3 injured after East Sparta Fire Department tanker truck collides with semi in Canton

PHOTOS: Three people were taken to the hospital after a crash involving a local fire department’s tanker truck and a semi-truck in Canton Saturday morning. The crash happened around 10:27 a.m. in the 2800 block of Faircrest Street SW. According to Canton fire officials, an East Sparta Fire Department tanker truck was heading to a fire at the PSC Metals facility in Canton Township when it collided with a semi-truck, causing the semi to flip onto its side. The semi driver and two people in the tanker were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, according to the Canton Fire Department, who responded to the accident. The tanker truck also suffered serious front-end damage. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
WJW-TV FOX 8 Cleveland

Ceremony held to honor fallen Youngstown firefighters

VIDEO: Flags flew at half-mast Sunday to honor the men and women firefighters who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. In Youngstown, the department held a ceremony honoring the 19 firefighters who died while serving the city. The bell rang each time a name was announced. Nineteen names of fallen Youngstown Firefighters were read. The final five bells symbolize the firefighters’ final call: a long-honored tradition. “We’ve had 19 Youngstown firemen that have died in the line of duty in our history. The last one was [in] 1984. We’ve been very fortunate that we [haven’t] had any since then,” said Youngstown Fire Dpt. Captain Gene Cook. “We’ve had some close calls, but we just want to make sure we honor these gentlemen,” he said. The ceremony concluded with the throwing of a single rose – also an important symbol.
WKBN-TV CBS 27 Youngstown

Firefighters train in Fayette for dangerous rescue situation

VIDEO: Local fire departments came together to train for one of the more unpredictable rescue situations: saving someone trapped in a grain silo. The Ohio Fire Academy provided a free training in Fayette for the Gorham-Fayette, Alvordton-Millcreek, Brady and Archbold fire departments. The academy brought a rescue trailer with a grain bin so firefighters could experience a rescue first-hand. “The challenge is we don’t know exactly what we’re getting into until we’re getting into it,” said Matt Welch, a firefighter who took part in the training. If someone goes into a grain bin, the stored material inside can act like quicksand, trapping and compressing the person inside. Welch said dust and mold in the silos affecting the air quality, and the great height of the bins can create even more challenges.
WTVG-TV ABC/CW 13 Toledo

Former Dayton firefighter shares personal story of survival and resilience in new book

VIDEO: A former Dayton firefighter is sharing his life experiences in his new book which came out May 1. “Overcoming Tuesday” tells the personal story of former firefighter Jim Burneka with co-author Hilary Hawkins. The book title was inspired by an interview with 2 NEWS anchor Brooke Moore about first responders’ mental health. “The normal citizen sees one or two traumatic calls in their lifetime. And for us, that’s just another day — a Tuesday,” said Burneka. The book has an entire chapter focused on the aftermath of the Oregon District shooting in 2019. Burneka details how the event changed his approach to helping first responders cope. As the wellness coordinator for the Dayton Fire Department, it was Burneka’s responsibility to provide resources for first responders following the tragic event.
WDTN-TV NBC 2 Dayton

Lorain County gets new Technical Rescue Team truck and trailer

PHOTO: Lorain County has a shiny new truck and trailer for its Technical Rescue Team. It will be utilized throughout the county by each of the fire departments whenever there is a need. The team is a joint venture of the Lorain County Technical Rescue Advisory Board and the Lorain County Fire Chiefs Association to provide citizens with a team of highly trained firefighters to mitigate technical rescues in the area. Technical rescue refers to aspects of saving life or property that employ the use of tools and skills that exceed those normally reserved for firefighting or medical response. According to team leader Tim Gates, the Lorain County Technical Rescue Team is trained to respond to incidents involving hazardous materials, high- and low-angle rope rescue, structural collapse, confined space rescue, trench rescue and wide-area search.
Cleveland.com

Over $266,000 allocated to fire departments across Mahoning County

VIDEO: The Ohio Department of Commerce and the Division of State Fire Marshal paid a visit to the Mahoning County Courthouse on Thursday to present a check to various Mahoning County fire departments. The check, written in the amount of $266,015.90 highlighted the amount of grant funds awarded to these departments to enhance communications, equipment and training. The following fire departments will receive money from the Multi Agency Radio Communication (MARCS) Grant for equipment and service fees: Beaver Township ($49,381); Berlin Township ($12,795.75); Coitsville Volunteer Fire Department ($20,195); Damascus Volunteer Fire Department ($39,693.40); Green Township Volunteer Fire Department ($9,606.60); Lowellville ($43,978.75); New Middletown ($19,563.75); Struthers ($23,896.50)
WFMJ-TV NBC 21 Youngstown

Lightning strike sparks fire on roof at First Solar building in Walbridge

VIDEO/PHOTO: A lightning strike caused part of the roof at First Solar to catch fire, forcing all employees to evacuate the building early Friday morning. The incident happened around 2:30 a.m. on Tracy Road in Wood County. When firefighters arrived at the scene, they could see heavy smoke and flames coming from one part of the roof area. No injuries were reported by officials at the scene. The Lake Township Fire Department and several other agencies assisted to make sure the fire was completely out. Crews even had a drone flying overhead to better look at the progress.
WTOL-TV CBS 11 Toledo