Columbia Volunteer Fire Company

09/02/2026

9:25 AM RADAR: Thanks for sticking with me on the air while we covered the Tornado Warned cell in Elk county. That has since been dropped but keeping a close eye on this line that has intensified in Clearfield county. Stay weather aware.

09/02/2026

** INCREASED SEVERE WEATHER RISK, TODAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND **

Today is shaping up to be an active day of severe weather across Pennsylvania, and while some areas are under Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings this morning, there will be additional rounds this afternoon and evening as the atmosphere destabilizes with increasing wind shear. Northwestern Pennsylvania got hammered this morning with damaging winds and large hail, and a second round is expected this afternoon and evening with potential supercells and multi-cell storm clusters.

ZONE 3: Numerous (50-70%) chance for severe thunderstorms this morning, afternoon, and evening. Much of this area has already seen a damaging wind cluster this morning, but the atmosphere will quickly recover for the PM. I am watching the potential for damaging wind segments of 60+ mph to develop. Discrete supercells in this environment may be able to produce a tornado and large hail greater than 1.50" in diameter, while squall-line bow segments will be more of a wind threat with potential spin-up brief tornadoes. The afternoon risk will be greatest between 4 - 10 PM.

ZONE 2: Scattered (30-50% chance) for strong to severe thunderstorms this morning, afternoon, and evening. I am watching the potential for damaging wind segments of 60+ mph to develop. Discrete supercells in this environment may be able to produce a tornado and large hail greater than 1.50" in diameter, while squall-line bow segments will be more of a wind threat with potential spin-up brief tornadoes. The afternoon risk will be greatest between 4 - 10 PM.

ZONE 1: Isolated (10-30% chance) for strong thunderstorms this morning, afternoon, and evening. The greatest risk will be locally strong wind gusts of 45 - 55 mph and perhaps some hail. A brief tornado or two cannot be ruled out if a supercell moves into this region. Stable air will help to lower the potential here, but if any damaging wind segments that move in from Zone 2 can survive, these will also need to be watched for a locally higher risk.

-> Keep in mind, severe weather does not impact every house or neighborhood. Unless it is a large outbreak, severe weather impacts will differ even across small areas. It is always good to be prepared by having multiple ways of receiving severe weather alerts and a shelter to take cover in when severe weather strikes.

08/29/2026

Staffing Jefferson County Squad 8 for the night 💪🏻

08/26/2026

Yesterday afternoon Columbia Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched for a Vehicle Crash with Entrapment in the 100 Block of Stone Street in Osceola Mills Borough. Original reports were a rear end collision near the intersection of 2nd Avenue, involving a school bus. Engine Rescue 22 and Utility 22 responded on the call. Crews arrived finding one SUV, underneath the rear end of a School Bus, which had 29 Students on board. The occupants of the SUV were removed by EMS and transported. All students on board including the bus driver were assisted off board, and onto another bus where they all were taken back to school to be further evaluated by EMS.

Fire crews assisted with vehicle stabilization, and fluid control. Fire Police was requested from the Philipsburg Fire Department to assist with the closure of Stone Street. Crews were assisted by Mountain Top EMS, Moshannon Valley EMS, PA State Police, Clearfield County EMA, P-O School District Police, and Penndot.

Please keep all of those who were involved in the crash in your thoughts. A scary first day back to school for the ones involved. Please take this time to remind yourself that school is officially back in session. Be aware of all surroundings on your morning and afternoon commutes. Thank you to all of those who assisted on this scene.

08/23/2026

It was a very busy night for our Columbia Firemen handling numerous storm related incidents throughout the coverage area. Engine 22-1, Engine Rescue 22 and Utility 22 were out for numerous hours cutting trees, handling electrical emergencies, and also a vehicle accident.

This morning Clearfield County EMA came out to survey the area for the National Weather Service. Drone 5 from Lawrence Township was requested to get overhead views of the storm damage as well.

It appears the main area impacted was Ashland, on Coal Run Road near Cowfer Rd. Thanks to everyone who assisted us handle the incidents, and thanks to our volunteers for putting an entire nights work in!

08/21/2026

08/21/2026

Port Matilda Highway is shut down in both directions due to a severe accident on Route 322 in Rush Township. Company 22 is assisting the Philipsburg Fire Department with the road closure.

08/14/2026

Rest in peace, Steve.

08/11/2026

https://heathfuneral.com/huber-john-steven/

John Steven Huber John Steven Huber age 69, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.