful storms came through the area. One of the local horse farms, Ashford Farm, lost power and access to the pump which provides water for their horses. With over 40 horses who drink 15 gallons of water per day, Ashford Farms was struggling to provide enough water for their horses. Spring Mill Fire Company 1 stepped up without hesitation. Our local firefighters responded swiftly, supplying water to the horses ensuring the health and safety of the farm’s horses until power could be restored. Our engine was able to supply water to each horse stall when the temperatures were soaring. This is just one example of how our firefighters and first responders go above and beyond — not just during emergencies, but whenever our neighbors need a helping hand. Whether it’s people or animals, we’re here for all of Whitemarsh Township and the surrounding areas. - Submitted by Rob Walls

Canonsburg VFD Chief Tim Solobay on Lithium-Ion Batteries

Recently we had our first dealing with a Lithium-Ion battery fire. You can’t just throw those away in the garbage when they don’t work or you don’t need them anymore. A Waste Management CNG powered garbage truck was picking up in the area when passersby told him smoke was coming out of the back of the truck. Following WM Safety Protocols, he took the truck away from buildings and houses and to an empty lot. He slowed the process by further compressing the garbage which took away oxygen. When we arrived, we instructed him to go ahead and dump the load. We localized the smoldering section and while separating to wet down came across a damaged/burnt battery from either a tool or toy. We dealt with that and submerged it in a bucket of water. Thanks to the proper actions by their driver and ability to locate and isolate the battery, what could have been an issue if the fire ended up effecting the CNG tanks, was nothing more than a routine refuse call.

- Submitted by Tim Solobay

49th Annual Pennsylvania Pump Primers

On July 12, 2025, the Pennsylvania Pump Primers held their 49th Annual Fire Apparatus Show and Muster in Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park. Approximately 100 pieces of antique fire apparatus were on display with many drafting and pumping from the riverwalk along the banks of the Susquehanna River. The event also featured a flea market, status displays, pumper demonstrations, and fire related contests and games. The Pennsylvania Pump Primers is the Central PA chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb and Artis Osniak

Warrington Antique Apparatus Muster

July 26, 2025.

SUPER VAC AND COMMAND LIGHT APPOINT NEW REGIONAL SALES MANAGER TO NORTHEAST TERRITORY

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Super Vac and Command Light proudly announce the appointment of a new regional sales manager with the addition of Tom Houlihan in the Northeast region. Houlihan now represents Super Vac’s expansive lineup of ventilation equipment and Command Light’s array of scene lighting products in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington DC and West Virginia.

Houlihan joins Super Vac and Command Light with more than 30 years of experience in the fire service, accompanied by 20-plus years in the fire and industrial markets. Houlihan joined the fire service in 1993, rising to the rank of Lieutenant and remains a current member in Colonie, NY.

Houlihan has a special ability to cultivate relationships with distribution partners and fire departments across the region. He brings his passion for sales, marketing, education and the fire service to Super Vac and Command Light after working at Task Force Tips, Garrison Fire & Rescue and Milton CAT.

“We’re excited to see what Tom can do with his love of sales and marketing, and his passion for the fire service, to Super Vac and Command Light,” Super Vac and Command Light President Roger Weinmeister said.

Houlihan will be present at key industry events beginning with

the New Jersey State Fireman’s Convention on Sept. 12, 2025. To view Super Vac’s full territory breakdown, visit supervac.com/sales-support. To view Command Lights’ full territory lineup, visit commandlight.com/sales-support.

About Super Vac

Super Vac is the world’s leading manufacturer in the emergency ventilation products. A one-stop shop for all things ventilation, Super Vac equips crews with a versatile array of only the toughest solutions, including the industry’s largest lineup of PPV fans, spanning from 8- to 80-inch blades, as well as smoke ejectors, available in 12-, 16-, 20- and 24-inch blades. Super Vac also manufactures rescue saws, rehab misters and other necessities.

About Command Light

Command Light, located in Fort Collins, Colo., has specialized in scene lighting for the emergency industry for more than 25 years and features only the best light towers, compact scene lighting, traffic flow boards and other safety lighting products. Command Light’s towers are available in a variety of configurations, including AC or DC, different tower bases, varying output choices and a long list of options, like backlighting to illuminate both sides of the scene

- Fire News photos by Steve Lenz

Up Close & Personal

Members from the Adams Township Fire District at a second alarm house fire in the City of Butler on June 30, 2025.

-Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Chiefs

-Fire News photo by Steve

Ed Saliba (New Kensington) and Tom Bell (Greensburg).

Matto

Limerick Annual Youth Firefighter Camp

June 16 to 20, 2025, the Limerick Fire Department welcomed nearly 160 campers for a high-energy week of hands-on firefighting and safety training at our annual Youth Firefighter Camp.

Throughout the week, campers rotated through a wide variety of engaging and interactive stations designed to teach them the fundamentals of firefighting, rescue operations, and emergency response. They geared up in turnout

gear, learned how to properly call 911, operate fire extinguishers, and explore the various types of apparatus used in real-world emergencies — including ladder trucks, tower units, marine units, and tankers. Inside the fire prevention trailer, campers practiced escaping smoke-filled rooms, learned about kitchen and bedroom fire safety, and developed family escape plans.

A special highlight was a visit from the

Limerick Police Department and their K-9 officer, Nischa. Officers spoke to the campers about bike safety and gear, and Nischa quickly became a camp favorite.

For the older Cadet group, the week included more advanced, scenario-based training.

- Fire News photos by Regina

Jelski

Honoring a Hero - Corey Comperatore

Corey Comperatore, former Chief and Life Member of Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department, was tragically killed protecting his wife and daughters from gunfire at a Donald Trump rally in Butler County. One year after his passing, there was a parade, motorcycle cruise, and a concert held in his honor. Corey’s wife

Helen (shown in the picture with his statue) and daughters were presented with numerous tokens of remembrance, including an engraved fire axe, and a wooden case containing Corey’s gear. After the concert, the evening concluded with a fireworks display.

-Fire News photos by Steve Matto

NFFF Hosts

Gettysburg Battlefield Tour

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation was pleased to host a group of fire service leaders from New Jersey and Pennsylvania who were participating in a weekend Gettysburg Battlefield Staff Ride being offered by the Sussex County (NJ) Fire Academy. NFFF Executive Director Victor Stagnaro hosted the group’s visit to the National Fire Academy.

-Fire News photo by Kelly Gabliks