July 5th 2010: Three Fires in as many days for Alburtis

Beginning on Saturday, July 3rd in the afternoon, Alburtis was called to assist on three working fires. The first fire requested Tanker 121 to assist at a working dwelling fire in Upper Milford Township. Crews stood by until released by Glenwood St. Command. Just after 130am July 4th, Alburtis RIT was dispatched to assist Station 8 (Fogelsville) on a 2nd Alarm Dwelling Fire. Chief 801 (Guth) arrived on the scene and found a single family dwelling, heavy fire to the A/B corner of the house. The 2nd alarm was requested before any apparatus were on scene due to numerous calls and a "glow" in the distance. Engine 112 was responding with a crew of 6. Upon arrival, crews laddered the house and stood by until all interior operations were finished. Just after 1200am July 5th, Alburtis RIT was dispatched to assist Emmaus Fire on a working structure fire in Emmaus Borough. Engine 112 again was responding with a crew of 6. Upon arrival, crews split into two teams. Team one assumed RIT in the front of the structure while Team two assumed RIT to the rear. Crews removed numerous panic bars on locked commercial business doors for safety. Crews stood by until released by Chestnut St. Command. Great Job to all fire departments involved with all fires. Click here for additional pictures of the Lowhill Township Fire.

June 11th 2010: Rescue runs 222 Bypass for an Entrapment

Station 1, rescue personnel, were dispatched to assist Trexlertown Fire Department with an accident with entrapment and multiple patients. Within minutes, Rescue 141 and Engine 112 were on the road. On arrival the rescues' crew was directed to a mini van in the roadway while Trexlertowns' crew was extricated two from the other vehicle. Personnel from 141 and 112 worked together to remove a passenger and driver from the 2nd vehicle involved. Crews assisted with hazard control by disconnecting power to the vehicle and spill containment. Crews cleared with in the hour. EMS units from Cetronia and Macungie transported patients to the hospital.

 

April 12th 2010: Foundry Explosion with Burn Victims in the Township

 

Around 0830hrs this morning, Station 30, Engine 112, Engine 111, Truck 831, and Station 66 were dispatched to Victaulic in Lower Macungie Township for a Commercial Structure Fire with burn patients. While responding to the fire station, Chief 101 (Smith) advised of smoke showing. Macungie EMS arrived on the scene and was tending to patients. Engine 112 arrived on the scene and established "Victaulic Command." Engine 112 crew hand jacked 400' 4"supply line to a hydrant on the property. While other crew members hand jacked 300' of 3" to the entrance of the building, as well as the apartment pack. Chief 3001 (Nosal) arrived on the scene and command was transferred. Engine 3012 arrived on the scene and reversed laid to Engine 112. A second alarm was requested for additional manpower. Asst. Chief 3004 (McNabb) operated on scene as "Operations." LMT and AFD crews entered the structure and knocked down the bulk of the fire with Dry Chemical and CO2 extinguishers. Crews stood by while hazards were controlled. Unit cleared around noon. Thank you to all of the mutual aid departments who responded.

Click here for WFMZ coverage: http://www.wfmz.com/news/23122104/detail.html

On the scene: Engine 112, Rescue 141, Brush 161, Engine 3012, Truck 3031, Utility 3091 and 3093, Truck 831, Engine 2511, Engine 1512, Engine 21, Aerial 21, Rescue 21, Cascade 3292, Emmaus RIT, Macungie EMS, Cetronia EMS, Emmaus EMS, Macungie Rehab 6651

         

March 3rd 2010: Engine and Rescue sent to Lower Mac on a 2nd Alarm

Station 30, Engine 2511, Tanker 2521, and EMS from Macungie Ambulance were dispatched to a house fire on Aster Rd. in Lower Macungie Township. 2502(R. Conrad) arrived on the scene of a 2 1/2 story single family with smoke from the roof and windows. A working fire was confirmed and a 2nd alarm was requested. Engine Companies 3012 and 2511 arrived on scene simultaneously and began an aggressive attack on the fire as well as a search of the house. Crews found heavy smoke and high heat upon entering the basement and had difficulty locating the seat of the fire. Crews began extinguishment from the exterior window. Rescue 3041, Engine 112, Engine 1512, Station 7 for the RIT, and Cascade 3292 finished out the 2nd alarm. As crews arrived on the scene they wer directed to staging. Operations Officer (J. Doherty) directed engine 1512 to the fire room for fire suppression. Alburtis crews arrived on the scene and were split up to assist in a secondary search, throwing ground ladders, and also overhaul of the fire room. The fire was brought under control and the units were released. Follow link for on the scene video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adt0_23x4-M

                      

December 24th 2009: Alburtis sees work in the Swamp, Again

Just before 1330hrs Alburtis fire was sent to Longswamp Township for a possible structure fire. The engine with a crew of 4 was responding moments later. While responding, Chief 21 (Sicher) advised "smoke showing from a mile out." Chief 21 arrived on the scene, confirmed a working fire and held "Longswamp Command." Engine 112 arrived on the scene and was directed to supply Engine 21 in the driveway. A crew of three from the engine was directed to initiate a search of the house due to conflicting reports of an adult and two children trapped. All searches proved negative. Chief Smith had "Ops" and Asst. Chief Trexler had "Accountability." Crews assisted with extinguishment, search and rescue, ventilation, and extensive overhaul. Great Job by all departments involved.

Units on the scene: Engine Companies 21, 112, 39(Seisholtzville), 46(Kutztown), 20(Bechtelsville), 35 (Lyons); Tankers 21, 121, 46, 39, 20, 14 (Bally); Rescues 21, 141, 14; Brush 21; Engine 21-1 held a fill site at "The fairy farm." EMS from 575(Topton) and Macungie as well as Rehab 6651.

December 1st 2009: Another Worker, this time in Longswamp

Just after 1830 hrs, Alburtis Fire was dispatched for a full response with Topton for a working structure fire. The engine and tanker were immediately responding with a header visible from the borough. Crews arrived on the scene to find heavy fire consuming the majority of three different buildings. Engine 112 was given orders to lay a supply line from the roadway and travel into the grass yard to the lower end of the fire. Due to the steady rain the day before, Engine 112 was unable to drive up a slight incline and was "stuck." Crews pulled (2) preconnects, the apartment pack, and the 3 inch supply line to the scene. Engine 45 supplied Engine 112 for the duration of the fire. In all, Alburtis responded with all apparatus except for the brush, the fire was utilizing fourth alarm apparatus, and everyone did a great job with containing the fire to the buildings that were involved upon arrival.

Units on the scene: Company 21, 46, 35, 39, 45, Lehigh 1. Additional tankers from 58, 14, 20, 22, 44, 32, 33, and Lehigh 25. Engine 2511 had a fill site at Chris's Bait and Tackle and a 2nd fill site was initiated at Charles St. in Topton Borough.

November 23rd 2009: Alburtis sees work in Topton Borough

At 0315hrs the Alburtis Fire Department was dispatched for a full response with Berks Company 21 (Topton) for a 2nd Alarm Apartment Building Fire. Moments later Engine 112, with a crew of 6, was responding. The tanker and rescue followed shortly there after. Crews arrived on the scene and found heavy fire conditions and all personnel in defensive mode with multiple master streams. The bulk of the fire was knocked down and crews began overhauling the structure, which was heavily damaged. Upon arrival of the first arriving unit, crews dealt with heavy fire to the rear of the structure, involvement of exposures, and eventually live wires sparking and arcing. No injuries were reported and Alburtis was released by 0630hrs.

On the scene: Topton, Kutztown, Lyons, Alburtis, Fleetwood, Kempton, Topton EMS, and Kutztown EMS.

 

 

November 14th 2009:  Vehicle into a House

   

Just after 2300hrs Macungie EMS and the Alburtis Fire Department were dispatched to Mountain Rd. in Lower Macungie Township for an MVA, vehicle into a house.  Moments later, the rescue with a crew of 8 was responding and was given the additional for negative injuries.  Assistant Chief 103 (D. Smith Jr.) arrived on the scene to find a single pick up truck next to a house with moderate structural damage.  Smith had "1 Command."  The rescue and EMS arrived on the scene simultaneously.  EMS checked on injuries.  The rescue crew split up into three crews.  Crew number 1 checked on structural collapse and checked the utilities inside the house.  Crew number 2 went to work stabilizing the vehicle and controlling hazards.  The crew utilized the hydraulic spreader to access the battery to achieve a disconnect.  Crew 3 set up scene lighting.  Fire Police controlled the traffic in the area.  A collapse zone was set up as a precaution.  Crews stood by until towing arrived.

 

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October 26th 2009:  Small Fire in the Social Quarters

At 0319hrs Lehigh County Communications Center dispatched crews to a Structure Fire at 328 S. Main St., the Alburtis Fire Company.  Chief 101 ( D. Smith) was responding and given the additional that the caller states their is a fire in the bathroom.  Chief 101 arrived on scene and found nothing showing from the exterior.  Chief 101 had "Main St. Command."  Prior to the chiefs' arrival, firefighters found a smoke condition in the interior of the engine bays.  Capt. 105 (R. Trexler),Lt 106 ( R. George), and firefighter Lindenmuth proceeded into the social quarters and found a light smoke condition and the fire, in the bathroom, appeared to be extinguished via fire extinguisher.  Crews pulled ceiling to check for extension due to high heat readings above the drywall ceiling.  A second crew, Lt. 107 (G. Arndt) and Firefighter Aleszczyk proceeded to the attic area of the engine room to check for extension.  While crews were working inside, Asst. Chief 102 (R. Trexler) was ensuring all apparatus were moved out of the building; Asst. Chief 103 (D. Smith Jr.) was acting as operations; and Chief 1501 (Natyson) was acting as the Manpower Officer.  Crews determined their was negative extension and began cleaning up the dry chemical powder.  By the end of the incident, the manpower pool was approx. 25 people deep.  Thank you to everyone who responded on what could have been a terrible loss to the Alburtis Volunteer Fire Department.

 

October 17th 2009:  Working Shed Fire in the Swamp

  

Just before 4:30 in the afternoon, Company 21 (Topton) and 39 (Seisholtzville) were alerted for a shed fire.  Chief 21 (Sicher) was responding and had smoke showing.  With that, Alburtis was requested.  Moments later, the engine and tanker were responding.  Upon arrival, Chief 21 found a fully involve 20x30 shed next to an above ground pool.  Chief 21 established "Longswamp Command.  Tanker 39 and Aerial 21 arrived on the scene and stretched 2- 1 and 3/4 inch hand lines and and quickly knocked down the bulk of the fire.  Engine 112 arrived on the scene and sent their manpower to the scene for overhaul.  Unit operated for approx. 1 hour.

 

On the scene:  Aerial 21, Rescue 21, Engine 21, Tanker 21, Tanker 39, Engine 39-2, Squad 39, Engine 112, Tanker 121, Engine 58, Tanker 58, Medic 575-1.

 
  

October 3rd 2009:  Open House at Alburtis

  

Saturday, October 3rd, the fire department held their annual Open House.  This year, the fire department preformed fire extinguisher training, a vehicle rescue demonstration, free food, picture slide shows, and plenty of fire prevention materials.  The kids enjoyed using the fire hose to squirt water at a wooden prop to simulate a fire.  The Upper Macungie Township Bureau of Fire brought their fire safety trailer and preformed training sessions of fire safety and how to exit your house if it is on fire.  The Lehigh Valley Health Network MedEvac Helicopter was on hand for tours.  Other organizations that attended are Lehigh County 911, Macungie Ambulance Corps, Macungie Fire Department, and the Macungie Police.  Macungie Police preformed a K9 demonstration.  Thank you to all of the citizens who attended and all of the organizations that made this event possible. 

 

October 3rd 2009:  Car into a House with Confinement

  

While setting up for our days events, crews were dispatched to Walnut St. for a motor vehicle accident, car into a building.  Chief 101 was responding from the station and was given the additional for a vehicle into a garage, unknown extent of injuries.  Chief 101 arrived on the scene with Macungie EMS 6684 to find a vehicle, partially driven through the rear wall of a detached garage.  The chief had "Walnut St. Command."  The male operator was found to be confined to the vehicle due to the angle of the vehicle and lumber around the vehicle.  Rescue 141, with a crew of 8, and Engine 112 were responding and were put into service by Walnut St. Command.  Crews split up into two stabilization teams.  Crew one utilized high lift jacks and cribbing to stabilize the front the vehicle, which was hanging out over a 2 and a 1/2 foot drop.  Crew two utilized chains and a winch to stabilize the rear of the vehicle.  Once stabilization was achieved, the occupant was assisted out of the vehicle and EMS tended to him.  Crews awaited towing and cleared the scene in 40 minutes. 

 

  

 

September 15th 2009:  Car Fire with an Exposure

In the late morning hours, Engine 1512 and 112, Tanker 2821, Truck 731, and Station 66 were dispatched to the East Penn Bank on Main St. in Macungie Borough for a vehicle fire with an exposure.  Chief 101 (D. Smith), while responding to the station, found a single vehicle, fully involved with exposures to adjacent vehicles and the CVS building.  Engine 1512 arrived on the scene and laid a supply line from a hydrant at West End Trail and the CVS parking lot.  Engine 112 arrived shortly after Engine 1512.  Crews from both engines simultaneously pulled 2- 1 and 3/4 inch pre connects and attacked the fire from the front of the vehicles.  The fire required copious amounts of water due to the high heat and burning magnesium.  The fire was knocked down and extensive overhaul was preformed.  Extension was held to only the adjacent car.  Click here for more photos.

 

September 13th 2009:  Alburtis Volunteers Participate in Firefighter Games

 

For the fifth year in a row, Alburtis volunteers met at the firehouse at 9 O'clock in the morning to wipe down the apparatus one last time, load up their turn out gear, and drive to Berks County's New Berlinsville Fire Department for the 23rd Annual Fire Muster and Competition.  This year, Alburtis attended with Engine 111 and Tanker 121 as well as 12 members of our crew.  This years' events included a beach volleyball tournament, tug of war, first water engine company speed drill, and the water rocket.  By the end of the day, Alburtis was awarded 7 trophies and one pet award.  Thanks to New Berlinsville Fire Department for once again holding this event.  Everyone had a great day participating in the events.  Click here for more photos.

 

Trophies Awarded:

1st Place- Large Apparatus, Egg Backing (Donald Smith Sr., Engine 111)

1st Place- Water Rocket (Ryan Trexler, Brandon Lindenmuth, Ashley Aleszchyk, Andrew Basti)

2nd Place- First Water Engine Company Drill (Brandon Lindenmuth, Ashley Aleszchyk, Andrew Basti, Randy Trexler, Ryan Trexler)

2nd Place- Large Apparatus, Slow Truck Race (Randy Trexler, Engine 111)

3rd Place- Water Rocket (Donald Smith Jr., Matthew Trexler, Robert George, Donald Smith Sr.)

3rd Place- Beach Volleyball (Andrew Basti, Brandon Lindenmuth, Ashley Aleszchyk, Randy Trexler, David Knauss, Ryan Trexler)

3rd Place-Tug of War (Randy Trexler, Donald Smith Sr., Jim Ritter, David Knauss, Ryan Trexler, Matthew Trexler)

1st Place- Wanna Be Dalmatian (Donald and Diane Smith's Black Lab Sadie)

 

  

August 23rd 2009:  Water Rescue held at Alburtis

  

This weekend, members of the fire department gathered early Saturday morning for the start of our Water Rescue Class.  The majority of Saturday was classroom sessions and Sunday entirely outside in the water.  This course taught all members very important lessons ranging from throw bag techniques to crossing swift moving water.  Everyone had a great time and would like to thank both instructors for instructing everyone on this very valuable skill.  Click here for more photos.

 

August 19th 2009:  Joint Training with Lower Macungie

This evening members from Lower Macungie Township Fire Department and Alburtis Vol. Fire Department gathered for training at an acquired structure in the township.  The crews were split and worked on search and rescue, hose line advancement, and salvage and overhaul operations.  Everyone had a great time working together.  Thank you to the Lower Macungie Township Fire Department for inviting us to this great training opportunity.  Click here for more photos.

 

August 11th 2009:  Heavy Entrapment Scenario for 25, 56, and 1

This evening, crews from Upper Macungie Station 56, Trexlertown, and Alburtis met at our fire department to train on extrication techniques.  The first scenario involve a single vehicle rollover with one occupant entrapped by the dash and steering column and the second patient ejected and trapped under the engine compartment.  Crews from all departments worked together to extricate the occupant inside the vehicle by removing the passenger side door and working with hand tools on the inside of the vehicle to free the patients legs.  Crews then extricated the patient with a long board through the passenger side door.  The crews then set up an airbag system on either side of the car and lifted the engine compartment approximately 16 inches to free the trapped patient.  Valuable lessons were learned and everyone had a great time working together.  Click here for more photos.

 

August 8th 2009:  Alburtis Fire Annual Picnic

The members of the Alburtis Vol. Fire Department had their annual fire department picnic this weekend.  Everyone had a great time swimming, playing volleyball, horseshoes, and more.  Click here for more photos of our crew.

 

  

July 1st 2009:   Motor Vehicle Accident with Multiple Entrapped

At 0752hrs this morning, Alburtis Vol. Fire Department and Lower Macungie Township Fire Department were dispatched to assist Station 25(Trexlertown) at Rt. 100 and Sauerkraut Ln. for a motor vehicle accident with entrapment.  Chief 2501 (Weber) arrived on the scene with a tractor trailer vs. SUV with 4 persons trapped in the SUV, all with critical injuries.  Rescue 141 was responding within moments with a crew of 6.  The rescue arrived on the scene and assisted in a third door conversion of the passenger side, full roof removal, a dash push of the passenger side, and patient removal.  Alburtis Fire was then released with the exception of fire police.  Fire Police operated for approx. an additional 2 hours while the police investigated the accident.

 

Unit on the scene: Engine 2511, Rescue 2541, 141, and 3041; EMS from Macungie and Cetronia; Pennsylvania State Police and the Lehigh County Coroners Office.

 

Click here for a link to the WFMZ story

 

June 30th 2009:   Fire Extinguisher Training with 25

  

This evening for training, the engine, rescue and tanker headed over to Trexlertown Fire Department for fire extinguisher training.  Members of Trexlertown and Alburtis utilized fire extinguishers to put out numerous fires.  Everyone had a good time getting to know each other as well as training on a tool as simple as the fire extinguisher.  Click here for photos.

 

June 30th 2009:   Three Alarmer in Maxatawny

  

In the late morning hours, Co. 21, 35, 46 were dispatched to 630 Topton Rd. for a possible structure fire.  Within minutes, Assistant 21 (D. George) requested a 2nd alarm.  Alburtis Fire responded with the engine, tanker, and rescue.  Upon arrival, Assistant 21 found a house 50% involved with multiple exposures.  A third alarm was then requested for tankers and manpower.  Unit knocked down the bulk of the fire and managed to contain the fire to the front half of the house.  Unit operated on scene for approx. 3 hours with extensive overhaul operations.  Photo courtesy of Tyler Bard, Topton EMS

1st Alarm:  Company 21(Topton), 35(Lyons), 46(Kutztown)

2nd Alarm: Company 45(Fleetwood), LC 1(Alburtis), LC 25(Trexlertown), and Co. 44(Kempton)

3rd Alarm: Tankers from Co. 39(Seisholtzville), 33(Virginville), 32(Walnuttown)

 

June 25th 2009:  RIT Response to South Whitehall

  

Early this afternoon, Alburtis RIT was requested to respond to South Whitehall Township for RIT responsibilities at a 3rd Alarm working structure fire. 

 

Units on scene: Engines 3212, 1112, 311, 3012, 2511, 811

Tankers 3221, 2521, 2621

Truck 3131

Rescues 1141 and 3041

Squad 1151 and 351

Cascade 3292

RIT, Engine 112

EMS and rehab from Cetronia 62 and Rehab 6651

 

Cover Assignments by Stations 2, 36, 27,16, City of Allentown, and Berks Co. 21

Click here for youtube video of the fire 

 

 

June 16th 2009:   Rural Water Supply

This week, members of the fire department drove out to Smith Ln. for more pump training and hand line operations.  This week, the objective of our training was to see how much water could be supplied by our 5 portable pumps.  In some very rural areas, portable pumps may be necessary to supply water to a fire.  This could be used as a primary or secondary source.  In the end, the 5 portable pumps sustained enough water to flow a total of 1300 gpm from a deck gun, a 3 inch line supplying 2- 1 3/4 hand lines, and a 2 1/2 inch hand line.  Click here for more photos.

 

June 13th 2009:   Country Music Star visits Alburtis

      

The Borough of Alburtis had a special guest visitor at the Alburtis Park, located on the fire department grounds.  Country Singer Darryl Worley appeared at the park this evening to perform a free concert presented in part by Cat Country 96, KC Stoves and Fire Places, and the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market.  Despite the off and on rain showers, the park area was full and the music was great.

 

 

 

June 9th 2009:  RIT Response to Emmaus Borough

At 0729hrs the Alburtis Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched for their Rapid Intervention Team to assist Station 7 (Emmaus) on a working dwelling fire.  Engine 112 was responding with a crew of 5 within minutes.  Crews arrived on the scene and stood by with no injuries reported.  The engine crew was released within the hour.

 

Units on scene: Engine 711, Truck 731, Tanker 2821, Engine 3012, Engine 112

 

May 30th 2009:   Macungie EMS Open House

      

Members of The Alburtis Vol. Fire Department participated in the Macungie Ambulance Corps open house today.  The event was held from 11AM until 3PM.  Fire apparatus, EMS units, UMT Safety Trailer, Whitehall Water Rescue, LVH Medevac, area police departments, and Eastern PA EMS Council was on hand.  Childrens games and face painting was also available.  The Alburtis Crew preformed the rescue demonstration, which consisted of 2 pt trapped in a station wagon.  Crew extricated both in 22 minutes by preformed 2- 3rd door conversions and a full roof removal.  A great time was had by all. Click to view more photos.

 

May 30th 2009:  Two Alarm Fire with Possible Entrapment in Maxatawny

  

The Alburtis Vol. Fire Department were dispatched for a cover assignment to Berks Company 21 at 0223hrs.  Engine 112 responded with a crew of 5 and stood by while Topton crews worked at a working dwelling fire in Maxatawny Township.  At 0407hrs, Station 1 was dispatched for a full response to assist Company 46(Kutztown) at the scene of the fire.  The fire was originally dispatched as with entrapment.  Fortunately, upon arrival of PD, all occupants were out of the house.  Crews operated on scene assisting with extinguishment and overhaul until 0630hrs.  Click here for more photos.

 

Units operating on scene: Company 46, 35, 21,45, 32, 33, 34, Lehigh 1.  Station 25 and Berks 12 remained on stand by for some time.

 

 

May 9th 2009:   Terrain Rescue Drill with Macungie EMS

  

Saturday, May 9th, at 1230hrs, The Alburtis Vol. Fire Dept. and The Macungie Ambulance Corps participated in a Terrain Rescue Drill at the Alburtis Rod and Gun Club property.  Crews arrive on scene and found the complainant standing by.  Crews found that 3 hunters did not return home last evening.  In all, one hunter was found approx. 40 yards in the wooded area with minor injuries.  The remaining two hunters were found approx. 75 yards in the woods with severe trauma and hypothermia.  A low grade haul system was setup, EMS provided treatment and all patients were extricated within 1 hour and 40 minutes.  All participants enjoyed the training.  Thank you to everyone who came out on a Saturday afternoon for some additional training.  Click here to view more photos.

 

   

March 31^st 2009:  Entrapment with Trexlertown

              

AFD was dispatched with Trexlertown Fire Department and Cetronia Ambulance Corps to Industrial Blvd. and Grim Rd. for a Motor Vehicle Accident with Rescue.  Minutes later, the rescue went responding with a crew of 6.  5501 (G. Grim) arrived on the scene, two vehicles, one female entrapped.  5501 had Industrial Command.  2511 crew arrived on the scene shortly before the rescue and assisted with extrication.  141 crew preformed a full driver’s side removal.  Pt was removed from the vehicle and care was transferred to Cetronia EMS.  While 141 was operating on the MVA, Alburtis Fire Personnel also handled a Cardiac Arrest with Macungie EMS in the borough.  Click here for more photos.

 

March 30^th 2009:  Rollover on Mertztown Rd.

             

AFD and Macungie Ambulance Corps were dispatched to the 8800 Block of Mertztown Rd. for a Motor Vehicle Accident with Rollover.  103 (D. Smith Jr.) arrived on the scene with one vehicle overturned and the sole occupant self extricated.  103 had “Mertztown Command.”  Rescue 141 and Engine 112 were on the scene and split crews to assist Medic 6684 and spill clean up.  The roadway was closed while vehicle was removed.