On a busy day for firefighters in the county, West Mead #1 was dispatched to two fires—a vehicle fire on Cochranton Road and a structure fire on Baldwin St Extension.

At 2:33 PM West Mead #1 was dispatched for a vehicle fire with an exposure of a residence on Cochranton Road. Engines 28-13 and 28-12 responded. Arriving on scene, 28-13’s crew reported a lawn mower on fire with no exposures and pulled an 1 3/4″ preconnect bumper line to extinguish the fire. 28-12’s crew used a portable water tank and hand tools to ensure the yard debris was extinguished.

Engine 28-13’s booster tank had just been refilled when both West Mead volunteer departments were dispatched for a structure fire on Baldwin Street Extension in West Mead Township. Meadville Central, Vernon Central, Vernon Township and Meadville Ambulance were also tapped to assist. West Mead #2 Captain Dave Walton reported a working fire in Bootleggers Lounge, a two-story mixed use commercial/residential wood-frame structure. Engines 28-12, 28-13, and 28-11 responded, with Squad 28-14 bringing personnel. 28-12 arrived on scene with Meadville Central’s ladder 16-9. The two crews pulled an 1 3/4″ handline from 12 and entered the building for an initial fire attack, venting the building and beginning overhaul to check for extension. When 28-13 arrived, its crew supplied 12 with water and pulled another backup 1 3/4″ handline into the structure, while support personnel set up ladders. 28-11 connected to a hydrant on Oak Street and supplied water through 4″ large diameter hose along Baldwin St. The fire was contained to the second floor where it began in an upstairs apartment, with some extension into the walls and ceiling of the building.

As reported in the The Meadville Tribune, there were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. The cause of the fire was ruled accidental.

All 28 units returned to service from both calls by 6:02 PM.

Correction: The story previously identified the location of the hydrant as Echnoz Street. The hydrant used in the incident was located on Oak Street.