Baltimore riots: Local fire companies prepare to respond to help in Baltimore

April 29--Several fire departments in York County started creating a list Tuesday of personnel and equipment that would be able to assist if needed in the Baltimore area.

The departments -- York Area United Fire and Rescue, West Manchester Township, Fairview Township and York City -- belong to the South Central Pennsylvania Task Force, YAUFR Battalion Chief Joe Madzelan said. The task force was started after Sept. 11, 2001 and responds to all hazards.

"At this point, we're kind of in a preparation mode," he said.

The firefighters could be called to assist in Baltimore County or they could be deployed into the City of Baltimore, where the demonstrations have turned violent. It's voluntary for the firefighters, and they have been cautioned about what they could face, Madzelan and York Area Battalion Chief Dan Hoff said. The battalion might be able to send two crews.

It's possible help could be asked for later this week, Hoff said.

They could be giving Maryland firefighters a break after this taxing time, Madzelan said.

David Nichols, fire chief of West Manchester Township, said he received an email from Madzelan at noon on Tuesday asking about the department's availability.

"Right now, we don't know if there will be a request and what that request would be," Nichols said.

Each department would respond with one engine and four firefighters, Nichols said.

In the event an order is passed down, Nichols said, Maryland would request mutual assistance and the state Emergency Management Agency would contact the task force, which would then contact the local fire departments.

York City Fire/Rescue Services Chief David Michaels said Tuesday that he was communicating with Madzelan about the possibility of sending firefighters and a fire engine to Baltimore.

In preparation for the possible deployment, Michaels said, firefighters would bring sleeping bags, clothing and anything else necessary for a two-or-four-day stay. The task force would provide a list for any other gear.

"My focus goes toward fire safety," Michaels said. "Firefighters are firefighters. To see them trying to do what they can with police surrounding them and people cutting their hoses ... they're trying to do what they're trying to do."

Main Story: Violence, looting follow Freddie Gray's morning funeral

Updates: Get the latest information in our live blog

Follow live: Social media updates from reporters in Baltimore

Listen to the police scanner

Hear from York countians, Baltimore workers

Where do York County residents commute to for work?

Dave Shaw, newspaper worker, sees calm in the storm

Sara Brown commuted to Johns Hopkins hospital despite concerns

Essential MTA worker Tim deFontes looks for silver lining

Locals react to the news of violence in Baltimore on Monday

Girl Scouts to help Baltimore police

Baltimore riots cause road closures for commuters

Shrewsbury church holding morning prayer service for peace in Baltimore

Status of today's Orioles' game not yet determined

Pennsylvania State Police will send troopers to Baltimore

Baltimore riots: Southern York County stunned, wants to help

Baltimore riots: Orioles to play White Sox on Wednesday in closed stadium

With Baltimore riots, history repeats itself (Mike Argento column)

Baltimore riots: Amtrak worker expecting to be 'stopped by the police'

Baltimore riots: Events baffle, concern York, Adams counties

Baltimore commuters from York County talk about riots

Riots in Baltimore the product of anger, deep dysfunction

Copyright 2015 - York Daily Record, Pa.