Fearnots News
FEARNOTS VOLUNTEER FIRE
COMPANY
HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTO #1 (Media)
HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTO #2 (Media)
NEWS RELEASE
FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND TO
STRUCTURE FIRE; HOUSE SAVED
Firefighters from
the Fearnots Volunteer Fire Company of
The Luzerne
County 911 Center received a call reporting a structure fire just before 1 am
Sunday morning. Firefighters found
fire shooting though the roof when they arrived.
An aggressive interior fire
attack was conducted, which resulted in the structure being saved.
The fire was brought under
control in about 25 minutes.
The occupant of
the residence, Brenda Kolaski, age 55, was at home when the fire was discovered.
She was treated at the scene by White Haven EMS and was taken to
The majority of the
fire was held to a bathroom and the attic area of the ranch style home.
The rest of the structure sustained water damage.
Firefighters
from White Haven and
The property
owner was determined to be the Kolaski’s father, William L. Baird, Sr of
Fire Officials
conducted a routine follow-up at the scene of the fire late Sunday morning.
While meeting with family members, they found a few areas still steaming.
A fire engine was called to the scene and firefighters removed some
debris from the attic and wet down the area.
The cause of the
fire is under investigation by Foster Township Fire and the Pennsylvania State
Police Fire Marshal.
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Released – 04/05/09
FEARNOTS VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY
NEWS RELEASE
ELDERLY FOSTER TOWNSHIP WOMAN CRITICALLY
INJURED FOLLOWING FIRE; FOSTER TOWNSHIP FIREFIGHTER ALSO INJURED
Firefighters from
the Fearnots Volunteer Fire Company of
The Luzerne
County 911 Center received multiple calls reporting a structure fire at 7:13 pm
Friday evening. First arriving
firefighters found neighbors pulling Pauline Bonivich, age 85, from the burning
structure. She was treated at the
scene and flown by Medevac Helicopter to the
Firefighters from
Freeland Fire Department and Foster Township Fire conducted an aggressive
interior fire attack, which saved the structure.
There was heavy smoke, water and fire damage to the first floor of the
Bonivich residence (
Foster Township
Firefighters were assisted by members of the Freeland Fire Department on the 1
alarm fire. Foster Township Fire protocols
request that the Freeland Fire Department to be dispatched immediately and
automatically on structure fires. Freeland EMS also responded to
the scene.
As firefighters
were battling the structure fire, a second call came for a wildland fire in the
Hickory Hills development. That call
was responded to by the White Haven Fire Department and was classified as a
minor incident.
The injured
Foster Township Firefighter was transported to the
The cause of the
fire is under investigation by Foster Township Fire and the Pennsylvania State
Police Fire Marshal.
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Prepared by: Assistant Chief
William J. Feissner
Released – 04/05/09
FEARNOTS VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY
301 Cedar Street
For Immediate Release
FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND TO
ACCIDENT INVOLVING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
TRAINING WITH INVOLVED COMPANY PROVES SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME
Several residences were evacuated
as a precaution late Friday morning as a result of a hazardous materials
accident. The accident occurred on
The truck was owned by Montour Oil
and contained approximately 1500 gallons of liquid propane.
The truck had been traveling on
Foster Township Firefighters
summoned assistance from White Haven Fire, Dennison Township Fire and the
Luzerne County Emergency Management Agency.
Although there was no fire, there was a concern because of the leaking
propane. When propane is
transported, it is a liquid, however – when exposed to air it expands and turns
into a gaseous state. Several
roadways in the development were closed and several residences were evacuated.
The area was re-opened after the truck was up righted and cleared from
the scene at approximately 2 pm.
Foster Township Firefighters worked
with officials from Montour Oil in order to stabilize the situation.
2 heavy duty wreckers from Kisenwether Towing were brought to the scene
and lifted the wrecker back onto the roadway.
Workers had to be careful not to cause a spark or ignite the vapors
during the recovery. Firefighters
used gas meters to monitor the leak.
Foster Township Firefighters credit
prior training with Montour Oil in having a successful outcome to this incident.
Firefighters, in the past, have partnered with Montour Oil, who have a
facility on
Montour Oil has supports
firefighters with regular tours and inspections of their facility on
The driver of the truck was taken
to
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Released – 01/23/09
FEARNOTS VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY
301 Cedar Street
NEWS RELEASE
WOMAN INJURED FOLLOWING
FOSTER TOWNSHIP FIRE
A Hickory Hills
woman was transported to the hospital following a Tuesday night fire at her
residence. Firefighters were called
to 35 Vacation Drive in the Hickory Hills development in
Firefighters
responded to the scene and found a smoldering blanket and carpet inside the
residence. The fire was caused when
the homeowner was cleaning and inadvertently threw a blanket on top of a lamp,
causing it to fall to the floor. The
lamp ignited the blanket, which began to burn.
The homeowner pulled the burning blanket to the kitchen area where she
doused it with water before leaving.
The quick action held the fire until firefighters responded to the scene.
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Released – 01/21/09
FEARNOTS VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY
NEWS RELEASE
BLAZE FOUGHT IN SINGLE
DIGIT TEMPERATURES
A residence in
the Hickory Hills section of
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Released – 01/17/09
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOSTER
TOWNSHIP FIREFIGHTERS REMIND RESIDENTS
OF
The Fearnots Fire
Department of Foster Township reminds everyone of some tips to have a safe
holiday season.
Each year, hospital emergency rooms treat about 12,500
people for injuries, such as falls, cuts and shocks, related to holiday lights,
decorations and Christmas trees. In addition, there are 11,600 candle-related
fires each year, resulting in 150 deaths, 1200 injuries and $173 million in
property loss annually. Christmas trees are involved in about 300 fires
annually, resulting in 10 deaths, 30 injuries and an average of more than $10
million in property loss and damage.
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Make sure that all your smoke detectors have fresh
batteries and test them!
Make an emergency plan to use if a fire breaks out
anywhere in the home. See that each family member knows what to do. PRACTICE
THE PLAN!
-
Use tree lights that bear the Underwriters' Laboratory
(U.L.) label, and check the strings for signs of wear and tear. Do not use
lights that are frayed or operate with missing or broken bulbs.
-
Never use lighted candles
on a tree or near other evergreens and use non-flammable holders.
Keep candles away from other decorations and
wrapping paper. Place candles where they
cannot be knocked down or blown over.
Make sure that the flame is extinguished prior to going to sleep or leaving.
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When purchasing a live
tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree will stay green longer and be less
of a fire hazard than a dry tree. Dry
trees are a fire hazard – we recommend reviewing the US Fire Administration
holiday safety tips at
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov. The site
also contains a video of how quickly a Christmas tree will burn.
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Provide plenty of large, deep ashtrays for guests who
smoke and check them frequently. Cigarette butts can smolder in the trash
and cause a fire, so completely douse cigarette butts with water before
discarding.
Also, after a party, always
check on, between and under upholstery and cushions for cigarette butts that
may be smoldering.
-
Being a smart party host or guest should include being
sensible about alcoholic drinks. More than half of all traffic fatalities
are alcohol-related. Use designated drivers, people who do not drink, to
drive other guests home after a holiday party.
-
Plan for safety. Remember,
there is no substitute for common sense. Look for and eliminate potential
danger spots near candles, fireplaces, trees, and/or electrical connections.
It is important
that your house number is visible from the roadway. We remind everyone to make
sure that their house and mailbox is marked with a minimum of 3 inch reflective
numbers. In addition, rural
driveways should be cut to a minimum of 12 feet wide in order to accommodate
fire apparatus. Emergencies can happen
night or day and minutes make the difference.
The Fearnots Volunteer Fire
Department covers 44 square miles of
On the internet –
www.fearnots.com
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Prepared
by: Assistant Chief William J. Feissner
Released –
12/06/08
| FEARNOTS WELCOME BACK FIREFIGHTER FROM MILITARY SERVICE |
 November 21, 2008 |
| Regional firefighters and EMS workers welcomed home
Firefighter Jon Dancho and his brother, Jerry, on Friday evening
following a 14 month deployment in Afghanistan. They were serving
with the Army National Guard Reserve 109th Field Artillery Unit of
Kingston. Jon was honored late Friday night with a parade of
apparatus from Foster Township, Freeland Fire, Freeland EMS and Hazle
Township Fire - all of which Jon is a member. Our family welcomes Jon and his brother home and thanks them for their service! |
FEARNOTS INSPECT QUICK ATTACK VEHICLE PRODUCTION
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| On March 22, 2007 members of the Fearnots traveled to Swab Wagon Company of Elizabethville, Pennsylvania to see the progress on the production of its quick attack truck. The truck will soon be receiving a water tank, pump and emergency lighting. Delivery is expected in early June. The Fearnots have already received thousands of dollars of donations in order to equip the truck. The Fearnots expect this piece of apparatus to be equipped with an additional Jaws of Life system and which can serve independently or compliment the current rescue/squirt. | ||
FEARNOTS TO ACQUIRE 4 WHEEL DRIVE ATTACK VEHICLE
The Fearnots are proud to announce the purchase of a new attack truck designed to be used for multiple firefighting purposes. The truck will be purchased in part by a $78,850 firefighter assistance grant obtained though the Department of Homeland Security. The new truck will be manufactured on a Ford Chassis by SWAB Wagon Company of Elizabethville, Pennsylvania. (December 2007)
FEARNOTS TO ACQUIRE ENGINE / LADDER / RESCUE
At a special meeting held on March 25, 2007 it was the unanimous decision of the attending members to purchase a Pierce Saber Squirt. Last week, 5 members of the department traveled to California to view the 1997 Pierce. The apparatus was found in superb condition, limited mileage/hours and had been previously owned by a volunteer California department. That department recently purchased a new 105 foot Pierce ladder due to a land conservation ordinance, which provided for building higher buildings.
The Squirt will provide the department with a 50 foot apparatus mounted ladder, capable of a 500 pound "tip load" and the ability to flow 1000 gallons per minute from a remote controlled nozzle. The ladder is capable of being set up by one firefighter in less than 2 - 3 minutes. The nozzle can be controlled from the ground, or the ladder tip, and can be rotated 90 degrees upward. The Squirt, which is expected to be called "Engine 2", is 2 feet shorter than our current engine and provides for a tight turning radius and ability to get in tight spots, such as alleys and rural driveways, where conventional ladder trucks can't reach.
The current engine, a 1991 Pierce - Engine 49, will be placed on consignment with the company who was selling the squirt. The department had begun to explore the purchase of a new Rescue/Engine when the opportunity to acquire this Pierce Squirt was discovered. Economically, the new truck fits the needs of the department while costing only a fraction of new piece of apparatus. The new apparatus will also be used for rescue and will be equipped with a "Jaws of Life", hydraulic rams, airbags and other rescue equipment.
The purchase will be the first apparatus mounted ladder that the company has owned since it's inception in 1954. The apparatus will provide the unique ability of a single truck that can provide a ladder, rescue equipment and a pumper in one. The unit also has a 1250 gpm pump and a hydraulic ground ladder rack. It will provide almost double the compartment space of the departments currently owned engine/rescue. The ability for apparatus to provide "multiple functions" was important in the decision to purchase. Since the department is volunteer, manpower is an issue, especially during traditional "working" hours. This apparatus is able to perform a variety of functions with limited manpower.
The Squirt will be a great asset to providing the best fire and rescue services to the residents and visitors of Foster Township and surrounding areas. The engine - ladder - rescue will also assist and compliment the firefighting capabilities of surrounding municipalities and will be the only "Squirt" in the lower Luzerne County area.
The
Fearnots Volunteer Fire Department provides primary fire and rescue services to
the 44 square miles of Foster Township. The department operates 24 hours per
day, 365 days per year and is staffed by volunteers. The department was
the second in Pennsylvania to be certified by the State Fire Commissioner has
having 50% of it's active members certified as Firefighter I or above.
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--REMINDER--
The January, February and March monthly meetings will take place on the first Sunday of the month, rather than the first Tuesday. Fire company meetings will be held Sunday at 1 pm, with the Officers meeting starting at 12:30. The regular Tuesday meetings will resume in April.
-- FEARNOTS INSTALLS 2007 OFFICERS --
Release 1/7/2007
The Fearnots Volunteer Fire Department installed it's 2007 Officers at the annual re-organization meeting which was held on January 7, 2006. A listing of current officers can be found on the "Officers" page.
--2005 FUND DRIVE IN PROGRESS--
Release date - May 2005
The Fearnots Volunteer Fire Company is now conducting its Annual Fund Drive for 2005! Residents have been mailed fund drive packets. If you haven't received one please call (570) 636-0347 and leave your name and address or send a donation to the address below.
Through the past generosities our fire company has been able to certify 50% of our active firefighters as Firefighter I or II by the National Board on Fire Services Professional Qualifications and has been able to upgrade the fire fighting equipment and supplies to current levels.
The largest funding source for our Fire Department is this fund drive. It provides us with the funds necessary to purchase firefighting gear and equipment. In the past, your donations have helped us make these purchases, which helps keep your fire insurance premium down. Our members receive NO financial compensation for any firefighting activity and the organization is all volunteer.
Your contribution helps us help you. Our members respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The money that we raise helps purchase equipment and upgrade existing equipment so that we can keep you, your family and your neighbors safe.
Please contribute today to our Annual Fund Drive!
Donations may be sent to:
Fearnots Volunteer Fire Company
301 Cedar Street
Freeland, Pa 18224-2027
Please include your name and NEW address so that we may have a record of your donation.
Checks may be made payable to "Fearnots Volunteer Fire Company"
--PUBLIC INFO--
LIFE SAFETY INFORMATION
PROPER GENERATOR USE
RELEASE: January 9, 2005
Foster Township received a heavy ice storm on January 7-9, 2005. Many of the areas in our coverage area lost power for a substantial amount of time. Due to the power outages, residents are beginning to use portable power generators to run into their household. Foster Township Fire reminds everyone that these portable generators are not to be used in confined areas of the home OR the basement. Neighboring counties are experiencing people being overcome by carbon monoxide and even 2 deaths can be attributed to the improper use of generators. Please use the manufacturer's recommendations when using these devices. Please be aware of this and inform your friends and neighbors who have any gas powered equipment.
--PUBLIC INFO--
NEW PHONE FOR CHRISTMAS?
RELEASE DATE: December 27, 2004
Did you or a loved one receive a new telephone for Christmas? Foster Township Fire would like to recommend that you are very careful when programming "autodial" features on your phone. Universally, "911" is immediately recognized during an emergency, much more so than an "autodial" feature of your phone. Preprogramming "911" into a one touch dial is prone to misdialing the 911 Center when there is no emergency. These type calls tie up the 911 lines from your exchange and tie up dispatchers who are busy answering emergency calls. We would recommend not programming 911 into the phone and instead, place a "911" type sticker on or near the phone. Chances are, if an emergency would occur, it's easier to dial 911 than figure out the buttons on the phone.
04/05/2009 04:06 PM