Yesterday, on July 9, 2024, Katrina Michael, a member of Platea Volunteer Fire Company, answered her final call. The funeral procession left Edder Funeral Home, and proceeded down Main Street passing under an American Flag suspended by A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co. and Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department's ladder trucks on their way to Platea Cemetery.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Katrina’s family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this difficult time. Her dedication and service to the community will always be remembered and honored.
A compilation of some of the video captured yesterday at the PA-HART lead training exercises on Elk Creek and at the mouth of Elk Creek on Lake Erie. This video highlights a creek rescue exercise along with multiple hoisting operations on Lake Erie. Video also features some motion pictures of briefings before the drill took place.
Participants in the drill included members from Lake City Fire Company, Lake Shore Fire Department, Fuller Hose Company #1, Crawford County Scuba Team, Robinson Twp. VFC #1 - Station 244, Pennsylvania National Guard, Pennsylvania Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team, and a PEMA official. Additional community assets present included Lake City Police, Girard Police, Lake City EMA, West County EMA, Pennsylvania Game Commission, and the US Coast Guard (Erie).
PA-HART team is conducting drills today with local volunteer fire departments. A detailed summary will be provided later!
2024-3-4 Girard Township PA - Quick Work on Brush Fires Along CSX Tracks
A short video highlighting some of the quick work of west county volunteers today at a brush fire along the CSX tracks. This was just fire one of many.
Lake City Fire Company
2023 - Year in Review
This compilation captures the unwavering commitment and brave efforts of our local heroes throughout the year. From challenging rescues to moments of dedication, it's a collective salute to those who selflessly protect and serve our community.
This isn't just about the events I covered—it's a celebration of the incredible work done by our first responders. Join me in expressing gratitude for their courage and resilience.
Additionally, a huge shout out to all of the fire departments across the county who continue to support my efforts in capturing how they serve their community. Fairview Fire and Rescue Springfield Vol. Fire Dept. Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department Platea Volunteer Fire Company Lake City Fire Company A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co. Lake Shore Fire Department Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department Crescent Hose Company Mckean Hose Company Fuller Hose Company #1
Walnut Creek Access - Drills on the Water
A few weeks ago, Lake City Fire Company and Lake Shore Fire Department teamed up and conducted a variety of drills on the water at Walnut Creek Access. Water rescue team members practiced patient back boarding and transferring patients between vessels. Additionally, members utilized inflatabile boats to test maneuverability through a slalom course.
2023-1-22 East Springfield & Girard Township PA - Two Motor Vehicle Accidents
First responders in western Erie County had a busy early-afternoon as snow entered the region.
EAST SPRINGFIELD, PA - Just after 1 PM, Springfield Vol. Fire Dept. and West County Paramedics were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident at the 6 mile marker on I-90, just east of the Route 215 exit ramp near the westbound lanes. Prior to the arrival of first responders, a Fuller Hose Company #1 Captain was passing through the area and stopped at the scene. A SUV reportedly left the interstate, rolled to some extent, and came to rest on its wheels facing oncoming traffic off the roadway. West County Paramedics evaluated three patients, but no individuals were transported to a hospital. Crews were placed back into service shortly after. Pennsylvania State Police were on scene investigating the accident.
GIRARD TOWNSHIP, PA - Just before 1 PM, A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co. was dispatched to a reported two-car motor vehicle at Pieper Road and Ridge Road (Route 20). On arrival, two cars were reported to have minor-moderate damage with one person needing to be evaluated by paramedics. Route 20 eastbound was temporarily closed while crews worked to assess the scene and remove the disabled vehicle from the median. One person was transported to a nearby hospital. Pennsylvania State Police were first on scene and were investigating the accident. No additional details are currently available.
2023-1-21 West Springfield, PA - One-Car Motor Vehicle Accident with Rollover on Route 20
WEST SPRINGFIELD, PA - Last night, just before 11:45 PM, a one-car motor vehicle accident occurred on Ridge Road in West Springfield, PA. A westbound travelling SUV reportedly side-swiped a telephone pole in the 13800 block of Ridge Road when it went into a person's yard, rolled, and came to rest in the eastbound lane of Route 20. Springfield Vol. Fire Dept. and West County Paramedics arrived on scene to find the vehicle on its roof. There were no injuries reported and the driver was able to self-extricate from the vehicle. The individual was assessed at the scene by paramedics but was not transported to the hospital. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
2023-1-19 Girard Township, PA - High Risk, Low Frequency Ropes Rescue at the Trestle
This rescue was impressive on multiple different levels. Multiple agencies worked together including local fire departments and also the Pennsylvania State Police. The amount of training that occurs behind the scenes in order to peform rescues to this degree is significant. Volunteers give up a tremendous amount of time to learn, practice, and perform not only these skills but also skills in other types of rescues as well.
GIRARD TOWNSHIP, PA - Overnight, on January 19, 2023, Lake City Fire Company and West County Paramedics were dispatched to assist PA State Police with a possible search detail around 10:40PM. PSP was investigating reports of a yell for help behind a residence off of North Creek Road. Dispatch soon after informed that PSP located the individual along the bank of Elk Creek under the Norfolk Southern Trestle. The male was stuck on one of the pillars under the trestle right above Elk Creek. Additional personnel were requested from Lake Shore Fire Department, Fairview Fire and Rescue, and A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co.. The mule transported water rescue technicians downstream as a safety precaution. One rescue technician repelled down and secured the patient. On the high ground, crews setup additional rigging to lift both the rescue technician and the patient up and out of the creek bed. The patient was loaded onto Mule 56 and transported to the awaiting West County Ambulance. West County transported the patient to Hamot Hospital. Great work by all crews.
2023-1-18 Girard Township, PA - Tractor-Trailer Rollover on I-90
GIRARD TOWNSHIP, PA - At around 3:30 PM, Platea Volunteer Fire Company and West County Paramedics were dispatched to assist Pennsylvania State Police with a patient evaluation following a single tractor trailer crash on I-90 involving rollover. The accident took place near the 11.6 mile marker on I-90 in the eastbound lanes. The driver of the tractor trailer was reportedly able to self-extricate from the vehicle prior to the arrival of first responders. One person was transported to a nearby hospital with unknown injuries and in unknown condition. Eagle Auto service & Towing/Recovery was requested to the scene to recover the semi. The cause for the accident is currently unknown and under investigation. The driving lane was merged into the passing lane to provide crews with room to work.
Later in the evening, Platea Volunteer Fire Company was re-dispatched for the same accident after crews reported a fuel spill involving around 100 gallons of diesel fuel. Once on scene, Lake City Fire Company was requested for their spill trailer as diesel fuel was found to be in a drainage basin. Crews on scene were able to create dams to prevent the further spill of diesel fuel. Once Lake City arrived on scene, crews were able to place a barrier in water to prevent diesel fuel from traveling further down the catch basin. The Hazmat team, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the Department of Environmental Protection were all called to the scene.
2023-1-11 North East, PA - Semi Pulling Job Site Type Trailer Rolled Over, Trailer Destroyed
NORTH EAST, PA - At around 1:30 PM, rescue personnel from Crescent Hose Company and Fuller Hose Company #1 in North East were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident along I-90. Crews arrived just west of the 46 MM of I-90 to a semi off the road and on its side. The semi was pulling a construction job-site trailer (similar to a section of a mobile home). During the crash, the semi became separated from the trailer and rolled onto its side. The job-site trailer was heavily damaged during the accident. One person was transported to a nearby hospital. The fire departments cleared the scene within a half hour and the scene was then turned over to PSP and the tow truck company. According to the tow truck company, Czarnecki Towing, the trailer will be demolished tomorrow and put into a dumpster. The impact of the crash caused the job-site building to become detached from the metal frame of the trailer.
2022-12-29 Girard, PA - Reported 2 Vehicle MVA at East Main Street and Penn Avenue
GIRARD, PA - Just before 10 PM, A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co. was dispatched to a reported two vehicle motor vehicle accident at East Main Street and Penn Avenue. When first responders arrived on scene, they saw a car with moderate to heavy damage and a truck with minor to moderate damage. The occupants were able to self extricate and were uninjured from the crash. Route 20 between Church Street and Walnut Street was closed for about an hour until both vehicles could be removed and the road cleared of debris. According to initial reports from the scene, it is believed that both vehicles were headed westbound on Route 20 when a car attempted to pass a pickup truck that was turning left. The car ended up hitting the rear quarter-panel of the pickup truck causing it to slide where both vehicles came to rest. According to bystanders, the car was reported to have been moving at a high rate of speed west down Route 20 prior to the incident. A.F. Dobler Hose was on scene for some time cleaning up fluids and awaiting the arrival of tow trucks and the removal of vehicles. One person was transported by Girard Police Department. At this time, no other information regarding this incident is available, Girard Police are continuing their investigation.
2022-12-27 West Springfield, PA - Reported Mobile Home Fire on Nash Road
WEST SPRINGFIELD, PA - Just before 3 PM yesterday, Springfield Vol. Fire Dept. was dispatched for their fourth reported structure fire for the day. The first structure fire was on Neiger Road in Girard Township, the second was to assist Lake City (and was later cancelled), the third was to assist the City of Conneaut in Conneaut Ohio, and the fourth was on Nash Road in West Springfield. When first responders arrived on scene, they reported that heavy smoke and fire was visible on the north side of the residence near a gas meter. When the first engine arrived on scene, crews pulled a line and knocked down the bulk of the fire. Crews then performed searches on the interior of the residence to ensure that there were no fire conditions present on the interior. Firefighters then provided extensive overhaul on the northern wall to check for extension into the wall and pulled the side wall and insulation down. Crews were on scene for just over an hour before being placed back in service. A cause for the fire is under investigation.
Lake City Fire Company, A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co., and Platea Volunteer Fire Company assisted.
2022-12-27 Girard Township, PA - Reported Structure Fire on Neiger Road
GIRARD TOWNSHIP, PA - Just before 5 AM, Platea Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to a reported structure fire on Neiger Road in the 11200 block. Upon arrival, crews found the house to be fully involved in flames. Crews established command outside the residence and had a fully exterior attack due to the advance stage of the fire. Firefighters worked to protect an exposure and to further contain the fire. Due to the fire being in a rural location, firefighters had to establish a water supply at a local pond and relay pump to the scene. Two people were home at the time of the incident and were able to escape the fire without injury. Crews were on scene for nearly three hours before going back in service. The cause of the fire is currently unknown however crews are continuing to investigate. The Red Cross was called to assist two residents and their dogs.
Springfield Vol. Fire Dept., Lake City Fire Company, A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co., Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department, and Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department assisted Platea. West County Paramedics were also on scene.
2022-12-24 Lake City, PA - Pre-Arrival - Extreme Winds Lead to Fully Involved Mobile Home Fire
LAKE CITY, PA - Just after 5 AM, crews from Lake City Fire Company, and other west county departments, were dispatched to a reported structure fire at Lakeside Village Mobile Home Park off from West Lake Road. When crews first arrived on scene, they noted that the trailer was fully involved and that all occupants were out of the structure. Firefighters took a defensive position to protect exposures of other trailers. After arriving on scene, firefighters noted that a gas line was ruptured and was also on fire. Lake City’s Fire Chief requested National Fuel to expedite to secure the natural gas. No one was home at the time of the fire and two dogs were unable to make it out of the residence. The Red Cross was also called.
In addition to Lake City Fire Company, mutual aid from A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co., Fairview Fire and Rescue, Springfield Vol. Fire Dept., Lake Shore Fire Department, Platea Volunteer Fire Company, and Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department, Pennsylvania State Police, and West County Paramedics were also on scene.
2022-12-16 Girard Township, PA - Vehicle Strikes a Guardrail at the Teardrop Roundabout
GIRARD TOWNSHIP, PA - Just after 7:00 PM, fire and rescue personnel from Platea Volunteer Fire Company were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident at Route 18 and the eastbound ramp exit 8. Upon arrival, one car was noted to have sustained what was described as moderate to heavy damage. The vehicle was heading northbound when it failed to negotiate the curve I the round about and struck the left curb. The vehicle then continued north and struck the guardrail on the east side of the roadway. The accident is suspected to be a result of DUI. One person was transported to a nearby hospital for what was described as minor injuries.
2022-12-16 East Springfield, PA - Route 20 Vehicle Through Guardrail into Strip of Woods
EAST SPRINGFIELD, PA - At around 3 PM, Pennsylvania State Police from Girard responded to a motor vehicle accident along the west bound lanes of Route 20 near Tubbs Road. The vehicle went through the guardrail and then into a small strip of woods. No injuries were reported. No other information is currently available.
2022-12-11 Girard, PA - Reported Dryer fire at Girard Coin Laundry
GIRARD, PA - A local Girard business was temporarily closed this afternoon as fire crews worked to put out a fire that was contained to a dryer. At approximately 1:30 PM, personnel from A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co., Lake City Fire Company, Fairview Fire and Rescue, and Platea Volunteer Fire Company were dispatched to a reported structure fire at the Girard Coin Laundry. A member of Lake City Fire Company was first on scene and reported smoke coming from the structure and later provided an update of a working dryer fire. When Lake City Fire Company's engine first arrived on scene, crews took a water can and quickly applied water on the fire. Crews from Girard and Lake City provided ventilation for the structure and then proceeded with overhaul to check for extension. No extension was noted and crews were put back into service. According to reports, the business has since reopened but is currently down a dryer.
While the cause of the fire is currently unknown, it serves as a general reminder that individuals should exercise caution and ensure that lint traps are cleaned frequently on driers. Fairview and Platea were placed back into service prior to arriving on scene.
2022-12-2 West Erie County, PA - Multiple Trees Down, Tree on Fire
WEST COUNTY, PA - It was a busy Friday night for multiple fire departments in western Erie County. In Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department personnel responded to a reported tree on wires and on fire. Crews secured the scene and assessed the situation while waiting for Penelec to arrive. In Lake City, Lake City Fire Company responded to multiple trees down on West Lake Road and a large tree down on Penn Street and Maple Avenue. Crews worked on scene to clear all trees from the roadway. In Fairview, Fairview Fire and Rescue responded to reports of trees down in multiple areas throughout Fairview Township. In Conneaut Township, Albion Fire Department responded to an numerous reports of trees and wires down. Strong winds are expected to continue through at least noon on Saturday where most are still on high alert for impending weather.
2022-11-14 East Springfield, PA - Ridge Road Structure Fire
EAST SPRINGFIELD, PA - Just before 11 PM, Springfield Vol. Fire Dept. was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 11700 block of Ridge Road in East Springfield. Multiple west county fire departments including Lake City Fire Company, A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Co., Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department, Platea Volunteer Fire Company, and Fairview Fire and Rescue were all dispatched to assist. Upon arrival, heavy fire conditions were present from the rear of the house. Crews immediately went on the offense and were able to bring the fire under control within minutes of arriving on scene. Additional units arriving on scene conducted secondary searches on the residence in addition to checking for extension and aiding in overhaul. The fire is believed to have been contained to one room with no further extension.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
