12/30/08-- While operating at an MVA on Route 51, crews were alerted to a house on fire at 447 Rehoboth Road. The Rescue Truck responded directly from the accident scene and confirmed a working fire. R-105's crew made an aggressive attack and held the fire to a first floor addition. Personnel from 139 (Washington Twp) and 31 (Webster) assisted with overhaul and ventilation while 103 (Collinsburg) handled the RIT assignment. Fire crews operated on scene for approximately 3˝ hours. The State Police Fire Marshal determined the fire accidental, electrical in nature. E-147 (Central of Elizabeth Twp) filled Station 105 and handled one alarm during the cover.
12/19/08-- An afternoon house fire was controlled at 384 Gallitin Road. Engine 105 arrived with Squad 105, which was out handling weather related service calls, and confirmed a fire with extension to the attic. Crews encountered debris-ridden conditions inside the house and quickly knocked the fire down. Extension was held to one room and part of the attic. Personnel from the township fire departments worked on scene approximately 90 minutes. E-139 (Washington Twp) covered Station 105.
12/6/08--
Local roads iced over
around 3pm causing numerous accidents in the township. The
Rescue Truck was called to assist 103 (Collinsburg) with an accident
in the 1900 block of Rostraver Road. While assisting with
traffic, additional accidents were reported on Route 51 at Route 201,
as well as on Rostraver Road at Alberta Village that sent a vehicle
into the creek. Engine and Squad 105 were dispatched to those
scenes. Crews also assisted PSP with traffic control on I-70 and
The Rescue Truck also responded to a crash on Fells Church Road near
Station 105.11/29/08-- The Rescue Truck responded to its 2nd entrapment call of the day assisting Station 80 (North Belle Vernon) on I-70 near Exit 42. An eastbound vehicle struck a deer sending the carcass onto the roof of a westbound car, trapping the driver. Crews from 80 and 105 worked to remove the roof and passenger side of the car. LifeFlight 5 landed on the interstate to transport the patient. Rescue 31 (Webster) handled the LZ.
11/29/08-- A morning accident on Route 51 & Concord Lane sent one driver to a Pittsburgh trauma center. Chief 105 arrived with Rostraver Police and found a rear-end collision with a gasoline spill and one patient confined. The Rescue Truck arrived and deployed the Hurst® spreaders and cutters. Crews performed a full drivers side removal to give EMS access to the patient. With extrication complete, Rescue 31 (Webster) was diverted to the Rostraver Municipal Complex for an LZ. 105 personnel worked on scene assisting police with traffic control, debris cleanup, and hazard removal.
11/19/08--
Engine 105 was called to
cover Station 17 (Smithton) while they assisted on a structure fire in
Perry Twp., Fayette County. Shortly after arriving in Smithton,
E-105 was sent, along with 107 (Turkeytown) and 19 (Yukon) for a
vehicle into the creek on Route 981 near King's Hotel. Crews
found all occupants out of the vehicle waiting to be evaluated by EMS.
E-105 cleared in approximately 30 minutes and remained on standby for
3 hours.11/14/08-- A late night house fire forced a Webster family from their home. E-31 (Webster) and Truck 105 arrived from opposing sides of the scene, with The Truck laying a short supply line. Both units stretched lines to attack the fire while The Truck sent a crew in the platform to stage for roof ventilation. E-105 provided lighting at the scene. Crews were called back several hours after clearing for a rekindle on the first floor. Two cats perished in the fire. The State Police Fire Marshal has been called to investigate.
11/7/08-- An afternoon crash on Route 51 sent two people to Pittsburgh trauma centers. Two cargo vans and a tractor cab were involved in the collision at Route 51 and Plaza Drive. Crews from The Rescue Truck assisted with debris removal and traffic control. Engine 105 was sent to a nearby field on Plaza Drive to land two helicopters. Rostraver Police are investigating.
10/31/08-- Township companies were alerted for a house fire at 130 McKenery Drive just before 4pm. Engine 105 was the first to arrive and took a line to the 2nd floor. The fire was located using a thermal imaging camera and quickly knocked down. During searches, two cats were located unharmed. The State Police Fire Marshal ruled the fire electrical in nature. No injuries were reported. Crews from 105 cleared after approximately 2 hours.
10/31/08-- An afternoon fire caused minor damage to the former Jones Brewing Company on 2nd Street in Smithton. Crews from 17 (Smithton) arrived to find a fire near the electrical service entrance. Truck 105 arrived and sent a crew to the roof. The fire was doused with extinguishers and roofing material was removed to check for extension.
10/11/08-- The Rescue Truck responded for a reported crash on Route 51 at Airport Road. Fire personnel found 2 cars with moderate to heavy damage leaking fluids. EMS evaluated the parties involved while The Rescue's crew handled the spill, cleared debris, and assisted with traffic.
10/4/08--
Residents of two homes on
Lee Drive were forced to evacuate due to a subsidence problem
affecting their houses. Chief 105 was notified of the problem by
the Rostraver Twp. Sewage Authority superintendent and went to the
scene to investigate. Structural and property damage had
occurred at 121 Lee Drive and was endangering 117 Lee Drive. The
Red Cross was contacted to assist the families with accommodations and
PA Department of Environmental Protection was dispatched to
investigate the source of the problem.10/2/2008-- Just before 1:30am, Rostraver Police on patrol discovered a fire in the pump house at Willowbrook Golf Course. Chief 105 confirmed a fire with no exposures and held the alarm to Squad 105 (due to limited access to the building) and Engine 103 for water supply. The fire was quickly brought under control with fire crews operating just under an hour.
9/23/08-- Township companies were alerted for smoke in the building at Keystone Bakery, Rostraver Road. Further information from dispatch indicated a small electrical fire in a display case. E-105 arrived and returned the balance of the alarm. Crews isolated the problem circuit, assured there was no extension, and ventilated. 105 units cleared in under 1 hour.
9/9/08--
An electrical fire broke
out at the West Newton Senior Center on East Main Street Tuesday
afternoon. The interior crew worked to isolate the malfunction
in the electrical service while checking for extension. Command
requested Truck 105 to the Water Street side of the building, where a
crew was sent to the roof. Power was disconnected by Allegheny
Power and the fire did not extend beyond the service panel. No
injuries were reported.
9/5/08--
For the second year in a
row, new apparatus from Rostraver Central VFC was featured at the
Pittsburgh FireRescue & EMS Expo. As attendees entered the David
L. Lawrence Convention Center, they were greeted by Truck 105,
positioned front and center at the Sutphen Corporation display.
Thanks to Jeff Britt and his associates for making us part of the
show.9/5/08-- An afternoon accident occurred on the Willowbrook Golf Course, sending the driver to a local hospital. The Rescue Truck arrived to find one vehicle that left Willowbrook Road and crashed into a tree near the #6 tee box. Fire crews assisted the confined driver with a quick extrication and EMS took over care of the patient. Rescue 103 (Collinsburg) stood by at St. Anne's Church for a landing zone, which was not needed.
8/31/08-- A motor home caught fire on Interstate 70 East near the Arnold City exit. The Rescue Truck and E-105 responded and found a small fire in the engine compartment. Crews used a water can to extinguish the fire. Crews cleared after about 15 minutes on scene. No injuries were reported.
8/29/08-- Westmoreland 911 received reports of a crash on I-70 West near Mile 45, alerting Rescue 105. While enroute, additional calls indicated entrapment and Rescue 31 (Webster) was added. The Rescue Truck's crew initiated a rapid extrication, removing the vehicle's door to access the patient. R-31 was redirected to a landing zone at the Amcel Center. Crews remained on scene for approximately 1 hour assisting with lighting and cleanup.
8/29/08-- The Rescue Truck responded to 5 calls in a 30 minute span this evening. First, an accident was reported on Route 51 near Bill's Golfland. Units arriving determined it to be minor and immediately received reports of another crash on Route 51 near Brunswick Lanes. One car struck the guardrail and was disabled. As they determined no action was needed, The Rescue Truck's crew was notified of a crash on Route 201 near Pleasant Valley Blvd. with an unconscious patient. Fire units found a side-impact crash (pictures below) with 2 injuries and began BLS care. As EMS loaded the patients, a basement fire was reported in Washington Twp. The Rescue Truck freed up and E-105 responded from the Central station. Fayette units discovered the fire out and cancelled all mutual aid. While returning, The Rescue Truck was called back for a landing zone at the accident scene. STAT MedEvac 8 responded and transported 1 patient to a trauma center.
8/25/08--
Two cars collided just
after 2pm on Route 201 near CVS Pharmacy. The Engine was
returning from another run and responded directly. Crews
assisted with traffic control and hazards while EMS and Police worked
at the scene. The Engine and Rescue Truck cleared in about 30
minutes.
8/24/08--
A local man was flown to a
Pittsburgh hospital in critical condition following a 1-car accident
in the 1500 Block of Rostraver Road. The Rescue Truck deployed
the Hurst® Jaws of Life Rescue System to free the driver from behind
the jammed door. The car had traveled a sizable distance from
the roadway, requiring every foot of the preconnected hydraulic lines.
Rescue 31 (Webster) was sent to a landing zone for LifeFlight 5 on
Pleasant Valley Boulevard. Fire crews remained on scene for more
than 2 hours assisting investigators with lighting and traffic
control.View more images of the incident in the Photo Gallery
8/23/08-- Two helicopters were called to an afternoon accident on Route 51 at Finley Road. Two cars collided in the intersection and were then struck by a third vehicle. The Rescue Truck's crew controlled hazards and assisted the medics at the scene. LifeFlight 1 & 6 landed on Pebble Lane just off of Route 51 at a landing zone set up by Rescue 105.
8/22/08-- The Rescue Truck was alerted to Route 51 at Darr Road for an MVA with Injuries. Two cars were involved in a rear-end collision and came to rest on opposite sides of Route 51. The Rescue's crew assisted with debris clean-up and traffic control while Rostraver/WN EMS evaluated and transported two patients and Rostraver Police conducted the investigation.
8/21/08-- Just before midnight, a barn fire was reported at 130 Harmony Church Road, Washington Twp. Engine, Truck, and Squad 105 responded as part of the mutual aid alarm. The Engine supplied Washington Township's units from a drop tank set up at the entrance of the farm. More than 12 tankers assisted with water supply. Units from 105 worked on scene for nearly 5 hours to control the fire. E-147 (Central of Eliz Twp.) filled Station 105.
8/19/08-- An ultralight aircraft crashed onto the Willowbrook Golf Course just before 8pm Tuesday evening. With all Township departments responding, The Rescue Truck arrived with EMS and determined there were no hazards, returning the balance of the alarm. EMS assessed the pilot and called for air transport. Fire personnel established a landing zone on the course for LifeFlight 5. Crews remained on scene for approximately 90 minutes to assist police with securing the scene for FAA investigators.
8/14/08-- Rescue 105 was dispatched for a vehicle rollover on Rostraver Road near the Church of St. Anne. While enroute, Fire Dispatch received reports of entrapment and added Rescue 103 (Collinsburg). The Rescue Truck and Engine arrived and found the patient had removed himself from the vehicle. The car had left the roadway, struck a utility pole, and rolled onto its roof. Fire personnel went to work controlling a spill from the car and assisting EMS. Units from 103 assisted with traffic at Rostraver and Willowbrook Roads. Route 201 was restricted to one lane for approximately 1 hour.
8/14/08--
The Rostraver Central VFC
has entered into a partnership with Lloyd Gordon of the Amcel Center
to improve response times and fire protection in the south and east
sections of Rostraver Township. The Amcel Center has generously
provided temporary quarters for apparatus from Station 105 in their
warehouse building while a permanent facility is erected. This
facility will allow personnel who reside in these sections of the
township to more quickly and effectively respond with apparatus to
emergencies. A debt of gratitude is owed to Mr. Gordon and his
staff for their assistance and commitment to the safety of Rostraver
Township and its residents. Watch this site for future updates
on the new Finley Road Station.
The
Roscoe VFC has announced the passing of Sean Whiten, department
Captain and State Fire Instructor. Whiten collapsed during live
fire training at the Westmoreland County Public Safety Training
Academy. Sean was a close friend of Rostraver Central and will
be sorely missed. We extend our deepest condolences to Roscoe
VFC and the Whiten family.Visitation will be held at the Melenyzer Funeral Home, 1008 Furlong Avenue, Roscoe on Tuesday August 12th from 6pm to 8pm and Wednesday August 13th from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm. Firefighter memorial services will be held on Wednesday at 7pm.
Funeral services will be held at 11am Thursday August 14th.
8/1/08--
An apparent lightning
strike sparked a fire in the basement of the St. Sebastian Parochial
School on Broad Avenue in North Belle Vernon late Friday. Units
from Station 80 (North Belle Vernon) arrived first to find smoke
coming from the building. Engine 105 positioned in the front,
sending a crew to force entry to the front door and search the 1st
floor. Other companies made access through the rear entrance and
encountered the fire in the basement multi-purpose area. Crews
from The Rescue Truck and Squad 105 joined the Engine's personnel in
checking for extension and ventilating. Rostraver Central units
cleared after approximately 2˝ hours.
View a Photo Gallery of the incident
8/1/08--
The Sutphen Corporation of
Amlin, Ohio has delivered the new Truck 105, an SPH-100 platform
ladder truck, to Rostraver Central VFC. Members took the weekend
to train with the delivery engineer in the safe operation of the
truck. Saturday's training took place at the Amcel Center and
gave everyone a chance to set up and operate the apparatus.
Thanks to Jeff Britt of
Sutphen Corp.,
First
Federal Savings Bank, and everyone who assisted us in making this
project successful. The Truck should be in service in 1-2 weeks.View a Photo Gallery of Truck 105's delivery weekend
7/30/08-- While out on other public service calls, Engine and Squad 105 were diverted to a 2-car crash on Route 201 at Century 21 Realty. Units arrived to find 1 car had struck the guy wire of a utility pole and caused an electric service drop to hang low over the road. Route 201 was closed between Park Avenue and Underwood Avenue until Allegheny Power cleared the downed line. EMS transported one patient for evaluation.
7/19/08-- Two motorcycles collided on Fells Church Road near Larson Boulevard, alerting Station 105 and Rostraver/WN EMS. The Rescue Truck's crew controlled a minor fuel spill and assisted with traffic control while EMS treated the patients on scene. Rostraver Police are investigating.
7/18/08--
Just after 3pm, The Rescue
Truck was dispatched for a multi-car accident on Finley & Rehoboth
Roads. Fire personnel handled minor hazards while EMS tended to
the patient and requested air transport. R-105 repositioned to
the Amcel Center to land STAT MedEvac. All units cleared in
approximately 1 hour without incident. 7/15/08-- A 7-year old was flown to Childrens Hospital after an accident involving a pedestrian and vehicle in Port Royal Village. The Rescue Truck arrived on Tudor Drive to find the patient in care of EMS. Personnel assisted with immobilization and contacted a medical helicopter to respond. Engine 105 set up a landing zone on Pleasant Valley Boulevard for LifeFlight 5. Rostraver Police are investigating. All units returned in 45 minutes.
7/5/08-- The Rescue Truck responded for a reported car into a house at Routes 201 & 51. Chief 105 arrived and found nothing in the area. While checking other points north along Route 51, Rostraver Police found the crash on Route 136 near Route 51 in Allegheny County. The Rescue Truck continued in to assess the scene until local units arrived. Personnel assisted Rostraver/West Newton EMS with patient packaging. Units cleared after 30 minutes.
7/2/08-- Station 105 was dispatched for a truck on fire on I-70 West near Route 51. The Rescue Truck arrived and used a handline and water can to control a small fire in the wheel area of the tri-axle dump truck. No injuries were reported and crews cleared in approximately 45 minutes.
6/30/08-- A township police officer came within inches of being involved in an accident while providing assistance to a motorist. Car 6-37 had stopped to help a disabled motorist just off of Route 51 North on Vernon Drive. While awaiting a tow truck to remove the vehicle, the officer witnessed a northbound vehicle exiting the roadway and striking the hillside while coming directly at the police car. The out of control vehicle missed the cruiser by just inches and impacted the disabled vehicle. Occupants from both vehicles were evaluated by EMS and the Rescue Truck's crew removed debris from the road and assisted with traffic control.
6/28/08--
The Rescue Truck handled an
accident on Interstate 70 East near Exit 43. One vehicle went
out of control, hitting one other car before striking several road
signs and coming to rest against a pole on an embankment. With
all traffic lanes open and no entrapment, fire personnel assisted
Rostraver/West Newton and Mon Valley EMS crews with patient packaging
and scene control.6/26/08-- Station 105 was alerted for an MVA with Injuries on Route 51 at Todd Farm Road. Soon after dispatch, Westmoreland 911 received calls correcting the location to Route 51 at Mount Pleasant Road. Personnel first on scene found two vehicles that had collided in the south lanes of Route 51. The impact sent one vehicle across all travel lanes and into a tree adjacent to the northbound lanes. The second vehicle contacted the guide rail and rolled over a 30-foot embankment. The Rescue Truck arrived and established traffic patterns while EMS loaded the patients and debris was cleared. All injured occupants were taken to local hospitals. Rostraver Police are continuing their investigation into the crash.
6/25/08-- New pictures have been posted in the Truck 105 Construction Gallery highlighting the latest progress on the new SPH-100 Tower Ladder. While Sutphen production delays have pushed delivery back a bit, the newest 100-foot heavy-duty tower ladder should be protecting "The Jewel" of the Mon Valley by the end of July.
6/18/08-- The Rescue Truck responded to a morning MVA on Route 51 at Finley Road. Three occupants were injured when the two cars collided. Fire personnel controlled leaking fluids and assisted EMS with patient packaging. Paramedics determined that two patients needed transport to a Level 1 Trauma Center. LifeFlight 5 and MedEvac 5 responded to a nearby landing zone to pick up the patients. Rostraver Police are investigating.
6/08-- Progress is moving steadily on the construction of Truck 105. The latest Sutphen Corp. production schedules have delivery slated for early July. The Truck Committee recently reviewed graphics proofs and finalized equipment lists to ensure the new Truck goes into service quickly after delivery. Check the Construction Photo Gallery for updates.
6/13/08-- Station 103 (Collinsburg) and E-82 (West Newton) were dispatched for a truck on fire on Route 136. 103 special called The Rescue Truck to the alarm. On arrival, units found the fire just into Elizabeth Twp. and notified Allegheny Co. Communications for the appropriate companies. Rescues 103 and 105 stretched handlines to control the fire in the small dump truck. The fire was brought under control in approximately 5 minutes.
6/8/08-- A vehicle caught fire along I-70 East near Mile 45. The Rescue Truck and E-31 (Webster) arrived and quickly controlled the fire with The Rescue's bumper line. Traffic was restricted to one lane for a short time while crews worked at the scene. PSP Belle Vernon assisted at the scene.
6/7/08-- Township companies were dispatched for a garage on fire at 781 Webster Hollow Road. Engines 105 and 31 arrived together, with E-105 establishing a water supply. Handlines and portable monitors were stretched to the garage, which was approximately 100 yards uphill from the roadway, with reports of ammunition and flammables stored inside. Due to the heat and humidity, Webster called their standby company (E-174 Donora) to the scene for manpower. Crews remained on scene for approximately 2 hours. Rescue 11 (Sutersville) covered 105 during the fire. No injuries occurred.
5/31/08--
A pursuit of a reportedly
stolen vehicle by its owner resulted in a late morning accident.
The incident at Fells Church Road and Rostraver Road was caused by a
dispute that originated in the City of Monessen. Several
patients were evaluated by EMS and one transported to Mon Valley
Hospital. The Rescue Truck assisted with traffic control while
officers surveyed the scene. Rostraver & Monessen Police were
investigating to determine what charges would be pending.5/29/08-- Station 105 and Engine 80 were alerted to a vehicle on fire at the Exxon on Rostraver Road. First arriving personnel found the car well off under the fuel pump canopy. The Rescue Truck and E-80 arrived and stretched lines to extinguish the fire and protect exposures. The fire was controlled within minutes. No injuries were reported.
5/29/08-- The Rescue Truck was called to an MVA with injuries on Route 51 at Willowbrook Road. The southbound lanes were closed by debris that had been thrown from the truck involved. Fire personnel assisted the driver from the cab of his truck, cleared debris, and controlled leaking fluids. Crews assisted police on scene for approximately one hour.
5/19/08-- Traffic was tied up by an afternoon crash on Route 51 at Finley Road. The Rescue Truck arrived to find one vehicle overturned with debris strewn about the north and south traffic lanes. All occupants had removed themselves from the vehicles and were quickly in the care of EMS. Fire personnel assisted with cleanup, spill containment, and traffic control.
The first
production images of Truck 105 are here. Take a look in the new
Truck 105 Construction Photo Gallery.
The $1 million state-of-the-art ladder truck is due for delivery in
early July. Expect more updates in the coming weeks.
4/19/08--
A passing motorist
pulled the driver from her overturned vehicle during a fiery crash on
I-70 West. Station 105 and Engine 31 were initially dispatched
for a vehicle fire but reports quickly updated the call to a rollover
MVA with fire. The Rescue Truck arrived first and stretched a
line to control the fire. Passing motorists had helped the
driver from the vehicle and she was in the care of EMS. Engine 105 was directed to enter I-70
against traffic since the lanes were closed. While crews worked
on the vehicle fire, EMS requested a landing zone at the Gabriel
Brothers plaza. Engine 105 was reassigned to the LZ. Fire
personnel remained for just over an hour dousing hot spots. The
PA State Police are investigating.
Click here for more images in the Photo Gallery
4/16/08-- An afternoon crash on Route 51 South at Webster Hollow Road sent two people to the hospital with minor injuries. The collision involved a tri-axle and a passenger car. The Rescue Truck and Engine assisted EMS, cleared hazards, and controlled traffic while the police investigated. Units were on scene approximately 90 minutes.
4/12/08-- The Rescue Truck handled an afternoon accident on Sara Way & Pricedale Road. One patient was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries and the Rescue's crew handled spills from both of the vehicles. Rostraver Police are compiling their report on the cause.
4/11/08-- A truck making a delivery to the Rostraver Square shopping plaza damaged its fuel tank causing approximately 125 gallons of diesel fuel to spill. The Rescue Truck responded and secured the spill from further entering the storm drain system and made efforts to control the leak at the tank. The spill was contained to the surrounding trafficway and a small segment of the storm drainage system. Fire personnel operated approximately 2 hours until private cleanup personnel and the PA Dept of Environmental Protection arrived.
4/9/08-- Township Companies were dispatched for a chimney fire at 108 Ivy Lane in Collinsburg. Service 103 arrived, found the problem confined to the flue, and held the alarm to 103 and 105. The Engine's crew assisted with clearing debris from the chimney and checking for extension. The situation was controlled and all units cleared in under 1 hour.
4/4/08-- Engine 105 responded as automatic aid on a House Fire at 715 Fayette Avenue, Washington Twp. Crews from 105 assisted with interior overhaul and hotspots, and also sent personnel to assist with roof ventilation. The fire was brought under control quickly after a good initial attack by the first crew from Washington Twp. Also assisting at the scene were Fayette City, Belle Vernon, North Belle Vernon, and a RIT crew from Monessen #2. The assist was call #4 of the day for 105, along with the truck fire, an MVA, and an automatic fire alarm.
4/4/08-- Station 105 and Engine 31 were dispatched for a truck on fire at the Arnold City exit ramp of Interstate 70 West just after 7am. Engine 105 and The Rescue Truck arrived first and stretched a preconnected line to attack the fire. The fire originated in the engine compartment and spread to the cab before being controlled. Crews remained on scene approximately 45 minutes overhauling the truck and dousing hot spots.
4/3/08-- Just after 5pm, The Rescue Truck was sent to I-70 West for a reported vehicle accident. On arrival, fire personnel found a pickup truck towing a boat that had jackknifed after the trailer overturned. No one was injured in the accident and crews secured a gasoline spill coming from the engine of the "Quick Decision". PSP cleared fire personnel after about 30 minutes.
4/2/08-- The Rescue Truck was dispatched for an accident near Wal-Mart at Rostraver Square. After several conflicting reports on the location, the crash was discovered on Sara Way near the Pricedale Road entrance. The Rescue's crew handled a small spill and removed debris. Fire units were cleared by Rostraver Police after handling the hazards.
3/28/08-- Just after 10am, Township Companies were alerted for an incinerator explosion at the Belle Vernon Area High School. Engine 105 arrived first and found 2 patients being treated by EMS for burns to the face and upper extremities. The explosion was apparently caused by a can exploding in the trash incinerator. Crews laddered the roof and checked to make sure there was no extension of the fire. Also assisting at the scene were 103 (Collinsburg) and Township Police.
BRUSH FIRE AND A CRASH
3/26/08-- Station
105 responded for a brush fire on Gallitin Road. First arriving
crews reported approximately 1 acre on fire and sent Squad 105 into
the field to start to control the fire. Stations 103 and 31 also
assisted at the scene. While on scene at the fire, Fire Dispatch
reported an MVA on Route 51 South. The Rescue Truck cleared from
the brush fire to handle the accident. Crews controlled hazards
and assisted with traffic until the vehicles were removed.
3/24/08--
A busy day started
with Engine 105 being sent to a possible electrical fire at the West
Newton Senior Center. 2nd alarm companies were dispatched due to
Station 82 being committed to another call. E-105 arrived second
and assisted with a TIC checking the interior. The problem was
traced to a faulty light ballast and all units cleared in under an
hour. At just before 2pm, The Rescue Truck was called to an
accident with injuries on Route 51 at Plaza Drive. 4 patients in
one vehicle suffered minor injuries in the accident. Fire crews
handled a small spill and assisted with traffic. The third call
of the day was an accident on Rostraver Road at the entrance to
Interstate 70 East. The Rescue Truck again assisted with a spill
and hazards. Later in the evening, The Rescue Truck responded
for another accident in the 1500 block of Rostraver Road. First
arriving crews discovered a car that had sheared a utility pole.
Personnel remained on scene for just over an hour while Allegheny
Power secured their pole and assisted with traffic.
3/21/08-- Station 105 was dispatched for a MVA with Possible Entrapment on Rostraver Road at K-Mart. The Engine picked up the call in place of The Rescue Truck, which was receiving equipment upgrades. Township Police arrived and reported all occupants out of the vehicles. Fire crews controlled hazards from the cars and assisted the ambulance with patient packaging.
3/16/08-- As the 105 units were clearing Comanche Drive, Fire Dispatch called for the Rescue Truck to respond to I-70 West near Mile 43 for a rollover accident. Engine 105 responded direct, with Rescue and Squad 105 coming from the Central station. E-105 found a 3-car accident with 1 overturned, leaving 2 patients with moderate to severe injuries. EMS arrived and requested 2 helicopters for transport. With the Rescue Truck and Squad securing the interstate, Engine 105 responded to the Amcel Center on Finley Road for the LZ. LifeFlight and STAT MedEvac both sent units to take the injured parties to Pittsburgh trauma centers.
3/16/08-- The Township companies were alerted for a chimney fire at 340 Comanche Drive. Engine 105 arrived first and threw a ladder to the roof, also sending personnel to the basement fireplace and other floors to check with a TIC. The buildup in the flue was quickly cleared and fire did not spread beyond the chimney. Crews ventilated the house and cleared in 45 minutes. Assisting at the scene were 103 (Collinsburg) and 31 (Webster).
3/12/08-- A tractor-trailer traveling on I-70 East struck debris in the road and punctured the truck's fuel tank. The driver noticed the problem and pulled over at the Route 201 interchange. The Rescue Truck responded and found an approximately 150-gallon diesel spill going into the storm drain system. The crew went to work securing the drain and containing the spill, as well as plugging the leak on the tank to prevent further spillage. Command requested Station 31 (Webster) to check the drain outlet on Pricedale Road for product. The Department of Environmental Protection was also requested. Crews worked with DEP for several hours to isolate the spill before turning over the scene to a private cleanup company. Luckily, the spill was held to a small area of the drainage system and out of major waterways. Station 80 (North Belle Vernon) also assisted with extra absorbent supplies.
3/10/08-- Station 105 was dispatched for an MVA with Injuries on Route 51 at Finley Road. On arrival, one patient was discovered to be confined in the vehicle. The Rescue Truck provided the Jaws of Life to perform a quick door removal. All victims were treated by Rostraver/West Newton EMS. Rostraver Police are investigating the accident.
3/6/08-- The Rescue Truck was dispatched to assist the South Huntingdon companies on an MVA with Entrapment near Mile 48 on I-70 West. R105's crew deployed the Hurst® Rescue System and went to work on the entrapment. After resolving a difficult entanglement, the patient was extricated and transferred to a waiting R/WNES ambulance. EMS took the patient to a landing zone near the Rostraver GetGo for transport to a trauma center by LifeFlight. I-70 West was closed for the duration of the accident with traffic diverted through Smithton.
3/4/08-- Rostraver Police were called to Goodwill Industries on Finley Road after employees discovered hand grenades in a box of donated items. Officers called for Station 105 and the Allegheny County Bomb Squad to assist. The Rescue Truck assisted with securing the area and evacuating an adjacent store until the Bomb Squad arrived. Technicians made entry to the building and removed the devices without incident. Emergency crews cleared in just under 2 hours. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
3/3/2008--
An afternoon ATV
accident left one male seriously injured on Fells Church Road.
The Rescue Truck arrived first and reported a disoriented male with
severe head injuries. Chief 105 requested the closest helicopter
on standby. Rostraver/West Newton EMS packaged the patient and
took him to a landing zone at Station 105 to meet with LifeFlight
1. Engine 105 handled the LZ while the Rescue Truck assisted at
the scene. The Rescue Truck also filled Station 147 (Central)
later in the day while they operated at a gas explosion in the Boston
section of Elizabeth Township.
3/2/08-- Township companies were activated to assist 105 with Smoke in a House at 154 Laurel Drive. Chief 105 arrived to find a chimney fire, confined to the flue. Crews from Engine and Rescue 105 laddered the roof and worked to extinguish the fire. Personnel from 103 (Collinsburg) and 31 (Webster) assisted with checking the interior with a TIC for extension. Damage was minimal and firemen operated for just under 90 minutes.
2/27/08-- Rescue 105 was alerted to assist the State Police with gaining access to a rented room at the Relax Inn on Finley Road. Troopers were trying to apprehend a suspect that had barricaded himself in the room. As the Rescue Truck's crew was preparing forcible entry tools to open up the room, the man decided to surrender voluntarily. Troopers took the man into custody and all fire department units cleared without incident.
2/26/08-- The Rescue Truck responded to Route 51 at Plaza Drive for an MVA with Injuries. Chief 105 arrived first, reporting a chain-reaction crash with several injuries. Fire personnel assisted with traffic control and debris cleanup while Rostraver/West Newton EMS assessed and packaged patients for transport. Rescue and Squad 105 operated on scene for just under an hour while the aftermath was cleared from the roadway.
2/15/08--
The final design
and construction of the new Truck 105 is underway. Sutphen
engineers have provided a preliminary shop drawing of the SPH-100
Tower Ladder. The picture will enlarge, though not to life
size... they don't make monitors that big! Enjoy your first
glimpse of the latest addition to the fleet at Everyone's Favorite
Fire Department™!
More information on the family of Sutphen Fire Apparatus is available at Sutphen.com
1/25/08-- Station 105 was alerted at 2am for a trailer fire with reported entrapment in the Dongilli Mobile Homes off of Route 981. With personnel still at the station from the earlier standby in Smithton, Engine 105 was enroute immediately and arrived in minutes. A search crew entered the residence and quickly located the handicapped victim. However, rescue efforts were too late as the victim had already expired. The suppression crew entered directly behind the search team and knocked down small fires in the living room and kitchen. The PA State Police Fire Marshal investigated determined the fire as not suspicious, pending further investigation. The preliminary cause of death was asphyxiation by smoke inhalation. Engines from 17 (Smithton), 31 (Webster), and 103 (Collinsburg) assisted at the scene. The investigation was led by Rostraver Police, assisted by the Westmoreland County Coroner's office and R&I unit and the State Police.
1/19/08-- Township fire departments were dispatched for a chimney fire at 117 Laurel Drive. Engine 105 arrived first, threw a ladder, and sent a crew to the roof with the chimney kit. Next arriving engines from 31 (Webster) and 103 (Collinsburg) took crews to the interior with TICs and salvage equipment. EMS arrived and treated 1 occupant for smoke inhalation. The fire was contained to the flue and all fire units cleared in just under 1 hour. Damage to the home was minimal.
1/17/08-- Winter weather caused accidents this week throughout the township. On Monday 1/14, an afternoon snow squall coated local roads sending Station 105 to accidents on Fells Church Road and Route 51. Squad 105 handled the Fells Church call and found no injuries. The accident on Route 51 involved a vehicle that flipped, rolled down an embankment, struck the business sign, and came to rest in front of Mon Valley Chiropractic Center. The vehicle was off the road and caused no hazards. Occupants were evaluated by Rostraver/WN EMS. On Thursday 1/17, a daylong wintry mix of precipitation created icy spots on some secondary roads. One vehicle lost control on Fells Church Road and struck an embankment. The Rescue Truck arrived first and found a female with facial injuries. Personnel from 105 assisted with debris cleanup and traffic control until the vehicle was removed.
1/11/08-- The Rescue Truck was dispatched for a two-car accident with injuries on Finley Road at Holiday Inn Express. When the EMS crew arrived, they found the driver of one vehicle trapped behind a jammed door. The Rescue Truck personnel deployed the Hurst® Rescue System and performed a door removal. Extrication was complete in less than 10 minutes. The patient suffered a leg fracture and was transported by Rostraver/West Newton EMS to a local hospital.
1/4/08-- Design has been completed and the construction of the new Truck 105 will be underway shortly. Members of the Rostraver Central design team met with Sutphen engineers to finalize plans on the SPH-100 Tower Ladder. Current manufacturer estimates place delivery in late May or early June. Thanks to Jeff Britt, Ryan Grove, and the Sutphen team for their help.
1/2/2008-- January 2nd brought the first call of the year for 105... a working fire. Dispatched minutes before 8am for smoke in the building at The Fairway Inn on Route 981, the Engine and Rescue Truck went enroute. The bar owner had opened up the building and found a heavy smoke condition on the main floor. An initial crew from 105 completed a search of the 1st floor with thermal imagers, finding no fire, but smoke that seemed to have originated in the basement. Forcible entry was then made to the rear basement entrance and the crew extinguished a fire with a handline. No injuries were reported and the cause is being investigated by the State Police Fire Marshal from Troop B Washington. Assisting at the scene were Collinsburg, Webster, and North Belle Vernon. Crews from 105 cleared after approximately 3 hours on scene.
