Just before 9:15 this morning, Station 44 (Intercourse) along with mutual aide units including Tanker 62 were dispatched for a reported Wood Shop Fire just South of the town of Intercourse on Route 772. Almost immediately a Second Alarm was struck, also dispatching Engine 62-2 to the scene along with more mutual aide companies. Units and personel responding quickly found a visible column of smoke for miles around. Tanker 62 and Engine 62-2 arrived on scene and assisted with Water Supply Operations. The building was declared a total loss and was started by accidental sparking during maintence on equipment. Stay tuned for pictures at a later date. WGAL Story: http://www.wgal.com/news/susquehanna-valley/lancaster/crews-battle-leacock-township-fire/-/9704306/23260360/-/12ngabe/-/index.html Lancaster Newspapers/LancasterOnline Story: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/926843_J-J-Woodworks-torn-down-after-building-is-destroyed-by-fire.html

This afternoon at 13:29 hours Engine 62-1 was alerted along with Station 61(Upper Leacock),EMS Units from 3-8(Leola) and Medic 3 to a Motor Vehicle Crash with Entrapment involving two vehicles at the intersection of Newport Road and Stumptown Road.Engine 62-1's crew stabilized both vehicles and then assisted 61 in extricating two patients.

Shortly after 12pm this morning, units were dispatched to the area of the 2200 block of Horseshoe Road for a Vehicle Accident Standby - Vehicle into a Building. Assistant 62 went en-route and shortly afterward was given an update of a Vehicle into a Porch. Engine 62-1 and Squad 62 also made the response. A vehicle was found to have left the roadway after loosing control while turning the corner at the intersection of Horseshoe and Mount Sidney, and ending up onto the small side porch of a house, which knocked out the porch supports and collapsed it. Units remained on scene until a tow truck arrived to assist in moving the porch roof off of the vehicle and towing the vehicle from the scene. Thankfully, neither the driver, passengers, or occupants of the house were injured.

The Officers and Members of the Witmer Fire Protective Association regret to announce the passing of Assistant Chief Engineer James R. Burkholder on Monday, July 29, 2013.   James was affectionately known as “Burky” around the fire station. Burky joined the WFPA in November 1983 and served the Witmer community as a volunteer firefighter for over 29 years. Burky was a dedicated firefighter and apparatus driver and his passion was centered on Witmer’s fire apparatus. Burky served as Chief Engineer from 1986 through 1993 and he was Assistant Chief Engineer from 1994 up until his passing. Burky was also responsible for ensuring that all of Witmer’s gas powered equipment (saws, generators, hydraulic rescue tools) were in good working order at all times. He was a member of the Apparatus Committees that planned and acquired our last three major pieces of apparatus: the 1994 Peterbilt/New Lexington Tanker, the 1998 HME/New Lexington Engine and the 2009 Pierce Arrow XT Engine/Tanker. Burky’s favorite piece of apparatus, however, was Witmer’s 1967 Mack Pumper, which is still today owned by the company as an antique.

Burky was active in the Lancaster County Firemen’s Association, Inc. He served as the Delegate to the Association from Witmer Fire from 2002 through his passing and also as an Alternate Delegate for five years prior. In support of his dedication to fire safety, for several years Burky donated his time and efforts to transport the Lancaster County Firemen’s Association‘s Fire Safety Smoke Trailer to various fire stations and schools all over Lancaster County so that adults and children could be trained in home fire safety.
 
A Memorial Service will be held at the Witmer Fire Station on Thursday, August 8, 2013. Burky’s remains will be transported in Witmer Fire’s 1967 Mack Pumper to the fire station at approximately 6:00 pm. A procession of Witmer’s Fire Apparatus will accompany Burky from his home in Bareville to the Witmer Fire Station via South Groffdale Road, East Main Street (Route 23), Glenola Drive, Horseshoe Road and Mount Sidney Road. Visitation with family and friends will occur from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. At 8:00 pm there will be a Memorial Service held in Burky’s honor. All of Burky’s family and friends, as well as the community, are invited to attend this event to honor Burky’s life and dedication to the community.

This past Monday evening, members reviewed and practiced their Vehicle Rescue Technician skills at the rear of the station on cars that were graciously provided by Steffy's Towing and Garage of Leola. The Holmotro Rescue tools were put into service during the evolutions and gave the members some good hands on training once again. Thanks to Steffy's for assisting us in our training needs!

On Tuesday, Engine 62-2 and Tanker 62 traveled to our neighbors to assist with a Rural Water Supply Drill. Upper Leacock and Bareville Fire Companies had organized a tanker shuttle in and among the Dart Container complex utilizing their water system. Many local Zone 3 and 4 companies were present and a flow of over 2000 GPM was achieved with a 1 mile loop. During this training, certain members also logged several miles and Water Supply time for our ongoing Driver Training process.

Earlier in the month, during the first Monday, members participated in the first of many In-Station Training "Quiz Nights". The First-Monday Quiz Nights are new to the training slate here at Witmer, and are an open time to review material, tools, or concepts that any member feels they need to train on, in a group environment, for the entire company benefit. The first of many went spectacular and the decision was made to continue them on a monthly basis.

Later in the month, the Company will participate in the Township-Wide training. Several members have also completed classes independently in areas that benefit their service as a member of the fire company. As you can see, the members of Witmer are always busy training to provide the Community in Which We Serve the best possible emergency service. Thanks for your continued support!

This morning at 07:10 hours Station 62 was alerted along with Medic 6-12-8 and Medic 3 to a motor vehicle crash in the 2200 block of Creek Hill Road.Engine 62-1 with OIC Captain Troyer arrived to find a two vehicle crash with fluids on the roadway.There were no injuries so EMS handled sign offs and went available.Engine 62-1 along with Fire Police remained on the scene for approximately one hour until the vehicles were removed.

Shortly before 5pm today, Engine 62-1 was dispatched to a Vehicle Accident on Route 340 in the area of Airport Road. Units arrived to find a 4 vehicle pile-up crash with some injuries. Squad 62-1 also made the response and shut down the roadway at Route 340 at Mount Sidney Road, while Fire Police detoured east bound traffic to Route 30 via Witmer Road. Squad 41-2 and 41 Fire Police also assisted in detouring west bound 340 traffic to Route 30 via 896. Thanks to those who assisted.

While operating detours and traffic control, several Fire Police and Firefighters experienced dangerous traffic related conditions/incidents which could have proven fatal had they not been aware of their surroundings. Please remember several things around the scene's of Emergency Scenes, Accidents, and Detours:

Fire Police are usually stationed at multiple locations and/or intersections during a detour other then the Emergency Scene or Crash Site. Always be on the lookout for Traffic Directors at nearby intersections, including those utilizing traffic lights. Do not always assume "Green means Go" at any intersection in the area of an accident.

While Fire Police try, it is not always easy or possible to accommodate a perfect Detour around an Emergency Scene that can positively answer or regard everyone's final or preferred destination or route of travel. Please be patient and understand that a few inconvenient moments traveling a set-up detour quite possibly may have eliminated more time, or even more danger, for those detouring around a scene.

Please, above all, remember that a vehicle can be a dangerous machine if the driver's full undivided attention is not given in it's operation. Please refrain from phone calls, texting, and other distractions (Such as "Rubbernecking") at ALL times while on the roadway, but ESPECIALLY while in the area of an Emergency Scene with Firefighters and Fire Police. Please Remember that all operators are someone's Mother, Father, Son, Daughter, Aunt, Uncle, Grandfather or Grandmother, and we ask that you please assist with ensuring their safety.

As always, please take note of the Speed Limits, HOWEVER, please also remember, just as "Green means Go" does not always apply in the area of an Emergency Scene, Posted Speed Limits can be a danger to those operating in the area. Please slow down considerably and drive with caution in the area of all Emergency Scene's and Accident's to ensure the safety of both You and Us!

Thanks!

Today, while on Standby nearby at Station 61 (Upper Leacock) while their members were attending a training event, some fellow firefighting friends from Station 66 (Lancaster Township) stopped by for a visit. A few members of Station 66 started their volunteer firefighting career or grew up on "The East End" of Lancaster City, in the vicinity of Witmer and our neighboring Fire Companies. Due to the fact that the metropolitan City of Lancaster, who is protected by a paid department, separates the area's nicknamed the "East End" and "West End" of town because of their respective locations, members of these 2 areas seldom run mutual aid calls or assists together and rarely get a chance to interact with one another inside the fire service. Today was different, and we are glad we got a chance to catch up with some good friends who we do not get to see every day anymore. If anyone else is ever in the area from another part of the town or county, please do not hesitate to stop by if someone is around. This type of Camaraderie is just one great benefit's the members of Witmer, and many other Fire Departments, enjoy and share as being a part of the Fire Service and Brother/Sisterhood.

Early in the morning, crews gathered at the station to prepare for and then attend a Class A Burn Day at the West Chester FC Training Grounds with neighboring department, Lafayette (63). Crews spent the morning checking equipment, going over preplans, and gathering needed items before heading out on Engine 62-2 and Squad 62, who rendezvoused with Lafayette before making the trip to West Chester. Once there, Officers from both companies went over the day’s plan with Firefighters to ensure safety and an overall positive experience and training. The day was a hit with everyone in attendance and provided both new and veteran members with a valuable training and learning experience/opportunity that does not present itself every day. Thanks to all who attended, and to the officers of both companies, as well as the West Chester Fire Training Center, for making the day possible. Below are just a few pictures of the many that were taken.

This afternoon, a crew from Witmer once again attended the yearly Mothers Day Convoy that benefits the Susquehanna Valley Make-A-Wish Foundation, who grant wishes to terminally ill children. The Make-A-Wish convoy in previous years has been a World Record Setter and a large tradition in Lancaster County. The crew was once again able to help support a great cause with their participation. Thanks to everyone who came out and said hello.

This afternoon at 13:54 hours Station 62 was dispatched to Rt.340 and Mt.Sidney Road for spill control.Assistant 62(Kauffman) arrived to find a two vehicle non injury crash at the entrance to the M&T Bank with fluids on the roadway.Engine 62-1's crew provided spill control and remained on the scene until both vehicles were removed.

This evening, shortly before 6pm, Station 44 (Intercourse) along with other local units were alerted to a Barn Fire on Old Philadelphia Pike (Route 340) just outside the village of Intercourse. Moments later, Engine 44-1 arrived on scene and upgraded the original box to the second and third alarms. Tanker 62 responded immediately, and Engine 62-2 followed close behind. Once on-scene, Tanker 62 dropped a load of water and continued as part of the shuttle, transporting 6000 gallons in all. Engine 62-2 dropped their load of water upon arrival and was then redirected to Stand-By at Station 44 after being refilled. Photo's will appear at a later date. Thanks to all and to Station 44 for their hospitality while standing by.

At 17:48 hours Station 62 was alerted along with Station 63 (Lafayette), Rescue 48 (Ronks), and Lancaster EMS, to a reported Aircraft Down at Smoketown Airport. Initial updates indicated multiple calls received and local police officers reporting smoke in the area. Assistant 62 (Kauffman) arrived to find an ultralight plane that had crashed into a temporary structure just after takeoff. The aircraft and structure were both involved in fire and the Pilot was determined to be deceased. Crews from Engine 62-2 and 63-2 made initial fire attack while crews from Rescue 48, Engine 62-1, and Tanker 62 assisted and also helped perform water supply, hazard control, crowd control, additional fire attack, overhaul and investigation. Crews remained on the scene for several hours while both police and FAA investigations were taking place. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the pilot's family and all involved with this accident and tragedy.

Lancaster Newspapers Story: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/832417_Plane-crashes-on-takeoff-at-Smoketown-Airport--pilot-killed.html

Saturday March 23rd was a busy day for the Station and crews who answered multiple calls for Stand-by Transfers and assists while on the Transfers. During the early evening, Lancaster City Units (64) transmitted a General Alarm Dwelling Fire on Chestnut Street in the City, bringing units from Station 63 (Lafayette) as well as other surrounding companies to the scene. Not long after Station's 63 assignment to the City, Witmer Volunteers were dispatched to cover an Alarm Bells call on East Orange Street in Lancaster Township (which is part of Lafayette's First-Due area) due to Lafayette's commitment to the City General Alarm. The call was investigated and units were released in a short amount of time. After clearing the Lancaster Township call, Engine 62-2 was redirected to Transfer for a Stand-By at Lancaster City Station 3 along with Truck 50 (Willow Street). After about 2 hours of Stand-By in the City, Engine 62-2 was released and relocated to Station 63. Prior arrangements had been made for Station 62 to Stand-By on March 23rd so the members of Lafayette could enjoy their annual Banquet. Once the festivities were over, crews made their way back to Station 62 after one very long day! While on the return trip, another call for Alarm Bells was dispatched in the area of Mahogany Drive in Company 63's First Due. Engine 62-2 diverted to the call along with units from 63, which was quickly handled. Thanks to everyone who came out and supported throughout the day and to all companies for their hospitality.

This evening at 18:28 hours Engine 62-2 and Tanker 62 were dispatched to assist Station 204 (Eden) of Company 20 (Manheim Township Fire Rescue) at a Dwelling Fire off of New Holland Ave. The structure, known as the Gammache Mansion, which was 114 years old, had been through numerous renovations, and sat a good distance off of the main road, was currently abandoned. The property has been slated for development and the future of the building had been unknown. The third floor was fully involved when Station 20 units arrived. Due to the unsafe conditions crews were not able to enter the building. 62 units assisted with water supply and were on the scene for approximately two hours.

Below are 2 articles about the fire, and one article about a number of recent local fires that includes the Gammache Mansion Fire: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/829378_Vacant-mansion-burns-in-Manheim-Township.html http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/833470_Why-the-historic-Gammache-Mansion-was-allowed-to-burn-down.html http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/833153_Fires-raise-suspicions-there-might-be-firebug-on-the-loose.html