Rescue Due on Glenmaura Job

(8/25/2008) The Chief & Rescue headed up to Montage Mtn for the late afternoon Structure Fire. Chief 98 was advised early into the incident that an occupant was unaccounted for, but that report proved false. Chief 98 arrived to find fire throughout the garage area with extension into the main living quarters and attic space.

The engine companies would make an aggressive attack while the 112 Rescue would team up with Duryea Ladder to complete the truck operations. Duryea Ladder handled roof operations while the Rescue Co headed to the second floor to provide ventilation and search for the fire extension.

A second alarm was struck a short while into the incident to bring additional crews to relieve initial companies with the extensive overhaul operations.

Rescue Assists w Duryea Wreck

(8/13/2008) Rescue 112, along with both Duryea FDs, responded for the one car crash on Main St at the intersection with Pettibone St. Crews arrived to find a single vehicle into a utility pole w injuries. The victims, an adult and pediatric patient, were removed from the vehicle after the Rescue and Duryea Ladder went to work to provide extrication pathways.

The pediatric patient was removed first, with adult removed shortly thereafter. Both would be transported to the Trauma Center for further evaluation.

Units responding included Rescue 112, Duryea Engine & Ladder, Avoca EMS, Hughestown EMS, along with two ALS units.

Pittston Twp. Pin Job

(8/8/2008) Shortly after 1pm, the 112 Rescue was sent to assist Pittston Twp FD with a vehicle crash in highway 315, located in front of the PennDot shed. First arriving crews found a car vs tractor-trailer, with one occupant trapped in the vehicle. Initial EMS reports indicated severe injuries on scene.

Rescue 112 arrived to find the Pittston Twp crews working to open the driver's door. The 112 crews were asked to assist in making the extriction pathway and to provide additional stabilization. Extrication would be completed in less than ten minutes, with patient care being transferred to the awaiting EMS units.

Crews then turned their attention to shutting down all traffic on 315 and setting up a landing zone of the incoming LifeFlight helicopter. A short time later, the victim was airlifted to a local trauma center.

Residential Job in Dupont

(7/22/2008) A mid-morning fire caused extensive damage to a Dupont home. Crews arrived to find smoke from both floors of the home, with PD reporting all occupants out of the building except for a few pets. The Duryea & Pittston Twp. Engine companies made quick work of the fire in the laundry room and kitchen, while the Duryea Truck and 112 Rescue worked on ventilation and primary searches.

In all, the fire would be controlled within 15 minutes with work continuing for another 45 to ensure all the fire in the pipe chases from the kitchen to the second floor could be extinguished. One family pet was rescued by fire personnel, while a second pet perished in the blaze.

On the Response - Rescue 112, Duryea Truck & Engine, Pittston Twp Engine, Hughestown Engine, Avoca EMS, Pittston City Rehab along with Medic 303.

Photo courtesy T.Angelella III

Dupont Multi-Alarm Job

(6/21/2008) Less than an hour after clearing a fire in the first due district, the Chief & Rescue headed to Dupont on a first alarm structure box. Crews arrived to find fire throughout a three story mixed occupancy building. From the basement up thru the roof area, fire already had control of the building.

R112 split crews early on attempting to complete a primary search of the upper floors while forcing entry for engine crews on the first floor and basement areas. As conditions rapidly deteriorated, crews were pulled from the building and the Rescue would assume the RIT duties for the incident along with the Moosic Rescue 98.

As defensive operations were initiated, crews worked to control fire that spread to the Bravo side exposure building. Crews would operate for several hours before being released by command. The building would be deemed a total loss. The investigation into the cause will continue Monday morning.

The department would like to extend a word of "Thanks" to Exeter FD for moving up and provding coverage to the Avoca area while members were fighting the fire in Dupont.

First Due Structure Fire

Photo courtesy Scranton Times

UPDATED
(6/21/2008) A fire that began in a bedroom caused two women to be sent to the hospital and destroyed part of a Main Street home early Saturday morning. Engine 112 arrrived to find one occupant still in the home's front foyer and fire self vented in the rear of the home. An aggressive interior attack quickly extinguished the main body of fire, allowing crews to complete a primary search which proved negative.

Wtih the fire controlled within fifteen minutes, crews would spend another hour or so working to ventilate the building and control some extension in the large attic space.

On Wednesday, Chief Vanluvender was advised of the passing of Ann Joyce, who succumbed to the injuries received in this fire. The department sends its thoughts and prayers to the entire Joyce family.

Station 112 would like the thank the following fire & EMS units for providing assistance: Duryea FD, Pittston Twp FD, West Pittston FD, Old Forge FD, Pittston City Fire & EMS, Duryea EMS and Medic 303.

Old Forge 2-Alarm Commercial

(6/1/2008) An early morning fire sent crews from Lackawanna and Luzerne counties into Old Forge to battle a fire at the former Hillcrest Shade Co. Old Forge Ladder 93 was first arriving, reporting heavy fire in the center portion of the 400,000 sq foot building. An early defensive battle was initiated with Old Forge and Taylor Ladders providing the master streams. First alarm engine companies worked at water supply.

Rescue 112 was asked to work their way into the building to determine the extent of the fire on the interior. After forcing several doors and stretching a large area search line, 112 crews were able to report the fire's location and then worked with the Old Forge Engine to get a handle on the three rooms of fire on Division one.
We expect to have video posted in the near future.

Rescue Runs into West Pittston

Photo courtesy B.Hizny

(5/11/2008) An early morning fire would send the Chief & Rescue to Spring St in West Pittston for the working dwelling fire. West Pittston Ladder was first arriving and reported heavy smoke condition from the rear of a two story residential building. A second alarm was quickly requested, bringing additional units from Exeter and Pittston City.

While the Chief & Rescue operated in West Pittston, mutual aid companies would handle a vehicle rollover in the 700 block of Main St with injuries. Units handling the accident included Duryea EMS, Medic 303, Dupont Engine and Moosic Rescue.

This is the third working fire for the 112 Rescue this week. Let's hope May doesn't continue at this feverish pace.

MVA Injures Two

Photo courtesy J.Bender

(5/8/2008) An early evening crash on Main St would cause quite a commotion early on as initial reports indicated severe injures, confinement and possibly a vehicle on fire. Several walk in reports to the 112 house indicated a severe accident.

Quickly clearing the house, the 112 Chief and Engine arrived to find two occupants still in the passenger vehicle with no fire or confinement. The engine creq quickly went to work on triaging the patients and handling care until the arrival of EMS units. Rescue 112 would arrive, handling vehicle stabilization along with patient access before moving on to support the triaging efforts.

Engine 125 would arrive and handle mitigating some of hazards as well as controlling the vehicle's power supply.

Rescue handles RIT Assignment

(5/7/2008) For the second straight afternoon, the Rescue Co was called upon to handle a RIT assignment. Today, the Rescue would cross the river and head to Jean St, Exeter for the working single family dwelling. Upon arrival of 112, crews already had a good hit on the main body of fire. The Rescue would force a few doors, control electrical services and setup the staging area.

Crews were able to limit fire extension, but extensive damage was already done to the rear of the building. The basement area would receive much smoke and water damage.

No injuries were reported and the Rescue was able to return to service in about an hour.

Hughestown 2nd Alarm Fire

(5/6/2008) The Chief & Rescue responded on a second alarm to 6 Rock St in Hughestown for the working dwelling fire. Initial crews found heavy fire showing from the second floor and attic space, with exposures on both sides beginning to show signs of heat damage. The second alarm was requested quickly, bringing additional units from Luzerne & Lackawanna counties.

Chief 112 would assume the role of Safety officer while the Rescue Co handled the initial RIT responsibilities. The Rescue Co would setup staging, control utilities where possible and setup the initial collapse zone for the primary fire building. Due to the ongoing operations in three different buildings, an additional RIT team from Lackawanna County was called to provide assistance.

The Chief & Rescue would operate for close to two hours before returning to service.

Moosic Pin Job
Photo courtesy T.Walsh

(4/30/2008) Rescue 112 assisted Greenwood FD (98-Moosic) in handling a wreck with entrapment on Main St, Moosic. Units from Station 98 arrived first and found a passenger vehicle under a tractor trailer, pinning the driver inside. With Rescue 98 handling stabilization and patient access, Rescue 112 went to work on the extrication pathway. Crews from both departments would use hydraulic tools to remove driver's side doors and sever several roof pillars, before rolling the roof upwards and removing the patient to awaiting ambulance crews.

Crews encountered some difficulty in cutting the "B" posts on this particular car. Once operations were completed, crews better assessed the vehicle only to find heavily re-inforced construction, which understandably made the extrication process more difficult than expected. You can see the reinforced "B" post here.

Practice Makes Perfect

(4/24/2008) A few weeks ago, the new owners of the Cielass building on Main Street provided the department the opportunity to use the structure for a variety of training purposes. 112 has teamed up with several mutual aid depts to work through various excercises. Last night was no exception.

In partnership with both Duryea Depts and the Old Forge Ladder, firefighters worked through engine and truck company operations in addition to two simulated MayDay events and subsequent Rapid Intervention exercises. Previously, forcible entry, self survival and hose stretches were topics of training. As we focus on challenging the experienced firefighters, we continue to build on the skill sets of our younger members. We thank the owners for this invaluable training opportunity.

As the weeks go by, additional training will be conducted at this site. Hopefully we will be able to display some pictures next week of everyone playing together so nicely in the newly acquired sandbox. Stay tuned!

Assist to Dupont FD

(4/24/2008) The Rescue & Chief responded to Commerce Road in Dupont late Thursday afternoon. Initially dispatched as a dumpster fire, the assignment was quickly upgraded to a full structure assignment as additional reports were received that the fire extended to the commercial building.

Dupont & Hughestown Engines had the initial attack, knocking down the main body of fire. Rescue 112 would team up with Duryea Ladder to check the interior for extension and begin the arduous task of ventilating the large structure.

Members of the Rescue & Ladder are pictured setting up the first of several fans used in ventilating the building.

Dumpster Diving in Duryea
Photo courtesy Germania FD

(4/11/2008) Just before lunch, the Rescue & Chief would respond to assist Duryea FD with a working dumpster fire. The dumpster was really a trash compactor, the same type you'd find picking up your trash. However, this compactor was removed from its chassis and placed on its side.

Crews arrived to find fire burning within the tightly compacted trash. Duryea Ladder along with the 112 Rescue used saws to cut away the roof so that the engine boyz could take care of the fire. In all, crews spent an hour on the scene.

Units diving into the trash included Duryea Engine & Ladder, Hughestown Engine, as well as Avoca Fire and EMS.

Structure Fire gets Chief & Rescue

(3/30/2008) Chief & Rescue responded to Old Mill Road in Jenkins Twp for the working structure fire. Lt 148 was first arriving and reported a well involved garage fire with extension into the living space. Jenkins Engine & Pittston Truck would arrive quickly, working on the knock down.

Rescue 112 caught the RIT assignment, with the rescue splitting crews to get ladders placed and forcible entry & utility control completed. Chief 112 would handle accountability throughout the incident.

Station 112 would respond w 13 fire fighters, providing a few to work the interior during overhaul operations. One family pet was rescued from the residence. Two vehicles would be destroyed, while the house suffered signficant fire and water damage.      Video

Pittston Twp fire draws Response
Photo courtesy Pittston Twp. EMS

(3/28/2008) Shortly after midnight, Pittston Twp Fire, Laflin Fire along with Avoca Rescue and Chief would respond to Chapman St in Pittston Twp for the reported structure fire. Crews would arrive to find a smoke condition on the interior of the small residential building. Upon further investigation, fire was found burning near the electrical utilities along the exterior wall, with slight extension noted to the roof area. Crews made quick work of controlling the utilities and extinguishing the fire. Time was then spent on checking for extension into the living quarters and the attic space.

The Chief and Rescue would operate for 45 minutes before picking up and returning to service.

Spring Must be in the Air

(3/20/2008) Spring Fever had taken hold, and members headed out to do some rope rescue training Thursday night at the Clark St wall. While it was still windy & cold, more than a dozen members attended the training session. Crews were able to deploy several life lines, practice basic rigging & rappelling, and finally practice several pick-off evolutions. Pictured is Capt Jim Butler "saving" FF Chuck Story.

As the weather continues to improve, you may see the department doing some additional training in town. With permission of the new owner, the department plans to use the former Cielass store on Main Street for a variety of training sessions. Schedules are being worked out at this time, but you should be seeing area departments in and around the building quite frequently over the next few months.

Stay tuned for additional details.

Back to Back Rescues

(3/15/2008) A Pittston Twp crash draws the response of the Chief and Rescue. Crews arrived at the Suscon Rd incident to find a vehicle rolled over off the roadway. One occupant was still in the vehicle. Crews quickly stabilized the vehicle with the use of airshores, before removing the windshield and flapping the roof to remove the victim. The extrication took approximately fifteen minutes.

A few short minutes after clearing the Pittston Twp incident, the Chief & Rescue went into Moosic Borough along with Taylor Rescue 95 for the motorcycle accident with reported severe injuries. 911 reported the victim to be located in a wooded area in the vicinity of the former Rocky Glen Amusement Park. Both rescue companies staged just past the park entrance and setup the operation. Approximately 15 minutes into the incident, the victim was located and with the assistance of both rescue companies, removed from the wooded area.

Members attend Bridge Dedication

(3/15/2008) Fifteen years ago this date, two local firefighters lost their lives battling a fire in Pittston City. Today, the community took time to remember our fallen comrades by attending a special Mass before proceeding to the former Water Street Bridge in Pittston City. The bridge would be the focus of events, as it was officially renamed the "Firefighters Memorial Bridge" in honor of John Lombardo and Leonard Insalaco who lost their lives on that fateful day.

Many area departments, including Station 112 participated in the events today. It was our special way of honoring all those who came before us and made the supreme sacrifice.

"May they never be forgotten"

Doubleheader in the City

(3/10/2008) Crews were dispatched for an activated fire alarm at 49 S. Main Street, Pittston City during the overnight hours. The building was once the Dime Bank building. Luzerne 911 reported to responding units that the point of activation was on the fourth floor.

Crews arrived to find smoke throughout the fourth floor area, and fire burning in an office area. Command upgraded the response to a working-level, and quickly requested a second alarm. While crews stretched the attack line and quickly controlled the fire, additional companies continued to the scene in the event additional operations would be required.

Later in the morning, the Rescue & Chief would again respond into the City for an electrical fire in the basement of a commercial building. City crews quickly handled the fire and controlled the utilities. The Rescue was released and headed off to a motor vehicle accident on Stephenson St in Duryea, which would require no special services.

Assist to Old Forge

(2/25/2008) Station 112 cleared the house for a reported structure fire on North Main Street in Old Forge. While responding, Lackawanna 911 updated units that PD were on scene reporting heavy smoke on the top floor. Ladder 93 would arrive and take the address, while Engine 93 established water supply and began stretching the initial attack line. Chief 98 assumed operations with Chief 112 assisting at Command.

Crews found a kitchen fire on the top floor of the four story multiple unit building. Crews quickly controlled the fire and began checking for extension. Rescue 112 would split crews, with the interior team conducting the primary search on Division 3, while outside crews laddered the structure and controlled utilities. 112 Crews would also assist in ventilating the structure.

Units on scene included Old Forge Ladder & Engines, Moosic FD, Taylor Ladder, Dickson City Rescue, along with the Avoca Rescue, Engine and Chief.

Quick Work in West Pittston

(2/15/2008) The Rescue and Chief responded on a late afternoon run to a commercial occupancy on Luzerne Ave in West Pittson for the reported kitchen fire. West Pittston Ladder arrived to find a small fire located in the ceiling, which was quickly controlled with extinguishers.

Rescue 112 would handle ventilation of the building while Chief 112 assisted with command duties. Pictured is Sgt Collins and Firefighter Hudzinski handling ventilation in the front portion of the structure. Crews would remain on scene for approximately 30 mintues before returning to service.

Duryea MVA w/Confinement

(2/12/2008) The Rescue assisted Duryea Fire and Avoca EMS with a motor vehicle accident in the 500 block of Main Street. While responding, the Rescue was advised by Duryea Command that the roof on one vehicle would need to be removed to assist in packing the patient. The Rescue arrived to find Duryea Ladder already at work, with stabilization completed and roof cuts already underway.

The Rescue would go to work supporting the operation, with the patient being packaged and removed to EMS care in approximately ten minutes.

Units assisting included Duryea Ladder and Engine, Avoca Rescue, Avoca EMS and Medic 303.

S. Main St. - Old Forge

(2/10/2008) The Chief and Rescue responded to an early morning fire on South Main Street in Old Forge. Early reports provided by Lackawanna County 911, indicated a working fire with a female still possibly inside. As Old Forge crews arrived, PD had the occupant removed from the building. Crews then went to work getting a handle on the fire located in a rear first floor room with extension into the attic space. Two handlines and good truck work made for a quick knockdown of the fire.

While Chief 112 would handle duties at the Command Post, Rescue 112 worked as second due truck handling the ground ladders, utility control and overhaul of the first floor fire area.

Units on scene would include Old Forge Ladder and Engines, Avoca Rescue, Taylor Ladder, Moosic Engine and Dickson City Rescue acting as the FAST truck. Old Forge EMS was also on scene.

Pittston City Dwelling Fire

(1/31/2008) A busy January comes to a close with the Rescue and Chief heading into Pittston City for the working dwelling fire. Crews were originally dispatched for a reported washing machine on fire, only to arrive and find a working basement fire.

Rescue 112 would arrive to find crews attempting to gain access to the basement via interior stairs, with heavy smoke conditions prevelant throughout the building. The Rescue would setup the RIT staging area and begin laddering of the structure. West Pittston Ladder and Jenkins Twp Engine would be requested on the second alarm, as flames spread through the upper floors of the building.

Crews would operate several hours before bringing the stubborn fire under control. During this incident, the 112 Engine would respond to a second incident in Old Forge Borough.

Icy Roads Cause Problems for Many

(1/29/2008) A morning of freezing rain caused many accidents throughout the region, keeping local crews busy. Rescue 112 and Avoca EMS responded to a two vehicle accident in the 900 block of McAlpine St with injuries. The rescue would handle vehicle stabilization and assist EMS with patient packaging. Once picked up, the Rescue was sent to Sathers Drive in Pittston Twp for the rollover with entrapment.

The rescue arrived to find a pickup rolled onto its drivers side up against a severed utility pole. Pittston Twp rescue already working on stabilization and patient access. Rescue 112 assisted with stabilization,then began the process of flapping the roof to create an extrication pathway. Crews would also need to cut some interior components to free the victims lower extremities. Once freed, patient care would then be transferred to awaiting EMS crews.

Assist to Pittston Twp. FD

(1/25/2008) The Chief and Rescue responded on a mid morning run, along with Laflin FD to assist Pittston Twp. on Flag St with a working vehicle fire located in an attached carport. Laflin Engine handled the water supply, while the 112 Rescue split crews forcing entry into the residence to check for extension, while also assisting with forcing entry into the vehicle's engine compartment and assisting with suppression efforts.

The fire would quickly be extinguished, and interior crews reported no extension into the structure. Crews operated for approximately 45 minutes before returning to service.

Responding units included Chief and Rescue 112, Laflin Engine, Pittston Twp Engine and Pittston Twp EMS.

Duryea Structure Fire

(1/24/2008) An early morning fire claimed the life of one man, as fire tore through the basement of the two story wood frame building. Engine 112 and Duryea Chief arrived simultaneously to find a heavy smoke condition from the exterior. Engine 112 would establish water supply and begin the interior attack. Crews would find that the fire already burned through the front portion of the first floor, slowing down the advancement of the first attack team.

Crews found the heaviest fire located in the basement with extension into division one. Wtih reports of entrapment from PD, Rescue 112 and Duryea ladder would begin ventilation and primary searches. Crew located an individual on division one, removing him from the building, and transferring care to awaiting EMS. 112 and Duryea engine crews would complete extinguishment a short time later.
Crews operated for several hours before being released. Chief Vanluvender (112) would have command responsibilities, while Chief Hughes (Duryea) would handle the fireground operations. Engine 112, Rescue 112, Chief 112 would respond to the scene as well as several 112 fire police members. Listen to the dispatch audio of this fire here.

Dupont Structure Box
Avoca & Dupont members pictured completing overhaul

(1/21/2008) A mid day run sent the Engine, Rescue and Chief to Wyoming Ave in Dupont for the reported working structure fire with flames showing. Crews arrived to find the fire already extinguished, with evidence of fire damage along the exterior wall of the residence. 112 along with Dupont FD would check for extension and complete overhaul operations. Duryea Ladder would handle the ventilation of the residence.

Crews were able to wrap up the cold weather operation quickly. Units responding included Avoca FD, Dupont FD, Duryea FD (ladder & engine), Hughestown FD, Pittston Twp FD and Avoca EMS.

Plane St Chimney Fire

(1/20/2008) As temperatures struggled to reach the mid teens, crews were sent to the 1100 block of Plane St for the reported chimney fire. Engine 112 arrived to find black smoke pushing from the chimney. Upon further investigation, fire was found in the furnace outside of the fire chamber extending up into the chimney itself. Crews would quickly control the fire with the use of dry chemical extinguishers.

Chief 112 had command of the incident. Upon confirmation by the engine officer that the fire was contained, the balance of responding companies would be returned to service, with the exception of the Duryea Ladder.

Pittston City Structure Fire <

(1/8/2008) Chief and Rescue responded to assist Pittston City FD with a working residental fire on Parsonage St. Pittston City crews worked quickly to get a handle on the second floor fire, which extended into the attic space. Chief 112 would assist at the Command Post with accountability functions, wihle the Rescue Co setup the RIT team. Several ladders were put in place while outside utilities would be controlled.

Due to an abundance of 112 manpower on the scene, several members were sent to relieve City FFs with overhaul operations of the second floor and attic space.

Units on the box included Pittston City Fire Dept, Pittston City EMS, Medic 303, Avoca Rescue and Chief.