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22 September 2023
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Floods destroy fire engine, brush truck, damage other apparatus in Lackawanna County (PA)
An engine and brush truck from Newton Ransom Volunteer Fire Company were destroyed as firefighters responded to flooding last week in Lackawanna County that killed a woman. First Assistant Chief John Stemphoski told media he expects the department will rent a replacement for its only engine in the short term.
Some fire departments in Lackawanna County are working without some key equipment damaged by flash flooding.
In South Abington Township a little over a week ago, rescue crews from the Abingtons and other nearby departments worked to get people to safety from floodwaters.
Chinchilla Hose Company Chief Sean Connolly says that flooding damaged homes and businesses. The firehouse along Shady Lane Road saw some minor flooding but the biggest damage was to vehicles. "We had multiple fire apparatuses that took on water. Our own engine, Dickson City Fire apparatus had taken on water," said Chief Connolly. Fortunately, the motor is working on the engine, but it does have problems with its electrical systems that must be fixed. The department’s station suffered minor damage from the flooding. It has backup apparatus that it will use while the engine is repaired.
It was the same scenario for the Newton Ransom Volunteer Fire Company. First Assistant Chief John Stemphoski says their engine and brush truck took on water while crews responded to several emergencies in Newton Township.
The storm swamped the Abingtons and areas of Scranton last week and overwhelmed motorists and homeowners caught in the flood waters. First responders fielded more than 500 calls in the region during the flooding.
Some fire departments in Lackawanna County are working without some key equipment damaged by flash flooding.
In South Abington Township a little over a week ago, rescue crews from the Abingtons and other nearby departments worked to get people to safety from floodwaters.
Chinchilla Hose Company Chief Sean Connolly says that flooding damaged homes and businesses. The firehouse along Shady Lane Road saw some minor flooding but the biggest damage was to vehicles. "We had multiple fire apparatuses that took on water. Our own engine, Dickson City Fire apparatus had taken on water," said Chief Connolly. Fortunately, the motor is working on the engine, but it does have problems with its electrical systems that must be fixed. The department’s station suffered minor damage from the flooding. It has backup apparatus that it will use while the engine is repaired.
It was the same scenario for the Newton Ransom Volunteer Fire Company. First Assistant Chief John Stemphoski says their engine and brush truck took on water while crews responded to several emergencies in Newton Township.
The storm swamped the Abingtons and areas of Scranton last week and overwhelmed motorists and homeowners caught in the flood waters. First responders fielded more than 500 calls in the region during the flooding.