June
26, 2009- This evening was extra busy as a severe
wind and hail storm passed through the area bringing numerous
strom related incidents. The evening started off at 1822 hours
with the company getting sent to the Boyertown Senior High School
where a cancer relay fund raising event was being held with
hundreds of participants and vendors. The storm caused vendor
tents to blow over and made the participants scramble for cover.
Upon arrival the crews made their way through the crowds assuring
that there were no injuries. Following that the company ran
eleven more incidents ranging from trees and wires down to assisting
Station 49(Amity) with trees into residences to a possible structure
fire and finally ending the evening at 2256 with an automatic
fire alarm at the Chestnut Knoll Assisted Living Center. There
were times when the company operated at multiple calls and still
had a crew in the station on standby.
June
13 and 14, 2009- This weekend numerous members
participated in getting certified in advanced Trench Rescue
II taught through Bucks County Fire Training. The crew practiced
on intersecting trenches which included both T and L trenches.
Due to heavy rains the previous days the personnel had to deal
with dewatering the trench before and during the training which
added to the realism of the weekend. Although everyone got muddy
alot of valuable information was learned. A special thanks goes
to Ron Swavely of Ace Animals for allowing us to dig the trenches
on his property and to Spring Twp. Fire Department for bringing
their collapse trailer for equipment. We also thank the Berks
County Department of Emergency Services for allowing us the
use of the trench equipment for the training.
June
9, 2009- At 0706 hours Ladder 15 was dispatched
on the initial structure assignment to assist Station 49(Amity)
at a structure fire in the 100 block of Colebrookdale Road in
Douglass Twp. Rescue 49 arrived and Chief 49 reported a working
fire in an outbuilding to the rear of the residence. Ladder
15 arrived and the crews from Amity and Goodwill, Pottstown
had the bulk of the fire knocked down. The crew assisted in
final extinguishment and overhaul and were available at station
at 0815 hours.
June
1, 2009- At 0138 hours Ladder 15 was dispatched
on the initial structure alarm to assist Montgomery County Station
67 (Gilbertsville) with a possible structure fire in the 400
block of Mill Street in Douglass Montgomery Twp. Ladder 15 arrived
first in and police reported a working fire in the stove in
the rear apartment. Chief 15 reported smoke showing from side
D from both floors. Ladder 15 crew made entry and found a fire
contained to the stove with a heavy smoke condition. Engine
67 arrived and the crews worked together in extinguishment,
ventilation and overhaul. The companies were avaiable and at
station at 0301 hours.
May
23, 2009- At 0958 hours the company was requested
with manpower to assist as relief crews to assist Company 13
at a working fire at the Exide Battery plant in Temple Borough.
The fire had started approximately 12 hours earlier and numerous
companies had been working this multi alarm fire throughout
the night. The fire involved a large pile of ground up wooden
pallets inside the building. Crews arrived and were briefed
and reported to manpower staging. They were then called into
the scene and were put to work with manning several hose lines
while a front end loader removed the burning products. After
assisting with these operations and overhaul the company reported
to decon and was available and at station at 1613 hours.
May
18, 2009- At 0021 hours the structure assignment
was dispatched for the area of Highland Avenue in the Borough
reporting a shed on fire. Engine 15 arrived first in and reported
the fire to the rear of 640 Highland Ave. with a 15'x30' pool
house fully involved with exposure to a propane tank and the
main residence. The crews from Engine 15 split and pulled two
lines and started to hit the main house and the propane tank
exposures. Engine/Tanker 16 arrived and laid a supply line from
the hydrant and fed Engine 15 and also pulled a line to attack
the main body of fire. Additional apparatus arrived and crews
were sent into the main residence with thermal cameras to check
for extension. Chief 15 had command and Assistant 15 had operations
and the fire was placed under control at 0049 hours. The fire
melted the siding on the residence and the heat broke most of
the windows on the rear but there was no interior extension
in the main house and the pool house was a total loss. After
performing overhaul and assisting the Fire Marshall's office
the companies were available and at station at 0308 hours.
May
15, 2009- At 1708 hours Stations 15 and 16 were
dispatched to South Reading Avenue and Walker Drive for a motor
vehicle accident with injuries. Chief 15 discovered the accident
and called Berks Communications advising a three vehicle accident
with two persons complaining of neck pain and fluids and debris
on the roadway. Rescue 15 arrived and the crews stabilized the
vehicles and assisted EMS with patient packaging. The crews
also applied absorbant and powered down the vehicles. After
assisting the towing company with debris cleanup the companies
were available and at station at 1755 hours.
May
9, 2009- At 0948 hours the company was dispatched
on the initial assignment to assist Company 25 (Exeter Twp)
as the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) on a structure fire with
possible entrapment on Oley Turnpike Road. Ladder and Rescue
15 made the response and setup on two sides of the structure
which was well involved and confirming two children trapped.
Rescue attempts were made by crews on location but due to the
amount of involvment they had to evacuate and go to a defensive
operation. The RIT got activated twice for firefighters down
during the operation. The first was a member that was struck
by a ground monitor and required transport. The second a firefighter
collapsed from exhaustion but EMS was already being tended to
by EMS. The crews stood by for over six hours in the event our
services were required. Luckily no other RIT services were needed.
Unfortunately the two young children succumbed in the fire.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the children
and to all the emergency workers on the scene that day.
May
7, 2009- At 1911 hours Stations 15 and 16 were
dispatched to the intersection of South Madison and East Third
Streets for a motor vehicle accident with injuries. It was reported
to be a motorcycle down with a female passenger injured and
the driver attempting to flee on the motorcycle. Rescue 15 arrived
at 1917 hours and assisted EMS with patient packaging. EMS then
requested a medical helicopter and a landing zone was setup
in the ball field at the Boyertown Elementary School adjacent
to the accident scene. After assisting loading the patient in
the helicopter for transport the company was available and at
station at 2007 hours.
April
and May 2009- The company has recently installed
equipment in numerous vehicles to promote firefighter and civilian
safety while working or responding to the scenes of emergencies.
Some of the updates were mobile computers installed in Engine
and Ladder 15 which have GPS capability and mapping software
which allow the officer to enter a street address and the map
will show the location of the incident and the vehicle and the
route of travel. It also can show building data to assist the
officer once the the units arrive on location. We also installed
a backup camera and monitor in Rescue 15 which activates when
the vehicle is put in reverse. This allows the driver to see
what is directly behind the vehicle before and during backing
the vehicle. We also had a traffic direction control arrow stick
installed on the rear of Rescue 15 to assist in diverting traffic
around the vehicle and the scene of an accident. On traffic
15 there was a bank of rechargable flashlights installed to
allow personnel to always have a charged traffic control flashlight
to direct traffic at the scenes. We also had a low profile LED
lightbar installed on the Traffic Unit which is brighter and
more effective than the old lightbar to warn motorists while
responding to and working at the scene of emergency incidents.
These updates were paid for through grants and various fund
raisers held throughout the year. All the updates are to make
the people we protect and our members safer at emergency scenes.
May
2, 2009- The company was invited along with
Station 5 (Oley) and Station 19 (Earl Twp) to participate in
live structural burns at the Berks County Fire Training Site
in the burn building. Ladder 15 was sent and members participated
in multiple burns throughout the day with mixed crews from all
three companies. We thank Chief 5 and the Oley Fire Company
for the invite and look forward to working and training with
our two neighbors up Route 73 more in the future.
April
28, 2009- At 1658 Hours Stations 15, 16, and
17 with one engine were dispatched to the Boyertown Musuem of
Historic Vehicles on South Walnut St. in the Borough for an
automatic fire alarm. Chief 15 arrived within one minute of
the dispatch and reported smoke and fire showing and declared
a working fire and setup Boyertown Command and requested the
next alarm due to the size of the structure. Engine/Tanker 16
and Engine 15 arrived and crews were sent to find the best access
into the structure. Engine 17-2 arrived and laid a 5" supply
line to Engine 15. Assistant 15 advanced with the crews and
theydid a good knockdown of the fire. Additional companies were
requested to assist with manpower for overhaul of the affected
area. All the crews worked together well and did a good job
from keeping the fire from spreading to the priceless vehicle
collection and also to minimal damage to the Carriage House
which was the original structure from the Boyertown Carriage
Works built in the mid 1800's and is a historical building.
After assisting the Fire Marshall's office with the investigation
the company was available and at station at 1945 hours. A special
thanks goes to all the companies that assisted at the fire or
stood by and prevented a devistating loss to the community.
April
27, 2009- At 1031 hours Ladder 15 was sent on
the initial assignment to assist Station 17 (Liberty) at a fire
in a driveway next to a structure on Alan's Lane in the Brookview
Development in Colebrookdale Twp. Ladder 15 arrived full crew
at 1041 hours as the first in unit and Chief 15 reported a plastic
storage bin with extension to the shrubs with the fire out and
no extension into the residence. The crew used water cans and
shovels to wetdown and check the area that burnt. The company
was released by Chief 17 and available at station at 1124 hours.
April
25 & 26, 2009- This weekend the company
continued training in the areas of technical rescue. This weekend
the company participated in Trench Rescue Operations class.
The 22 members that participated in the training learned alot
of valuable information and the training will continue in the
weeks to come. A special thanks go to the Tom Fryer Jr. for
allowing to use his property and for digging the trench with
his equipment.
April
24, 2009- At 1822 hours the company was dispatched
to assist Montgomery County Station 65 (Pennsburg) at a workiing
building fire as the Rapid Intervention Team. Ladder and Engine
15 made the response full crews and when arrived setup on sides
Alpha and Charlie. Command called additional resources into
the scene and the company was relieved of their duties and put
into the manpower pool and was assigned tasks to assist overhaul
of the second and third floors of the structure. After assisting
with complete extinguishment and overhaul the company was available
and at station at 2111 hours.
April
7, 2009- At 1823 hours Ladder 15 was again requested
on the initial assignment for a chimney fire to assist Company
5(Oley) in the 100 block of Hoch Road in the Township. Ladder
15 arrived and was sent to manpower staging. Crews from Company
5 and Company 19(Earl Twp) had laddered the building and accessed
the roof. After assuring that the fire was out the company was
released and at station at 1919 hours.
April
4, 2009- At 2036 hours Chief 15 received a phone
call for a tractor trailer that struck the railroad overpass
in the 2200 block of Farmington Avenue in Douglass Township.
Chief 15 arrived at the same time as the police department and
requested a dispatch due to the placards on the trailer. The
shipping papers were received from the driver and he stated
that he was coming from a hazardous waste drop off day at a
neighboring township. Chief 15 contacted the Berks County EMA
and had the roadway shutdown. Engine/Tnaker 16 arrived and pulled
a protection line. Rescue 15 arrived and a crew entered to assure
no product was leaking from the trailer. It was determined that
all the containers were intact and no runoff. When the supervisors
arrived from the trucking company it was decided to construct
a shore under the collapsed portion of the trailer to prevent
further collapse during the off loading process. Members from
Stations 15, 16, and 17 worked together to build the shores
and maintain a protection line during the process. During the
off loading the shores were constantly readjusted as the weight
was removed. All the product was removed and loaded into another
trailer without incident and the company assisted in debris
cleanup and was available and at station at 0225 hours.
MArch
28 & 29, 2009- This weekend the company
continued training in the areas of technical rescue. This weekend
was all structural collapse operations with the balance of the
weekend being practical work at an acquired structure. All members
that participated in the training learned alot of valuable information
and the training will continue in the weeks to come. A special
thanks go to the owners of the Bonanza Restaurant for allowing
us to use the property for the pratical evolutions.
March
22, 2009- At 0948 hours Ladder 15 was requested
on the initial assignment to assist Station 5(Oley) on a chimney
fire on Carriage Circle in Oley Township. Ladder 15 arrived
full crew and was assigned to go to the roof. The crew accessed
via ground ladders and removed the cap and used several dry
chemical bags to assist in extinguishment of the fire. After
assuring the fire was out and no extension the company was released
and available at station at 1144 hours.
March
12, 2009- At 2139 hours Stations 15, 16, and
17 with one engine were dispatched to the 300 block of East
Third Street in the Borough for a possible chimney fire. Addiditonal
was given from a passer-by of heavy smoke and sparks coming
from a chimney in that block. Engine 15 under the command of
Chief 15 arrived to a set of three story row homes and assumed
first in with nothing evident. Police reported the problem to
be possibly at 305 East Third and crews were sent to invesigate.
Chief 15 assumed command and Captain 15 interior. Catain 15
reported from the homeowner that he just started a wood fire
and possibly that is why the sparks from the chimney but recommended
the roof be checked. Engine/Tanker 16 arrived and staged at
a hydrant and Ladder 15 took the front of the building. The
main was setup and a crew under the direction of Deputy 15 went
to the roof to investigate. The area around and along with the
chimney was checked and no problems were found. Chief 15 reported
possible normal conditions with the exception of a large creasote
buildup to the homeowner. All companies secured equipment and
were available and at station at 2234 hours.
March
9, 2009- This evening members from Stations
15 and 16(Keystone) were given their recertification tests for
CPR and first aid. Members refreshed on adult, child, and infant
choking and CPR including AED and also many first aid skills
and tested to be recertified in each of the stations through
the American Red Cross.
March
7, 2009- This evening the Apparatus Crew held
the annual St. Patty's Day Dance which is a fundraiser for the
New Truck Fund. The event was sold out with over 200 attendees
which were entertained by Emerald Sound DJ and a night of fun
and good times. We are sure that everyone in attendance had
a good time even though we went an hour longer than scheduled
and then lost an hour of sleep when we got home. We thank everyone
who attended for your support and look forward to next year.
March
1, 2009- At 0449 hours the company was requested
by Montgomery County Station 65 (Pennsburg) as a RIT at a working
structure fire in the 1300 block of Schwoyer Road in Upper Hanover
Twp. Ladder and Rescue 15 responded with a total crew of 16
members and arrived and split in two crews and setup on two
sides of the structure. After standing by with no incidents
requiring our services the company was available and at station
at 0745 hours.
February
27, 2009- Today the Eastern Pennsylvania EMS
Council came to the station to meet with Lieutenant 15( P. Nunan)
to do the reinspection of our EMS capabilities to recertify
Rescue 15 as a Quick Response Service(QRS) for the next three
years. The inspectors said that all equipment and training requirements
were in line and passed with no problems. We are proud to offer
this service to the community for the next three years.
February
26, 2009- At 0032 hours Ladder 15 was requested
to relocate to Exeter Fire Dept Station 2 (Reiffton) as they
operated at a working fire. While enroute to the standby command
requested the company to the scene for manpower. Ladder and
Utility 15 with a crew of ten arrived and reported to the manpower
pool. The crew was split with half assisting with the RIT duties
with Company 49 and the remainder assisted with overhaul. The
company was released and available at station at 0341 hours.
February
14, 2009- At 0032 the structure assignment was
dispatched to 97 Winding Road, Douglass Twp. for a possible
structure reported to be a fire in the bedroom. Chief 15 arrived
and reported a room and contents fire. Engine 15 arrived and
the crew advanced the line and made a quick knockdown of the
fire. The rest of the assignment arrived and were put to work
checking for extension and setting up ventilation. After performing
overhaul and ventilation the companies were available at station
at 0230 hours.
February
7, 2009- At 1014 hours Rescue 15 was requested
to assist at a motor vehicle accident with injuries and entrapment.
Rescue 15 arrived full crew and assisted EMS with patient care
and assisted with extinguishment. Unfortunately the drivers
of both vehicles succumbed to their injuries. After assisting
the police department and coroner's office with the investigation
the company was available at station at 1648 hours. Our thoughts
and prayers go out to the families of both victims.
February
6, 2009- At 1316 hours Stations 15, 16, 17,
and 19 were sent to Chestnut Knoll Assisted Living Center for
an automatic fire alarm reported to be a sprinkler activation.
Chief 16 arrived and recalled the assignment during response
as he was told that there was a "Small water leak"
and that is what set the system off. The companies were available
at station at 1330 hours. At 1334 hours Chief 16 had the assignment
redispatched for sprinkler activations and a water condition
in two sections of the building. Engine and Ladder 15 responded
and arrived and were put to work pulling ceilings and insulation
and shutting down the sprinkler system. All the companies utilized
water vaccums and pumps to assist in removing the water. The
building was turned back over to the managers and the sprinkler
system contractor and a clean-up company was contacted and the
companies were available and at station at 1449 hours.
February
6, 2009- At 1120 hours the structure assignment
was dispatched to the Rittenhouse Apartments on West Philadelphia
Ave in the Borough for a fire alarm activation and smoke coming
from the door of one of the apartments. Engine 15 arrived and
Chief 15 assumed command and Captain 15 and the crew entered
and determined it was a cooking fire that was extinguished with
a smoke condition in the building. Engine/Tanker 16, Ladder
15, and Engine 17 arrived and the crews setup mechanical ventilation
and checked the area with a thermal camera for extension. When
the smoke was cleared the alarm was reset and the companies
were available and at station at 1155 hours.
January
30, 2009- At 1554 hours Ladder 15 was dispatched
on the initial structure assignment to assist Station 5(Oley)
at a structure fire on Oysterdale Road in Pike Twp. Assistant
5 arrived and reported an out building well involved and to
the ground. Engine 19-1 arrived and attacked with a CAFS line.
Ladder 15 arrived and was staged and released shortly after
by Deputy 5. The company was available and at station at 1645
hours.
January
28, 2009- At 1212 hours the rescue was dispatched
with Station 19(Earl Twp.) for a motor vehicle accident with
injuries on Route 73 at Water Street. Chief 19 arrived and reported
a box truck with one minor injury and recalled the rescue. At
1225 hours Chief 19 reported a second vehicle accident at the
same location with injuries and entrapment. A heavy duty tow
truck lost control cresting the hill at the previous accident
and struck another vehicle, then the first house causing major
structural damage and then continued striking another house
trapping the driver. Rescue 15 arrived and stabilized the truck
and assited EMS with patient removal. Chief 15 requested through
command that Station 85(SpringTwp) be dispatched for their collapse
unit. An elderly male was in the first residence and Chief 15
made contact and requested a crew to assist removing him to
a neighbor's residence. Deputy 85-1 and Chief 15 checked the
first residence and determined major damage and no action until
a building inspector arrived. Assistant 15 and a member from
Station 85 checked the second residence and determind some structural
damage with possible no services required. After the arrival
of the building inspector it was determined that the building
would be condemmed and a contractor would be required to shore
all three floors and the front wall before repairs could be
made. After determining that the fire companies would not perform
any shoring of the structure command released companies 15 and
85 shortly after 1500 hours. At 1537 hours Stations 15 and 16
were sent to the 2000 block of Farmington Ave in Douglass Twp.
for a motor vehicle accident with unknown injuries. Assistant
15 arrived and reported a one vehicle over an embankment with
no injuries. Rescue 15 arrived and powered down the vehicle
and the company was available and finally at station at 1630
hours.
January
28, 2009- At 0001 hours Stations 15 & 16
were dispatched to the 2100 block of Farmington Ave in Douglass
Twp. for a motor vehicle accident with injuries. Chief 15 arrived
and reported a one vehicle accident over an embankment into
a tree and the male driver still in the vehicle. Rescue 15 arrived
and stabilized the vehicle and hyper-extended the passenger
door. Engine/Tanker 16 arrived and maintained fire protection
while the crews assisted EMS with patient packaging and bringing
the injured driver up the embankment. After powering down the
vehicle and controlling fluids the companies were available
and at station at 0051 hours.
January
24, 2009- At 0126 hours Rescue 15 was requested
to assist Company 49(Amity Twp) at a motor vehicle accident
with entrapment in the 7300 block of Boyertown Pike. There was
a one vehicle accident with the driver entrapped due the guiderail
passing through the firewall and out the rear of the vehicle.
The rescue arrived and assisted with doing a driver's side removal
and started a roof removal when a rapid extrication was performed
due to the extent of the injuires. After the rescue was complete
the company was released with the exception of the Fire Police
which remained to assisted in keeping the road closed for the
police department investigation.
January
19, 2009- At 1632 hours the Rescue was sent
to assist Station 19(Earl Twp) at a motor vehicle accident with
injuries at Route 73 and Sunset Hill Road. The rescue arrived
and began to setup for a possible rescue when the patient was
able to be packaged and removed without rescue services. After
assisting EMS and with traffic control the company was available
and at station at 1801 hours.
January
18, 2009- At 0426 hours Stations 15 and 16 were
sent to the 900 block of Reading Ave in Douglass Twp. for a
vehicle accident with injuries. Chief arrived and reported a
one vehicle versus utility pole accident. Rescue 15 arrived
and stabilized the vehicle and began setup to open the rear
door to remove the passenger when he climbed out of the vehicle.
The three occupants spoke very little English and the police
department served as a translator. After assisting the towing
company with debris cleanup and powering down the vehicle the
companies were available and at station at 0556 hours.
January
04, 2009- At 0809 hours the police department
requested fire to assist at a motor vehicle accident with no
injuires reported to be a vehicle into a building. Assistant
15 arrived and reported that the vehicle traveled through the
rear of the garage and the rear yard and stopped on a pile of
rocks to the rear of the residence. Engine/Tanker 16 arrived
and pulled a protection line and powered down the vehicle. Rescue
15 arrived and the crew assessed the structural damage to the
residence to see if shoring of the building was required. It
was determined that the building was stable and the power was
shutdown to the garage section of the residence. The companies
assisted the towing company with removing the vehicle and also
the homeowner with cleaning up debris in the backyard. Both
companies were available and at station at 0857 hours.
January
02, 2009 - At 0011 hours Stations
15 and 16 were sent to Madison Street in the area
of East Philadelphia Avenue for a dumpster fire.
Assistant 15 arrived on location at 0013 hours and
advised a dumpster well inloved with extension into
the structure of a two story apartment building
at 11 North Madison Street and requested the structure
assignment which added Station 17. Engine 15 arrived
and the crew was split for attack and search of
the apartments. Entry was gained and the crew encountered
a heavy smoke condition on all floors and fire in
the bedroom of the first floor. As crews were searching
a quick knock was made on the fire. Engine/Tanker
16 arrived and laid a supply line and their crews
assisted in search. Chief 15 and police alerted
neighbors in the other apartments as smoke was beginning
to fill the building to evacuate. Montgomery County
Station 67(Gilbertsville) was requested for manpower
and as units arrived they were put to work checking
for extension and ventilation and overhaul. After
assisting the Fire Marshall with the investigation
the companies were available and at station at 0256
hours.
December
30, 2008 - At 1602 hours the structure
assignment was dispatched for 29 Poplar Road in
Douglass Berks Twp. for a possible garage fire.
The address was familiar as it was the same as a
structure fire on 11-30-2008. Chief and Assistant
15 arrived to a 30'x30' frame garage well involved.
Chief 15 took command and Assistant 15 took operations.
Engine 15 arrived and laid a 5" line in the
driveway and pulled preconnects to attack the bulk
of the fire. Engine/Tanker 16 arrived and reversed
laid to a pond to setup water supply. Engine 17-2
hooked into the supply line at the end of the driveway
and was the middle engine for the supply line. Crews
from all apparatus assisted in extinguishment and
overhaul. The local and State Police Fire Marshalls
were contacted. After assisting them with the investigation
and overhaul the company was avaiable and at station
at 2215 hours. Both fires have been ruled accidential.
December
27, 2008 - At 1132 hours shortly
after returning from the previous accident the structure
assignment was dispatched to 132 East Philadelphia
Ave in the Borough for a possible structure fire.
Chief 15 was given the additional of smoke from
the front windows and the alarm activated. Chief
15 arrived with light smoke showing from the third
floor windows on side "A" of the building.
Occupants from the building advised it was possibly
burnt food and the occupant of the affected apartment
refused to leave. Chief 15 and the police entered
the structure and had the occupant leave and Chief
15 reported the fire out with a smoke condition
on the third floor. Engine/Tanker 16 arrived and
their crew was sent to start mechanical ventilation
and check the stove area. Engine 15 laid a supply
line and Ladder 15 arrived and assisted in ventilation
and a room to room search was done to check for
smoke and occupants. After completing the ventilation
of the third floor and resetting the alarm the companies
were available and at station at 1231 hours.
December
27, 2008 - At 0717 hours the rescue
assignment was sent to South Reading Ave. at Farmington
Ave. for an accident with entrapment. Additional
was given as two vehicles involving an armored vehicle.
Captain 15 arrived and reported two operators in
the armored vehicle and wires down on the pickup
truck with the driver inside. Rescue 15 arrived
and the crew stabilized both vehicles. Engine/tanker
16 arrived and their crew pulled a protection line.
The crew determined the wire on the pickup was a
phone line and the driver self extricated. The rear
occupant of the armored car reluctantly was removed
from the vehicle due to their company policies and
after cutting through stainless steel bolts to the
driver's compartment the driver also was removed.
Although both guards were suffering from minor injuries
they remained at the rear doors guarding the contents.
After their supervisor arrived both men were taken
to the hospital for treatment. As the towing company
was uprighting the vehicle the side door opened
causing several crates of coins to spill onto the
roadway. Personnel assisted the police and security
guard with returning the money to the truck. The
utility companies were also contacted for the sheared
utility pole and the crews assisted the towing company
with cleaning up the roadway and were available
and at station at 1132 hours.
December
05, 2008 - At 1158 hours Ladder
15 was dispatched on the initial structure assignment
to assist Station 22(Barto) at a structure fire
in the 100 block of Hill Church Road. Engine 20
and Engine 22 arrived and reported smoke showing
from a one story addition with the fire possibly
spreading to the main part of the residence. Ladder
15 arrived and was setup in the front of the building.
Command requested the main to the house roof and
ground ladders set. The crew was split with some
assisting interior and some setting the ground ladders
and to the roof. The fire was contained to the one
story addition around the fire stove chimney. The
walls and roof were opened and the fire was extinguished.
Positive pressure ventilation was setup to remove
the smoke condition in the residence. After assisting
with overhaul the company was available and at station
at 1330 hours.
December
04, 2008 - At 1308 hours Station
15 was requested to assist on the third alarm for
a structure fire to assist Montgomery County Station
79(Upper Pottsgrove) in the 1300 block of North
State St. Engine, Ladder and Utility 15 responded
and arrived in staging. Manpower was requested to
report to the scene. The crew was given the task
on side C to assist with access and extinguishment.
After cutting several small access holes heavy fire
was discovered in the lower floor and the only way
to extinguish it was to cut open the rear wall.
After extinguishing all visible fire and working
on numerous hot spots the company was released and
available at station at 1607 hours.
December
04, 2008 - At 0631 hours Rescue
15 was requested to assist Station 19(Earl Township)
at a motor vehicle accident with injuires on Route
73 at Little Getting Road. The accident was one
of several in the area due to black ice from freezing
rain. The police were on location of another accident
at that location when their cruiser was struck.
Engine 19 arrived and Chief 19 requested the Rescue
to the scene for a possible "Door Pop."
Rescue 15 arrived with a crew of nine and went to
work stabilizing the vehicle and performed a driver's
side removal due to the impact damage. After assisting
with patient packaging the rescue was released and
available at station at 0753 hours.
November
30, 2008 - At 1856 hours Station
15, Station 16, and Station 17 with one engine were
dispatched to a structure fire on Poplar Road in
Douglass Township. Assistant 15 arrived and reported
a working fire with fire through the roof and assumed
command. Engine 15 arrived and the crew gained entry
and started an interior attack. Ladder 15 arrived
and the crew began a primary search. Engine/Tanker
16 laid from a pond and Engine 17 went to draft
and supplied the scene. Command called for the next
alarm and special called for tankers and manpower.
After an aggresive attack the bulk of the fire was
knocked and an extensive overhaul the company was
available and at station at 0021 hours.
November
28, 2008 - Black Friday started
early at 0454 hours Rescue 15 was requested to assist
Station 17(New Berlinville) at an accident with
entrapment on Route 100. The rescue responded crew
of nine and arrived with a three vehicle accident
with one vehicle on it's side and the male driver
still inside. The rescue struts were setup to stabilize
the vehicle and the roof was removed to extricate
the patient. After assisting with debris cleanup
the company was available and at station at 0610
hours
November
24, 2008 - At 1852 hours Stations
15 and 16 were sent to an accident unkown injuries
in the 1200 block of Reading Ave in Douglass Twp.
Rescue 15 responded with a crew of 11 arriving at
1903 hours to a one vehicle accident. It was determined
that the vehicle struck a deer and then a tree.
The three occupants were evaluated by EMS and the
vehicle was powered down. A search of the area found
the deer deceased to the rear of a residence. After
cleaning up the debris and assisting the towing
company the company was at station and available
at 2029 hours.
November
22, 2008 - At 2053 hours the structure
assignment was sent to the 700 block of 8th Street
to assist Station 17(New Berlinville) at a possible
chimney fire. Ladder 15 arrived first in and took
the front of the building followed shortly by Engine
17-2 and Engine/Tanker 16. The ladder crew ground
laddered the roof and sent a crew to the roof by
the chimney. The roof crew reported fire throughout
the chimney to command and the interior crew. The
chimney cap was removed and the interior crews emptied
the firebox. Several dry-chem bags were dropped
down the chimney to extinguish the fire. Mechanical
ventilation was setup and all floors were checked
for extension. After determining no extension and
the fire out command released all units and the
company was available at station at 2211 hours.
November
22, 2008 - At 1809 hours the rescue
assignment was sent to Route 100 in front of the
Super Wal-Mart for an accident with injuries and
possible entrapment to assist Station 17(New Berlinville).
Rescue 15 arrived and determined that there was
negative entrapment however stabilized the vehicle
and assisted with patient packaging. Engine 15 setup
a landing zone for the medical helicopter. After
assisting with debris cleanup the company was available
and at station at 1935 hours.
November
17, 2008 - This evening for the
weekly training session The Township of Spring Volunteer
Fire Department brought their trailer and rescue
vehicle to demonstrate their equipment cache of
trench and structural collapse equipment available
for incidents in the County. Deputy Chief Hostetter
and several of his members did an excellent job
in explaining the equipment that they carry. We
thank them for taking the time to come to our station.
November
17, 2008 - At 1122 hours Engine
and Ladder 15 were requested to assist Montgomery
County Station 79(Upper Pottstsgrove) at a dwelling
fire in the 1700 block of Farmington Ave. Engine
79-3 arrived to a working fire with fire showing
in the front of the structure. Engine 15 arrived
and manpower was sent to staging. Captain 15(Thomas)
and Firefighter Heimbach were ordered to pull a
backup line to the front porch. Chief and Assistant
15 gained access through a side door and went to
the basement to secure the utilities. The crew from
Engine 79 and Rescue 69(Goodwill Pottstown) made
a good knockdown of the fire. After checking for
extension the incident was held to Station 79 and
the company was available and at station at 1225
hours.
October
6-15, 2008 - For the week and a
half period, the Friendship Hook & Ladder Fire
Company actively participated in Fire Prevention
Week. We hosted a few preschool classes from St
John's Evangelical Lutheran Church at our station,
and we also traveled to Boyertown Elementary, and
the Boyertown Area Senior High School for their
preschool classes. Several members taught the children
about fire prevention, fire safety, what firefighters
do, and also showed them our trucks. This year,
we had a great time participating in Fire Prevention
Week, and are looking forward to it next year. Thanks
to all who helped out this year!
October
4 , 2008 - Today was the Fifth Annual
Boyertown Fire Department Custom Car, Truck, and
Motorcycle Show, held at the Boyertown Park. This
show was slightly different from the previous, in
that it took place out on Madison Street and out
in front of the park. We couldn't have asked for
a more beautiful day, and the turnout was great
as well. Included in this year's show was a car
smash, vehicle rescue demonstration, a PennStar
helicopter, and moon bounce for the kids. Overall,
the day was very fun and eventful, and everyone
got to see some very neat vehicles of all ages,
styles, colors. Thanks to everyone who came out
to help at this year's show, and to this year's
sponsors, and we hope everybody had an enjoyable
time! Look forward to the Sixth Annual Show to be
held sometime early in October, 2009!
September
20, 2008 - At 1219 hours Station
17(New Berlinville) requested Rescue 15 to assist
at a vehicle that struck a building and possible
shoring was required before the vehicle is removed.
The rescue arrived and Chief 15 and Captain 17 entered
the building and determined that the homeowner's
insurance company should contact and have a contractor
brace the second floor before the vehicle was removed.
The company was then released by Captain 17 and
was available at station at 1317 hours.
September
20, 2008 - At 0509 hours Engine
15 was requested to assist Montgomery County Station
67 (Gilbertsville) to setup a landing zone for a
medical helicopter at Grosser Road and Sweinhart
Road for an accident with injuries. After loading
the patient into the helicopter the company was
then requested by Chief 67 to respond to the scene
at 0535 hours to assist in searching the woods and
fields adjacent to the accident for more patients.
After an extensive search using thermal imaging
cameras and no more victims found the company was
released and at station at 0641 hours. The Fire
Police remained on location assisting with traffic
direction during the investigation and were released
and available at 1337 hours.
September
19, 2008 - At 1823 hours Engine
15 was requested by Montgomery County to relocate
to Montgomery County Station 57(West End, Stowe)
while they operated at a three alarm fire in the
Borough of Pottstown. Although no calls for assistance
were dispatched the company thanks Station 57 for
their hospitality and the company was available
and at station at 2211 hours.
September
18, 2008 - At 1213 hours Stations
15 and 16 were sent to the 2100 block of Farmington
Avenue in Douglass Township for a motor vehicle
accident with unkown injuries. Rescue 15 responded
with a crew of seven and arrived to a one vehicle
accident over an embankment. There were no injuries
but there was reports of the vehicle smoking. The
vehicle was powered down and checked and it was
determined to be air bags and not on fire. The company
was available and at station at 1301 hours.
September
18, 2008 - At 0857 hours Engine
15 was requested to assist Montgomery County Station
67(Gilbertsville) at a working structure fire with
manpower to the 200 block of Niantic Road. Engine
15 responded full crew and arrived at 0911 hours
and the crews assisted with ventilation and overhaul.
Carbon Monoxide levels were checked in all the apartments
and after assisting with the investigation the company
was available and at station at 1031 hours.
September
16, 2008 - At 1953 hours Stations
15 and 16 were sent to Mill Street at the railroad
overpass for an accident with no injuries. Assistant
and Rescue 15 arrived with a crew of 11 at 1957
hours and had a two vehicle accident with fluids
and debris on the roadway. The companies spread
absorbant and powered down the vehicles. After assisting
the towing company with debris cleanup the companies
were available and at station at 2052 hours.
September
13, 2008 - At 0314 hours Stations
15 and 16 were dispatched to Colebrookdale Road
and Woodside Drive for an accident unknown injuires.
Lieutenant 16-2 arrived and reported one vehicle
on it's side checking for occupants. CHief and Rescue
15 arrived and the vehicle was stabilized and checked
and no occupants were in or around the vehicle The
area was checked for possible victims and none were
found and it was determined they fled the scene.
After the arrival of the police the company was
available and at station at 0424 hours.
September
10, 2008 - At 1935 hours the structure
assignment was dispatched to 720 East Philadelphia
Ave in the Borough for a possible structure fire
reported to be a stove fire. Engine/Tanker 16 and
Engine 15 arrived to a duplex with the fire reported
out and a smoke condition in the structure. Chief
15 assumed command and Assistant 15 assumed operations
and reported there had been a grease fire checking
for extension. Crews were sent to all three floors
of the affected residence and also the exposure
on side D. Mechanical ventilation was setup on all
three floors by the crews from Ladder 15 and Engine
17-2. The occupant threw water on the burning pot
of grease and caused a flash fire in the kitchen
which melted the curtains and blistered the shellac
on the wood trim in the room. While checking for
extension it was determined an area on the ceiling
holding heat and not dropping so the decision was
made to cut an access hole in the ceiling and it
was determined to be some insulation that was holding
the heat in the area with no extension. After securing
power to the oven and ventilating the structure
the companies were available and at station at 2126
hours.
September
8, 2008 - At 1943 Stations 15 (Friendship),
16 (Keystone), and 17 (New Berlinville) were dispatched
to Walnut Woods of Boyertown, an elderly assisted
living apartment complex for an automatic alarm.
Chief 16 arrived and was advised of a fire in a
microwave on the first floor with a smoke condition.
With that information Chief 15 requested the call
be upgraded to the structure response which added
Station 19 (Earl Township) Station 18 (Salvation
Army) and Montgomery County Stations 67 (Gilbertsville)
and 65 (Pennsburg). Engine 15 arrived first in and
proceeded to the affected area and Assistant 15
reported the fire out with a heavy smoke condition.
Chief 16 established Boyertown Command and Chief
15 took operations. An evacuation of the affected
wing commenced with firefighters assisting occupants,
many using walkers, from the building and down the
stairs. All occupants were taken to the dining room
of the complex until the operations were complete.
Several occupants were evaluated by EMS on scene
for exposure to smoke but non required transport.
The crew from the Engine checked the fire room for
extension and the crews from the other apparatus
setup ventilation. Crews were also sent to the second
and third floors to assure no smoke on the upper
floors. After all ventilation was performed on the
rooms on the first floor all the occupants were
allowed to return and the companies were available
and at station at 2202 hours.
September
5, 2008 - At 2215 hours the police
department requested Stations 15 and 16 for a motor
vehicle accident with no injuries and fluids down
on East Fourth St. and Jefferson St. in the Borough.
Engine/Tanker 16 and Rescue 15 arrived to a three
vehicle accident with fluids and debris on the roadway.
The crews powered down the vehicles and applied
absorbant. After assiting the towing company with
debris cleanup the companies were at available and
at station at 2253 hours.
September
4 , 2008 - At 2018 hours Stations
15 and 16 were dispatched to Philadelphia and Reading
Avenues for an accident unknown injuries. Chief
15 arrived and reported two vehicles with negative
injuries and fluids and debris on the roadway. Engine/Tanker
16 and Rescue 15 arrived and the crews powered down
the vehicles and applied absorbant to the fluids.
After assisting the towing company with debris cleanup
the companies were available and at station at 2105
hours.
September
3, 2008 - At 1551 hours Ladder 15
was requested on the initial structure assignment
to assist Montgomery County Station 67(Gilbertsville)
at a barn fire in the 100 block of Hoffmansville
Road. Ladder 15 arrived and was staged and the crew
was sent to assist with extinguishment of the original
barn and two out buildings that were involved. After
assisting with the above the company was available
and at station at 2000 hours. Special thanks to
neighbors Tim & Karen Frazier for some of the
pictures.
August
27, 2008 - This evening Stations
15 and 16 were invited to Rita's Ice for a display
of our fire equipment to the customers. Engine/Tanker
16 and Ladder 15 were setup in the front lot and
showed the citizens what we do and how we use our
equipment. After showing off our equipment the owners's
Mr. and Mrs. Stauffer allowed our members to eat
the fine "Cuisine" that Rita's has to
offer. Both companies thank Rita's and the owners
for the invitation to show off to the public and
can not wait until next year.
August
24, 2008 - At 0556 hours the structure
assignment was dispatched for the Boyertown Inn
for a reported structure fire. EMS was sent for
a person choking on the fire escape and arrived
to a smoke condition in the building and requested
fire. Chief 16 arrived and assumed command and reported
a smoke condition with a fire on the second floor
and occupants still on the third floor and requested
the next alarm. Engine 15 laid a supply line and
arrived first and the crew advanced the 300' attack
line to the front door. Upon reports of people still
in the building the engine crew began a search of
the third floor. Chief 15 advanced the line to the
second floor landing and Ladder 15 arrived and the
crew was split to assist with the search and attack.
Engine/Tanker 16 arrived and laid from a hydrant
to the fire department connection. Occupants were
found still in their rooms on the third and fourth
floors and were assisted out of the building. The
crew under command of Chief 15 found a fire in the
room with a mattress burning. The fire was knocked
down and the smoldering mattress and box spring
were removed from the structure. There was a heavy
smoke condition in the structure and Chief 15 reported
the fire out and ventilation required. All occupants
were accounted for and overhaul and ventilation
was performed. Units assisted the Fire Marshall's
office with the investigation and were available
and at station at 0926 hours.
August
21, 2008 - Today State Representative
David Kessler came to the station and presented
a check in the amount of $8,000.00 to the apparatus
crew to offset some of the costs of the new highband
alert pagers that were required to be purchased
to be compatible with the new Berks County Communications
paging system. The total project cost the fire company
over $17,000.00 and the money from Representative
Kessler is much needed and will help defray the
costs of the new pagers. The Apparatus Crew thanks
Representative Kessler for assisting us with obtaining
the grant and for his continued support toward the
fire service of Berks County.
August
13, 2008 - At 1835 hours Engine
15 was requested as part of the Western Montgomery
County Large Diameter Hose Task Force to assist
the Conshohoken Fire Companies with an 8 alarm structure
fire that was in an apartment complex consisting
of five story units. The fire began in a unit under
construction and spread to multiple occupied units
before being brought under control at 2230 hours.
Upon arrival the engine laid over 1500' of 5"
and setup draft along the river to supply one of
three supply lines laid by the LDH task force. The
ladder was also requested as part of a multi unit
request to respond to staging at the Lower Providence
Fire Company. Upon arrival the ladder was sent to
the Goodwill Fire Company in Bridgeport for standby.
Both units cleared and were at station at 0132 hours.
August
10, 2008 - Shortly after a thunderstorm
rolled through the area the calls started to come
in. The afternoon began at 1244 hours with the automatic
alarm activation at Federal-Mogul Corp. on E. Second
Street in the Borough. Engine 15 went responding
full crew and during response was redirected at
1246 hours to a possible structure fire on S. Sunrise
Lane in Douglass Twp. Stations 16 and 17 continued
to the fire alarm and Station 15 along with Stations
49(Amity) and 19(Earl Township) went to the structure.
Engine 15 arrived at the same time as Engine 49.
Engine 49 was told by Chief 15 to enter the driveway
and Engine 15 laid a supply line in to the scene.
Chief 15 assumed command reporting a 25x25 frame
out building with smoke showing. The crews from
both engines pulled attack lines and accessed the
building to find a front end loader style tractor
well involved. Ladder 15 arrived and was given instructions
to proceed in the driveway for possible use. All
other units staged at the end of the driveway. The
fire was knocked down in minutes and overhaul was
performed. During both these incidents at 1308 hours
cover companies were sent to the electrical substation
in the Borough for a possible transformer smoking.
It was determined to be steam from the rain and
heat of the transformer. As units were clearing
all these at 1335 hours the structure assignment
was sent to assist Station 17(New Berlinville) with
a possible structure fire at Wal-Mart. Units arrived
and found an electrical odor and determined the
source to be a faulty breaker in the mechanical
room. Units secured the power and all units were
available and at station from all the incidents
at 1433 hours.
August
9, 2008 - At 0141 hours Stations
15 and 16 were sent to the 400 block of East Philadelphia
Ave for an accident unkown. The additional was given
of a vehicle that struck a parked vehicle. Assistant
15 arrived and reported a vehicle that struck a
parked vehicle and a tree. Rescue 15 arrived and
the vehicles were stabilized and powered down. After
assisting with debris clean-up the companies were
available and at station at 0250 hours.
August
2, 2008 - At 1613 hours Stations
15 and 16 were sent to Greshville Road for an accident
with unknown injuries. Lieutenant 16-2 arrived and
reported one vehicle over the embankment with negative
injuries. Rescue 15 and Engine/Tanker 16 arrived
and the vehicle was powered down and stood-by until
the towing service removed the vehicle. The companies
were available and at station at 1801 hours.
