Shortly before 1900hrs this evening a tractor trailer rollover was reported in the Eastbound lanes of I87 near Hinsdale, NY. The driver of the vehicle was still in the cab of the rig at the time of the call and confirmed to 9-1-1 operators that the vehicle contained approximately 40,000lbs of explosive materials. Hinsdale and Olean Fire Departments responded to the scene and closed the interstate to all traffic in both dirrections.
At this time reports indicate the the highway will remain closed for the night as crews await specially trained personnel to arrive on scene to handle the materials.
More information will be posted as if becomes available.
UPDATE: As of noon today I86 has been re-opened in both directions.
Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold. Winter storms can result in flooding, storm surge, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia.
Know the Terms
Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a winter storm hazard:
Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.
Sleet: Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.
Winter Storm Watch: A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information.
Winter Storm Warning: A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.
Blizzard Warning: Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.
Frost/Freeze Warning: Below freezing temperatures are expected.
Take Protective Measures Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Today, November 18, H.R. 3781, the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009, is scheduled to be considered by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, which was introduced on October 13 by Congressman Harry Mitchell (D-AZ), along with 40 original co-sponsors, extends for five years and make changes to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant programs. The provisions in H.R. 3791 are based on a series of policy recommendations that were agreed to by the NVFC and other national fire service organizations. Read full article HERE.
At approximately 0735 this morning Port Allegany Fire & EMS (McKean Dept 3) along with Medic 6 out of Coudersport were dispatched to a two vehicle MVC just west of the borough. It was reported to be a tractor-trailer vs auto with entrapment. First on-scene reports indicated the roadway was completely blocked with one operator self-extricated and the second operator entraped in their vehicle. A request was made for a medivac with the LZ to be at the high school.
Further information will be posted when available.
UPDATE: Photos and some limited information available on Solomon's Words
Two Port Allegany residents were killed and an Eldred woman sustained major injuries in a head-on crash on Route 155 near the Daily Bread Restaurant about 3:45 pm on Saturday afternoon.
David N. Bayline, 42, and his passenger Theresa K. Bayline, 48, of Port Allegany, PA, were killed on impact and pronounced dead at the scene.
Helen I. Bigley, 58, Eldred, PA, was flown to Altoona Regional Hospital by Stat Medivac for treatment of major injuries.
David Bayline was driving a 2003 Jeep Cherokee south on Route 155 and as he negotiated a slight right curve in the roadway, he crossed over the yellow center line for unknown reasons, and into the northbound lane of travel, where his Jeep impacted head-on with a 2009 Ford F-150 driven by Helen I. Bigley.
Kane State Police were assisted at the scene by Port Allegany Ambulance, Priority Care Ambulance, Port Allegany Star Hose Company, Port Allegany Borough Police Department, PennDot, and Coroner Bob Hartle.
Both vehicles were removed from the scene by McKeirnan Towing Service.
Thirteen Alfred students lost everything and businesses were destroyed in an early morning blaze.
Firefighters from across eastern Allegany County were called to the corner of West University Street and North Main Street at around 6:30 a.m., after a report of a fire in progress.
According to firefighters, the original 911 call indicated two students were trapped in the building, but Alfred University and police officials said all the students are now safe.
“We have every reason to believe they are safe and accounted for,” said AU spokeswoman Deborah Clark, later confirming all were fine.
“We’re now saying 11 Alfred University students and two Alfred State College students were living in the apartments,” said Susan Goetschius, director of communications for AU, later this morning.
The students were taken to the Kenyon-Davis Room at the Powell Campus Center, Clark said, where they would be offered counseling, clothing and food. The university did not immediately have the names of the students living in the apartments available for the media.
BALTIMORE — Building codes mandating fire sprinklers in new one- and two-family homes were upheld as the International Code Council voted Wednesday to disapprove a motion to remove them.
Representatives from the IAFC, IAFF, NFPA and other organizations gave testimony in support of the existing rules mandating sprinklers as the council met in Baltimore.
"Most Americans who die in fires die where they live," said USFA Deputy Administrator Chief Glenn Gaines. "In addition to saving the lives of building occupants, residential sprinklers significantly reduce the risk that residential fires pose to firefighters."
While Gaines went on to cite supporting statistics, other testimony included impassioned pleas.
"On what basis would we look to step backwards from this point?" said Jeff Johnson, president of the IAFC.
After a seven to four vote and a majority of the ICC audience in opposition to the motion to remove mandatory sprinklers from the guidelines, the moderator was met with cheers as he said "that motion clearly fails."
A Firefighter from Westover Borough (Clearfield County) Fire Station #45 has died in the Line of Duty while operating at a house fire in Westover Borough.
Firefighters responded to a reported working fire early this morning and upon arrival, started their attack and related operations. Reports are that Command then decided to allow the fire to burn because it was a vacant abandoned structure.
While operating at this fire, a 42 year old male Firefighter reported that he did not feel well. Paramedics were already on the scene, treatment was started and the Firefighter was transported to Miners Hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, the Firefighter went into what appeared to be cardiac arrest and later died in the Line of Duty, at the hospital.
UPDATE:
As you know, Fire Lieutenant Roy Everett Westover Jr., 41, who lived in Westover, PA died in the Line of Duty yesterday while operating at a vacant house fire. That fire has now been declared an arson fire. The cause of death was ruled as a stress-induced heart attack. The fire was started an abandoned house off Route 36.
All utilities had been cut off at the building, which has been vacant for about 30 years. His death will probably now be ruled a homicide because the arson fire set off a chain of events leading to his death.
The Lieutenant had been working an exterior handline at the fire, which was discovered shortly after midnight.
When Lt. Westover went back to the fire apparatus, he became lightheaded and told others he was not feeling well. Westover was transported by Hastings Emergency Medical Service to Miners Medical Center, about eight miles south of the fire scene, arriving there at 0102 hours. He passed away after his arrival at the hospital.
He had been a charter member of the Westover Fire Company in 1980. He is survived by three young sons, 2 of which are Junior Firefighters in the company. Their Mom, who was the Lieutenants wife, had previously passed away.
