SUNDAY MORNING DIVE TEAM TRAINING

Sunday, May 20 - This morning, several divers from West Lake, West Ridge and Belle Valley met at Lake Pleasant for a training dive. A total of 13 members took place, 10 Divers and 3 shore support personnel. All 3 fire departments are active participants in the Millcreek Township Dive Team.

FDNY BATTALION CHIEF JOHN SALKA PRESENTS SEMINAR ON LEADERSHIP AND FIRE GROUND RESPONSIBILITY

Saturday, May 19 – Today, WRFD was honored to have FDNY Battalion Chief John Salka present a seminar on Leadership & Fire ground Responsibility. The seminar was held at the MIHS Little Theater. The morning began with a reception that included refreshments. Following the reception, Chief Salka talked about leadership and how it can be utilized in the fire service. After lunch, the topic was fire ground responsibility. This seminar discussed a case study regarding a LODD death that occurred numerous years ago. Each member in attendance was presented with a certificate of training. Firefighters in attendance came from fire departments in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and even as far south as Charleston, South Carolina. Later in the evening, several members and their families along with Chief Salka met up at the picnic pavilion behind Station 47 for a cookout and a chance to share stories.

BOTH ENGINES & TOWER RESPOND TO STRUCTURE FIRE ON WEST LAKE ROAD

Saturday, May 12 – As crews were operating on a vehicle into a house on Holiday Drive, the tones were dropped for a multi residential structure fire at 3415 West Lake Road around 2:35pm. First arriving companies reported a 2 story apartment building with a working fire in the basement. Tower 479 arrived on location and took position on the north side of the structure. Once on location, Tower 479 assisted with placing ground ladders and with overhaul & salvage. Engine 474 and Engine 472 cleared the vehicle accident and immediately responded to West Lake Road. Engine 472 arrived on location and dropped a supply line to assist with water supply operations. The crew from 474 arrived on location and assisted with overhaul & salvage. Companies from 46 operated on scene until around 4:15pm.

ENGINES RESPOND TO HOLIDAY DRIVE FOR A VEHICLE INTO THE STRUCTURE

Saturday, May 12 – This afternoon, units were alerted for a vehicle into the structure on Holiday Drive. Once on location, crews assisted with stabilization of the vehicles.

ENGINE 474 RESPONDS TO BACK TO BACK VEHICLE ACCIDENTS

Thursday, May 10 - At 5:16pm, Engine 474 responded to West 26 Street & Powell Ave for a 2 car vehicle accident (pictures 1 & 2). Once on location, the crew found 2 vehicles with moderate damage. While MPS tended to patient care, Engine 474 handled fluids & debris while Fire Police handled traffic. Crews cleared this wreck around 20 minutes later. Just after 474 backed into the station, the tones were dropped for another vehicle accident, this time at West 23 St & Evanston (pictures 3 & 4). As Engine 474 and MPS were responded, ECDOPS stated that there were 2 vehicles involved with 1 of the vehicles on the side. Engine 474 arrived on location and confirmed ECDOPS’s report. With all of the passengers self extricated from both vehicles, 474 handled fluids and debris while Fire Police handled traffic and MPS tended to patient care. Crews cleared this scene around 45 minutes later.

TOWER 479 GOES TO EDINBORO ON MULTI RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE FIRE

Thursday, May 10 – This morning at 6:46am, Tower 479 was alerted to assist Edinboro FD on a multi residential structure fire at 100 Walker Drive. Tower 479, with 4 Volunteers, arrived on location as the second due truck and took position in front of the structure. Once on location, Tower 479 was tasked to assist Cranesville FD with checking the attic area. While checking the attic, a small haze was observed in the area. Upon investigation by other interior crews, the source of the haze was located down the hallway. Once the tower was no longer needed, Tower 479 returned to quarters. 

WEST RIDGE FD HOSTS TASK FORCE 1 TRUCK ACADEMY

Sunday, May 6th - This past weekend, West Ridge FD hosted a Truck Academy put together by Task Force 1, Inc. The class began Friday evening with a 3 hour classroom session discussing the fundamentals of truck work. On Saturday, those in attendance had an opportunity to work on various skills like vent/enter/search, roof ventilation, forcible entry and utilizing the various tools & equipment when it comes to truck work. On Sunday, several scenarios took place so the firefighters in attendance can put their skills to work. Each group had the opportunity to perform ventilation, vent/enter/search, perform a primary search, forcible entry and locate the fire for the engine company. Also on Sunday, a short classroom session was held to discuss aerial operations. This included proper placement of a truck company, the various types of a truck company and various safety skills. Special thank you to the Auxiliary for providing all of the refreshments. Special thank you also goes out to 48 (West Lake), 52 (Fairview), 44 (Kearsarge), 54 (Girard), (21) Crescent Hose and (36) Belle Valley who provided various apparatus. Firefighters in attendance were from West Ridge, West Lake, Kearsarge, Belle Valley, Fairview, Crescent Hose, Conneaut Lake Park, Lawrence Park, Brookside, and Fuller Hose. The instructors for the class were Chief Ron Richards (Wayne County, PA), Lt. Chris Bedard (FDNY Ladder 107), Captain Greg Barnes (Jersey City, NJ Ladder 6) and Battalion Chief Shane Darwick (Montgomery County, MD).  View additional photos

VOLUNTEERS ATTEND STRUCTURAL BURN SESSION

Sunday, April 22 – This past weekend, Firefighters Nate Fuller, Kyle Kunz and Mike Howard had the opportunity to attend a Structure Burn Session hosted by Kuhl Hose FD. A Structural Burn Session teaches firefighters fire & smoke behavior, fire ground suppression along with other operations associated with working on a structure fire.

SATURDAY EVENING CHIMNEY FIRE: 3142 MORNING SUN COURT

Saturday, April 21 – This evening at 07:14pm, units from 46, 44, 48 and MPS were alerted for a possible chimney fire at 3142 Morning Sun Court. Chief 450 (Kearsarge) arrived on location and reported heavy smoke coming from the top of the chimney. Engine 472 arrived on location first and began to investigate. The interior crew then requested a fan to be setup. Shortly afterwards, Tower 479 setup the aerial to investigate the top of the chimney. Upon investigation by the tower crew, they found a large build up in the chimney. Utilizing the chimney sweep, the crew was able to clear out a large portion of the build up. Additional crews from 474, 482, and 442 assisted with checking for any possible extension or stood by in manpower staging.

BOTH ENGINES RESPOND TO STRUCTURE FIRE WITH POSSIBLE ENTRAPMENT & MAYDAY

Thursday, April 19 – Just after 1am, units from 48, 46 and MPS were alerted to 226 Roslyn Ave for a structure fire with possible entrapment. Captain 491 was on location almost immediately and reported a residential structure with heavy fire showing from the front side. As Engine 474 was just about to turn onto Roslyn Ave, a MAYDAY was transmitted. The interior crew(s) inside at the time of the MAYDAY were able to self rescue themselves. Command then ordered all interior crews to exit the structure and to have Erie County sound the evacuation tone. As the crew from Engine 474 was gathering their assignment, all companies reported that all personnel were accounted for. The crew from 474 assisted with fire suppression, a primary search and overhaul. Engine 472 arrived on location then provided additional manpower. 46 companies remained on location until 3am.

CAR VS UTILITY POLE AT ROUTE 20 & ARCADIA AVE

Wednesday, April 18 – This evening, units responded to Route 20 and Arcadia Ave for a vehicle accident involving an utility pole. First arriving units reported 1 vehicle with moderate front end damage along with an utility pole sheared at the base. As a result of the utility pole being sheared, Chief 460 had Fire Police shut down Route 20 from Colonial Ave to Caughey Ave. Engine 474 arrived on location and handled fluids & debris while MPS tended to patient care. Once the roadway was deemed safe, Fire Police opened up Route 20 to traffic.

WEST RIDGE FIRE DEPARTMENT PRESENTED 2 AWARDS AT RECENT DINNER

Friday, April 13 – At tonight’s Old Timer’s Dinner in Girard, the West Ridge Fire Department was presented with 2 awards. WRFD was honored with a plaque for the annual fire prevention program. Each year, WRFD speaks to over 2,000 students about fire safety and fire prevention. Also at tonight’s dinner, Captain Charlie Heffner was honored as the Erie County Firefighter of the Year.  Captain Heffner was award the Firefighter of the Year for his never ending commitment to all aspects of the fire service.

EARLY WAKE UP CALL FOR SMOKE IN THE BUILDING

Thursday, April 12 – Around 05:15am, units from 46, 48 (West Lake), 44 (Kearsarge) and MPS were alerted for smoke in the building on Ivy Lane. Chief 460 arrived on location and confirmed smoke in the building. Tower 479, with 6 Volunteers, arrived first due and went to work in the basement. Crews found a wood truss in the basement showing burnt marks. The wood truss was located right next to the chimney stack. Upon seeing this, crews began to open up the immediate area to check for any extension. No extension was found and companies cleared the scene around 45 minutes later.

ENGINE 474 ON DISPLAY AT MCDOWELL HS EASTER EGG HUNT

Saturday, April 7 – This morning, Engine 474 traveled over to the McDowell High School campus. Engine 474 was there as part of a local church’s Easter egg hunt being held at Gus Anderson Field. Engine 474 along with Ladder 489 (West Lake) and Millcreek Paramedics were on display for the thousands in attendance. Numerous children along with their parents had the opportunity to tour the engine and ask all the questions they had. The fire department display was one of several activities available to all those who attended.

GOOD FRIDAY RESIDENTIAL FIRE ON CRESCENT AVE

Friday, April 6 – This afternoon, units from 46, 48, 44 RIT, 50 and Millcreek Paramedics were dispatched to 2325 Crescent Ave for a reported structure fire. First arriving companies arrived on location and found fire and smoke showing from the second floor. Crews pulled attack lines, made their way inside and encountered heavy fire conditions on the second floor. Additional crews assisted with placing ladders, setting up water supply and once the fire was extinguished, assisted with overhaul and opening up. Companies cleared the scene around 2 hours later. Some pictures courtesy of West Lake FD.

TOWER 479 ASSISTS WITH TRUCK COMPANY DEMO

Wednesday, April 4 – This evening, Tower 479 traveled over to McDowell High School to take part in a truck company demo. The Fairview Fire Department contacted WRFD requesting to see what the capabilities are of Tower 479 along with what specific equipment is carried on the truck along with an opportunity to discuss setup operations. Also in attendance was Ladder 549 from Girard FD. Members of Fairview FD were given a tour of the tower along with a ride in the bucket. This demonstration allowed the members of Fairview along with Girard the opportunity to see what Tower 479 is capable of performing while on scene.

EARLY MORNING VEHICLE INTO A BUILDING WITH ENTRAPMENT

Saturday, March 31 - Early this morning, units were alerted to a vehicle into a building in the 4100 block West Ridge Road. As units were responding, ECDOPS advised that there was 1 patient with entrapment. Deputy Chief 471 arrived on location and informed 1 vehicle into a building with heavy entrapment. Engine 472 and Engine 474 arrived on location and began extrication operations along with patient care. Once the patient was extricated, Millcreek Paramedics transported the patient to a local trauma center. Crews then remained on location for a length of time to assist Millcreek Township Police with their investigation.

PROBATIONARY MEMBER EARNS HIS SHIELD

Monday, March 19 - At this evening's meeting, Probationary member Nathan Fuller was voted upon by the general membership to become an Active Firefighter with the West Ridge Fire Department. Nathan started his career at WRFD as a Junior Firefighter several years ago. From that time, he has accumulated the required training and skills to earn his black helmet shield. Congratulations Nathan!!!

ENGINE 474 ASSISTS WEST LAKE ON MOBILE HOME FIRE

Friday, March 16 - This afternoon, Engine 474 responded to Perinella Drive to assist 48 (West Lake) on a mobile home fire. 48-L9 arrived on location and reported heavy smoke coming from the structure. Engine 474, with 4 Volunteers, arrived on location and was instructed to assist crews already on scene with fire suppression. The 474 crew pulled an attack line from Engine 483 and went to work on extinguishing fire located underneath the trailer. After performing suppression operations, Engine 474 assisted with overhaul and opening up. Engine 474 cleared the scene some time later.

472, 474 AND 477 RESPOND MUTUAL AID TO 48

Wednesday, March 7 – As companies were either clearing or still operating on the vehicle accident, 48 (West Lake) was requesting mutual aid from 46 on a working brush fire in the 600 block of Strathmore Ave. Engine 474 responded on the request for assistance. As Engine 472 was clearing the vehicle accident, 48 requested the another engine to respond. Engine 472 along with Truck 477 responded additionally for manpower and equipment. Engine 474 arrived on location, took position on the next street over and assisted with suppression and water supply. When Engine 472 arrived on location, they were requested to hit the hydrant at West Lake & Strathmore and to lay the supply line into Engine 483. While on scene, the crews from 472 and 477 assisted crews already on scene with suppression and overhaul of the stacks of woods. While crews were on scene, they had to battle moderate to high wind gusts.

VOLUNTEERS RESPOND TO 4100 ZUCK ROAD FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT

Wednesday, March 7 – This afternoon, 46 units along with MPS were dispatched to the 4100 block of Zuck Road for a vehicle accident. Fire Police 4601 arrived on location and reported 2 vehicles with moderate damage. MPS arrived on location and began patient care. When Engine 472 arrived, the crew handled fluids, debris and stabilization of one of the vehicles while Fire Police handled traffic control. Companies cleared the scene around 20 minutes later.

VOLUNTEERS STAYING BUSY ALL DAY TUESDAY

Tuesday, February 28 – Today was a busy day for the Volunteers in the 46 District. The first call was a fire alarm at 01:17 at the Sarah Reed Center. Then at 03:19am, Truck 477 responded to assist on a medical local. At 09:14am, Tower 479 responded to assist Station 52 (Fairview) on an multi residential structure fire at 7182 Jacob Lane. Upon arriving on location, the truck was placed in service. The truck was then requested to assist 52 on a lockout. At 11:08am, the Volunteers were back on the road to provide manpower on a medical local. Then at 14:13, Engine 472 and Engine 474 responded to the Legion Road Post Office for a reported vehicle into the building with no injuries reported. As Engine 472 was responding, another medical local was dispatched. Engine 472 diverted from the vehicle accident and responded. After helping out Station 50 with an issue with their flag pole, units from 46, 48 and 50 responded to 3108 Garland St for a residential structure fire. Excellent job to all of the Volunteers to responded to the various calls throughout the day.

TUESDAY EVENING STRUCTURE FIRE IN THE FIRST DUE

Tuesday, February 28 – This evening shortly after 5pm, units from 46, 48 (West Lake), 50 (Lake Shore) and Millcreek Paramedics were dispatched to 3108 Garland St for a reported structure fire. Deputy Chief 470 arrived on location and reported a 1 story residential structure with heavy fire showing from the rear of the structure. DC 470 also reported that everyone was out of the structure. Tower 479 arrived on location and immediately went to work. The crew from 479 pulled an attack line and entered the structure through the front door. As the interior crew progressed towards the back of the house, the crew encountered heavy fire in the rear of the structure. Engine 474 arrived on location, laid in from the hydrant block away and supplied water to Tower 479. As the interior crew was knocking down the fire, a crew from 48 performed a search of the structure. Meanwhile, a second hand line along with additional personnel from 46, 48 and 50 setup on the C/D corner to start performing overhaul. Crews remained on scene until shortly after 7pm. DC 470 had Command.

TOWER 479 HELPS OUT STATION 50

Tuesday, February 28 - This afternoon, Tower 479 was requested by Station 50 to assist them with their flag pole. With a break in the action, members boarded the truck and headed over. Once they arrived, the aerial was setup and the issue with the flag pole was dealt with. A short time later, Tower 479 headed back to the 46 District.

TOWER REFRESHER AND JUNIOR FIREFIGHTER HYDRANT TRAINING

Monday, February 26 – This evening, the members loaded up on the apparatus and proceeded over to McDowell High School for some training. The goal of tonight’s training was to have some of the members refresh on Tower 479 aerial operations, Engine 474 pump operations and work with the Junior Firefighters. Several members worked with the Junior Firefighters on the fundamentals of hydrant operations. Junior Firefighters also worked on becoming familiar with the placement of the tools on the apparatus as well. Members also had the opportunity to earn their annual Tower refresher and the opportunity to refresh on pump operations on Engine 474.

WEST RIDGE & GIRARD TALK TRUCK COMPANY OPERATIONS

Tuesday, February 21 – This evening, several members from Station 54 (Girard) traveled in Ladder 549 over to Station 46 to talk with WRFD about truck company operations. Recently, Girard purchased their very first truck. The truck is a 1990 Pierce 75’ straight stick that was previously in service by a fire department in the Rochester, NY area. After arriving at the firehouse, members from both fire departments discussed the purpose of the truck, fundamentals and tactics of utilizing a truck company. Members had the chance to tour each department’s specific truck and ask questions along the way. The members from Girard also had the opportunity to check out WRFD’s newest addition, Engine 474.

EARLY MORNING SUGAR SHACK FIRE ON STERRETTANIA ROAD

Saturday, February 18 – Early this morning at 01:37, units from 46, 48 (West Lake) and 50 (Lake Shore) were alerted for a structure fire at 5535 Sterrettania Road. As units were responding, Millcreek Police informed ECDOPS of a fully engulfed shed located behind a residence. Engine 472 arrived on location within minutes and confirmed MPD’s report. Engine 472 immediately pulled 2 attack lines and went into exposure protection mode since the residence was located close to the shack. As additional companies arrived on location, they assisted with suppression and overhaul operations. Crews were successful in stopping any further loss to the house which had already sustained damage to its vinyl siding, however the outbuilding and its contents of 3+/- cords of split fire wood, the maple sugar evaporator and some other household items were destroyed. The homeowner was alerted to the fire by a passing motorist who spotted the flames.  Crews were on scene just after 3am.

CAT IN A TREE? NOT EXACTLY!!!

Friday, February 17 – At 4:06 this afternoon, WRFD was dispatched for a public service at 4039 West Ridge Road. Upon arrival, crews had found that a cat was stuck in the attic between the roof and the soffit. According to the homeowner, the cat had been stuck there over night. Despite several attempts in making the hole larger, the cat was still unable to escape. With crews from Engine 472 working for around 20 – 30 minutes, crews were able to rescue the cat, named Shadow, from the attic. Once the cat was rescued, Shadow was turned over to the homeowner and crews cleared the scene shortly afterwards.

WEST RIDGE FIRE DEPARTMENT PAYS THEIR RESPECTS TO RECENT FALLEN BROTHERS

Friday, February 10 - On Thursday, February 9, several members (see picture below) of the West Ridge Fire Department traveled out to Edinboro to pay their respect to Franklin Township FD Fire Chief David Flint. Chief Flint was fatally injured in a motor vehicle accident while en route to the Franklin Twp FD for their weekly training session. West Ridge FD also had the honor to serve as part of the Honor Guard at the church. When the members were finishing paying their respects, they came to attention and saluted Chief Flint. Today, members again traveled out to Edinboro for the funeral service for Chief Flint. Firefighters and Fire Departments from all over the region were well represented. After the service, a procession was led from the church to the Franklin Twp FD for a wake. Family, friends and members of the FTVFD proceeded to the cemetery for a private service. Then a few weeks ago, several members traveled out to Cranesville to pay their respects to the family of Captain Walt Sumner of the Cranesville Fire Department. Members paid their respects at both the viewing and at the funeral. The West Ridge Fire Departments sends their thoughts & prayers to the families of Chief Flint, Captain Sumner, the Franklin Township Fire Department and Cranesville Fire Department.

CREWS PUT JAWS OF LIFE INTO SERVICE ON WEST 38 STREET MVA

Wednesday, February 9 – At 8:49pm, units were alerted to a vehicle accident with entrapment at West 38^th & Amherst Road. As companies were responding, Erie County provided updated information that there was no entrapment. MPS arrived on location and reported 2 vehicles with moderate to heavy damage. Chief 460 then arrived on location and established 46 Command. Engine 474 arrived on location and began to assess the situation. After consulting with the EMS crew, it was determined that the crew from 474 would have to put the TNT cutters into service to cut the B-post of the minivan to remove the patient more easily. After removing the B-post, the EMS crew along with the crew from Engine 472 removed the patient from the vehicle. Once removed, the patient was loaded into the ambulance for transport to an Erie hospital. Crews then handled fluids and debris. As crews were operating on scene, Fire Police shut down West 38th Street. Companies cleared the scene around 9:30pm.