Township of Spring Fire Rescue Services

10/21/2026

Confined Space Training

Over the past two days, personnel from TSFRS completed a Confined Space Refresher Training facilitated by RescueTechs LLC. This training reinforces essential safety procedures, strengthens technical skills, and ensures our personnel remain prepared to safely and effectively respond to confined space emergencies.

Thank you to RescueTechs LLC for providing this valuable training and for helping us maintain our commitment to safety, readiness, and service to our community.

https://www.tsfrs.org/news/610/Confined-Space-Training

10/20/2026

MVA with Major Traffic Control

A motor vehicle crash with a rollover on Rt. 222 just north of the Adamstown exit in Spring Twp was reported early on Thursday morning October 15. The call was initially reported as in Brecknock Twp and was revised when arriving companies identified the correct location as being in Spring. TSFRS Rescue 85 responded accordingly.

As the Rescue responded, they were advised by Asst. Chief 72 that the call involved a tractor trailer on its side with no injuries. Further information from AC 72 reported that police on scene determined that since the original assignment had controlled fluids and other hazards, no further fire services would be required beyond Fire Police for traffic control.

Due to the massive traffic issues prompted by the closure of 222 northbound until the fully loaded rig was offloaded and removed, the Fire Police commitment was extensive. TSFR Fire Police were assisted by Fire Police from Brecknock (72) and Cumru 42 from Berks County and Adamstown (11), Bowmansville (32) and Ephrata Pioneer (15). Fire Police resources worked to control the traffic control around the crash site for approximately an additional 5 ½ hours extending into the morning rush hour.

https://www.tsfrs.org/news/608/MVA-with-Major-Traffic-Control

10/18/2026

Know Your Fire Extinguishers

We frequently get questions from the public about fire extinguishers for their home. Here is some information that might help explain the issue. Most authorities and experts recommend a dry chemical extinguisher with an ABC rating for a for household use. But what does this mean?

First.......the information on how to operate the device and what kind of fire it's intended for is on the label. But if you are reading the label in front of a fire, you're too late. THE TIME TO LEARN HOW TO USE IT IS NOT WHEN THE FIRE IS BURNING IN FRONT OF YOU!!!

Fire extinguishers are categorized based on the nature of the fire that they are expected to handle. These categories are defined in a standard known as NFPA 10. NFPA 10 defines the fires as Class A (Ordinary combustibles, stuff that leaves an ash), Class B (Flammable liquids), Class C (any fuel if it involves electrical energy), and Class D (Combustible metals, ie magnesium, etc..). In recent years, because of a change in oils used in cooking, a new Class, Class K was added. The classes are also shown with symbols on labels to help identify them in an emergency. These are a green triangle for A, a red square for B, a blue circle for C, a yellow star for D and a black or blue hexagon for K. The agents in the extinguishers (and therefore the extinguishers) are then classified based on the nature of the fire and fuel for which they are intended.

Extinguishers should be rated by a formal, recognized testing laboratory or agency. This includes Underwriters Labs (UL) and the US Coast Guard for maritime applications. A and B fire extinguishing devices are rated in accordance with how they perform on standard test fires. The larger the number, the better the performance. If the agent does not conduct electricity, it is provided with a Class C rating. If the agent is not water reactive with burning metals, it can get a D rating. Class K ratings go to extinguishers intended for cooking oil and grease fires in commercial kitchens. Some agents are effective against multiple classes of fires and therefore are classified accordingly.

Now that you have the background, more information on how to use an extinguisher will be coming in future posts. Stay tuned,,,,,

https://www.tsfrs.org/news/609/Know-Your-Fire-Extinguishers

10/17/2026

Keep The Exits Clear !!!!

The last line of defense between occupants of a burning building and severe injury or worse is the exit path to safety. This is true in all types of locations....your home, your place of employment, gathering places such as theaters, places of worship, restaurants....you get the picture.

Emergency exits must not be obstructed. Furthermore, fire doors installed to protect the exit paths from smoke and fire spread must be closed in order to be effective. It is our observation that safety frequently takes a back seat to convenience. Don't fall into that trap, especially if you are responsible for operating a public space. Exits and exit stairways are NOT closets. Keep stuff out of them, especially stuff that burns. Don't let the doors that protect them stand open...they're useless if you do.

How do you know what's considered an exit? That is frequently guided by architects and codes. But for the lay person, look at the ceiling...if there is an exit sign...it's an exit. If it's a stairway from an upper level, it's generally an exit. Also, while not always required, if you see a panic bar on the door, it's probably an exit.

How do you know if it's a fire door? Look at the edge. If there is a label on the door that says FIRE DOOR, it's a fire door. Fire doors are generally found protecting stairways and openings in fire walls and corridor partitions.

If you're in Spring Township and still not sure, contact the Spring Twp Fire Marshal for assistance.

Thanks for looking out for those around you.

https://www.tsfrs.org/news/605/Keep-The-Exits-Clear-

10/17/2026

REMINDER---OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 10/24

Dont forget to spend some time with your Twp of Spring firefighters on Saturday October 24. We're starting at 10AM and will be open until 1 PM.

We'd love to see you there !!

https://www.tsfrs.org/news/607/REMINDER---OPEN-HOUSE-SATURDAY-1024

10/14/2026

10/14/2026

9th St, Reading, Mutual Aid 3rd Alarm

In the early morning hours of Sunday October 11, TSFRS was dispatched to the 600 block of 9th St in Reading as part of a second alarm assignment, transmitted for a working structure fire with entrapment. Arriving on location Rescue Engine 85s crew reported to command for assignment, whereupon they were immediately assigned to relieve personnel who were attacking the fire in the original fire building.

Accordingly, RE85s members reported to the 3rd floor where RFD crews were operating. Extreme fire conditions existed in the attic and ceilings, which were opened up and water applied accordingly. RE85 worked, extinguishing fire and overhauling on the third floor until their breathing apparatus low air alarms sounded, at which part they exited the fire building for rehab.

After obtaining fresh air supplies, the RE85 firefighters were assigned to an adjacent building to assist with further opening of the third-floor ceiling. When this operation was completed, they were assigned to perform a secondary search of all floors on the way out of the building where they found a live dog under a bed on the second floor which they removed from the building. All other searches were negative.

The crew then entered rehab and stood by until released by command, at which time the company was placed available and returned.

https://www.tsfrs.org/news/606/9th-St-Reading-Mutual-Aid-3rd-Alarm

10/13/2026

CLOSE BEFORE YOU DOZE

As you all are aware, October 4-10 was Fire Prevention Week. And if you have been following this site, you doubtlessly know that our overriding theme this year has been Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety. But focusing on batteries doesn't mean that we are ignoring other pressing issues in fire safety. We're going to address some other pressing fire safety issues all month.

For example, did you know that merely closing your bedroom door at night can save your life in the event of a fire in your home? The phrase CLOSE BEFORE YOU DOZE isn't just a cute play on words. A typical wooden residential door can hold back a substantial amount of fire and smoke, and buy you precious minutes of survival, especially when you are sleeping. Research suggests that the difference between a fire and the other side of a closed door could be close 1000 degrees!

Also, it's a good idea to make sure that the doors to your garage and basement are kept closed when not in use, especially at night.

In 2017, our friends at the UL Fire Safety Research Institute conducted a series of fire tests to demonstrate this concept. They were kind enough to prepare the videos in the links below that do a great job of explaining the issue ... because seeing is believing. Don't just take our word for it...please take the time to check them out.

Stay safe.

https://www.tsfrs.org/news/604/CLOSE-BEFORE-YOU-DOZE

10/12/2026

Rte 222 near Mohn's Hill Rd

Early in the evening of Thursday October 7, TSFRS Rescue 85 and Fire Police, Adamstown (Lancaster Co.) Engine 11, and Western Berks EMS Medic 6512 were dispatched to the northbound lanes of US Rte. 222 near Mohns Hill Road for a vehicle crash. The incident was reported initially as being a vehicle into the median with unknown injuries. While enroute, County Communications notified all units that Cumru Twp PD was on location reporting one patient injured and unable to unlock the car door. CTPD also requested all units to access Rt. 222 via the NB off-ramp and travel the wrong way.

R85 did as directed and arrived on location to find conditions as reported. Fortunately, Captain 85 was able to direct the driver to unlock the doors to allow access. Medic 6511 arrived on location at which time they assisted the driver out of the vehicle, onto the litter and into the ambulance. Personnel from R85 and LN E11 gained access to the battery to power down the vehicle and applied Oil Dri to fluids on the roadway.

Captain 85 released LN E11 and shortly thereafter, R85 was also released by Spring Twp PD and made available. However, Fire Police maintained traffic control until released by STPD after the vehicle was removed.

https://www.tsfrs.org/news/602/Rte-222-near-Mohns-Hill-Rd

10/11/2026

Assist to Cumru, Crash on Gouglersville Rd

In the midafternoon of Monday October 5, TSFRS Rescue Engine 85 and Deputy 85 along with Station 85 Fire Police responded to Gouglersville Road at Vermont Road in Cumru Twp for a vehicle crash. The initial information was for a vehicle into a utility pole with a rollover and possible entrapment.

Upon arrival, RE85 members discovered a car overturned that had impacted a pole. The occupant had self-extricated and no other hazards were present. RE85 remained on location until released by Cumru Deputy 42 and Rescue Engine 42.

https://www.tsfrs.org/news/603/Assist-to-Cumru-Crash-on-Gouglersville-Rd