The At Work Archives

The At Work Archives contains archives of The WFD At Work for a period of at least one calendar year. The bottom of this webpage also features stories of major incidents that the Windber Fire Department has responded to.

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | Past Major Incidents

Engine Transfer

September 22 - At 1804 hours, Engine 611-1 was dispatched to stand by at the Alum Bank fire station. The engine stood by without handling any additional calls and returned to Windber at 2056 hours.

Fire Alarm & Vehicle Overturned

September 21 - The WFD's first call of the day was a vehicle accident with rollover on Shady Lane in Paint Township at 0043 hours. Engine 611-1 responded and found one car on its roof with the driver self-extricated. The engine crew provided lighting, checked for hazards and cleared debris before returning to service at 0143 hours. Then at 1750 hours, units were dispatched to a commercial fire alarm on Pomroys Drive; Truck 611 and Chief 611 investigated the alarm and were in service at 1806 hours.

Kids Day America™

September 20 - Starting at noon, the WFD hosted Kids Day America. The four hour event was sponsored by Dr Jason Zablotney from the Windber Chiropractic Clinic and is dedicated to children's health, safety, and environmental awareness. Kids Day featured health screenings, spiderman, facepainting, clowns, a magic show, a gymnastics show, a police K9 demonstration, police fingerprinting, fire apparatus displays, safety handouts, games and much more.

For a short time during Kids Day, Squad 611, Deputy 611, and Captain Stiffler handled a traffic control detail for a motorcycle run near the Bunker Inn.

Below are some pictures of the work detail held to clean up the firehouse in preparation for the Kids' Day America event.

Minor Accident

September 12 - In the mid-afternoon hours, the WFD was dispatched to a vehicle accident with injuries at Jefferson Avenue & 8^th Street after EMS found the accident in our first due (EMS was responding to the incident which was originally reported as being in neighboring fire district 616). Engine 611-1 arrived to find a single vehicle involved with no injuries. The engine crew checked for hazards and assisted Squad 611 with traffic control for a short time until the vehicle was removed from traffic lanes.

Three Calls For The Day

September 10 - At 0926 hours, the WFD was sent back to the scene of the Louella Drive structure fire after the lone standing wall fell onto hot embers and ignited. Engine 611-1's crew extinguished the rekindle and returned to service at 1030 hours. Note: The smoking tree in the left picture was struck by lightning and was hollowed out by the resulting fire which also spread to the vacant house.

A blast from the past,
Engineer Mark Moore

Then, at 1436, the WFD was dispatched to assist police with cleanup of paint thinner that was spilled onto the Westbound lanes of Route 56 just west of 21^st Street. Fire police arrived on scene first and cancelled Squad 611 because a road construction crew was handling the cleanup. A short time later, units were dispatched at 1455 hours for a flue fire on Church Drive in Paint Township. Truck 611 arrived to find normal conditions at a two-story single family house. Upon investigation, the homeowner thought he had a flue fire when he fired up his furnace and thick black smoke poured from the chimney. Truck 611 cleared at 1517 hours.

Standby & First Due Structure Fire

September 9 - The day started at 0443 hours when Engine 611-1 was dispatched to transfer to Richland Township's headquarters fire station for standby while they were operating at a structure fire. Engine 611-1 returned an hour later.

A half hour later, the WFD was dispatched to an unknown type fire on Louella Drive in Paint Township. Police arrived first to report a working structure fire in an abandoned two-story house. At that time, Engine 611-1 had the first alarm assignment dispatched. Since the structure was abandoned and with fire coming from the roof and a window on side bravo upon Engine 611-1's arrival, the engine crew began an exterior attack with a 2½" attack line.

Truck 611 arrived next and provided its water to Engine 611-1 which was able to knock down most of the fire until running out of water (nearest hydrant was nearly one mile away). Engine 616-1 established a fill site at a pond a ½ mile away for a tanker shuttle. Once the shuttle was established and mutual aid companies arrived, additional attack lines were pulled. Unfortunately, due to the lack of a nearby water source, the structure was a total loss. Crews remained on scene for nearly six hours and dumped approximately 20,000 gallons of water. All 611 units returned to service at 1145 hours.

Minor Vehicle Accident

September 8 - At 1256 hours, units were dispatched to a vehicle accident at Somerset Avenue & 7^th Street. Engine 611-1 and Squad 611 responded and arrived to find two vehicles involved with everyone out of the vehicles. Crews secured the vehicles and checked for hazards before returning to service at 1308 hours.

20^th Annual Dog Run

September 5 & 6 - This weekend, thousands of motorcyclists were in Windber for the 20^th Annual Windber Dog Run. The annual charity motorcycle ride features an Early Registration Party on Friday evening in the downtown area of Windber and the Dog Run Party at the Windber Recreation Park on Saturday night following the motorcycle ride. Visit the Dog Run website for more information on this event.

During Friday evening, Windber firefighters operated one of the two pubs for the pre-registration party. On Saturday, Truck 611 and Central City FD's Truck 626 formed an arch with their aerial ladders (with the American flag waving below) for the motorcyclists to ride underneath while Engine 611-1 and Squad 611 assisted police and fire police with traffic control for the ride. Engine 611-1 then stood by at the dog run party's fireworks display from 2115 hours until 2250 hours.

WFD Assists With Fire Drill

September 5 - At 0950 hours, Engine 611-1's crew assisted a Windber personal care home with conducting a fire drill.

Traffic Control for 5K Race & Fun Walk

August 30 - For 1½ hours, starting at 0830 hours, fire police and crews from Engine 611-1, Squad 611, and Chief 611 provided traffic control assistance for the 8^th Annual HealthStyles 5K Race and 1.5 Mile Fun Walk that was held this morning.

Fire Alarm & Vehicle Accident

August 28 - At 0746 hours, Truck 611 and Lieutenant Cominsky responded to a fire alarm at a Pomroys Drive business. The truck company returned to service at 0809 hours after investigating the alarm. Then, at 2208 hours, units were dispatched to a vehicle accident on Graham Avenue in Paint Township. Engine 611-1, Squad 611, and Deputy 611 responded. All 611 units were back in service at 2245 hours.

Reminder: School Starts August 27^th

The WFD and Windber Area School District would like to remind everyone that school starts August 27^th. Please drive safely and watch out for students and school buses.

For The Fallen, Fourth Annual Event

August 16 - Windber firefighters spent most of the day helping out with For The Fallen's Fourth Annual Event, including Engine 611-1 and Squad 611 escorting the motorcycle run out of town. This year's event was held at the Windber Community Building's parking lot. For the Fallen was started to remember our loved ones who have passed away. It is a day of celebration. It is a day to share stories about those who have touched your lives. All proceeds generated by the event are donated to local charities. The WFD is proud to be a part of and help out with this event.

Vehicle Accident with Entrapment

August 14 - Units were dispatched at 1115 hours to a vehicle accident with injury on Route 56 at 12^th Street. Police arrived first and requested Station 616 (Scalp Level-Paint FD) to shut down the eastbound lanes of Route 56 at the Scalp Level-Paint exit. Chief 611 and Engine 611-1 arrived and was informed by EMS Deputy 655 that a door would need removed to extricate one of the patients. Engine 611-1 then secured both vehicles and began using hydraulic rescue tools to remove the door, with assistance from Squad 611's crew. Upon removal of the door, crews then assisted EMS with packaging and extricating the patient. Crews also used absorbents to contain multiple fluid leaks from both vehicles and performed traffic control until the vehicles were towed and the roadway cleared of debris. All 611 units were back in service at 1152 hours.

Later in the evening (2025 hours) units were dispatched to another vehicle accident on Route 56; this time at the intersection with Route 160. Engine 611-1 arrived to find two vehicles involved. The engine crew stabilized the vehicles, checked for hazards, and cleared debris from the roadway. All 611 units returned to service at 2049 hours.

Commerical Building Fire

August 13 - At 1605 hours, units were dispatched to a Windber shopping center for smoke in a grocery store. Chief 611 arrived first to find an odor of smoke in the store, smoke in a rear breakroom, and heavy smoke in a restroom. Truck 611 was then assigned to split its crew to locate/extinguish the fire and evacuate the store along with EMS and police. A first alarm assignment was also requested at this time.

Truck 611 was repositioned to the rear and an attack line was stretched inside a rear door that was forced open by the truck crew. Engine 616-1 was assigned to stage at a nearby hydrant and send its crew to the scene to assist with ventilation. The truck crew found a smoldering fire in the wall of the restroom near an exhaust fan. Based on this finding, the remainder of the first alarm units were cancelled. Power was shutoff and the exhaust fan was removed to allow extinguishment of the fire with a water fire extinguisher. During overhual, the truck company opened up the wall with a saw to find only minor extension. All units were back in service at 1710 hours.

Busy Daylight for WFD

August 12 - Starting at 0826 hours, the WFD was dispatched to the Camp Drive railroad underpass for a vehicle accident; Engine 611-1 was cancelled by police prior to arrival. Engine 611-1 then handled a tree down on Camp Drive at 0857 hours, returning to service at 0911 after removing the tree from the roadway. Then at 0936 hours, Engine 611-1 responded to Spruce Street for a medical assist. The last call was at 1135 hours, when units were dispatched for a propane cylinder leaking outside of a Jackson Avenue residence. Engine 611-1 responded to find that the homeowner had clipped a propane line going into the house and had already clamped the line and shut the cylinder off. Engine 611-1 was back in service at 1149 hours.

Electrical Odor Investigated

August 11 - Just before midnight, at 2352 hours, units were dispatched to a Jackson Avenue apartment building for an odor of something electrical burning inside. Chief 611 arrived and assigned Truck 611 to begin investigating while Engine 616-1 was assigned to stage at a nearby hydrant. The truck company shut off power to the apartments and found no fire or overheated electrical components during their investigation. The occupants were advised to stay elsewhere overnight until an electrician can check the building in the morning. All units were back in service at 0126 hours.

On a side note, the WFD provided several smoke detectors to the tenants since several apartments did not have a smoke detector.

Early Morning Commercial Fire Alarm

August 10 - At 0320 hours, units were dispatched to a fire alarm at a Pomroys Drive business. Multiple zones were activated upon arrival of Chief 611, Truck 611, and Engine 616-1. The truck company checked the building's interior areas while the engine company checked the offices. No fire or smoke conditions were found by either crew. All units were back in service at 0347 hours. A special thanks to the Scalp Level-Paint FD for helping to ensure coverage of our fire district while many of our members attended the wedding of WFD firefighter Jaime Bloom.

Congratulations Jaime & Heather

August 9 - The WFD would like to congratulate Jaime Bloom and Heather Penrod. They were married today and the department wishes them a long and happy life together.

Engine 611-1 Escorts Mooseheart Kids

August 8 - At 1700 hours, Engine 611-1 participated in an escort of six children from the Mooseheart Child City & School that were in Somerset County as part of a state tour. After escorting the children to the Windber Moose Lodge, the children got to take a look at the engine and its equipment before attending a dinner at the Moose Lodge.

Located west of Chicago, Mooseheart Child City and School is a residential childcare facility that cares for children and teens, from infancy through high school, whose families are unable, for a wide variety of reasons, to care for them.

Training: Rescue/Engine Equipment

August 6 - Tonight's training session went over the layout and operation of the various engine and rescue company equipment carried on Engine 611-1.

Accident with Entrapment

August 4 - At 1254 hours, units were dispatched to a vehicle accident on Route 56 near Route 160. Police arrived to find two vehicles involved in a "t-bone" collision at the intersection of Route 56 and Hillside Drive. Crews found a total of three patients with one entrapped and requested two additional ambulances. Engine 611-1's crew secured the vehicles and used the Hurst™ o-cutters and Maverick™ combination tool to remove the driver's side door. Engine 611-1's crew then assisted EMS with packaging and extricating the patient from the vehicle. Engine 611-1 returned to service at 1329 hours after all patients were transported to local hospitals and both vehicles were towed.

Busy Day for WFD

August 3 - The first call of the day was a vehicle accident with one injury on Route 56 at 24^th Street. Chief 611 responded to establish command. Engine 611-1 checked for hazards, secured the vehicles, and cleared debris before returning to service at 1042 hours. The second call was a medical assist at 1539 hours on Veil Avenue; the 19 minute call was handled by Engine 611-1 and Captain Cicon. The final call was at 1909 hours for a washdown that was handled by Engine 611-1 near the Windber Community Building on Graham Avenue; the engine was in service nine minutes later.

Another Fire Alarm at the Hospital & Some More Training

July 23 - Units were dispatched to another fire alarm at Windber Medical Center in the mid-afternoon hours. Engine 611-1 and Assistant 611 responded to investigate and returned to service a short time later after investigating the cause. Later in the evening hours, while the truck company was training on roof ventilation in Paint Township, Squad 611 responded to a reported wire down on 7^th Street.

Vehicle Accident at Pomroys Corner

July 22 - At 1355 hours, units were dispatched to a vehicle accident at the intersection of Horn Road & Pomroys Drive. Engine 611-1 responded and upon arrival, found two vehicles involved in a t-bone collision. The engine crew checked for hazards before returning to service at 1421 hours. One patient was transported to a local hospital by ambulance.

Fire Alarm At Hospital

July 21 - Today, units were dispatched to a fire alarm at Windber Medical Center. Truck 611 and Squad 611 responded and upon investigation, found the cause was a faulty pull station.

Search Detail for Missing Person

July 20 - Firefighters from Windber and Central City and police from Paint and Shade Townships were dispatched to a wooded area off of Route 160 near Hillsboro Road to search for a missing person at 1829 hours. Engine 611-1, Squad 611, Chief 611, and Deputy 611 responded along with crews from the other mentioned agencies. All units returned to service at 2135 hours after the missing person was found by a civilian.

Commercial Fire Alarm

July 19 - Just after 2100 hours, units were dispatched to a Pomroys Drive business for a fire alarm. Truck 611 and Engine 611-1 responded to investigate and determined the cause was a faulty detector. Both units were back in service at 2141 hours.

Three Calls & Some Training

July 16 - The first of our three calls was during the late morning hours for a report of wires down on Club Drive in Adams Township; Engine 611-1 was cancelled prior to response. A short time later, Engine 611-1 was dispatched to assist Alum Bank Community FD with a truck overturned on Route 56 at Peggy Westover Curve; Engine 611-1 was released upon arrival by Deputy 38 as there were no hazards or injuries on scene. Then at 1500 hours, Engine 611-1's crew assisted Paint Township Police with a search detail for just over 1½ hours. Windber firefighters finished the day by spending the evening training on vehicle stabilization procedures and general vehicle rescue operations.

Accident with Entrapment & 2 Ejected

July 13 - Units were dispatched at 1733 hours to a vehicle accident with a person ejected and possible entrapment on Route 160. Assistant 611 arrived to find the two-car accident just south of the "Pocahontas" section of Paint Township. Crews found a total of five injuries on scene, with one entrapped, and two that were ejected. Rescue 626 arrived next and was assigned to begin stabilization and disentanglement operations. Engine 611-1's crew was split to begin patient care (since the nearest ambulances were coming from Stoystown and Richland), hazard control, and assist with stabilization and disentanglement operations. Squad 611 and Truck 626 assist the engine and rescue companies while Engine 626 assisted with hazard control before leaving to set up a medevac helicopter landing zone. Extrication was completed at 1747 hours. After all patients were transported to local hospitals, the WFD remained on scene while police conducted their investigation. Once the vehicles were towed, the road was cleared of debris and the fire department returned to service at 1938 hours.

Tractor Trailer Accident on Route 56

July 9 - At 0852 hours, units were dispatched to a vehicle accident on Route 56 just east of 24^th Street. Engine 611-1 arrived to find an eastbound tractor trailer had gotten a flat tire crossed over the median, struck a sign, and came to rest against the guiderail. The engine crew found no hazards, cleared debris from the roadway, and returned to service at 0943 hours after the truck was removed.

Rains Put A Damper On Annual Fourth of July Celebration

July 3-6 - Rains put a damper on the events and attendance at our Annual Fourth of July Celebration, including a shortened parade route on Friday evening. Despite the poor weather and low attendance, Windber firefighters and the Windber Fire Ladies Auxiliary worked long and hard hours during the four-day festival, which featured a 50/50 motorcycle ride on Saturday, a car cruise-in on Sunday, and live bands each night. Though this festival requires lots of manhours to set up and operate, it is one of our most important community events and raises much needed funds for fire department operations. We would like to thank all those who braved the rains to attend and help the Windber Fire Department continue to raise funds to protect the community.

Minor Vehicle Accident Starts July

July 3 - While several firefighters were working on preparations at the firehouse for the Annual Fourth of July Celebration, units were dispatched at 1017 hours to a vehicle accident with injuries on 12^th Street. Deputy 611 arrived to find two vehicles involved with minor damage to both. Engine 611-1's crew was assigned to check for hazards and clean up debris while Engine 611-2 was cancelled prior to arrival. Engine 611-1 was back in service a short time later. EMS transported one patient to a local hospital.

June 27-28 - Windber firefighters spent two days operating the pub at Windber Rumbles. This was Windber's first year hosting an event that was part of the Thunder In The Valley motorcyle rally. Windber Rumbles featured the Starboyz motorcycle stunt group, Budweiser Clydesdales, vendors, and live bands.

Busy Afternoon With Four Calls

June 27 - The WFD had a busy day responding to four incidents. The first was a vehicle accident on Railroad Street at 1230 hours; Engine 611-1, Squad 611, and Chief 611 responded and were back in service within 11 minutes. At 1325 hours, Engine 611-1 was dispatched to standby for the Richland Township Fire Dept while they operated at a vehicle accident with entrapment. The WFD finished the afternoon with two back-to-back fire alarms; the first at Windber Area High School/Middle School and the second at Windber Medical Center. Engine 611-2 and Truck 611 responded to investigate both fire alarms.

Work Night

June 25 - This week's training/work night started the nearly week-long cleaning and preparation for the WFD's Annual Fourth of July Celebration.

Training: Ground Ladders & Truck Company Equipment

June 19 - Tonight's training session went over the layout and operation of Truck 611's equipment. The WFD's newer members were also taught how to utilize ground ladders.

Minor Head-On Vehicle Accident

June 14 - Units were dispatched at 1549 hours for a vehicle accident, two vehicles head-on, on Route 56 at Spruce Street in Paint Township. Assistant 611 arrived first to find both vehicles on Spruce Street with one of the cars against a garage. Engine 611-1's crew arrived to check for hazards, clean debris off the road, and assist EMS with patient refusals. Chief 611 and Squad 611 assisted the engine crew. All 611 units were back in service after only 18 minutes.

Miners Memorial Day Weekend

June 13-15 - The Miners' Memorial Day Weekend festival was held this weekend on Graham Avenue in the downtown area. The festival honors all the miners who work/have worked in the many mines in the Windber area. Windber firefighters participated in the parade Saturday, displayed some of our fleet on Graham Avenue following the parade, and sold beverages during the evenings of the event.

"New" Website Unveiled

June 13 - Welcome to the Windber Fire Department's new and updated website. As with the "old" site, there is a vast amount of information about the WFD as well as stories about incident responses and other department activities. The purpose is still the same: "to provide you with up-to-date information about what the WFD does and what it is all about". Please keep in mind that some portions of the website may not be fully operational as not all pages/sections have been uploaded yet. Check back often!

Major Spill of Home Heating Fuel

June 8 - At 0527 hours, units were dispatched for a spill of home heating fuel at a Pomroys Drive residence. Assistant 611 and Squad 611 arrived to find that approximately 180 gallons of home heating fuel spilled. The spill had made its way into a small stream behind the residence with traces of oil found over one mile downstream. The Somerset County Hazmat Response Team (HMRT) assisted with personnel and materials to mitigate the spill. Engine 611-2 and the Duty Officer also responded later with additional personnel while Central City's Engine 626 stood by in Station 611 to handle any additional calls in our fire district. The WFD returned to service 1221 hours.

The WFD would like to thank the Somerset County HMRT for their assistance and the Windber Fire Ladies Auxiliary for providing food and drinks for firefighter rehab.

Three Calls For The Day

June 7 - The WFD's day started at 0340 hours when Truck 611, Deputy 611, and Assistant 611 assisted police with forcible entry at an 11^th Street residence. Then, at 1610 hours, units were dispatched to a residential fire alarm on Mount Carmel Drive in Ogle Township; Engine 611-1 was cancelled while Chief 611 responded in for the report after the alarm company reported the alarm was accidental.

Finally, at 2140 hours, Engine 611-1 and Chief 611 responded to assist police with fluids on the road from a motorcycle accident. Police came upon the motorcycle accident after calling off the pursuit of the motorcycle. Engine 611-1's crew placed absorbent material on oil that was on the road before returning to service at 2215 hours; Squad 611 was cancelled shortly after its response.

Seanor Structure Fire

June 6 - At 1559 hours, Engine 611-1 was dispatched in place of another engine for a structure fire on 1^st Street in Paint Township's Village of Seanor. Engine 611-1 was the fourth-arriving engine company and was instructed to stage at Main Street & Seanor Road and send our crew (which was fully-staffed) up the dirt lane (1^st Street). Our crew stood by near the mobile home while the other engine companies checked for fire extension; Engine 611-1 was released at 1627 hours.

Towers Fire Drill & Vehicle Accident With No Injuries

June 5 - The WFD was dispatched at 1218 hours to assist the police with a vehicle accident no injury at the Jefferson Avenue/12^th Street intersection. Engine 611-1 and Squad 611 responded and arrived to clear some debris from the roadway and place absorbent material on a small oil spill that resulted from the accident. Both units were back in service at 1303 hours.

Later, Windber firefighters spent the evening hours conducting a fire drill for the staff and residents at the Quemahoning Towers.

Fire Alarm Starts New Month

June 4 - At 2037 hours, units were dispatched for a commercial fire alarm on Pomroys Drive in Windber Borough. Truck 611, Engine 611-1, Assistant 611, and Lieutenant Weaver all responded to investigate the alarm.

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Fire Alarm Interrupts Meeting

May 13 - While several Windber firefighters were in a ways & means meeting, units were dispatched to a fire alarm at Quemahoning Tower. Truck 611, Engine 611-1, and the Duty Officer (Deputy 611) responded and arrived to find a slight haze inside a 5^th floor apartment resulting from cooking. The engine company then assisted the truck company with ventilation before both companies returned to service at 1921 hours.

Two Trees Down

May 11 - The Squads (the Squad and Duty Officer Unit) responded to two trees down today; the first was on Camp Drive at 1223 hours and the second was on Hagevo Road at 2040 hours. Deputy 611 also responded on the first and Chief 611 on the second.

Cancelled & An Unattended Burn

May 3 - At 0752 hours, Deputy 611 responded to assist PA State Police with a search detail in Ogle Township but was cancelled shortly thereafter. Later in the day, Engine 611-2 responded to a reported brush fire on Park Avenue; the engine company arrived to find an unattended controlled burn.

Engine Assists Adams Township

April 24 - Engine 611-1 was dispatched at 1035 hours to assist Adams Township with a structure fire on Track Lane. The engine crew assisted Engine 84-2 with establishing a water supply; the engine was back in service at 1101 hours.

Early Start To Day

April 19 - Windber firefighters were awoken early to assist the Scalp Level-Paint Fire Department with a vehicle accident with entrapment, vehicle into structure on Main Street at 0204 hours. Engine 611-1 and Squad 611 both responded but were cancelled prior to arrival after Command 616 arrived to find no entrapment.

Squad 611 then spent the day (12 hours) assisting with battling a forest fire in southern Somerset County near Fairhope. Meanwhile, at 1536 hours, Engine 611-1 and Engine 611-2 responded to a brush fire on Camp Drive after a pile of leaves being burned by a property owner spread due to winds. Crews arrived to find less than one acre burning. The fire was extinguished in 8 minutes and crews then cut fire lines and hose down the area.

Tractor Trailer Overturns & More Brush Fires

April 18 - Engine 611-1 was dispatched at 0818 hours to assist Alum Bank Fire Department with a tractor trailer overturned on Route 56 at Peggy Westover Curve. Engine 611-1 arrived on scene to find Engine/Rescue 38's crew working to contain and stop a major hydraulic fluid leak. Squads from both departments arrived shortly thereafter to assist in cleaning up the spill. WFD units were released within an hour as there were no other hazards and no injury to the driver.

Then at 1804 hours, the WFD was dispatched to a brush fire on Clear Shade Drive (Route 56). Assistant 611 arrived to find approximately one acre burning. Engine 611-1 provided a water supply to Engine 611-2 while crews from the engines and Squad 611 contained and extinguished the fire. This fire resulted from winds spreading a controlled burn. All 611 units were back in service at 1853 hours.

The second brush fire was at 2023 hours, when the WFD was dispatched to Stadium Terrace. Assistant 611 arrived to find a small fire that was then quickly extinguished by crews from Engine 611-1 and Engine 611-2. All 611 units were back in service at 2047 hours.

Brush & Rubbish Fires

April 17 - At 1722 hours, the WFD was dispatched to a brush fire on Summit Drive in Ogle Township after a controlled burn spread due to winds. The property owner was able to extinguish the fire prior to arrival of the fire department. Crews from Engine 611-1, Engine 611-2, and Squad 611 hosed down the area and extinguish hot spots. The WFD was back in service in 30 minutes.

The WFD was later called to a rubbish fire on Stadium Terrace at 2145 hours. Engine 611-1, Squad 611, Deputy 611, and Chief 611 responded to find that the fire was already out prior to arrival of the fire department and the scene was turned over to police for investigation. All 611 units were back in service at 2158 hours.

Car vs. Motorcycle

April 11 - Units were dispatched to a vehicle accident in the 1100 block of Graham Avenue at 1121 hours. Engine 611-1, Safety Officer, and Duty Officer (Chief 611) arrived to find a single patient on a motorcycle that was struck by a car. The engine company provided patient care to the motorcycle operator until an ambulance arrived while Squad 611 assisted fire police with traffic control. All 611 units were in service at 1146 hours.

Brush Fire & Controlled Burn Extinguished

April 10 - At 1458 hours, units were dispatched to a brush fire on Statler Road. Crews from Engine 611-1 and Engine 611-2 cut fire lines around the perimeter of the fire to contain it and then worked to extinguish the fire. Both engines were back in service within a half hour.

Then at 2159 hours, the WFD was asked to extinguish a controlled burn at an Arrow Road farm. The fire was flaring up due to winds and was causing a hazard to a nearby barn. Engine 611-1, Squad 611, the Duty Officer (Chief 611), and a Lieutenant responded. This detail was completed at 2305 hours.

Cub Scouts Visit Firehouse

April 7 - This evening the Cub Scouts visited the firehouse to complete a first aid course in order to earn their first aid badges.

Vehicle Accident

April 6 - Units were dispatched to a vehicle accident on Camp Drive at 1337 hours. First-arriving units found a single vehicle into the railroad trestle with the patient already out of the vehicle. Engine 611-1 secured the vehicle and checked for hazards before being released. Fire Police remained on scene for traffic control until the vehicle was towed. Squad 611, Deputy 611, and Assistant 611 also responded. All 611 units were back in service at 1430 hours.

Engine Responds As Rapid Intervention Crew

April 4 - A first alarm was dispatched at 1720 hours for a structure fire on Childers Lane in Stonycreek Township (Somerset County). Engine 611-1 responded with the rapid intervention crew. Upon arrival, Engine 611-1 was assigned to check for fire extension as other crews already had the fire extinguished. Engine 611-1 returned to service at 1804 hours.

Meanwhile, a crew that remained at Station 611 conducted a training session on water supply for some of the probationary and junior firefighters while several others members traveled to Cambria County Fire School for a class on sprinklers and standpipes, carbon monoxide responses, and structural collapse awareness. Also, during the weekend of April 5^th & 6^th, a WFD firefighter attended an incident safety officer course.

Engine Assists At Multiple Fires in Richland

April 3 - At 2057 hours, Engine 611-1 was dispatched on the second alarm to assist Richland Township with multiple fires on Collegiate Drive. A problem with underground electrical lines in that area started fires involving natural gas meters at several residences. Engine 611-1 and Deputy 611 was assigned to check a residence for any electrical problems or natural gas leaks. With no problems/leaks found, the engine company was sent to a staging area until it was released at 2305 hours. While the engine was at this incident, a crew was in station to handle additional calls.

Three Calls to Start April

April 2 - The first of three calls was a water flow alarm at the Windber Research Institute at 0908 hours; Truck 611's crew determined it was a problem with the sprinkler system (no actual water flow). All units were in service at 0925 hours.

The second call was at 1607 hours for a brush fire off of Garden Drive behind Feathers Trailer Park. Assistant 611 arrived to find approximately ¼ acre burning with bystanders having most of the fire extinguished. Engine 611-1 completed extinguishment and mopup; all units were back in service at 1645 hours.

Finally, at 1759 hours, a first alarm assignment was dispatched for a structure fire across from the Windber Police station. Truck 611 and Engine 611-1 responded immediately with crews that were in station for a meeting. Assistant 611 arrived first and reported workers tarring the roof of a Midway Drive apartment building caught part of the roof on fire. The truck crew went to the roof and determined the fire was extinguished by the roofers while the engine company checked for extension in the attic. All other units were cancelled and all 611 units were back in service at 1821 hours; Squad 611 also responded.

Flue Fire

March 28 - A first alarm assignment was dispatched at 1558 hours for a possible structure fire near the intersection of Jackson Avenue and 12^th Street. Assistant 611, Deputy 611, and Truck 611 arrived to find a moderate amount of smoke coming from the chimney of a 12^th residence. All other units were cancelled after Truck 611's crew entered to find no fire inside the residence. Truck 611's crew laddered the structure and split its crew for roof and interior operations. Engine 611-1 was then brought to the scene nonemergency to provide additional manpower for operations. The roof crew found a small fire in a difficult to reach portion of the flue and extinguished it while the interior crews cleaned out the fire box and checked for fire extension. All 611 units were back in service at 1718 hours.

Minor Accident With Lots of Debris

March 25 - At 1620 hours, EMS requested the fire department to assist with a minor vehicle accident on Graham Avenue at 5^th Street. Engine 611-1 found three cars involved with the vehicles and a large amount of debris on the roadway. The engine crew checked for hazards and cleared the debris before returning to service after the vehicles were towed.

Mutual Aid Flu Fire

March 24 - At 1925 hours, Engine 611-1 was dispatched to assist the Central City Fire Department with a flue fire on 6^th Street in Cairnbrook, Shade Township. The engine crew assisted with ventilation before returning to service at 2058 hours.

Fire Alarm & Visit From Easter Bunny

March 23 - At 1024 hours, units were dispatched to a fire alarm at a Pomroys Drive business. Assistant 611, Truck 611, and Engine 611-1 responded. All 611 units were back in service at 1035 hours. The WFD also received a special visit today from the Easter Bunny.

Vehicle Accident Near Ranger Station

March 22 - Units were dispatched to a vehicle accident on Route 56 near the Ranger Station at 0930 hours. Engine 611-1, Squad 611, and Deputy 611 arrived to find one vehicle off the roadway with the PA State Police on scene. The engine crew checked the vehicle for hazards for being released. Squad 611 assisted fire police with traffic control until the vehicle was towed. All 611 units were in service at 1005 hours.

Truck Assists Coal Heritage Center

March 21 - Truck 611 spent 25 minutes this morning assisting the Windber Coal Heritage Center. The truck company used the aerial device to take down a banner from the outside of their building that was torn by high winds.

Vehicle Down Over Embankment

March 16 - At 2318 hours, units were dispatched to a vehicle accident with entrapment on Centennial Drive ½ mile before the county line. Crews arrived to find a single car overturned down over an embankment. The driver was found uninjured at work several miles away. Assistant 611 and Squad 611 remained on scene for traffic control, while the duty officer and Engine 611-1 returned to service. All 611 units were in service at 0227 hours.

Engine Assists Adams Township

March 15 - Just after 0800 hours, Engine 611-1 was dispatched to assist Adams Township with a smoke in a structure on Delfire Road. A 611 Safety Officer arrived on scene first to find a blocked flue and a light haze of smoke inside. Engine 611-1 was the second-arriving engine and initially staged on the "hard road". After a short time, Engine 611-1 and Engine 84-2 were assigned to proceed back to the residence while Engine 3-2 remained on the hard road for a potential water supply. However, prior to making it all the way to the residence, all units were cancelled by command except for the Adams Township companies and Truck 3-1.

First Due Commercial Structure Fire

March 12 - At 2135 hours, the WFD was dispatched to a Graham Avenue commercial building for an electrical fire that was discovered by police. Shortly after the initial dispatch, the call was upgraded to a first alarm assignment since the fire had already spread into the vacant two-story building.

Assistant 611 and Truck 611 arrived first and positioned in the rear alley where they found heavy smoke and visible fire. Engine 611-1 and Truck 3-1 positioned in front of the building, with Truck 3-1's aerial raised to the building's roof. Quint 616 was brought to the front of the building to ladder the neighboring building's roof and Engine 616-1 laid a supply line into the rear alley.

The fire was knocked down in 34 minutes and was contained to the Charlie/Delta portion of the building. Crews encountered near zero visibility and numerous obstacles (e.g., furniture, boxes, and other items) inside the building. To remove the smoke, crews opened up the roof and used positive pressure fans (fans were also used in a neighboring building). All 611 units were in service at 0141 hours.

Companies assisting included Scalp Level-Paint (engines, quint & air unit), Richland Twp (engine & truck), engines from Central City and Oakland/Lorain, and ambulances from Northern and East Hills. Good job done by all!!

Another Two Medical Assists

March 9 - Shortly after finishing cleanup from the School Road house fire, the WFD was dispatched on another call; Squad 611, Deputy 611, and Assistant 611 responded immediately to assist EMS at a cardiac arrest. Then, later in the morning at 1143 hours, Squad 611 responded on another medical assist.

Vehicle Accident & Structure Fire

March 8 - At 0338 hours, units were dispatched to a vehicle accident at the intersection of Ashtola Drive & Arrow Road in Paint Township. Engine 611-1, Squad 611, and Deputy 611 arrived to find a single vehicle that struck the bridge. Crews checked the vehicle for hazards, placed absorbent material on spilled fluids, and cleared debris from the roadway. All 611 units were in service at 0440 hours.

Much later in the day, the WFD was dispatched to assist the Central City Fire Department with a structure fire on School Road at 2336 hours. Engine 611-1 and Squad 611 responded to assist. Arriving crews found a fast-moving fire fed by very high winds; the fire started in a garage and quickly spread into an attached split-level house. 611's crews assisted with fire attack and overhaul operations. Numerous additional engines and tankers were requested to the scene due to the remote location and lack of readily available water supply. All 611 units were back in service at 0344 hours.

Three More Calls

March 5 - Squad 611 responded to a tree down on Ashtola Drive from 0816 to 0859 hours. Then at 1949 hours, units were dispatched to a vehicle accident on Route 56 "on the mountain". Chief 611 arrived to find a minor one-vehicle accident just east of the county line. Engine 611-1 set up traffic control at the county line while a Squad from Company 38 proceeded in to check for hazards and clear debris from the road. All 611 units were in service at 2054 hours. The third incident was a fire alarm at Shade High School at 2321 hours; Engine 611-1 was cancelled shortly after dispatch.

Electrical Odor Inside Business

March 2 - Units were dispatched to the Valley Dairy Restaurant on Graham Avenue at 0913 hours to investigate an odor of something electrical burning. Chief 611 arrived and began evacuating the restaurant after finding an odor of hot wires with the lights flickering on and off. Engine 611-1's crew began investigating and found several hot breakers on the first floor. Truck 611's crew was sent to the basement and shut down the main power. No fire or smoke was found. Management was advised to keep the restaurant closed until an electrical makes repairs.

After the SUV was rolled back onto its wheels and winched up to the road, a small fire erupted in the engine compartment. Squad 611's crew quickly extinguished the fire with extinguishers while Engine 611-1 (which was now back in service) responded to the scene. All 611 units were back in service at 0314 hours.

Another Vehicle Accident With Rollover

February 24 - Just after 2200 hours, units were dispatched to another vehicle accident, vehicle rolled over on Route 56, this time near Ed's O's Bar. Chief 611 arrived first to find an SUV overturned against a parked vehicle with the lone occupant walking around. Engine 611-1 checked for hazards and placed absorbent material on leaked fluids. Squad 611 performed traffic control. The driver was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Units remained on scene until the vehicle was removed by a towing service.

Fire Alarm At Hospital

February 19 - The WFD was dispatched at 0404 hours for a fire alarm at Windber Medical Center. Truck 611's crew investigated and found the cause was a malfunctioning detector head. Truck 611 was back in service 11 minutes after dispatch. Later in the day, Squad 611 responded on a medical assist at 1229 hours. The last incident of the day was at 1636 hours when Engine 611-1 and Squad 611 responded to a tree down on 9^th Street; both units were back in service at 1718 hours.

Back To Back Early Morning Calls

February 16 - The morning started at 0319 hours when units were dispatched to a vehicle accident with unknown injuries east of Ogletown on Route 56. Chief 611 found a car off the roadway on an embankment with nobody in or around the car. Engine 611-1 checked the car for hazards and the hillside for anyone who may have been in the vehicle. Chief 611 continued east on Route 56 to make sure there were no other accidents; Engine/Rescue 38 checked Route 56 west of Alum Bank. With no other accidents found and no services needed at the scene, units were returned to service at 0339 hours. Squad 611 and the Duty Officer also responded.

No sooner were the apparatus washed, the WFD was dispatched on another call at 0353 hours. This time it was an odor investigation at the Windber Sheetz. Truck 611, Engine 611-1, and Chief 611 responded immediately. Chief 611 was informed that they had some sort of gas odor inside with a slight mist. Truck 611's crew was sent inside to investigate with meters and found no odor present. Engine 611-1 initially staged at a hydrant before being brought to the scene to check the roof area for any odors or problems. The truck crew shut down two carbon dioxide tanks as a precaution until they could be check by maintenance personnel. Both crews then ventilated the store before returning to service at 0440 hours.

Two Lift Assists

February 15 - Squad 611 assisted with getting an invalid patient into a residence at 1422 hours and then assisted an EMS crew with lifting at 1616 hours.

Train Derailment

February 11 - The WFD was dispatched just after 1000 hours to a train derailment on the Norfolk Southern Railroad in the Mine 35 area of Windber. Engine 611-1 and Squad 611 arrived to find a locomotive derailed due to a damaged track. The remainder of the train was disconnected and moved out of town. With no leaks or hazards present, the fire department returned to service and the scene released to railroad personnel.

Safety Tip: Since the trains have started rolling through town again, PLEASE PAY ATTENTION AT THE RAILROAD CROSSINGS! There are no warning signals at the railroad crossings. Remember, the trains cannot stop suddenly and require a long distance to stop.

Vehicle Accident

February 10 - Units were dispatched at 1139 hours for a vehicle accident with injuries on Route 160 near the storage sheds in Paint Township. A Windber firefighter (who lives nearby) arrived on scene first and determined there was no need for the fire department. Assistant 611 assisted police with shutting down traffic at one end of the scene while Engine 611-1 returned to service.

Debris On Roadway & A Standby

February 6 - Squad 611 responded at 0622 hours to clear debris off of Route 160 approximately one mile south of Fluders; Squad 611 was back in service at 0640 hours. Then at 1133 hours, Windber firefighters stood by in station for just over two hours to cover additional incidents in the East Hills area while departments from that area battled a high rise fire at the Garden Terrace Apartments in Dale.

Another Rollover Vehicle Accident

February 4 - At 1615 hours, units were dispatched to Route 56 Eastbound just west of 12^th Street for a vehicle accident with a vehicle rolled over. Assistant 611 arrived first to find a minivan rolled over with the occupants out of the vehicle. Engine 611-1 and Squad 611 checked the vehicle for hazards and then assisted police with traffic control. All 611 units were in service at 1700 hours.

SUV Rolls Over

February 1 - At 1317 hours, units were dispatched to Route 56 in Ogletown for a rollover vehicle accident with unknown injuries. The Duty Officer (Deputy Maxwell) arrived first to find an SUV on its roof off the roadway with the lone occupant out of the vehicle already. Squad 611 diverted traffic onto Crescent Drive while Engine 611-1 proceeded into the scene to secure the vehicle and check for hazards. With no hazards present and the vehicle off the roadway, the fire department cleared at 1400 hours.

Early in the fire, two tankers (Richland Twp 3-1 and Central City 626) and an additional engine (Engine 82-1, Adams Twp #1/Dunlo) were requested to assist on scene. Engine 6-1, on a standby assignment at Station 611, was later called to the scene to assist with overhaul (checking for and exposing any hidden fire for extinguishment). Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the common attic and one side of the duplex; the other side suffered smoke and water damage.

A special thanks goes to Camtran for providing a transit bus to use for firefighter rehab. All units cleared the scene by 1034 hours; it took several more hours for 611's firefighters to finish servicing and restocking equipment onto the fire apparatus. The fire was ruled accidental.

Vehicle Accident on Graham Avenue

January 21 - The WFD was dispatched at 1341 hours to a Somerset Avenue business for a water line break inside the building. Assistant 611, Squad 611, and Engine 611-1 responded. Crews found a broken sprinkler head on the third floor due to freezing temperatures that caused water to flood lower floors. Crews shut off the water and performed some salvage work before returning to service at 1454 hours.

Possible Structure Fire

January 20 - At 0404 hours, a first alarm assignment was dispatched to a possible structure fire on Heritage Lane. Assistant 611 arrived with nothing showing from the outside. Engine 611-1 was staged with other first alarm apparatus on the "hard road". Squad 611's crew searched the house but found no fire and units were released shortly thereafter at 0429.

Vehicle Accident on Graham Avenue

January 11 - At 1704 hours, units were dispatched to a vehicle accident in the 2100 block of Graham Avenue when a minivan struck two parked vehicles. Engine 611-1 responded, checked for hazards, and cleared some debris. The engine cleared at 1730 once two of the vehicles were towed. Northern EMS transported the minivan's driver to a local hospital. Then at 2353 hours, Engine 611-1, Squad 611, and Deputy 611 responded on a medical assist on Stadium Terrace; crews cleared within a half hour.

Tree Down and Another Accident

January 9 - At 0816 hours, Squad 611 and the Duty Officer (Captain Stiffler) were dispatched to a tree down on Berkey Road. Squad 611 returned to service at 0840 hours after removing the downed tree.

Then at 1821 hours, Engine 611-1 and Assistant 611 responded to a two-vehicle accident at Route 56 & 24^th Street. The engine company secured the vehicles and cleared the road of debris. One patient was transported to a local hospital by Northern EMS.

First Vehicle Accident

January 6 - The WFD responded to the first accident of the year at 2148 hours. Two vehicles were involved in the accident in the 1300 block of Somerset Avenue. Engine 611-1, Squad 611, and Assistant 611 responded, checked for hazards and cleared debris after the vehicles were towed. All 611 units were in service at 2213 hours.

First Call of 2007

January 4 - Windber Fire Department's first call of the year was at 1040 hours for a vehicle accident at Berwick Road and Forest Hills Drive in Richland Township; Engine 611-1 was cancelled prior to response. The second call of day was medical assist on Grove Avenue at 2312 hours; Squad 611 and Deputy 611 responded and returned in service at 2330.

December 27 - At approximately 0730 hours, units were dispatched for a vehicle accident on Route 56 near the 17^th Street overpass, reportedly with a person trapped. Responding units encountered extremely icy roads that were not present a ½ hour earlier. Upon arrival, personnel found numerous accidents in a one mile stretch of Route 56 with several more occurring while on scene. Additional units were requested to assist with the accidents (Richland's Rescue 3-1 and several ambulances from East Hills) and to shut down the highway to prevent even more accidents (Station 616). A total of seven accidents occurred in this stretch with only one patient transported to a hospital. WFD units on scene included Engine 611-1, Squad 611, and Assistant 611.

Fire Alarm

December 26 - At 0444 hours, the WFD was dispatched for a fire alarm at a Pomroys Drive business. Truck 611 responded and after investigating, found a faulty detector head.

Another Odor Investigation

December 12 - Another call to the station resulted in Truck 611 and Assistant 611 responding at 1143 hours to investigate an odor of home heating fuel on Jackson Avenue. The truck crew checked several houses and the areas around them but found the odor had dissipated.

Two More Calls

December 6 - The WFD was dispatched to assist Richland Township with the rapid intervention crew on an electrical fire at Big Lots on Scalp Avenue at 0637 hours; 611 was held in quarters by command before being cancelled. Route 56 in Ogle Township due to wires down. Later, at 1312 hours, units were dispatched for a vehicle accident with unknown injury at the intersection of 12^th Street and Jefferson Avenue. Engine 611-1 and Assistant 611 responded; Squad 611 was held in station. The WFD cleared at 1330 hours.

Busy Day During Hunting Season

December 5 - The WFD was busy handling a total of 6 calls today. The first was a false activation. Truck 611, Chief 611, and Assistant 611 investigated an odor inside a 9^th Street residence at 1229 hours and were in service within ½ hour. Then at 1445 hours, Truck 611 and Assistant 611 responded on another odor investigation, this time at a Shady Lane residence; units cleared this incident at 1546 hours.

While units were on the Shady Lane incident, the WFD was dispatched to a flue fire with possible extension at a Camp Drive residence in Paint Township. Engine 611-1 and Squad 611 responded, with Truck 611 and Assistant 611 responding after completing the prior incident. With the possibility of fire extension, a full first alarm assignment was requested by responding units. Arriving crews found light smoke conditions in the house and a blocked flue. Crews checked for fire extension, unblocked the flue, and cleared the smoke prior to clearing the scene at 1606 hours. Later in the night, the WFD handled two medical assists.

Traffic Control For Wires Down

December 3 - Squad 611 and Chief 611 spent two hours in the late evening performing traffic control on Route 56 in Ogle Township due to wires down.

Engine Assists At Fire In Adams Township

December 2 - At 0936 hours, Engine 611-1 was dispatched to assist Adams Township with a commercial structure fire on Forest Hills Drive in Elton. Deputy 611 arrived with first-in units and found heavy fire conditions coming from an auto repair garage. Engine 611-1's crew stood by as the rapid intervention crew and returned to service at 1105 hours.

Two Calls, Truck Rollover and Brush Fire

December 1 - The first call came at 1401 hours, when the WFD was dispatched to assist the Alum Bank Fire Department with a tractor trailer rolled over on Route 56 at Peggy Westover Curve.

Shortly after Engine 611-1's return from the accident, the WFD was dispatched to a brush fire on Buffalo Road in Ogle Township. Squad 611 and Deputy 611 responded from the accident scene while the Duty Officer (Captain Cicon) remained there; Assistant 611 and both engines also responded. Central City's Tanker and a brush truck and engine from Richland Township were also requested to assist with fighting the brush fire.

November 22 - Thanksgiving was interrupted for the WFD's firefighters when units were dispatched to a vehicle fire at a 21^st Street business at 1014 hours. Deputy 611 arrived to find a minivan heavily involved in fire in the parking lot. Engine 611-1 arrived and began attacking the fire, with Truck 611 arriving shortly thereafter to assist the engine company. Squad 611 arrived several minutes later and worked to keep leaking fluids from entering the storm sewers. All units were in service at 1102 hours after the minivan was towed.

Food On Stove

November 21 - The WFD was dispatched at 1712 hours to a fire alarm at a Grove Avenue residence. Arriving units and had to ventilate the house after finding smoke conditions inside as the result of burnt food. Truck 611, Engine 611-1, Squad 611, Deputy 611, and the Safety Officer responded.

Odor Caused By Light Ballast

November 19 - At approximately 1645 hours, a call was recieved at the fire station reporting a strange odor inside a Jackson Avenue business. Truck 611, Squad 611, Chief 611 and Assistant 611 responded. Crews were able to trace the cause to a faulty light ballast; the light fixture was removed and the fire department cleared. Earlier in the day, Squad 611 and Chief 611 assisted the ambulance in Ogletown.

Forcible Entry & An Accident

November 18 - Truck 611 was dispatched at 0920 hours to assist EMS with forcing entry into a locked residence on a medical emergency. The truck crew assisted with the patient after gaining entry. Then at 1318 hours, Engine 611-1, Squad 611, and Assistant 611 responded to a vehicle accident on Railroad Street; all 611 units were back in service at 1442 hours.

Accident With Pole Sheared

November 17 - Units were dispatched to a vehicle accident on Dark Shade Drive near Hruska's at 0332 hours. Engine 611-1, Squad 611, and Chief 611 arrived to find a pickup truck involved with a utility pole sheared. Nobody was injured and the fire department secured the vehicle and scene and stood by until the truck was towed and Penelec arrived. All 611 units were in service at 0453 hours.

Two Mid-Day Calls

November 12 - The first of two mid-day calls was at 1255 hours for a vehicle accident on Route 56 at Deadman's Curve. Engine 611-1, Squad 611, Assistant 611, and Lieutenant 611 all responded. While at the accident, Engine 611-1 cleared the scene to respond to a fire alarm at a Pomroys Drive business.

Another Two Calls

November 10 - At 0913 hours, units were dispatched to Route 56 east of Deadman's Curve for a vehicle accident. Engine 611-1 and Squad 611 arrived to find a minivan had rolled multiple times before shearing a utility pole and coming to rest off the road. Crews secured the vehicle and scene and kept the road shut down until Verizon crews arrived to lift the pole and wires. The accident scene was cleared at 1239 hours.

Then during the evening hours (1917), the WFD was dispatched to the Arcadia Theatre for a fire alarm; Engine 611-1, Deputy 611, and the Duty Officer (Captain Cicon) investigated the alarm.

WFD Responds On Two Calls

November 9 - At 0415 hours, a first alarm assignment was dispatched for smoke in a structure at a Graham Avenue residence. The Duty Officer (Assistant 611) arrived first, with Engine 611-1 arriving minutes later. The engine crew found smoke conditions inside and determined the cause was a malfunctioning furnace. Truck 3-1 assisted Engine 611-1 with ventilating the residence. Engine 611-2 responded nonemergency with additional manpower and all other units were cancelled.

Later in the day, at 1445 hours, Squad 611 and Assistant 611 responded on a medical assist.

First Due Smoke In Structure

November 7 - While several crews were at the fire station, a first alarm assignment was dispatched for a possible house fire on 17^th Street (a block from the fire station). Within minutes, all WFD apparatus was on scene, along with Chief 611 and Deputy 611. Truck Company 611 found heavy smoke conditions on one side of a duplex but did not find any fire; the smoke was traced to a malfunctioning furnace. Engine Company 611 assisted with ventilation while all other units were cancelled. All 611 units were back in service within an hour. Great job by all 611 crews!

Engine Assists At Shade Township Fire

November 6 - At 1447 hours, Engine 611-1 was dispatched to assist the Central City Fire Department with a structure fire on School Road. Upon arrival, Engine 611-1's crew of four provided water to Tanker 626 and assisted with overhaul of a two-bay garage that was destroyed by fire. The engine was back in service at 1646 hours.

Vehicles Collide at Routes 56 & 160

November 5 - While Engine 611-1 (the department's primary rescue vehicle) was undergoing maintenance work, units were dispatched at 1015 hours to a vehicle accident at the intersection of Routes 56 & 160. Chief 611 arrived to find no injuries, debris on the road, and two vehicles involved (one of the vehicles was in opposing lanes of Route 56 some distance from the intersection). Engine 611-2 arrived, checked for hazards, and cleared the debris before returning to service after the vehicles were towed. The WFD was back in service within 25 minutes.

Minor Accident in the Borough

November 2 - At 1520 hours, Engine 611-1 and the three chiefs responded to a vehicle accident on Graham Avenue. Chief 611 arrived first to find a car versus a parked car with no injuries. Engine 611-1 arrived next and checked the involved vehicles for hazards. Crews assisted with keeping the roadway shut down until the tow trucks arrived.

October 27 - The annual Windber Halloween Parade, sponsored by the Windber Fire Department, was held today at 1300 hours. Following the parade down Graham Avenue, everyone gathered at the firehouse for the awarding of prizes for costumes and floats, and to have some cider and doughnuts. The Cub Scouts also held their annual Chili Cookoff inside the firehouse following the parade. The Windber Fire Department would like to thank all those in the community who helped make this annual event possible for the children to enjoy.

At approximately 1230 hours, units were dispatched to Route 56 at 24^th Street for a vehicle accident involving two vehicles. Deputy 611 arrived first to find a car struck the guiderail and a electrical control box for the traffic signals after striking a pickup truck. Engine 611-1 was cancelled and Squad 611 secured the scene until the car was towed. There were no injuries. Units were in service just in time for the start of the Halloween parade.

Fall Fun Fest & Elementary Halloween

October 26 - Windber firefighters spent the morning participating in Windber Area Elementary School's annual Fall Fun Fest at Windber Rec Park. Firefighters set up a rope rescue demonstration for the kids to experience. Then, in the early afternoon, the WFD assisted with the Halloween parade at the Windber Area Elementary School.

Two Assists in Richland Township

October 19 - At 1646 hours, the WFD was dispatched for the rapid intervention crew for a structure fire at Lowes Home Improvement Center in Richland Township. Engine 611-1 responded and, with the fire being out upon arrival, was assigned to assist with ventilation of the now smoke filled structure. Engine 611-1 was placed available a short time later to handle additional calls in Richland.

Then at 1720 hours, Engine 611-1 responded with Rescue 3-1 and Car 3-2 to a vehicle accident with injuries at Schoolhouse Road and Budfield Street. Car 3-2 arrived to find a single car into a tree and assigned the engine company to disconnect the vehicle's battery and check for hazards. Engine 611-1 was then placed in service at 1732 hours and returned home.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm

October 13 - The WFD was dispatched to a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm at a Graham Avenue residence at 1304 hours. Truck 611 and the Duty Officer (Deputy Maxwell) responded. The truck company evacuated the residents and after investigating with CO meters, determined the cause of the alarm was a faulty detector. Truck 611 was back in service at 1410 hours.

More Fire Prevention

October 12 - Windber firefighters spent a majority of the day at the Windber Area Elementary School teaching fire prevention classes to the students. Various fire safety tips were taught to the students and they got to see what a firefighter looks like with full protective clothing and breathing apparatus on. Engine 611-1 and Truck 611 were also on display for the students to view. Windber firefighters were at the school for almost five hours.

Later, at 1647 hours, Engine 611-1, Chief 611, and Deputy 611 assisted police with the extinguishment of a controlled burn on Railroad Street. Engine 611-1, Chief 611, and Deputy 611 responded at 1716 hours to a vehicle fire on Route 56 and were placed in service 15 minutes later.

Fire Prevention & Flue Fire

October 11 - Windber firefighters had a busy day today, including teaching two fire prevention classes at the Windber Library and responding to a flue fire and a public service detail. After teaching the kids various fire safety tips and showing what a firefighter looks like all geared up, the kids got to climb through Engine 611-1 and look at its various equipment. Classes were held at 1300 hours and also at 1830 hours.

At 1355 hours, the WFD received a telephone call reporting a flue fire at a 9^th Street residence. Chief 611 arrived first to report a working flue fire. Truck 611 split its crew for interior and roof operations. Squad 611 and several other officers arrived later and assisted the truck company. Crews were on scene for four hours working to extinguish the stubborn fire which was burning in a difficult to reach portion of the flue.

Finally, at approximately 2200 hours, Truck 611, Squad 611, and the 3 chiefs, responded to a public service detail on 9^th Street to check a residence for a hazardous condition. All 611 units returned to service two hours later.

Wires Down & A Search

October 4 - The WFD was dispatched for wires down on Railroad Street at 1341 hours. Squad 611 responded and found that the wires were electrical. The squad's crew secured the area and awaited Penelec's arrival. The squad was back in service at 1457 hours. Then, at 1610 hours, the WFD was dispatched to assist police with a search detail for a missing elementary student; the WFD was cancelled shortly after response as the child was quickly found on school property.

Brush Fire

October 3 - At 1349 hours, the WFD was dispatched to a brush fire at a church on Stockholm Avenue. Engine 611-1 and Engine 611-2 arrived on scene to find a working brush fire. Crews from both engines quickly extinguished the fire and were back in service by 1404 hours.

First Call of October

October 1 - The first call of the month was at 0508 hours for a medical assist on Hillside Avenue in Windber Boorugh; the Duty Officer (Captain Stiffler) handled the assist.

As crews were doing the primary search, the fire room flashed over and extended down the hallway trapping the search crew in another room. The search crew frantically searched for a way out. RTFD FF Adamson saw that conditions were rapidly worsening and entered after thinking the search crew was down. Putting his life at risk, he was only able to make it 3 feet inside and backed out after his helmet and turnout coat ignited in flames. FF Adamson suffered burns to his shoulder as a result of his unselfish rescue attempts. Meanwhile, C. Cicon and Killinger were able to escape harm after finding windows to bail out.

Crews then regrouped and had the fire knocked down within 15 minutes of the initial dispatch. Following knockdown, extensive overhaul was performed. Assistant 3 had initial command; command was later transferred to Captain Cicon. The WFD had 10 firefighters working this incident.

Responding units included:

First Due At Two Alarm Fire In Business District

August 22, 2005 - While firefighters were spending the evening recertifying in CPR, a passerby stopped to report a structure fire in the 1100 block of Graham Avenue. As the firefighters geared up to respond, a first alarm assignment was dispatched after the fire was also reported by police.

Arriving companies found heavy fire showing from windows on Division 3, Side A of a three-story commercial/apartment building. Truck 611 positioned on Side A and initiated interior fire attack. Arriving seconds later, Engine 611-1 established a water supply for Truck 611 and initiated a primary search. Within minutes after establishing command, Chief 611 requested the second alarm. Rapid intervention crews were established by Rescue 3-1 and Engine 3-3.

Due to the rapidly progressing fire, interior crews were evacuated from the structure and operations were switched to an exterior defensive attack. The engine companies used three hydrants to supply two master streams, three elevated master streams, and numerous hand lines. Despite the size of the fire, firefighters were able to confine it to the third floor of the fire building and prevent it from spreading to exposures, which were only a few feet away.

An interesting fact: 250,000 gallons of water were used to extinguish the fire.

The WFD had 24 members working this incident. Great job to all involved!

Companies operating at the scene, included:

Second Alarm Fire In Richland Township

March 14, 2005 - During the afternoon hours, Engine 611-1 was dispatched as part of a second alarm for a structure fire on Scalp Avenue in Richland Township. Engine 611-1 arrived and was instructed to advance attack lines and supply Tower 3-1. Truck 611 was then also dispatched approximately 15 minutes later. As the fire progressed, crews were evacuated from the structure and operations went defensive. 611's crew assisted with operation of defensive lines and aerial master stream operations. Later in the incident, as operations were changed back to offensive, 611's crew was teamed up with Company 5's crew to set up as the rapid intervention team. Great job to all companies involved.

Contractors Rescued From Roof

Fire Sparked By Contact With Wires

September 8, 2003 - The Windber Fire Department, along with Northern EMS and the Windber Police Department were dispatched to a building materials fire at a residence on 14^th Street in Windber Borough.

Arriving first, Medic 655-1 reported heavy smoke and a working rubbish fire impinging on the 2½ story single-family residence and upgraded the alarm to a structure fire, therefore bringing an additional two companies.

Prior to the fire department's arrival, a paramedic from the ambulance entered the house to evacuate the lone elderly resident.

Several construction workers became trapped on the roof after roofing materials accidentally made contact with live electrical wires that were supplying the residence. The contact charged the gutters, downspouts, and the workers’ ladders. The electrical charge heated materials lying in the yard causing them to ignite and impinge on the residence. The electrical charge also heated the roof, starting to melt the soles of the workers' boots.

Upon arrival, Truck 611 (a 75' quint) positioned on Side A and laddered the roof with the aerial device. The truck company's inside team entered the residence while the driver/operator rescued the construction workers via the aerial device and additional crewmembers laid out an 1-¾” attack line to darken the fire.

To supply Truck 611, Richland Township's Truck 3-1 (a quint) laid an LDH supply line from a hydrant at 15^th Street and Somerset Avenue. Engine 616-1 staged on Cambria Avenue and sent its crew to Truck 611. Truck 3-2 (also a quint) approached the residence via an alley on Side D of the structure and positioned short of it. Following a quick knockdown, crews overhauled the debris and structure. Damage was limited to construction equipment and the exterior of the residence. The contractor's ground ladder (pictured below right) shows what kind of damage an electrical current can cause.

At the Windber Fire Department's annual Wall of Fame/Inaugural Banquet held on January 10, 2004, two members of the department, Aaron Cicon and Bill Stiffler, received Recognitions of Valor for their actions in rescuing the five workers that were trapped on the burning roof.

Responding units included:

Fire Dispatch - 33.7000
Windber Fire - 154.370
North Ops - 33.8400
EMS Dispatch - 155.175
Police Ch.1 - 855.6125
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Windber Fire Dept.
1620 Somerset Ave.
Windber PA 15963
wfd611@windberfire.org

Office: 814.467.7111
Fax: 814.467.6796

In An Emergency
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