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
|
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.
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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 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...
Want to know what's going on in and around the firehouse? Keep up to date. Read the Guyasuta VFD Newsletter. Read on...
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.
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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.
Brush Fire caused by Down Wires (RIDC Park) - O'Hara Township
Downed power lines from a blown transformer caused about a 1/4 acre damage to a hollow behind Texas Keystone Inc in RIDC Park. Crews from Guyasuta were aided by Blawnox VFC (111) and Parkview VFD (218) in extinguishing the blaze.
(Photos by Scott Bailey)
Lithium Ion Battery Fire (RIDC Park)
Monday, November 9, 2009
A box of Lithium Ion Batteries caught fire onboard a FedEx Truck in RIDC Park. Crews used dry chemical extinguishers to extinguish the intial fire then allowed
the heat expansion to burn off each unit independently until it could be contained
by Weavertown Enviornmental Group and a Technician from FedEx.
(Photo by Rick Lee)
Go to the About Guyasuta page for more incident pictures.
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