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Firefighting

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 Hatboro House Fire Newspaper Deliveryman, Police Officers Save 97-Year-Old Sleeping Man From Hatboro House Fire
Newspaper Deliveryman, Police Officers Save 97-Year-Old Sleeping Man From Hatboro 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…
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…
Bucks Fire Crews Beat Back Early Morning Blaze At Mobile Home Park Bucks Fire Crews Beat Back Early Morning Blaze At Mobile Home Park
Bucks Fire Crews Beat Back Early Morning Blaze At Mobile Home Park Bucks County firefighters spent the early morning hours on Friday, May 12 extinguishing a house fire at a Lower Southampton trailer park.  Crews were called just before 3 a.m. to the Eastern Dawn Mobile Home Park, 2304 Brownsville Road in Feasterville-Trevose, said Lower Southampton Fire Department.  They arrived to find fire coming from the roof of a home. Firefighters from the Feasterville, Trevose, Parkland, Langhorne-Middletown, Newport, and Southampton companies responded to the scene to provide assistance, the department said.  Last night Squrt 44 responded into the 6-05 box for…
Philly Deputy Fire Chief Retires After Decades Of Service Philly Deputy Fire Chief Retires After Decades Of Service
Philly Deputy Fire Chief Retires After Decades Of Service After 35 years with the department, Philadelphia Deputy Fire Chief Vincent Mulray spent his last night in the station.  The deputy's colleagues marked the occasion with a shout-out on social media, thanking Mulray for his service and friendship.  Congratulations to Deputy Chief Vince Mulray, who will be working his last night in the Firehouse after 35 years of service to the Philadelphia Fire Department. Thank you for your friendship over the years, and I wish you the best in your retirement. pic.twitter.com/GkLncTclvW — P.F.D. HISTORY (@PHILASACHIEF) March 28, 2023 Deputy Chief Mulr…
Reenie Martin, Longtime Delco Firefighter And 'Trailblazer,' Dies At 61 Reenie Martin, Longtime Delco Firefighter And 'Trailblazer,' Dies At 61
Reenie Martin, Longtime Delco Firefighter And 'Trailblazer,' Dies At 61 Eleanor Irene Martin (nee Gallagher), a longtime Delaware County resident and firefighter, died on Monday, Feb. 6, her colleagues announced to the community. She was 61.  Known to friends and loved ones as Reenie, Martin was a lifetime member of the South Media Fire Company, officials said on Facebook. She was one of the first woman ever to earn that distinction in the company's 101-year history — "a trailblazer," her grieving colleagues wrote.  In 1991, the South Media Fire Company's members selected Martin as firefighter of the year, the company noted.  "Reenie was an…
Two Firefighters Killed Battling Schuylkill County Blaze Two Firefighters Killed Battling Schuylkill County Blaze
Two Firefighters Killed Battling Schuylkill County Blaze Tributes are pouring in from across state lines and beyond for two firefighters who were tragically killed Wednesday evening battling a Schuylkill County blaze. Assistant Fire Chief Zachary Paris, 36, and Firefighter Marvin Gruber, 59, responded to a blaze with the New Tripoli Fire Company at 1121 Clamtown Rd. in West Penn Township around 4 p.m., the Boonton Fire Dept. said. Both Paris and Gruber became trapped inside the burning home during the rescue and were removed in critical condition. They later succumbed to their injuries. Meanwhile, an occupant of the home was found in the woods …
Three Firefighters Hospitalized In Chester Blaze Three Firefighters Hospitalized In Chester Blaze
Three Firefighters Hospitalized In Chester Blaze Three firefighters were hospitalized after knocking down a Chester fire, authorities said. The blaze on the 1200 block of Baker Street broke out just after 12 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 9, according to the Chester Bureau of Fire. Two houses were up in flames by the time crews arrived. One of the firefighters became trapped when they partially fell through the first floor, fire officials said. That firefighter was freed by crew members within minutes. Overall, a total of three firefighters were taken to Crozer Chester Medical Center, where they were listed in stable condition, authorities…
Longtime Suburban Philly Firefighter, Police Officer Dies, 33 Longtime Suburban Philly Firefighter, Police Officer Dies, 33
Longtime Suburban Philly Firefighter, Police Officer Dies, 33 A longtime Pennsylvania firefighter who also served his community as a police officer died on Monday, Sept. 12. He was 33. Born in Upland and raised in Boothwyn, James C. Hallman III was a 19-year member of the Boothwyn Fire Company, according to his obituary and the department. The Upper Chichester Fire Department regrets to announce the passing of Firefighter James Hallman, III. Jim was a 19... Posted by Upper Chichester Fire Department on Monday, September 12, 2022 "His confidence to get the job done was always felt by his fellow brothers," the Upper Chichester Fire department wr…
Worker Hurt, Residents Relocated Following Lehigh Valley Nursing Home Fire Worker Hurt, Residents Relocated Following Lehigh Valley Nursing Home Fire
Worker Hurt, Residents Relocated Following Lehigh Valley Nursing Home Fire A worker was hurt and several residents were relocated after a dryer at a Lehigh Valley nursing home went up in flames Wednesday morning, authorities said. Nancy Run and Bethlehem Township volunteer fire crews found a fully-involved dryer fire and activated sprinkler as they arrived at Country Meadows Nursing and Rehab on Green Pond Road in Bethlehem around 4:45 a.m., NRFC said. Both crews doused the fire and helped move several residents to other safe areas in the building. One employee suffered a minor injury, and no residents were hurt, the fire company said. “This is another case of a…
3 Baltimore Firefighters Dead, One Critical Battling Morning House Fire 3 Baltimore Firefighters Dead, One Critical Battling Morning House Fire
3 Baltimore Firefighters Dead, One Critical Battling Morning House Fire Three firefighters have died and one was in serious condition after they became trapped battling a house fire early Monday morning, officials confirmed. Mayor Brandon Scott identified the fatally-wounded firefighters as Lt. Paul Butrim, Firefighter/Paramedic Kelsey Sadler, and EMT/Firefighter Kenny Lacayo. John McMaster remains at the hospital in critical but stable condition.  At the scene.Baltimore City Fire Department "This is a gut-wrenching tragedy for our city, the Baltimore City Fire Department, and most importantly the families of our firefighters," Scott said.  "There are no w…
Suburban Philly Firefighter, Paramedic Dies Of COVID-19 Complications Suburban Philly Firefighter, Paramedic Dies Of COVID-19 Complications
Suburban Philly Firefighter, Paramedic Dies Of Covid-19 Complications A suburban Philadelphia firefighter and paramedic died Monday of COVID-19 complications. The Royersford Fire Department announced the sudden death of Michael Lessar in a Facebook post Tuesday morning. Our thoughts are with the Lessar family as we remember the contributions and service dedicated to the Spring-Ford community and our country. Posted by Royersford Fire Department on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 Lessar joined the department in 2018, after previously working for the Reading Fire Department and serving in the United States Army, the post reads. He was remembered as a catalyst …
Firefighters Battle Rowhouse Blaze In Reading Firefighters Battle Rowhouse Blaze In Reading
Firefighters Battle Rowhouse Blaze In Reading Firefighters battled a rowhouse blaze in Reading Monday evening, authorities said. Crews arrived at a home on Chesnut Street to find a 2.5 story house with fire showing on the second floor around 6 p.m., according to the Reading Fire Department. Crews extinguished the blaze by stretching a hose line through the front door, authorities said. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Office of the Fire Marshal.
Reading Family Displaced Following Late Night Roof Fire In 2.5 Story Home Reading Family Displaced Following Late Night Roof Fire In 2.5 Story Home
Reading Family Displaced Following Late Night Roof Fire In 2.5 Story Home A Reading family has been displaced from their home after a roof fire damaged their 2 and a half story home late Monday night, authorities said. When local firefighters arrived at a home on Church Street around 11:25 p.m., they found that the blaze had advanced to the 2nd floor where the fire was found to have entered the void spaces in the back wall and was traveling vertically, according to Reading Fire Department. Crews operating on the 3rd floor found fire running the peak of the roof, authorities said. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire in the attic around 11:50 p.m. b…
Fire Crews Battle Blaze At Blommer Chocolate Factory Fire Crews Battle Blaze At Blommer Chocolate Factory
Fire Crews Battle Blaze At Blommer Chocolate Factory Fire crews battled a building fire at the Blommer Chocolate Factory Tuesday, authorities said. When firefighters arrived on scene just after 2 p.m., they discovered that the automatic fire alarm was manually pulled by a worker who noticed the fire in the packaging area of the factory in Upper Hanover Township, according to Emergency Alerts of Delaware, Bucks, and Montgomery Counties. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control within an hour due to the large layout of the factory, authorities said. There were reportedly no injuries to firefighters or chocolate factory staff, and…
Fire Crews Tackle Chalfont Garage Blaze During Snowstorm Fire Crews Tackle Chalfont Garage Blaze During Snowstorm
Fire Crews Tackle Chalfont Garage Blaze During Snowstorm Fire crews tackled a garage blaze in Chalfont Borough, Bucks County during Thursday's snowstorm, authorities said. The Chalfont Fire Company responded to the fire around 11:45 a.m. at 130 N. Main St, according to a Facebook post. Firefighters spent about two hours extinguishing the blaze. The Chalfont Fire Company was assisted by the Doylestown Fire Company, Warrington Township Emergency Services, the Midway Volunteer Fire Company, Hartsville Fire Company, the Fire Department of Montgomery Township, the Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company, and North Penn Goodwill Service.
Hospital Shares Montgomery County Firefighter's Cancer Battle Hospital Shares Montgomery County Firefighter's Cancer Battle
Hospital Shares Montgomery County Firefighter's Cancer Battle Working on the frontlines has shown Montgomery Township firefighter Robert Roy what cancer can do to a person. So when he was diagnosed with colon cancer in September 2019, he couldn't help but worry. After months of chemotherapy and other drug treatments, along with a surgical procedure last March, he's cancer free (and now enrolled in a study due to a cancer mutation that puts him at risk for others). Roy has returned to working 12-hour shifts as an EMS deputy chief, and as a part-time firefighter on the other days.  The dad of three was recently featured for his brave journey in a…
Northampton County Dad, Volunteer Firefighter Daniel Arcadipane Dies, 37 Northampton County Dad, Volunteer Firefighter Daniel Arcadipane Dies, 37
Northampton County Dad, Volunteer Firefighter Daniel Arcadipane Dies, 37 Northampton County father and former volunteer fireman Daniel J. Arcadipane died Nov. 13 at the age of 37. Arcadipane was born Sept. 28, 1983 in Mesa, AZ, and lived in Bethlehem Township at the time of his death, his obituary says. He attended Northampton Community College, where he earned an Associate’s Degree in Science Technology Emergency Management, his obit says. Arcadipane was a manager for Tru-Green before working in sales at industrial machinery rental company HerC Rental. He also served for many years as a volunteer fireman and was an active member of Calvery Baptist Church in Be…