Chalfont 1st on-scene, Assists Warrington The following was taken from "The Intelligencer" A partially built house was destroyed and a neighbor was taken to the hospital after a late-night blaze in Warrington, a fire official said Thursday. The fire, which broke out after 11 p.m. Wednesday, damaged siding on two nearby houses that also are under construction in The Reserve at Warrington development, said township Fire Marshal Richard M. Lesniak. He didn't know if there was further damage to the houses. It took about 35 minutes for firefighters to get the roaring flames under control at the dwelling on Blackburn Court, off Upper State Road. Between 30 and 40 firefighters from Warrington, Chalfont, Doylestown and Montgomery Township fire departments responded. "It was cooking," a witness said, describing how the blaze was tearing through the home when firefighters arrived. Firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading to a nearby propane tank, but couldn't save the burning house, which was destroyed. No firefighters were injured, but a neighbor was taken to a hospital and treated for smoke inhalation, said Lesniak. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. "We're looking at all possibilities," said Lesniak. The Reserve at Warrington is a development of single-family residences constructed by NV Homes. Prices begin in the $490,000 range, according to the company Web site. The smallest model home is around 2,700 square feet; the largest is around 3,800 square feet, the Web site said.

At approximately 11:45pm, Bucks County Radio dispatched Tactical Box 34-41 for a dwelling fire in the 100 Block of Teal Drive. Deputy 34 went responding and was advised that the homeowner had called for an odor of smoke in the residence and was reporting a smoke condition on the 1st and 2nd floors. Chief 34, Engine 34 (Batt. Schea), Rescue 34 (Lt. Bintner), and Ladder 74 also responded. Upon arrival crews found a backfired heater filling the residence with smoke. Crews checked the walls of the residence with a thermal imaging camera and found no evidence of fire. After ventilating the dwelling, crews were released from the scene by 12:40am.

Chalfont firefighters sprung into action when they were dispatched on Tactical Box 19-07 for a dwelling fire on the 200 Block of Chestnut Valley Drive in Doylestown. Chief 19 (Doylestown Chief Loux) notified Bucks County Radio that he had smoke showing from several sides of the dwelling upon arrival and was establishing Chestnut Valley Command. Upon arrival, Engine 19-1 lead off with a 2 inch handline to begin extinquishing the fire. Engine 34 (Chief McGuire) responded to the scene and supplied Engine 19-1 with additional water. The fire was quickly placed under control, and crews checked for extension. E-34 was released from the scene shortly before 5pm. Assisting Doylestown at the scene were firefighters from Chalfont and Warrington. Plumsteadville, Midway and Warminster fire companies provided stand-by coverage at Stations 19 and 79.

In October 2009, the Chalfont Fire Company sold Engine 34-5 (previously Engine 54) to the Metropolitan Fire Association, Inc. in Staten Island, NY (www.metro-fire.org). The Metropolitan Fire Association was formed in 1976 as an explorer post for those in the City of New York interested in firefighting and emergency services. The Metropolitan Fire Association allows these interested individuals to explore career paths that they may not have had an opportunity to otherwise be exposed to. Throughout the years, the organization has assisted the FDNY in several large scale incidents, including the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The Chalfont Fire Company was impressed with the mission of the Metropolitan Fire Association and the services they provide to their community. Before representatives from the Metrolpolitan Fire Association picked up Engine 34-5, members of the fire company loaded it with old hose, couplings, nozzles, a Hurst power unit and tool, and a port-a-pond. All of these donated items will be used to train a new generation of emergency responders in New York.

Shortly before 8:30am, Bucks County dispatched Box 34-27 for a building fire at Borghi's Restaurant. Deputy 34 (Fluck) arrived on-scene as the call was being dispatched, and advised Bucks of a working fire in the kitchen and of 1 victim with smoke inhalation. Deputy 34 established Chalfont Command. Engine 34(Lt. Marino) responded and went in service with a handline. Chief 34 (McGuire) arrived on scene and took over command. Engine 34-1 (Lt. Bair) responded and laid in from the hydrant at Main Street and Barr Lane to supply Engine 34. Ladder 74 arrived on location and went in service on the roof of the structure assisted by the crew from Engine 34-1. The fire was placed under control and crews began overhaul. Rescue 34, Rescue 19, Squad 78, Engine 60, Medic 134, Medic 125 also responded. PECO was called to the scene to control power to the building, and the Bucks County Health Department was also notified. Route 152 between Butler Ave. and Sunset Ave. was shutdown for a period of time. Fire Police from Stations 34 and 74 assisted the Police with traffic control. Chalfont Borough provided a load of salt to help control icy conditions on the fire ground. Crews cleared the scene at approximately 9:45.

Chalfont Fire Company would like to wish everyone a Happy and Safe New Year!

Chalfont Fire Company would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season!!!!  Stay Safe!!

Congratulations to the new officers elected for the year 2010.  The officers will be as follows:

Line Officers:

Chief: Dennis McGuire

Battallion 34: Bob Price

Battallion 74: Rick Schea

Lieutenant 34: Mike Bintner, Walt Bair, Nick Marino

Executive Officers:

President: Walt Bair

1st Vice President: Gordon Long

2nd Vice President: Jeff Stern

Treasurer: Dave Yates

Secretary: Sue McGinnis

Financial Secretary: Diane Teschner

Good luck in the new year!

The Chalfont Fire Company would like to remind everyone to have a safe holiday season.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the average yearly fire loss for December 24, 25, and 26 is estimated at over $80 million.  Each year, these losses result from an estimated 11,600 fires that required a fire department response.  These fires cause an annual average of approximately 250 injuries and 40 fatalities.  Remember, you MUST keep you tree properly watered.  Take a look at the videos and check out the links for more information.  And enjoy the holidays!

The annual Christmas Sing will be held on December 6, 2009 at 6:30pm. The event will be held at Krupp Park, located behind Chalfont Borough Hall. The tree will be lighted while everyone sings Christmas Carols. Then, Santa and Mrs. Clause will be delivered by Chalfont Fire Company, with refreshments and a chance for children to meet with Santa at Station 34 afterwards. Gifts will also be presented to young children.