PENNSYLVANIA VOLUME 10, NO. 1
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 MARCH 2020
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Fire News, March 2020, Page 3
In this issue... LODD Matthew C. Smelser The Rostraver W. Newton Emergency Services Paramedic Supervisor was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer while working an accident scene. See story on page 6
5 Homes Damaged, 1 Collapse in Derry Twp. Derry Township Box 48-4 crews to Draymore Court for a structure fire. See story on page 11
2-Alarm Row-Home Fire In Manheim Twp. Manheim Township Fire Rescue was dispatched to a row house fire on Lititz Avenue. See story on page 16
Apartment Fire in Williamston On February 3, 2020, crews responded to a reported apartment fire. See story on page 19
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, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS DAWN ALTSTATT, TED AURIG, LAUREN CARPENTER, JASON COLEMAN-COBB, JEFF GOLDBERG, N. GRISWOLD, ALEX LLOYD GROSS, CHRIS HALDEMAN, CURTIS JURY, KEN LAGER, GREG LEAMAN, ANDY MARSH SR., STEVEN MATTO, ARTIE OSNIAK, STEVE ROTH, PATRICK SHOOP, SHANE SHIFFLETT, JAYSON WAGNER, ASHLEY WALTERS, FRANK WESNOSKI, DENNIS WETHERHOLD, JR. COLUMNS KRAIG HERMAN, TIM SOLOBAY COPYRIGHT 2020, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Extrication in Derry Twp. On January 8, 2020, units responded to a single-vehicle MVA on US 322 in Derry Township.
See story on page 21
Training Across Pennsylvania Fire News coverage from recent training events across Pennsylvania. See story on pages 25-27
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Page 4, Fire News, March 2020
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Is it the Coronavirus? Let’s face it, you respond to hundreds, if not thousands, of calls a year and it is easy to become complacent. Even on the fireground, we can get in trouble when we assume the call we are on is going to be like the last call. Is there truly a routine call? I bring this up to YOU because of the recent outbreak of the new strain of coronavirus. The coronavirus can be mistaken for common cold, unless you are trained and know what to look for. I am certainly not an expert on the topic, but I did do some research that I hope helps you give thought to this disease. Does your patient have the flu or a common cold? What differentiates between the coronavirus and the common cold or flu? According to recent literature, symptoms for the new coronavirus, now known as COVID19, are similar to those we know as a common cold or flu. Common coronavirus symptoms can include fever, a dry cough, shortness of breath, aching muscles and fatigue. Less typical coronavirus symptoms can be, phlegm buildup, headache, hemoptysis (coughing up of blood or blood-stained mucus from the bronchi, larynx, trachea or lungs) and diarrhea. Symptoms atypical for coronavirus are a runny nose and a sore throat. According to a recent article, runny nose, cough, sore throat
and fever are symptoms are often similar when one starts to feel sick. That makes it difficult to tell if the illness is a virus or a bacterial infection. I strongly recommend that to visit www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-cold-or-fluhow-to-tell-the-difference/a-52233885 to review what I have read about the corona virus. As experts warn, the coronavirus spread needs to be taken seriously. Prepare emergency dispatch and EMS providers to identify the symptoms and communicate with public health officials. With memories of the Ebola virus, think about having extra drills on PPE donning and doffing, fit testing and the creation of plastic-lined transport vehicles. You must be very aware of the spread of disease and you must understand the signs and symptoms of the coronavirus and be prepared to look after our patients while keeping your own safety in mind. According to AMTrauma.org, consider the following for specific EMS management and transport considerations: If the patient exhibits symptoms of a lower respiratory infection (fever, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, cough), place a surgical mask on the patient AND obtain a detailed travel history to affected countries within the past 14 days or close
contact with someone under investigation for COVID-19. If there is a history consistent with concern for potential 2019-coronavirus (COVID-19), initiate standard contact and airborne precautions (gloves, gown, N95 respirator) and eye protection (goggles) for EMS clinicians. Notify the receiving hospital (according to local protocols) of potential infection as soon as possible to allow for emergency department preparation. Use caution with aerosol generating procedures. Properly doff and dispose of PPE according to protocol. Clean and disinfect using EPA registered disinfectants with known effectiveness against human coronaviruses. Waste management per policy for medical waste (red bag). I recommend that you sit down with your County Regional Emergency Medical Services Council and discuss unified protocols so that you are ready for the unexpected. - Dennis
Page 6, Fire News, March 2020
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LODD
Rostraver West Newton’s Matthew C. Smelser
On January 5, 2020, Rostraver West Newton Emergency Services Paramedic Supervisor Matthew C. Smelser was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer while working an accident scene on Interstate 70 just west of the Smithton exit in Westmoreland County. Matthew Smelser was a 24-year veteran of Rostraver West Newton Emergency Services, spending the past 20 years as a Supervisor. Matthew was also a member of the UPMC Paramedic Response Team. On January 10, funeral services were held, followed by a procession to the cemetery where he was laid to rest. Hundreds of EMS workers,
firefighters and police officer from around the state and country came to pay their respects. Matthew leaves behind his wife of 19 years, Lynn, his seven-year old son Logan and six-year-old daughter Adriana. Matthew also leaves behind his two brothers, two sisters, his mother and stepfather and many more friends and family. Matthew will truly be missed by his family, friends and the community. - Fire News photos by First Due Photography
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Collier Township Smoker
Smoke was reported coming from a house in Collier Township. Crews arrived and went to work to find and extinguish the source. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Lower Makefield Car Fire
Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company were recently dispatched for a car fire on Big Oak Road in the area of Five Mile Woods in Lower Makefield Township. Rescue 80 stretched a line and aggressively battled the fire. Engine 0 arrived and its crew assisted. The Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Fire Police closed the down the roadway in both directions during fire company operations. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
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12 Displaced by Turtle Creek Blaze On January 19, 2020, fire crews were dispatched for a bedroom fire on the 100 block of Watson Drive in Turtle Creek. Turtle Creek assistant chief arrived and reported heavy smoke from the second floor of a four-unit rowhome. Crews quickly knocked down the visible fire from the second floor before making entry and knocking down the rest of the fire. The fire was brought under control and crews remained on scene to check for extension and perform overhaul. The fire was contained to one unit but eight adults and four children were displaced. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Ooh, Ooh That Smell …. Crew’s responded to a reported building fire at the 29-1 box. Chief 29-3 was advised of an approximately 10- x 12-foot chicken coop on fire, not endangering anything. Engine 29, Tanker 29, Engine 29-1 and Utility 29 responded as well as Fire Police 29. Firefighters stretched a line to the rear of the home. The chickens were safely out of the coop. Crews knocking down the remaining flames then encountered a different kind of danger, a — let’s say lingering — one. Unknown to them was that the owner was dealing with a skunk that had been live trapped. No firefighters were harmed — or sprayed — in this event. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
All OK in Kennedy Township Reports of an explosion and smoke in the basement prompted a response into Kennedy Township last night. All occupants were accounted for and no injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
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Neighbor Pulls Blind Woman from East Hempfield Mobile Home Fire Rohrerstown Fire Company was dispatched at 0330 on January 31, 2020, to Trailer Village Mobile Park on Columbia Avenue in East Hempfield Township for a trailer fire. Tony Dunkelberger saw his neighbor’s mobile home on fire and heard the woman screaming for help near the front door. Dunkelberger pulled her out minutes before firefighters arrived. The woman was taken to Lehigh Valley Health Network Regional Burn Center in Lehigh County for burn injuries to her arms and legs. Her home was deemed a total loss and the fire is being investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal. The fire also displaced a family in the neighboring home and the Red Cross were assisting four adults and two children. - Fire News photo by Lt. Greg Leaman, Lancaster FD
Bruin 2-Alarmer On January 13, 2020, at 1653, Butler County 911 received reports of a house fire on School Street in Bruin. Dispatched on the first alarm were Station 29 (Bruin), Station 28 (Pertrolia). Station 39 (Parker City), Station 26 (Chicora), Station 30 (North Washington), Station 55 (Emlenton), Station 530 (East Brady) and Station 56 (Karns City EMS). Chief 29 advised of a fire and requested a second alarm, bringing Station 14 (Unionville), Station 230 (Sugar Creek) and Station 32 (Eau Clair). Crews arrived to a two-story single-family with heavy fire showing from the second floor. It took about 30 minutes to get the fire under control due to conditions inside the structure. All the residents escaped without injury. The State Police Fire Marshal was called in to investigate the fire and the residents were being assisted by the America Red Cross. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Lewistown 2-Alarmer On February 3, 2020, the Lewistown Fire Department responded for a working fire on. A second alarm was transmitted for manpower. - Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop
Quick Stop at Milford Twp. Fire Recently, firefighters were alerted for an early morning structure fire on Spinnerstown Road in Milford Township. Crews arrived to find fire showing from an attached garage. Chief 57 arrived shortly after. The fire was quickly knocked down without incident. - Fire News photo by Jayson Wagner
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Fire News, March 2020, Page 11
5 Homes Damaged, 1 Collapse in Derry Township Blaze At 0426 on February 3, 2020, Derry Township Box 48-4 sent Company 48, Engine 46, and Tankers 47 and 54 to Draymore Court for a structure fire. Chief 48 (Leonard) was advised of multiple calls reporting the back of the house on fire and spreading to the others. The first-alarm assignment was dispatched at 0429, bringing Engine 88; Truck 46; Tanker 59; Rescues 35, 88 and 91-5; and Air 91-2. EMS reported entrapment upon arrival. Chief 48 arrived to a middle-of-the-row dwelling well off and also involving exposure on the B and D sides. There were also several burning vehicles in the driveway. Engine 46 laid in and, along with Truck 46, set up on the C side. Engine 46 dumped the monitor before several lines and Truck 46 aerial operations were set up. Engine 48 and Truck 48 set up portable deck guns and master stream operations on side A. Command 48 requested two additional trucks to the scene (Middletown Truck 88 and Palmyra Tower 1). Companies flowed water for over 90 minutes before bringing the fire under control. A fire wall on the D exposure, along with firefighting efforts, kept the blaze from extending further. The fire damaged five homes and one home collapsed. A few hours after the fire was put under con-
trol, and while some companies were still on scene, a small fire broke out at a home up the street from the fire building. That fire, was possibly caused by burning embers and was quickly extinguished, causing minimal damage. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Page 12, Fire News, March 2020
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Dumpster Fire at Lancaster Twp. Apartment Complex
Lancaster Township volunteers responded to a dumpster fire at 2206 on February 5, 2020, in the Village of Lancaster Green Apartments on Judie Lane. Firefighters used a booster line from the
rear reel of Engine 66-1 to extinguish the fire. - Fire News photo by Lt. Greg Leaman, Lancaster Township FD
Page 14, Fire News, March 2020
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FF Injured at Rocky Ridge Rd. 2-Alarmer
On January 31, 2020, a fire broke out at the Quakertown Christian School on Rocky Ridge Road. The blaze went to two alarms and heavily damaged the structure. One firefighter was transported to a local hospital for burns. - Fire News photo by Jayson Wagner
Lower Paxton Blaze On February 4, 2020, in Lower Paxton Township, Company 34, Engines 33, 32 and 35 and 91-5 to Cider Press Road for a structure fire. Rescue 33 was advised of an unattached garage on fire starting to extend to the house. With no hydrants in the area, extra tankers were assigned. Truck 33 arrived to heavy fire from the garage, extending to the house, and took a position on side A. Rescue 33 arrived and nosed in to Ladder 33. Engine 34 supplied Rescue 33 with water. Two lines were stretched, one going through the front door, the other to the garage where a truck in the driveway involved. Interior crews reported no extension to the house on the first floor, but fire was found on the roof. Additional companies were requested for manpower. The fire was placed under control in about an hour with extensive overhaul required. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Harrisburg Duplex, Garage Fire February 3, 2020, Harrisburg Box 1-3 sent Wagon 3, Squad 8, Tower 1, Truck 2, and Battalion Chief 7 (Bastinelli) to Green and Maclay Streets in the Uptown neighborhood for a building fire. Companies responding to the alarm were notified police had smoke in the area. Truck 2 arrived to a two-story duplex with fire in the rear. A 200-foot handline was stretched to the rear. Chief 7 reported a single-story garage well off in the rear. Two lines were stretched and operated. The fire exposed on unattached structures, including The Maclay Street Supermarket on the B side. Companies opened up that building where signs of fire were negative. The fire was placed under control in 20 minutes. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Page 16, Fire News, March 2020
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Mulch Pile Fire on Linglestown Rd. On February 8, 2020, crews operated at a large mulch pile fire near Linglestown Road at a construction site. Crews assisted with wetting down the mulch as heavy equipment operators moved the material. Tankers 35 from Linglestown 1 and Rescue Fire Susquehanna 37 assisted with supplying water. Engine 35-1, Engine 35, Paxtonia Truck 34, Engine 34, Traffic 35 and Utility 35 also operating at the scene. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
2-Alarm Row-Home Fire In Manheim Twp. Manheim Township Fire Rescue was dispatched to a row house fire on Lititz Avenue at 0449 on December 29, 2019. Arriving firefighters found fire issuing from the roof of a three-story ro w home. The IC immediately requested a second alarm for additional resources. Firefighters contained the blaze to the third-floor-rear bedroom where the fire self-vented. Firefighters overhauled the charred remains of the bedroom and the roof above the fire room. The fire was contained to the room of origin and did not spread to the adjoining row-homes. The Red Cross was summoned to assist the resident and their dog. - Fire News photo by Lt. Greg Leaman, Lancaster Township FD
6 Displaced in Walnut St. Blaze On January 1, 2020, in Susquehanna Township, a late New Year’s Day fire heavily damaged a Progress home leaving a family of six homeless. At 2207 hours, Box 32-1 toned, sending companies to Walnut Street for a house fire. Chief 32-2 arrived to fire showing from a window. Engine 32 stretched a line to the front porch and Truck 32 split their crew for search and ventilation. Heavy fire and smoke issued from the first floor of the 21/2 story, wood frame. Captain 32 reported that the bulk of the fire was knocked down in five minutes. No smoke detectors were found to be in the residence. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Fire News, March 2020, Page 17
Collier Township Fire An early morning fire alarm brought crews to extinguish a fire in a commercial structure in Collier Township. No injuries were reported as crews worked to find and contain the fire. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Penbrook House Blaze At 2203 on February 13, 2020, Penbrook Box 301 sent firefighters to South 29th and Booser Streets for a house fire – companies that were returning from a structure fire call. Engine 32 arrived to smoke in the street and secured a hydrant. Companies had a three-story, occupied, wood frame duplex with fire showing from side D. As companies were stretching lines, reports of entrapment were received. The fire extended to the third floor of the fire building and the second and third floor of the exposure. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Page 18, Fire News, March 2020
No Entrapment After All
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1 Fatality, 8 Displaced, Building Destroyed
On January 23, 2020, crews responded for a residential structure fire at the Lykens 22-1 box. County advised of one caller stating a kitchen fire and an occupant trapped. Chief 22 arrived to smoke showing and advised he had a individual hanging out of a second floor window. Reliance. Command advised of a person on the third floor again, but interior confirmed negative individuals. Crews went to work on an active fire in corner kitchen with smoke condition throughout. Crews were able to make a quick knockdown. As crews conducted overhaul and checked for extension they were informed the reported third floor entrapment occupant was not home at the time. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
On February 4, 2020, Cumberland County Box 2-36-03 toned to respond to 3rd Street in the Village of Boiling Springs for a house fire. Chief 36 found an apartment building with black smoke showing and people trying to assist occupants down the fire escape. Lieutenant 4-36 reported heavy fire on the secon- floor rear. Chief 36 requested a second alarm. The fire was contained mostly to the fire floor with some extension to the third. One occupant was discovered deceased. Eight occupants were displaced and the entire building was deemed uninhabitable. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Fairview Twp. Barn Fire Stopped
City of Butler Bedroom Fire
On January 10, 2020, Box 68-2 in Fairview Township sent firefighters to Park Road for a barn fire. Crews arrived to a garagebarn with heavy fire through the roof. With no hydrants in the area, a fill site was established. Engine 68-1 was supplied by Tanker 68 as a truck set up in the driveway for ladder pipe operations. Command 68 requested the second alarm at 2124 bringing Engines 10, 24 and 1-13, Tankers 27 and 23, Truck 12, and Rescue 31 to the scene. Companies battled the fire for about 20 minutes before the bulk of the fire was knocked down. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Cats Rescued, Fire Stopped in Mount Lebanon
Recently, a fire broke out in a single-family residence in Mount Lebanon. Initial reports came in as flames showing from the front door. Firefighters contained the fire to the area of the front entrance, and also rescued three cats from the residence. One of the cats suffered smoke inhalation and was given oxygen using a pet mask and was expected to make a full recovery. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
On February 5, 2020, around 2126, Butler County 911 received a call for a bedroom fire on Marvin Street in the City of Butler. Station 1 (Butler City), Station 3 (Butler Twp. Fire District), Station 38 (Veterans Affairs Fire Department) and Station 99 (Butler Ambulance Service were dispatched. Units arrived to find a single-story residence with smoke showing. Crews found a mattress on fire in the bedroom. The fire was placed under control in short time. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Lower Paxton House Fire At 0600, on February 16, 2020, Lower Paxton Township Box 34-2 sent companies to Hazel Street in the Paxtonia section of the township for smoke in the structure. Chief 34 advised he had a glow from a block out and requested the box be upgraded and, shortly after, reported fire from the roof. The first alarm was transmitted at 0603 bringing Engine 36-1, Truck 33, Rescue 91 and Air 35 to the scene. Engine 34 laid in and took a position on side A. Engine 33 picked up their line and supplied water. Truck 34 also took a position on side A and performed a search and set up ground ladders. Truck 35 assisted with ground ladders and Engine 32 assisted with search. Heavy fire issued from the top floor on sides A and C of a two-story multi-family with three stories in the rear. A line was stretched from Engine 34 quickly darkening down the bulk of the fire. The fire was placed under control in about 30 minutes. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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All OK at Mayday in Harrisburg Fire On February 6, 2020, Harrisburg Box 1-3 crews to the 3100 blk of North 2nd Street for a gas leak. While en route, County Fire advised Chief 5 of a call for Emerald Street for the entire third floor of a house on fire. County mutual aid handled the gas leak. Two lines were stretched from Squad 8 and Chief 5 advised of occupants that may have gone back inside. Interior crews reported fire on the second floor, possibly extending to the third. A Mayday signal was transmitted from the third floor for a member trapped. The firefighter was able to escape out a window and down a ladder. A master stream from Tower 1 knocked down the bulk of fire enough for companies to resume interior ops. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Apartment Fire in Williamston On February 3, 2020, crews responded to a reported apartment fire in Williamstown. Williamstown EMS Chief Koppenhaver (24C) arrived to smoke showing from the rear of the building with occupants still inside. A resident stated there was heavy smoke upstairs and he was unsure if the fire was out or still active. Chief 24C attempted to notify other apartment occupants who were unaware of the event, and was safely able to evacuate them from the home. Williamstown’s Engine 24 arrived with Lykens Truck 22 and Wiconisco Engine 23 soon after. Crews encountered smoke showing from the rear of the structure and eaves. Crews made entry and found moderate heat and thick smoke. Within a short amount of time the event was under brought under control. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
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Driver Trapped in Lancaster City 3-Car Crash Lancaster City firefighters were dispatched on January 26, 2020, at 1300, for a crash with entrapment at Hershey Avenue and St. Joseph Street in Lancaster City. The three-car accident trapped one of the drivers inside their sedan, after colliding with a medium-size SUV, and came to a stop in the front yard of a home 25-feet east of the impact site. Firefighters removed the rear driver’s side door to access and extricated the patient within 20 minutes. Lancaster EMS transported the patient to Lancaster General Hospital. Lancaster City Police was investigating the accident. - Fire News photo by Lt. Greg Leaman Lancaster City FD
Starting the Year Off ‌ On January 7, 2020, Millersburg Fire Company 20 responded to its first crash of the year on Route 147 for a box truck which struck a rock face. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Berkeley Hills Handles MVA Recently, the Berkeley Hills Fire Department responded to an MVA on Babcock Boulevard. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
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Fire News, March 2020, Page 21
Extrication in Derry Twp. On January 8, 2020, units responded to a single-vehicle MVA on US 322 in Derry Township. Crews arrived to find one patient with heavy entrapment. - Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop
Semi into Home in Quakertown Recently, fire crews in Quakertown responded to a tractor-trailer that had crashed into a house causing severe structural damage. The driver of the trailer was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries. - Fire News photo by Jayson Wagner
Page 22, Fire News, March 2020
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2-Car MVA in Castle Shannon Recently, firefighters responded to a two-car crash in Castle Shannon. Firefighters helped extricate two people from the vehicles. No major injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
I-295 1-Car Crash Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company were dispatched to Interstate 295 westbound in Lower Makefield Township for a single-vehicle accident with fire. Deputy Fire Chief Tim Chamberlain arrived and confirmed no active fire. The driver of the vehicle refused medical treatment. The YardleyMakefield Fire Company Fire Police assisted Pennsylvania State Police with traffic control. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Driver Hits Tree in Lancaster Twp. Millersville Pike was closed at Schoolhouse Road and North Bausman Drive in Lancaster Township after a violent single-car accident in the 1600 Block of Millersville Pike on January 11, 2020. Multiple 911 callers were reporting the MVA and good Samaritans stopped to help extricate the male driver. Firefighters were shocked that the driver was virtually uninjured considering the severe damage to the car. Lancaster EMS transported the driver to Lancaster General Hospital. Patriot St. Denis Towing from Mountville removed the vehicle from the tree. - Fire News photo by Lt. Greg Leaman, Lancaster FD
Washington Rd. MVA Recently, crews responded to an MVA on Washington Road. Two vehicles were involved and firefighters helped remove one patient. All were cared for by MTRSA personnel. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
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Fire News, March 2020, Page 23
Maybe the Name of the Street Had Something to Do with It? Lancaster Township volunteers responded to a single-vehicle MVA on a cold, foggy and rainy January 3, 2020, at 2348. Two 911 callers reported a vehicle on its roof. An SUV flipped after striking a sedan parked in front of the Eastern Alliance Insurance Group building on Race Avenue. Wayne’s Towing maneuvered the overturned SUV back onto its wheels. Race Avenue was closed for an hour. The two occupants of the SUV were RMA. - Fire News photo by Lt. Greg Leaman, Lancaster Township FD
Lower Augusta Handles Rte. 147 Rollover On January 14, 2020, Lower Augusta Fire Company was dispatched for an MVA on Route 147 for a tractor-trailer rollover with entrapment. The entrapment turned out to be negative. Sunbury assisted at the scene. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
And Then There’s Tree Cutting
On January 16, 2020 Millersburg Fire Company responded to Route 147 for a tree down on wires due to heavy winds. Engine 201 with Chief 20 on board and Truck 20 responded. PennDOT also assisted as the truck crew set up and utilized the bucket to trim the large branch removing it from the lines. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Page 24, Fire News, March 2020
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Up Close & Personal Students at the Essentials of Firefighting Mod 4. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Members of the Berkeley Hills Fire Department
- Fire News photos by Ken Lager
Just after clearing the large mulch fire, on February 8, 2020, Paxtonia Fire Truck 34, Engine 34 along with Colonial Park Engine 33 responded to a call for a slight odor at Arooga’s Grill House. Crews found nothing out of the ordinary and the box was cleared soon after. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
A Deputy Chief from the Harrisburg Fire Department at a recent structure fire. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Training
Fire News, March 2020, Page 25
Man vs. Machine Training for North Strabane
North Strabane Fire Department in Washington County hosted a ‘Man vs. Machine’ training recently. This training involved forcible jewelry removal, vehicle stabilization, and gravity-induced penetrations. Machinery entrapment occurs all over the country more often than one might think and these firefighters are ready for it. - Fire News photos by Ken Lager
Page 26, Fire News, March 2020
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Training
New Year’s Apparatus and Equipment Review Lancaster Township Fire Department conducted their yearly apparatus and equipment review during their January 13, 2020, training for volunteers ‌ following an 1800 MVA on Millersville Pike. Firefighters reviewed apparatus capabilities and equipment carried as well as functionality. Apparatus included Ladder Tower Truck 66, Engine 66-1 and Rescue/Engine 66. Training was conducted by Lieutenant Chad Slover (Truck 66), Lieutenant Mike Adams (Engine 66-1) and Engineer Mark Clare (Rescue/Engine 66). - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
SCBA Training at Berkeley Hills Firefighters worked on the basics of SCBA and trained recently at Berkeley Hills. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
South Baldwin Practices Forcible Entry Firefighters from differnt fire stations practiced various methods of forcible entry at the South Baldwin Fire Company. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
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Fire News, March 2020, Page 27
Training
Night Burn at Allegheny Fire Academy
Students of the Essentials of Firefighting Mod 4 had the opportunity to put their skills to the test in a night burn at the Allegheny County Fire Academy. Groups of students rotated through interior firefighting and hose advancement, RIT and backup. Great job by the students and instructors! - Fire News photos by Ken Lager
Page 28, Fire News, March 2020
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Cover Story
FF Injured at Mountaindale House Fire
At 0113, on February 4, 2020, Susquehanna Township Box 37-3 toned for a building fire on Custer Drive in the Mountaindale section of Susquehanna Township. Company 37, Engines 32, 35 and 38, and Air 30 made up the initial assignment. Engine 32-1 was advised of a fully involved structure. Captain 37 arrived to fire going through the roof. Company 37 and 32 made an interior attack and searched; all searches were negative. Engine 37-1 and Engine 38 supplied water to Engine 35 which picked up Engine 32’s line. Companies went defensive as heavy fire engulfed the large, two-story, single-family dwelling with attached garage. The fire was placed under control at 0204. One firefighter was transported to a hospital to be treated for burns and released. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Fire News, March 2020, Page 29
CFSI SELECTS DR. LORI MOORE-MERRELL FOR 2020 CFSI/MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS MASON LANKFORD FIRE SERVICE LEADERSHIP AWARD The CFSI Board of Directors selected Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell as the recipient of the 2020 CFSI/Motorola Solutions Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award. Established in 1998, the award recognizes fire service leaders for their work in advancing the readiness and response capabilities of our nation’s fire and emergency services. Dr. Moore began her career in the fire service in 1987 with the Memphis, TN Fire Department where she served as a fire-paramedic. In 1993, she began a 26-year career with the International Association of Fire Fighters. Dr. Moore-Merrell focused much of her work in the area of data analysis, system performance measurements, and staff deployment models. Her contributions in these areas of research have had a significant impact in the fire service, changing practices, policies, standards and laws that have advanced the health and safety of our nation’s firefighters. Dr. Moore is widely respected for her contributions in fire service-based EMS, having
established agendas and contributing to policy development that have led to enhancements in the delivery of fire service-based
emergency medical services. “I can say without hesitation that Dr. Moore-Merrell has dedicated her
life’s work to improving the performance of the fire service and protecting our country’s first responders and citizens,” said Chief Russ Sanders (ret.), who nominated her for the award. “I know of no one who has worked harder or smarter than she has on behalf of our firefighters and the citizens of both the United States and Canada. In 2019, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell retired from the IAFF and founded the International Public Safety Data Institute. The nonprofit organization is dedicated exclusively for scientific purposes that provides analytical tools and information to the public safety sector to improve how they evaluate risks, deploy resources, and respond to emergencies. The award presentation will take place on April 30, 2020 at the National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner. The dinner program culminates a twoday event — the 32nd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Seminar and Dinner — hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute.
Page 30, Fire News, March 2020
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