Freeland Fire Department 136

06/16/2026

FFD firefighters responded to three additional incidents this weekend after the Friday night job in Butler Twp. The first was Saturday evening when County dispatched 136 to an AFA at 531 Centre St. with multiple detectors activated. Chief Joseph J. Stepansky arrived with the multi unit apartment building tenants evacuating and pointers to a third story window in the street. The engine crew advanced to the third division where there was smoke condition and an occupant in need of medical attention. A department EMT assisted her down the stair tower while the reminder of the crew searched the apartment, confined the fire to the stove top, and began horizontal ventilation. Due to the smoke conditions and the evacuation the chief requested the full box. The truck arrived and set up their 3 PPV units on the third division and their three ejectors were ganged together to pressurize the tower. The Chief then reduced the box to a local. Medic 26 provided care to the occupant of the apartment and Medic 41 Chase was also on scene. On Sunday 136 responded to a fire protection system issue and an EMS assist. Also the firefighters also conducted the annual boot drive which is traditionally held on race weekend.

06/13/2026

The FFD firefighters since radio communications became available, really pay attention to incident radio traffic. Last evening when Sugarloaf Twp. went to 2 bells the firefighters started arriving at the station with the anticipation of receiving a cover assignment since most of the departments west of PA309 were committed. Well, it became more than that. At 2148 the box dropped for a structure fire on E. Foothills Dr. which includes the truck on the RIT assignment. Knowing Valley E3 and Hazle E2 were at the Sugarloaf incident, 136 C3 Nick Heffelfinger requested the engine be added to the box. The truck, engine, utility, and car responded on dispatch with 15 firefighters. Valley E1, Hazleton Tower (covering for Hazle truck which was committed to the 177 incident), and the truck arrived in that order with the 136 truck crew locating the basement entrance, performing a primary, and locating the fire. Valley crew advanced a line into the basement with joint crews getting water on the fire. The engine crew advanced a line into the first division to hold the fire. HFD and 141 crews also committed to the interior working the fire. As the “water on the fire” update was given by 136 C3, command ordered the building to be horizontally ventilated. HFD E2 dropped its LDH to PA309 to establish a water supply due to the tight confines of the street. Foster engine supplemented 136 engine in the event addition water was needed on the east side of the incident. Numerous other companies and tankers responded. Earlier in the evening the truck and engine took in an AFA at 246 Centre St. caused by a culinary mishap. On Wednesday besides the two incidents earlier posted, the truck, engine, and rescue responded to an AFA in the 500 block of Centre St. and later returned to that block with the truck handling a lock out.

06/10/2026

Early this morning the engine responded to assist White Haven Fire Co., No. 1, with a tractor trailer fire just over the newly constructed I80 east bound Lehigh River Bridge in Carbon County. Lines were pulled from 186 and 136 engines to extinguish the working trailer fire. Dennison Twp. also responded with Foster Fire tanker added to the assignment but then cancelled as the fire was placed under control. At day break Foster Fire and FFD were dispatched for a MVA on PA940 but was unfounded. Earlier in the week the truck and engine responded to assist Valley Fire on a structure fire in the Charlwood Development in Butler Twp. Valley engine took in the first in engine with the truck taking the residence driveway as first due truck. Both companies investigated the source of the smoke and utilized mechanical ventilation to clear the single family residence. FFD engine, Valley engine 1 and tanker were also on scene with Hazle truck and Foster engine and tanker cancelled en route. Valley Chief Brice Dalrymple had the command.

06/07/2026

E53 made an appearance yesterday at the Columbia 300th. Anniversary Parade. I understand our views are rose colored but the old warhorse is still a great looking rig. Thrilled to see it still gracing the parade circuit. While the parade was happening our good friends from Paxtonia Fire Co., No. 1, were providing coverage. On the home front, the Department responded to an EMS assist, a structure fire with the truck and engine in Weatherly Borough, Carbon County, and assisted White Haven Fire Co., No.1 with numerous storm related incidents.

06/03/2026

Foster Fire and FFD responded to a MVA on PA940 at Maple Lane earlier today. The crews assisted Medic 26 with patient care and controlled fluids and debris. White Haven PD had the investigation with Foster Chief Mike Spock with the command. Previously the Department responded to an alarm sounding at a double residential structure in the 200 block of Adams St. and an AFA at 246 Centre St.

05/25/2026

Today FFD participated in the Memorial Day Ceremonies in our community. The members attended the American Legion Post 473 ceremony held at the Post Home on Centre St. which honored those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. At the event FFD Engineer Cal Herring received the Citizen of the Year Award from the Legion membership. After the ceremony the Department marched in the annual parade. Later in the afternoon the truck, rescue, car, and utility responded to a grill fire in the 700 block of Front St. The grill fire was extinguished and with elevated TIC temperatures, inspection holes were placed in the exterior wall with the can being used for final extinguishment. This was the 14th. incident that FFD responded to since Friday.

05/25/2026

05/24/2026

Well since our last update on late Friday evening, FFD has responded to 7 more incidents. An EMS assist with Medic 41, 2 tree removals from streets, and a wires down in the Borough and 3 wires down assists to Foster along with Foster Fire and White Haven Fire. Our firefighters have demonstrated their dedication to the community during this period of increased call volume.

05/23/2026

Run #6 for the day- assist to Foster Fire on a brush fire