South units were staffed and ready for the call of duty when Tropical Storm Debbie struck the region. The storm produced several different bands of heavy rainfall bringing flash flooding. Creeks swelled over their banks with fast rising and fast-moving waters stranding residents in their homes and vehicles. South Boat crews responded to several water rescues all over Lycoming County. Chief 5, Special Unit 5, and Boat 1-5 responded and assisted Hepburn Township Fire Department, Trout Run Fire Department, Citizens of Jersey Shore Fire Department, Loyalsock Fire Department, Old Lycoming Township Fire Department, and the City of Williamsport Bureau of Fire with water rescues, evacuation of homes, propane tank incidents, and a jumper.
South Career members assisted on flooded basements, trees down, poles and wires down, and a technical rescue from Highway 15 down to Mckees Road assisting Hepburn Township Fire Department rescuing 5 individuals with their home surrounded by water.
The station was manned and taking additional phone calls of incidents throughout the borough. Overall crews rescue 30 individuals and a handful of pets during this event. Units began responding to calls at 0630 and returned to station at 2245. Shortly after returning, we were dispatched to Little League for a Fire Alarm. Crews were back out on Saturday assessing damage within the borough. Sylvan Dell Road was barricaded off due to roadway flooded the whole day until water receded.
We express our thoughts and prayers to all those effected especially to Trout Run Fire Department and the Satellite station from Citizens of Jersey Shore as they took on damage at their fire houses from the storm.
Attached are several photos taken throughout the day.
