1st Due Barn Fire
At 1242hrs the dispatch many at Longmeadow had feared finally came in. Units were dispatched for the tractor fire in the barn in the 19600 block of Leitersburg Pike. The address was very familiar as Longmeadow has pre-planned the farm for many years. The farm sits at the end of a narrow lane approximately a mile long, across a very shaky, little bridge, over a modest stream. This kind of farm may be typical in a lot of areas, but what make it different here is that it is situated right in the middle of a large path of Urban Sprawl.
As Engine 27-1 responded (first out the door to this address due to pre-planning) with the Chief on board, a large column of smoke was observed. This lead Chief Eckstine to believe the fire was now consuming the barn as well. Chief Eckstine requested the Tanker Task Force and the Working Fire Assignment to the scene. 27-1 arrived on scene with a working fire and worked fast to limit the spread.
In the end, Special Unit 27 drafted from the stream to supply the attack pieces. A special thanks goes out to the Washington County Special Operations Team for their quick thinking in responding to the Working Fire Assignment with Skid Steer 20. This John Deere Gator arriving so early in the operation made it possible for the farmer to protect his own equipment, and allowed Command to limit resources as the operation remained defensive.
In the end, Chief Eckstine and the rest of the firefighters from Longmeadow were not surprised by the conditions of this fire thanks to pre-planning. Over the past 13 years that I have been at Co. 27, I know that Firefighter Richard Baer has been committed to teaching new Firefighters and Officers about this particular farm, and many others that present unique hazards in our area.
As firefighters were cleaning up from the above fire, the assignment was dispatched to Antrim Township in Franklin County PA for the house fire with entrapment. Rescue Engine 27-1 responded immediately with 5 and the Chief to assist. Quick work by first responders and civilians on the scene resulted in all occupants being rescued.
Transfer to Halfway
At about 1640hrs, Longmeadow was dispatched to transfer an engine to Halfway, MD (Co. 26) as they operated on a First due house fire. Engine 27-1 transferred, but handled no calls. Firefighter Shoop returned to the Meadow in time to trick or treat.
To read about the fire, click here.
Recent Updates
Over the past few months, The Meadow has kept busy with many calls, some fundraisers and few other activities.
Calls of Interest:
28 August- Paramount Elementary School (1st Due). Longmeadow was dispatched for the fire, believed to be extinguished, at the elementary school. Chief 27, Truck 27 and Engine 27-1 responded with 8 firefighters to find a heavy smoke condition from a trash can fire. Units ventilated and remained on the scene to assist the Fire Marshall's office.
2 September- Countryside drive (Maugansville Co.13). The Engine and Truck were alerted to assist Company 13 with the house fire. Units had rags on fire in a dryer with a smoke condition. Co. 13 handled.
17 September- Crossfield Dr. (Funkstown Co.10). The Engine Company was alerted as the fill-site pumper on the Tanker task force. Engine 27-1 arrived and was reassigned to provide manpower at the fire scene.
19 September- Longmeadow Rd, Paramount Feed (1st Due). We were alerted with surrounding companies for the building fire across the street from the station. Units had fire visible in a grain dryer. The fire was contained quickly and Nick made it to work on time.
29 September- Showalter Rd (Co. 13). The Engine and Truck were alerted to assist Co. 13 with fire in the commercial building. Command 13 held Truck 27 and members assisted with opening up and overhaul.
30 September- Truck transfer to Hagerstown City Fire Department, Truck 1.
2 October- Penn Ave, Fountainhead Plaza (1st Due). Co. 27 was alerted for the Automatic Fire Alarm. Units arrived, forced entry and found a smoke condition. As command was preparing to fill the assignment, interior firefighters found the source to be an ash bucket in the kitchen area.
4, 5, 11, 12 October- Adams County Co. 5 Arendtsville. Once again, Longmeadow agreed to assist the Arendtsville Volunteer Fire Company while they worked a major fundraiser in their first due. Every year, thousands upon thousands of people swarm the tiny mountain village for the annual National Apple Harvest Festival. We have provided manpower for their station for 4 days each year. This year, a few medic calls were handled.
9 October- Transfer to Morgan County WV. Around Noon, Rescue-Engine 272 was special called to cover the Town of Berkeley Springs WV while they operated on a large dwelling fire. The unit was requested because the area was stripped of both Pumpers and Rescue Squads.
14 October- Leitersburg Pike (Leitersburg Co. 9)- Longmeadow was requested to assist with the fast moving field fire. Engine 27-1 and Special Unit 27 responded with 6 and assisted with extinguishment.
19 October- Marsh Pike, former Avalon Manor (1st Due)- Units were alerted for smoke in the building. Firefighters found smoke on several levels and locations through out the building. Command was established and further investigation found a furnace fire. Fire was extinguished and the building ventilated.
22 October- Stateline Road (Greencastle PA Co.30). Units were alerted to assist with the combine fire that had spread to the field. Engine 27-1 (as a tanker) and Special Unit 27 responded and assisted with extinguishment.
Other Activities:
For Fire Prevention Week, Longmeadow did several public education events through out the first due area including the elementary school and several daycares. Deputy Chief Hopkins wishes to thank all the firefighters that assisted with these activities.
On 18 October, Longmeadow hosted its semi-annual Money Bonanza.
On 25 October, Chief Eckstine lead the station in a Waxing Party for all the rigs.
What else could we run?
With the Rescue Engine enjoying their sleepover in Hancock, the members that stayed back started their day with an Automatic Fire Alarm at the North Village Shopping Center. Shortly after that, Engine 27-1, Truck 27, and Deputy Chief 27 responded Mutual Aid to Franklin County, Franklin Box 3-13, for a trailer fire. Units from 3 arrived to find a homeowner that was burning trash, which subsequently set the trailer on fire. Command 3 held units from 3 and 13, and the Long Meadow units returned home. At 1322, Engine 27-1 responded to Jefferson Blvd for the vehicle collision. While getting ready to clear the scene, Headquarters dispatched Box 27-4 was transmitted for a house fire at 850 Northern Avenue. Engine 27-1, Truck 27, and Capt. Turner in 27-0 responded on the assignment. Firefighter Matt Byard, who was in the area, called Headquarters and advised them it was a working fire with fire showing from a 2 story single family dwelling. Capt. Turner arrived on the scene and established command. Engine 27-1 arrived and stretched lines to Division 1 and 2. Truck 27 arrived and placed the aerial in service, laddered the roof, and opened up for crews on the inside. Command requested the 2nd alarm transmitted because of the amount of fire and the high temperatures. The crew from Rescue Engine 27-2, not wanting to feel left out, received permission from Chief 5 and were released from the transfer, and responded to the scene. Over 50 firefighters responded on the box staffing over 16 pieces of apparatus were on the call. Thanks to all those who worked diligently to save the house from total destruction. In total, Company 27 ran 10 calls in 24 hours.
Transfer
With units operating on an extended barricade situation in Hancock, Chief 5 contacted Chief 27 and requested an engine transfer to his station for the night. Rescue Engine 27-2 was loaded up for a slumber party and headed to Company 5. While there, Rescue Engine 27-2 took in a grass fire, but enjoyed an otherwise relaxing transfer. Well, that is until the 2nd alarm fire in our first due.
Truck 27 Handles First Due Box
At approximately 1420 hours, Truck Company 27 was special requested to help Henry Scheck celebrate his 4th birthday. The truck arrived on Side Alpha with lights and sirens going to the amazement of Henry and all of his guests. The aerial was placed in service and the roof was laddered to help ventilate the smoke from all of Henry's birthday candles. Henry even helped put the ladder back in its cradle after giving everyone a demonstration as to how the ladder operates. Henry's guests and relatives were given the opportunity to tour the ladder truck and see all the equipment we carry and how it operates. Everyone had fun, especially Henry. He was able to maintain his bright smile even after being exhausted from enjoying his special day. Henry, we thank you for the special invite to help you celebrate your big day. Feel free to stop by the fire station anytime to see all the other equipment we have. We look forward to helping you celebrate your birthday next year when you turn 5!!!
Henry getting ready to drive! Big sister Anna, Henry, Mom Tara, Sophie, and Dad Bryan
Franklin County Building Fire
At approximately 1955 hrs, Engine 27-1 was dispatched to 721 Buchanan Trail East, Franklin Box 3-2, for a building fire at McDonalds. Units arrived and found the employee's had extinguished a fire under the deep fryer. After checking for extension and finding none, Engine 27-1 was placed in service.