3rd District Recent Headlines

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Lower Bucks Hospital Fire
January 19, 2012: 16:25 Box 14-91 was dispatched at 16:25 on January 19, 2012. While responding to the station Captain 14-1 M. Ferguson had direct radio communications with L.B.H. security, who reported there was a fire on the 4th floor. As Chief 14 went responding, Bucks County 9-1-1 Communications Center notified the Chief there were “multiple calls, reporting fire and heavy smoke on the 4th floor”. Chief 14 requested a 2nd alarm be struck. FM225, the first fire personnel to arrive, went to the 4th floor and reported a fire in room 446 had been contained by the sprinkler system, and a search of the room was negative. Engine 14 supported the fire sprinkler system on side C, crews went to the 4th floor of the hospital. Incoming apparatus took a staging position on side A of the complex. Hospital medical staff performed well in relocating patients to safe portions of the hospital for safety. Fire placed under control @ 16:41. Second alarm companies were recalled. Hospital staff reported that the patient in the room left the floor and was later found in the wooded area behind the hospital by Bristol Township Police, who took the patient into custody. Crews worked tirelessly to shut down the water from the sprinkler head until the fire pumps were shut down and drained. Crews continued to work in the salvage mode to vacate the water that had flowed from the sprinkler system on the 4th and 2nd floors. Chief 11 had 4th floor command, Chief 52 and Chief 12, 2nd floor command, Deputy 52 was charged with manpower and equipment supply. The task force was requested for manpower, but was shortly released after arriving. The Emergency Room was temporarily shut down during the emergency, but opened a couple hours later. The fire remains under investigation by the Bristol Township Fire Marshals Office. Audio
Abandoned Building Fire
	August 31, 2011: 16:50 Box 12-17 was dispatched for a building fire in the area of Ford Rd and Newportville Rd. Chief 11 arrived on scene and reported a well involved vacant/abandoned building that was in the old sewage treatment facility.Due to the condition of the building and fire conditions on arrival the decision was made to go in service with master stream operations. Tower 14 set up on Newportville Rd and the boom was placed through an opening in the trees.
Abandoned Dwelling Fire
	Box 82-1 transmitted on May 15th. FM225 arrived on scene of an abandoned, 2 story, wood-frame SFD with fire venting from the 1st floor windows on the C/D corner. FM225 assumed “Plumbridge Command” and advised this home was slated for demolition and ordered exterior ops only. E-225 dropped a split lay up the driveway and went in service with a 1 ¾” to side “C”. E-82 picked up E-225 lay and dropped out to the hydrant. T-14 took side B and began ventilation. The crew from E-82 stretched a second 1 ¾” off E-225, and the crew from Squrt-13 stretched a 3rd 1 ¾” of E-225. D-14 arrived and took “Operations”, and D-12 arrived and took “Interior” once the bulk of the fire was knocked from outside.
2010 Christmas Party
	On December 18th Third District Fire Company celebrated the holidays with a Christmas party held at the Regency Room in Bristol. All members were invited and Ed Margavich was recognized by the department for 50 years of active service. President Dave Burns presented Ed with a plaque honoring 50 years of active service. Representative Anthony Melio and Commissioner Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia honored Ed's 50 years of service with awards from the State and County. Governor Ed Rendell and Senator Tommy Tomlinson sent awards as well.
Car Fire Training
	November 21, 2010: Third District Fire Company used a car donated by Junkyard Barbie and Pic-A-Part Junkyard of Morrisville to train newer personnel on car fire training. We used wooden pallets to get several burns out of the car and performed numerous evolutions.
Gingerbush Road Dwelling Fire
	March 20, 2010: Engine 14 added to tactical box 13-3, 22 Gingerbush Rd. Levittown. Engine company assisted with overhaul and checked side B dweling for extenstion.
Dwelling Fire
	Tactical Box 14-21 was dispatched at 0244 on August 26, 2009 for a dwelling fire. First report from Bucks Co. Radio to BC14 was police on scene with heavy fire. BC14 ordered a RIT company (Rescue 10) added to the call. Chief 14 arrived to report S.F.D. w/fire showing from sides B & C. Engine 14 went on scene, dropping in from Lynn & David Dr’s. Engine 14 pulled their step gun and went to side C. The fire was knocked using tank water. Rescue 13 arrived completed vent ops and primary search, which were negative. The main service was involved so crews had to operate with this hazard, because of that the fire couldn’t be fully extinguished until Peco arrived and secured the power at the pole. Crews from Stations 11, 13 52 & 82’s worked on the interior. Operations sector shared by BC14 & DC52. Red Cross called to assist the home owner with temporary housing. Fire placed under control @ 0344. FM225 on scene to investigation the cause.
Fayette Drive MVA
	Rescue Box 14-11 was dispatched at 0149 hours August 15th at 4503 Fayette Drive. The initial report from the county was a 3 car accident with heavy entrapment. Battalion 14 arrived and reported a 1 car accident with partial ejection, no entrapment and 2 trauma patients. The assignment was held to E-14 and Medics 143 and 154. The Engine Company assisted Medics 143 and 154 with patient care and the crew was divided up and went with Medic 143 to assist in patient care during the transport. E-14 remained on scene until 0630 assisting 25 PD with the accident investigation. Debris from the accident was spread out over 200 feet and the force of impact moved a large boulder 75 feet.
Neighborhood First Program
	The fire company hosted students from the Neighborhood First Program at the fire station on August 11. The students were taught how to operate a fire extinguisher, a hand line, and they were given an aerial tour via the Tower Ladder. Assisting with the students were Chief Finnell, Deputy Chief Mowery, Captain Taggart, Firefighters Cummings, Shipp, & Gasper and staff of the Bristol Township Fire Marshals Office including Firefighter Hershman and Fire Inspector Haxel.
Vehicle Fire
	On 3/11/09 Engine 14 and Engine 82 were dispatched to 1311 Woodbine Ave. for a vehicle fire. Fm 225-1 was on location with an engine compartment fire. Engine 14 with BC 14, Fm225-6 and Firefighter Weldon went on location and in service with a 1 ¾ “ handline for a quick knockdown. Engine 82 arrived and their crew assisted E14 with overhaul & water supply.

Contact Info:
** EMERGENCY: 911 **
Station: 215-788-6214
Fax: 215-788-3115
info@thirddistrictvfc.com