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Firefighting

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…
Series of Suspected Arsons Across Williamsport Under Investigation Series of Suspected Arsons Across Williamsport Under Investigation
Series of Suspected Arsons Across Williamsport Under Investigation The Williamsport Bureau of Police and the Williamsport Bureau of Fire launched a joint investigation on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, following a series of suspected arsons across multiple locations in the city. Authorities reported four incidents, each involving intentional fires or vandalism, throughout the day. The first incident unfolded at 5:00 a.m. at the Pajama Factory’s parking lot on 1307 Park Ave., where officers and firefighters responded to several vandalized vehicles, including one set ablaze. At 6:20 a.m., emergency responders were dispatched to the 170 Rose St. area for multiple small…
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…
84-Year-Old Killed In Afternoon House Fire: Philadelphia Police 84-Year-Old Killed In Afternoon House Fire: Philadelphia Police
84-Year-Old Killed In Afternoon House Fire: Philadelphia Police A Philadelphia man was killed when a house caught fire on Wednesday afternoon, July 3, city authorities said in a release.  Firefighters were called to the 2300 block of East Lehigh Avenue at 1:35 p.m., the police department said.  Citizen.App The 84-year-old victim was found unresponsive on the first floor. PFD medics pronounced him dead minutes later, according to the release. His name was not reported.  Units were still on the scene as of 3 p.m. 
Arsonist Set Fire At Lackawanna County Building: Investigators Arsonist Set Fire At Lackawanna County Building: Investigators
Arsonist Set Fire At Lackawanna County Building: Investigators A Scranton man is charged with setting a fire at the Lackawanna County government building last week, according to city police.  Paul Howard Strope Jr., 35, is also charged with risking catastrophe and reckless endangerment, authorities said.  The 123 Wyoming Avenue fire started around 6:30 on Tuesday, June 26, Scranton police said. A meeting was in progress in a conference room when attendees smelled smoke wafting in through the building's HVAC system, according to authorities.  The building was evacuated and firefighters "conducted suppression and ventilation activities," …
Flaming Jackknife Tractor-Trailer On I-95 Near Betsy Ross Bridge (VIDEO) Flaming Jackknife Tractor-Trailer On I-95 Near Betsy Ross Bridge (VIDEO)
Flaming Jackknife Tractor-Trailer On I-95 Near Betsy Ross Bridge (Video) A tractor-trailer fire shuttered part of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia for hours, Pennsylvania State Police explained on Friday morning.  The tractor-trailer was already ablaze when it jackknifed on I-95 South at mile marker 25.6 in Philadelphia County near the Betsy Ross Bridge into New Jersey around 7:30 a.m. on June 28, state police detailed in the release.  The fire has been extinguished and Troop K Philadelphia Station was on the scene as of 9 a.m. The driver was able to escape.  Click the player below to see a Citizen video of the firefighters on the scene. D…
COLD CASE: Troopers Find New Leads In PA Woman's 1997 Murder COLD CASE: Troopers Find New Leads In PA Woman's 1997 Murder
Cold CASE: Troopers Find New Leads In PA Woman's 1997 Murder State police say they are making progress in their investigation of Patricia Woll's homicide.  Woll, 43, was living on River Road in Damascus Township, Wayne County when her house caught fire on Aug. 28, 1997.  She was found dead inside after firefighters beat the blaze. A "detailed investigation" led state police to declare the fire an arson and Woll's death a homicide.  "Several new investigatory leads and evidence have been uncovered and are activity being pursued by investigators," said troopers in a release on May 31. Authorities did not describe the new evidence. …
'A Pillar Of Knowledge': Colleagues, Loved Ones Mourn Late Wyomissing Fire Captain 'A Pillar Of Knowledge': Colleagues, Loved Ones Mourn Late Wyomissing Fire Captain
Wyomissing Fire Capt. Derrick Nester Obituary Derrick Nester, a Captain of the Wyomissing Fire Department, has died, his firehouse colleagues announced on Tuesday, May 7. He was 43.  "Mere words cannot express the profound sadness and heartbreak we are all feeling right now at the loss of our Brother Captain Derrick Nester of the Wyomissing Fire Department," members of the Berks Professional Firefighters Association wrote in a statement.  "Derrick was a pillar of knowledge and experience that could be relied upon no matter the situation or emergency." Mere words cannot express the profound sadness and heartbreak we are a…
ARSON: 6 Alarm Fire Hollows Out Warehouse In York County: Police (PHOTOS) ARSON: 6 Alarm Fire Hollows Out Warehouse In York County: Police (PHOTOS)
Arson: 6 Alarm Fire Hollows Out Warehouse In York County: Police (Photos) A suspicious fire led to some water and power shuts in York County as it ripped through an abandoned warehouse and factory, authorities announced on Saturday morning.  The arsonist is suspected to have started the blaze at Stewartstown Furniture Factory located at 13 Mill Street sometime between 1:30 and 2 a.m. on April 27, according to the York County Southern Regional Police.  YCSRP along with the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal are investigating the "massive warehouse fire in Stewartstown Borough" as they "believe the fire may be suspicious in nature and h…
Truck Catches Fire In Pottstown Station: Authorities Truck Catches Fire In Pottstown Station: Authorities
Truck Catches Fire In Pottstown Station: Authorities Firefighters responded to a blaze in their own station in Pottstown on Thursday night, April 18, authorities said in a release.  Engine 69-9’s cab caught fire at the Good Will Fire Company Station 69A around 8:40 p.m., according to Pottstown Fire Department.  The truck's cab was "fully involved," but firefighters were able to keep the blaze contained to the vehicle and extinguish the flames quickly, officials said. Two ambulances, a fire rehab unit, the Pottstown Fire Police response unit, and the station's engine bays suffered smoke damage.  One firefighter was taken t…
Longtime Bucks Firefighter Frank Wilson Dies, 67 Longtime Bucks Firefighter Frank Wilson Dies, 67
Longtime Bucks Firefighter Frank Wilson Dies, 67 Francis J. Wilson, a 50-year member of the Union Fire Company in Bensalem, died on Monday, April 8, his obituary says. He was 67.  Wilson's Station 37 colleagues said the Fire Company was his "second home." He had served as trustee, fire police sergeant, and assistant chief during his tenure as a firefighter, the Company said.  With sadness, we announce the passing of another Life Member Frank Wilson, Trustee, Fire Police Sergeant and past... Posted by Union Fire Company - Station 37 on Monday, April 8, 2024 "He was a dedicated member that will be deeply missed by his fel…
Steelton Fire Chief Dies Suddenly After 52 Years Of Service Steelton Fire Chief Dies Suddenly After 52 Years Of Service
Steelton Fire Chief Dies Suddenly After 52 Years Of Service After 52 years as a volunteer firefighter — 26 as Steelton's Fire Chief  — a local hero has died.  Eugene "Gene" Vance III, 70, had a normal day before he was found dead from a stroke at his home on Thursday, Jan. 4, Dauphin County Officials explained.  Gene was a class of 1972 graduate of Steelton-Highspire High School. He quickly started his career as a firefighter at the age of 18 by joining the Steelton Fire Department formerly known as Baldwin Hose Company #4, the company and friends explained in dozens of social media posts.  With deep sadness we announce the sudden passing of St…
Newspaper Deliveryman, Police Officers Save 97-Year-Old Sleeping Man From MontCo House Fire Newspaper Deliveryman, Police Officers Save 97-Year-Old Sleeping Man From MontCo House Fire
Newspaper Deliveryman, Police Officers Save 97-Year-Old Sleeping Man From MontCo House Fire Two police officers are being hailed as heroes for waking up a 97-year-old man and carrying him outside of his house as flames ripped through it early Thanksgiving morning. The newspaper deliveryman, though, was the one who called 9-1-1 when he saw flames coming from the second story window of the home on the 100 block of Fairview Avenue, around 3:25 a.m., Nov. 23, police said. November 23, 2023: Multiple Fire Companies were dispatched at approximately 3:35 A.M to a dwelling fire on the 100 block... Posted by Willow Grove Volunteer Fire Company on Thursday, November 23, 2023 Hatboro Sg…
PA Firefighter Killed In Crash Was 'Ring-Hunting' For His Girlfriend, Loved Ones Say PA Firefighter Killed In Crash Was 'Ring-Hunting' For His Girlfriend, Loved Ones Say
PA Firefighter Killed In Crash Was 'Ring-Hunting' For His Girlfriend, Loved Ones Say Colin Reedy, the Chester County firefighter who was killed in a car crash late Friday, Oct. 20, planned to spend the rest of his life with his girlfriend, loved ones said in his obituary.  The 25-year-old Reedy and his partner Emily Gindele, were both volunteers with the West Whiteland Fire Company, who were on their way to a call during heavy downpours when their vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree around 9 p.m., authorities have said. Reedy, of Exton, was pronounced dead at the scene while Gindele, a 24-year-old probationary firefighter, was hospitalized in critical but stable con…
PA Marine, EMT, Firefighter Dies After Crashing Motorcycle Riding To Work PA Marine, EMT, Firefighter Dies After Crashing Motorcycle Riding To Work
PA Marine, EMT, Firefighter Dies After Crashing Motorcycle Riding To Work A man who had been a firefighter in his community since 2013 died weeks after a motorcycle crash he had on his way to work, his fire company announced on Sunday.  Chris McCann was a member of the Lancaster City Bureau of Fire, most recently serving as 2nd Driver of C-Platoon Company 1. On his way to work at the fire department just before 7 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28 he was involved in a serious crash, Tony Ruiz explained in a GoFundMe he created to help cover the mounting medical costs.  Chris went "through the gauntlet of tests and (surgeries), with injuries too numer…
Fiery Crash Knocks Out Power In Philly Suburbs Fiery Crash Knocks Out Power In Philly Suburbs
Fiery Crash Knocks Out Power In Philly Suburbs A car accident in Feasterville ended in a fiery wreck and caused some area residents to lose power late on Monday, Sept. 25, according to authorities.  The Feasterville Fire Company responded to a crash on Philmont Avenue around 9:30 p.m., officials said.  The driver had escaped the car by the time first responders arrived, but the wreckage was in flames, FFC said.  Two hose lines and firefighting foam were used to knock down the fire. No injuries were reported.  Philmont Avenue remained closed from Street Road to Dolton Avenue while PECO worked to restore power, the d…
Colleagues Rally For Philly Firefighter Rediagnosed With Cancer Colleagues Rally For Philly Firefighter Rediagnosed With Cancer
Colleagues Rally For Philly Firefighter Rediagnosed With Cancer As a longtime Philadelphia firefighter continues her bout with cancer, her colleagues and community are stepping up to make sure she won't fight alone.  Bridget McCulligan has spent nearly 20 years with Philly fire and worked the decade before that as an EMT, say her loved ones on GoFundMe.  For seven years, Bridget has been fighting cancer.  "Her first surgery in 2016 removed part of her tongue, and replaced it with tissue from her arm, followed by radiation treatments," said organizer Shannon Donovan. "She fought hard and bounced back and returned to work." Bridget was back in service …
'Avoid The Area': Fire Crews Battle Blaze In Philadelphia 'Avoid The Area': Fire Crews Battle Blaze In Philadelphia
'Avoid The Area': Fire Crews Battle Blaze In Philadelphia Over a hundred firefighters were on the scene of a three-alarm blaze in Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon, emergency officials say.  First responders warned of a major fire near the corner of Torresdale Avenue and Fraley Street around 3:40 p.m. on May 31 in a tweet. Residents were advised to steer clear of the area and neighbors were asked to shut windows and stay inside.  A large plume of smoke was visible from the area, and the city Public Health Department dispatched inspectors to collect air quality samples. As of around 3:40 p.m., "no specific hazardous substances have been identifi…