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At 19:20 hrs. on Wednesday February 22nd, Perkasie Fire Company No. 1 was dispatched for a Water Flow Alarm activation at the Pennridge High School. Initial arriving personnel found the building evacuated and a small fire extinguished by one (1) building sprinkler head before arrival. Smoke and water conditions affected three (3) FSC classrooms on the 3rd floor level. Upon confirmation of a fire, the incident was upgraded to a BOX assignment bringing additional companies from Sellersville, Dublin and West End - Quakertown FD's. Companies worked at securing the sprinkler system and removal of smoke from the High School. FM 201 Kevin Flanagan of the Bucks County Fire Marshal's Office responded to the scene to document and determine a possible cause of origin for the fire. Investigation was centered on a cord from an iron. Pennridge Administrative, Facilities, and Security staff were on scene to initiate clean-up activities and mitigate water damage.

This incident is an important lesson in that the AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS DO SAVE LIVES AND PROPERTY. Without the combination of a fire alarm system in conjunction with a sprinkler system, the damage would have been greater and the labor intensive. The District anticipated clean-up would be completed in time for the High School to open in the morning for students (except the three (3) affected classrooms).

We would also like to remind everyone to unplug corded appliances when not in use.

On Thursday February 2, 2017, Perkasie Fire Company No. 1 was dispatched for dwelling fire in the 1300 block of Meadow Lane, East Rockhill Twp. Caller reported the side of the house on fire from a wood pellet stove in the basement. Chief 26 (Worthington) and Battalion 76 (Schoeller) went on scene with 20' x 40' single story rancher, no visible fire, but light smoke condition inside. Chief 26 established Command, Battalion 76 handled Operations section. Command directed Engine 26 to stretch a 2" dry line to Delta side and bring a pressurized water extinguisher (can) with them. Engine Company 26 split crew, with Lt. Yannaccone and a firefighter entering basement with a thermal imaging camera (TIC) and the can to check for extension. Command directed Tower 26 to throw 24' ladder to roof on Delta side, and to establish electric positive pressure ventilation (PPV) to Alpha side main door, and then supplement exterior personnel on Delta side. Command directed Engine Company 76 to report to Operations. Lt. Yannaccone reported pellet stove in basement with light smoke condition, TIC indicated hot spot in ceiling with extension to first floor, but no visible fire. Interior firefighters soaked basement ceiling with can in affected area. The attic are was checked and light smoke condition found there also, and however no hot spots were found. Interior firefighters then removed a 1' x 3' wall section in Master Bedroom closet on 1st floor Delta side directly above pellet stove flue pipe. Delta side exterior wall was wet down with 2" water line from Engine 26. Command requested next engine dispatched for additional manpower bringing Chief 27 (Wagner) and Engine 27 (Sellersville). All companies worked together to secure the property by placing tarps over roof and the Delta side wall to protect homeowners property. Department cleared at 01:06 hrs.

Perkasie Fire Company No. 1 would like to remind all users of wood-burning fuel to have their chimneys checked and cleaned regularly, and to also install carbon monoxide detectors with smoke detectors in your residences.

Perkasie Fire Company No. 1 is pleased to announce that both the PA Department of Health and the PA Office of the State Fire Commissioner have re-certified the Department for again reaching the goals for recognition in the PA Volunteer Rescue Services Recognition program. This achievement shows an outstanding level of commitment to the fire and EMS service and to the health and welfare of the citizens.

The Department has been certified at the highest level "Vehicle & Machinery - Advanced" since 2012; and remains the only recognized rescue service in the County of Bucks.

This program was developed through the collaboration of the Bureau of EMS, the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and the Rescue Task Force of the PA Emergency Health Services Council (PEHSC) to formally recognize those services that meet the goals and successfully complete the recognition program.

At 05:08 hrs. on Thursday morning January 12, 2017, Rescue 26 and Engine 76 responded to a single vehicle rollover in the area of 621 S. 5th Street (Pennridge South MS). The driver was belted, conscious, alert and speaking with Perkasie Boro PD upon arrival. The vehicle was stabilized and roof flapped to gain access to the driver; who was then boarded with patient care turned over to GVH Medic 151.

Perkasie Boro Electric Dept. was on scene to secure the power at the base of a light standard which was struck by the driver.

Total Number of Incidents for Year: 299
Total Number of Training Activities: 44

Year End Summary Statistics:

Apparatus and personnel responded to 299 requests; 39 of the incidents (13.04%) were fire related, 1 incidents were overpressure/explosion related (0.33%), 59 incidents (19.73%) were rescue/EMS related, 34 incidents (11.37%) were related to hazardous conditions, 53 incidents were service calls (17.72%), 59 incidents were good intent related (19.73%), 53 incidents (17.72%) were false alarms, 1 incident was severe weather (0.33%).

Perkasie Borough had 117 incidents (39.13%), East Rockhill Township had 75 incidents (25.08%) and Hilltown Township had 23 incidents (7.69%) of the total call volume. Our services were provided to various other municipalities such as West Rockhill Township with 26 incidents (8.69%), Sellersville Borough with 21 incidents (7.02%), Quakertown Borough with 6 incidents (2.00%), Dublin Borough with 3 incidents (1.00%), Richland Township with 3 incidents (1.00%), and Silverdale Boro with 3 incidents (1.00%).

In total, the department staff provided 6598.76 man-hours of service in response activity and training.

October 2016 - The Fire Education Committee of the Perkasie Fire Co. No.1 participated in various events during Fire Prevention week of October 9th-15th, highlights included: Visitation to Pennridge’s Robert B. Deibler and Dr. Patricia Guth Elementary Schools with firefighter friends and Engine 26. Their presentations reached a total of 1,000 students and teachers.

The team of Firefighters also hosted preschool children from Explore and Learn Childcare and Learning Center and TLC Learning Center, also traveling to the Leight House Nursery School explaining fire safety tips to children and adults.

Read more at . . . Fire Prevention

A prestigious honor was bestowed upon Fire Police Sargent/Trustee Duane Carpenter as he was presented with a 2016 Burpee Emergency Services Award on October 23, 2016 at the Spring Mill Country Club. The annual award program is hosted by the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Carpenter was recognized for the his service as a Trustee and an Engineer on Traffic 26. He quietly works in the background maintaining many pieces of Department property without the knowledge of many. He was presented individual citations from U.S. Representative Michael Fitzpatrick, PA Senator Charles T. McIlhinney Jr. and PA State Representative Craig Staats recognizing his achievements.

Pictured in the photo from left to right are: Chief J. David Worthington, Fire Police Sargent/Trustee Duane Carpenter and President John Yannaccone

On Friday September 16, 2016 at 22:34 hrs., Tower 26 was dispatched to assist Station 61 (Hilltown FD) for a dwelling fire in the 1000 block of Azlen Lane in Hilltown Twp. Upon arrival, Tower established two (2) elevated master streams from the A/D corner of the structure until incident was under control at 00:23 hrs. At that time, Tower 26 was relocated to the middle of Side A to proceed with wet down of hot spots. Tower 26 remained on scene until 02:50 hrs.; returned to Station at 03:32 hrs. Engine 26 was on the assignment and personnel were directed into manpower at direction of Hilltown Command.

On Saturday September 3, 2016 at 18:55 hrs., Rescue 26 was dispatched to intersection of W. Market Street and N. Ridge Road to check a building after impact from a vehicle at the request of Perkasie PD. Upon arrival, Deputy 26 (Boshell) reported a vehicle with partial intrusion below 1st floor on Alpha/Delta corner, and requested a response from Perkasie Borough Electric Dept. After electric service was secured and the vehicle removed, the Rescue Company entered the basement and removed debris from the impacted area. Personnel then built shoring to support the first floor living area. Department cleared the scene at 19:57 hrs.

On Saturday June 25, 2016 at 13:20 hrs., Tower 26 was dispatched for a report of Skydiver stuck in a tree in the woods at Pennridge Airport in Box 76-28. Battalion 76 (Schoeller) was advised the patient was located at the end of the runway. Upon arrival, Deputy 26 (Boshell) contacted dispatch to notify FAA of activities in area and runway way shutdown. Battalion 76 advised Tower 26 to access airport via. Hi-Line Drive Gate. Upon accessing patient, it was determined the Skydiver had fallen approximately 40' onto the ground. Fire Department personnel assisted Medic 108-1 (St. Luke's - Quakertown) with patient packaging and movement to awaiting ground transportation. Incident was cleared at 14:23 hrs.

As graduation is about to occur in the area school districts, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 would like to congratulate our own graduate. During the Spring 2016 session, Probationary Firefighter Andrew Black completed and obtained National Pro-Board certification for Professional Qualifications for Firefighter 1 (NFPA 1001). The qualifications consist of CPR, First Aid (or higher level of Emergency Medical Training), Hazardous Materials Operational Core Competencies, Personal Protective Equipment Mission Specific Competencies, and Product Control Mission Specific Competencies in accordance with NFPA 472, Basic Fire Fighter Training that meets the intent of NFPA 1001-2013 Chapter 5, which has been approved to meet the requirement by the Bucks County Community College Department of Public Safety Training and Certification.

Pictured left to right: FF Brian Black (father), Graduate FF Andrew Black, Chief J. David Worthington

On Thursday May 10th, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 hosted members of the Bucks County Technical Rescue Task Force (BCTRTF) at Menlo Park in Perkasie Borough. The Task Force, along with Department firefighters worked with the MPD device on rigging rope hauling systems for several hours, under the direction of Task Force Leader Kurt Branule. The MPD (Multi-Purpose Device) allows the rescuer to go from lowering to raising without changing hardware, which is a major innovation in advanced technical hardware for rope rescues.

Photo courtesy of Anne Klimke

On January 21, 2016, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 along with over 100 other fire departments in the Tri-State area participated in the 24th annual WPVI Operation 6 Save-A-Life Smoke Detector Program at the Philadelphia Fire Academy. Fire Education Coordinator Patti Kostrubiak and Firefighter Brian Irvin received 40 free smoke detectors for distribution in the community.

In the 24 years, WPVI, along with sponsors Kidde, Home Depot, Tri-State Toyota, and American Water Resources, have donated over 200,000 life saving devices. In attendance along with sponsor representatives was 6ABC President and General Manager Bernie Prazenica, 6ABC Reporters Alicia Vitarelli, Annie McCormick and Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer.

For more information about the smoke detector program go to www.6abc.com. If you live in Perkasie Borough or East Rockhill Township, and cannot afford a working smoke detector or would like one installed, please call the station at (215) 453-2166 or email our Public Information Officer at the link above with your request.

During blizzard storm conditions from Friday January 22, 2016 thru Monday evening January 25, 2016, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 responded to eleven (11) incidents during those days. Incidents ranged from gas leaks inside dwellings, odor of smoke within a commercial building, and several respiratory arrest cases. Personnel on Utility 26 assisted Medic 151 (Grand View) with patient assessments, clearing access thru snow conditions and loading patients.

Tower 26 was dispatched to assist Station 59 (Silverdale) with a natural gas leak within a Hilltown Twp. multi-family residence; and also to assist Station 17 (Quakertown) with a partial building collapse within Quakertown Boro.

During the clean-up from the heavy accumulation of snow on Monday January 25, 2016, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was dispatched at 23:26 hrs. for a dwelling on fire in the 1500 W. Rock Road, East Rockhill Twp. While responding to Station 76, Captain 76 (Nyce) reports he can see a header from on Ridge Road. Based upon this information, Chief 26 (Worthington) requests a Tanker Task Force(5 Tankers and 2 Engines) to the non-hydranted area. Pennridge Regional Police Officer Seville arrived on scene and reported well involved dwelling on road leading to quarry rim. Battalion 76 (Schoeller) arrives on scene and confirms PD report, and that all occupants are out of dwelling. Engine 27 and Engine 27-1 (Sellersville) were clearing an incident on RT 309 By-Pass are added to the repsonse. Chief 26 orders Engine 76 to drop 5" LDH at the corner of W. Rock corner and lay hose up the inclined snow covered hard pack roadway. Engine 27-1 was assigned to handle Tanker dump site at corner of W. Rock road; and Engine 27 to establish a Tanker fill site at a hydrant at Schwenkmill & Three Mile Run Roads. All other incoming apparatus were to stage off to the side of W. Rock Road and advance available manpower to the fire scene. Engine 76 laid 400' of 5" ldh before losing traction and stopping. Engine 76 personnel and stretched 400' -3” Blitzfire line in the roadway to Side A (front) of dwelling to protect a 2-story apartment/garage exposure on Side C. Chief 26 establishes Rock Road Command, and requests all incoming companies to assist in manually stretching 500' - 5" LDH to the fire scene from Engine 76, along with 5" gated manifold. Incoming companies advised to bring hi-rise hose packs to fire scene. Battalion 76 took Operations Sector. Command requested PP&L to expedite for downed live wires on Side B. Wires were secured by PP&L at transformer 300’ away. Command reports that 90% of cabin-style structure was consumed. Companies on scene had (3) Blitzfire ground monitors and (2) hand lines in service. Bucks County Chief Fire Marshal FM200 (Kramer) and FM202 (Walther) arrived on scene to document incident conditions and speak with the homeowner. FM201 (Flanagan) and FM202 returned the following morning to conduct their investigation as to the origin and cause of the fire. The incident was placed under control at 00:35 hrs. Additional man-hours were spent controlling hot spots and wrapping up frozen hose as the temperatures were hovering around 19F. Apparatus returned to quarters at 04:30 hrs.

Total Number of Incidents for Year: 340
Total Number of Training Activities: 49

Year End Summary Statistics:

Apparatus and personnel responded to 340 requests; 47 of the incidents (13.82%) were fire related, 2 incidents were overpressure/explosion related (0.58%), 51 incidents (15.00%) were rescue/EMS related, 33 incidents (9.70%) were related to hazardous conditions, 71 incidents were service calls (20.88%), 74 incidents were good intent related (21.76%), 60 incidents (17.64%) were false alarms, 1 incident was severe weather (0.29%)and 1 incident was special type (0.29%).

Perkasie Borough had 119 incidents (35.00%), East Rockhill Township had 54 incidents (15.88%) and Hilltown Township had 27 incidents (7.94%) of the total call volume. Our services were provided to various other municipalities such as Sellersville Borough with 33 incidents (9.70%), West Rockhill Township with 63 incidents (18.52%), Quakertown Borough with 11 incidents (3.23%), Richland Township with 7 incidents (2.05%), Silverdale Boro with 1incidents (0.29%), and Dublin Borough with 1 incidents (0.29%).

In total, the department staff provided 6705.08 man-hours of service in response activity and training.