Just after 1800 the first alarm assignment was struck for the building fire at 280 Pennsy Rd in Providence Township assisting Refton.  First arriving units found a well involved machine shop that housed hay and corn fodder on the lower level.  Truck 5-12 set up on side alpha while the Rescue and Engine Co went to work attempting to open the building up in zero visibility due to the hay fed fire.  Companies worked for several hours to bring the fire under control and eventually a trac hoe was brought in to bring the building down to assist in dousing remaining hot spots.  5-12 units cleared after 2300 hours.

Just after 0900 the Company along with Tanker 5-8 was dispatched to 218 Snyder Hollow Rd in Providence Township for a chimney fire.  Units arrived to find normal conditions from the outside.  The crew from Engine 2 and Tanker 5-8 went inside to investigate while the Truck set up to go to the roof.  Crews removed the fire in the stove, cleaned the chimney from the roof and found no extension.  All units cleared a within the hour.

Just after 1900 hours as the guys were still hanging at the hall from the Willow Valley call, the pre alert for the barn fire was dispatched in the 5-3 local.  Knowing that the truck and rescue were due everyone loaded up and began heading toward 1178 River Hill Rd.  While enroute Chief 5-3-2 (Thomas) requested the 2nd alarm assignment for the fully involved multi car garage with the house catching fire.  The 2nd alarm brought Engine 5-12-2 as well.  The Rescue arrived and was immediately put to work inside the house which had caught fire from flame exposure.  The guys worked opening up inside and quickly realized that there was heat and smoke coming from the basement of the house.  Fire was found between the basement ceiling and 1st floor and quickly extinguished.  Engine 2 was assigned to supply the scene and laid out 1000' of 5 inch supply line.  Crews from all companies worked for several hours to bring the fire under control, overhaul the house and remnants of the garage.

At 17:13 the fire alarm was dispatched for 211 Willow Valley Square at Willow Valley Manor.  First arriving units encountered a smoke condition bringing the balance of the first alarm building assignment.  Crews found a motor associated with one of the elevators on fire and quickly extinguished the fire.  Crews from the balance of the box worked on removing the smoke which had spread throughout the 3 floors and main atrium of the building.  Units worked for approximately an hour making sure residents were safe and the smoke was removed. 

This morning prior to 1200 hours the West Lampeter Companies were sent to the 1000 block of Willow Street Pike along with Lancaster Twp and EMS for an auto accident.  Companies arrived to find a single vehicle into a pole with one minor injury.  Units assisted with patient packaging and debris cleanup and cleared a short time later. 

While the units were returning the first alarm assignment was dispatched for 759 Pennsy Rd in the first due for a house fire.  Engine 5-12-1, 5-4-1 and Rescue 5-12 were enroute immediately and arrived together along with Chief 5-12-2 (Rhineer Jr) to find normal conditions from the outside.  Crews checked the residence and traced the problem back to a plastic utensil burning in the dishwasher.  All units were returned a short time later.

Later in the evening the first alarm building assignment was sent to 32 Trading Post Ln in the Pioneer Woods Apt complex on Lampeter Rd.  5-4 units arrived to find a stove fire that had been extinguished and smoke removal needed.  The box was held to the units from 5-4, trucks 6-3 and 5-12 while the rest of the assignment was returned.

At 1356 hours the first alarm assignment was dispatched to 417 Lancaster Pike in Providence Township for a reported dwelling fire in the first due.  County Communications advised that the homeowner had been burning brush and the house caught fire due to windy conditions.  Units from Rawlinsville had just cleared another call and were first to arrive reporting a working house fire.  Chief 5-12-2 Rhineer Jr arrived with the 5-8 units and requested the working fire dispatch.  The house was situated in the woods back a 600 ft up hill driveway that presented some challenges for units to get to.  Engine 5-8-1 and Engine 5-12-2 proceeded up the driveways that approached the house and were supplied by tankers on Rt 272 via 5 inch lines.  Multiple handlines were put into place and due to the extent of fire and collapse all personnel were ordered out of the structure and defensive operations commenced.  Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down crews were sent in to extinguish the remaining fire.    Initially the house was going to be left standing due to circumstances beyond the fire companies control; however, due to the construction of the home and various void spaces that presented obstacles the Township was brought in and authorized the house to be brought down by track hoe.  The last units finally cleared just before 0300 on Sunday morning.  We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all assisting companies that were present throughout the day and night!  Attached photos credit Tom Amico

Just before 0300 hours the automatic alarm was dispatched for Willow Valley Manor North at 600 Willow Valley Square.  This was not an ordinary fire alarm and it didn't involve any fire.  Upon investigation it was found that a large supply pipe for the sprinkler system had ruptured on the fifth floor sending thousands of gallons of water pouring down through all five floors of the G wing.  Deputy 5-12 (D Reese) advised Command (C Rhineer Jr) that residents on all floors would have to be evacuated due to the amount of water pouring through the building.  Command requested a first alarm structure assignment for manpower to assist with evacuation of residents.   Residents in the affected wing were evacuated to the main lobby of the building and once the water was shut down and power secured to the area, companies assisted Willow Valley personnel with removal of damaged ceilings.  The building was turned over to Willow Valley Management and Maintenance after a few hours.  Water damage was estimated in the 10's of thousands of dollars.

Tonight Company training consisted of members trying out the new Amkus fittings that were installed on each of our Amkus tools.  These new fittings are designed so that tools can be interchanged while the pressure is still flowing through the lines.  Instead of the old system where two lines had to be disconnected after the pump was shut down, we can now change tools using one twist lock connection while the pump is still running.  This will reduce extrication time and enhance our capabilities on the scene of incidents where the Amkus system is needed.

The Officers and Members of Willow Street Fire Company wish you and yours a happy holiday season!!!

Please buckle up at all times and practice fire safety by making sure your smoke detectors are in good operating order.

Happy Holidays!!!!

This evening the West Lampeter Volunteers were on the street for a crash in the 1400 block of Millport Rd.  Units arrived to find a two vehicle accident with no injuries.  Personnel assisted tows with cleanup and cleared a short time later.  Thanks to Tom Amico for the photos.

This past Friday while the gang was getting the ole' 56 sleigh ready for Santa's run, Cindy Hummel; a reporter from Lancasteronline stopped by to chat.  While there she took down some information from personnel and snapped a few photos of Santa's ride.  The crew at Willow Street take great pride in our Community and this is just one way we can get out and say hi as well as spread some cheer to our neighbors.  The article from Lancasteronline is printed below:

A tree-lighting ceremony slated for Friday night in Willow Street had to be canceled, but the holiday spirit lived on.

A group that annually organizes the ceremony was not able to bring the event together before Friday, according to Willow Street Fire Company President Carl Boyle. A handful of residents who had not heard about the cancellation had to be turned away.

Despite the missing celebration, residents can still look for the fire company's 1956 Ward fire engine to bring Santa through area neighborhoods in the coming weeks. Santa will be in downtown Willow Street on Dec. 7, the Locust Lane area on Dec. 10 and in Hayward Heath on Dec. 17.

Fire company members Friday night decorated the vintage fire engine, adding Santa's signature sleigh. They also added lights, candy canes and a reindeer. Besides Boyle, helping decorate were Jeff King and the daughters of a fellow firefighter: Julie, Tori and Brett Myers.

Boyle said decorating the fire station has become an annual tradition, with some volunteers staying up to midnight to get the job done.

"We love Christmas," Boyle said.

For more information about Willow Street Fire Company's holiday events, visit wsfc512.com.

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/544578_Celebration-canceled--but-Santa-still-on-his-way.html#ixzz1fouMDgC8

Just before 1400 hours the Truck was dispatched as part of the 2nd alarm assignment to assist Quarryville on a working barn fire.  Upon arrived the crew was sent to work pulling tin on the back side of the 50x50 barn that housed some farm implements and other vehicles.  The Tower remained on scene for just under 2 hours before being released by Command 5-7.

As Christmas time approaches Santa Claus will be making his way through neighborhoods in the area. He will be riding on a fire truck and also handing out candy canes to everyone. He will be escorted by members of the firehouse. If you have any questions please contact Jeff King at 717-464-2267. See our annual holiday fund drive letter for additional details.

Saturday December 3rd - Lyndon / Media area

Wednesday December 7th - Downtown Willow Street Area

Friday December 9th- Millwood Rd area

Saturday December 10th- Locust Lane area

Saturday December 17th- Hayward Heath area

At 0537 Rescue 512 and Engine 541 were dispatched for a vehicle accident with entrapment at Beaver Valley Pk and Village Rd. Police department arrived confirming entrapment. Crews removed the driver side door and did a minor dash push to remove the patient. The patient was extricated with in 15 mins of arrival. Crews remained on the scene assisting the tow company with a large fluid spill and debris removal. Engine 5-12-1 and Squad 5-12-2 also made the response. Squad 5-12-2 assisted with closing Beaver Valley Pk down. Companies were cleared in a little over an hour.

At 1010 the Rescue was alerted to assist 6-3 (Lafayette) in the 300 blk S Conestoga Dr for a house fire. Medic 100 (LEMSA) which was in the area arrived with a working fire on the 2nd floor. The Rescue arrived and was directed by command 6-3 (Chief Nolt) to assist with interior operations. The rescue crews worked on pulling ceilings and opening up. The other half of the crew worked on salvage work on the 1st floor. The Rescue remained on the scene till 1125 till being released by command.

WSFC would like to congratulate Firefighter Jeremiah Rebman and his new bride Kayla on their nuptuals today.  The couple were married at the Pequea Bretheren In Christ Church followed by a reception in Manor Township.

The couple are currently on a well deserved honeymoon in the Caribbean and we wish them many, many years of wedded bliss!!

This morning at 0430 hours the Rescue was dispatched as part of the first alarm assignment to 19 Fox Hollow Rd in Conestoga Township for a dwelling fire.  First arriving units found a fully involved unoccupied cabin.  The Rescue crew assisted with overhaul and was on scene for several hours. 

Later that morning at 0945 hours the Rescue was again on the street for the accident with entrapment assisting Rawlinsville in the first block of Drytown Rd.  5-8 units arrived with two pickup trucks head on and one patient heavily entrapped.  The Rescue arrived and went to work removing the roof of the small pickup and displacing the dash to free the driver.  The Rescue was on scene for over an hour with 5-8 units.

The members of the Willow Street Fire Co woud like to send their thoughts and prayers out to the members of the Lancaster Twp Fire Department and the family of Lt Keith Rankin.

Members of Willow Street Fire Co, Lancaster Twp FD, and Lampeter  Fire Co were on hand doing live fire training at the County's new class A burn building on Pequea Lane.  Lt Rankin exited the building to take a breather and talk to some of the other Firefighters.  While talking with several members and without warning he collasped.  CPR and other medical efforts were started immediately by members on the scene.  Lt Rankin was pronounced dead at Lancaster General Hospital a short time later.

A big thanks to Quarryville Fire Co for coming to our aid once again  bringing Rescue 5-7 to cover our area so members that were involved in the incident could be with each other and provide support to our brothers and sisters from Lancaster Township.