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Firefighting

Firefighter Kaleb Barker Killed In Shooting As VA Family Seeks Support For Son’s Future Firefighter Kaleb Barker Killed In Shooting As VA Family Seeks Support For Son’s Future
Firefighter Kaleb Barker Killed In Shooting As VA Family Seeks Support For Son’s Future The family of Kaleb Barker, the Danville firefighter who tragically died in an accident, is seeking support to secure his young son's future. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched on behalf of Barker’s wife, Dr. Natalie Barker, by her colleagues at Chatham Animal Clinic in Virginia to help fund their son Noah’s education. As of Saturday, March 9, the fundraiser has raised over $16,000 toward its $50,000 goal. Barker, 31, was shot in the torso inside a home in the 900 block of Countryside Drive in Ringgold, Virginia on Tuesday, March 5, at 7:42 p.m., according to the Pittsylvania…
Fire At Pennsylvania Charter School Sends 4 Staff Members To Hospital, School Thanks Community Fire At Pennsylvania Charter School Sends 4 Staff Members To Hospital, School Thanks Community
Fire At Pennsylvania Charter School Sends 4 Staff Members To Hospital, School Thanks Community La Academia Partnership Charter School is thanking the Lancaster community and first responders after a fire broke out at its building, sending four staff members to the hospital. The fire ignited on the roof of the school at North Ann Street and East Grant Street around 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, according to Lancaster City Bureau of Fire Chief Todd Hutchinson. Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames on the rooftop, and smoke was seen billowing from the structure. All students were safely evacuated and taken to Resurrection Catholic Church for pickup. The school later issued a stat…
Firefighter Kaleb Barker Killed In Tragic Accident: Virginia Fire Community Mourns Firefighter Kaleb Barker Killed In Tragic Accident: Virginia Fire Community Mourns
Firefighter Kaleb Barker Killed In Tragic Accident: Virginia Fire Community Mourns A devastating accident claimed the life of Danville firefighter Kaleb Barker, officials announced on Wednesday, March 3. Barker, a dedicated member of the Danville Fire Department and the Danville Professional Firefighters Association, tragically died in the incident on Tuesday night, March 5. Details surrounding the accident have not yet been released. His loss has sent shockwaves through the firefighting community, with officials calling for prayers and support for his grieving family and colleagues. "May his life inspire your continued commitment to serving with honor and distinction," …
PA Family Left With Nothing After Raging Fire Destroys Home—How You Can Help PA Family Left With Nothing After Raging Fire Destroys Home—How You Can Help
PA Family Left With Nothing After Raging Fire Destroys Home—How You Can Help A Palmyra family lost everything when a raging fire tore through their home, forcing them to flee with just the clothes on their backs as firefighters battled the intense flames, authorities said. Flames erupted inside the frame duplex on the 300 block of North College Street around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, rapidly engulfing the first floor before spreading to the second floor and roof in brutal cold and windy conditions, according to the Palmyra Volunteer Fire Company. With the fire raging out of control, a second alarm was struck, drawing in mutual aid companies to help. Within min…
Man Hurls Explosive Into Store, Tries To Steal Occupied Car In Chaotic Rampage: PA State Police Man Hurls Explosive Into Store, Tries To Steal Occupied Car In Chaotic Rampage: PA State Police
Man Hurls Explosive Into Store, Tries To Steal Occupied Car In Chaotic Rampage: PA State Police A Pennsylvania man launched an explosive inside a Chester County convenience store, igniting a fire before attempting to carjack a driver in a desperate escape, Pennsylvania State Police said. Augustin Cisneros-Bedolla is accused of unleashing the violent attack at Squire’s Pantry on Gap Newport Pike in London Grove Township at 7:38 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, according to PSP Avondale. Investigators say Cisneros-Bedolla stormed into the store, threw an incendiary device at two employees, and set the building ablaze. As the flames spread, chaos erupted. The suspect then ran outside and att…
Driver Dies, Officer Hospitalized In Fiery NJ Street Racing Crash: 'Roads Are Not Racetracks' Driver Dies, Officer Hospitalized In Fiery NJ Street Racing Crash: 'Roads Are Not Racetracks'
Driver Dies, Officer Hospitalized In Fiery NJ Street Racing Crash: 'Roads Are Not Racetracks' A driver has died following a violent street racing crash on Route 38 that left first responders injured as they attempted a daring rescue, according to the Mount Holly Township Police Department. Local police say an officer patrolling the area near McDonald’s last week spotted the wreckage of a crash and immediately called for backup on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Upon arrival, officers and emergency personnel found the driver trapped in a burning vehicle. First responders from surrounding jurisdictions worked tirelessly to free the driver before firefighters arrived, authorities said. Despite thei…
Firefighters Turn Fire Starters: Lancaster County Volunteers Accused Of Arson Firefighters Turn Fire Starters: Lancaster County Volunteers Accused Of Arson
Firefighters Turn Fire Starters: Lancaster County Volunteers Accused Of Arson Two Lancaster County volunteer firefighters allegedly set a string of fires they later rushed to battle, igniting shock and outrage in their community, East Hempfield Township police announced on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Joshua Scott Lightcap, 23, of Columbia, and Mason Scott Howard, 21, of Akron, face arson charges after a three-month investigation linked them to five blazes between October and November 2024, including a $15,000 brush fire, according to police, court records, and arrest affidavits obtained by Daily Voice. Lightcap admitted to starting fires with Howard and a 16-year-old from East…
Blaze Engulfs United Missionary Baptist Church Near Girard College, Community Offers Prayers Blaze Engulfs United Missionary Baptist Church Near Girard College, Community Offers Prayers
Blaze Engulfs United Missionary Baptist Church Near Girard College, Community Offers Prayers Flames tore through the United Missionary Baptist Church, less than a mile from Girard College, sending plumes of smoke into the Philadelphia night sky before firefighters wrestled the blaze under control by 9:30 p.m., Deputy Fire Chief Charles Johnson said. Thankfully, the church was empty at the time, and no injuries were reported, but the fire left the historic building scarred. Fire crews managed to prevent the inferno from spreading to nearby homes and businesses. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Danielle of United Missionary Baptist Church assured the community that Pastor Chandra I. Wil…
Massive House Explosion Rocks PA Neighborhood: Officials Massive House Explosion Rocks PA Neighborhood: Officials
Massive House Explosion Rocks PA Neighborhood: Officials A catastrophic house explosion in Sugarloaf Township sent shockwaves through the community, leveling a home and triggering a frantic emergency response, authorities confirmed. Firefighters rushed to 51 Cabana Lane at 4:50 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 12, finding a raging inferno where a house once stood, according to Valley Regional Fire & Rescue. "House exploded! Prayers for all involved," the department reported in a delayed post, underscoring the severity of the devastation. Emergency crews battled intense flames for hours, while Hazmat teams were deployed amid fears of gas leaks or other h…
Fire Destroys Pennsylvania Mansion In Amid Frigid Conditions: Officials Fire Destroys Pennsylvania Mansion In Amid Frigid Conditions: Officials
Fire Destroys Pennsylvania Mansion In Amid Frigid Conditions: Officials A massive fire tore through a mansion in Penn Valley overnight, keeping multiple fire companies busy for hours battling the flames in freezing temperatures, officials said. Firefighters were dispatched at 1:22 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, after a caller reported seeing tall flames through the woods near Centennial Road, according to the Belmont Hills Fire Company. By 1:26 a.m., additional callers confirmed a mansion was fully engulfed in flames. Chief 22, identified as Zamorski, arrived at the scene and confirmed the fire had heavily consumed a 2.5-story mansion, prompting a "Lower Merion Work…
Woman Found Dead Inside Burning South Philly Home As Firefighters Battle Heavy Smoke Woman Found Dead Inside Burning South Philly Home As Firefighters Battle Heavy Smoke
Woman Found Dead Inside Burning South Philly Home As Firefighters Battle Heavy Smoke A woman was found dead inside a burning South Philadelphia home as firefighters battled heavy smoke on both floors Wednesday morning, Feb. 5, authorities said. The fire broke out at a two-story residence on the 2700 block of South Darien Street around 10:40 a.m., prompting a 911 call reporting a woman trapped inside, according to dispatch reports. Firefighters arrived at 10:41 a.m. and encountered thick smoke throughout the home. Crews located the fire and worked to knock down the bulk of the flames while searching for victims, officials said. An adult female was found unresponsive in …
PA Family At Eagles Game Learns Home Burns Down As Firefighter Injured: Report PA Family At Eagles Game Learns Home Burns Down As Firefighter Injured: Report
PA Family At Eagles Game Learns Home Burns Down As Firefighter Injured: Report A Newberry Township family learned their home had burned down while they were attending the Eagles playoff game on Sunday, Jan. 19, PennLive reported. Adding to the tragedy, a firefighter was injured battling the blaze, authorities said. Crews from Station 31, along with mutual aid departments, responded to the fire on the 100 block of Hemlock Lane at 3:30 p.m., according to the Newberry Township Fire Department. Assistant Chief Harbold arrived to find flames consuming a one-and-a-half-story single-family home and requested additional resources, establishing Hemlock Command, the release sai…
Arson-Suicide: PA Dad Dies Attempting To Kill Family Coroner Releases Details (UPDATE) Arson-Suicide: PA Dad Dies Attempting To Kill Family Coroner Releases Details (UPDATE)
Arson-Suicide: PA Dad Dies Attempting To Kill Family Coroner Releases Details (Update) A Lancaster Township man poured gasoline throughout his home and set it ablaze during a domestic dispute early Sunday, Jan. 19, killing himself and critically injuring three others, including his sons and a family guest, police announced. Simon Hen, 46, died of smoke inhalation and thermal burns after the fire, and his death was ruled a suicide, Lancaster County Coroner Eric Bieber confirmed Monday, Jan. 20. Hen returned to his home on Wilderness Road at approximately 2:30 a.m., enraged over his impending separation from his 42-year-old wife, according to Lancaster Township Police. Inside…
Croydon Carpet Company Fire That Injured Firefighter Lands Arsonist Years In Prison: Bucks DA Croydon Carpet Company Fire That Injured Firefighter Lands Arsonist Years In Prison: Bucks DA
Croydon Carpet Company Fire That Injured Firefighter Lands Arsonist Years In Prison: Bucks DA A Philadelphia man was sentenced to up to six years in state prison for setting a fire that caused over $1 million in damage to a Croydon business and injured a firefighter, officials announced Thursday, Jan. 16. Shayne Holland, 26, pleaded guilty in November to two counts of arson, along with charges of reckless burning, criminal mischief, possession of explosive material, and disorderly conduct, according to the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office. Common Pleas Judge Gary B. Gilman sentenced Holland to 2½ to six years in state prison, followed by four years of probation, for the Nov. …
New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed
New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed The number of confirmed deaths from six separate wildfires in the Los Angeles area has climbed to 16. The situation remains dire, with at least another 16 people still reported missing, and authorities anticipate that this number may increase as the search continues. The wildfires have destroyed 40,000 acres -- more than twice the size of Manhattan and almost the size of Washington, DC, while The creating apocalyptic scenes that seem straight from a horror movie. More than 12,000 structures have been destroyed. A red flag warnings for dangerous fire conditions through Wednesday, Jan.…
32-Year-Old Former Child Star Among Those Killed In LA Wildfires 32-Year-Old Former Child Star Among Those Killed In LA Wildfires
32-Year-Old Former Child Star Among Those Killed In LA Wildfires A former child star and motivational speaker is among the victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, his family has confirmed. Click here for a new, updated story - Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed Rory Sykes, 32, an Australian who gained media attention as a boy for sharing his experiences living with disabilities, died on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at his family’s estate in Malibu, his mother, Shelley Sykes, announced in a post on X. “It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful son @Rorysykes to the Malibu fires yeste…
Fire Displaces ICU Patients, Newborns At Crozer-Chester Medical Center (DEVELOPING) Fire Displaces ICU Patients, Newborns At Crozer-Chester Medical Center (DEVELOPING)
Fire Displaces ICU Patients, Newborns At Crozer-Chester Medical Center (Developing) A fire broke out in the electrical room of the loading dock at Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland on Thursday night, Dec. 26, prompting a massive emergency response and the evacuation of multiple hospital units, according to authorities. Emergency crews were dispatched shortly after 8:40 p.m. when smoke was detected in the loading dock along Upland Avenue. By 9:10 p.m., the fire was confirmed to have spread to a room that controlled the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU), fire officials said over radio traffic. All 24 ICU patients were evacuated, with ambulances across the county mobi…
PA Fire Lt. Michael Bastian Dies Suddenly, Leaving Infant, Pregnant Wife PA Fire Lt. Michael Bastian Dies Suddenly, Leaving Infant, Pregnant Wife
PA Fire Lt. Michael Bastian Dies Suddenly, Leaving Infant, Pregnant Wife Lt. Michael Bastian, a decorated firefighter and instructor with the Williamsport Bureau of Fire, died suddenly on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, at the age of 39, leaving behind a wife, a young daughter, and another baby on the way. Lt. Bastian was known for his passion for firefighting and dedication to teaching, training countless emergency responders across Pennsylvania. Hired by the Williamsport Bureau of Fire on Sept. 9, 2015, he was a trusted leader on “C” Platoon and a State Fire Instructor. “Michael was one of the smartest and best firemen we ever had,” his colleagues wrote in a tribute. …
Pittsburgh Road Closures For Funeral Procession Honoring Chief Walsh Pittsburgh Road Closures For Funeral Procession Honoring Chief Walsh
Pittsburgh Road Closures For Funeral Procession Honoring Chief Walsh The City of Pittsburgh is advising motorists of road closures and transit detours planned for Monday, Nov. 25, during the funeral procession and Funeral Mass for Battalion Chief John P. Walsh. A Funeral Mass honoring Chief Walsh, who died in the line of duty last week, will take place at 10 a.m. at Saint Paul Cathedral on North Dithridge Street in Oakland. To accommodate the anticipated large gathering, Fifth Avenue will be closed from Bellefield Avenue to Wilkins Avenue from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Additional surface streets leading to Fifth Avenue will also be closed to prevent traffic from e…
3-Alarm Fire Erupts In Lebanon County Commercial Building 3-Alarm Fire Erupts In Lebanon County Commercial Building
3-Alarm Fire Erupts In Lebanon County Commercial Building Fire crews are battling a three-alarm blaze at a commercial structure in Union Township, Lebanon County, on Saturday, Nov. 23. The fire was first reported in the 200 block of Fort Swatara Road around 5 p.m., according to the Lebanon Professional Firefighters. Flames were seen pouring from the second floor of a 350'x45' building, officials said. Firefighters from Truck Company 20 are among the crews responding to the scene as part of the second alarm fire assignment. It remains unclear what caused the fire. This is a developing story, so check back here for updates. 
Flags At Half-Staff After Pittsburgh Fire Chief Dies In Line Of Duty Flags At Half-Staff After Pittsburgh Fire Chief Dies In Line Of Duty
Flags At Half-Staff After Pittsburgh Fire Chief Dies In Line Of Duty Governor Josh Shapiro has ordered all U.S. and Commonwealth flags in Allegheny County to be flown at half-staff in honor of Pittsburgh Fire Battalion Chief John P. Walsh, who died while responding to a fire Wednesday night, Nov. 20, 2024. Walsh, 60, collapsed at the scene of a house fire on the 700 block of Wilkinsburg Avenue in the East Hills neighborhood around 9 p.m., according to Pittsburgh Public Safety. He was rushed to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. “Chief Walsh tragically passed away while in command of a structure fire last night. His unwavering passion…
Man Who Arranged Arson Of PA Warehouse Convicted: Police Man Who Arranged Arson Of PA Warehouse Convicted: Police
Man Who Arranged Arson Of PA Warehouse Convicted: Police A New Jersey man was convicted for arranging the 2022 arson of a Bensalem warehouse on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, according to police. Ramiz Duka, 61, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, was convicted in federal court for conspiring to set fire to a warehouse located at 1388 Bridgewater Road in Bensalem on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, the Bensalem Police Department said. Duka recruited two men to set fire to the warehouse, paying them $15,000 to do so, according to police. Over the course of several weeks, the three men met and planned the arson, ultimately leading to the fire. While fighting the blaze,…
Fallen Chester County Firefighter Remembered 1 Year After Tragic Death Fallen Chester County Firefighter Remembered 1 Year After Tragic Death
Fallen Chester County Firefighter Remembered 1 Year After Tragic Death Colin Reedy, the Chester County firefighter killed in a crash on his way to an emergency, was remembered by his community on the anniversary of his death. "Today, The West Whiteland Community remembers FF Colin Reedy as he died in the Line of Duty responding to an incident one year ago," the West Whiteland Fire Department said in a release on Sunday, Oct. 20.  Today, The West Whiteland Community remembers FF. Colin Reedy as he died in the Line of Duty responding to an incident one year ago. Posted by West Whiteland Fire Company on Sunday, October 20, 2024 Reedy was killed in a…
Fire Companies From 4 PA Counties Respond To Massive Barn, House Fire Fire Companies From 4 PA Counties Respond To Massive Barn, House Fire
Fire Companies From 4 PA Counties Respond To Massive Barn, House Fire Fire companies from four Pennsylvania counties battled a blaze at a barn and house fire late Friday night, Oct. 18 into Saturday morning, officials with Elverson-Honey Brook Area EMS announced.  The fire broke out in the 100 block of Isabella Road in West Nantmeal Township around 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, EHBEMS detailed in a release. The Twin Valley Fire Department was the first crew called to the scene of the fire originally reported to 911 as "a large fire in the middle of a field," but soon "Additional callers reported a possible house was on fire with a barn as an exposure and th…
Fire Engulfs RV, Van In Central PA: Officials (PHOTOS) Fire Engulfs RV, Van In Central PA: Officials (PHOTOS)
Fire Engulfs RV, Van In Central PA: Officials (Photos) A fire ripped through an RV and van in Lebanon County on Monday morning, Oct. 7, fire officials explained. The Neptune Fire Company was called to "a structure fire" in the 300 block of Eagles Peak Road at Eagle's Peak Campground in Millcreek Township at 5:13 a.m. Firefighters arrived to find an RV and van engulfed in flames. It took approximately two hours for crews to clear the scene.
Volunteer Firefighter, Chief In PA, MD Dies Suddenly, Fund Says Volunteer Firefighter, Chief In PA, MD Dies Suddenly, Fund Says
Volunteer Firefighter, Chief In PA, MD Dies Suddenly, Fund Says A volunteer firefighter serving in Maryland and Pennsylvania for over 40 years has died "unexpectedly", a GoFundMe launched to help launch his family announced on Saturday, Sept. 7.  Chief Tracy L. Tomlinson, 57, of Kirkwood, passed away at Lancaster General Hospital on Thursday, Sept. 5, according to his obituary posted on Shivery Funeral Home, Inc.'s website. He was born in West Grove and was a graduate of Solanco High School. The Robert Fulton Fire Company explained his career as follows: "He became a member of Robert Fulton Fire Company in September of 1983, joining…
Arrest Made In Deadly Arson In Philadelphia: Police Arrest Made In Deadly Arson In Philadelphia: Police
Arrest Made In Deadly Arson In Philadelphia: Police A 38-year-old man has been arrested in a Philadelphia arson fire that left a 66-year-old woman dead early Friday, Aug. 23, police said. Shadeek McDowell has been charged with murder, arson, five counts of aggravated assault, five counts of simple assault, and related offenses in the 4:30 a.m. blaze on the 1800 block of East Russell Street, city police said.  A very difficult morning in Kensington. PFD made multiple rescues from several homes damaged by a fire that took nearly an hour to place under control. Sadly, one person did not survive. Five people received EMS care and we…
Child Hospitalized, Residents Rescued From York Rowhouse Fire: Chief Child Hospitalized, Residents Rescued From York Rowhouse Fire: Chief
Child Hospitalized, Residents Rescued From York Rowhouse Fire: Chief A child was hospitalized following a row home fire in York County on Wednesday evening, Aug. 21, according to York Area United Fire and Rescue. The call to the two-alarm fire at the row home located at 525 South Albermarle Street in Spring Garden Township came in at 11:35 p.m. according to a release by the York Area United Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Daniel J. Hoff.  The firefighters "arrived to find heavy fire coming from the first-floor," Chief Hoff wrote, adding they also had "reports of people trapped on the second and third floors." Two adults were recused by crews using ladd…
Lightning Strike Causes House Fire In York County (PHOTOS) Lightning Strike Causes House Fire In York County (PHOTOS)
Lightning Strike Causes House Fire In York County (Photos) A lighting strike started a house fire in York County on Tuesday night, Aug. 6, multiple fire companies announced the following morning.  The strike hit the roof/attic of a home in the 800 block of Elham Drive at 6:04 a.m., according to the York County Department of Emergency Services.  Crews battling the blaze.  Yorkana Fire Company Crews battling the blaze Yorkana Fire Company Crews arrived to find the split-level home with an active fire on the first floor and in the attic, officials explained issuing the following statement in a release: "Crews made …
PA State Police Car Catches Fire On Route 80 PA State Police Car Catches Fire On Route 80
PA State Police Car Catches Fire On Route 80 A PSP vehicle caught fire on a Luzerne County highway late Monday, July 15, according to officials.  The blaze happened on Route 80 near mile marker 272.1, said White Haven Fire Company. Troopers brought the flames under control by the time firefighters arrived, and a hose was used to soak down the engine compartment, authorities said.  No one was injured, the fire company added.  Daily Voice has reached out to PSP for details on what caused the fire. 
Crews Battle Early Morning Barn Fire In Berks County Crews Battle Early Morning Barn Fire In Berks County
Crews Battle Early Morning Barn Fire In Berks County A barn in Bally Borough caught fire around 2 a.m. Monday, July 15, according to the Eastern Berks Fire Department.  The fire at the barn, located off South 7th Street, reached two alarms, authorities said. The barn contained hay and equipment but all the dairy cows on the property were in another structure and were not harmed, the department said.  Eastern Berks Fire Dept. Excavation equipment was called to the scene to "tear apart the wreckage" and hay bales, firefighters said.  First responders were at the site for five hours Monday morning and said they would likely re…