| |
Some Responses
and Activities During 2010
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Fire and EMS Numbering: See bottom of this page
2010 Alarms by Month (see chart below)
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
14 |
21 |
18 |
15 |
20 |
17 |
13 |
17 |
18 |
9 |
21 |
20 |
|
Friday December 31
- Companies 20, 14 and 39 were dispatched for an Automatic
Fire Alarm in District Township.
Monday
December 27 (1)
- FP14 were dispatched to Rt 100 in Washington Township to
assist 22 on a motor vehicle accident. (2) - Company
22 and Rescue 14 were dispatched to assist 525 (covering for
505) on an ALS medical in a residence off of Route 100 in
Washington Township.
|
  Sunday
December 26 (1)- Around 0130 hours Companies 21 and 39 arrived on
location in Longswamp Township to discover a working
dwelling fire. Longswamp Command was established and
requested Companies 58, 14, 575, Lehigh 1 and 66 be
dispatched to  assist. Engine 14, Tanker
14 and Tanker 14-1 responded from Bally. Crews from 21 and
39 were able to knockdown of the fire. Once on location,
fire personnel from 14 joined the manpower pool. Company
stayed on location until overhaul was completed and then
returned to station by 0300 hours.
(2) Around 1850 hours, during a driving snow
storm, Companies 505, 14, 22, and 20FP were dispatched for a
motor vehicle accident on Route 100 in the borough.
Assistant 14-1 arrived and determined no EMS or fire
services were needed and recalled the assignment.
(3) At 2352 hours, with snow and wind still howling,
Companies 22 and 14 were dispatched to remove a tree
blocking the road near Sycamore and Crow Hill Roads in
Washington Township. |
|
Christmas Day
Saturday December
25
- 1) Companies 505, 22, E20 and R14 were dispatched for
a motor vehicle accident in Washington Twp, reported to be a
vehicle into a creek; At first the rescue was held at
station, then requested to the scene for hazard control.
Spill Trailer 58 was added to the assignment. While enroute
with the trailer, Company 58 came across an accident with
confinement at Rt 100 and Limekiln Road and using their
hydraulic tools, performed the necessary door pop;2) FP14 was alerted to assist 22 with
that non-injury accident on Route 100 in Washington Township.
Thursday
December 23 -
Companies 21, 39, 14, 575, and Lehigh 1 were dispatched
for smoke in the basement of an apartment building on State
Street in Longswamp Township. Engine 14 and Tanker 14
responded and staged in the parking lot of the near-by Inn
at Maple Grove. The source of the smoky fire was difficult
to discover. Once controlled, the company was back at
station in little over an hour.
Wednesday December 22
-
Companies 505, 58, 39, Rescue 14, and Brush 22
(with rescue tool while Rescue 14 is being outfitted with
new rescue tools) were dispatched to an accident with
injuries at Routes 29 & 100 in Hereford Township. Chief 58
arrived and determined assignment could be handled by 505
and on scene 58 units. Remainder recalled.
Tuesday
December 21 -
Companies 20, 14, and 39 were dispatched for an
automatic fire alarm on Weil Road in District
Township. Lt 20 arrived and determined source of
alarm was cooking. No fire services were needed and all
units were recalled.
Saturday December 18
-
Companies 22 and 14 were dispatched to investigate an odor
of gas in the area of Route 100 and Niantic Road in
Washington Township.
Thursday
December 16 -
Companies 14, 20, and 39 were dispatched for a
residential fire alarm on Forgedale Road in District
Township. Assistant 14-1 arrived and determined source of
alarm was burnt food. No fire services were needed and all
units were recalled.
Wednesday
December 15 -
Following a snow shower, Companies 505, 14, 22, and 20FP
were dispatched for a motor vehicle accident on Route 100 at
the Redner's in Bally Borough. Assistant 14-1 arrived and
determined that no fire services were needed and assisted
the ambulance with one patient.
Tuesday
December
14 -
Companies 505, 58, 39, Rescue 14, and Brush 22
(with rescue tool while Rescue 14 is being outfitted with
new rescue tools) were dispatched to an accident unknown
injuries on Route 100 in Hereford Township. Recalled by
Chief 58.
  Friday
December 10
Companies 505, 22, 20, and Rescue 14 were dispatched for
a motor vehicle accident with injuries on Old Route 100 in
Washington Township. Units arrived at the Barto Spring to
find the driver trapped inside a pick-up truck, after it had
sheared a pole.
  Crews
from all three stations stabilized the vehicle and went to
work with hydraulic tools removing doors and the roof
to gain access to the patient. Patient transport by Bally
paramedics.
Thursday
December
9 - Companies 505, 58, 39, and Rescue 14 were dispatched to
an accident unknown injuries on Route 100 in Hereford
Township. Recalled by Chief 58.
Monday December
6 - Companies 20, 22 and Rescue 14 were dispatched to
assist EMS 525 (in place of 505) with a ALS medical in
Bechtelsville Borough.
Saturday December 4 - Company 22 and Rescue 14 were
dispatched to assist EMS 525 (in place of 505) with a ALS
medical on Old Route 100 in Washington Township.
  Friday
December 3 -
Companies 525 (in place of 505), 14, 22, and 20 were
dispatched for a motor vehicle accident on Route 100 at
Niantic Road in Washington Township. Units arrived to find a
two vehicle accident, with one car with front end damage in
the roadway and another vehicle, T-boned on the driver's
side off the road near a fence. EMS requested that the
driver's door be removed from the second vehicle. The
portable cutter and spreader from Brush 22 were used to
perform the task. Fire Police from 17 were special requested
to assist with diverting traffic off Route 100. Companies were back within an hour. |
|
  Saturday
November 27 - Company 14 and EMS 505 were alerted to assist Montg 67
and 65 on a structure fire with entrapment on Niantic Road in Douglass
Township, Montgomery County. Chief
65 arrived and ordered the first in engine (Engine 14),
to
pull a pre-connect   and advance
into
the structure. The fire was quickly knocked down. Tanker 14
backed up Engine 14 for water, while Ladder 65 laddered the
roof and Squad 67 pulled a safety line. Additional units requested included Berks 15, 22, and Montg 68. One victim was
found inside the structure. |
|
  Friday
November 26 -
Companies 505, 14, 22, and FP20 were dispatched for a
motor vehicle accident on Main Street in Bally Borough with
unknown injuries. Emergency responders arrived to find a
vehicle with extensive front end damage into a shattered
pole. Driver was evaluated by EMS, fire personnel
controlled hazards, detoured traffic off of Route 100, and
cleaned up debris to allow the road to be re-opened within
an hour.
Wednesday November 24 -
Companies 505, 20, 22, and Rescue 14 were dispatched for
a motor vehicle accident on Forgedale Road in Washington
Township. Initial reports indicated an overturned vehicle
and possible entrapment.
Crews arrived to find a vehicle on its crushed roof, but
all four victims had self-extricated. EMS transported one to
a local hospital.
 Saturday
November 20
- Companies 505, 20, 22, and Rescue 14 were dispatched
for a four-wheeler accident with injuries on Old Route 100
in Washington Township. First arriving emergency personnel
on scene put Air Medical on stand-by due to the condition of
the patient. It was determined that flight service would not
be needed and the patient was packaged and transported.
Company 14 back at station within 30 minutes.
Thursday November 18 - Alerted for AFA at Quigley Chevrolet along with 22,
and FP 20. Assistant 14-1 arrived and determined it was as a
result of heating system, and there was no problem. Recalled
the assignment. Shortly thereafter dispatched along with EMS
505 , 22 and 20, for a medical assist in Washington Twp.
Sunday November 14 - Company 14 among others dispatched in the early morning
hours to assist EMS with a patient in District Twp who had
fallen down a full flight of steps.
Saturday
November 13 - Companies 22 and 14 were dispatched to
assist EMS 505 with lifting a patient on Gehringer Road in
Washington Twp. Rescue responded with full crew and
was back at station within 30 minutes.
Friday
November 12 - Companies 22 and 14 were dispatched to
assist EMS 505 with an unresponsive patient on Joy Lane in
Washington Twp. Rescue responded and was back at
station within 30 minutes. |
|
  Thursday
November 11
Company 14 was alerted
to assist Montg 67 on a structure fire on Hoffman Road in
Douglass Township, Montgomery County. First dispatch was for
Tanker 14 to respond.
Eventually Tanker 14,
Tanker 14-1
  and
Engine 14,
along with numerous
other mutual aid
companies, responded to the fully involved house fire. In
service two hours.
Later that afternoon
the Rescue was requested to respond to assist EMS in
District Township. |
|
Monday
November
8 - Shortly after 9am, Engine 14 was dispatched to
assist in covering Company 49, which was operating on a
multiple alarm structure fire at a plastic recycling plant
in West Pottsgrove, Montgomery County. Engine stood by with
crews from Rescue 5 and Engine Rescue 25-2. No service.
Released and back at station by 2:30pm. About 10am, Fire
police from the department were dispatched to assist with
traffic control at the fire scene and the multiple tanker
fill sites that had been established for the West Pottsgrove
fire. That evening, the company was dispatched to Assist
Montg 67 on an automatic alarm in Douglass Township.
Saturday November 6 - Dispatched with 20 and 22
and 332 in place of 505 for a medical assist in Washington
Township. That evening Companies 22 and 14 were dispatched
for an AFA in Washington Township. At night, 14, 20, and 39
were dispatched to an AFA in District Township.
Wednesday November 3 - Dispatched in morning with 39 and
505 for an accident with injuries at Huff's Church and
Benfield Roads in District Twp. In afternoon dispatched with
20, 39 and 505 for
medical assist on Merkle Road in District Township. Later in
the afternoon - dispatched with 525 in place of 505 for
Medical Assist in Bally.
Monday November 1 - Companies 22, 14 and 505 were
dispatched for an odor of gas on Bishop Pine Road. Engine
staged while crew assisted Chief 22 investigating source of
odor. All units recalled after a brief time. |
|
|
Saturday October 30- Companies 58, 39, Rescue 14, and
505 were dispatched for an accident with injuries at Routes
29 and 100 in Hereford Twp.
 Saturday October 23 - Companies 22, 14, 20 FP and 505 were
dispatched for a Motor Vehicle Accident in Washington
Township. Initial reports indicated that it was located at Route 100 and
Barto Road, but was quickly verified as Old Route 100 and Barto
Road. Responders found an injured motorcyclist lying in the
middle of the intersection. Fire crews assisted EMS with
patient care, and the Rescue returned to station within 30 minutes.
Fire Police were on scene another hour. |
|
 Friday
October 22 - Companies 14, 39, 20, 505 and 575 were
dispatched to Oysterdale and Baldy Hill Roads in the Landis Store
area of District Township for an accident
with injuries and multiple victims entrapped. Roads were
slippery from an earlier rain and slow to dry in the hour
after sunrise. Based on initial reports MedEvac was
placed on stand-by, but eventually stood down. Crews arrived
to find a single vehicle which had slid off the road and
flipped over into a field. There was negative entrapment,
but three victims needing care and transport to the
hospital. Fire crew assisted EMS with patient removal and
care. Back at station within the hour. |
|
  Tuesday October 12 - Companies 20, 14, 505 and 525 were
dispatched to Landis Store Road in Pike Twp for an accident
with injuries and entrapment. Stabilized vehicle hung up on
rocks, popped a door and assisted with patient removal and
care. In service 90 minutes. |
|
 Other
October Incidents
Friday October 15 - Companies 22, 20, 14, 505 and
525 were dispatched to Rt 100 in Washington Twp for an
accident with injuries. Assisted with patient care and
returned.
Thursday October 7 - Fire Police from Company 14 were
some of many called to assist with traffic control at a
fatal MVA on Route 100 in Colebrookdale Township. The
accident investigation closed this busy road for hours.
Friday October 1 - Companies 22, 14 and EMS 505 were
dispatched for a water rescue (occupied car stuck in water)
on Dale Road in Washington Township after heavy rains and
flooded roadways.
Other October Alarms: Unknown Type Fire: Washington
Twp - 1;
Accident - Unknown injuries: Washington Twp - 1 |
|
School Bus Accident Drill
September 20
  Monday
night September 20th, EMS 505 and Fire Companies 14, 22, and
20 were alerted for a simulated school bus accident on Pine
Street in Bally. Arranged by Quigley School Company, local
EMS and fire officials, the drill provided an excellent
refresher for these emergency
  personnel
who frequently work side by side. Upon arrival, fire and
ambulance responders found a school bus "rear ended" by a
dump truck, with multiple injuries on the bus. The drill
tested the abilities to extricate, triage (sort), treat and
transport injured from a mass casualty incident. When it was
over a brief review and evaluation was provided to make the
response even better if this were an actual incident. We
thanks Quigley School Bus for arranging it and our "victims"
for their assistance! |
|
September
19 - Afternoon Companies 22, 14, 20, Ladder 15
and EMS 505 were alerted to respond to a barn fire on Route
100 in Washington Township just north of Bally Borough.
Heavy smoke could be seen upon dispatch and additional units
were immediately requested to respond.
The hay barn showed heavy fire upon arrival and over 1000
feet of 5 inch supply line was laid down the long farm
driveway.   Three porta-ponds were set up on Route 100, which
was shut down to allow lines to be stretched to a hydrant
across the road, as well to to permit unrestricted access
for tankers to the drop sites. Before the evening was over
the following fire units were some of those who
responded: 22, 14, 20, 15, 58, 39, 16, 17, 19, 21, 6, 35, 1,
Montg 67, 68, 65, 87, 38, and Lehigh 19. EMS units
included 505, 525, 369, 575, Lehigh 66 and Montg 332. The
Salvation Army canteen was on scene, as was PSP.
  All Company
14 apparatus responded and were on scene for five and a
half hours before returning to station by 9:30pm.
Late at night - same initial dispatch for rekindle of
smoldering hay. On scene another hour and returned after
1:00 am. |
|
  September 11
(Three Calls) -
Evening - Companies 14, 22 and 20, along with EMS
505 and 525 were dispatched to Route 100 in Washington
Township for a motor vehicle accident reported with
injuries, entrapment and fire. Deputy 20 arrived to confirm
a two vehicle crash with an SUV on its side with entrapment,
but no fire. Crews went into service with hydraulic cutters
to cut the door posts and used saws to cut the back end of
the roof so it could be rolled to the ground to access the
patient. Attack 20 pulled a hand line to protect the
patient,, and lighting was supplied by Rescue 14's light
towers and portable lighting from 14 and 20. Patient
extricated and turned over to EMS. Companies were in service
for more than an hour before returning.
Afternoon - Company 14 dispatched to assist
Montg 67 on a brush fire in Douglass Township. Brush, Engine
and Tanker responded. Brush and Tanker were requested back a
long farm driveway, while Engine 14 and 67 Apparatus staged
on the road and sent their crews back to the scene. Back at
station within the hour; Morning - Companies 14, 22
and 20 dispatched along with EMS 505 and 525 for a technical
rescue of a patient with a medical condition on the roof
with a home in Washington Twp. Crews assessed the situation
and decided to place the patient in a stokes and use ground
ladders to guide his descent. Patient turned over to EMS
personnel and company back at station with the hour.
|
|
Sept
6 - Afternoon - Companies 22 and 14 dispatched to
Washington Township in the area of the Texas Eastern station
for an odor of gas. Nothing found;
 Sept
6 -
Early Morning MVA - Rescue dispatched to assist
Companies 20 and 22, along with EMS 505 and 525, on an MVA
with injuries in Washington Twp. Three patients had
self extricated from an overturned vehicle, and an
additional Medic (332) was requested. Crews assisted with
lighting and patient care, and were back at station within
an hour.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Additional
Miscellaneous September Calls -
Medical
Assist: Washington Twp - 1; Bally Borough - 2; District
Township -1;
Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Washington Twp - 3,
Bechtelsville Borough - 1;
Oil Spill: Bally Borough -
1;
Tanker Assist: Douglass (Berks) - 1, Douglass (Montg) -
1 |
|
 August Responses
Motor Vehicle Accidents:- Washington Township - 4; Medical Assists:
Washington Township - 4, District Township - 1; Hereford
Township - 1, Bally - 1; Fire
Police: Washington Township - 1; Possible Brush Fire:
Washington Twp - 1; Possible Structure Fire: Washington
Twp - 1; Air Medical Flight: District
Township - 1; Fire Alarms: Washington Twp - 1
Sunday August 1 -
Engine 14 was dispatched to assist 38 and others on the
third alarm at a
working fire at Blommer Chocolate in Upper Hanover Township,
Montgomery County. |
|
|
July 25 -
Company 14 and FP 20 were dispatched to District
Township in the area of Landis Store for a tree down
following a storm. Tree cut up and cleared from the roadway.
July 24
- Fire Police from 14 were dispatched to assist
Company 39 on Baldy Hill Road in District Township. July 23 -
Rescue was dispatched along with 525, 22 and 20 to
cover for 505 in Wshington Twp. July 22 -
Rescue responded with EMS 505 and Company 22 in the early
morning hours to an MVA in Washington Twp. Chief 22 arrived
to find car vs pole, but no patient. Recalled. July 21 -
Rescue dispatched along with EMS 575 and Company 39, to
cover for 505 in District Twp. Recalled when 505 put 2nd
crew into service. July 20
- Rescue responds to assist EMS 505 and 525 on a cardiac
arrest in Bally Borough. July 16 -
Company 14 and FP 22 were dispatched at the request of EMS
for a possible Air Medical flight for a serious fall victim
in Bally Borough. Personnel assisted with loading the
patient into the ambulance, but stood down when EMS decided
it would be quicker to take the patient by ground rather
than wait for the helicopter. |
 
Monday
July 12 - Companies 14 and 22, FP 20, and EMS 505
were dispatched to Front Street in Bally Borough for a
camper fire. At the same time as the dispatch, Chief 20 saw
the header and confirmed a working fire.
  Units were quick to
arrive, but the camper was well off and
crews did a quick knock down of what remained of the unit. A
potential exposure problem was avoided when the owner of a
new dump truck moved the vehicle out of harms way. |
|
More July Alarms:
July 10 - Fire Police assist for MVA in Washington Twp; July
9 - Medical Assist in Bally; July 7 - Traffic
Control on North Church Street; July 5 - Assist to Montg 38
on an unknown type fire in Upper Hanover (recalled); July 2
- MVA with rollover in Washington Twp. |
|
More June Responses:
Thursday June 24th at 0353 Co's 505, 39, 58 and R-14 were
dispatched to Airport Road and Dale Road, Hereford Twp for
MVA unknown injuries, Co 14 and 58 were recalled.
Thurs June 24 at 2243 Co's 505, 22 and 14 were
dispatched to MVA Unknown injuries in the 1600 block of Rt
100 Washington Twp, for vehicle versus pole, negative
injuries per EMS.
Fri June 25 at 0712 hrs, Co 14 was dispatched to
assist Montgomery 65 on a Dwelling Fire on Bowers Mill Road
Upper Hanover twp, Co was recalled by Deputy 65
Mon June 28th at 1643 Co's 22, 14 and 332 covering
505 were dispatched to Niantic Rd and Schultz Ln Washington
twp for MVA Unknown, all Companies were on scene for a short
time and went available, no injuries or fire services
needed.
Wed June 30 at 0713 Co's 22, 14 and 505 were
dispatched to Rt 100 and Gehringer Roads Washington Twp, for
a Brush Fire, companies recalled due to being a control
burn.
Wed June 30 at 1422 Co's 22, 14 and 525 covering 505
were dispatched to Kulps Rd in Washington Twp for a serious
fall, Co's assist EMS then went available.
|
|
  Wednesday June 23:
Company 14 was dispatched at 1226 hours to assist Co 58
at Poor Richards in Hereford Twp, for a working fire in the
third floor. Engine, Tanker and Rescue 14 responded and
provided manpower to assist with fire attack and overhaul,
first-in crews made quick knock of the fire, Montco Ladder
65 provided vertical ventilation, extreme heat took its toll
on firefighters. Company 14 operated on location for approx
2 hours before returning to station. Copmanies on location
were Berks: 58, 39, 14, 20, 21, 22 and 17 for air and to
assist with Rehab. Montco: 38, 65 and 71 (FAST Team),
Canteen 41; Lehigh: 19
EMS: Units 505, 369, Macungie 66 for an ALS truck and their
Rehab Truck. |
|
|
June:
Wednesday June 23: Co was dispatched to assist 505 at an
unconscious subject Bally Boro; Sunday
June 20: Medical Assist covering for EMS 505 in
Washington Township; Saturday June 19: Medical Assist
covering for EMS 505 in Washington Township; Saturday
June 12: the company was dispatched to assist Montg 67
on an automatic alarm on Henry Road in Douglass Twp. Monday
June 7: Rescue 14 was dispatched to assist 22 and
20 covering for 505 on Weisstown Road in Washington
Township. Sunday
June 6: Company 14 was dispatched to assist 22 on a
fire alarm at the Padre Pio Center on Barto Road in
Washington Township; MVA in Hereford Twp - recalled by 58; Friday
June 4: Medical Assist covering for EMS 505 in
Washington Twp; Thursday
June 3: Companies 22 and 14, EMS 505 were
dispatched for an MVA - Unknown injuries at Dale and Crow
Hill Roads. Assistant 22 arrived and determined no fire
services were needed and recalled the apparatus. Wednesday June 2 Company 14 was dispatched to assist
Montg 67 on an odor of gas at a residence on Keller Road in
Douglass Township. Odor was determined to be from an
overfilled LP grill tank. Tank placed in shade, pressure
relief valve stopped venting gas. Tank removed and serviced
by Assistant 14-1. |
|
|
Other Calls in May:
Monday May 31 - Company 14 and FP 20 were
dispatched for a tree down blocking Forgedale Road in
District Township. All units recalled by Berks, noting that
the tree had been removed. Sunday May 30 - the rescue
was dispatched to assist 505, 525 and 20 for an ATV accident
in Bechtelsville involving a child. Air Medical was put and
stand-by, but the patient was transported by ground.
 Tuesday
May 25 - the rescue was dispatched to assist EMS 505 and
Company 58 for a motor vehicle accident in Hereford Twp.
Assisted with patient care and returned. Monday
May 24 Companies 22 and 14 for a medical assist on a
cardiac in Washington Twp, covering for 505. Sunday
May 23, Company 39, Rescue 14, EMS 505 and 575 were
dispatched to a motorcycle accident on Huff's Church Road
between Stone and Chestnut. The incident involved a
motorcycle and a pedestrian. Air medical was requested to
fly and Engine 39 began to set up a landing site on scene.
Medics decide to begin transport of one patient and Company
21 was dispatched to set up an LZ at the Middle School in
Topton. EMS transported the second patient by ground after
rendezvousing with Medic 369 enroute to hospital. Company 14
was back at station within the hour.
 Tuesday May 18th, Company 22, Rescue 14 and EMS
505 were dispatched to a report of an accident on Barto Road
between Rt 100 and Old Rt 100 in Washington Township. Report
was car on its roof with driver still inside. Crew assisted
in removal and rescue was releaed by Chief 22. Monday May 17th, Company 22, Rescue 14, FP 20 and EMS
505 were dispatched to a report of an accident on Rt 100 in
Washington Township. Company 22 fire police arrived to find
a disabled vehicle being attended to by another vehicle. All
units recalled.
Saturday May 15th, Three dispatches: Fire Police were
called out to assist
Company 20 for a tree down on Landis Store Road in District
Township; and the Rescue responded to assist Company 58 with
a search in Hereford Township; and the Rescue was dispatched
along with 39 and EMS 575 to cover 505 for an unconscious
patient at Station 39.
 Friday
May 14th, Companies 22, 20, 14, Ladder 15 and EMS
505 were dispatched to Anthony's Mill Road in Washington Twp
for a possible structure fire, report of smoke in the house
after a power surge following an electrical storm in the
area. The Engine and Tanker responded. Chief 22 had
the main breakers in the house shut down while crews used
thermal imaging cameras to check for hot spots in the home
from the possible lightning strike. None were found.
Companies retuned within the hour.
Thursday May 13th, Companies 39, 14, 20 and EMS 505 were
dispatched to an Automatic Fire Alarm on Baldy Hill Road in
District Township. Nothing found. |
|
On Wednesday May 12th,
the company was dispatched to three separate alarms. At 1549
hours, Companies 22, 20, 14, Ladder 15 and EMS 505 were
dispatched to Wissinger Road in Washington Twp for a
possible structure fire, report of smoke in the house.
Engine, Tanker and Rescue responded. While enroute, tones
were activated for a
 second
call in Bechtelsville Borough reported to be an motor
vehicle accident with injuries. EMS 525 and Company 17 were
sent to cover. Chief 22 arrived to discover he could handle
with units on scene and he released Company 14, Ladder 15
and Engine 20. Those units were requested to respond to the
Mill Road incident off of Route 100 for a pickup truck off
the side of the road into an embankment. Rescue went into
service to stabilize the truck with cribbing. EMS requested
a medical helicopter to fly, and Engine 17 set up the LZ.
However both area flight services were unable to respond due
to low cloud ceiling. Patient was transported via ambulance.
A few hours later fire police were called to assist Company
20 and 19 fire police at the scene of another accident -
this one on Hill Church Road in Pike Township. |
|
|
On May 11th, the
Rescue was was dispatched to assist EMS 505 and 369, as well
as Companies 39 and 58 on a motor vehicle accident on
Schuhler Road in Hereford Township. Initial reports were a
car into a tree. Just as the Rescue was turning into
Schuhler Road, it was recalled by Chief 58, who had
ascertained that the 58 and 505 units on scene could handle
the incident. May 10th, the Rescue
was dispatched to assist EMS 505 and 575, as well as
Companies 39 and 58 on a cycle accident on Hunter Forge Road
in Hereford Township. Helped carry patient to ambulance. On May 9th, the
company was dispatched to Niantic Road and Pine Street Road
to assist Company 22 and others on smoke in a three story
apartment unit. Engine and Tanker responded and used heat
guns to locate the source of the problem, which was a
malfunctioning oil burner. The company went
into service ventilating the structure with smoke ejectors.
On May 7th, the Rescue
responded to Rt 100 and Barto Road to assist Company 22 with
an accident involving three vehicles. Clean up was
accomplished with oil dry and brooms. |
|
|
Monday May 3 at 0139,
Company 14 was dispatched to Treichler Road in District
Township for trees, wires and a pole following the passing
of a large thunderstorm. Arriving units found a large tree
blocking the entire road. When the tree had fallen, it had
taken power lines with it and consequently snapped the top
off an adjacent electric pole. Fire Police from Company 20
were added to the assignment. Engine 14 stood-by along with
fire police until Met-Ed arrived and cut power to the still
energized lines. The District Township road crew was
contacted for barricades and the Engine returned by 0330.
Fire Police returned by 0530. |
|
  Friday
April 23 at 12:06, Company 14 was dispatched to assist
Montgomery 67 on a structure fire on Miller Road in Douglass
Township. Engine, Tanker, and Rescue all responded A few
minutes later the second tanker along with one from 22 was
added.   Crews
from multiple area companies worked to contain and
extinguish the fire in difficult circumstances.Eventually the following
were among units that were on scene or on stand-by for this
home which was totally
destroyed by
the flames and
heat: Montgomery
County   67,
65, 38, 68, 37, 74; Berks County 14,
15, 20, 22; Bucks County 18, 56; EMS 505, 332 & 369; Boyertown Salvation
Army Canteen. Engine
14 held the draft site on a bridge within 150 feet on Engine
65; Tanker
  14 was primary supply for street side water before 5" was in
service from the draft site and after the 5" was broken
down. One female resident was transported and admitted to
LVH - Cedar Crest for treatment of injuries sustained. A pet
dog lost its life in the inferno. |
|
|
Other than the Miller
Road house fire, the middle and end of April were filled
with routine responses for the department. Fire police went
to District Twp and Bechtelsville Borough; Medical Assists
in Bally (3) and Bechtelsville; an AFA in Washington; and
MVAs in Hereford and Washington Townships. |
|
  Tuesday April 6 at
1514 hours, Companies 22, 20, 14, Ladder 15, and EMS 505
were dispatched to the report of a barn fire on Weisstown
Road near the Colebrookdale Township line. Engine 20 arrived
on location and did a quick knockdown on fire working its
way up the outside of a large garage. All crews assisted
with checking for interior extension and overhaul and 14 was
back at station by 1715 hours. |
|
 April - the
beginning of April continued the trend of a variety of
responses, most of them routine. Responses included
Fire Police to District Twp to assist PSP in closing down
roads for an incident; an assist to Montg 67 in Douglass Twp
on an unknown type fire which turned out to be a controlled
burn; a medical assist in Bally; and an accident with
injuries involving a four-wheeler on Dairy Lane in Hereford
Twp.
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March - the month has seen multiple dispatches for a variety of
service. MVA's in District and Hereford (4); Medical Assists in District
(2); Hereford, Washington (2), Bechtelsville and Bally; Fire Alarms in Pike and Bally; Forcible Entry
in District; Tree blocking the road in District; Unknown
Type Fire in District; and Wires
in District.
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  Saturday
February 27 at 0855 hours, Companies 58, 39, Rescue 14,
EMS 505, and 525 and PSP were dispatched to the intersection
of Church Hill Rd and Route 100 in Hereford Township for an
accident with injuries. Two car were in the intersection
with fluids down and injuries sustained. Fire crews assisted
with fluids, safetying the scene, and patient care. Rescue
was available by 0930 hours. Earlier that morning,
Fire Police had been dispatched at 0206 hours to Lower
Pottsgrove Township to assist in traffic control at a
building fire on Industrial Drive. They were available
shortly after 0400 hours. Later that afternoon at
1351 hours the Tanker and Engine were dispatched to respond
with Montg 65 on a structure on Layfield Road in Upper
Hanover. Units were recalled just after response. |
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 Monday
February 15, 2010 at 1741 hours, Companies 39, 58 and 14
were dispatched for an animal rescue on Hunter Forge Road in
Hereford Township. Additional information given to Chief 39,
indicated that a horse had fallen through snow and ice into
a swimming pool. Chief 39 quickly arrived on location and
confirmed the situation and noted the horse had two legs in
the water and two still on the edge of the pool. He
requested that units not use sirens in the area in order to
keep the horse calm. Rescue 14 responded and assisted the
crews from 39 and 58 with lighting, tarps, plywood, rope and
shovels. EMS 505 was later dispatched to the scene as well.
With the help of the owner, crews from all three departments
were able to get the horse to lay on its side, and pull it
out of the pool and over the snow to safety. Rescue 14 was
back at station by 1853 hours. |
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The End of January
and the Beginning of February have been busy with numerous
responses. In addition to the MVA below, the company has run
four other Motor Vehicle Accidents (two
in Hereford, and two in Washington); the Fire Police ran a
call in Washington; there have been ten Medical Assists {Bally (4), Washington (4), Hereford,
and District}; a chimney fire in Washington,
an Automatic Fire Alarm in Bally and a reported barn fire in Washington that turned out to be
a controlled burn. Many of the assist to ambulance calls are
related to the heavy snow, and requests to assist in
removing patients from residences. |
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  Sunday
February 7, 2010 at 1733 hours, Company 5, Engine 14,
EMS 565 and 535, along with PSP were dispatched to Mine Road
in Pike Township for a Motor Vehicle Accident with injuries.
PSP were first on scene and reported two patients with
severe head injuries. The crash
  involved
a farm tractor and a pick up truck. Upon arrival EMS asked
for two medical helicopters to fly. A landing zone was
established adjacent to the accident scene. The crew from
the Engine assisted with patient care, lighting, landing
zone and transport to the helicopters. The crew was on scene
for almost two hours before returning at 1940 hours. |
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Wednesday January 20,
2010 at 1431 hours, Companies 22. 20, 14 and Ladder 15,
along with EMS 505 were dispatched to the 2000 block of Old
Route 100 near Gabel Lane in Washington Township for a
reported structure fire. During dispatch, Berks County radio
indicated that they had received multiple calls for the
fire. Units arrived on location and confirmed fire on the
exterior of the dwelling. Engine 20 pulled lines and crews
on scene knocked down the fire. Company 14 responded with
Engine, Tanker and Rescue and assisted in the rapid
extinguishment, checked for extension and helped with
overhaul. Company 14 was back at station within 45 minutes. |
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  Saturday
January 16, 2010 at 0909 hours, Companies 58 and 39,
Rescue 14, EMS 505 and 369, and PSP were dispatched for an
accident with injuries on Route 100 near Schoolhouse Road in
Hereford Township. Additional information indicated a
head-on crash, no entrapment, but occupants were still in
the vehicles. Rescue arrived on location and assisted EMS
and 58's crew in patient care and hazard containment. After
patients were transported, the rescue and crew were released
and returned to station by 0940 hours, although Route 100
remained closed until 1025 hours. |
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  Saturday
January 16, 2010 at 0459 hours, Company 20, Rescue 14,
EMS 505 and 525, and PSP were dispatched to Hill Church Road
near Goat Hill Road in Pike Township for an accident with
injuries. Vehicle had struck a rock and rolled. Driver had
self-extricated, but EMS personnel were not sure if driver
was sole occupant. Search of area was launched, but no other
occupants were found. Crews waited for tow and asisted with
debris clean-up and were back at station by 0615 hours. |
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Monday January 4,
2010 at 0913 hours, Companies 22, 14, Fire Police from
20, along with EMS 505 and 525 were dispatched to Route 100 near
Barto Road in Washington Township for an accident with
injuries. Vehicle had gone off the road, up an embankment,
struck a tree and then a pole before returning to the
shoulder of the roadway. Rescue 14 responded and assisted
with patient care and securing hazards before being released
by Chief 22 and returning to station by 0941. |
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 Mid
Atlantic Fire and Air
spent January 4th at the station
testing all our airpacks with their computer driven and
automated equipment. This procedure allows the SCBA (Self
Contained Breathing Apparatus) to be in top working order
when needed for fires and hazardous situations. |
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Fire and EMS Numbers of
Companies with Whom We Frequently Respond:
BERKS FIRE: 14 - Bally; 15 - Friendship H&L, Boyertown; 16-
Keystone, Boyertown; 17 - New Berlinville; 19 - Earl; 20 -
Bechtelsville; 21 - Topton; 22 - Barto; 39 - Seisholtsville; 58 -
Hereford
BERKS EMS: 505 - Bally Ambulance; 525 - Boyertown Ambulance
MONTGOMERY FIRE: 38 - East Greenville; 65 - Pennsburg; 67 -
Gilbertsville; 68 - Sassamansville
MONTGOMERY EMS: 329 - Goodwill Ambulance, Pottstown; 332 -
Gilbertsville Ambulance; 369 - Upper Perkiomen Ambulance
LEHIGH FIRE: 1 - Alburtis; 15 - Macungie; 19 - Upper Milford;
25 - Trexlertown; 30 - Lower Macungie
LEHIGH EMS: 66 - Macungie;
63 - Emmaus; 62 - Cetronia
(List of
Berks Fire Departments
and their websites is
here)
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