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Millcreek Township, Erie City and Erie County Live Audio Courtesy of Scan Erie

Just A Reminder

Please make sure that if there is a fire hydrant on your property, keep the area around the hydrant free from bushes, plants and anything else.  If a Firefighter has to take the time to clear out the area around a hydrant, that means it will take longer to get water to the fire. 

BUSY DAY FOR THE VOLUNTEERS

Wednesday, July 1st - Volunteers were kept busy for the 2nd consecutive day.  After responding to a total of 22 calls yesterday, West Ridge responded to 7 calls throughout the day.  The first call came in at 12am for a reported structure fire at the Plastek Company.  Chief 460 arrived on location and reported normal conditions.  Tower 479 arrived on location and after investigating, found that an outside electrical outlet had short circuited.  With no need for fire services, Stations 46, 48 and 50 cleared the scene.  At 4:30am, Engine 472 along with Engine 442 responded for alarm bells at a local children's home.  After determining that the home suffered a power loss, companies returned.  After a few hours break, another call for alarm bells came in, but that turned out to be a false alarm.  During the afternoon, Engine 472 responded to a vehicle accident, 2 EMS calls and to Eriez Magnetics for a water flow alarm.  It was found that a contractor was working on the system and companies were cleared to return. 

MILLCREEK FIRE DEPARTMENTS KEPT VERY BUSY DURING RAIN STORM

Tuesday, June 30th - During the mid morning, the all tone was dispatched for all available Millcreek Township Firefighters to report to their respective station.  This was due to the massive rainfall and resulting flooding that was occurring throughout Millcreek Township.  During the storm, fire crews were kept very busy with calls ranging from water rescues, flooded basements and fire alarms.  For several hours, WRFD was able to staff both stations for several hours.  WRFD's first call came in around 4:30am for a fire alarm to 44's first due.  After investigating, it was deemed a false alarm.  During the rest of the morning and early afternoon, Engine 472 along with Tower 479 responded to 4 additional fire alarms, a reported water rescue and an EMS call.  While this was happening, Truck 477 was responding to several requests for pump outs throughout the district.  At one point, the list was 8 addresses deep.  The hardest hit area of Millcreek Township was the Belle Valley area.  As a result of the massive flooding there, the water rescue teams from Lake City and Lake Shore were dispatched to assist with rescue and evacuations of the area.  Millcreek Township Emergency Management Operations was activated, the Erie County Emergency Operations Center went operational and Millcreek Township was declared a State of Emergency.  Millcreek Township Public Works was also kept very busy during the rain storm.  The City of Erie and western Erie County was also hit hard by the severe flooding. 

WEST RIDGE FIRE DEPARTMENT WELCOMES 6 NEW MEMBERS

Sunday, June 28th - At this month's business meeting, 6 new members were welcomed into the West Ridge Fire Department.  They are Matt Bell, Jeffrey Bresslin, Kevin Franz, Dave Garnon, Kyle Kunz and Jason Myers.  Kevin and Kyle were accepted at members of the Junior Firefighters while Jeff, Dave, Matt and Jason were voted upon by the membership to be placed on probationary status.  Their probationary period will last at least 6 months.  With Kevin and Kyle joining the Junior Firefighters, this brings the total Junior Firefighters at WRFD to 5 members.  Currently, the membership roster at West Ridge is now up to 57 members.  Welcome to the newest members!!

46 HOUSE PARTICIPATES IN ESSENTIALS LIVE BURN AND MEMORIAL MOTORCYCLE RUN

Saturday, June 27th - This morning, Tower 479 headed over to Lawrence Park to participate in the Michael Crotty Memorial Motorcycle Run.  Michael Crotty served as the Assistant Chief of the Lawrence Park Fire Department as well as a career firefighter with the Erie City Bureau of Fire.  He tragically died on the line of duty back in April 2008.  Tower 479 along with Tower 369 from Belle Valley provided a ladder arch along Main Street.  The parade of motorcycles passed under the arch with an American flag draped below the arch.  Several hundred motorcycles paraded down Main Street through Lawrence Park.  The ride took them throughout Erie County with several stops at fire stations throughout the day.  The day concluded with a picnic back in Lawrence Park.  At the end of the parade, Life Star flew over Main Street.  As this was going on, Engine 473 was requested to be used at the Delmar live burn training session at the training grounds in Franklin Township.

ENGINE 472 RESPONDS TO DUMPSTER FIRE

Tuesday, June 23rd - This evening during the dinner hour, the 46 house was toned out for a dumpster fire in the Ebco Park Business Park.  4601 arrived on location and advised of a working dumpster fire.  Engine 472 arrived on location, pulled an attack line had put a quick knock down on the fire.  After the quick knock down, the deck gun was used to put a final wash down on the entire area.  Crews cleared the scene around 30 minutes later.

CREWS INTERRUPTED WHILE CLEANING THE APPARATUS

Monday, June 22nd - This evening while members were at Station 47 cleaning the apparatus, the tones were dispatched for a reported structure fire at Bennett's Wash & Laundry on Route 20.  Chief 460 arrived on location and reported nothing visible.  Engine 472 arrived on location and assumed 1st due engine responsibilities.  Inside, 472 with assistance from Tower 479 check the ceiling above the dryer where the problem was originating.  After checking the area, nothing was found.  As crews were checking, Engine 473 stood by at the hydrant.  Engine 502 (Lake Shore) and Ladder 489 (West Lake) also responded on the box, but were returned by Command.

DRYER FIRE, GAS LEAK AND MOBILE DATA TERMINALS KEEP CREWS BUSY

Thursday, June 18th - On Monday June 15th, crews were dispatched to a gas leak on the parking lot of McDowell High School.  Engine 473 arrived on location and found a full gas tank that had fallen loose from a pickup.  An estimated 25 gallons of gas was actively leaking from the tank.  473 along with 477 applied some oil dry to absorb the gas.  The scene was turned over to the vehicle's owner and the tow truck driver.  On June 16th at 7:21pm, companies 46, 48, 50 and MPS were dispatched to 3205 Patio Drive for a reported structure fire.  As companies were responding, Erie County reported that the dryer in the basement was on fire.  Engine 502 (Lake Shore) arrived on location, reported nothing visible from the outside and assumed 1st due engine responsibilities.  As 502 was entered the basement, they were met with moderate smoke conditions.  Tower 479 arrived on location and the crew performed a primary search of divisions 1 and 2, which was negative and assisted 502 was ventilation and removal of the dryer from the basement.  Engine 472 along with Engine 473 assisted interior companies with ventilation as well.  West Lake Engine 482 stood by at the hydrant.  After the smoke was removed from the structure, the residence was turned back over to the homeowner.  Captain 511 (Lake Shore) had Command.  Also keeping WRFD is busy in the installation of mobile data terminals that were recently purchased.  These MDTs have mapping software, vehicle rescue information, mobile ERG, ICS forms, preplans, building layouts, hydrant locations, Firehouse Mobile and a members roster.

HOUSE FIRE WITH EXPLOSION IN THE FIRST DUE

Sunday, June 14th - This evening shortly before 10:30pm, Stations 46, 48, 50 along with Millcreek Paramedics were dispatched to 3027 Westline Drive for a house fire.  47-L7 arrived on location within seconds and reported a 1 story residental structure with heavy fire showing.  Chief 460 arrived on location and established 46 command with operations going to the West Ridge On Site channel.  When Tower 479 arrived on location, the crew pulled an attack line and entered the structure via the front door.  As crews were maneuvering inside the house, they were met with heavy smoke conditions and high heat.  About 1/2 way back, the heat was met with extensive heat, at which point the crew evacuated the structure.  As the crew as exiting the building, 46 command announced operations would be defensive due to the fire now through the roof.  Engine 502 arrived on location and laid a supply line from the hydrant to Tower 479.  Engine 472, Engine 473 and Engine 482 arrived on location quickly afterwards and assisted with suppression and overhaul.  Towards the end of the operation, crews put several buckets of foam on the building to cool down and hidden hotspots.  The homeowner was transported to a Pittsburgh trauma center due to the injuries sustained.  As crews were operating at this fire, Erie County advised command of a possible commercial fire at the Steris plant on West 23rd Street.  After investigating that fire, nothing was found and it was deemed a false alarm.  Crews cleared the scene around 2:30am.  The scene was turned over to the Millcreek Township Police Fire Investigation Unit.  ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

JUNIORS & PROBATIONARY MEMBERS TRAIN ON VEHICLE RESCUE TECHNIQUES

Monday, June 8th - Tonight's drill was on the topic of Vehicle Rescue.  Crews headed out to Denny's Towing on Thomas Road to train on the various rescue tools carried on the apparatus.  After a review of what tools are carried on the apparatus, members went to work.  While at tonight's drill, the Junior Firefighters and new Probationary members got a chance to setup the Rescue 42 struts, use the spreaders, cutters, Ajax tool, saw zaws and hydro rams.  As they were using these tools, other members worked with them to show them were to cut and how they worked.  Another topic discussed with the newest members was the high tech metal that is being built into the newest vehicles.  The Juniors and Probationary members did an excellent job.  Special thanks to Denny's Towing for providing the cars.  ADDITIONAL PICTURES

2300 BLOCK POWELL AVE:  SUV vs MOTORCYCLE

Monday, June 8th - As crews were working on the weekly apparatus checklist, MP-2 radioed Erie County of a vehicle accident in 2300 block of Powell Ave.  He advised a 2 vehicles, 1 being a motorcycle, with multiple patients.  Chief 460 arrived on location, assessed the scene and established Powell Ave Command.  Engine 472, and Engine 473 arrived on location and assisted EMS crews with patient care.  2 people were transported by Millcreek Paramedics to the trauma center for treatment.  Fire Police and Truck 477 handled traffic.  Millcreek Township Police are investigating.

16 RUNS THIS WEEK KEEP VOLUNTEERS BUSY

Saturday, June 6th - This week, the Volunteers from 46 & 47 were kept busy.  Crews responded to a possible building fire in the Granada Apartment complex, a vehicle accident at West 26th & Powell Avenue, possible structure fire on Lexington Ave in 44's first due, kitchen fire in Fairview Township, grass fire in Ebco Park, vehicle fire on Powell Avenue, another possible building fire on West 12th Street in 48's area, along with several alarm bells and medical locals.  Crews also spent several hours this week attending various training session.

VEHICLE FIRE - WEST 23rd & POWELL AVE

Thursday, June 4th - Later in the evening at 10:45pm, units were dispatched to the intersection of West 23rd & Powell Ave for a reported vehicle fire.  Millcreek Police arrived on location and gave an updated location of the former Roadway Trucking parking lot.  Chief 460 arrived on location and found 1 vehicle with smoke showing from the interior of the cab.  The crew from 472 used a water can to cool down the area.  After conducting an on scene investigation, crews found that were was some fire between the firewall and the dashboard.  This being, an attack line was pulled to extinguish the extension. 

GRASS FIRE UNDER PENINSULA AVE BRIDGE

Thursday, June 4th - This evening at 8:48pm, units were dispatched to 2100 block of Peninsula Drive for a reported grass fire.  Chief 460 arrived on location and reported a working grass fire next to the Peninsula Ave Bridge.  Engine 472 arrived on location, stretched an attack line and put the fire out.  After the fire was out, crews scaled up and over the K-rails, down a ladder to gain direct access to the area to check for hot spots.  Crews cleared the scene at 9:21pm.

PROBIES AND JUNIORS GET FAMILIAR WITH THE SCBA

Monday, June 1st - While several members were touring the local Plastek manufacturing plant, the other members met up at Station 47 to work with the Junior and Probationary members on getting familiar with the SCBAs.  After a brief talk by L-3 on the fundamentals of the SCBA, the Juniors and Probies donned the SCBA, entered the training tower.  Their goal was to follow the hose line throughout the building to locate the nozzle.  While maneuvering through the tower, they had to encounter a few obstacles.  They also learned how to move up and down the stairs.  They also learned what tools they need when entering a structure and the proper way to move throughout the structure.  Tonight's training was the first time that some of these members put on the SCBA.  Several brand new members who were also in attendance had the opportunity to view tonight's training.  ADDITIONAL PICTURES

HARRY LOVE CELEBRATES HIS 90th BIRTHDAY

Sunday, May 24th - This afternoon, family, friends past firefighters and current firefighters celebrated Harry Love's 90th birthday.  Harry has been a member of WRFD since 1940.  Although he does not run calls any more, he still serves as the Relief Association Treasurer.  Harry is also never afraid to offer his opinion no matter what the subject is!!  Those in attendance had the opportunity to enjoy some refreshments, birthday cake, see pictures of Harry from years past and just have a good ole time!!  Happy Birthday Harry!!

TOWER 479 RESPONDS ON 44 BOX

Friday, May 22nd - This morning during the 10am hour, Stations 44, 46, 92, 42 and 68 RIT were dispatched on a 1st alarm building box for the Max & Erma's restaurant in the Millcreek Mall Pavilion.  Chief 441 arrived on location and reported normal conditions from the outside.  After investigating, he discovered that 1 of the neon signs outside near the roof had caught fire, but was out.  Tower 479 arrived on location and the crew went to the roof to check for extension and open up.  Meanwhile, Engine 442 stood by at the hydrant.  Crews remained on location for around 30 minutes.  As crews were returning to the station, 46 was dispatched for residental alarm bells on Volkman Road.  This turned out to be a false alarm. 

THURSDAY BRINGS 9 CALLS

Thursday, May 21st - Today brought 9 calls to the 46 district.  The first call came in at 7:39am for alarm bells which turned out to be false.  At 8:07, Engine 472 responded to a vehicle accident at West 26th & Caughey.  While on scene, 472 handled fluids and debris.  At 10:10, alarm bells were sounded at the Springhill Retirement Community.  Those bells turned out to be false.  At 4:53pm, crews were dispatched to 3500 block of Zuck Road for a vehicle accident.  With both vehicles receiving minor damage and no debris and fluids in the roadway, Engine 472 returned to quarters.  Then around 10:45pm, crews responded to another alarm bells call which also turned out to be false.  Crews also responded to 4 medical locals today. 

AFTERNOON VEHICLE FIRE ON HERSHEY ROAD

Wednesday, May 20th - This afternoon, Station 46 responded to a vehicle fire in front of 3507 Hershey Road.  MP-24 was in the area and arrived on location and reported a working fire in the engine compartment.  Engine 473 arrived on location, pulled an attack line and had the fire knocked down quickly.  Engine 472 arrived on scene shortly afterwards and assisted 473.  Once the fire was out, crews spent several minutes checking for hot spots and performed overhaul.  Fire Police handled traffic was the engines were in suppression operations.  Companies cleared the scene around 3:45pm.  ADDITIONAL PICTURES

WEST RIDGE MEMBER GETS THEIR JERSEY NUMBER RETIRED

Monday, May 18th - Recently Jamison Roth, associate member of WRFD, had his hockey number retired by the University of California Pennsylvania.  Jamison played for the Vulcans from 2002 - 2007.  During this time, he served as Team Captain, Assistant Team Captain, General Manager and Assistant Coach.  During his time down there, Jamison took the hockey team from practically nothing and turned the team into a champion.  The team won 3 College Hockey East Conference Championships and 1 ACHA Division 3 National Title in 2007-2008.  He scored 171 goals, had 296 assists and even 130 penalty minutes in 126 games.  According to the University, Jamison is the only player to have his number retired.  Although still an associate member, Jamison served as an active member of WRFD for several years first starting as a Junior Firefighter.  While attending Cal, Jamison also had the opportunity to serve with the California Fire Company Station 23 in Washington County, PA.  Congratulations Jamison on having your #6 retired!!

SUSPICIOUS FIRE AT MILLCREEK RECYCLING CENTER

Saturday, May 16th - This evening at 8:21pm, Stations 46, 48, 50 and 52 responded to a large unknown fire in the 2300 block of Millfair Road.  Several calls were reporting heavy smoke in the area.  Assistant Chief 461 arrived on location and found large diameter plastic drain pipes on fire with extension to the neighboring trees and piles of scrap wood.  The pipes were 3 - 5 feet in diameter and of various lengths.  After gaining access to the corrected location, which was behind the Recycling Center, Engine 472 arrived on location, with assistance from Engine 482 (West Lake), pulled an attack line in an effort to put of the flames.  Due to the location of the fire, Tanker 535 (Fairview) was dispatched to assist with water supply.  After the bulk of the fire was knocked down, Millcreek EMA brought in a front end loader so crews could gain better access to some of the hidden fire.  It took crews about 60 minutes until the fire was under control.  Meanwhile, Fire Police from 46, 48, 50 and 52 shut down Millfair Road and railroad traffic on the nearby tracks was also shut down during the incident.  Truck 477 assisted in EMS and water supply operations and Engine 473 setup a tanker fill station.  Local news media was reporting that the smoke could be seen up to 10 miles away.  Station 82 (Erie Airport) and Foam Trailer 52 was put on standby, but was not needed.  Millcreek Township Police are investigating the cause.

MONDAY MORNING FATAL WRECK IN THE FIRST DUE

Monday, May 11th - This morning at 9:04, Engine 472, Rescue 488, MPS along with Fire Police were dispatched to West Ridge Road & Wegman's Drive for a vehicle accident.  First arriving companies found a 2 vehicle accident with heavy damage.  The driver of the red vehicle was pronounced at the scene while the driver of the other vehicle was transported trauma code to the trauma center for treatment.  After crews assisted with patient care, companies assisted Millcreek Township Police with scene safety and traffic while they investigated the accident.

PUMPS 1 CLASS CONTINUED

Monday, May 4th - For the past several weeks, several members have been participating in a Pumps 1 class being taught by Tim Eckstrom.  The class consisted of general pumps knowledge, how the pumps work, running the pumps, working with supply lines, drafting operations and pump fundamentals.  This gave those members who do not have this certification the chance to earn it.  It also gave those members who don't have the opportunity to run the pump that much a chance.  Pumps 1 certification is one of the requirements to drive either the engine or truck.  During the class, the probationary and junior members had the chance to man charge hose lines, perform ladder evolutions and hydrant operations.