On Sunday May 4, the Aerial Apparatus class wrapped up with a full day operations.   The crews traveled to Elk Mountain where they were met with a host of exposures to deal with.  Offensive and defensive truck set-ups and operations where addressed along with masterstream operations placed into service.  Crews from Clifford, Greenfield, Hop Bottom, City of Carbondale, and Throop attended the class.  Once again, Captain Semenza provided a great class.  A special thanks to Elk Mountain for allowing us the opportunity to train at their facility.  Photos Rabies clinic this month Click here for details

House cleared for 24 Box  At appoximately 1800hrs on Monday April 28, the 24 Box was transmitted for a structure fire on Rt247, Greenfield Township.  On the assignment: E24, E36, E52, R18, R59, L18, T24, T18, T36, T52, T60, 24-9, and 18-9.  E24 arrived on scene reporting a single story residential with heavy smoke in the basement.  A crew from 24 &18 stretched a line into the basement, finding heavy smoke and no fire.  L18 arrived spliting crews handling the first due truck responsilities with the remainder of 18 staging on side A per command.  A furnace malfunction was to blame with 24 command holding 24 & 18, returning the rest of the assignment.  Units remained on scene for approximately 30 mins continuing ventalation and packing up. Photolink

18 in area 58 to pay respects to Capt. Albert On Friday morning, April 25, the Ladder headed to area 58 to assist in a ladder arch for Captain Eddie Albert’s funeral procession.  Ladder 58 and Ladder 18 arched the processional, hanging a flag between them.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the Albert family and his friends.  We at Station 18 were honored to assist with the detail.

Vehicle in the drink On Wednesday April 23, at approximately 0700hrs, the motor vehicle assignment was dispatched in Lenox township, Hop Bottom Fire's first due.  On the run: HBE1, HBR4, R18 and HAM2.  HB11 arrived on scene establishing the command with one vehicle approximately 85% submerged with unknown occupants.  Dive 36 was requested.  R18 arrived serving as the command post, staging tag lines and PFD's to assist Dive 36 upon their arrival.  Dive 36 made their way to the vehicle with negative findings in or around the SUV.  The recovery service arrived and removed the SUV while PSP investigated.  Crews boomed the overflow and placed pads in the water to address the spilled fluids while command updated county EMA.  Units cleared around 0900. Photolink

Condolences expressed
The Officers and members of Station 18 would like to expresses our  condolences to the family of Eddie Albert upon his passing. He was a lifetime member of the Crystal Fire Company and captain of Jermyn Fire Police.  Our thoughts and prayers are with both the family and Crystal Fire Company. Please visit www.58fire.com for more details. 

Close call on the interstate
Every so often I feel compelled to share a situation with everyone to try and improve operations, safety or something of the like.  This morning at mm211 was one of those situations that at best would be referenced a "close call".

18, Harford, 24 and 36 where operating on a tractor trailer fire at the 211 northbound exit ramp at approximately 0500hrs this morning.  The tractor trailer was located on the "triangle section of the ramp exposing FF's to both the driving lane and the ramp traffic.  Harford 11 arrived first, establishing the 211 command and requested Harford tanker and T24 access from the 106 side (the wrong direction on the exit ramp) and L18, R18 and E24 take the interstate side. All units took their respective locations and went to work.  L18 45'd the ramp and strectched a line with R18 taking the driving lane.  Both rigs were positioned to protect the scene.  T36 also took a position blocking the scene while operating.  The fire was extinguished with no issues and rigs racked back up.

As approximately 10 FF's stood in the "safe area" on the ramp, Lt Price was about to move the L18 up the ramp to return to service.  As he was entering the cab, Asst Chief O'Rourke and FF Rudalavage were standing fast behind the apparatus watching traffic and maintaining the flare pattern.  A vehicle was observed by Asst Chief O'Rourke entering the ramp at a high rate of speed (remember, the ramp is blocked with flares and apparatus).  Asst Chief O'Rourke yelled to FF Rudalavage,  which intern, prompted both to yell at the vehicle coming THRU the flare blockade and approaching the ladder that was protecting the scene.  The vehicle skidded it's tires and came to a stop just feet from the ladder truck and yards from our FF's. The vehicle attempted to back up and flee at which point that was spoiled by Asst Chief O'Rourke, Chief Bales and FF Rudalavage. Photolink

Moral of the story - we came very close to smashed apparatus and injured or dead firefighters. 

As most know, 18 has taken a very proactive approach to protecting our scene's both on and off the interstate by adding extra companies to watch our backs.  This move has not come without much critizism and question - yet we continue to believe our responders safety is worth it. 

This mornings incident proved a few things: 
1.  NEVER turn your back on traffic at any point in an incident.  Traffic watch isn't too glamorous but needs to be done

2.  Scene blocking apparatus paid for itself this morning.  This vehicle would have hit the ladder and at least slowed it down

3.  Remain focused on the hazard's around us - whatever portion of the incident your working on.  The fire was out, our main
     exposure, it’s the things you can't control such as traffic and drivers you need to watch. 

Chief  Turner
 

RIT program wraps up On Saturday April 12, the crew from 18 finished up the 16hr RIT program which was the finish to a 32hr track on both firefighter survival and RIT hosted by Great Bend Fire.  Saturday's morning session had the crews performing many tactics used to remove trapped firefighters from multiple locations.  The afternoon was full of scenario's with multiple firefighters trapped.  The crews received a facefull of challenges to reach, extricate and remove the firefighters from the building.  Breaching walls, thru floors, and enlarged openings were just a few of the tatics used to successfully complete the detail.  Crews from Clifford, Great Bend, Thompson and Susquehanna Fire Companies attened the training.  A big thanks to all who extended great hospitality for the training opportunity and an excellent display of teamwork for the crews involved.  Photolink

18 dispatched for possible downed plane

On Wednesday April 9, at approx 2330hrs, Susquehanna Communications transmitted a possible plane down at the intersection of SR247 and SR2023.  Calls were being received from PEMA via Lackawanna Communications of an aircraft trouble beacon being picked up in the area.  On the assignment: R18, R41, L18, 18-9, FC6.  Chief 18 went enroute requesting coordinates of the location and placing 24 on standby.  Units arrived at the dispatch location with nothing found.  Coordinates were received and entered into the handheld GPS units.  The corrected location was approximately 800ft from Elkwood Drive and SR2023.  All units were directed to the development where the command post was established aboard R18 and units were staged.  E24 and 24-9 were brought into the scene.  A crew from 18 walked to the coordinate location with nothing found.  Additional crews then covered an approximate 3/8 to 1/2 a mile radius around the location with nothing found.

 Aircraft from four resources were requested with only PSP being able to fly.  Command worked with outside agencies to narrow the location.  The Civil Air Patrol obtained updated coordinates which placed the distress signal 13.5 miles from the original mark.  Units from Lackawanna County where dispatched with negative findings.  After all search crews returned to the staging area and completed rehab, units were placed back into service.  Nice job by all involved.  Photolink
 

Early start to Sunday On Sunday, April 06, 2008 at approximately 0530hrs the MVA was transmitted for the single vehicle accident at 24 Main Street in the Village of Clifford.  R18 and 18-9 were on the run.  Lt18a reported from the scene within minutes upgrading the incident to a two vehicle accident, both vehicles into trees off the roadway with four patients, no entrapment.  With the transmission, 24-9 and an ALS rig were added to the response.  The rescue and 18-9 marked on scene shortly after establishing a safe zone and beginning triage with Chief 18 establishing the “106 Command”.  One patient was transported with ALS to Wayne Memorial while 24-9 continued EMS assessment and obtained a refusal from the second operator.  R18 remained on scene assisting PSP and Kozlowski Towing with traffic and lighting.  Units cleared just before 0700. Photolink

Weekend keeps  18 busy On Saturday, March 29, L18 headed to Susquehanna to wrap up the FF survival class.  The crew got a great workout and had an excellent learning experience.  We'd like to thank Great Bend Fire and Susquehanna Fire for their hospitality.  Also, Happy 20th Beatty - Mom even presented him with a cake for lunch!!   Photolink

As the crew was training in Susquehanna, the MVA assignment was transmitted for a crash on Rt 374  and the interstate.  Reports coming in had a car vs. pickup truck with the occupant still in the vehicle.  E24 was added to the run.  Lt18a  arrived establishing the 374 command reporting car vs pickup with heavy damage to the car, two patients, no entrapment.  HA5 was added for the additional patient.  R18 handled the hazards and traffic on the western side while E24 took the east.  18-9 and HA5 transported from the scene.

18 runs pin on SR 92

At approximately 2130hrs on March 29, the MVA assignment was dispatched on Rt92 north of Lenox Corners.  HE4, R18, HAM2, and 18-9 were on the assignment.  Communications advised H11 that an EMT was on scene reporting a truck vs suv with 5 patients and entrapment.  Thompson ambulance and 24-9 were added to the run.  H16 arrived confirming the report and advised the rescue there was heavy entrapment in the truck with the suv against the extrication pathway.  Chief 18-1 marked on scene, completing the size-up with H16 and requested a full deployment upon arrival.  The rescue marked on scene, established lighting while the crew began stabilization and tool deployment.  Due to the positioning of the vehicles, a wrecker was requested to move the unoccupied SUV.  Unable to wait for its arrival, a crew from 18 and Harford went to work with a come-a-long, chains, and an anchor point to start the move.  A second crew went to work with the hydraulics to free the occupant of the truck. A rapid extrication was accomplished and the patient loaded aboard 18-9 for transport.  Sadly the occupant of the vehicle passed. Four other patients were transported to hospitals aboard HA2, TAM, and 24-9.  The crews on scene displayed excellent teamwork with a unique extrication. R18 remained on scene providing lighting for PSP during their investigation. Harford 11 had the command.

16 hours aerial apparatus practices planned
Sponsored by Bucks County Community College Under the authority of the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy hosted at the Clifford Fire Station on April 21 & 28 from 18:30-22:30 and May 4 0800 – 1630hrs. Students attending this class will, through classroom work and hands-on practice of basic skills, be introduced to the operational theory of aerials, aerial towers, and elevating platforms.  Basic system design, safety, spotting/stabilization, operation, and elevated master stream operations are all covered. For more information contact Training Officer Mark Rosler at rozzie427@yahoo.com or phone: 222-3741 or 498-3682.

Tanker 18 out of service
Tanker 18 will be out-of-service until further notice.  Due to the decay on the substructure, we have removed it until a temporary repair can be accomplished or the new rig arrives.  County will be bumping up the next due. 
 

18 on Up-Valley commercial job On Wednesday March 26, as the crew from L18 was returning from training, the 21 Box was dispatched at approx 2300hrs for a commercial structure on the Eynon-Jermyn Road, Lackawanna County.  Communications advised the 21 Chief of multiple reports.  Crews from the first alarm arrived to find a heavily involved two story commercial structure.

Photos courtesy of 58Fire
21 Command requested additional units into the scene with a defensive attack mounted.  Due to water supply issues in the area, multiple tankers were called in for the shuttle –Tanker 18 responded on the special call.  With L58 and L20 committed, L18 was placed on standby for the Up-Valley.  The tanker returned near 0300 with the Ladder being placed back in service shortly after.

Firefighter survival training

On Saturday March 15, a crew from 18 began a 16hrs firefighther survival course being hosted by Great Bend Hose Company.  The morning consisted of a lecture leading into an afternoon of practical work.  Crews from 18, 24, Thompson, Great Bend, and Susquehanna are participating.  The class will finish up next week.

First due structure fire starts Monday At approximately 0710hrs on Monday, March 10, the 1804 box was transmitted for a working fire in a mobile home on Round Pond Road, Lenox Township.  On the assignment: E24, HE4, NE1, L18, R18, R36, T18, T24, HT3, NT, 189 and HAM2.  18-20 marked on scene reporting a fully involved mobile home, flames venting from side B.  With the report, one additional tanker was added.  Chief 18-1 marked on scene confirming the report and requesting the ladder to put the 200' 2 1/2" in service upon arrival with the next due tying into the ladder for water.  The ladder marked on scene getting the 2 1/2" and an 1 3/4" into service darkening the fire.  Next arriving, E24, nursed into the ladder and handled the water operations.  The crews from 18, 24, and Harford handled the knockdown while R36 stood fast as the RIT.  Two additional engines were requested for manpower to assist with overhaul.

E41 established a fill site at a nearby pond, laying out 7 lengths of hard tube to hit the water while sending the rest of the crew up for overhaul.  Units operated for approximately two hours before picking up.  Thanks to all for a good and safe job.  Photolink
Units operating:  Engines:  24, HE4, 52, 41, TE1   Ladder:  18  Rescue: 18, 36   Tankers:  18, 24, HT3, 52  Ambulance:  18, HA2 

Rescue with the RIT assignment on Hop Bottom Box

On Wednesday March 5, around  1600 hours, the structure box was dispatched for Hop Bottom fire.  On the assignment: HBE1,HBE2, UE2, UTW3, R18, HBT, UT4 and MMM.  United 13 arrived establishing the "Weston Road" command reporting a 2 story structure with a chimney fire extended into the walls.  UTW3 arrived stretching a line and deploying the tower to the roof.  A quick knock from the first alarm companies limited the extension.  R18's crew tooled up and staged on side A as the RIT.  HE4 and HT3 were also added to the response.  Units remained for approximately one hour before returning.  18 would go on to run two more MVA's and a medical to round out the day. Photos

Working fire brings extra companies On Sunday March 2, at 1637hrs, the 1801 box was dispatched for a dryer fire in a mobile home.  On the assignment: E24, E41, HE4, L18, R18, T18, T24, HT3, 18-9 and 24-9.  18-20 arrived on scene reporting heavy smoke pushing from the mobile home which had an addition on side C and a permenant peaked roof over the structure.  L18 marked on scene and placed the 200' preconnect into service gaining access to the structure.  E24 arrived and established a dump site with a 5" line down the driveway to the ladder.

The crew from HE4 arrived, along with additional crews from 24 and 18, placed two additional lines in-service and began opening up.  The fire had advanced almost the full length underneath the mobile home making suppression efforts very difficult. Additional companies were special called to assist with opening up and overhaul.  NE1, which is equipped with CAFS, was used for the final overhaul, blanketing the structure with foam.  Units operated on scene for over four hours. Units operating:  Engines - 24, 41, HE4, NE1, NE2, 60, 36, 20, UE2  Ladder - 18  Rescues -  18, 59, 51-1  Tankers - 18, 24, HT3, 36, 52, NT  EMS -18-9, 24-9, HAM5

2 alarm residential in first due 
At 0152hrs on Saturday, February 23, 2008, the 1805 box was transmitted for an attic fire on Rt247, Clifford Township.  On the run: E24, E41, E52, L18, R18, T18, T24, T52, 18-9 and 24-9.

18-10 (Fortuner) marked on scene quickly reporting the working residential with a fully involved attic.  Chief 18 requested the sector RIT and two additional tankers bringing L43, T28 and T36.  Chief 182 arrived establishing the 247 command confirming reports and requesting E41 make the lay to the dry hydrant at Crystal Lake.  L18 arrived taking side D in the driveway with T24 right behind establishing the initial water.  The crews from the first alarm placed (2) 1 ¾” and a 2 ½” attack line in service in division one immediately upon arrival and mounted an aggressive interior attack.  Crews found light to moderate smoke on division 1 with a fire storm above in the attic.  One line was advanced into the attic while crews pulled ceilings and attacked from below.  The challenge was multiple attic spaces in the sprawling ranch.

After some time crews were pulled from the building the ladder pipe from 18 placed into service to get a knock on the fire venting from the roof.  A second alarm was transmitted with the work ahead.  Once the ladder pipe was shutdown, crews regrouped and headed in for the enormous overhaul. Captain 43 handled the division one overhaul operations.

Over 2500’ of LDH was laid to complete the supply with HE4 relaying in the middle.  Two additional water supplies were established by R36 and E281.  Crews worked for an additional four hours to overhaul the residence.  A special thanks to the move-up companies SQ22 and E60 for coming in and assisting packing up. Captain 18 established two rehab areas to keep a check on the crews.  The last units cleared at 0740hrs.

Units operating:
Engines: 24, 41, 52, HE4, 281   Ladder: L18, L43, L58    Rescue:  R18, R36, R51-1, R59  Tanker:  T18, T24, T36, T52, T28, HT3, T60
EMS: 18-9, 24-99  PhotosAdditional  photos

9 run day thanks to the snow

Friday afternoon, February 22, continued to run the crews from 18.  After answering additional MVA’s in the district, the multi-vehicle, multi-tractor-trailer crash was dispatched for the 209mm northbound.  As units responded, updated reports were given to Chief 18-1 of heavy entrapment on the scene.  Due to the conditions, R36 was added to the box.  FF Savino arrived on scene advising heavy damage to multiple vehicles; however, negative entrapment and possibly no injuries.  R36 was cleared and units handled the incident.  Just as the busy day was coming to a close, at 2330hrs the ATV accident was dispatched on mud road, Clifford Township.  Captain 18 marked on scene reporting on victim over an approximate 20’ embankment.  The crews from 18 made their way down to the victim, packaged and placed the patient in the care of EMS.  18-9 transported to the trauma center.

Three morning runs to the “I” - - and its still snowin’
The morning started at 0415hrs for 18 with a reported MVA 205.4 northbound on interstate 81 in Benton Township.  It was the “typical” snow storm response for the interstate – one car slid off the roadway.  On the run: E24, R18, 24-9, 18-9.  Chief 24 marked on scene establishing the 205 command reporting the same.  The updated report was given by command:  one passenger vehicle off the roadway, into a culvert, partially on its side and unstable with two confined occupants – so much for “typical” and yet one more example why not let your crew become complacent with a run. 
E24 marked on scene establishing lighting and beginning stabilization.  The rescue arrived deploying the junkyards and placing the portable winch off the side to secure the vehicle. An additional winch was established from the rear of E24.  Due to the inaccessibility, two roof ladders were thrown across the culvert opening to provide a work platform.  Both drivers side doors and B post were removed with the hydraulics and patients extricated. While the extrication was underway, R36 handled the safety zone for traffic.  24-9 and 18-9 transported to the hospital.

At about 0830, the crews from 18 and 24 were headed back to the “I” at 209.4 northbound for the tractor trailer jackknife.  Units arrived with the Captain establishing the 209 command reporting a tractor trailer hard into the guardrail with fluids down and a non-hazardous container.  24 handled the traffic while R18 went into the scene to provide additional scene safety and hazard control.  Units operated for approx 30 minutes while the vehicle was removed.
 

Just as crews were thinking the storm was easing a bit, 18 and 24 were once again sent to the 206mm for the one car incident with minor injuries.  Chief 181 established the 206 command and requested E24 handle the traffic while the rescue came in to assist with hazard control.  Units handled the incident and cleared within 30 minutes.  While operating, Harford fire was dispatched to the 217 for a crash which would normally get the rescue.  Due to the commitment at 206, the R7 was bumped up to assist. More pictures

The Heavy goes to work on a 24 pin 

On Wednesday, February 13 at approx 1600hrs, the rain was turning back to snow making for intereting driving.  The 24 box was transmitted for a one car rollover with possible entrapment on SR247.  On the assignment: E24, R18, 24-9 and 18-9.  24B arrived on scene establishing the 247 Command confirming one car on its roof with one trapped and requested an additional BLS from area 36.  E24 arrived on scene and began stabilization of the vehicle.  Chief 182 arrived completing a size up with 24 and requested a full deployment when the Rescue marked on scene.   The crews went to work stabilizing the vehicle and working two extrication pathways.  With multiple hydraulic and hand tools in operation, the extrication was completed in approx. 20 minutes.  The patient was transported to the trauma center with ALS from Cottage.  Once again, seamless teamwork with the departments yielded positive results.

After clearing the pin, 18 would respond to SR2008 for severe icing and multiple cars blocking the roadway.  SR2008 was closed for apporximately 90 minutes.  The evening was ended with a CO alarm in a residence.  Crews found low levels of CO in the residence and also found the source.  18-9 has place a new Pulse Ox/CO meter in service from the 2007 State grant program under the direction of Lt Price.  This new unit was used to establish the level of CO exposure to the victims.  A good bench mark and great piece of mind for all involved.  Nice job Lt.  More pictures

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