(Photos by Jay Bradish)
June 28, 2008 - Trees Down
Another rash of thunder storms sent crews out this evening for a tree down on the roadway blocking West Corydon Street. Captain 15-53 (Eliason) responded with a crew from engine 155. Firefighters Ed Hayden and larry Smith grabbed the trusty Sthil chainsaw, and made short work of the tree.
(Phtos by Jay Bradish)
June 28, 2008 - Two Car Accident on Mindard Run
Around 10:20 am today, department personnel responded to a two car motor vehicle accident on Mindard Run near Creekside Drive. Once on scene, Chief 15 (Burkhouse) reported two cars off the road way - no entrapment. Engine 153 with Captain 15-52 (Valerius) and Chief 15-10 (Brocius) responded and aided with scene management. Crews were on scene for approximately 25 minutes.
June 25, 2008 - Mutual Aid with Lewis Run - Station 6
This morning around 8:00 AM crews were dispatched to an "Electrical Fire" in a residential structure located on Lafeyette Ave. in Lewis Run. Engine 153 responded along with Chief 15 (Burkhouse) and Chief 15-10 (Brocius). Station 15 crews assisted station 6 personnel utilizing a thermal imaging camera and determined the cause to be related to a lamp. Crews were on scene for approximately 20 minutes. Units on scene: Engine 65 and Engine 153.
June 22, 2008 - Motorcyle Accident
At 5:54 PM today crews were dispatched to a motorcycle accident on Rt 770 West, about half way up the hill. Chief 15-10 (Brocius) arrived with the crew on Engine 153 and established command. Crews did a quick assesment on a patient with a leg fracture and updated the responding ALS unit from Bradford City. The crew assisted with patient packaging and the patient was then flown by Stat Medivac 9. Photos by Jay Bradish.
June 21, 2008 - Jeep Wash
This Saturday members participated in the annual Penns Woods Jeep Jamboree held at the University of Pittsburgh Bradford Campus. Using hose lines from hydrants crews set up three jeep washing stations and cleaned the heavy mud from the Jeep's as they returned from the days ride. During the event, crews assisted U.P.B. police with securing a landing zone for Stat Medivac.
June 19, 2008 - Trail Clean Up
Tonight 15 members participated in a trail clean up detail. As part of the Tuna Valley Trail Association "Adopt-A-Trail" program the department regularly cares for the Richard E. McDowell section of trail that runs through the Pitt Campus to Clarks Lane.
June 16, 2008 - Pole Fire / Tree Fire
At 12:54 this morning, the department was dispatched to a "Pole Fire" in the 200 block of West Corydon Street. Penelec crews arrived on scene around 2:00 am. Minutes after the dispatch for the pole fire, crews were called to lines down and a tree on fire in the 700 block of West Washington Street.
June 10, 2008 - Power Outgage
This morning the department was dispatched for a transformer fire on West Warren Road oppostie the Custer City fire station following a brief thunderstorm. Chief 15-10 (Brocius), and Firefighters Long and Bradish secured the scene and held all apparatus in quarters. The local radio station later reported that about 2,200 residents were without power for about one hour.
June 7, 2008 - Tri-County Convention
Today, members traveled to Ridgeway to attend the annual Tri-County convention and parade. Chief 15 (Burkhouse), Chief 15-20 (Lamielle), Captian 15-53 (Eliason), Engine 151, Firefighters Long, Grandinetti, and junior Elaison, made the trip. Hats off to the Ridgeway fire department for hosting the event, and congratulations to all of the apparatus winners and participants in this years parade.
June 6, 2008 - Best Wishes Class of 2008
The Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department is proud to congratulate junior firefighter Zach Webster on his High School graduation this evening. In that Zach has turned 18 and now has finished high school above the minimum grade requirements, Zach will advance to "Active" firefighter status and shed his junior title. Best wishes to the entire Bradford Area High School class of 2008!
June 5, 2008 - Fire Reporting Training
This evening the The junior firefighter program hosted a training session on fire incident reporting. The class was instructed by Forrest Nace of Firehouse Software. Members were instructed on the use of the software to submit incident reports as required by County, State, and Federal agencies. Also in attendence was County EMA Coordinator Bruce Manning. (In the picture on the right the instructor can be seen going over things a little slower for the old guys!)
June 2, 2008 - Wild Fire
At 3:19 PM today crews were dispatched to an un-known type fire called in by a resident from West Washington street who reported a large column of smoke on top of the hill above West Corydon Street. Chief 15 (Burkhouse), Engines 151, 153, 155, and Utility 152 provided the initial response. The large engines were staged on the hard road at the top of Niles Hollow, while Utility 152 and multiple 4X4 pick-ups made the two mile drive back dirt roads to the scene. Utility 194 from Corydon Township VFD was added to the response for wildfire equipment and manpower. Additionally, Utility 63 from the Lewis Run VFD, and Utility 115 from Derrick City VFD were requested for their mini-pumpers and manpower. Chief 15 reported that about 10 acres were involved that included part of a power transmission right-of-way. A steep slope made the fire challenging for firefighters. Chief 15 established command and assigned Lt. Hughes as the Logistics & Communications Officer. Chief 19-10 (Matt Cobb) and BT firefighter Larry Smith were assigned as Crew Boss' for the left & right flank on the fire. BT firefighter Jim Long acted as the Staging and Water Supply Officer. An employee of Pennelec was also on scene as power in the lines on the right-of-way was temporarily re-routed during the fire. The fire was reported to be contained at 19:30 hours, out at 21:36 hours, and all prsonnel were finally back in quarters at 22:18 hours. While on the wildfire, Box 1523 was dispatched for an automatic alarm at Bradford Forest Products on High Street. Engines 151 & 153 responded to the second call with back up crews from the Derrick City VFD, along with Engine 1 & Tower 1 from the Bradford City Fire Department. The Lewis Run VFD also maintained stand-by coverage with an engine & crew. Burnt food caused the alarm and no service was needed. Thanks to our neighboring departments and firefighters for the back-up help during this busy time. Special thanks to Jerry Johnson Jr. for making a timely donation & delivery of water and Gatorade.
April 26 & 27, 2008 - Vehicle Rescue Training
This past weekend five members continued with their vehicle rescue certification to the Operations level at the Tri-County Fire School in Smethport, PA. In May, members will complete the third part of the program achieveing the Technician level certification.
********** Special Saturday Night Benefit Bingo**********
May 3rd, 2008 at the Interstate Parkway Hall, Kitchen opens at 6:30 and the game begins at 7:30
Bingo players, residents, and neighboring departments are encouraged to come and play bingo this Saturday night at a special benefit bingo game being held at our Interstate Parkway hall. Proceeds from the event will be used to help with healthcare and medical expenses for the family of firefighter Jay Bradish, and wife Delora Bradish who was seriously injured in an auto accident. Please pass the word and come and join us!
Wildfire Response
On Saturday April 19, Chief 15 (Burkhouse), also a DCNR Forest Fire Warden, activated 9 members of our department as part of the DCNR District 15 Wildfire crew. The District 15 team was activated by DCNR to respond to a wildfire in the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon area. The crew left on Saturday and returned Sunday evening after doing their part to contain the 3,000 acre blaze. Additionally, members from the Corydon Township, Otto Township, Rew, and Port Alleghany fire departments, and 6 members of the Coudersport Bureau of Forestry, all served to make up the District 15 crew. Good job guys!
April 19, 2008 - Mutual Aid Structure Fire with Bradford City Fire Dept.
This morning around 1:15, crews were dispatched to provide water support with the Bradford City Fire Dept. at the scene of a structure fire on South Avenue. Crews were on scene until approximately 3:00. Units on scene along with Bradford City were Engine 153 and Engine 151.
April 18, 2008 - Mutual Aid Wild Fire with Corydon Twp.
Today around 12:34 pm, crews were dispatched to provide mutual aid with Corydon Township V.F.D. to a wild fire on Route 59 east of the Bradford Ranger Station on Allegheny National Forest. The area involved was approximately 7 acres. Crews were on scene until 4:45. Chief 19 had command. Units on scene: Utility 152, Chief 15 (Burkhouse).
April 16, 2008 - Accident with Entrapment
Today crews encountered a challenging extrication when they responded to a motor vehicle accident in the 300 block of South Avenue where two heavy duty 4X4 pick-ups hit head-on. The accident occured in front of Firefighter Tim Burkhouse who called 911. Asst. Chief 15-10 (Brocius) arrived on scene and established command. Command was then transfered to Chief 15 (Burkhouse) and 15-10 assumed extrication operations. When Engine 153 arrived on scene, crews stabilized the vehicles and went to work removing the driver's side doors and roof. A helicopter was requested to the scene and landed on the lawn behind the Holiday House Motel. A crew from Engine 151 secured the landing zone.