At 07:04 Kuhl Hose Fire Company was called to 8961 Kuhl Road for a report of a structure fire. On arrival, Chief 680 reported heavy smoke and fire showing from the roof.
First units on scene battled with heavy smoke and fire conditions along with temperatures below zero. Units made a fire attack and contained the fire to the second floor and attic.
A tanker shuttle operation was set up from a municipal water source approximately 3 miles from the scene.
Units were called from to assist from Belle Valley, Kearsarge, Brookside, Greenfield, Wattsburg, Perry Hiway, City of Erie Fire, and Emergycare. Additional companies were called to replace companies on the scene that were affected by the weather. Each crew was rotated from the scene after 45 minutes due to the extremely cold temperatures and the associated problems that were faced.
Three Firefighters were transported to local hospitals for evaluation of injuries; Two firefighters were transported to Saint Vincent Health Center for head and neck injuries sustained when a portion of the roof collapsed, and both were treated and released. A third firefighter was transported to Hamot Shock Trauma for back injuries due to a fall. He was also treated and released.
The fire was under control in under in an hour and crews remained on scene until 11:30. The family of 5 was home at the time of fire but escaped without injury. The cause is still undetermined and is being investigated by the Fire Department and the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal.
