http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/rss News articles published on bufd7.org using RSS 2.0 Thu, 31 May 2012 06:23:09 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=120 19:10 hrs: Tower and Rescue 7 were alerted with Company 6 (Monarch), Engine & Rescue 49 (Amity), and Rescue 5 (Oley) for a reported roof fire after a lightning strike at Amity Manor. Chief 49 (M. Zomolsky) and had nothing evident from the exterior. After crews from 6 & 49 entered the structure, they found a working fire in the attic area. Crews from Tower 7 arrived and split their crew of six between interior firefighting, placing multiple ground ladders and searching apartments, while Rescue 7's crew assisted with exterior operations. The was quickly located and extinguished. BUFD crews were released within an hour. Wed, 30 May 2012 20:05:26 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=120 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=119 Fire in the grill, under hot dogs and burgers, is a welcome sight at the family cookout. But fire anywhere else can make your summer kick-off barbecue memorable for all the wrong reasons. Safety tips Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors. The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Keep children and pets away from the grill area. Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. Never leave your grill unattended. Charcoal grills There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel. If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources. There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use. When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container. Propane grills Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill. Be sure to use safe grilling practices as the peak months for grilling fires approach – June and July. Gas grills constitute a higher risk, having been involved in an annual average of 6,900 home fires in 2005-2009, while charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in an annual average of 1,100 home fires. In 2005-2009, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 8,200 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including an average of 3,400 structure fires and 4,800 outside fires. These 8,200 fires caused an annual average of 15 civilian deaths, 120 civilian injuries and $75 million in direct property damage. More than one-quarter (29%) of the home structure fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace or patio, 28% started on an exterior balcony or open porch, and 6% started in the kitchen. Flammable or combustible gas or liquid was the item first ignited in half of home outdoor grill fires. In 50% of the home outdoor fires in which grills were involved, 55% of the outside gas grills, and 36% of gas grill structure fires, the fire started when a flammable or combustible gas or liquid caught fire. Sat, 26 May 2012 06:06:37 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=119 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=118 The truck committee is getting ready for a trip to the Pierce plant in Florida, for the final inspection of our new Perice Saber engine. This engine will have a 1750 GPM pump, and a 1700 water tank. Here are some photos of the new E7 thanks to Sam Terry Fri, 25 May 2012 15:54:18 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=118 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=117 Crews from Company 7 (BUFD), 6 (Monarch), and 49 (Amity), along with M680 (Southern Berks EMS), PA State Police and Berks County Coroners Officer participated in a mock DUI accident at the Daniel Boone High School. This is an annual event to help educate students to the real reality of drinking and driving. Fri, 25 May 2012 15:54:31 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=117 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=116 The Members of the Birdsboro Union Fire Department took part in the Birdsboro Women's Club Street Fair, the members of the department handed out Fire Prevention information and members of the company's recruitment and retention committee were on hand trying to encourage new members to join the department. While at the event the members were attacked by Swoop the Eagles mascot! Mon, 07 May 2012 12:42:06 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=116 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=115 18:39 hrs: Company 7, along with Quint 6 (Monarch), Engine 25 & Rescue 25 for RIT (Exeter Twp), Ladder 1 (Mt. Penn), and Tanker 23 (Gibraltar) were dispatched to Drew Court, Birdsboro Borough, for a reported chimney fire. Chief 7 (C. Bickings) arrived to find light smoke from the chimney. Crews from Engine 7-1 found a light smoke condition through out the house and an active fire in the wood stove. Tower 7 went to the roof to check the chimney and found a large build up of creosote. The fire was extinguished in the stove and crews used the "chimney chains" to clean the chimney the best they could. Apparatus was cleared by 19:15 hrs. Thu, 10 May 2012 02:41:24 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=115 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=114 23:38 Hrs: Tower 7 was dispatched along with Companies 6 (Monarch), Engine & Rescue 49 (Amity), Rescue 1 (Mt. Penn) for RIT, and M680 (Southern Berks EMS) for a reported structure fire. Tower 7 responded with a crew of seven while Deputy 49 (R. Ford Sr.) arrived on scene reporting smoke throughout the residence. Engine 49 deployed a single handline while Quint 6 began to ladder the building. Crews from Tower 7 assisted with interior crews with locating the fire, checking for extension and overhaul. This is another good example of teamwork between the local fire departments. This fire could have been much worse if it wasn't for the quick actions of all of the men and women involved. Great work! Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:00:56 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=114 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=112 Hopewell Fire District 17 April 13, 2012 Wildland Fire Crews made significant progress yesterday and last night in constructing secure containment lines on the Hopewell Fire. Crews yesterday were able to lay over 4000 feet of 1 ½ inch water hose line along the containment line in the area of St Peters Road. These hose lines also had smaller side laterals branching off from it every 200 feet to supply water to hand crews conducting the burn out operations. Once the burn out operations were completed, crews returned to mop up, an activity that ensures all hot spots burning near the control line are extinguished. The smoke plume from these operations was visible to many residents, which prompted calls to local 911 call centers. Crews today will continue mop up operations in this area. These crews are comprised of Volunteer Fire Crews from the area as well as Bureau of Forestry Personnel from Williamsport, Clarion, and Clearfield. They are also patrolling the other parts of the control line. Presently, there is more than 6 miles of fire perimeter. Of particular note is the cooperation of the residents along St Peters Road. They are treating the fire crews to extra snacks and goodies as they go in and out of the woods to the fire line. Signs expressing their thanks are also posted along St Peters Road. Weather conditions for today are not as favorable as they have been in the past couple of days. Temperatures of 66 degrees, wind speeds of 18 mph, and a relative humidity of 19 percent are expected at the fire location. Erratic fire behavior in the fire area is expected. Union Twp, Berks County and Warwick Twp, Chester County, now have open burn bans in effect. Residents of these municipalities are reminded that no open burning is permitted. There has been significant interest from the public as to wanting to see the fire area. The public is advised to keep away from the area. It is an extremely dangerous situation with many burnt falling dead trees. Hiking trails through French Creek State Park and Hopewell Furnace Historic Site east of Pa 345 (Shed Road) are closed. Persons trespassing in these areas will be cited. The St Peters Road and Hopewell road are restricted to access only by residents and fire control personnel. The Pennsylvania Forest Fire Wardens Association District 17 has a website, www.pffwa17.org which contains a link to fire photos. Follow the Photo Gallery Link. Sun, 15 Apr 2012 03:47:14 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=112 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=113 The following pictures show the chassis going down the chassis sub assembly line. During this process the components related to the chassis are installed. Near the end of this line the cab will be installed. The painted cab module is going down the cab sub assembly line where wiring harnesses, lighting, instrument and switch panels, seats and windows are installed. The will cab going thru electrical output testing before being installed on the chassis. Pictures of the cab on the chassis will be on the next report Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:01:07 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=113 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=111 12:16 hrs: Members from BUFD, Co 6 (Monarch), 23 (Gibraltar), 24 (Geigertown), and Chester County 69 (Twin Valley) were requested to the area of Route 345 and Hopewell Road for a reported brush fire. FM-28 (B. Erb) arrived to find a large brush fire deep in the forest. Assistant 7-1 (M. Hernandez) arrived and began to deploy brush apparatus into the Mill Creek Trail to begin attacking the fire. First reports from crew reported more than 10 acres of land involved. Chief 7 (C. Bickings) arrived and established a command post and initial staging area at Shed Road and Route 345. Members of Pennsylvania DCNR (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) arrived and assumed command of the fire due to it being on State land. Additionally resources were then called in from the area. Companies from Berks, Chester, Lancaster, and Montgomery County worked through the night to contain the fire. Area residents that bordered the park were requested to evacuate due to high winds pushing the fire toward the residential area. Fire apparatus was placed at each residence that was believed to be in jeopardy of the fire. The fire was contained throughout the night with no damage to any residence. Members of DNCR Forestry continue to extinguish the entire fire. In the end, approximately 450 acres were involved. Reading Eagle Story http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=378727 Pottstown Mercury: http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20120410/NEWS01/120409427/updated-french-creek-fire-contained-but-still-burning-(map-videos-slideshow) WFMZ Story: http://www.wfmz.com/news/news-regional-berks/Forest-fire-nears-fireworks-factory-evacuations-ordered/-/121418/10368462/-/kah4o4z/-/index.html Tue, 10 Apr 2012 22:04:28 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=111 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=110 Over the past 36 hours, crews from BUFD has responded to several "working" incidents that has required many hours of service to our community. Friday, March 30, crews responded to 3 brush fires and one house fire. On Saturday, March 31st, crews assisted area companies, one for a fatal motor vehicle accident with fire in Amity Twp, a second was a garage fire in Exeter Twp, and finally a vehicle into a structure in Union Township on Sunday, April 1st. All of these incidents combined have required over 200 hours of manpower from our volunteer members. More details of our calls not previously posted: Saturday, 31 March: 0208 Hrs: Tower 7 & Engine 7 were dispatched with Co. 6 (Monarch) & Co 49 (Amity) for a reported MVC into a structure on fire. Rescue-Engine 6 arrived to confirm a single vehicle fully involved against a structure. Tower and Engine 7's crews assisted crews with extinguishment and checking for extension. 12:36 Hrs: Tower and Engine 7 were dispatched with Company 25 (Exeter Twp) for a reported structure fire. Police on scene reported a motorcycle fire inside of an attached garage. The fire was believed to be out, and the motorcycle was removed from the garage. Crews assisted in overhaul of the structure. Sunday, 01 April: 0004 hrs: Co. 7 was dispatched to 1391 E Main st. for a 2 vehicle mva. Rescue 7 arrived to find a 2 vehicle mva with a pick up truck onto a porch of a house. The overhang of the porch came down onto the pick up truck trapping the truck. No one was trapped and No injuries were sustained to anyone in the vehicles. After the tow company removed the truck from porch, the remainder of the overhang came down onto route 724. After extensive demolition work on the overhang, all debris was removed from the roadway and the roadway was opened to traffic. Special thanks to the homeowner and Charlie from Montys Mulch for bringing out their heavy equipment to help with the removal of the debris. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 02:09:25 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=110 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=107 1602 Hrs: Engine and Tower 7 were alerted with Company 23 (Gibraltor), 24 (Geigertown), and Rescue 1 (Mt. Penn) for RIT to the 1400 Blk of Cocalico Road for a reported structure fire. Chief 7 (C. Bickings) arrived and found a wood frame house with heavy smoke showing from the roof. Engine 7 arrived, shortly followed by Tower 7, and made an agressive interior attack. Chief 7 assumed Robeson Twp Command and requested a 2nd alarm. Crews worked for over an hour to bring this fire under control. A fabulous job was done by all involved. The fire was contained to the one end of the house due to their efforts! Special thanks to Chester County Ladder 69 (Twin Valley) for covering our station. Sat, 31 Mar 2012 02:18:39 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=107 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=106 The Truck Committee received the first photos of our new Engine 7, which is in production by Pierce. Please check back for more information Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:50:47 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=106 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=105 18:46 Hrs: While Engine 7 was cleaning up from a brush pile fire, Chief 7 (C. Bickings) was notified by Berks Communications of an accident with entrapment at E. First and Spruce Streets. Chief 7 arrived within a minute and found a two vehicle accident. One vehicle was on it's side with one occupant entrapped. M680 (Southern Berks EMS) arrived immediately after and began assessing multiple patients. Crews from Engine and Rescue 7 stabilized the vehicle while controlling oil and anti freeze leaking on the ground. After stabilizing the vehicle, the patient, who was uninjured, self extricated from the vehicle. Crews remained on location while the tow service uprighted the vehicle. Crews were cleared by 20:00 hrs. Photos by: Abigail Bickings, Steve Dragon (BUFD), and Ken Imes Wed, 21 Mar 2012 03:37:11 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=105 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=104 1532 hrs: Company 7, 6 (Monarch) and Chester County Brush 64 (NORCO) were dispatched to the 1700 Blk of Main Street for the report of a brush fire threatening tires and vehicles. Chief 7 added Brush 24 to the assignment. Attack 6 arrived and reported a working fire. Chief 7 arrived and report a 40x20 area on fire, including a pile of tires and 1 vehicle. Crews from Attack 6 & Engine 7 extinguished the fire with 2 handlines. Crews from CC Brush 64 and Brush 24 assisted the crews with overhaul of the area. Good job by all involved. Thu, 15 Mar 2012 01:21:16 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=104 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=103 23:35: Tower 7 along with Montgomery County Engine 67 were relocated to Company 15 (Boyertown) while they operated an an extended police incident. The Tower stood by until about 0300 hours without any calls. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:03:54 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=103 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=102 BUFD FF Steve Rhoads is employed by the NHRA Safety Safari and in support of Deputy Chief Ronnie "Moose" Wentzel delivered some very special "Moose" stickers to DSR Racing this weekend while working in Gainesville Florida. The stickers will be displayed on the Top Fuel Dragster of Tony Schumacher. Get Well Moose! Sat, 10 Mar 2012 21:00:59 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=102 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=100 Daylight Saving Time begins March 11 WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to replace the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms this weekend for Daylight Saving Time. This year, Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 11. Fresh batteries allow smoke and CO alarms to do their jobs saving lives by alerting families of a fire or a buildup of deadly carbon monoxide in their homes. CPSC estimates there was a yearly average of 386,300 residential fires resulting in nearly 2,400 deaths between 2006 and 2008. Two-thirds of fire deaths occur in homes where there are no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. That is why it is important to replace batteries at least once every year and to test your alarms every month to make sure they work. CPSC recommends consumers have smoke alarms on every level of their home, outside bedrooms and inside each bedroom. CPSC estimates there was an annual average of 183 unintentional non-fire CO poisoning deaths associated with consumer products between 2006 and 2008. CO is called the "invisible killer," because it is a colorless, odorless and poisonous gas. Because of this, people may not know they are being poisoned. Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of fuel in various products, including furnaces, portable generators, fireplaces, cars and charcoal grills. That is why it is important to have working CO alarms in the home, on each level and outside each sleeping area. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:39:47 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=100 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=99 1155 hrs: Company 7 and M680 (Southern Berks) were dispatched to the 2100 Blk of E. Main Street, Union Township. The accident was quickly upgraded to have injuries which brought Rescue-Engine 6. Chief 7 (C. Bickings) arrived to find a 2 vehicle accident, one vehicle being a home heating oil delivery truck that rolled over into a swell. The truck was now leaking heating oil. Crews from Rescue 7 assisted the EMS with extrication and packaging of the one patient. Crews from Rescue-Engine 6 placed hazardous materials absorbant pads in the swell to contain the leak, while also working with Rescue 7's crew to stop the leak. Crews remained on location while the fuel delivery company drained the remaining fuel from the truck. Fire Police from 7 and 6 closed E. Main Street between Shed Rd and Red Corner Rd for several hours. Sun, 04 Mar 2012 13:00:12 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=99 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=98 04:04 Hrs: Engine 7 and Tower were alerted with Company 25 (Exeter Twp), Tanker 6 (Monarch), and Rescue 49 (Amity) for RIT to the 400 blk of S. Baumstown Road, Exeter Township, for a report structure fire. Assistant 7-1 (M. Hernandez) arrived and confirmed a working house fire with possible entrapment; he requested 2nd alarm. Engine 7 laid 1200 feet of 5 inch supply line from S. Baumstown Road back to the house. Tower 7 setup for master stream operations next to the house. It was then found that all occupants were out of the structure. Crews worked seamlessly with members of Company 25, 1 (Mt. Penn), 6 Monarch, & 15 (Friendship Fire Co. of Boyertown) to extinguish this stubborn fire. Crews were cleared of the scene at 11:01 hrs. Special Thanks to Chester County Ladder 69 for covering our local and cleaning 1200' of 5 inch hose for us. Also, thank you to Exeter Twp for sending a crew to help repack every hoseline back onto Engine 7. Sun, 04 Mar 2012 13:04:00 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=98 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=97 14:18 Hrs: Company 7 was dispatched to the area of the Birdsboro Rod and Gun Club for a reported vehicle fire. Chief 7 (C. Bickings) arrived and found a vehicle well involved. Engine 7-1 arrived and deployed an 1.75" handline and extinguished the fire. Special Thanks to Chief 24 for assisting with traffic control at Geigertown and Fire Tower Rd. Watch the team work here: http://youtu.be/7BSsRizxehE Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:39:01 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=97 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=94 21:31 Hrs: Company 7 and Ambulance 680 (Southern Berks EMS) were dispatched to the area of Tim's Ugly Mug for a reported vehicle accident with one vehicle striking a house. Rescue 7 and Chief 7 arrived to find a 2 car accident where one of the vehicles struck the house. There was structural damage to the home; however, after investigation the house was found to be structurally sound. Township officials allowed the residents to remain in the home. 1 patient was transported by A680. Mon, 27 Feb 2012 04:40:54 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=94 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=96 14:49 hrs: Route 724 was closed between Red Corner Rd and River Bridge Road for approximately 5 hours when high winds brought down a tree and wires. Mon, 27 Feb 2012 04:54:41 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=96 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=95 16:45 hrs: Company 7, Rescue-Engine 6 (Monarch), and M680 (Southern Berks) were dispatched to the intersection of Rt. 724 & River Bridge Rd for a reported vehicle accident with possible entrapment. Lt 6-1 arrived first and reported no entrapment; however, there multiple injuries. Additional ambulance were requested to the scene. Crews from Rescue 7 assisted EMS with packaging patients. Fire Police from companies 7, 6 (Monarch), 49 (Amity), & Chester County 64 (Norco) directed traffic while the accident was cleaned up. Mon, 27 Feb 2012 04:54:58 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=95 http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=90 05:20 Hrs: Tower 7 was dispatched to assist Co 6 (Monarch) & 49 (Amity) with a tractor trailer accident with entrapment. The tractor had left the road causing it to roll down an embankment of approximately 25 feet. Tower 7 arrived and crews cohesively with 6 & 49's crew to extricated the patient, who was transported to Reading Hospital. The roadway was closed for several hours while crews removed the wreckage. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:36:33 GMT http://www.bufd7.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=90