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Freeland, Pa 18224
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PHOTOS AND AUDIO

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FOSTER TOWNSHIP FIRE RESPONDS TO TRACTOR TRAILER CRASH MILE MARKER 267 INTERSTATE 80 - JUNE 29, 2008 - 4 AM



Foster Township and White Haven Firefighters responded to a tractor trailer crash in Interstate 80 during the early morning hours of June 29, 2008 and rescued the driver of the truck. Initial 911 calls from the driver were vague as to the location, prompting Valley Regional Fire/EMS, White Haven Fire/EMS and Foster Township to be dispatched. The crash was difficult to locate and was in an area that is a difficult area for firefighters because of a curve in the highway. The truck, which was down a steep embankment, made getting to the driver difficult. The driver, who was originally entrapped in his truck, freed himself and waited for help. A rope and pulley system was assembled by White Haven Firefighters and an extension ladder was used to guide the stokes basket to the roadway. The driver was then flown to a trauma center by medical helicopter. Interstate 80 in the area was restricted to one lane in the area for most of the day as a contractor worked to recover the wreckage.

FOSTER TOWNSHIP FIRE RESPONDS TO VEHICLE CRASH
OLEY VALLEY ROAD - JANUARY 27, 2008 - 6:15 PM

Foster Township Firefighters were called to this accident on Oley Valley Road. The driver received minor injuries but refused medical treatment/transport by White Haven Paramedics. The Pennsylvania State Police investigated the crash. Firefighters remained on the scene for about 45 minutes.

FOSTER TOWNSHIP FIRE ENDS - BEGINS YEAR WITH ACCIDENT RESPONSES
January 1, 2008
Foster Township Firefighters ended and began the year responding to vehicle crashes. Late Saturday night firefighters responded to a vehicle accident with entrapment on Foster Avenue, just west of Veterans Road. The victim was trapped for about 15 minutes until being removed from the vehicle and subsequently airlifted to a trauma center. Early New Year's morning firefighters were called to the 1000 block of Foster Ave for a vehicle that went off the road after a fresh snowfall. Later in the day firefighters responded to a fatal traffic accident with entrapment on State Route 80, near mile marker 267. White Haven Fire assisted in the operation.

Vehicle Accident - Foster Ave and Veteran's Road, Foster Township December 16, 2007

Photographs by Bill Barr, Fire Photographer
A man escaped injury from this accident on Foster Avenue near Veteran's Road. Hazle Township Fire and Rescue assisted Foster Township Firefighters at the scene after they were dispatched to the same accident by a passing motorist who was unable to provide a location. The driver of the accident vehicle was trapped for a short time before being freed, but was uninjured.

Structure Fire - Red Maple Drive, Foster Township

March 23, 2007 2:00 PM

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All photographs courtesy Bill Barr, fire photographer

SMOKE DETECTOR SAVES LIFE OF FOSTER TOWNSHIP MAN

A 60 year old Foster Township man was saved after a smoke detector alerted him to a fire inside his residence. The fire occurred just after 2 pm on Friday afternoon at 112 Red Maple Lane, Freeland; which is formerly called the “Maple Lane Estates”.

Richard Ladner, the only resident of the house, was asleep on the living room couch when he was alerted by his smoke detector going off. As he began to see what was causing the detector to go off, thick smoke began to fill the home. Ladner evacuated the house and called 911.

Firefighters from the Fearnots Fire Department of Foster Township, along with regional fire departments from surrounding communities, responded to the scene. Firefighters from Foster Township were first to arrive on the scene and found heavy smoke and fire coming from the trailer.

An aggressive interior attack was initiated by firefighters who confined the majority of the fire to a back bedroom and bathroom. Firefighters not only battled intense smoke but also the danger from a partial floor collapse in the rear of the trailer. The remainder of the home suffered heat, smoke and water damage. However, to despite the damage, firefighters saved a majority of Ladner’s personal items.

The Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal and firefighters from Foster Township examined the fire scene late Friday afternoon. After an investigation, it appears that the fire was caused by a malfunctioning piece of heat wrap, which were attached pipes under the trailer. The cause of the fire is accidental.

Ladner will be unable to stay at the residence and is staying with other family members. Neither Ladner, nor any responding firefighters were injured in the fire.

Firefighters from White Haven and Freeland assisted with fire suppression, while firefighters from Sugarloaf and Hazle Township assisted supplying water by use of tanker trucks. Freeland EMS also stood by at the scene. Fire Chief Michael Spock was in charge of the operation.

The Fearnots Fire Department continues to stress the importance of the use and maintenance of smoke alarms in the home. Since this tragedy has been averted, firefighters urge residents to check their smoke detector and make sure it is functioning. Firefighters also issue a reminder to make sure that smoke detectors are present near sleeping areas.

The Fearnots Volunteer Fire Department provides primary fire and rescue services to the 44 square miles of Foster Township. The department operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year and is staffed by volunteers.

Structure Fire - Hobby Mountain Road, Butler Township

December 23, 2005 10:20 PM

Foster Township Fire assisted neighboring Valley Regional Fire on Hobby Road in Butler Township. Foster Township was one of several municipalities which sent apparatus to this multi-alarm fire. The fast moving fire and difficult location of the residence engulfed the residence before firefighters had a chance to save it.

Structure Fire - Sawmill Road, Foster Township December 2, 2005 12:20 PM


Foster Township Fire responded to this afternoon structure fire on Sawmill Road in the Highland Section of Foster Township. The fire displaced the 6 family members who resided in the home. The Red Cross was summoned to the scene to assist those residents. Firefighters from Foster Township, Freeland and Hazle Township worked aggressively to control the fire in about 45 minutes. The origin of the fire was determined to be in the area of the chimney and heating equipment. No firefighters or civilians were injured.

Vehicle Fire - Caplo Road, Foster Township

August 29, 2005 3:20 PM

Foster Township Fire responded to this afternoon vehicle fire in the 600 block of Caplo Road in Foster Township. The homeowner was working on the vehicle when it caught fire. Initial reports through Luzerne County 911 were for a vehicle explosion. Firefighters arrived on the scene and found that no one was injured in the fire. The fire was contained and apparatus left the scene in approximately 45 minutes. White Haven EMS also assisted on the scene. Ironically, about 1 hour after units arrived back at the station, we received another call for a vehicle fire in the Highland section of Foster Township. That vehicle sustained heavy damage to the engine compartment.

Structure Fire - Assist-Butler Township - 17 Oak Street July 3, 2005 5:20 AM

	VIDEO Approx 7 megs, shows initial fire, laying in and tower arriving	Photos and Video by Bill Feissner
Foster Township Fire responded to assist the Valley Regional Fire Department at 17 Oak Street in Butler Township on July 3, 2005 at 0520 hours. First in departments reported heavy fire in the rear of the structure and sounded a second alarm. Foster Township responded with an engine and tanker. Manpower assisted in fire suppression and overhaul. Units were on the scene for approximately 1 1/2 hours. No injuries were reported to civilians or firefighters.

Wildland Fire - Sandy Valley Area, Foster Township April 19, 2005 3:20 PM


Foster Township Fire assisted the Pennsylvania Department of Forestry with a brush fire in the Sandy Valley area of Foster Township. 3 airtankers based at the Hazleton Municipal Airport provided airdrops to support the ground units that were working the fire. Firefighters were on the scene for about 3 hours. While operating at the scene, numerous other calls were received from residents who were reporting the fire, but unaware that suppression efforts were being conducted. Today was "Red Flag Day", indicating that there is a high fire danger.

Structure Fire - Meir Road, Foster Township

April 14, 2005 9:20 PM

Foster Township Fire responded to a structure fire on Meir Road, Foster Township on April 14, 2005. The garage/workshop was fully involved upon arrival at the scene. To despite the intense fire, a garage and large storage shed, which abutted the fire building were saved. Firefighters were faced with the hazards of acetylene and oxygen tanks inside the building and live wires down to the rear of the structures. The fire was controlled by striking a full first alarm - Structure Fire East - alarm.

*Check back for a video*

Wildland Fire - Spring Valley Farms, Foster Township

April 14, 2005 2:20 PM

Foster Township Fire responded to the Spring Valley area of Foster Township on April 14, 2005 around 2 pm for a wildland fire. Very dry forest conditions produced quick burning, intense fires. Due to limited manpower, White Haven Fire responded, along with the Pennsylvania Department of Forestry. Working together as a team, the fire was contained and 2 residences were saved from the fire. The fire was caused by careless burning. This was the 94th call for the year for Foster Township Fire and this year is proving to be the busiest year ever for our fire department.

Assist - Structure Fire - 504 Washington Street, Freeland

February 1, 2005 7 PM

Foster Township Fire responded with Freeland Fire to 504 Washington Street for a structure fire. Firefighters arrived on the scene and found heavy fire venting from the front first floor apartment. Initial reports from the scene indicated possible entrapment on the second floor, above the fire apartment. An aggressive interior search and attack was commenced by Freeland and Foster Township Firefighters. No victims were located.

Assist - Structure Fire - 926-928 Pine Street, Freeland January 19, 2005
			VIDEO CLIP 6 megs - 2.30 seconds
DISPATCH SIZE UP EXPOSURES EVACUATE Courtesy of Bill "Stogie" Stogoski Kingston Emergency Services
Foster Township Fire responded with Freeland Fire to 928 Pine Street, Freeland on January 19, 2005 at 3:35 pm for a reported structure fire. First in units found heaving fire venting from the second floor. The photographs and video above were taken seconds after a blitz attack by a deck gun, shortly after arrival of the first engine. An aggressive interior attack then began. The exposures on either side of the fire building received some fire damage and smoke damage, however they were saved with minimal damage. A Foster Township firefighter was injured after coming in contact with an electrical circuit in an open wall. Firefighters from Hazle Township, Butler Township, White Haven, Weatherly and West Hazleton were among the units that responded. At the time of the call, many of those units were committed at other incidents due to a constant snowfall and freezing temperatures around 15 degrees. The family was not insured and lost everything in the fire. The Standard-Speaker newspaper article is here.

Ice Storm - Northeast Pennsylvania January 6-8, 2005

Foster Township Fire was called to duty after a severe ice storm hit Northeastern Pennsylvania. Firefighters responded to live wires down, utility poles down and other types of calls during the period. The Department worked almost non-stop over the period to ensure that the public was protected and roads were kept opened. Firefighters were extremely concerned because of the many residents without power and using alternate fuel sources, fireplaces, kerosene heaters, etc, many of which posed a higher than normal risk of fire. Firefighters worked in dangerous conditions for many of the hours they spent. As firefighters were cutting trees from the roadway, other trees and large limbs were falling around them. Many of the responses involved live wires. The initial storm hit on Thursday followed by another ice storm early Saturday morning. The weight of the ice caused many trees to split, right down the middle. This is one of the largest ice storms to ever hit the area.

Structure Fire - 700 block Chestnut St, Freeland

January 3, 2005 9:45 PM

Foster Township Fire responded on an automatic first alarm to the Freeland Senior Citizens Center in Freeland around 9:45 PM. Freeland Police arrived on the scene and found heavy fire from the north side of the building. Foster Township Fire assisted Freeland with fire suppression and overhaul. The cause of the fire is under investigation but does not appear to be suspicious. Hazle Township Rescue and Tower also responded to the scene and other regional second alarm companies were on stand-by for the commercial structure fire box.

Vehicle Accident - Sandy Valley Road

December 12, 2004 1:45 AM

Foster Township Fire was dispatched to this vehicle accident on the Sandy Valley Road, just west of Caplo's Road around 1:45 AM. While enroute, Luzerne County 911 advised that fluids were down and a pole and wires were down. Firefighters arrived and found a 2001 Chevy Blazer had struck a pole, causing substantial damage to the pole, however it was still upright. The occupants of the vehicle left the scene prior to Fire and EMS arrival. Freeland Ambulance responded to the scene. The Pennsylvania State Police were called to the scene, however were unable to immediately respond due to other incidents.

Vehicle Accident - Eckley Road

December 11, 2004 4:15 PM

Foster Township Fire was dispatched to this vehicle accident on the Eckley Road, near the entrance to the historic Eckley Miner's Village around 4:15 PM. Firefighters found a one vehicle accident which had lost control, spun out and struck a fence. The driver of the vehicle was transported by Freeland Ambulance to a local hospital with apparent minor injuries. This is the second accident within a 24 hour period that the fire department responded to. Yesterday, firefighters responded to a two vehicle, non-injury accident at the intersection of Lehigh Gorge Drive and Foster Avenue.

Live Wires Down - Meir Road

December 1, 2004 1:15 PM

Foster Township Fire was dispatched to a report of a tree on wires on Meir Road at around 1:15 pm. Firefighters found live wires down and arcing as a result of high winds. Firefighters secured the scene and kept bystanders away until the arrival of Pennsylvania Power and Light.

Motor Vehicle Accident - Oley Valley Road

October 31, 2004 7:05 AM


Foster Township Fire responded to a vehicle accident on the Oley Valley Road just after 7 am. Firefighters found a pickup truck off the berm of the road which had struck several trees. No one was around the vehicle and it appeared that it had been there for several hours. White Haven Ambulance and Paramedics also responded to the scene.

Motor Vehicle Accident - Interstate 80, Mile Marker 268

October 30, 2004 4:05 PM

Foster Township Fire responded to a one-vehicle roll over accident on Interstate 80 at Mile Marker 268. No one was injured in the crash. Initial reports were that the driver was entrapped. First arriving units found the driver in the vehicle and confined, however, the driver was assisted from the vehicle without using mechanical means. White Haven Ambulance and Paramedics responded to the scene and White Haven Fire assisted. Units were on the scene for approximately 1 hour.

Motor Vehicle Accident - Interstate 80, Mile Marker 273 - Assist to White Haven Fire

October 25, 2004 1 PM


Foster Township Fire responded to assist White Haven Fire with a tractor-trailer accident with entrapment at Mile Marker 273, near the White Haven exit of Interstate 80. The tractor-trailer lost control and went down approximately 100 feet, landing on railroad tracks. First arriving police and fire units found the driver alive, but he subsequently died during extrication. Due to the nature of the entrapment and the terrain involved, the Luzerne County Technical Rescue Team was dispatched to the scene. This brought additional fire and rescue units from throughout Luzerne County to the scene. A news article appears here, courtesy of WNEP.

Motor Vehicle Accident - Interstate 80, Mile Marker 269

October 13, 2004 2:30 AM

Foster Township Fire responded to an early morning accident on Interstate 80 (east) at Mile Marker 269, Foster Township. The operator of the vehicle lost control and rolled over, causing the load of plants to spill from the vehicle. The 2:30 AM accident shut down the eastbound lanes for more than an hour until the vehicle could be removed from the roadway. There were no injuries and White Haven Fire also responded. Less than 12 hours after clearing the scene, Foster Township Firefighters assisted White Haven Fire with a structure fire. The full story is here, courtesy of Msnbc.

Wildland Fire - Assist - Hazleton Municipal Airport

April 19, 2004 3:30 PM


Foster Township Fire responded to assist the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry who were fighting a 1000+ acre wildfire in the Mountain Top area of Luzerne County. Tanker 43 provided water for 4 airtankers that were providing airdrops to the fire. The airtankers are based at the Hazleton Municipal Airport. Units operated on the scene for over 5 hours. The fire is still rapidly burning and is expected to burn for a few more days. The fire was fueled by 80 degree temperatures and wind gusts in excess of 35 mph. The conditions prompted the National Weather Service to issue a "Red Flag" warning. Coverage from WNEP

Structure Fire - Assist - Perkins Restaurant, Route 93, Sugarloaf Township March 12, 2004 01:26 AM

				Photographs by William J. Feissner
Foster Township Fire responded to this 3 alarm fire in Sugarloaf Township. We provided a tanker to help supply water to this fire. The building was a total loss. Fire Departments from Luzerne County, Schuylkill County and Carbon County were also dispatched to the scene.

From the archives - Rapid Fire Attack - 1995

This video was taken by a neighbor during a fire in the winter of 1995. Volunteer's are difficult to find, especially during the daytime hours, when most people work. Initially responding to this fire were 2 engines, with only a driver. The Fire Chief and an Assistant Chief were on scene. Using a combination of training, experience and quick thinking, a deck mounted deluge gun was used to hold the fire to the garage and prevent it from spreading to the house until a hose line could be advanced and a water supply set up.

Watch the video clip

MPG (2 meg - low quality) MPG (3 meg - high quality) Realvideo (2 meg - medium quality)

Vehicle Accident - Carbon Street - Foster Township January 25, 2004 - 11:39 PM

Foster Township Fire responded to a motor vehicle accident on Carbon Street, Foster Township. The female occupant of the vehicle was still inside the vehicle, but unhurt, when firefighters arrived. The vehicle sheered a utility pole and may be alcohol related.
DISPATCH	SIZE UP
Click on the above link to listen to the audio in mp3 format.

Structure Fire - Assist - Dennison Township

January 17, 2004 - 6:15 AM

Foster Township Fire responded on a second alarm assignment to the 100 block of Middleburg Road, Dennison Township. Foster Township Fire along with firefighters from White Haven, Kidder Township and Weatherly assisted Dennison Township with this structure fire, which occurred during single degree weather. Rehab was provided by the White Haven Ambulance and Paramedics. The structure received heavy fire damage to the second floor and the attic. This was the third working structure fire in the area within a 12 hour period.

Structure Fire - Main Street, Highland

December 22, 2003 - 12 PM

Foster Township Fire responded to a structure fire on Main Street in the Highland section of the Township. Foster Township Fire, along with the Freeland Fire Department responded to the scene and found a 2 1/2 story, wood frame, double block home with heavy smoke and fire showing. An aggressive interior attack was initiated and fire was contained to the front room of the left half of the structure. Firefighters had the blaze under control in approximately 20 minutes. There was heavy smoke damage to the left side of the structure and moderate smoke damage to the right half. The fire displaced a family of 4, including 2 children, just before the Christmas Holiday. They were given assistance by the American Red Cross. Firefighters from several surrounding municipalities were summoned to assist. The structure was saved and structural damage was minimized due to the working relationship and joint response with the Freeland Fire Department. The origin of the fire was traced to an area near the front door, but is undetermined and under investigation by members of the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Division.

Read about it on the web

Vehicle Accident - Route 940 & Sandy Valley Road

May 31, 2003 - 7:45 PM

Foster Township Fire responded to a vehicle accident on Route 940 at the intersection of Sandy Valley Road. The accident occurred during a heavy rain storm. The vehicle knocked down a portion of the wall of an unoccupied business. The female driver was transported to a local hospital after an aero medical helicopter could not respond because of the weather.

Structure Fire - 527 Walnut Street, Freeland Borough

May 19, 2003 - 9:00 PM


Foster Township Fire responded to assist Freeland Borough with a structure fire at 527 Walnut Street. The fire was quickly contained and held to the basement area by Freeland and Foster firefighters. The family was temporarily displaced from the residence as a result of the fire. The cause of the fire is believed to have accidentally started near a clothes dryer in the basement.
DISPATCH	SECOND ALARM	CONFINED FIRE	KNOCKDOWN

Vehicle Accident - Sandy Valley Road

April 4, 2003 - 8:00 AM


Foster Township Fire responded to this rollover accident on the Sandy Valley Road, just before 8 am. The vehicle struck a tree before rolling over. White Haven EMS and Medic Unit also responded to the scene.

Structure Fire - 807 Schwabe Street, Lot 6, Freeland Borough

April 1, 2003 - 7:45 PM


Dispatch	Evacuation/Smoke	Firefighter Injury	Knockdown

Foster Township Fire responded with Freeland Fire to this structure fire in Lot 6 of the Cherone Trailer Park, 807 Schwabe Street. Heavy fire was rolling from the back of the structure on arrival. Firefighters advanced two attack lines and conducted an aggressive interior attack. The fire was held to the rear bedroom area, although the rest of the structure received heavy heat and smoke damage. A Freeland firefighter sustained a broken leg at the fire. A second alarm was transmitted, with 1/2 the units being recalled after the initial attack controlled the fire and prevented exposure damage.

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