Fire News Pennsylvania, September/October 2021 edition

Serving PENNSYLVANIA

VOLUME 11, NO. 4

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

Story on page 10.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

Looking Back PA Fire History Please see page 35.

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Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 3

In this issue...

Fire and Explosions in McKeesport City of McKeesport firefighters were dispatched for a power line down and sparking on top of a building.

See story on page 6

3-County Response to House Fire Firefighters from Lower Towamensing Palmerton, Bowmanstown and Walnutport were dispatched to a dwelling fire.

See story on page 8

A Service for Pennsylvania Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY Editorial Assistant: BRYAN LOPEZ Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES

Harleysville House Fire Harleysville firefighters were dispatched to a house fire on Bergeys Mill Road.

See story on page 14

Explosion in Vandergrift Crews from several counties were called for a report of an explosion in Vandergrift.

See story on page 18

Birthday Wishes to Jaycee Amick Parks Township VFD held a parade to celebrate Jaycee Amick’s 12th birthday.

See story on page 31

Obituaries Perkiomen’s Nicholas Matregrano Penn Wynne’s Sean W. DeMuynck See story on pages 34 & 37

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 26-28 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 37 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 37 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 38

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS DAWN ALTSTATT, TED AURIG, LAUREN CARPENTER, JASON COLEMAN-COBB, TED FESSIDES, JEFF GOLDBERG, N. GRISWOLD, ALEX LLOYD GROSS, CHRIS HALDEMAN, CURTIS JURY, KEN LAGER, SETH LASKO, GREG LEAMAN, ANDY MARSH SR., STEVEN MATTO, ARTIE OSNIAK, STEVE ROTH, PATRICK SHOOP, SHANE SHIFFLETT, JAYSON WAGNER, ASHLEY WALTERS, FRANK WESNOSKI, DENNIS WETHERHOLD, JR. COPYRIGHT 2021, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Nine Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ Proud Member Of: Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.

Page 4, Fire News, September/October 2021

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

It’s That Time Again!

It is hard to believe that summer is over and as firefighters we have to once again give thought to educating our communities on the topic of fire prevention. I can still remember when my own kids ventured off to college.

As a dad, I was truly happy to watch the enthusiasm that my two girls had when they left home to live on their own in a college dormitory. Another side of me was nervous. I am reminded of the fatal Seton Hall fire at Boland Hall, which claimed the lives of three students and injured over 50 more students.

Statistics showed that from 2000 to 2014, 89 fatal fires were documented that occurred on a college campus, in Greek housing, or in off-campus housing within three miles of the campus, claiming a total of 126 victims — 76 in off-campus housing claiming 107 victims, seven fires in on campus building or residence halls claiming nine victims, and six in Greek housing (fraternities and sororities) claiming 10 victims. The good news is, thanks to our Fire Safety Educators, Juvenile Arson Awareness Programs and to our fire marshals and community fire departments,

2015 was the first year that there were no fatal fires on college campuses. For the year of 2020, fires were down by over three percent. All of the programs in which your fire department is involved help prevent fires and save lives.

With the interruption of Covid, I ask if your department’s fire prevention program is ready to go into action? In the past, I urged everyone to evaluate their Fire Safety Education Program. I still urge you to have one of your county or town fire safety organizations to review your program to make sure you are doing the right thing.

Understand, children can get mixed messages when they come to the firehouse and watch firefighters set fires and put them out.

Educators are aware of the pitfalls of “negative teaching” to get a point across. I worry that someday there will be a student who will see a firefighter set a car on fire and, while being mesmerized by the flames, think that that was the purpose of the demonstration. It is important to show the community our equipment and apparatus, but it is more

important to make sure your audience knows that when a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm goes off, they need to act in a specific way.

Putting Covid and new school policies aside, at the end of the day, whether the community comes to the firehouse or you go out to the community, the result should be the same. Everyone must understand “stop drop and roll,” how to “get out alive” and what to do when the smoke or CO alarm sounds.

Every year, departments do an outstanding job teaching fire safety awareness. Is your program working? Statistics are saying that they are. Keep up the good work!

- Dennis

Page 6, Fire News, September/October 2021

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Wires Spark Fire and Explosions in McKeesport

On July 16, 2021, at 1718, City of McKeesport firefighters were dispatched to McKeesport Auto Body located on Rebecca Street for a power line down and sparking on top of the building. Crews arrived and found the heavy smoke coming from the roof and upgraded the assignment to a two-alarm fire. It was soon discovered that there were bad hydrants in the area, so several tankers were requested.

Crews made entry but with no water supply and the rapidly moving fire, crews were forced to evacuate the building. The fire quick-

ly grew after chemicals inside caused several explosions and crews worked on protecting an exposure home. As crews struggled with water supply issues, several additional tankers from Westmoreland County were requested and a third alarm was requested just before 2000. Crews worked for hours before the fire was brought under control with units finally clearing the scene at 0203.

- Fire News photos by First Due Photography

Collapse in Crafton Borough

On July 9, 2021 at 1230, firefighters were dispatched to the Knights of Columbus Hall on West Crafton Avenue in Crafton Borough.

Crews arrived to find a working fire in the roof area of the building and attempted an interior attack but were forced to evacuate the building due to quickly changing conditions. The roof of the building collapsed soon after all firefighters made it out and a backhoe

was brought in to help clear debris. A second alarm was requested for additional manpower as crews worked for several hours before the fire was brought under control. A construction crew was working on the roof when the fire broke out and managed to escape without injury. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by First Due Photography

Page 8, Fire News, September/October 2021

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3-County Response to House Fire Firefighters from Lower Towamensing Township, Palmerton, Bowmanstown and Walnutport were dispatched to a dwelling fire on Forest Inn Road for a well-involved kitchen fire. A second alarm was struck bringing in additional companies along with tankers. Eventually crews from Carbon, Northampton and Monroe counties would respond to the fire. Crews worked for several hours chasing hot spots due to renovations done over the years.

- Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Perkiomenville Townhouse Fire On September 2, 2021, numerous companies from Montgomery and Berks Counties responded to a dwelling fire on Pine Ridge Drive in Perkiomenville that involved four townhouses in the Perkiomen Crossings development.

- Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins

Penn Hills House Fire On August 1, 2021, Penn Hills and Monroeville responded to an early morning residential structure fire on Heberton Drive in Penn Hills.

- Fire News photos

by Steve Matto

Busy 4 Days in Vandergrift On July 19, 2021, the town of Vandergrift experienced their second multi-structure fire in just four days. This fire started in the center of a large commercial building, and extended next door to a residence. Crews had trouble attacking the fire as it was in the center of the building, with houses only a couple feet away on both sides of the structure. Crews fought the stubborn blaze for several hours before getting it under control.

- Fire News photos by Steve Matto

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Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 9

Chestnut Hill Road Fire

Firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire on Chestnut Hill Road in Salisbury Township on June 27, 2021.

Several calls were received reporting a garage fire. A second alarm was struck along with a request for five tankers due to the area being non-hydrant. Emmaus Engine 7 arrived and its crew went to

work attacking a well-off garage. Western Salisbury Engine 31 arrived and provided additional water until tankers could arrive from mutual aid companies. Crews had the fire knocked down quickly, but remained on scene for around an hour performing overhaul.

- Fire News photos by Geoffrey Wetherhold

Page 10, Fire News, September/October 2021

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Cover Story

Vacant House Fire in Arnold

At 2302 on July 5, 2021, Stations 95 - 1 and 2 were dispatched for a vacant house fire on the 1500 block of Woodmont Avenue in Arnold.

Station 69 was added for RIT, and New Kensington Stations 2 and 5 for attack, as well as Citizens Hose Station 167. A bottom floor garage was fully engulfed pre-arrival, and heavy fire was coming

out of several second floor windows. Powerlines were sparking, making the attack more difficult. Crews kept a safe distance, and started their attack from the alley, while interior crews entered through the front of the structure. The blaze was brought under control in under 30 minutes.

- Fire News photos by Steve Matto

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13 Displaced by Ephrata Blaze At 1208 on August 8, 2021, Lancaster Communications dispatched Engines 15-1, 16-1, 12-2 and 35-1; Rescue 16; and Trucks 15 and 17 to East Locust Street in Ephrata Borough for a dwelling fire.

Ambulance 1-1 advised that all occupants were out. Fire was found in the attic of a two-story, brick, unoccupied duplex.

Engine 15-1 stretched and supplied Engine 16-2 for the fire attack and shortly after a second alarm for manpower was struck as temperatures neared 90 degrees. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 20 minutes. Thirteen occupants were displaced by the fire.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Creekside Evacuation

A storm in Bensalem Bucks County caused the evacuation of some residents of the Creekside Apartments. Local fire crews were called to assist. Crews and marine units helped go door-to-door at Creekside and Hunters.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Clay Township 4-Alarmer At 1829 on August 4, 2021, crews were dispatched to West Main Street in Clay Township at the Weaver Nut Company for a building fire. Lincoln Fire of Ephrata Assistant Chief 16, while en route, was advised of multiple calls, some sort of explosion, unknown if anyone was inside. Deputy Chief 16 requested the second-alarm assignment.

Assistant 16 arrived to fire from a large, warehouse-type building, with exposure problems. Due to the rapidly spreading fire and lack of hydrants, companies went into a defensive posture and protected the exposures on the A, and D sides. The fire eventually grew to four alarms with numerous special calls for tankers from Lancaster and Lebanon counties. The fire building was a total loss and the fire burned for several days before being fully extinguished.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 11

Page 12, Fire News, September/October 2021

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Hmmm …That Looks Odd Firefighters from the Slatington Fire Department were dispatched to Maple Street for a dwelling fire.

Firefighters arrived to find a fire in a small bucket that had flashed and extended to a small area inside the house. While crews were preforming overhaul they found several items of a questionable nature. The Allentown Fire Department Bomb Squad was called for assistance. Members of the bomb squad investigated and determined there was no further issue. Assisting Slatington were Walnutport, Friedens and Greenawalds Fire Departments as well as Northern Valley EMS. - Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Commercial Blaze in Lower Burrell Stopped On July 26, 2021, Station 69 from Lower Burrell and several surrounding departments were called for a commercial structure fire at Sharpe Auto Repair in Lower Burrell. The fire started in a seconddivision office, and crews entered the structure and knocked down the fire before it could extend into other parts of the building.

- Fire News photos by Steve Matto

Nice Stop in Allentown Firefighters from the Allentown Fire Department were dispatched recently to a structural fire at the Union Terrace Elementary School on Union Street. Engine 10 reported a header from several blocks away. Crews arrived and found fire showing from two portable classrooms. Several lines were stretched and a second alarm was struck by Battalion Chief Sean O’Neil.

Engine 6 was ordered to lay a secondary supply line and Truck 2 was ordered to approach from the side.

Crews had a good knock on the fire within 20 minutes.

- Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Quick Work by Lehighton Firefighters from the Lehighton Fire Department were dispatched to this dwelling fire on North 7th Street on July 28, 2021. Firefighters were able to make quick work of the secondfloor fire.

- Fire News photos

by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

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One Medevac’d from Lewistown MVA

On July 13, 2021, Lewistown Fire and EMS arrived to find a twovehicle MVA with entrapment. One patient was flown to Geisinger Trauma Center with serious injuries.

- Fire News photo by Pat Shoop

MVA and Then Fire

On June 30, 2021, Arnold crews responded to a call for a two-vehicle MVA, with both vehicles on fire. A motorcycle ran into the back of a parked van and both vehicles caught fire.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

Butler Smoker On September 15, 2021, Butler County 911 dispatched Station 1 (Butler Bureau of Fire) to West Wayne Street in the City of Butler for an automatic fire alarm. Butler units arrived and requested a first alarm due to a smell and haze of smoke in the building. The rest of the alarm was added which included Station 3 (Butler Twp. Fire District), Station 38 (Veterans Affairs Fire Department), Station 99 (Butler Ambulance Service) and Butler City Police. Units searched for the cause of the issue. All units then cleared a short time later and the building was then turned back over to the owners.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 13

Page 14, Fire News, September/October 2021

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Harleysville House Fire

The Harleysville Fire Company was dispatched to a house fire on units. Fire crews made a quick attack on the fire and stopped it Bergeys Mill Road recently. Crews arrived to fire from the roof. from spreading. Crews were on location for an extensive amount of Many additional companies were added to the call and a tanker time doing overhaul work.

- Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins task force was dispatched as there were no hydrants in the area. A tanker fill site and dump site were quickly established for incoming

Page 16, Fire News, September/October 2021

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Quick Knockdown in Harrison

Good Stop on Barn Fire

On August 25, 2021, departments from Harrison, Tarentum, Arnold and Lower Burrell responded to a commercial structure fire in Harrison. Crews got a fast knockdown on the fire and provided ventilation.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

On July 9, 2021, a large barn fire alerted Murrysville, White Valley, and several other departments. Crews got a good knock on the fire and had it under control in under 30 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

No Source Found in Butler

Nice Stop in Bensalem

On the evening of August 23, 2021, Butler 911 dispatched a firstalarm assignment to South Main Street in the City of Butler for a smell of smoke in a building. Station 1 (Butler Bureau of Fire), Station 3 (Butler Twp. Fire District), Station 38 (Veterans Affairs Fire Department), Station 99 (Butler Ambulance Service) and Butler City Police responded. Upon arrival they had a light haze in the building. The whole building was checked and nothing found. All units returned to service.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Fire crews were busy with a one-alarm fire on Knights Road, in Bensalem, in August 2021. Heavy fire and smoke was showing from an apartment building. First in crew held the fire to one alarm.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Small Fire in Allentown

Commercial Collapse in Arnold

Firefighters from the Allentown Fire Department responded to a building fire on Hamilton Street. A small fire was located and extinguished.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

On July 25, 2021, Stations 95-1 and 2 were called for a structural collapse of a commercial building in Arnold. The building, formerly Ida’s Restaurant, was the scene of a large fire several years ago, and has been unoccupied ever since. Luckily no one was injured as the building simply collapsed into the street. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto

Page 18, Fire News, September/October 2021

Explosion in Vandergrift

Around 0800 on July 15, 2021, crews from several counties were called for a report of an explosion at a residence in Vandergrift.

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Three houses were found well-involved on arrival.

- Fire News photos by Steve Matto

Page 20, Fire News, September/October 2021

Vehicle Fire Extends in No. Huntington Twp.

Just before 1900 on July 13, 2021, fire crews were dispatched to a report of smoke coming from a commercial building located along Route 30 in North Huntington Township. Crews entered and found a vehicle fire, which was quickly contained but the fire had already extended into the building.

Crews were able to find the fire and knock it down and then began overhaul and ventilation. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo

by First Due Photography

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Williamsport 4-Alarmer

Marysville House Fire

Crews working a four-alarm fire involving two double houses on Park Avenue in Williamsport on July 10, 2021.

- Fire News photo by Joe Hopple

On August 20, 2021, at 0553, Perry County sent Engines 6 and 2, Rescue 2, Tanker 6, Truck 2, and Squad 20 to North Main Street for a house fire. Engine 6 advised of a porch fire extending to the interior. Chief 6 arrived to fire in a two-story dwelling that was set back from the road along the banks of the Susquehanna River. Tanker 6 positioned in the driveway and was supplied by Tanker 20 from a hydrant in front of the fire building. Additional companies from Cumberland and Dauphin counties were special called to the scene. Several lines were stretched and operated to knock the fire on the first and second floors.

- Fire News photo

by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 21

Haycock, West End Cover

Proud Owners Restore Truck

The cover up crew of Haycock and West End Fire Company of Quakertown stood by at Quakertown Station 17 during their festivities of housing and dedicating of Engine 17 on July 10, 2021.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Heather and Jon Ness Gregor from Fairless Hills, Bucks County, with their 1981 Pierce Arrow at the Wheaton Village Muster on August 15, 2021, in Millville (NJ). The engine won two prizes.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Bensalem ’83 Unit at Wheaton Muster A. J. Deangelis from Bensalem in Bucks County with his 1983 Hahn at the Wheaton Village Muster in Millville (NJ) on August 15, 2021.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Page 22, Fire News, September/October 2021

Greensburg Call

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Harrisburg House Fire

On August 8, 2021, Greensburg Fire, and surrounding mutual aid stations, responded to Pittsburgh Street for an odor of something burning in the basement.

- Fire News photo by Pat Shoop

At 1940 on August 12, 2021, Box 1-4 sent Squad 8, Wagon 4, Tower 1, Truck 2, and Battalion Chief Lloyd to South 14th Street, in the city’s Allison Hill area, for a structure fire. Squad 8 laid a line in as the chief requested the first alarm, bringing Wagon 3, Rescue 69, Air 13, and Chief 3 to the scene. Companies encountered fire in the second-floor rear of a three-story, brick duplex. The Squad stretched in for initial fire attack making a good knock on the bulk of the fire. A second line was charged from the Squad and used in the fire building. No extension was located in the exposure. The fire was placed under control at 2005.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Granville Township Dumpster Fire

2 Displaced by Lawnton Fire

On June 30, 2021, Granville Township crews, under extreme ambient heat conditions, had Rescue 15 respond to a well-off industrial dumpster. Extra engines and tankers were also requested.

- Fire News photo by Pat Shoop

All Hands at Lewiston VFW Just past 0300 on August 27, 2021, the alarm was sounded for smoke coming from the VFW in Lewistown.

First units found heavy smoke showing.

Chief Barlett called a second alarm. Crews entered to find high heat and smoke conditions. A working fire was found in the bar area and there was major damage to the first floor and smoke and water damage to the second floor and basement.

- Fire News photo by Pat Shoop

At 1752 on August 13, 2021, Box 45-7 toned for a structure fire on Erie Road in the Lawnton section of Swatara Township. Swatara Fire and Rescue Company 91, Paxtang Engine 40, and Steelton Truck 50 made up the initial assignment. Chief 91-7 arrived to a working porch fire with extension into the dwelling. The first alarm was transmitted bringing Tower 1, Rescues 69, Engines 88 and 33 to the scene. Engine 40 laid a supply line in and one line was stretched into the front door and a second deployed to the rear. The fire building was a two-story dwelling with rear basement access. The bulk of the fire on the porch and interior of the dwelling was quickly knocked down.Two adults were displaced in the fire.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

4 Dead at Steelton Blaze At 0603 on August 6, 2021, Box 501 sounded for the address of South Front and Mohn Street for a structure fire. Chief 50 (Vance) was advised of a possible entrapment. Chief 50 requested the first alarm struck bringing additional units to the scene. Wagon 4 arrived to fire showing from the second floor.

Steelton Engine 50 arrived along with Wagon 4, Tower 1, and Engine 91-2 and made the initial attack and primary search. The fire building was a two-story, brick multi-use with apartments over a store.

Two lines were used to make a quick knock down on a fire involving the second floor front. Additional lines were used to knock down hot spots and for any possible extension. The fire was placed under control in about 20 minutes but four occupants perished in the fire.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 23

100-Year Rain On July 12, 2021, fire crews at the Lafayette Gardens had to use boats from all over Bucks County, and even Philadelphia, to evacuate residents. A 100-year flood dumped 10 inches of rain in a few hours.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Hurricane Ida Flooding On September 1, 2021, crews made multiple water rescues due to Hurricane Ida and record-flooding of the Perkiomen Creek.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Page 24, Fire News, September/October 2021

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Small Plane Crash in Limerick Township Dozens of firefighters responded to a plane crash with fire at Heritage Field Airport in Limerick Township on July 4, 2021. Upon arrival, crews from Limerick Township Fire Department’s Rescue 51 went in service with two attack lines, while supplied with water from Tanker 51 and Perkiomen Township Fire’s Tanker 66. Foam was used from Field 51 to spray down the aircraft and surrounding area.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

I-76 Interstate MVA

Recently, crews from Upper Allen, and Silver Springs responded to an MVA involving a tractor trailer on the westbound portion of Interstate 76.

- Fire News photo provided

2-Car MVA with Entrapment On August 5, 2021, New Kensington Stations 2, 4 and 5 were called to a two-vehicle rollover MVA with entrapment and injuries. Crews cut the back of the vehicle open to allow EMS personnel to assist the patient, then removed the roof of the vehicle for extraction.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

Engine Failure on Take Off Firefighters from the Lehigh Valley International Airport along with mutual aid from the cities of Allentown and Bethlehem, as well as numerous Lehigh and Northampton County companies, responded to an Alert 1 at the airport on June 29, 2021. A Navy plane involved in touch and go maneuvers at the airport had an engine failure after take off and returned to the airport.

- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

MVA with Injuries in Perkiomen Twp. At 0727 on June 18, 2021, Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s Tanker 66 and an all-volunteer crew responded to an MVA with injuries near the intersection of Gravel Pike (Route 29) and Rahns Road (Route 113) in the township. Pennsylvania State Police also responded.

- Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins

Page 26, Fire News, September/October 2021

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Training

Perkiomen and Lower Frederick Drafting Session

Volunteers with Perkiomen Township Fire Company Station 66 along with Lower Frederick Fire Company Station 52 brought Engine 66 and Engine 52-1 down to the banks of the Perkiomen Creek on September 9, 2021, to practice drafting. Lift, vacuum,

pressure, suction, proximity and elevation are all important factors in drafting from the creek. A great team exercise.

- Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins

Tanker Drill at Harleysville CFC

On August 17, 2021, Harleysville Community Fire Company Station 89 (Montgomery County) held their annual large-scale tanker drill. This drill consisted of 13 tankers and five engines from area fire companies. This training simulated a large-scale operation

for a major event where a large amount of water needs to be flowed.

This was another critical drill to ensure skills and equipment are ready to go when called upon.

- Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins

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Training

Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 27

Public Safety Dive Cert

The Spring Mill Fire Co. No. 1 Public Safety Dive Team completed their FEMA NIMS Type Resource Status (509 Type 4 Diver) Pilot that has been ongoing since May 2020. The training wrapped up with the requisite SDI TDI ERDI Tender and Diver I Technician certifications in an intensive three-day summer weekend consisting of a five-hour classroom session on Friday night and seven-plus hours practical evolution days on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday’s session was held in the pool while Sunday’s practical evaluations were completed in the Schuylkill River in Gladwyne. On Saturday, the divers completed equipment ditching and confidence drills, underwater tasks and obstacle courses with fouling, entrapment and entanglement, victim recovery and lifting, and live diver switch-outs. These drills were completed while each diver’s view was obstructed with mask blackout covers.

On Sunday, the divers put the skills into practice with simulated operational search and recovery activities, while managing mission requirement. While the divers were completing their practical evaluations on Sunday, fire company members Assistant Chief John Pierce, Dave Hertzler, Carmen Lilick, (Junior Member) Carmen Lilick, Jr., and (Junior

Member) Daniel Lilick, worked to provide a triage area for decontamination, simulating a response in a hazardous contaminated environment.

This roadmap was an effort by the fire company to align with consensus standards for Public Safety Diving and increase the awareness, knowledge and expertise in the mission of providing search, recovery and evidentiary collection. Each of the seven divers in this program completed 170-plus contact hours of training across 15 certifications.

The Spring Mill Fire Company 1 Dive Team is led by Captain Nicholas Jennings, Lieutenant Alex Jacobson and Safety Officer Joseph Rogers. The team had incredible support from Spring Mill Fire Company 1 Board of Directors, Fire Chief Bob Shoemaker, the instructors from Scubadelphia Diveseekers, the instructors from Northeast Public Safety Divers who administered the ERDI training and, most importantly, the divers who have contributed their time, effort and energy to achieve these objectives. The divers who completed the certifications include Captain Nicholas Jennings, Lieutenant Alex Jacobson, Safety Officer Joseph Rogers, Liza Mattis, Amy Bennett, Ron Rossbach and Robert J Walls.

- Fire News photo by Robert Walls

Come on Down to Florida in February The Florida Antique Bucket Brigade will be hosting the 2022 SPAAMFAA convention on February, 23-26, 2022, at the Wyndham Hotel in Kissimmee, Florida. We have tours scheduled to visit the Pierce plant, Tampa Fire Department, Cape Canaveral Fire Department Training site, Daytona 500 Experience and Lake Ridge Winery. Seminars during the week, 2-½ days of vendors and the apparatus show on Saturday, February 26, 2022. Visit our website for more info: www.fabbfire.org or contact Bob Romig at 863-427-4717.

Page 28, Fire News, September/October 2021

Training

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Pump Training for Lycoming Old Lycoming Tanker 14 pump training at Susquehanna State Park in Williamsport on July 18, 2021.

- Fire News photo by Joe Hopple

Training with Lower Frederick Twp. On August 16, 2021, Perkiomen Township Fire Company volunteers got an overview of Lower Frederick Fire Company’s Ladder 52, plus had the opportunity to climb to the top of their 105-foot ladder. Thanks to Lower Frederick Fire Company for coming over and going over the apparatus. It was much appreciated!

- Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins; drone shots courtesy of FF Justin Piccone

7 Companies Conduct Tanker Training County that do not have public water or fire hydrants available.

Areas that do not have hydrants are designated as “Tanker Zones” and tankers are automatically added to all dispatches for reported fires saving valuable time in establishing a water supply. These joint trainings help firefighters get to know each other’s resources On May 24, 2021, volunteers from several area fire companies met as well as build relaat the Upper Providence Township Building grounds to go over tionships with area tanker operations including best practices at fill sites and dump companies. sites. Participating companies included Perkiomen, Upper - Fire News photos Providence Township, Black Rock, Collegeville, Skippack, Trappe

by Ted Hodgins and Limerick. There are still a few areas in western Montgomery

Page 30, Fire News, September/October 2021

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Quakertown Fire Holds Housing for New Engine

The Quakertown Fire Company in Bucks County finally celebrated and dedicated their new engine on July 10, 2021, following an inspection muster by the New Jersey State Fire Chief’s Parade Judges Association. It was a nice day and a nice turnout, with fire companies from Bucks and Lehigh counties coming to celebrate. T-

shirts and mugs were sold and plenty of hot dogs and Birch beer were on hand. Dignitaries gave comments, a proclamation was given by the Congressional Fire Services, and the day was capped off by the housing of the engine.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

WPFA Battle of the Barrel

On August 8, 2021, the City of New Kensington hosted the 128th Annual Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association Convention Battle of the Barrel.

- Fire News photos by Steve Matto

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128th WPFA Parade

On August 7, 2021, the City of New Kensington hosted the 128th Annual Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association Convention Parade.

- Fire News photos by Steve Matto

Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 31

Birthday Wishes to Jaycee Amick

On July 25, 2021, Parks Township Volunteer Fire Department held a parade to celebrate the birthday of Jaycee Amick, a 12-yearold resident of the township who is battling a rare form of brain cancer. Dozens of fire departments, EMS, and police, as well as a helicopter showed their support for the Parks Township girl.

- Fire News photos by Steve Matto

Page 32, Fire News, September/October 2021

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Perkiomen Firefighter Robert Hanshaw Completes Fire I Perkiomen Township Fire Company Deputy Chief Stan Turtle (right) presented firefighter Robert Hanshaw with his new helmet. The new helmet identifies Firefighter Hanshaw as an interior firefighter. In May, Firefighter Hanshaw graduated from Fire 1 making him an interior qualified member. This training was held at the Montgomery County Fire Academy and totaled over 200 hours of training both during class and practice/studying outside of class. Firefighter Hanshaw, great work and never stop training!

- Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins

Nancy Run’s Rescue Engine 1413

Northampton’s Truck 4221

Milford’s 33 Rescue

- Fire News photos by Geoffrey Wetherhold

Greensburg Battle of the Barrel

On July 31, 2021, the City of Greensburg held their annual Battle of the Barrel at their Parking Lot Party.

- Fire News photos by Steve Matto

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Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 33

Diamond Fire Celebrates 125 Years

Pennsylvania Pump Primers Muster

On June 12, 2021, the Diamond Fire Company of Walnutport celebrated their 125th Anniversary with a parade and block party.

Fire units from Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon and Schuylkill counties attended the parade. Approximately 100 fire units took part.

- Fire News photos Artie Osniak

The Pennsylvania Pump Primers Muster was held in Riverfront Park in Harrisburg on July 10, 2021.

- Fire News photos by Stephen Lenz

Page 34, Fire News, September/October 2021

Obituary Perkiomen’s Nicholas Matregrano Area firefighters, family and friends of Perkiomen Township Fire Company volunteer Firefighter/EMT Nicholas Matregrano gathered on July 18, 2021, at a memorial service at Station 66. Nick passed away earlier in the year.

In addition to being a volunteer with Station 66, Nick had been past-Chief at Schwenksville Fire Company Station 73.

Engine 73 (now Lower Frederick Township Fire Company’s Engine 52-1) was a truck that Nick went out on often on calls in Schwenksville Borough. This truck was able to be featured in the service.

Amelia, one of Nick’s granddaughters wore Nick’s helmet and was an active participant in the ceremony.

Thanks to Nick’s family for allowing him to be part of our Station 66 family for many years. Thanks also to all of our mutual aid partners who helped make the day special by remembering Nick and celebrating his many years of service to the community.

- Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins

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Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 35

Looking Back Philadelphia 1975 Philadelphia firefighters operate at a multialarm fire, which happened at an oil refinery, in Philadelphia. No one was hurt.

Firefighters were very cautions working this job. They recalled in 1975 a Gulf refinery blew up and killed eight firefighters.

This fire was the result of a massive explosion that was felt from Cherry Hill (NJ) to Bucks County.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Bucks County 2001 Firefighters responded to Bristol Boro, Bucks County for a fire at the Wax Factory, that reached five alarms. Crews responding include crews from Morrisville, Middletown, Falls and Bristol Township. the date was January 8, 2001.

- Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt

Page 36, Fire News, September/October 2021

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New toTHEM Sponsored by Command Apparatus

BETHPAGE ENGINE 905 "Pride of Plainedge" 1998 Seagrave 1500 GPM single stage pump , 500 Gallon Water Tank , 40 Gallon Foam Tank. Served the residents of Bethpage from 1998- 2019 . The rig now belongs to the Harwood Fire Company located in Hazel Township Pennsylvania.

2001 EMERGENCY ONE Former West Niles Fire Company purchased by Damascus Arkansas 2001 Emergency One 1250 gpm with 1000 gallon tank.

2000 KME 95' AERIAL TOWER 2000 KME 95' aerial tower from East Norwich NY sold to Waterbury VT.

BEFORE BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER AFTER

We are looking forward to our new monthly feature

Sold by Command Apparatus

“It’s New to THEM”

AFTER Sold by Command Apparatus

To have your department’s apparatus featured here please call Barbara Connolly

631-776-1853 barbara@firenews.com

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Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 37

Obituary Standby for Penn Wynne’s Sean W. DeMuynck

Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s Engine 66 and an all-volunteer crew stood by at Penn Wynne Fire Company Station 21 on July 10. 2021, for a six-hour shift. We were honored to cover Station 21 while they mourned the loss of volunteer firefighter Sean W. DeMuynck, a fellow brother and friend. Various crews were stationed there throughout the week. A tradition early on was to fly the

Canadian flag from the visiting apparatus to honor Sean, who originally hailed from Canada and was set to return there this week.

Firefighter DeMuynck made the ultimate sacrifice while battling a house fire in Lower Merion Township on July 4, 2021. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all of the Lower Merion Fire Department.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Page 38, Fire News, September/October 2021

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IN AN EFFORT TO HELP REDUCE OCCUPATIONAL CANCER RISKS FACED BY FIREFIGHTERS, MINERVA BUNKER GEAR CLEANERS, FIRE SOAPS BY DEFENSIVE SOLUTIONS, AND FIREWIPES HAVE JOINED FORCES Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners provides cleaning and care of PPE for thousands of fire departments nationwide from small volunteer departments to large metropolitan departments such as the FDNY. Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners is committed to providing the firefighting community with the finest maintenance care program available with six locations (NY, OH, CO, NC, GA and FL) to serve the fire service.

Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaner’s sister company, Defensive Solutions Corporation, is the creator of Fire Soaps, a line of cleaning agents to effectively and safely clean bunker gear. All Fire Soaps products are easy to use, eco-friendly, third party tested and surpass all NFPA 1851 requirements regarding cleaning agents. Fire Soaps is specifically designed for use with all PPE ensembles, i.e., turnout gear, wildland, industrial and aviation fire fighting apparel, fire protective garments (FPGs) for shipboard personnel and proximity suits.

Created by a firefighter for firefighters and first responders, FireWipes are designed to provide a quick on-scene decontamination solution for firefighters after exposure to hazardous environments.

Firewipes are biodegradable industrial strength disposable wipes infused with cleansing compounds for use on all external dermal areas. The wipe is saturated with a unique formula specifically designed to minimize additional carcinogenic exposure through dermal absorption for the user.

Occupational cancer is one of the leading causes of death for firefighters and they have statistically higher rates of multiple cancers than the general population. Research has shown that most of it is caused by carcinogens they are exposed to through soot particulates, and dermal absorption is a likely route of exposure. Particular areas of concern are the face, jawline, neck, and wrists where skin is most permeable.

Firewipes use only premium ingredients that are hypoallergenic, latexfree, paraben-free, MI (Methylisothi zolinone) -free, SLS free and contains no alcohol. Each wipe is individually packaged to prolong shelf life, eliminate cross contamination, maintain consistency, limit waste, reduce costs, and provide a quick onscene decontamination solution for firefighters after exposure to hazardous environments.

FireWipes will be available for purchase though all six Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners facilities and the Fire Soaps website, with this partnership Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners and Fire Soaps can be your one stop shop for helping firefighters reduce occupational cancer risks.

About FireWipes Firewipes is committed to providing the highest level of quality products that are specifically formulated and designed to aid in the removal of potential carcinogenic contaminants from exposure to hazardous environments.

Contact: Creston Ludlow, President Phone: 844-947-3483

Email: cludlow@firewipes.com Website: www.firewipes.com About Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners is committed to providing the firefighting community with the finest maintenance care program available. We have six facilities (NY, OH, CO, NC, GA, & FL) dedicated exclusively to the cleaning, repair and inspection of PPE as well as wildland, industrial and aviation fire fighting ensembles, fire protective garments (FPGs) for shipboard personnel and proximity suits.

We are fully NFPA 1851 compliant and verified by Intertek and UL, both leading third-party verification services, to the current 2020 edition. Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners is recognized by all PPE manufacturers and is authorized to do extensive repairs and alterations.

Contact: Joe Xiras, President Phone: 718-728-7400 Email: Joe@bunkergearcleaners.com Website: www.bunkergearcleaners.com About Fire Soaps by Defensive Solutions Defensive Solutions Corp. supplies cleaning agents and EPA Registered anti-bacterial and sanitizing products that are ideal for use in EMS and fire facilities, emergency vehicles, ambulances, police cars, police stations, municipal government buildings, schools, bathrooms, showers, locker rooms, exercise equipment and training facilities.

All of our products are alcohol-free, kill 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria and, when used properly, are proven to significantly reduce the chance of cross contamination from: MRSA, pseudomonas aeruginosa, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Influenza A Virus, E. Coli, HIV-1, Hepatitis B and Salmonella. The active ingredients in our sanitizing products have been proven to kill bacteria and protect against cross contamination from both Gram Negative bacteria and Gram Positive bacteria. Our two products, SureClean™ Plus and Fabric Sanitizer are EPA Registered. SureClean™ Plus is on the EPA N list of registered disinfectants for protection against SARS-COV-2.

Defensive Solutions Corp. has also created Fire Soaps™, a line of cleaning agents to effectively and safely clean bunker gear. All of our products are easy to use, eco-friendly, third party Tested and surpass all NFPA 1851 requirements regarding cleaning agents. Fire Soaps™ is specifically designed for use with all PPE ensembles, i.e., turnout gear, wildland, industrial and aviation fire fighting apparel, fire fighting ensembles (FFEs), fire protective garments (FPGs) for shipboard personnel and proximity suits.

Contact: Joe Xiras, President Phone: 718-502-9577 Email: info@firesoaps.com Website: www.firesoaps.com

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Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 39