At approximately 2:44PM this afternoon the Bethel Park Police Dispatch Center dispatched the Bethel Park Volunteer Fire Company (BPVFC) to a house on fire on Cedar Street in Bethel Park. Our full first alarm structure fire assignment was automatically dispatched which included Mt. Lebanon Fire Department and Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department. BPVFC Chief began responding from his workplace off of Fort Couch Road and upgraded the call to a second alarm assignment upon seeing heavy smoke in that direction. This alarm included Library Volunteer Fire Company, Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Department, Broughton Volunteer Fire Company, and the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services. Our Chief Officers began arriving on scene at 2:50 confirming a working fire on the front of the house. Once the Rescue arrived from Station 1, crews were able to make a quick stop on the fire before it extended into the house too far. A valiant effort was made to save a dog who unfortunately succumbed to the smoke that was in the home. The fire was brought under control by 3:30 and crews spent the next two hours checking for hot spots and cleaning up. The Allegheny County Fire Marshall is investigating the cause of the fire which does not appear to be suspicious at this time.
This is a reminder that our community, along with most others in this area, relies solely on volunteers for fire protection. They have to respond to the stations to get equipment to respond to an emergency. It may seem like we had plenty of companies and vehicles responding, but many only had a small number of firefighters in them. We were extremely fortunate to have a few volunteers working from home, and others working nearby that were able to leave work to respond. Two volunteers were off of work today and happened to be at the station in our gym when the call came in. This allowed for a very timely response and quick on scene time. We thank all of our mutual aid departments for responding and providing the much needed manpower and assistance. Special thanks also goes out to Bethel Park Police and Tri Community South EMS who are always there when we need them.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter, please reach out. We could always use the help.
Bethel Park Police Department
Tri-Community South EMS
Mt. Lebanon Fire Department
The Upper St Clair Volunteer Fire Department
Library Volunteer Fire Company
Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Department
Broughton Volunteer Fire Department
Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services of Western Pennsylvania