Volunteer fire department loses trucks, equipment in fire

WAMPUM — A Beaver County fire department is trying to recover after a fire destroyed much of its equipment. The Wampum Fire Department caught fire overnight Wednesday.

“Our truck bay was fully involved and destroyed,” said Kelly Carney, a firefighter’s wife.

The fire started in a new truck that was being prepped as a medical assist vehicle. The flames spread, damaging two other vehicles as well as a boat and equipment.

Firefighters were able to save one engine, but it’s not enough for the department to operate. They’re counting on help from other departments, not only to serve the Wampum community, but also to replace some of the equipment that was lost.

“We’ll be on mutual aid standby until we can replace what we’ve lost,” Carney said.

Here’s a list of everything that was destroyed in the fire:

• QRS Squad
• Brush truck and all equipment on it
• Squad boat
• Water rescue equipment
• Hoses
• Light bar
• Department tables and chairs

A fund has been set up to accept donations at the Northwest Savings Bank in Wampum.

Cox Media Group