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2010 Calls to Date: 164
Thank you for your continued support!!!
LARGE AREA SEARCH TRAINING Monday, February 1st - For tonight's drill, members reviewed large area search techniques. The members reviewed 2 ways to search a large area. The first technique reviewed was the normal search patterns that are used. The 2nd technique used was the leap frog method with members connected by a specific length of rope. Tonight's training was led by Lieutenants Laskowski, Kilmer, Hickin and Safety Office DeRosa. ADDITIONAL PICTURES
ENGINE 472 COVERS McKEAN BORO Sunday, January 31st - At 7:23pm, West Ridge was dispatched to a transfer assignment to Station 40 in McKean. McKean, along with several other West and South County Fire Departments were operating on a structure box out in Edinboro. Engine 472, with 7 Volunteers, stood by for around 90 minutes with no calls for service.
FIRST DUE RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE FIRE: 3112 WEST 24th STREET Saturday, January 30th - Just before lunch, Companies 46, 48 (West Lake), 50 (Lake Shore) and 93 (Millcreek Paramedics) were dispatched to 3112 West 24th Street for a reported structure fire. Chief 460 arrived on location, reported a 1 story house with smoke showing. Tower 479 with 5 Volunteers, arrived on location and stretched a 1 3/4" attack line into the basement. Crews were met with moderate smoke and found the fire in the ceiling above a light fixture. The interior crew had the fire knocked with within minutes. Additional crews from 472 and 482 assisted with ventilation and overhaul. Engine 502 (Lake Shore) staged at the hydrant. Companies operated on scene until 12:53pm. Earlier in the morning, Volunteers responded to 3 medical locals, all within 90 minutes.
WEST RIDGE VOLUNTEERS RESPOND TO COMMERCIAL FIRE: 4999 PITTSBURGH AVE Thursday, January 28th - At 6pm, companies 44 (Kearsarge), 42 (Perry Hi-Way), 68 RIT (Kuhl Hose), 93 (Millcreek Paramedics) along with Tower 479 responded to 4999 Pittsburgh Ave for a commercial fire. MP-27 arrived on location and reported smoke showing from a 2 story commercial facility. Chief 441arrived on established 44 command. Interior crews reported heavy smoke and fire load on the Division 2. Tower 479 arrived on location and positioned on the Alpha/Delta corner of the building. The crew laddered the structure and ventilated. As this was going on, the rest of the crew entered the structure with a 2" attack line to attack the fire on the 2nd floor. With the extreme radiant heat, every plastic type object that was 50-60 feet away from the main fire melted. With temperatures in the teens, command requested an engine from 46 and 48 (West Lake) as well as the American Red Cross and the Erie City Fire Rehab Bus. Tower 479 operated on scene for several hours. 70th ANNIVERSARY BIRTHDAY PARTY!!! Monday, January 25th - This evening before drill, members got together to officially thank Harry Love for his 70 years of service. Harry, along with other local residents, saw a need for a fire department in the West Ridge section of Millcreek Township back in 1937. In 1940, their efforts became official when the West Ridge Fire Department was officially chartered. Tonight, the members applauded Harry for his years of service. The Millcreek Township Board of Supervisors also presented Harry with a Certificate of Appreciation for his years of service. Afterwards, the members enjoyed some refreshments, a cake and gathered for a group picture.
TOWER 479 RESPONDS TO ELECTRICAL FIRE: 2501 WEST 12th STREET
ENGINE 472 RESPONDS TO VEHICLE ACCIDENT: WEST 26th & PENINSULA DRIVE Saturday, January 16th - Station 46 was dispatched to the intersection of West 26th & Peninsula Drive for a reported vehicle accident. Chief 461 arrived on location and reported 2 vehicles with moderate damage. As Millcreek Paramedics were tending to patient care, Engine 472 with 5 volunteers handled fluids and debris while Fire Police handled traffic. Units cleared the scene within 30 minutes.
HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY TO WEST RIDGE FIRE DEPARTMENT
2 CAR VEHICLE ACCIDENT: WEST 26th & RIDGE BLVD Tuesday, January 5th - This morning during rush hour, Station 46 responding to a MVA just 1 block west of the firehouse. First arriving companies reported 2 vehicles and minor to moderate damage. Engine 472 arrived on location and assisted with traffic. Companies cleared within 30 minutes.
WEST RIDGE FIRE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES GRANT FROM STATE FIRE COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE Wednesday, January 6th - Today, the West Ridge Fire Department received work from the Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner's Office that a $11,722 grant had been awarded. The grant money will be used to install a new emergency generator at Station 46. Special thanks to the Grant Committee for securing this grant for West Ridge. A LITTLE SLED RIDING BEHIND THE FIREHOUSE Tuesday, January 5th - This afternoon, a few members took advantage of all the snow the Erie region has accumulated over the past several days. They spent the afternoon sled riding behind Station 47 and then building a fort with tunnels on a snow mound in the parking lot!! The members even had fun burying Lt. Hickin in the snow. All in all, everyone had fun and a good laugh!! ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
2 CAR VEHICLE ACCIDENT: WEST 26th AND EVANSTON AVE Monday, January 4th - At 3:34pm, companies responded to West 26th & Evanston Ave for a 2 car vehicle accident. Chief 460 arrived on location and reported 2 vehicles with moderate damage. As 460 was surveying the scene, it was determined that 2 ambulances would be needed. Engine 472 with 5 volunteers arrived on location, assisted with patient care and handled debris. A 3rd ambulances was special called to the scene as well. A total of 5 patients were transported to an Erie hospital for treatment. Fire Police handled traffic on busy West 26th Street. Companies cleared the scene at 4:11pm. Special thanks to Chief Davis and Firefighter Parker from Station 44 for assisting us on scene. ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
FIRST CALL OF 2010 COMES IN AT 1:43AM
2 CAR MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT: ROUTE 20 & SWANVILLE Thursday, December 24th - This afternoon, companies responded to Route 20 and Swanville Road for a 2 car vehicle accident. Deputy Chief 463 arrived on location and reported 2 vehicles head on with heavy damage. Truck 477, which had just cleared an EMS call arrived on location and assisted MPS with patient care. Engine 472 with a full crew of 7 arrived on location and handled debris and fluids with assistance from Engine 473. A total of 4 patients were transported by 2 ambulances to the Erie trauma center. Meanwhile, Fire Police established a safety zone and performed traffic control. Once the vehicles were removed from the intersection, companies returned in service. ADDITIONAL PICTURES
ENGINE COMPANY RESPONDS TO EARLY MORNING VEHICLE ACCIDENT: WEST 26th AND CARTER AVENUE
AUXILIARY RECOGNIZED BY MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS Tuesday, December 22nd - At this morning's Millcreek Township Supervisors meeting, the West Ridge Fire Department Auxiliary was recognized for their efforts for aiding the victims of the apartment fire on Sunday, December 6th. Auxiliary members began arriving at Station 46 around 4am to setup a temporary shelter for the victims. The auxiliary provided refreshments to the residents. The Auxiliary also provided food and drinks to the firefighters once they did return to the station. Great job Auxiliary!!! BUSY MONDAY FOR 46 HOUSE Monday, December 21st - The volunteers at the 46 House were kept busy Monday running 7 calls. The first call came in at 12:23am for a medical assist to Millcreek Paramedics. Crews ran 6 additional calls throughout the day: 4:38am - medical assist, 4:48am - medical assist, 8:06am - public service, 10:00am - medical assist, 6:53pm - fire alarm, 9:34 - mobile home fire and at 11:49pm - medical assist. At the mobile home fire on Shenk Ave, Engine 472 supplied Engine 482 (West Lake) with water while the crew from 472 assisted in fire suppression, overhaul and opening up. Crews operating on location at the mobile home fire until 10:30pm. ADDITIONAL PICTURES
CHIMNEY COLLAPSES ON ROOF Monday, December 21st - Shortly after 8am, Tower 479 along with Truck 477 responded to the 3200 block of West 12th street for a reported residential structure fire. As companies were responding, Erie County advised that a chimney had collapsed with smoke showing from that area. Chief 460 arrived on location and confirmed a chimney collapse with nothing evident. Engine 482 (West Lake) arrived on location and check the interior with no conditions. Tower 479 setup on the Delta side of the structure to check the chimney area. The tower crew removed the chimney facade from the roof. Crews operated on scene for about 60 minutes. ADDITIONAL PICTURES
3 COMPANIES TO COMMERCIAL FIRE Wednesday, December 16th - This evening companies 46, 48, 50 responded to Eriez Magnetics for a reported commercial fire. Crews arrived on location and were advised that the fire was located inside an air filtration unit. With assistance from West Lake and Lake Shore, crews disassembled the unit and used an 1 3/4" attack line to extinguish. The unit was located in an outside area between two additions of the building complex. Crews had to go in through the shop to gain assess to the unit. Very icy conditions were found in the area were this air filtration unit was located this made for very unstable footing. Crews were on location for around an hour. SHED FIRE TURNS OUT TO BE MULCH FIRE Wednesday, December 16th - During the afternoon, companies 46, 48 and 50 were alerted for a possible structure fire in the area of West 26th & Ridge Blvd. Chief 481 (West Lake) arrived on location and reported nothing found. After checking the area, crews found a pile of mulch that was smoking with extension to a plastic play slide. Engine 473 arrived on location, put the fire out with a can and checked the mulch fire for any other hidden fire. Crews cleared the scene about 30 minutes later.
ENGINE ASSISTS FAIRVIEW ON STRUCTURE & WINDS KEEP CREWS BUSY
FULL ASSIGNMENT RESPONDS TO 48 APARTMENT FIRE
Responding Companies: Engines 482, 483, 472, 473, 502, 503, City Engine 11, 532; Trucks 479, 489; Rescues 444, 485; Utilities 478, 487, 446, 477; RIT E442 & E432; Ambulances 35, 14; Transfer E553 to Station 46, E403 to Station 47 ROPE RESCUE TRAINING
TRUCK 477 RESPONDS TO ROPE RESCUE IN McKEAN TOWNSHIP
ESSENTIALS CLASS
FIREFIGHTERS COMPLETE TOWER 479 AERIAL CLASS Monday, November 16th - At this evening's meeting, 6 firefighters were presented with their Tower 479 wings for completing the tower aerial class. The class was 24 hours long with consisted of classroom and hands on operations. Those earning the wings this evening was Matt Bell, Jason Myers, Steve Lallman, Bobby McCarthy, Jake Stafford and Russ Moran. Congratulations!! Also tonight, Matt Bell was voted from probationary to active status and Alex Seib was voted from Junior Firefighter to Probationary Firefighter. VEHICLE ACCIDENT: 2200 BLOCK WEST 38th STREET
TOWER 479 SHOW & TELL AT STATION 64
INTEGRATED FIREGROUND OPERATIONS
ROLLOVER VEHICLE ACCIDENT: WEST 38th & ZUCK
CELEBRATING 69 YEARS OF SERVICE Saturday, October 17 - This evening, past and current members along with several guests gathered for the annual banquet. This year's banquet was held at the Shrine Club. After a buffet dinner, years of service awards were presented to Andy Kilmer (5 years), Tracy Shallenberger (15 years) and Gary Carver (20 years). A plaque was also presented to Kearsarge FD for their 70 years of volunteering to the Millcreek Township community. After the program, the DJ cranked up the volume, the dancing begun and even some karaoke. Specials thanks to Stations 44 (Kearsarge) and 50 (Lake Shore) for covering our first due this evening. LIVE FIRE TRAINING
West Ridge Fire Dept 3142 West 26th Street Erie, PA 16506 814-833-4440 info@westridgefire.org |
Monday,
January 25th - At 9:01am, Tower 479 along with 48 (West Lake), 50
(Lake Shore) and 93 (Millcreek Paramedics) responded to 2501 West 12th
Street for a reported electrical fire inside the St Vincent's Imaging
Center. Chief 481 arrived on location and reported normal
conditions. Tower 479 arrived on location, staged on side Alpha and
then repositioned to side Delta. There, they went to the roof to
check the HVAC units, which were operating normally. As interior
companies were investigating, they determined that the electrical smell
was coming as a result of an electrical issue and malfunctioning furnace.
The scene was turned back over to the business within the hour.
Friday,
January 15th - On this date back in 1940, the West Ridge Fire
Department was chartered. A group of local residents saw the need
for a fire department in the West Ridge section of Millcreek Township.
For a few years before, they did form an unofficial fire department.
The first Fire Chief was Hayes McCreary. He served as Fire Chief
from 1940 - 1941. The first station was located in the 3400 block of
West 26th Street. It consisted of 2 bays. In 1955, WRFD built
the present day Station 46 which consisted of a social hall, few offices
and a truck bay. Throughout the 70 years, Station 46 has gone
through various renovations. Since 1940, the West Ridge Fire
Department has been a 100% volunteer fire company. A special thanks
to all of those volunteers who served over the past 70 years. A 70th
Anniversary banquet is scheduled to take place on October 23rd at the Bel-Air
Hotel & Conference Center.
Friday, January 1st -
At 1:43am, West Ridge was dispatched to a transfer assignment to McKean
Station 40. Station 40 along with Stations 38 (Edinboro), 48 RIT
(West Lake) and 42 (Perry Hi-Way) were operating on a residential
structure fire on Reichart Road. First arriving crews reported a
working fire. During the operation, the 2nd floor and roof did
collapse, forcing companies to go defensive. With companies being
tied up for while, Engine 473 transferred to Station 40 and stood by until
6:50am. Photo courtesy of 
Wednesday,
December 23rd - At 2:30am, companies were alerted for a vehicle
accident in the area of West 26th & Caughey Road. MP37 arrived in
the area and gave an updated location of West 26th & Carter Avenue.
MP37 reported 1 vehicle with moderate damage. Engines 472 and 473
arrived on location and assisted MPS with removing 1 patient from the
vehicle as well as scene lighting while Fire Police handled traffic and
scene safety on West 26th Street. MP37 transported 1 person to the
trauma center for treatment. The Jeep Cherokee was heading eastbound
when it went off the road, hit an utility pole and spun around.
Millcreek Township Police are investigating.
Wednesday,
December 9th - At 2:30am, West Ridge was dispatched to assist Fairview
on a residential structure fire. First arriving companies found a 2
story residence with heavy fire showing from the east side of the
structure. Engine 472 with a crew of 5 arrived on location and was
assigned to relieve interior crews. 472 assisted with opening up,
overhaul and looking for hot spots on Divisions 1 and 2. Companies
on location had to also deal with wind gusts up to 60 mph. West
Ridge cleared the scene at 4am. With winds gusting heavily, WRFD was
kept busy from throughout the morning with trees and power lines down as
well as with directing traffic in the first due area.
Sunday,
December 6th - As companies were clearing alarm bells at Hoss's
Restaurant, Companies 48, 46, 50 and MPS were dispatched to the Presque
Isle Condos for a reported electrical fire. Chief 481 arrived on
location and reported heavy fire showing from the southeast corner of the
building. At this time, a 2nd alarm was struck bringing the full
assignment from 46 as well as Erie City Engine 11. Tower 479 arrived
on location and setup for master stream operations on this corner.
As interior crews were being evacuated, T-479 along with Ladder 489 began
to hit the fire. With the fire in the attic and now stretching the
entire roof, the Tower repositioned to the Northeast corner of the
building. Crews operated in master stream operations for more than 2
1/2 hours. The fire ended up going 4 alarms due to issues with water
pressure. An estimated 4,000 feet of supply line was laid in from
several hydrants in the area. At one point, flames were shooting 30
feet in the air. Once the fire was knocked down, companies entered
the structured for heavy overhaul and cool off several hot spots.
Fairview FD transferred an engine into Station 46, but was called to the
firegrounds. Special thank to E553 from Girard for staffing the 46
house and helping clean up 479 and 472 while back at the station.
The fire is under investigation by the Millcreek Township Police Fire
Investigation Department. Picture courtesy of 
Sunday,
November 22nd - For several weekends during the past few months,
Firefighters Bell, Myers and Garnon have been attending Ropes 1 - Ropes 4
classes. These classes teach all the fundamentals of rope rescue.
Those in attendance had the chance to rappel, perform a self rescue,
rescue an injured person, use a stokes basket, setup a high line and
perform a rescue on a high line.
Saturday,
November 21st - When the Ropes 4 class returned from lunch, the
instructor was notified of an actual rope rescue that needs to take place
in McKean Township. A dog had fallen around 75' down a steep cliff
behind a house. With a rope rescue class taking place at the same
time, it was decided to take the class on the rope rescue. As the
instructors along with Rescue 408 (McKean) evaluated the scene, the Ropes
4 class assisted in setting up a haul system. The dog was rescued
and brought to the top within 30 minutes. 
Wednesday,
November 18th - Since October, several of the new members have been
enrolled in a Pennsylvania Delmar Essentials of Firefighting class.
While attending this class, those in attendance have learned a wide
variety of firefighting topics ranging from fire science to building
construction to fire protection systems. Tonight, the firefighters
had the opportunity to plug an open sprinkler head. Although they
did get a little wet, they now know how plug a sprinkler head. 
Thursday,
November 12th - At 10:49pm, crews responded to the 2200 block West 38th
Street for a 2 car vehicle accident. 47-L9 arrived on location and
reported 2 vehicles, 1 with moderate front end damage. Engine 472
arrived on location, secured the vehicle and handled fluids and debris.
Fire police shut down the road between Pittsburgh Ave and Pacific Ave.
Crews remained on location until midnight.
Wednesday,
November 4th - This evening, Tower 479 made the trip out to
Springfield FD (Station 64) for a show and tell session. With Tower
479 now serving as the first due ladder for the larger structures in 64's
first due, the members of 64 wanted to see what the tower was capable of
doing as well as what they will need to provide us when the tower does
have to respond out to Springfield. After a short meeting, the tower
was setup and several members from Springfield took a ride in the bucket.
With the addition of providing first due truck to Springfield, Tower 479
now responds to the Ohio/Pennsylvania state line.
Sunday,
October 25 - During the weekend, several members took part in an
Integrated Structural Fireground Operations class held at Station 48.
Firefighters Hornaman, Stafford, McCarthy, Lt. Kilmer, Lt. Hickin and
Assistant Chief Heffner along with firefighters from Millcreek and Erie
County all took part in the class. The class was a combination of
Engine Company, Truck Company and Structural Burn Session.
Firefighters were assigned to either an engine, truck, rescue or squad
company and would respond and handle each training fire as if they were
responding to a real structure fire. By the end of the weekend, a
total of 10 burns took place in a garage, a shed and 5 acquired
structures. West Ridge provided Engine 473 for the class. West
Ridge, West Lake, Kuhl Hose, Corry, Edinboro and Girard Fire Departments
were all represented. Special thanks to West Lake for hosting the
class, all of the instructors who assisted, Ladies Auxiliary for providing
meals and refreshments throughout the weekend and to Rick Robie for
leading the class.
Saturday,
October 24 - Just after 11pm, units were dispatched to West 38th &
Zuck for a multi vehicle accident. As companies responded, Erie
County advised of 2 vehicles with multiple injuries with 1 of the vehicles
on the roof. Chief 463 arrived on location and found 1 vehicle up
into a yard on the roof with the other vehicle along the side of the road.
Engine 472 handled debris while MPS checked on the injured. 1 person
was arrested at the scene by Millcreek Police. MPS transported 1
patient to an Erie hospital for treatment. Companies cleared the
scene around midnight.
Monday,
October 12 - This evening, crews traveled out to the Public Safety
Training Complex for perform some live fire training. The first
evolution was a room and contents fire. Crews maneuvered an attack
line into the fire room and knocked it down. The second evolution
was a high rise fire where crews entered the structure on the top floor,
followed the hose line down throughout the structure and find the fire on
the first floor. All of the newest members got to experience live
fire for the first time. The junior firefighters worked on exterior
fireground skills.
