| Starting at roughly 2pm on December 26th, 2010, a major storm system moved into the area bringing multiple Winter Weather Warnings and response calls for the region. Fifteen members from Minquas Fire Company staffed both a Weather Response Vehicle (Squad 46), a full crew on Engine 46-2, 2 BLS ambulance crews, and ALS services from December 26th at 6pm until December 27th at 11am due to the poor weather conditions. The officers would like to thank each member who helped staff the apparatus during the storm.
During the standby, Station 46 was alerted to assist Station 47 (Lionville) for a reported house fire in Uwchlan Township. Engine 46-2 responded but was recalled while en route to the call.
A second call came in during the overnight hours to assist as the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)* for a house fire in West Nantmeal Township. While en route to this call, Chief 49 diverted Engine 46-2 to relocate to Station 49 (East Brandywine). While at Station 49 the crew handled no calls and were available in Downingtown Borough at around 5:30am.
*= A Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) is a qualified crew that will serve as a stand-by rescue team for personnel working at an emergency scene and be prepared for the immediate search and rescue of any missing, trapped, injured, or unaccounted for fire fighter(s). The RIT team is fully equipped with all appropriate personal protective equipment, SCBAs , as well as specialized rescue equipment such as an emergency Breathing Support System (quick-fill hose device). |
