Tree falls on South Strabane firefighter battling brush fire in Washington County

AMWELL TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A tree fell on a South Strabane firefighter who was battling a brush fire in Amwell Township, Washington County on Friday afternoon.

A Washington County 911 supervisor confirms crews were called to the Dynamite Road area around 3 p.m. for a brush fire.

Firefighters say 45 minutes into the call a tree fell onto the firefighter.

The injured firefighter was coming in and out of consciousness and had suffered injuries to the head, face and neck. They were flown to a hospital to be treated.

Hospital staff treated the firefighter, gave them testing and imaging and decided the injuries were not life-threatening.

Chief Cramer expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support received during this difficult time. “The response from firefighters and departments around the country has been incredible. We are especially thankful to Ambulance & Chair EMS and STAT MedEvac for their excellent care, as well as the Chartiers Fire Department for assisting with coverage, and Peters Township Fire Department for providing staffing support. To our own members – Asst Chief Winter, W. Wentzell, M. Swantek, Chaplain Grewe, S. Bowlin (E. Bowlin), K. Shriner, S. Shriner, B. Schuerle, and S. Ringer – your dedication to supporting our injured colleague, their family, and each other has been extraordinary.”

On Saturday, the chief said the injured firefighter was released from the hospital and is now recovering with support from their family and colleagues.

The South Strabane Fire Department urges residents to stop burning until it is safe to do so and said continued negligence, carelessness or potential malice will continue to create situations where first responders are put in danger.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW