WHFD Welcome's home the NEW Engine 241! Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - The Borough of West Hazleton Fire Department proudly accepted our new 2009 KME Predator/Challenger on Tuesday afternoon. The Engine, which boast's a 2000 GPM Pump and a 500 Gallon Water Tank was made possible through a FEMA Assistance to Firefighter's Grant, a matching portion from West Hazleton Borough Council, and additional funds from the Volunteer side of the Fire Department, We would also like to thank Congressman Paul Kanjorski for his assistance with this project, and his continued support of the West Hazleton Fire Department!       Checking out the new toy

WEST HAZLETON FIRE CELEBRATES 120 YEARS OF SERVICE AND A NEW KME ENGINE Tuesday, February 12, 2008 - The West Hazleton Fire Department was founded on August 18th, 1888 and has, for the last 120 years, provided stellar service by trained, dedicated firefighters to the residents, visitors, and travelers to the Borough of West Hazleton and the surrounding communities. To celebrate the milestone we are planning a 120 year celebration. This celebration will coincide with the dedication of our new KME Engine that will replace the 1975 Seagrave, Engine 241. The department was fortunate enough to receive a Federal Fire Act Grant that is allowing them to replace the 1975 engine that has been deteriorating over the past few years. In order to bid a fond farewell to our old faithful engine and welcome our new KME Predator Panther / Challenger Pumper we are hosting a celebration and ceremony on Saturday, September 20th 2008 at Genetti's Best Western in Hazleton. The dedication committee is currently putting together a program for the evening. If you are interested in placing an advertisement or sponsorship in the book please see the attached form. Replys will be due before April 15th, 2008. Any support will allow you to showcase your dedication to the Borough of West Hazleton Fire Department and also the other area career and volunteer fire departments. The committee and the West Hazleton Fire Department thank you in advance for your support.

WEST HAZLETON FIRE DEPARTMENT WELCOMES NEW ADDITION TO THE FAMILY! Saturday, June 28, 2008 - The West Hazleton Fire Department is proud to announce the addition of our newest family member! "Arson" is an 8 week old pure bread, AKC registered female Dalmation Puppie. She follow's in the foot step's of our past mascot's Siren and Flame. Arson is proudly owned by the Ward Family! Keep an eye out around the station and other events for "Arson"... If you see her, please come and say HELLO!

TRUCK 244 1ST DUE TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY HOUSE FIRE Monday, June 23, 2008 - Truck 244 and Engine 242 were dispatched to 33 Centre St in Kline Twp, Schuylkill County for a House Fire. Truck 244 arrived as 1st due Truck Company and was given a ventilation assignment. Truck crew ladder the house in preparation of possible verticle ventilation, but upon further investigation of Chief 241 it was not needed. West Hazleton Firefighters removed the smoke from the residence using ventilation fans without causing any further damage. Pictures are courtosey of Bill Bar, Vinnie Chitswarra, and Steve Barret

WEST HAZLETON FIRE TO HOLD BOWLING TOURNAMENT Friday, June 20, 2008 - This event has been postponed until October. West Hazleton will be hosting a the 1st Annual Sleep like a Champion Bowling 9 Pin No Tap Tournament with Red Pin Shootout. The event will be held  In  October with  Date, Time, and venue location to be  announced.

WEST HAZLETON HAZ MAT TEAM RESPONDS TO SCHUYLKILL COUNTY Tuesday, April 15, 2008 - West Hazleton Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Response Team was dispatched to Schuylkill County to assist the McAdoo Fire Department with a Hazardous Materials Incident. Occupants of 51 N. Sheridan St attempted to mix Chlorox Bleach with a Industrial Coil Cleaner, when a chemical reaction occured. One male occupant was overcome by fumes, and was later flown to Hershey Medical Center in Critical Condition. West Hazleton Hazardous Material Technicians donned Level A Chemical Protective Suits and entered the residence to locate the compound and use it's advanced Atmospheric Monitors to anylize the air quality. Firefighters then went through a Decontamination coridor established by other West Hazleton Firefighters, and after ventialation, all units were released.

13 E. BRANCH CT HOUSE FIRE Sunday, March 30, 2008 - West Hazleton Fire Department along with Hazle Twp Fire Department dispatched to a reported House Fire at 13 E. Branch Ct in West Hazleton for the House Fire. Upon arrival, units found smaoke showing from the 1st and 2nd floor, and as per the Police Department on scene the occupant would not allow personel to enter. After a breif struggle, a male occupant was taken into custody by the West Hazleton Police Department. Once inside, West Hazleton Firefighters found a chair, carpeting, and appliances on fire inside the residence. Fire was extinguished and Firefighters utilized a Thermal Imaging Camera to check for extension. After ventilating the residence of smoke, all units were released.

WEST HAZLETON RESCUE ON A TECHNICAL RESCUE BOX Saturday, March 22, 2008 - West Hazleton Rescue as part of the Technical Rescue Team of Luzerne County was requested to respond to Rickets Glenn State Park for a High Angle Rescue. While enroute, Rescue 245 was re-directed to move up to Plains Twp Rescue Station to cover the Wyoming Valley. During the Stand By, no calls were recieved.

MAN STRUCK BY VEHICLE ON BROAD ST Sunday, March 16, 2008 - A man was attempting to cross East Broad Street this evening when he was struck by a Black Cadillac traveling Northbound in the Borough. The man hit the windshield and broke through the glass on the drivers side of the vehicle. The victim was transported to Hazleton General Hospital after 3 attempts to get a helicopter were unsuccessful due to the weather. PSP was on scene with 3 troopers and the investigation is ongoing.

CAPTAIN JAMES ROBESON MEMORIAL T-SHIRTS Saturday, March 15, 2008 - On January 5th Captain James Robeson of the Scranton (PA) Fire Department was killed in the line of duty while operating on a residential structure fire. In memory of Capt. Robeson the Scranton IAFF Local 60 is selling memorial T-shirts. The cost is $15 and all proceeds benefit the James Robeson Memorial Fund. Click on the article heading to get to the web address for the Scranton FD site.       Front of Shirt     Back of Shirt

MCADOO CALLS ON WEST HAZLETON FIRE FOR HELP Tuesday, March 4, 2008 - At 10:54 on March 4th, West Hazleton Fire Department was dispatched to Schuylkill County to assist the McAdoo Fire Company with a structure fire. Engine 242 arrived on scene to find a duplex with flames coming out of the windows and lapping the roof. Crews got to work on ventilation and fire attack and were able to keep the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings. No civilians or fire personnel were injured and no one was home during the blaze. Crews departed the scene at 13:03. The building suffered extensive damage.

CREWS MAKE QUICK WORK OF STUBBORN FIRE ON COLD NIGHT Thursday, February 28, 2008 - In the early morning hours firefighters converged on an apartment complex that had fire blowing out of the second floor. The fire displaced 5 occupants and sent a family member who was visiting to the Hazleton General Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. Firefighters not only fought flames but the bitter cold and ice in the battle to extinguish the fire that started between the walls between the first and second floors. The fire is believed to have started after a plumber had completing some soldering Wednesday afternoon. During the battle one resident was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and no firefighters were injured despite a few falls on the ice. Crews cleared the scene around 03:00 after extensive overhaul and cleanup.       Picture of piping in floor     C side of building 2nd floor

ELECTRIC METER SPARKS CONCERN Friday, February 15, 2008 - Borough fire crews were dispatched to 512 North Street today for a possible structure fire. When they arrived they found a PPnL electric meter arcing and causing the surrounding area to catch on fire. Crews had a PPnL truck dispatched to the scene to shut off the power to the house and to fix the problem. PPnL arrived at approxitmetly 19:40 and crews remained on scene assisting PPnL. All units were available at 19:56.

SNOW SNARLS TRAFFIC ON I-81 Sunday, February 10, 2008 - Harsh winds and snow created a nightmare on Interstate 81 in the Hazleton Area today. The fatal combination made for over 64 cars and tractor-trailers coming together in the Northbound lanes around mile-marker 140.3. Responding companies found harsh winds, snow, ice and many vehicles requiring the aid of the fire departments which created impaired access. It took 12 different departments, 4 rescues, and around 25 ambulances over 3 hours to extricate and transport all of the patients. The rescuers braved the harsh weather to ensure the safety of the motoring public, but due to the circumstances many more accidents occurred in the southbound lane and in the backlogs due, primarily, to the icy conditions in the time it took to clear the scene. Only one fatality occurred due to the accident.

COMPANY 24 HANDLES VEHICLE FIRE Wednesday, February 6, 2008 - West Hazleton Fire Department was dispatched to the parking lot of Lowes Home Improvement Center on Weiss Ln for a Vehicle Fire. Chief 242 (P. Ward) Arrived and reported a working vehicle fire. Engine 242 then arrived, and crew led off with a 1 3/4" hand line. Crews made quick work of the fire, and soon returned back to service. Pictures are courtesy of Fire Photographer Bill Barr