November 7th, 2007 - Millcreek Twp, Erie County, PA -- At 4:09am on November 7th, Millcreek Township Fire Companies West Lake, West Ridge, Lake Shore and Millcreek Paramedics was dispatched to 2727 West 18th St for a commercial structure fire. The business builds roof trusses, floor trusses and related materials. Millcreek Police on routine patrol came across the fire. When crews arrived on scene, the roof of the structure had already collapsed into the structure. Chief 460 (West Ridge) was the 1st officer to arrive on location and reported a working structure fire with operations going defensive from the start.

Engine 9 (West Lake) arrived on location and hit the hydrant at the entrance to the complex. Tower 10 (West Ridge) was right behind Engine 9 and took position on side Alpha. The crew from Tower 10 immediately went into master stream operations. Engine 4 arrived on location and position on the Alpha/Bravo corner and assisted with suppression and water supply. Meanwhile, Engine 55 (Lake Shore) laid a line from the next closet hydrant and Engine 17 (West Ridge) laid around 1000 feet of 5" supply line from the hydrant at West 17th & Peninsula.

It took crews over 60 minutes to get the fire under control and performed overhaul for a while afterwards. Chief 480 (West Lake) eventually took command of the fire. Crews cleared the scene around 7:45am. The fire is under investigation. Pictures were taken from the bucket of Tower 10.

For additional pictures, visit www.westlakefire.org and click the Gallery link.

Photos and Story courtesy of Rob Hornaman, West Ridge FD