Swarthmore Fire & Protective Association Report (June 15-18)

Swarthmore firefighters were called to the site of a gas leak in Nether Providence Township on June 22. A contractor had struck a six-inch gas line while drilling for electric utilities installation. Gas was exiting the pipe under 20 lbs. of pressure – sufficient to blow dirt and other debris from the hole six feet into the air. PECO service crews arrived within 30 minutes and began the temporary repair process. Approximately four hours later, repairs were completed and firefighters were sent home. Permanent repairs were scheduled for the following day. Photo: Rich Cresson

June 15-28

In this two-week period, the ambulance responded to 15 calls for medical assistance, to Swarthmore, Rutledge, Morton, Springfield, and Nether Providence Township. The calls were for a variety of emergencies, including COVID-19, cardiac emergency, respiratory difficulty, diabetic emergency, accident with injuries, and psychiatric emergency. 

In addition, the fire company responded to:

• Two automatic alarms.

• Two building alarms, including one to the 100 block of Providence Road in Morton for smoke coming from behind a refrigerator.

• One brush fire alarm near the intersection of North Chester Road and North Swarthmore Avenue for smoke from a smoldering, unattended campfire.

• Two hazmat alarms, both for gas lines struck by contractors.

• One wire alarm.

• One automobile alarm for an accident with injuries in Springfield Township.

• 6 mutual aid calls to Morton-Rutledge, Nether Providence Township, and Springfield Township.