2009 Call History Aug-Dec

December 29, 2009- ATV Fire

At 0910 hours this morning, a call for a four wheeler fire with exposures was received. The thick black smoke could be seen by responders as they neared the 44 Minard Run Road residence. First arriving fire fighters used an extinguisher to slow the fire and prevent the fire from spreading to the house and garage until E-153 arrived and a 1 ¾ attack line was deployed. Personnel were on scene for about 30 minutes under the direction of Chief 15 (Burkhouse).

(Photos by Jay Bradish)

December 25, 2009- Christmas Day MVA

At approximately 1540 hours today, members left the wrapping paper and or dinner to respond to an MVA in the area of 950 West Washington Street. Captain 15-53 (Eliason) and the crew from E-151 assisted the township police department. There were no injuries and Ambulance 1 and other station 15 personnel were returned. The water department was notified of the damaged fire hydrant.

(Photos by Jay Bradish)

December 21, 2009- Chimney Fire

At 1300 hours today, the McKean County 911 Center dispatched BTVFD for a possible Chimney Fire at 1349 South Avenue, the Pet Cemetery. Chief 15-10, Engine 153, and Utility 152 responded. smoke was visable but after Further investigation was determined to be normal operation.

December 21, 2009- Garage Fire

At 1000 hours this morning, BTVFD was dispatched for a garage fire at 23 Orchard Valley off of Minard Run. Quick action by the home owner using a fire extinguisher, contained the electrical fire until the fire department arrived. Crews checked for fire extension and ventilated smoke from the offices above the garage. All units returned at 1045 hours.

December 20, 2009- Mutual Aid for a Commercial Box

Around 2220 hours Sunday night, Station 8 (Rew), Station 1 (Bradford City), and Station 11 (Derrick City) were dispatched for a Commercial Structure Fire at SJS Creative Woodworking at 693 South Kendall Avenue. At 2226 hours, minutes after arriving on scene, Chief 8-10 (G. Burkhouse) requested a second alarm after he reported a working commercial structure fire. Engine 151 and crew joined the fight to extinguish the fire, while Chief 8 (T. Burkhouse) assumed South Kendall Command, and Chief 8-10 (G. Burkhouse) Operations. Chief 11 (J. Kelley) and Chief 15 (D. Burkhouse) combined efforts on the interior sector. The fire was contained to the C D corner, and D side of the interior of the building. The fire was extinguished using two 1 3/4 attack lines. At 2325 hours, Chief 15 through command requested Engine 153 and crew to assist with a lengthy over-haul and ventilation process. Crews worked until 0200 hours. Chief 8 released all units with the exceptions of Engine 81 and Engine 112. Responding Departments: 1, 6, 8, 9, 11, 15. Stand by: Station 19 and Limestone NY.

(Photos by Jay Bradish)

December 20, 2009- A Visit from Santa

The fire department family Christmas Party was held this afternoon at the University of Pittsburgh Gymnasium. Members and their families enjoyed swimming, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and good food. Members young and old got to sit on Santa's lap and share a Christmas wish.

December 13, 2009- Officers for 2010

Election of officers were held Sunday, December 13th. Dan Burkhouse was elected to his 5th year as fire chief. Assistant Chiefs elected were Harry Lamielle and Earl Wright. Jim Long will begin his 3rd year as President, with Rick Grandinetti as the Vice President, Jack Carns as Treasurer, and Bill Webster with the Secretary position. A complete list of officers can be found under the "About Us" section.

November 20, 2009- Natural Gas Leak at Zippo

At approximately 1030, a valve on a gas line inside the plant failed while plant maintenance staff were working on it. Employees as a precaution were evacuated and the fire department was dispatched to the Congress Street facility. 2 Engines responded and assisted Zippo personnel in ventilation and air monitoring. Employees were returned back to work in less than a half hour.

November 11, 2009- In House Live Fire Practice

On Sat. a total of 23 members participated in live fire training and practice at Tri County Fire School. Topics included donning SCBA, search techniques, hose practice, and Thermal Imaging Camera work. Crews had to work on simulated scenarios on multiple actions at the same time to complete the task. The department was split to work in the morning and afternoon crews.

November 5, 2009-New Grant Received

Bradford, PA- The Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department is a recipient of a 2009 Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade grant. Chosen out of more than 100 firefighting units in Georgia-Pacific facility communities in 28 states, the fire department will receive a $5,000 grant to assist in purchasing firefighting gear for new volunteers.

“Georgia-Pacific’s Bradford plant and our employees have an excellent long-standing relationship with local fire departments,” said Plant Manager Steve Disney. “We are pleased to be able to provide financial support to outfit these additional firefighters in order for them to complete their necessary training and begin serving the community.

The Georgia-Pacific’s Bucket Brigade is a national program that recognizes the contributions of fire departments in communities with Georgia-Pacific facilities. Launched in 2006, the initiative has contributed approximately $500,000 to rural and small town fire units across the United States. The program supports firefighters with product and cash donations for programming and purchasing necessary equipment, and safety education materials for presentations in local schools.

(Photos by Jay Bradish)

October 29, 2009- Vehicle Fire

While 32 members from Bradford Township and the City of Bradford were just beginning a tour at Bradford Forest Products, a call for a vehicle fire was recieved at 1815 hours. The dispatch stated that the vehicle fire was in the woods near the top of Interstate Parkway. Chief 15 sent a 10 man crew, while the rest continued the tour. Chief 15-10 with Engine 155 and U-152 arrived on scene to find a ford pick up truck on fire along with a gas well. Fire fighters were able to shut the gas off so the fire could be extinguished.

October 22, 2009- Pitt-Bradford Demo

On Thursday, members assisted the Residence Life and Housing Office with a demonstration fire with 4 current students and 1 staff member as active members of the BTVFD. Members constructed an eight foot square room simulating a residence hall room. Pitt-Bradford supplied BTVFD with materials and donated items to make and fill the room to closely represent an occupied room. The program started with a video and discussion on Pitt policies and general fire safety. The room was then ignited with an item not permitted in the residence halls. This demonstration illustrated why the items talked about, are prohibited. It also showed the time line of a structural fire. The fire presentation was structured to show the time of response, and the time you have to get out. From the time the rag was placed on the hot plate until ignition was 1 minute and 30 seconds, and from start until extinguishment was 8 minutes and 30 seconds in these conditions.

(Photos by Jay Bradish)

October 17, 2009-Pump Class

Today, 25 people completed a 16 hour state certified pump class with a day of hands on pump scenarios from hydrants, tankers, and drafts. Students were from Bradford Township, Corydon Township, Derrick City, and the City of Bradford Fire Departments.

(Photos by Jay Bradish)

October 17, 2009-Emergency Shelter

With it unknown how long the power outage in the High Street area was going to continue, Chief 15 initiated a plan to open an emergency shelter at the Custer City Fire Station at 0900 hours. Bradford Township Supervisors and Township EMA, McKean county EMA, and the Red Cross were all contacted. Fire fighters went door to door contacting 39 effected homes. Power was restored at approximately 1700 hours. Residents were without power for over 32 hours with temperatures in the 32 degree range.

October 16, 2009-Trees and Wires Down

The first of many calls for trees and wires down was received at 0500 hours. By noon, 7 calls had been answered all across the township for trees and wires down in the roadways, and a power outage on High Street.

October 15, 2009- Storm Alert

With the threat of a winter storm, Station 15 answered 4 calls between 2000 hours and midnight. 2 calls for trees down, a stand by for Station 11, and shortly after an Automatic Alarm came in for Case Cutlery due to the power being out.

October 15, 2009- 1 Car MVA

At approximately 1100 hours Thursday, BTVFD was dispatched along with the Township Police and the Bradford City Ambulance, for a 1 car MVA on Minard Run Hill. There was severe damage to the Mini Van. Medical Helicopters were unable to fly due to stormy conditions and the patient was transported to BRMC.

(Photos by Jay Bradish)

September 27, 2009- Hazardous Materials Class

Today 9 members completed a Hazardous Materials Operations Class at the Tri-County Fire School Grounds in Smethport, PA. The first day included in class material and Haz-mat information. The second day completed the in class work, and finished with practical excercies. The practical exercises included emergency decontamination, absorbtion, and diking. Today completed the practical exercises including vapor dispersion, retention, and diversion. Derrick City, Johnsonburg, and Lewis Run also had members who completed the class.

September 25, 2009- Assist Lewis Run

Early Friday morning at 0058 hours, McKean County dispatched Station 6 (Lewis Run), Station 15, and the Bradford City Ambulance for a Motor Vehicle Accident with entrapment on Lafayette Avenue near Valley Hunt Drive in Lewis Run. Chief 6-20 (K. Zandy) had command and assigned Operations to Chief 15 (D. Burkhouse). The crew of Engine 64 and Engine 153 performed the extrication by popping the drivers side door and removing the roof. Station 6 along with the ambulance personnel handled patient care. Engine 65 and Engine 151 set up a landing zone at Station 6's fire hall. The landing zone was then moved to The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, where campus police established the landing zone. All Station 15 units were returning and available by 0200 hours. Station 6 remained on scene until Penelec arrived, due to a utility pole being sheared off.

(Photos by Jay Bradish)

September 21, 2009- 4 MVA's Make For a Busy Day!

Today around lunch time, Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department, along with theTownship Police and the Bradford City Ambulance were dispatched to Minard Run hill near the top, for a Motor Vehicle Accident. Chief 15 (D. Burkhouse), Engine 153, and Engine 151 all responded to the call. Bradford Township Police were the first to arrive on scene and advised McKean County 911 that the driver was self-extricated, and had minor injuires. With this information, Chief 15 recalled Engine 151, and had Engine 153 continue in to assist the Police Department and towing service. All units were cleared within the hour.

Just after dinner time this evening, the McKean County 911 Center dispatched Station 15 Fire Police to assist the Township Police who were enroute to an MVA with no injuries on 770 West (West Warren Road). Chief 15 (D. Burkhouse) along with Fire Police Captain 15-70 (D. Williams) responded. Fire Police were on scene assisting with traffic control until the 3^rd Motor Vehicle Accident of the day was dispatched. This time, it was located in the area of 2060 West Washington Street, about 1 mile past the Marilla Reservoir. Chief 15, Chief 15-10 (E. Wright), Chief 15-20 (H. Lamielle), Engine 151, and Engine 153 all responded shortly after the dispatch. While enroute, Captain 15-53 (B. Eliason) asked McKean County to dispatch Station 19 (Corydon Township) to assist, due to the location of the MVA. Station 19 chief officers quickly arrived on scene and advised all responding units that the driver was self-extricated and had minor injuries. Captain 15-53 arrived on scene and established West Washington Street Command, and had any other additional units responding to be recalled with the exceptions of Engine 151 to continue in to the scene, and for Engine 153 to stand by at the West Branch station. The crew of Engine 151 assisted EMS with patient evaluation, and also Clayt's Towing. All personnel were able to clear the incident, just in time to make the monthly department meeting.

(Photos by Jay Bradish)

Just before 9 o'clock this evening, while members were attending the meeting, BTVFD was alerted for their 4^th MVA of the day. The first dispatch advised members that the accident was at the intersection of West Corydon Street and Clarks Lane, and that 1 vehicle had also hit a utility pole. Chief 15-20 and Captain 15-53 gathered a crew together from the meeting and responded immediately. Bradford Township Police were the first to arrive on scene and advised responding units that there was 1 vehicle involved, and that the driver had already taken off in a POV to the emergency room. Engine 151 and crew arrived on scene and assisted the Township Police with lighting and traffic control. Personnel and apparatus cleared the scene before 2300 hours.

(Photos by Jay Bradish)

September 17, 2009- Vehicle Rescue Training

Thursday nights work session brought out approximately 25 members for an evening of vehicle extrication practices. New members were instructed on scene size-up, proper glass removal, patient access and stabilization using box cribs, step chocks, wedges, and rescue struts. The members also recieved hands on training with the departments rescue tools including the spreaders, cutters, sawzalls, hand tools, and the hydraulic "combi-tool." The night concluded with a timed extrication scenario to link the practices together as if they were real.

(Photos by Jay Bradish)

September 3, 2009- Early Wake Up Call

At 04:38 this morning, a dispatch for a structure fire to the DeSoto Holiday House Motel was received by the Bradford Township Fire Fighters. While enroute, additional information was received that a dumpster was fully engulfed starting the exterior of the building on fire. Chief Burkhouse arrived on scene and gave Engine 153 and crew attack assignments, Engine 151 and crew tended to the occupants of three motel rooms and checked for extension, and Engine 155 took the hydrant. All crews then took the lengthy task of overhauling the larger roll off dumpster. Bradford Township Fire Fighters were on scene for two hours. Station 1 (Bradford City) had the standby coverage as they were part of the box alarm dispatch. Damage to the structure was light with broken windows and damage to the balconies on the 2^nd and 3^rd floors. The fire is under continued investigation by Bradford Township Fire Department, Bradford Township Police, and the PA State Police Fire Marshall Unit.

(Photos by Jay Bradish)

August 31, 2009- MVA South AVE

At approximately 2300 hours Monday night, fire, ambulance, and police were dispatched to a Motor Vehicle Crash in the 1100 block of South Avenue, just south of Custer City. The Crew from Engine 153 used the Jaws of Life to create an enlarged opening to remove the driver of the vehicle who was treated and transported by the Bradford City Ambulance to BRMC. The crew from Engine 151 took the traffic control assignment and assisted the Bradford Township Police.

(Photos by Jay Bradish)

August 22, 2009- Oil 150 Celebration

Saturday, members of Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department participated in the parade and also had an active part in the ICS structure. Following NIMS Criteria, pre-planning and several meetings and necessary paper work completed with the assistance of Bruce Manning, McKean County EMA directory and his assistant Jerry Rettger. It was a safe and successful day. Unified command was used to cover general safety, traffic control, and EMS. Fire agencies that were involved were Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department, Bradford Township Police Department, Bradford Township Supervisor Gayle Bauer, Bradford City Fire and Ambulance, Bradford Special Police, McKean County EMA, and Oil 150 committee.

August 20,2009- Another Week of Training

Thursday, members participated in training at a house on West Corydon Street set for demolition with in the week. Our new members continued their basic training. They conducted searches blind folded, roof ventilation, and over haul. Also, some experienced members practiced some self-rescue wall breach techniques.

(Photos by Jay Bradish)

August 11, 2009- Late Night Chop Job

At 0105 Tuesday morning, McKean County 911 dispatched Station 15 to a motor vehicle accident near the Kwikfill on South Avenue. That area was searched and the accident was not found. Bradford Township Police and fire department then headed south on Route 219 to see if they could find the accident. Township Police then found the accident just south of Lewis Run in Lafayette Township. Engine 153 advised McKean County, and Station 21 was also dispatched. Personnel then stabilized the vehicle so an enlarged opening could be made to free 2 patients. Chief 21 (D. Fowler) released station 15 units at 0214 hours. Station 21 was able to open the roadway and return at approximately 0300 hours.

(Photos by Jay Bradish)

August 10, 2009- Training for New Members

With 8 new probationary firefighters and 3 new junior firefighters joining the department this past spring, BTVFD has been doing their best with getting all of them up to speed on how the fire service works today. Under the direction of Chief Dan Burkhouse and many experienced members of BTVFD, these new members along with the junior firefighters, have completed a 7 week training session. This training was patterned off of the Delmar curriculum. These training sessions included safety and introduction into the fire service, hose loads and lays, water supply and water streams, ladders, fire extinguisher exercises, and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Drills. Tri-County Fire School was also utilized on some Thursday nights to use the burn tower, maze trailer, and ladder tower. BTVFD would like to thank all of the new members for their hard work and cooperation through the 7 weeks of training. We would also like to thank all of the members for helping the new guys get up to speed and to learn the "ways" of the fire service.