Coitsville firefighters average a major fire at the rate of about one per year, but this year is shaping up to be a little different. Last week Coitsville residents lost a long-time landmark when bitter cold and snow hampered efforts to save the BullsEye Pub & Grill on SR422. The building was a total loss and the cause of that fire may never be known.
Just over a week later, on Saturday morning, February 7, 2004 at 7:54 AM, firefighters received a call for a possible structure fire at 4720 McCartney Rd. The dispatch center advised that the occupants awoke to discover the fire and fled to the neighbor's house to call 911.
The first unit on the scene, Coitsville Chief 41, advised of a fully involved structure fire with flames thru the roof and immediately called for mutual aid from surrounding departments. Units from the Western Reserve Joint Fire District (Poland), Lowellville and Pulaski Pennsylvania sent apparatus and crews to assist.
Due to the snow, poor road conditions, the nearest hydrant being almost a mile away and the development of the fire upon arrival, it was clear that there was no way to save the structure. It was confirmed that all residents were safe and the fire crews took up a defensive status.
No firefighter injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation. Two major fires in less than 10 days would place a strain on most small departments. but this all-volunteer department seems to be taking it all in stride.
