17 January 2010

1457 hrs,1632 West Market Street, West York Borough. Engine 23-1 was due on 2 Alarm assignment for a working structure fire. A grease fire had spread  affecting this 4 unit apartment house and displaced 7 people. Engine 23-1 responded with a crew of 5 to supply a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).

pictures courtesy of the York Daily Record and York Dispatch

15 January 2010

2159 hrs, Conewago Creek Road in East Manchester Twp, Rescue 23, Engine 23-1, Engine 22-2, Ambulance 23-1 and Medic 102-2 were due for a motor vehicle accident with confinement. The lone occupant of this full size pick-up truck crashed and rolled onto the passenger side leaving him confined inside the vehicle. Rescue 23 crew went to work stabilizing the truck with Ajax struts, removing the windshield and rolling the roof to access the driver. The victim suffered minor injuries.

31 December 2009

0848 hrs, Engine 23-1 was alerted for a transfer assignment to Manchester Township, Station 24-2. Manchester Township units were committed to a working residential structure fire at 2130 Teslin Drive. While enroute to Station 24-2, Engine 23-1 was diverted to the scene on the 2nd Alarm assignment. Arriving on-scene, Engine 23-1 crew was assigned as the RIT Team. Firefighters were working interior of this brick, ranch style home. The fire had started in the basement, causing heavy damage and extended into the first floor. There were no injuries, but the fire displaced the family who was aided by the American Red Cross.

Photo courtesy of YDR.com

20 December 2009

1021 hrs. 30 Fairmount Avenue, Newberry Township Enigne 23-1 and Tanker 23 were due on a mutual-aid response for a reported residential structure fire. Units arriving encountered a heavily involved mobile home with wooden addition. Engine 23-1 laid in with 5" supply hose from York Haven Road and initiated a defensive attack. The initial knock-down was from the wagon-pipe of Engine 23-1. Command quickly requested a 2nd Alarm for additional tankers and manpower. The area is without fire hydrants so water was trucked to the scene by Tankers. Rescue 23 responded with additional manpower on the 2nd Alarm assignment. The home and it's contents were completely destroyed. The resident had left the house and was next door when the fire broke-out. He had left an electric stove turned on, which he was using for heat.

photos courtesy of Chase Edmister

photos courtesty of ydr.com

05 September 2009 

1000 hrs, East Manchester Township, Susquehanna Bank on Glen Drive hosted a Safety Display for their Junior Investors. Car 23, Engine 23-1 and Rescue 23 along with other area Emergency Services units were on display to the public in an effort to heighten safety awareness. The beautiful late summer day attracted about 100 youngsters and their parents to this enjoyable and educational event.

02 September 2009

1030 hrs, 198 N. Hartman Street, Northeastern High School Annex Building, Manchester Borough, Engine 23-1, Rescue 23 and Engine 22-2 were due for a reported Haz-Mat Incident, no injuries. Chief 23-2 (Krichten) arrived to find a 3" high pressure, natural gas feed line, which was struck by contractors. The decision to evacuate 1100 students and about 100 staff members from the High School shortly followed. A fire alarm pull station sounded the evacuation, and brought additional resources to the school as the automatic fire alarm was transmitted to the York County 911 Center. After confirming that there was no fire emergency, Chief 23-2 re-assigned 2nd Alarm units to assist with the evacuation and traffic control. Although Columbia Gas was notified at the time of dispatch, they did not arrived until 1117 hrs. Following failed attempts to manually shut the line down, Columbia Gas crews awaited the arrival of additional tools and resources. Having moved the students to the Northeastern Middle School, Incident Command ordered adjacent residential homes evacuated as well. Houses were monitored for any accumulating gas, finding none. Columbia Gas was able to successfully stop the leak at 1205 hrs. The time needed to monitor gas levels within the school, possible ventilation and the repair of the gas line itself, precipitated a decision to dismiss the students for the day.

Responding Units:
Engine 23-1, Rescue 23, Tanker 23, Engine 22-1, Truck 24, Rescue 24, Engine 26-1, Ambulance 23-1, Ambulance 24, Northeastern Regional Police Department, Northeastern EMA and York County EMA. 

Photos courtesy of the York Dispatch
 

01 September 2009

1400 hrs, 305 Glen Drive, the East Manchester Village Center, GIANT Food Store has opened a brand new store. Local officials were invited to for a preview of the 59,100 square foot facility. Residents of the area have been patiently waiting for this wonderful addition to our community. GIANT Foods generously offered $1,000 donations to Union Fire Company, the Northeastern Regional Police D.A.R.E. Program, the Northeastern Food Pantry, and the Northeastern Bobcats. A sneak preview was held Tuesday evening, followed by a ribbon cutting and official opening on Wednesday, September 2nd at 0800 hrs.

"THANKS GIANT!"

Local Officials receive a guided tour.

Chief Stevens accepts Union Fire Company's donation.

Each of the organizations hold the ceremonial check.

The tour continues.

Engine 23-1 at the new GIANT.

25 August 2009

0902 hrs, 4326 N. George Street, the Northeastern Shopping Center, a High Risk Structure assignment was dispatched for an odor of gas in the Northeastern Clothing Bank, with an audible alarm sounding next door at the Pizza Box restaurant. Units arrived to find a slight odor of gas in the Pizza Box and discovered a pilot light out on one of the ovens. The audible alarm was discovered to be a timer, which had coincidentally sounded at the same time. The gas was secured and occupants were allowed to return to the 6-unit strip mall. In addition to the High Risk assignment, Assistant Chief Trever Rentzel and his brother, Firefighter Troy Rentzel were returning to Manchester with the Company’s first piece of apparatus. The white hand pumper, affectionately known as the “Always Ready,” had just completed refurbishment in Lancaster County. The 151-year-old apparatus was built locally, at the American Acme Company in Emigsville, PA, in 1858 and is the centerpiece of the Company’s history.

High Risk Assignment: Engine 23-1, Rescue 23, Engine 22-1, Engine 26-1, Truck 24, Truck 89 and Ambulance 23

Special Call: the "Always Ready"

 
The "Always Ready" in staging on a High Risk Structure assignment.

13 August 2009

1730 hrs, 4965 Lewisberry Road, Conewago Township, Engine 23-1 with a crew of 6 was due on a mutual-aid assignment, assisting Station 26 with a working residential structure fire. A neighbor called 911 reporting smoke from the eaves of the 2 story, brick home. They knocked on the door, but got no answer, when glass began to break on the second floor. Chief 6 (Flohr) Requested a "Working Fire" assignment enroute to the scene. Upon arrival, he confirmed a working fire with heavy fire venting through the Side C roof and requested a 2nd Alarm and additional Tankers to the scene. This house is located in rural area without fire hydrants. On arrival Engine 23-1 deployed a second attack line from Engine 26-2 to the second floor, assisting Engine 6-2 with fire suppression. Engine 9-1, Engine 24-1 and Truck 24 crews made entry through Side C. The family's dog was assisted to safety from the burning structure. Two Firefighters required treatment on-scene due to heat exposure.

Click here for FOX 43 News clip

The following photos courtesy of the York Dispatch (www.ydr.com)

12 August 2009

2043 hrs, East Manchester Township, Wago Road near Gut Road, Rescue 23 was due on a mutual-aid response with Station 22 (Eagle, Mt.Wolf) for a water rescue. A heavy thunderstorm had stalled over the area dumping more then 3 inches of rain in a short period of time. A motorist, attempting to navigate a flooded roadway became stranded in the rising water. Chief 23-2 (Krichten) and Firefighter Dietrich were deployed from Rescue 23 into 3 feet of rushing water to access the subject in his vehicle while a back-up team from Rescue 23 remained at the ready. The subject was secured in a PFD (Personal Floatation Device), extricated from the vehicle and placed into Boat 18 (Jacobus), which had arrived on-scene. The subject was transported to the hospital by Ambulance 24 (Manchester Twp.) for evaluation.

Photo courtesy of WHTM TV 27 after the rescue.

07 August 2009

1156 hrs, East Manchester Township, 5700 block of Board at the future Royal Manchester Golf Links. 3 men were working an unsecured trench approximately 30 feet in length and 10 feet deep when the collapse occured. 2 men were completely covered by the collapse. The third worker was outside of the trench, frantically uncovered his co-workers heads so that they could breath and then ran for help. The 2 workers were pulled from the trench prior to the arrival of Fire/Rescue services. Both men sustained serious injuries.

Response: Rescue 23, Engine 23-1, Rescue 24, Ambulance 23, Ambulance 31, Medic 102-2, and the York County ATR (Advanced Techincal Rescue Team: Rescue 9, Collapse 36, Rescue 46 and Rescue 61).

Two Injured in East Manchester Ditch Collapse

Daily Record/Sunday News

Updated: 08/07/2009 04:32:44 PM EDT

Two construction workers were injured after a ditch for an irrigation line under construction collapsed at a golf course in East Manchester Township.

The workers were about eight feet down in the trench at the Phoenix Links Golf Course in the 5700 block of Board Road when they became trapped up to their chest just before noon Friday, Northeastern Police Lt. Howard Daniels said.

The men were quickly removed from the trench by co-workers before emergency personnel arrived, he said. The men worked for the Ribolla Golf Group of Mobile, Alabama.

Both men were transported to York Hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries, he said.

08 July 2009

1533 hrs, Engine 23-1 was alerted for a mutual-aid assignment to York City, transferring to City Station 99-2 (Vigilant). All York City and numerous County Stations were committed to two large working incidents in the City. The first incident was a well involved salvage yard fire at CSR on East Princess Street. The second incident erupted at 1453 hrs with a reported structure fire at 727 Chestnut Street. Both incidents were in the City's east end. 727 Chestnut Street is a center unit in a row of 16 row homes. 

While enroute to Station 99-2, York County Communications diverted Engine 23-1 to a pedestrian struck on Route 30 westbound, in front of the Pep Boys Store, Manchester Township. Engine 23-1 was close-by and arrived to find a male pedestrian in the medial strip. A private ambulance service had happened by the scene and also stopped to render aid. Engine 24-2, Chief 24-1 (Miller) and Rescue 23 also responded on the assignment. Chief 23 (Stevens) held the Box to Engine 23-1 and EMS. Medic 102-1 provided ALS care.

After clearing the Route 30 incident, Engine 23-1 continued enroute to Station 99-2. Rescue 23 was diverted to the scene for additional manpower at CSR on E. Princess Street. By 1645 hrs, Engine 23-1 was dispatched to the row home fire on Chestnut Street. After trouble-shooting several water supply issues at various hydrants, Engine 23-1 was directed to manpower staging on the westside of the incident at Chestnut and Mulberry Streets. Chief 23 (Stevens) assisted Deputy 24 (Madzelan) with Operations on the west side, while Engine 23-1 crew was assigned to overhaul tasks.

While working in the City, Tanker 23 was staffed with a crew in-house and supplemented by Lancaster County Engine 8-1 (Columbia). The row home fire went to 6 Alarms, affected 16 homes, displacing 60 people and causing millions of dollars in property loss. The fire has been ruled arson. All 23 units cleared their assignments and returned to service by 2040 hrs.

Salvage Yard Fire

click here for Salvage Yard Fire photos at YorkFire.net

photo courtesy of Greg Halpin at YorkFire.net

Crews battled a salvage yard fire at CSR on E. Princess Street in York City.

Row Home Fire

York Dispatch Video #1

York Dispatch Video #2

Engine 89-2 deploys another supply line.

Truck 24 in action over the fire.

Heavy fire engulfs the third floor.

Truck 1 crew emerges from the smoke.

The row homes from the rear alley.

Heavy fire in the center of the row.

Truck 24 enveloped by smoke on Chestnut Street.

31 May 2009

1755 hrs, N. Third Street at Pine Street, Mt. Wolf Borough. Rescue 23 was due on automatic-aid with Engine 22-2 for a reported auto accident with ejection. The driver of a Tracker has apparently suffered a seizure and lost control of the her vehicle. The Tracker struck a parked car, rolling it onto it's side on the curb. The Tracker then rolled completely over, ejecting the driver and a backseat passenger. A front seat passenger was able to self extricate from the Tracker after the accident. Rescue 23 personnel were assigned to patient care and packaging. All three patients were assessed and packaged for arriving EMS units.

Fire/Rescue units: Engine 22-2 and Rescue 23
EMS: Ambulance 24, Ambulance 31, Ambulance 23, Ambulance 6, Medic 102-2 and Medic 102-1

22 May 2009

1705 hrs, York Haven Road, just north of York Haven Borough, Newberry Township. Rescue 23 was due on a mutual-aid request for an auto accident with entrapment. The lone occupant appeared not to be seriously injured, but the vehicle was unstable as it sat on a steep embankment. Rescue 23 joined Station 27 (Susquehanna Fire Company, York Haven), Ambulance 28 (Goldsboro), Ambulance 31 (Newberry) and Medic 68 (Fairview) units already on-scene. The car was stabilized with Ajax struts and hydraulic tools were used to force the passenger door open.

16 May 2009

1200 hrs, Engine 23-1, Rescue 23, Tanker 23 and Car 23 participated in Northeastern Area EMS' - EMS Week Open House. Ambulance 23 opened their building to the public, displaying their Station and equipment. The event coincided with National EMS Week and gave Members an opportunity to meet the public and to showcase their service. A mock vehicle rescue evolution was demonstrated along with a fly-in from STAT Medivac 13, an aeromedical helicopter.

EMS Station 23 - Open House

Rescue 23 equipment staged for the extrication

Rescue 23

Engine 23-1

Rescue 23 goes to work

Cutting the "A" post

Roof removed

Rolling the dash from the driver's side

Ram in place on the passenger side

Ram on the driver's side

STAT Medevac 13 landing

STAT on the ground

STAT Medevac 13

15 May 2009

2103 hrs, 260 Graffius Road, Westwood Mobile Home Park, Conewago Twp. Engine 23-1 was due with manpower to assist on a residential structure assignment, assisting units from Strinestown (Station 26) and Dover (Station 6). Initial dispatch information was for a mobile home fire with possible entrapment. Chief 6 (Flohr) reported heavy smoke visible while enroute to the scene. On arrival he reported a working fire in the front room of the trailer with no entrapment. Firefighters made an aggressive attack and were able to rescue a family pet.

13 May 2009

1457 hours, 45 Codorus Furnace Road, East Manchester Township. A 1st Alarm High Risk Structure assignment was dispatched for a reported barn fire. A heavy column of thick black smoke could be seen for miles. Northeastern Regional PD happened to be in the area, arrived quickly and reported a large barn well involved with multiple exposures. Chief 22-1 (Sheffer) requested the Tanker Task Force while enroute to his station. Chief 23 (Stevens) arrived on-scene and established Command. He reported a well involved barn fire with extension to 2 large sheds and multiple out-buildings, and 4 residential exposures. Chief 23 requested a 2nd Alarm and fill-in Companies. Engine 23-1 laid 200 feet of 5" supply line in the driveway on the west side of incident supplied by Tanker 23. Tanker 22 was established as a nurse-tanker on arrival. Engine 23-1 went into operation with a mounted master stream, portable master stream; a 2 1/2" blitz line as well as 3 - 1 3/4" handlines. Truck 89 was assigned to the east side of the incident where its elevated master stream went into operation. There were several spot fires on house rooftops, awnings and burning shrubbery caused vinyl siding to melt, were extinguished by residents and FD personnel alike. An open field on the south side of the barn allowed a steady wind to push the flames and super heated air towards the exposed houses. 5 brush trucks were assigned to access the field assisting with fire control and stopping the fire spread between the outbuildings, garages and sheds.

(Video courtesy of Jess Leach - Northeastern Area EMS)

Video Clip #1

(Photos courtesy of Jess Leach - Northeastern Area EMS)

Barn heavily involved on arrival.

Engine 23-1 goes into operation with its mounted masterstream.

(Photo courtesy of Kurt Wood - Station 19)

Engine 23-1 in operation in the driveway.

(Photos courtesy of Jess Leach - Northeastern Area EMS)

Thick smoke blankets the sky.

Tanker 23 supplies Engine 23-1.

Tankers wait to dump their water.

(Photos courtesy of the York News Company)

(Photos courtesy of Kurt Wood - Station 19)

The aftermath.

Brush 19 working Side C.

WGAL TV News 8 - slideshow

30 April 2009

2342 hrs, 300 block of Stevens Road, Newberry Township. Tanker 23 was due to the scene on a 3rd Alarm assignment for a working structure fire. First arriving units discovered heavy fire in this vacant residential complex and quickly summoned additional alarms for manpower. Tanker 23 responded with a crew of 5 and was tasked with salvage and overhaul work before being placed as the RIT Team. Station 23 was also staffed to cover for other area Companies already assigned to the multiple alarm incident. The fire is under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal. Tanker 23 returned to service at 0300 hrs.

Photos courtesy of Hannah Engelson at the York Dispatch

26 April 2009

Members of Union Fire Company undertook their latest training adventure, Water Rescue and Emergency Response. On April 8th, Members sat for the Water Rescue Awareness Class, held at Station 23. On April 22nd, 25th and 26th, Members participated in the Response Level of Water Rescue Training. Instructor Brad Tracey of the Lake Clarke Water Rescue Team provided our Members with a challenging opportunity involving classroom work, a day at the Northeastern Middle School Natatorium and a day in the Codorus Creek. Members were outfitted in either wet or dry suits, PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) and helmets. The students were required to undertake a series of activities to strengthen their skills and self-confidence. They were trained in self-rescue techniques as well as victim rescue. Numerous other Companies joined Union for the day in the creek, to finish their respective classes.

Members of Union Fire Company

The entire class on creek day

Learning to navigate the rapids

Shooting for the "downstream V"

"ROPE!"

Crews practice working the "Snag Line"

Instructor Ben Rodkey at work

Tim and Jodi discuss the days' class

Trever and Brian take a break

Lead Instructor Brad Tracey

Tom and Joe talking over a bottle of much needed water

Andy and Dan on break

Agressive swim towards the "strainer"

Up and over the "strainer"

14 March 2009

Engine 23-1 and crew participated in the annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration and Parade through downtown York City. The streets were lined with green on a beautiful, spring-like day. It was a special time to celebrate and spread the news of the up-coming St. Baldrick's Fundraiser. Each year people through-out Central PA gather to shave their heads and raise money for Pediatric Cancer Research. Union Fire Company President Ryan Rodgers has headed the project for 6 years. Under Ryan's guidance, the fundraiser has grown tremendously, raising money for local donations and spreading awareness. Members of Union Fire Company are proud to assist in this ongoing activity. Engine 23-1 was decked-out in green, displaying a St. Baldrick's event banner.

The Crew from St. Baldrick's

Engine 23-1 sporting the green!

12 March 2009

0220 hrs, 2900 block of South Exeter Drive, York Township. Engine 23-1 was due on a working fire assignment for RIT (Rapid Intervention Team). Engine 23-1 deployed to assist units from Dallastown, Yoe, York Twp. and Red Lion who were already involved in an aggressive fire attack mode. The homeowner had discarded a blanket that caught fire while welding a car in his driveway during the evening hours. The fire erupted shortly after 0200 hrs, spreading to the garage and house. A steady wind pushed the fire through the attic space, creating a heavy fire volume.

18 January 2009

18 January 2009

0300 hrs, 3400 block of York Haven Road, Newberry Township. Rescue 23 was due with Station 27 equipment for a reported vehicle accident with entrapment. Units arrived to find this car head-on into a utility pole, shearing it off at the base, and rolled-over onto the driver's side. The driver was the lone occupant and trapped inside. Rescue 23 used cribbing and Ajax struts to stabilize the car. Crews also removed the windshield and rolled the roof to access the victim.

Apparatus: Engine 27-1, Rescue 23, Tanker 23, Ambulance 23 and Medic 102-2

16 January 2009

0830 hrs, 310 through 316 1st Avenue, Red Lion Borough. Rescue 23 was due on a Mutual-Aid response as second due RIT on this working residential structure fire. The fire in this three story, wood frame row home was seated inside of 314 1st Avenue and extended into the three exposures. Units from across southern York County were faced with a rapidly progressing fire and 8 degree outside temperatures which created a hazardous icy condition. Rescue 23 with a crew 5 went to work setting ground ladders and enlarging egress points on Side C of the building. Firefighters rescued numerous pets that lived inside.

Photos courtesy of Fire-Ground.com

WGAL TV 8 News video

WGAL TV 8 News slideshow