September 27th, 2007 - Natrona Heights, PA -- At 00:39, Station 168, 167, 169, and 110 EMS were dispatched for a working garage/structure fire.  Medic 287 (Eureka EMS) in the area advised it was a 2 story structure fully involved with confirmed entrapment.  EMT/FF Jim Bartolovich from Medic 287 kicked in the front door and assisted the 2 residents that were entrapped from the residence.  I witnessed Jim kicking in the door and assisting the 2 residents out of the house.  25 seconds later the entire 1^st floor flashed over.  If it wasn’t for his quick response and thinking there is no doubt this would have been a fatal fire.  Engine 169 on scene in the front of the structure hit the front of the house with the deck gun knocking down most of the fire.  Crews initialized an exterior attack until the fire was under control then entered the structure to extinguish hot spots and search for a missing pet dog.  I am unhappy to say that the dog did not make it.  Crews were on scene for approx. 2 and ½ hours.  1 firefighter was transported to a local facility and a handful of others were treated and released on scene. 

I would like to formally nominate Jim Bartolovich for Hoopieworld Fire Fighter of the year for 2007 for his actions this morning!

Story & Photos by Christopher Negley