For the first time in nearly two decades, a dedicated fire engine company will respond to calls on Elyria’s southeast side. The fire department reinstated Engine 2 this week to serve the city’s rapidly growing section.
City officials say the change is already having a positive impact.
Thursday evening, the new Engine 2 company responded to a large house fire on Marseilles Ave., north of Sycamore St.
“[I saw] nothing but smoke, just full of smoke, white, black, brown – it was awful,” said neighbor Kathy King.
She remembered hearing a series of explosions before noticing the smoke from the house two doors down.
“It sounded like fireworks after that.” ‘Pew Pew!’ like the fireworks on the Fourth of July,” she said.
According to investigators, the explosions were most likely caused by propane tanks in the home’s backyard. Flames from the house spread to a neighbor’s car on one side and began to melt the siding on the other.
King claimed her neighbor called to warn her about the raging fire.
“He said, ‘You should get out because I think it might be coming your way.’ “He wasn’t wrong,” she explained. “I was extremely upset. I actually was. I was extremely worried and concerned.
According to investigators, two teenagers escaped the house fire unharmed, and there were no other injuries reported. Elyria Police said two women from the house were arrested on unrelated warrants.
Elyria Fire Chief Joe Pronesti praised the responding crews for handling the difficult situation.
“You simply have your hands full. “You have to make sure you have enough water and coordinate,” he said. “The first-in crew did a phenomenal job knocking down the fire and protecting the house next door.”
Pronesti said Engine 2’s debut was beneficial during Wednesday’s firefight.
“Last night, the commander on the scene had an additional crew. When they arrived in Marseilles, they were able to concentrate not only on the fire, but also on the exposures,” he explained. “I think the people that lived there next door appreciated that extra engine company.”
Engine 2 was decommissioned in 2006, when the city closed one of its four fire stations and laid off nearly 20 firefighters.
“I never thought I’d see it again, never thought I’d see our department be at these levels,” according to the chief.
He explained that the department has been gradually rebuilding its staffing levels. He stated that thanks to collaboration between the current city administration and the firefighters’ union, the department is now fully staffed and Engine 2 is back in service. FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters grant will cover the salaries of three firefighters for three years.
Engine 2 is currently operating from Station 1, but will be the primary response for southeast Elyria. The city’s area is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to planned housing and retail developments.
“Firefighting is something we call local. And you must tailor your fire services and protective measures to your specific hazards. And that’s what we’ve been working to restore,” Pronesti said.
He explained that when Engine 2 was decommissioned in 2006, the department received approximately 3,800 calls. He expects the call volume to exceed 7,000 this year.
Neighbors on Marseille Ave told News 5 that they were grateful for the city’s quick and effective response on Wednesday night, as well as its investment in public safety services.
“I think the more first responders we have, the better we are, the better off we are,” King said.
