At 11:20 a

 
By Morris Township Volunteer Fire Company #1
January 2, 2026
 

m. on January 1, 2026, Company 17 was dispatched by County 911 to assist the Snow Shoe Fire Company with a working structure fire on Birch Run Road.

Initial reports indicated a possible flue fire with extension into the residence. Upon arrival, the first crews confirmed a working structure fire and immediately initiated an interior attack. Upon arrival of Quint 17, crew members were assigned to the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT). A team of four members was positioned on the Charlie side of the structure, prepared to enter in the event of an emergency to conduct rescue operations for any downed firefighters inside.

Initial entry crews located multiple dogs within the residence, extricated them to safety, and transferred them to the care of Snow Shoe EMS. Following extinguishment of the fire, an extensive overhaul was conducted, as the fire had traveled through the walls and between a metal roof and the original roof structure.

Later that night, at approximately 2:27 a.m., Company 17 was dispatched to assist the Winburne Fire Company with a working tractor-trailer fire on westbound Interstate 80. Chief 17 and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) were first on scene and confirmed a working fire involving the trailer of a car hauler with multiple vehicles involved. Upon consultation with the operator, it was determined that three electric vehicles were on board. Crews successfully prevented the fire from reaching the electric vehicles. Upon arrival of Engine Tanker 17, personnel assisted with fire suppression and overhaul of multiple vehicles.

Interstate 80 was closed for approximately one hour to allow crews to operate safely.

After returning to the station, Company 17 was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident on Hardscabble Road. Initial reports indicated a single-vehicle rollover with possible entrapment. Engine Rescue 17 arrived on scene to find one vehicle that had overturned. The operator was not entrapped but required assistance exiting the vehicle. Crew members assisted the operator and managed fluid and debris cleanup, while Moshannon Valley EMS provided patient care.