Firefighters from Callery Volunteer Fire Company (Station 19) responded to two significant incidents over the past 12 hours, including a commercial HazMat response in Adams Township and an early morning vehicle fire following a crash in Forward Township.

Commercial HazMat Fire – Adams Township

At approximately 8:30 p.m. last evening, Station 19 was dispatched to assist Station 42 for an automatic fire alarm at a commercial facility in Adams Township. Upon arrival, Engine 42’s Officer in Charge (OIC) upgraded the incident to a working fire assignment after discovering smoke inside the structure. A hazardous materials concern was added to the response following reports of a smoking 55-gallon drum inside the building.

Engine 19 (W/ 4) responded to the initial alarm. Following the assignment upgrade, Lt. 19, Command 19, and additional personnel also responded. Engine 19 arrived as the second-due engine and laid a supply line from a hydrant approximately 500 feet from the structure. Crews assisted with interior operations and successfully removed the smoking drum from the premises.

Chief 19-2 was requested to assume command of the scene. Tower 21 and Ladder 22 were positioned for aerial support, while supplemental manpower from SAFER-affiliated companies stood by to assist with ventilation efforts. HazMat Team 100 and Adams Township Emergency Management (Unit 4899) responded to address the hazardous materials situation and manage water runoff mitigation.

After ensuring the structure was fully ventilated and safe, command began releasing units from the scene.

Auto Crash with Fire – Forward Township

Just hours later, around 6:30 a.m., Station 19 was dispatched to assist Station 20 with a motor vehicle accident in Forward Township. While en route, updated information reported the involved vehicle was on fire, with unknown occupancy.

Engine 19 arrived to find a passenger vehicle fully engulfed in flames after it had struck a telephone pole, bringing live power lines down onto the vehicle. Firefighters quickly deployed a 1¾” hoseline and successfully extinguished the fire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported at the scene.

Professionalism and Readiness on Display

These back-to-back responses highlight the training, coordination, and readiness of Callery’s volunteers. Their ability to quickly transition from routine alarm calls to complex incidents involving hazardous materials and vehicle fires underscores the department’s commitment to public safety.

FIRE SAFETY TIP: Know what to do during a chemical emergency. If you see smoke or vapor from a drum or unknown container, do not approach—call 911 and wait for trained responders.

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