Quarryville Fire Company Station 5-7 Lancaster County House of Pride Since 1903

Saturday, February 6, 2010

The second major winter storm of the season moved into the area on Friday, and continued well into Saturday. The storm dropped just under 30 inches of snow in the Quarryville area, which was one of the top totals in the state for this storm. The wind also caused blowing and drifting snow, keeping the road crews busy trying to maintain passable roadways.

As the snow began falling heavily Friday evening, Engine 5-7-4 and Engine 5-7-2 were chained up. This affords us the ability of being able to move on the snow covered roadways with more safety, and also allows us to get into un-plowed driveways in the rural areas of the district.

On Saturday morning, with well over 16 inches of snow on the ground, the Company was called to assist the EMS with four-wheel drive units on two occasions, one for a difficulty breathing call on Dusk St. and a maternity on Drywell Rd., both in Eden Township. Later in the morning, units were called to assist with snow removal from the roofs of two residences. The snow accumulated on the roofs of the mobile homes, blocking the chimney, making a safety hazard for the residents. In the afternoon, the company responded to a report of a chimney fire that was unfounded and in another jurisdiction.

A few reminders:

Be sure your address sign / mailbox is cleared of snow so the fire company, police or EMS can find your house in the event of an emergency.
If you live in town, please shovel out your nearest fire hydrant.
Make sure your chimney is clear of snow and not buried under it. A blocked chimney or vent can lead to carbon monoxide issues.

Thanks to all the members who got the equipment ready and handled the calls during this major storn.

THE THINGS WE GET INTO

Thursday, February 4, 2010

On Thursday evening, QFD Volunteers were dispatched to 16 Salem Road in Colerain Township for a public service. Being in a rural area, this can be anything from a tree down to a cat in a tree. This time, like several other times in the past year or two, it was for a cow in a manure pit. The 500+ pound heifer fell into the enclosed pit after a hatch was left open where the farmer was pumping the pit out. It was now up to us to formulate a plan to get this cow out of the poo.

Chief 5-7-2 (Mike Ross) called for the Bart Twp. FC (5-1) for their sling and straps that they use for just this type of rescue. They have been doing this for years, so we called on the pros. Chief 2 also called for the Colerain Township Road Crew loader to assist in pulling off this "technicow" rescue.

Once units arrived on the scene, lighting was established, and access was made to the bottom of the pit. Some "volunteers" were suited up in tyvek suits and SCBA and prepared to enter and get the cow. This consisted of two firefighters, one being FF Bill "I lived in Delaware County, I saw cows in the zoo" Platt. Luckily, after monitoring the atmosphere, it was deemed that the air was of good quality, so the farmer and friends could go and wrangle the cow into a rescue position. Once this was accomplished, said cow was removed from the pit and tended to by the caring and compassionate fire company members.

The company was in service for over one hour, plus an additional hour cleaning the poo off of the equipment. Thanks to Bart Twp. FC and Colerain Township for the assist.

Planning the extrication

Getting ready to go

AND THE TRAINING CONTINUES

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

If you follow this site, you know that we have been training in the old Dr. Diamontoni Building on South Church St. in Quarryville for the last several months. This building is owned by the Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community and has been slated for demolition to make way for an expansion at QPRC. We hoped to have this building for several more weeks, but were advised it is being taken down on Thursday, February 4th. So, with short (2 hours) notice, we were able to get a group together and help the demolition crew along on Wednesday evening.

This building was fully intact, and offered an extensive opportunity for training. On the last night of its existence, the crew used the building for forcible entry and roof ventilation training.

FF PJ Dalgaard led group one on the roof. This was a solid, asphalt shingle roof, which was excellent for "opening up". The members practiced residential cuts, commercial cuts, ridge cuts, hinge cuts and coffin cuts. The crews used a Stihl roof saw and even practiced with the blunt side of the flat head axe.

On the ground, FF Jim Herr led a group in forcible entry practices, including lock pulling, dead bolt cutting, hinge cutting and conventional forcible entry on inward and outward swinging interior and exterior doors. The groups also went over size up of the door, gapping, prying and utilizing the Hydra Ram and Rabbit Tool. Members also got a chance to try some entry practices that are not used very often. Groups then switched so each team got to practice both skills.

We want to thank the QPRC for allowing us to utilize this building. Thanks also to the members who were able to turn out. Sorry for the short notice.

HOUSE FIRE IN COLERAIN TOWNSHIP

Saturday, January 30, 2010

At 11:28 pm, Bart Twp. FC (5-1) and Truck 5-7 were dispatched to 352 Bell Road in Colerain Township for a chimney fire. Chief 5-1-2 (Woerth) responded and was advised that the caller reported a chimney fire and the walls were hot with some smoke in the dwelling. The assignment was then upgraded bringing the remainder of Station 5-7, Union FIre Company (21) and SVEMS.

Chief 5-1-2 arrived with fire in the walls around the chimney and a heavy smoke condition inside. Engine 5-1-1 arrived and pulled to side "C" and advanced several handlines into the 2 1/2 story house.

Truck 5-7 arrived and set-up on side "C" with the crew throwing the entire bed of ground ladders and the interior crew going inside to assist with opening up. The exterior crew went to the roof and prepared to open it up if fire was found on the top floor. There was no need to open up, so the crew checked the chimney for clogs, finding none. Other QFD apparatus arrived with the crew assisting with various fireground duties.

Crews pulled the outside siding and interior walls to confine and extinguish the fire. The fire was under control at 00:30, with units remaining on the scene until 1:05 am.

As hard as it is to believe for some, the roads in the Southern End were completely snow and ice covered from the 1+ inch of snow we received during the afternoon.

HOUSE FIRE IN MARTIC TOWNSHIP

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

On Tuesday evening, several members got together for an impromptu training. Engine 5-7-4 and Rescue 5-7 went to the office building we have been using and began a run-in drill. As soon as the first line was pulled and charged, the Company was dispatched to assist the Rawlinsville FC (5-8) on a house fire at 41 Saint Francis Way in Martic Township. Engine 5-7-4 (after disconnecting the line and leaving it in the yard), Truck 5-7, Tanker 5-7 and Rescue 5-7 were due, and responded within minutes. LCWC advised that multiple calls were received, indicating a working fire. Engine 5-7-2 was then dispatched also.

Chief 5-8 (Strickler) arrived with a two story dwelling with heavy fire throughout. 5-8 units arrived and began the fire attack, laying a supply line on Saint Francis Way. Engine 5-7-4 arrived 4th and was assigned to assist as needed. The crew stretched a 2 1/2" attack line and went to work when water was available. Engine 5-7-4 also supplied the line for the Rapid Intervention Team. Other 5-7 units arrived with the crews going into manpower staging to be used in a multitude of fireground functions. Tanker 5-7 and Engine 5-7-2 assisted in the water supply operations.

It took several hours to place the fire under control due to the volume of fire in the residence, and the lack of a close, usable water supply. No firefighters on the scene or any residents were injured while battling the fire in sub-freezing temperatures. The QFD units were back in station to clean up by 2:30 am.

Thanks to Bart Twp. FC (5-1) Engine 5-1-1 and Tanker 5-1-1 for standing by in our station. Thanks also to Tom Amico and FF Clint Stahler for the pictures.

VEHICLE ACCIDENT

Saturday, January 23, 2010

At midnight on Friday night / Saturday morning, Susquehanna Valley EMS Medic 7-7-9, Wakefield EMS Ambulance 5-13-1 and the Quarryville Volunteers were dispatched to Robert Fulton Highway (Rt. 222) and Center Road for a vehicle accident with rollover and possible ejection.

Deputy 5-7 (Ryan) arrived with a vehicle that rolled over and came to rest back on its wheels, with one patient out of the vehicle. Crews depowered the vehicle and controlled traffic, and also did a search looking for a possible second person involved. The company was in service for 1 hour.

MOBILE HOME FIRE IN PROVIDENCE TOWNSHIP

Sunday, January 10, 2010

At 10:59 am, Rescue 5-7 was dispatched on the first alarm to assist the Willow Street FC (5-12) on a mobile home fire at 121 Locust Lane in the Spread Eagle Mobile Home Park in Providence Township. Rawlinsville FC (5-8) and Refton FC (5-9) were also due on the assignment.

Chief 5-12 (Mike Reese) arrived on the scene with a exterior fire on a mobile home, with possible extension into the residence. Engine 5-12-1 arrived and stretched a line with the crew extinguishing all visible fire. Rescue 5-7 arrived and began assembling the RIT equipment, when command said there was no need for the RIT, and our manpower would be used in staging.

The crew assisted with several tasks, and were released from the scene at 12:31 pm.

Red Cross is assisting the occupants of the residence with housing and additional needs due to the fire.

Thanks to Tom Amico for the photos.

Engine 5-12-1 crew stretching the line

Fire damaged area

BUILDING FIRE IN WILLOW STREET

Saturday, January 9, 2010

At 1:15 pm, a building fire was reported at the Willow Valley Convention Center at 2416 Willow Street Pike in West Lampeter Township. Rescue 5-7 was on the first alarm, along with Willow Street (5-12), Lampeter (5-4) and Lancaster Township (6-6) units. Chief 5-12 (Mike Reese) arrived and confirmed a artificial Christmas tree that was on fire with a significant smoke condition in the occupied building.

Engine 5-12-2 arrived, stretching into the building finding the fire extinguished by an activated sprinkler head, but a heavy smoke condition on multiple floors of the five story building. On this report, Command 5-12 requested the second alarm rescues and trucks, which brought Truck 5-7 to the scene.

Rescue 5-7's crew was preparing for the pre-assigned Rapid Intervention Crew when they were redirected to assist with search and evacuation on multiple floors of the building.

Truck 5-7 was assigned to side "C" to assist in ventilation and smoke removal. Both positive pressure blowers and both negative pressure fans were used in conjuntion with fans from Millersville, Lafayette and West Lancaster units. In all, there were 10 fans operating on side "C" to remove the smoke from the building.

Once these assignments were complete, both companies returned, placing us available in station by 4:15 pm.

Earlier in the day, Truck 5-7 assisted the Bart Twp. FC (5-1) on a chimney fire at 1822 Georgetown Road in Colerain Township.

Fans and blowers set up on side "C"

Rescue 5-7 on side "A"

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

Friday, January 1, 2010

2010 will see several changes in the officer staff of the Fire Company. President Sherry Wertz has stepped down from that office after serving faithfully for 6 years in that position. Jim Hassinger has been elected to be President of the Company for 2010. This will be Jim's second time as President.

Deputy Chief Jamie Welk has been elected to the position of Chief of Department for 2010. This office has been held by Chief Tim Cox for 5 years (2005-2009). During this time, Tim and his officers have accomplished many goals. We have received new turnout gear and new AED's for all apparatus. Tim has also overseen the purchase an placing in service of Rescue 5-7 and Command 5-7. Tim also implemented a dedicated Rapid Intervention Unit on all of our structure fire dispatches for firefighter safety.

Following is the 2010 Line Officer Line up.

Fire Chief Jamie Welk, member since 1994
Deputy Chief Tim Ryan, members since 1996
Assistant Chief Mike Ross, member since 1998
Captain Joel Neff, member since 2000
Lieutenant 1 Bill Bare, member since 2003
Lieutenant 2 Donnie Roop, member since 1993
Lieutenant 3 Jeremy Welk, member since 1996
Lieutenant 4 Brian Henry, member since 1999
Chief Engineer Wayne Brion, member since 1991
Fire Police Captain Andrew Herschberger, member since 2001
Fire Police Lt. Carl Diem, member since 2007.

Thank you to Chief Cox and President Wertz for your contributions and dedication to the Company. We look forward to another great year in 2010.

Fire Chief Jamie Welk

Deputy Chief Tim Ryan

2009 IN REVIEW

The people that make it happen

Friday, January 1, 2010

2009 was another eventful and productive year for the Quarryville Fire Company Number One. We were able to answer many alarms (one of the busiest years in QFD history) and accomplish many projects. One of the large projects was being host of the 2009 LCFA Fireman's Parade and Convention in June. Here is a rundown of some of the many hours members spent participating in fire company functions in 2009.

We ran 472 total fire calls, 390 of which were emergency responses to 911 calls.
During those calls, members accumulated 9,281 man-hours of volunteer service.
Members spent 2,080 man-hours in training.
Fund-raising efforts totaled 1,031 man-hours.
Members spent 572 man-hours doing fire safety education.
Other company functions, including station cleaning, details, meetings and maintenance racked up 1,686 total man-hours.

If you total all of these man-hours up, it equals 14,650 man-hours for the year. These numbers show the tremendous dedication that the members of your local fire company have. Thank you to all the members of the Company that have made 2009 another great year. Thanks also to all of the numerous municipal leaders, business owners and residents that continuously contribute to the Company to help us maintain the level of service that we provide.

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