Austin Volunteer Fire Department

At 1:28 PM on Saturday, Austin Station 44 was dispatched to Portage Township for a Structure Fire reported garage. This alarm also dispatched Station 48 (Coudersport Vol FireDept) and Station 46 (Roulette Chemical Engine #1).

Chief 44-60 (T.Orlowski) arrived at 13:31 reporting heavy smoke and flames showing, endangered residence feet from the structure, and moments later reported the structure fully involved.

Chief 44-10 (J.Burgett) arrived seconds later establishing Austin Command requesting an additional Engine and Tanker from Cameron Company 14 (Emporium Vol Fire Dept), a Tanker from McKean 3 (Star Hose Company #1) and Tri-County Rural Electric to the scene.

Captain 44 (A.Bothell), Engine 44-2 with Chief 44-30 (S.Hosteltar), Tanker 44-5 with Chief 44 (J.Rooney) and Chief 44-20 (B.Brooks) and Ambulance 44-7 with Chief 44-70 (S.Orlowski) were on the road almost immediately, with all units on scene and operating in under 7 minutes.

Fire Police immediately shut down the southbound lane of 872, Engine 44-2 crew stretched 2 lines approximately 150 feet and immediately attacked the fire. Tanker 44-5 arrived and provided water to Engine 44-2. Ambulance 44-7 staged.

The fire was held to the initial structure.

Command reported fire under control at 1:43, recalling Port Allegany and Roulette units.

Coudersport and Emporium units arrived and sent manpower forward to assist with overhaul. Tanker 48-5 provided adittional water to Engine 44-2.

Command reported fire out at 2:08. All units were returning at 2:50 PM.

The garage was a total loss, and the residence received minor heat damage.

A big thank you goes out to Paul & Pat Perry at Perry’s Country Store for donating ice to make sure our firefighters had cool drinks on a hot day!