Effective today, the county wide ban on outside burning has been lifted. Please take precautionary measures to prevent any outside fires from spreading, should you choose to burn.

The Wednesday afternoon box alarm sent 5-5 and neighboring companies onto the street for the reported house fire on Kay Dr. in the LynnDale Park section of the township.  Chief 5-5 arrived to find residual smoke from a fire that destoyed a microwave oven, which had been mounted under wooden cabinets. It was learned that a neighbor, who had been outside doing yard work, was summoned by the elderly occupant of the house. The neighbor quickly retrieved a dry chemical extinguisher from his house, and was able to quickly contain the fire. The box was held to Engine 5-5-2 and Engine 5-3-1 (Conestoga) to check for extension and provide ventilation. EMS checked out the occupant and neighbor. Southern Regional Police also assisted at the scene.

Crews from 5-5 and 5-3 (Conestoga) gathered in the meeting room for an evening training session on safety while working on or near highways and roadways.  The presenter for the evening was Mike Cox, a current member of 5-4 (Lampeter FC) and formerly a Chester County firefighter. Mike covered some of the hazards encountered during incidents along roadways, along with ways to prevent and avoid accidents.  Thanks to Mike for taking time to share his knowledge with us.

RE 5-5-1 was dispatched on the 5-3 (Conestoga) class 1 MVA on Kendig Road in Conestoga Township.  Additional information given was that this was a single vehicle crash, involving a motorcycle. RE 5-5-1 and Squad 5-5 arrived and assisted with patient care and checked the cycle for hazards, while 5-5 Fire Police took care of traffic to the north of the scene.

Shortly after arriving back at station, a phone call was received on the firehouse landline, reporting smoke from an unknown source in the area of Eckman Road. RE 5-5-1 responded and checked the area, returned after finding no smoke or fire.

A ban on open burning in Lancaster County takes effect on Friday, April 13. The ban was enacted by the Lancaster County Commissioners as a result of dry conditions, and numerous brush and woods fires in the recent past.  We ask that all comply with this directive.

Due to dry conditions, the potential for woods and brush fires is extremely high today.  We ask that you refrain from any outdoor burning at this time. Recent reports indicate that the county may enact a burn ban, we will make every attempt to keep the public informed, should this occur.

The 5-5 crew spent Friday and Saturday on the square.  Thanks to those who donated to our annual Easter Weekend Boot Drive, your support is appreciated!

Everyone has seen fire engines rolling down the street, lights flashing and sirens screaming. Did you ever wonder "Where are they going?" Did you ever think to yourself "I'd like to do that"? Well, you can! Did you know that 70% of U.S. firefighters are VOLUNTEERS ?  A recent report by the National Fire Protection Association states that over the past several years, there has been a  decline in the number of active volunteers. NDFC has noticed the decline as well.  We need your help!  If you have an interest in membership, stop by the station any Monday evening, and speak with us. We will be glad to show you around, and answer any questions you might have. We are always looking for help in the following areas: Junior Firefighter (ages 14-17), Firefighter (age 18+), Fire Police (age 18+), and administrative / support.  Equipment and training is provided, all we ask for is your time and dedication.  If you live in the New Danville area, stop by and see us.  If you live in an area served by another volunteer fire company, consider joining them, as we all work together and all could use YOU!

Volunteer crews from 5-5 and Engine 5-3-1 (Conestoga) handled a single vehicle accident on the 100 bl. of Run Valley Road. EMS units from 5-3 (Conestoga), 7-7 (SVEMS) and 6-12 (LEMSA) were also dipatched on the incident, along with Southern Regional Police. Chief 5-5 arrived to find a small sedan in a stream, about 150 feet south of the roadway, and requested that Chief 5-3 establish command. Upon further investigation, it was determined that two patients were still inside the car. The patients were not trapped, but were somewhat confined due to the position of the vehicle within the stream, and the intrusion into the driver's door from impact with a tree. Crews ensured the stability of the vehicle and used hydraulic rescue tools with the portable power unit to remove both doors and the "B" pillar on the driver's side, after which time both patients were quickly removed and turned over to EMS.  Crews also inspected the stream for any fluid runoff, while Fire Police from 5-5 and 5-3 kept the scene safe by providing traffic control.

Photos by Don Shenk, "Foto 5-5"

A potentially large fire was averted due to the observations of a young visitor at a farm in the 5-5 first due, on the 300 block of Long Lane. 12 year old Jason Keys was outside when he noticed smoke and fire to be visible from the roof, around the chimney, on the B side of a large 2 1/2 story farmhouse.  A call was placed to 911, bringing units from 5-5, 60 (West Willow), 50 (Willow Street), 5-3 (Conestoga), 90 (Blue Rock East), Conestoga Ambulance, and SRPD.  Chief 5-5 arrived, reporting smoke and fire visible from the roof, along the chimney.  As units arrived, E5-5-2 was given the assignment to run a line to the attic, while Truck 50 was assigned to ladder the B side of the structure. E 60 was assigned to remove fire from a wood stove, and other units were staged.  Crews found no fire within the attic, and it was determined that the fire was contained to the outer eaves of the dwelling. Numerous ground ladders were placed to access the steep slate roof, and the truck company began to open up. Fortunately, the chauffeur of Truck 50 was able to move the truck into the grass on the B side, after which time the majority of the overhaul and extinguishment took place from the bucket.  This allowed for a much quicker and safer operation. The incident resulted in property damage to the structure only, with no damage to the contents of the house.

Photos by Don Shenk, "Foto 5-5"