Monthly Calls

2010
Monthly Calls

Jan 43
Feb  32 
Mar 29
Apr 35
May  47 
Jun 47 
Jul 44
Aug 26
Sep  
Oct  
Nov  
Dec 47 

Total

350

August
2010 Calls
Fire: 3
MVC: 4
QRS: 17
Other: 2

Calls by
Year

       2009
       386
      2008
       461
2007
459
2006
378
2005
350
2004
361
2003
267
2002
265
2001
199

O'Hara:

Blawnox:

Indiana:

Harmar:

Sharpsburg:

Aspinwall:

Fox Chapel:

325

14

5

2

2

1

0

Call statistics as of 8/31/2010
Go to the about us page for indepth call type.
   
       

State of the Art Apparatus

To provide the highest level of protection for the  community, the Guyasuta VFD maintains state of the art firefighting apparatus.  Learn about it...

We Appreciate Your Support

The Guyasuta VFD's ability to stay at a high level of readiness depends on you.  Through your continued support GVFD has been able to provide the very best in fire and rescue protection.  Donate today...

The Firefighters

The Guyasuta VFD's greatest asset is its volunteers.  Currently there are 35 active members including three live-ins and five members from the Westinghouse Brigade.  Meet them:
Officers, Members, Live-ins,
Westinghouse Brigade...

Guyasuta News

Want to know what's going on in and around the firehouse?  Keep up to date.  Read the Guyasuta VFD Newsletter.   Read on...

Join Our Team

The Guyasuta Volunteer Fire Department (GVFD) is always looking for new members.  There are many opportunities where you could lend your expertise to help our department.  We meet every Wednesday at Station No.1, located at 1341 Old Freeport Road at 7:30 P.M. Stop by or drop us an e-mail for more info...

The GVFD sponsors a unique Live-In Program that provides students rent-free accommodations in return for service as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician. Learn more...

Under 18? Then consider joining our Junior Fire Fighter Program. Junior Fire Fighters  assist the line firefighters on many calls and attend training sessions at the station and county fire academy. It is a great way to learn more about the fire service and what our department is all about. Work Permit Required for Junior Fire Fighter Program.

Download Membership Application 

Application for all membership levels including: Junior, Regular, Administrative, Live-In, and Industrial.

 

 

THE GUYASUTA FIRE DEPARTMENT

FIRE - RESCUE - QRS

PROVIDING QUALITY FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES TO THE RESIDENTS AND VISITORS OF O'HARA TOWNSHIP AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES FOR OVER 60 YEARS....

The Guyasuta Volunteer Fire Department is located in O'Hara Township, PA, six miles from downtown Pittsburgh along the Allegheny River.  The department provides fire suppression, vehicle/technical/trench rescue, and a Pennsylvania licensed medical Quick Response Service (QRS).  Learn more...


Joining The Team

The Guyasuta Fire Department is always looking for new members.  There are many opportunities where you could lend your expertise to help our department.  See side of page for additional info.


FREE Smoke Detectors for Allegheny County Residents

The Allegheny County Health Department has a free smoke alarm program for residents who have no smoke alarms or ones too old to be reliable.

"Smoke alarms are proven life-savers but only when they are in good working order," said County Health Director Dr. Bruce W. Dixon.

Click the link bellow for more information......

FREE SMOKE DETECTORS and Installation

 


 

Search for Missing Brain Injury Patient - O'Hara Township

August  28, 2010 -- 19:47 Hours

On Friday evening at 19:47 Hours, Allegheny County 911 alerted Guyasuta's Technical Rescue Team to assist O'Hara Township Police in searching for a missing female.  The female went missing at 1700hrs from a group home specializing in brain injury rehabiliatation.  Crews landed a Stat Medevac helicopter that was requested by O'Hara Police to assist. Crews also worked to searche streets and businesses until 02:30 hours Saturday morning when a Blawnox Police unit found the female in the 500 block of Freeport Road in Blawnox Borough.

KDKA Video Link

KDKA Story Link


 

Trench Rescue Training

Wednesday August 18, 2010 

Guyasuta members held a trench rescue awareness/review class on Wednesday August, 18, 2010. Members started with a short lecture on anatomy of the trench, potential or existing risks, resources, and the Guyasuta's SOGs (Standard Operating Guidlines/Procedures) pertaining to Trench Rescue. Members then reviewed trench rescue equipment including shoring panels, uprights, vacuums, hand tools, air shores, associated shore shooting equipment, pt removal techniques, and the A-Frame gantry. Members then practiced an actual trench evolution using the side of the fire house and a near wall that simulated the trench. This is just one of the many drills/trainings Guyasuta conducts to ensure that its members are competent in their rescue skills.  Go to the Training Page  for additional training pictures and info.

 


Aerial Apparatus Operations

August 2010

Guyasuta members held a 16 hour Aerial Apparatus Operations course on Wednesday August 14 and 11th and Sunday August 15th. The class included eight hours of lecture/discussion and eight hours of practical/hands-on time. Members learned everything from driving techniques, to positioning the apparatus, to setting up the outriggers and operating, and operating the aerial in tight or complex scenarios. This class was a benefit for all that have or have not taken the class before. This is one of three specific classes required for aerial operators at Guyasuta. This class will hopefully put six more aerial drivers on the road within the next six months. Go to the Training Page  for additional training pictures and info.

 


Vehicle Crash w/ Hazards - O'Hara Township

August  5, 2010 -- 17:52 Hours

At 17:52 Hours, Allegheny County 911 alerted Station 219 for a two vehicle crash with unknown injuries and fluids reported to be leaking from the vehicles. 219 Rescue 1 responded. Upon arrival, the rescue crew found two vehicles, one still in the road way, and all patients self-extricated from the vehicles. Rescue 1 evaluated patients for injuries and handled a containment detail. Crews used oil dry for fluids leaking from the SUV involved. Crews also built a small dam of oil dry to prevent leaking fluids from reaching a near drain grate. O'Hara Police and Parkview Medic 182 were also onscene. Units provided containment, patient evaluation, and scene safety and cleared with out incident.

 

 


Confined Space Rescue Training

Wednesday July 7, 2010 

Guyasuta members reviewed operations for rescueing patients from a confined space. Members reviewed equipment use and set up for confined space rescue and then performed a scenario. Equipment such as the tri-pod, SCBA, SKED, supplied air respirators, air cart, rope systems, cspace air vent, a-frame ladders, and metering devices were reviewed and put into used in a practical scenario. The scenario was a patient that had become unconscious while working in a man hole. Members set up equipment and assigned personnel to tasks and operated as if it were a real incident.  Go to the Training Page  for additional training pictures and info.

 


Physical Rescue - O'Hara Township

June  30, 2010 -- 11:36 Hours

At 11:36 Hours, Allegheny County 911 alerted Station 219 for a physical rescue at 300 23rd Street Ext. (Camp Guyasuta) in O'Hara Township for a female that had injured her leg while on the high ropes course. 219 Engine was already out on a PR detail and was quickly enroute. 219 Engine arrived onscene and 219 C-1 established command. While awaiting the arrival of 219 Rescue 1, the engine crew raised a 24 ft ladder to reach the patient. Crews constructed a lowering system with a rack, prussiks, LRHs, a main line and a safety line to lower the patient from a small platform to an awaiting stretcher 30 feet below. The patient was lowered to the ground without incident. The patient was transported to Mercy by Parkview EMS. While clearing the scene, 219 Rescue 1 was dispatched to QRS a call for Seneca EMS at Concentra Urgent Care in Sharpsburg.

 


Advanced Structural Collapse Rescue (24 Hour Class)

June 2010 

Emergency personnel from Guyasuta, Eureka Rescue 281, Mon-Valley Rescue 570 and SHACOG participated in a 24 hour Advanced Structural Collapse class held at WCCC Public Safety Training Center. Students learned about more advanced collapse operations. Students learned and constructed advanced shoring such as laced post shores, flying and split sole rakers, pneumatic shoring systems, sloped shoring, and confined space shoring. Students learned about and practiced accessing trapped patients by breaching concrete using hilti tools, circular K12 saws, wet saws, and burning steel I-beams using oxy-acetalene torches and splice packs.  Students learned how to use Seismic patient locators and Search Cameras to fined trapped patients. Students enhanced skills and knowledge through a short lecture and extensive hands-on practice and scenarios. Go to the Training Page  for additional training pictures and info.

 


Multi-Acre Brush Fire - O'Hara Township

Wednesday June 23, 2010 -- 14:24 Hours

The fourth consecutive call for the day for Guyasuta came when Station 219 was dispatched for visible smoke in the area of 213 Rockingham Road in O'Hara Township. 219 Engine and 219 Rescue 1 were the first units onscene and began an investigation. Crews found that the smoke was coming from the wooded area above Squaw Valley Park. Upon further investigation into the woods, crews discovered a large brush fire that had been started by a downed power line. Crews awaited Duquesne Light to turn-off the power and confirm that the line was dead prior to using any water for suppression. The downed power line sparked a multi-acre fire consisting of two large fire areas and several smaller fires. Due to the heat, size of the fire and location, additional fire and ems units were requested for man power, equipment, and rehab. Additional units onscene included: 219 Rescue 2, 219 Truck, 175 Tanker, 157 Engine 1, 218 Engine 2, 218 Squad, Parkview EMS, Foxwall EMS, and Lower Valley EMS.


Vehicle Crash w/ Hazards - Freeport Road - O'Hara Township

Friday June 11, 2010 -- 03:12 Hours

219 units were dispatched and responded to a vehicle crash with hazards on Freeport Road between Fairview Avenue and Alpha Drive in O'Hara Township. Crews arrived and discovered one vehicle that had struck the right side curb, continued across all four lanes and came to a stop at the entrance to Zoll Lifecor. The driver of the vehicle was arrested for DUI by O'Hara Police. 219 crews performed hazard mitigation, traffic control, and scene safety.

 

 


Rope Rescue Training and Vehicle Crash

Wednesday June 9, 2010 

Guyasuta members completed several technical rescue scenarios for weekly training. The scenario was an injured patient by the river that could not be accessed or removed accept from the top of an above 30 foot wall. Members constructed a lowering system using the aerial bucket as a change of direction point to lower an attendant and stokes basket to the patient. The patient and attendant were then brought to the top of the wall using a 4:1 raising system. Newer members reviewed the basics of rope rescue; tying knots, review equipment, stokes tie-ins, etc. 219 Rescue 1 also responded to a vehicle crash on Fox Chapel Road at the 28 South on ramp. Go to the Training Page  for additional training pictures and info

 

 

 

 

 


 

Vehicle Crash w/ Injuries and Fire - 28 North - O'Hara Township

Monday June 7, 2010 -- 19:15 Hours

219 Rescue 1 and 111 Engine 2 were dispatched to a vehicle crash with entrapment on Route 28 North at exit 9 in O'Hara Township. Rescue 1 responded and discovered a single vehicle accident, with the vehicle on fire. The patient had been dragged from the vehicle by a nurse. 219 crews assisted with patient care and transported with EMS. 219 Crews also extinguished the vehicle fire and checked for additional hazards with 111 Engine. 219 Chief had command.  Units maintained scene safety and traffic control until released by PSP. Minutes after the rescue arrived on scene, crews were dispatched to a second call working for a gas line struck on Field Club in O'Hara. 219 Engine 3 handled the second detail.

 


Vehicle Crash - Route 28 South at Exit 10 RIDC - O'Hara Township

Monday June 7, 2010 -- 07:35 Hours

219 Units were dispatched to a vehicle crash on Route 28 South on the RIDC overpass at Exit 10. Rescue 1 and the Engine responded. Rescue 1 arrived on scene, established command, and began hazard mitigation. The Engine crew provided scene protection. Units maintained scene safety and traffic control until released by PSP.

 

  _______________________________________________________________

Robert H. Taylor Sr. 1920-2010

Co-Founder/Former Chief (13 yrs) Guyasuta Fire Department

Co-founder of Guyasuta Fire Department, as well as a lifetime member, and first fire chief of the department for 13 years, Robert H. Taylor, passed away on May 26, 2010 at age 90. Robert was a very dedicated member of the department and was greatly missed when he decided to move on in his life. Without Robert, our department would not be where it is today. We thank Robert for his many, many years of dedicated service to our department. Our sincere condolences are sent out to his friends and family. 

Obituary - Click on Robert H. Taylor Sr. from the list

  _______________________________________________________________

Vehicle vs. Motorcycle - O'Hara Township

May 24, 2010 -- 22:27 Hours

219 Rescue 1 responded to an MVC on Freeport Road near Powers Run Road. Upon arrival 219 Rescue 1 found a SUV vs. motorcycle accident with injuries. 219 crews initiated patient care and hazard mitigation. 219 continued to assist Parkview EMS and Lower Valley EMS with patient care when the ambulance arrived. 219 Chief had rescue command.

 


Vehicle Fire - O'Hara Township

May 23, 2010 -- 11:41 Hours

One of Three Vehicles fires in one week. Additional information and pictures to follow.


Vehicle Rescue Review

May 5, 19, 2010 

For two of Guyasuta's Wednesday night training sessions, members reviewed and practiced vehicle rescue skills. Skills included: staging, stabilization, access, use of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric tools, and practical scenarios. Members reviewed opeartion of: door removal, side removals, roof flaps, roof removals, dash rolls, 3-sided roof cuts, extrication, and general rescue scene operations. Go to the Training Page  for more pictures and info

 


 

Water Condition - Commercial Structure - O'Hara Township

May 3, 2010 - 07:52 Hours

Members of Guyasuta 219 responded to a water condition in a Commerical Structure along freeport road in the Fox Chapel Plaza. Crews found a leak in a drainage pipe from the roof. Crews resealed the pipe to prevent further leakage.

Above: Senior Fire Fighter Bryan Krause and Live-In Fire Fighter Jason Pilling work to control and stop the leak.


 Basic Rigging for Rope Rescue

April  2010

Members of Guyasuta (219), Rural Ridge (175), Springdale (273), Emerson Fire Brigade (314) and Camp Guyasuta Rangers participated in a Basic Rigging for Rope Rescue course led by Chief Dortenzo. This is one of the many courses that Guyasuta and Rural Ridge have been doing to continue to meet new VRSR (Voluntary Rescue Service Recognition) requirements. Students learned the differnt types of rope equipment such as hardware and practiced tying basic knots, rigging mechanical advantage systems, rigging lowering/controlled descent systems, bridle use, and lashing/tie-ins for stokes baskets. Go to the Training Page  for more pictures and info.

 


Physical Rescue - O'Hara Township

April  23, 2010 -- 17:59 Hours

At 17:59 Hours, Allegheny County 911 alerted Station 219 for a physical rescue on Camberwell Drive in O'Hara Township for a four year old male who was stuck 30 feet over a hillside in a ravine. 219 Rescue 1 diverted from a previous medical QRS call. Firefighter Jason Pilling was lowered to the male using a lowering system rigged by 219 Rescue 1 and 219 Engine crews. Pilling was able to reach the unharmed child and then, with the child, raised back up the hillside using a 5:1 hauling system. 219 C-1 had rescue command.

Above Picture by Valley News Dispatch

Valley News Dispatch Arcticle:

The rescue was a case of young boys and misadventure on a sunny spring day, according to Quentin's grandparents, Arlene and John Rakar, who were at the boy's home on White Gate Road in O'Hara.

"Thank God they were coming up, not going down that ravine," the couple said.

"Their Boy Scout training came in handy," they added.

Quentin, his brother Jacob, 10, and a neighborhood boy, Nolan Crocker, 10, had been walking in a local park area along a creek that is laced with trails near Camberwell and Orchard drives.

But they ran into trouble when they tried to scale the ravine — about 75 feet up — to reach Nolan's house, according to the Rakars.

"My baby brother said, 'I can't climb up,'" Jacob Miske said.

"I prayed the whole way up because I was scared," he added.

One boy stayed with Quentin while another made it to the top and called for help.

Guyasuta Volunteer Fire Department arrived on the scene shortly after 6 p.m. and sent Pilling down on a rope. He easily scooped up the boy, according to Guyasuta Chief Mike Dortenzo.

"This has a happy ending," he said.

That's not always been the case as firefighters have been to the same ravine before for rescues. According to Dortenzo, a father and son fell down the ravine about seven years ago, with one breaking a pelvis and another breaking a leg.

The Rakars said they were relieved that the boys weren't hurt and that their story served as a cautionary tale for other wandering youths.

Jacob said he received a bump on the head, but he was grateful.

"I want to thank all of the people who saved my little brother."


Structural Collapse II           

April 16 and 17 2010

Members of Guyasuta participated in a Structural Collapse II Course lead by our own Chief Mike Dortenzo. Students reviewd building construction and collapse scene command and opeartions, and types of collapses. Students practiced different types of shoring such as: T-Spots, Window/Door Shores, Vertical Shores, Horizontal Shores and several types of Raker Shores. Students used different types of hand tools, saws, wood, pneumatics, nails, and ellis bases to accomplish tasks. Butler County departments that particpated include: host department Greenwood Village Station 5, Penn Township Station 11, Saxonburg Station 15, and Southern Butler County Technical Rescue Team 50. Go to the Training Page  for additional pictures.

 


NEW Searchcam Recon II

March 2010

 

Guyasuta Fire & Rescue recieved it's new Searchcam Recon II.  This equipment was purchased as part of an annual grant through the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner. The new Searchcam features a telescoping probe that extends the rescuer’s viewing area to over 10 feet and can rotate 360 degrees.  This general-purpose camera system is ideal for use  on rubble piles and in multi-floor search operations for incidents such as a structural collapse. This is Guyasuta's newest peice of technical rescue equipment. The camera is just one of the state of the art pieces of equipment that 219 Rescue 2, the new technical rescue truck, will be equipped with.


Training with the County Haz-Mat Team and Emerson Fire Brigade

Tuesday March 24, 2010 - 18:30 Hours

   

Members of the Guyasuta Fire Department teamed up with the Emerson Fire Brigade (314) who hosted a tour of their facility, and were treated to a familiarization and demonstration by the Allegheny County Hazmat Response Blue Team (420) at the Emerson Process Facility on Beta Drive in RIDC Park Tuesday evening.  Pioneer Hose Company (112) also attended as a support agency for the Blue Team and demonstrated the decontamination operation in which they support.  This evening session was held in conjunction with the PSFA Hazardous Materials Operations Course being hosted by the membership of Guyasuta and instructed by our own Kevin Hogan.  Emerson Fire Brigade Chief Joe Stanga led the tour of the facility with focus on Hazardous Materials on site and safety operations.  Blue Team Chief Larry Johnson and his crew familiarized members with the support operations that members may be assigned to when aiding those of the Technician level at an emergency scene.


NFPA 1915: Standard for Fire Apparatus Preventative Maintenance Program

Saturday March 20, 2010

Members of the Guyasuta Fire Department conducted the monthly ladder truck check as set in standards by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). Members conduct this monthly check in addition to the department's weekly tests/inspections of all of it's equipment such as saws, hydraulic tools, the apparatus, ventilation fans and generators.

 


Vehicle Crash w/ Injuries/Rollover - O'Hara Township

Saturday March 13, 2010 10:19 Hours

219 Rescue 1 responded to a vehicle rollover with injuries on the Fox Chapel off ramp of Route 28 North bound.  Crews found one vehicle on its roof with six patients self-extricated upon arrival.  EMS transported all six patients. 219 crews provided hazard control and mitigation and scene safety. Crews remained on scene to maintain scene safety while the vehicle was uprighted by the tow company and until released by PSP.


Friday March 12, 2010 19:00 Hours - Ambridge, PA
A combination of 6 members and officers from our department traveled to Ambridge High School in Beaver County to attend a seminar Friday evening hosted by the Beaver County Public Safety Council.  The seminar was the "2010 Firefighter & Fire Officer Safety & Survival Program" instructed by Chief Billy Goldfeder, EFO.  Chief Goldfeder, better known as Billy G and his colleagues are known for their work on firefighter safety issues and case studies broadcasted at www.firefighterclosecalls.com


Vehicle Crash with Entrapment - O'Hara Township

Tuesday March 9, 2010 09:24 Hours

O'Hara Township's Guyasuta 219 Rescue 1 responded with 102 Rescue to a vehicle rollover with entrapment on the approach to the Highland Park Bridgeto the City of Pittsburgh in O'Hara Township.  Crews found one vehicle on its roof with one trapped upon arrival.  The vehicle was stabilized and then the patient was extricated. Crews remained on scene to maintain scene safety and traffic control until released by PSP.


Hazardous Materials Incident - Molton Liquid Sulfur

Friday February 12, 2010 07:06 Hours

In the early morning rush hour Friday, Guyasuta was alerted to Sauereisen Inc. in the RIDC Industrial Park of O'Hara Township for a Hazardous Materials Leak from an offloading tanker of Molten Sulfur.  219 Rescue 1 crews used the Emergency Response Guide book for safety and first response reference information. Initial 219 crews donned SCBA in addition to their bunker gear for respiratory protection from the Sulfur. A thermal imaging camera was also used by 219 Rescue 1 to determine the amount of molton liquid that was still in the tank. Guyasuta Crews then isolated the scene and spill site for safety and relied upon the assistance of members trained to the Hazardous Materials Technician level as well as alerting Special Operations support from neighboring Pleasant Valley VFD (217).  O'Hara Township EMA Director/Police Superintendent Jim Farringer had Allegheny County Emergency Services notified for the response of specialized HAZMAT Response Teams, which alerted the Allegheny County Blue Team (420) and Allegheny County Red Team (440).  All crews worked effectively together for 4 hours in confining, stopping the leak, and decontaminating equipment.  No injuries or contaminations were reported. 


February Snow Storm Keeps Guyasuta Busy

February 5th and 6th 2010

The weekend of February 5th & 6th the district suffered a snow storm producing up to what would be 20+ inches.  Members of the Guyasuta aided live ins with additional staffing in preparation for the forecast.  Shortly after 5pm Friday February 5th, crews started their calls with a weather related electrical transformer fire in neighboring Blawnox Borough.  Crews then responded to an additional 9 calls in O'Hara Township over a 24 hour period ranging from Fire Alarms, Utility Lines Down, Transformer Fires, and a Possible Electrical Fire in a Residence; all while traveling in the heaviest of snow to assist citizens.  In between answering calls for assistance, crews worked together to keep the stations driveway, appartus bay area, and parking lot clear of snow, and keep the generator running through out the power outage. Crews will again prepare to do the same with a forecasted snow storm to arrive Tuesday into Wednesday with an expected additional 6-10 inches.


Highway Incident Scene Safety Course

January 2010

Members of the Guyasuta were joined by firefighters from the Blawnox VFC (111), Emerson Fire Brigade (314), Sharpsburg VFC (265), Rural Ridge (175), Cheswick (121), Sharps Hill VFD (263) and Springdale Borough VFD (273) in participation of the PA State Fire Academy Highway Scene Safety & Traffic Control certification course. The course outlines State and Federal mandates for scene safety, personnel safety, and traffic diversion procedures for incidents and traffic accidents on roadways.  The course itself is mandated for companies like Guyasuta Fire & Rescue who are accredited in the Advanced Level of the Voluntary Rescue Service Recognition Program through the PA Department of Health.


Vehicle Struck By Train at River Road RR Crossing

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Guyasuta 219 Rescue 1 responded to a reported train versus vehicle accident at the River Road crossing in O'Hara Township Tuesday evening.  The vehicle was found to be unoccupied and reported stolen from an earlier police report in a neighboring community. 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Box Truck over hillside Route 28 in Harmar Township

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

219 Rescue 1 was alerted to assist Harmar Twp VFC (166) with a rental truck that veered off of RT 28 landing into a wooded area near the Harmar Exit.  Upon the arrival off Harmar crews they found no entrapment and called off mutual aid rescue services.  1 patient was transported for injuries by EMS.

 (Photo By Donnie Trebac)

 


Body Recovery in Harmar Township

Thursday, December 17, 2009

The body of a homeless man was found deceased on a hillside leading to the Allegheny River near the Hulton Bridge train underpass.  Crews from Guyasuta 219 Rescue 1 assisted Harmar Twp VFC in using specialty equipment to recover the man's body after the police investigation was complete.

News Video Footage (WTAE Channel 4)


Fox Chapel Yacht Club Fire - O'Hara Township

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

An apparent electrical fire caused damage to a yacht docked at the Fox Chapel Yacht Club in O'Hara Township Tuesday evening.  Crews from Guyasuta VFD were assisted by Blawnox VFC and Aspinwall VFD in accessing and extinguishing the blaze.

Video from the fire (Video by Scott Bailey)


Technical/Physical Rescue - O'Hara Township

Monday, November 30, 2009

219 Rescue 1 used a rope evolution to rescue a Fox Chapel Police Officer and then lower him to Freeport Road.

Below Left: Officer Rob Katich is lowered to safety. Right: Fox Chapel Chief Dave Laux shakes hands with Guyasuta Fire Fighter Duncan Phillips

The following is from a WPXI News report:

The incident happened just after 11 a.m. along Linden Avenue.

Investigators said the incident started out as a robbery call with reports of the suspect having a gun.

Fox Chapel Patrolman Rob Katich slid 30-feet down the side of the hillside near Freeport Road after hitting some mud.

Rescuers had to rappel to save Katich from the first ledge and get him safely to the second.

Channel 11 News cameras caught images of Katich getting to safety on his own power, slightly banged up.

“If you’re up there, you’d understand it’s very slippery and unfortunately, he lost his footing approximately 30-feet onto a ledge,” said Fox Chapel Chief David Laux 


Dry Chemical Smothers Fire at Royston Chase Specialty Coatings

Monday, November 16, 2009

Firefighters yesterday used a dry chemical to battle a blaze at Royston Chase Specialty Coatings.

No one was injured in the fire, which erupted about 1 p.m. at the plant along First Street.

Borough Fire Chief George J. McBriar said the blaze resulted from an accident.

The chief said an employee was cleaning a part on a piece of machinery and dropped it.

The part had a coating on the end, and the employee was heating the coating to remove it, the chief said. When the piece fell, it ignited a cloth-like material and the blaze quickly spread, the chief said.

The plant has its own dry chemical fire suppression system, which McBriar said did a good job of controlling the blaze in the main part of the facility.

However, the fire shot through a tower at the plant. McBriar said firefighters were forced to control the blaze in the tower.

Crews could have used water, although it might have been dangerous for them because of a water and chemical mix splashing back at them, the chief said. For that reason, they used the dry chemical.

The dry chemical crews used is the substance in fire extinguishers.

The chief could not offer a damage estimate.

Five fire companies from Allegheny County responded, the chief said.

Royston manufactures materials that prevent corrosion. Those materials are used in highway construction and in other industries.

 

 

Go to the About Guyasuta page for more incident pictures.

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412-963-7577
 1341 Old Freeport Rd, Pittsburgh, PA
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