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Upper St. Clair Fire Department

Monday, May 20, 2013

Upper St. Clair Students Witness Mock DUI Crash

The vehicle a drunk driver died in is also sitting outside of Upper St. Clair High School this week.

There was complete silence amongst the normally chatty students on Monday at Upper St. Clair High School as they witnessed a mock, yet powerful, fatal DUI crash. It's the first time in 20 years the high school organized the event for the students around prom season. This year, students will be eating dinner at the site of the prom—the Hilton Garden Inn Southpointe—and officials expect more kids will be driving to the event instead of taking a limo for a short time. "We're hoping that this sends the seniors a message and that it's well received," said Dr. Bill Rullo, guidance counselor. If Monday's simulation doesn't do the trick, the school bells will be switched to tolling bells on Tuesday, representing the actual amount of people who die…

Monday, April 29, 2013

Upper St. Clair Fire Department Hosting Child Seat Safety Check

A certified child passenger safety technician can check your child seat installation in your vehicle at no cost

Car crashes are the number one killer of children 1 to 12 years old, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The best way to protect them in the car is to put them in the right seat and use it the right way. The Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department is here to help. From 3 to 6:30 p.m. on May 9, a certified child passenger safety technician can check your child seat installation in your vehicle at no cost please. Appointments are necessary. Call 412-885-0266.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Bethel Park Business Catches on Fire

Broughton Road is closed at Library Road.

Fire crews are investigating what caused a fire in a business building located at the corner of Broughton and Library roads in Bethel Park. The fire started likely in the basement of the building shortly at 8 a.m. Saturday, according to Yoga Innovations owner Claire Baer. Her staff member called 911 when smoke was spotted billowing above the U.S. Film Crew storefront. Cynthia Fickley owns a tax preparation business in the building that caught fire. She said the fire started in an addition put onto the building located behind her business. The landlord lives in an apartment above U.S. Film Crew and was out of town for the weekend. Firefighters told Fickley it looked like there wasn't too much damage inside her office and they were able to …

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Becky Brindle

1:16 pm on Saturday, March 16, 2013

Classes and teacher training at Yoga Innovations are cancelled for Saturday, March 16.   more ›

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Weather Prompts Warning from USC Fire Department

In other fire news, a new vehicle has been added to the fleet.

The Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department issued a warning to residents on its Facebook page. It said that because of the very low temperatures, carbon monoxide poisonings and chimney fires are a concern. "We ask you to keep a close eye on your fireplaces and furnaces. An issue with your furnace can cause carbon monoxide to be pumped throughout your house without you even aware. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, deadly gas. If exposed, you will develop flu-like symptoms. "Second hazard is chimney fires. Ensure your chimney is free of debris and the lining inside is clean." If you have concerns, you're asked to call the fire department at 412-835-0660. The fire department also shared a photo of a new addition to its fleet—a 2012…

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

USC Firefighters Issue Reminder for Residents

How you can help keep your neighborhood safe this winter.

The Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department issued a reminder to residents on its new Facebook page to keep neighborhood fire hydrants clear of snow. As we all are aware, the snow has started to consistently fall. To help us execute our duties on the fire scene in a timely manner, we ask you to do your best to keep the area around fire hydrants clear of snow. This will help us to locate and use the hydrants immediately instead of us searching and digging them out. Your help is greatly appreciated throughout the winter season! Click here to "like" the fire department's Facebook page. Click here to "like" Upper St. Clair Patch's Facebook page.

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Roger

8:41 am on Thursday, January 3, 2013

No, the digging out of hydrants is a neighborhood responsibility. Doing the work is part of being a citizen of the municipality, and having concern for others who live near you. Expecting others to do the job is another example of abrogating our tasks off to others, tasks we know we should be doing ourselves. "... debrie ..." Gotta love Patch comments!   more ›

Friday, December 21, 2012

USC Fire Department Warns of Holiday Hazards

Christmas decorations and candles are the leading causes for holiday fires.

The holiday season brings an increased fire risk, warns the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department. The top causes for fires during this time of year are candles and electric—caused by Christmas decorations, according to Jerry Kopach, the department's president. "People need to pay attention to how they're decorating," Kopach said. "Use enclosed candles, no open flames." As for lights, check each set for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connections. And do not overload the circuit with wiring. Use no more than three sets of lights per single extension. Other holiday fire hazards include Christmas trees and wrapping paper. Keep your Christmas tree away from any heat source such as a space heater or fireplace. …

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Attention Kids: Watch For Santa This Saturday

And he'll be riding behind a fire engine!

It's that time of year again! The Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department will be helping Santa Claus around the township and handing out candy to children from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15. All you have to do is keep an ear out for the fire engine siren to sound in your neighborhood and bring your children to the curb. You will get treats and a chance to take pictures and say hello. The 2012 schedule the fire department will follow is located in the pdf attached to the media box. Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook

Duke

1:09 pm on Thursday, December 13, 2012

Santa didn't give me any candy last year. I must have been a bad boy!   more ›

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

State Might Offer Tax Breaks to Volunteer Firefighters

Pennsylvania is considering offering local tax relief to volunteer firefighters and medics as a way to bolster the ranks.

The state is considering offering tax relief to volunteer firefighters and medics as a way to bolster the department ranks and thank the members for their service. The bill, which would offer local property tax or earned-income tax relief for active and eligible members, unanimously passed the state House and now heads to the Senate for consideration. Local fire chiefs in the South Hills of Pittsburgh lauded the bill and hoped it would help to bring in more volunteer firefighters to their depleted ranks. “Anything that can add an incentive to get more people in the door is well worth it,” Kirwan Heights fire Chief Mark Lewis said. “It’s tough. We had a strong base (of members) 40 years ago, but nowadays we may need a couple paid …

Donna Nardine

5:53 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012

It is about time! Hope it passes.   more ›

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Photos: Upper St. Clair Parade

Pounds of candy were tossed to anxious kids during the township's annual parade.

Crowds of families with sugar-hungry children lined McLaughlin Run Road Saturday for the Upper St. Clair Community Day Parade. The fun began at 11:30 a.m., with the Upper St. Clair Police Department leading the way. The parade's grand marshal, Superintendent of the Year Patrick O'Toole, and the Upper St. Clair High School marching band followed. Participants—ranging from government officials to Boy Scouts to cheerleaders—tossed candy into the audience. The chocolate candy was a bit messy with temperatures in the 80s, but no kids seemed to mind. Some of the parade floats were decorated to this year's theme—"Panthers in Paradise." Just like every year, a long line of shiny, red Upper St. Clair fire trucks signaled the end of the parade. We …

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Workman Accused of Stealing From Upper St. Clair Home

The latest from the office of Magisterial District Judge Robert Wyda.

The preliminary hearing Monday for a workman accused of stealing jewelry and coins from an Upper St. Clair home was continued. Phillip V. Berta, 26, of 5350 Fieldcrest Dr., Pittsburgh, is charged with one count of theft by unlawful taking. A homeowner on Siesta Drive called Upper St. Clair police on Dec. 8 after several workmen had been present inside her home. She said a gold necklace with a diamond heart pendant worth $1,000 and two coin banks containing nearly $200 were missing. According to the criminal complaint filed by police, Berta voluntarily came to the police department to discuss the matter on Dec. 13 and provided a written statement acknowledging his responsibility in the theft. His hearing was continued for 45 days. District …

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