James Kauffman

Position(s): Fire Police Lieutenant

4 days ago

Yesterday afternoon around 12:20pm WBFD crews were dispatched to the 600 block of North Galen Hall Road in South Heidelberg Township for a reported building collapse. Responding units were advised by Berks DES that a large tree had fallen on the structure. WBFD crews arrived and confirmed a large tree had fallen onto the garage area of the residential structure, resulting in minor structural damage to the roof area of the garage. Crews assessed the structure to confirm no additional hazards were present within the home. No injuries were reported and crews cleared within 45 minutes. #teamWBFD ... See MoreSee Less

View on Facebook

View Comments

Likes: 52
Shares: 8
Comments: 4

Comment on Facebook

Great job

Great job!

Colleen Reeser

Western Berks Fire Department

6 days ago

On 9/20/2023 at approximately 7:54pm, the WBFD and it’s automatic aid partners were dispatched to the 200-Block of Old West Penn Ave in South Heidelberg Township for a commercial building fire. FC-18 arrived on scene, and reported smoke showing from a large, one story structure. Staff reported multiple metal powder fires located within the dust collection system ductwork, burning in excess of 1100-degrees. After receiving this information, WBFD personnel worked with building staff to formulate an attack and suppression plan. Normal firefighting tactics could not be used, because the metal powders that were identified as the product burning, become volatile when mixed with water. This information was relayed by staff, and is also included in the departments pre-plans for this facility.

With staff guidance, firefighting personnel utilized both a scissor and JLG lift to access the affected areas. Personnel disassembled the ductwork, and operated multiple Class-D Extinguishers to help cool, and stop the fires forward progression. Once the fires temperatures decreased to safer levels, the sections of ductwork were removed and relocated to an area outside of the building.
#teamWBFD
#autoaidpartners

We were assisted on scene by the following agencies:
Robesonia Fire Department, Sta 26
Womelsdorf Volunteer Fire Company
Mohnton Fire Company
Township of Spring Fire Rescue Services
Wyomissing Fire Department
Newmanstown Volunteer Fire Company
Marion Township Fire Company
Western Berks Ambulance Assn
South Heidelberg Township Police Department
Lower & South Heidelberg Township Office of Emergency Management ... See MoreSee Less

View on Facebook

View Comments

Likes: 79
Shares: 11
Comments: 2

Comment on Facebook

Great job all

Thank you WBFD

Western Berks Fire Department

2 weeks ago

This morning at approximately 1:39am the WBFD and auto aid partners were dispatched to the 100 block of West Penn Avenue in Wernersville Borough for a Structure Fire. As units were responding Berks DES advised that they were recieving multiple calls for fire involving the rear of the structure. WBFD crews arrived on scene and found a 3-story mixed use building, fire involving the second floor rear apartment. Crews from E18-1 began a fire attack via the second floor rear porch roof. As additional units arrived, crews supported an agressive fire attack and search efforts in multiple apartments and businesses. Crews were able to sucessfully cut off the fire and hold it to the apartment of origin with minor smoke and water damage throughout the building. Searches proved negative and no injuries were reported. The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshall is investigating the cause of the fire. WBFD crews wrapped up and cleared the scene around 6am.

We were assisted by the following agencies.
Township of Spring Fire Rescue Services
Wyomissing Fire Department
Shillington Fire Company
Robesonia Fire Department, Sta 26
Mohnton Fire Company
Denver Fire Company Station 13
Womelsdorf Volunteer Fire Company
Newmanstown Volunteer Fire Company
Western Berks Ambulance Assn
South Heidelberg Township Police Department
PA State Police ... See MoreSee Less

View on Facebook

View Comments

Likes: 122
Shares: 55
Comments: 14

Comment on Facebook

My sister, brother and myself own Splurged Bake shoppe next to CC’s THANK YOU ALL for doing your very best! We are thankful that you were all able to make it home safe and sound! We are forever grateful for your efforts! ❤️❤️

Great job containing what could have been much worse!! Keep up the professional job in Western Berks!

Great job as usual

Thank you for your service.

Great job fire fighters.

Good job

Great job WBFD!

Nice job WBFD, so glad no one was injured.

Cc’s is my favorite pizza shop around Wernersville. I hope they can survive this fire & reopen soon!

Mark Hauze

Sara Bachman

Dayl Klinger, John Strause

#BestinBerks TYFYS

Rembering Danny Kuhn who lived upstairs for many years of his life. His dad managed Briner's Food Market for years. Danny passed away this past week. My husband Jeff took over the store in 1972 and we got to know Danny and Janice! RIP Danny and hope they get the building redone.

View more comments

Month	Fire/EMS
Jan.	81
Feb.	89
Mar.	76
Apr.	66
May	86
Jun.	76
Jul.	100
Aug.	91
Sep.	100
Oct.	90
Nov.	36
Dec.	0
Total	891

James Kauffman

Contact Information

Follow Us

Phone

Website Statistics

Member Links