east pembroke

A fully involved tractor-trailer fire has been reported on the New York State Thruway near mile post marker 396.1 eastbound.

East Pembroke has called for help from Pembroke, Indian Falls, Oakfield and the Town of Batavia fire departments.

The driver is not sure what he is hauling.

UPDATE 10:02 p.m.: All mutual aid companies told to stand down. Fire is out. Corfu filling in for East Pembroke.

UPDATE 10:07 p.m.: Corfu can also go back into service along with all other mutual aid departments.

UPDATE 10:22 p.m.: State Police are on scene. Tractor-trailer driver is going to try and have the truck towed to Batavia.

Deputy Brian Thompson was battling flu and fever today. That didn't stop him from helping a snowmobiler who was stranded in water and ice on a trail off Wilkinson Road in East Pembroke.

Genesee County dispatchers got the 9-1-1 call about 2:30 this afternoon of a snowmobiler swamped in water near a creek and Deputy Thompson was the first on scene. 

Using the GPS signal from the snowmobiler's phone, Thompson was able to position himself 575 feet south of the scene. After about 10 minutes of plowing through waist-deep snow, and a half mile later, Thompson spotted the 30 year old male rider standing on a small island next to a tree. His snowmobile was up to its windshield in water.

Deputy Thompson was able to guide him back to the trail and onto the road where an ambulance was waiting. Hypothermia was a concern after being in the cold creek water and frigid temperatures for 45 minutes. Mercy Medic ambulance crews checked the rider over and he was released at the scene.

The snowmobile had to be removed before nightfall to keep the trail safe for other riders.

Rising creek waters made the ice thin and the area swamp-like near the trail. Riders need to be aware of trail conditions each day.

Thompson says this rider was lucky. He says it's important to remember some basic snowmobiling rules that could save your life. Never drink and ride, travel in pairs, never alone, slow down, and always be aware that trails change from day to day. 

Thompson says, "This young man had just been on the trail yesterday, and again this just shows how fast conditions can change. He was confident the trail would be OK today, and it wasn't."

A snowmobiler went off a trail and into some sort of body of water way off the road in the woods, west of 9140 Wilkinson Road. The snowmobile is submerged and the rider is apparently stuck in the icy water, although he is said to be uninjured. The Water Rescue Team from East Pembroke is responding along with volunteer firefighters.

UPDATE 2:44 p.m.: The location is a crick approximately parallel to Lear Road, about a 100 yards south of the railroads tracks, in a clump of woods north of an open field known as Harmon Field. The rider's mobile phone is about to go dead. A Town of Batavia plow, which was in the vicinity, is heading back to the rescuers' location to plow a more direct path to the victim. Snowmobilers tell dispatch the place "is a total washout. There's a lot of water in the area." An ambulance is called.

UPDATE 2:48 p.m.: A law enforcement officer at the scene tells dispatch the snow is too deep to plow there, so the Town of Batavia's plow is told to cancel its response. A Gator from Alexander is called instead. The rider is out of the water, but surrounded by it.

UPDATE 2:52 p.m.: The Gator response from Alexander is cancelled. Responders may be able to access the spot and walk the person out, although there's no clear way to do that just yet.

UPDATE 3:08 p.m.: Rescuers According to a reader, K-9 Deputy Brian Thompson and the victim are walking out of the accident site, and are nearing a blue house with a white barn and green tractor. ATVs were not able to get back there.

A field fire is report in the area of North Pembroke and Galloway roads. Smoke is showing. "It's in the middle of a field. I'm not sure how we're going to get to it," says a responder on scene. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding and Alabama and Town of Batavia are providing mutual aid.

UPDATE 2:25 p.m.: The property owner is on scene and says he's burning some brush from a hedgerow. Alabama and Town of Batavia are back in service. East Pembroke will handle the assignment as need be.

A motor-vehicle accident has been reported in front of the East Pembroke Fire Hall, 2623 E. Main Road, East Pembroke.

At the same time, the fire station's fire alarm has gone off.

The car has apparently gone through the door of the fire hall and struck a fire truck.

There is a report of one injury.

East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 3:53 p.m.: The vehicle struck a center post on the building causing structural damage. Code enforcement requested to the scene.

UPDATE 3:56 p.m.: Both engines and the tanker are blocked in the building. The chief orders that as soon as the patient is extricated -- and the patient has been extricated -- that some pictures be taken and the trucks moved to another location as soon as possible.

UPDATE 4:02 p.m.: The fire chiefs will be notified in Oakfield, Indian Falls, Pembroke and Town of Batavia and crews will be assembled as they deem necessary to stand by in their quarters. One engine from the East Pembroke hall is out and available in case of fire, but that's it. Any other equipment needed to fight a fire would need to come from elsewhere.

UPDATE 4:15 p.m.: All the trucks from the East Pembroke Fire Station have been safely removed from the damaged building. But crews in other halls will remain on standby duty for the time being.

UPDATE 5:24 p.m.: The driver was eastbound on Route 5 and either fell asleep or blacked out due to a medical condition, according to Trooper Mark Catanzaro. Her car entered the west driveway, went airborne after cutting between a utility pole and the fire department sign and over an embankment, striking the post between two doors. No fire engines were damaged. The trucks are being relocated, according to Chief Don Newton, to Ron and Newt's. East Pembroke fire will be able to respond to calls from that location, but neighboring districts will also be called on mutual aid for most emergency calls. The trucks will be returned to the hall after repairs are completed, which will take one or two weeks.

A fire in the woods is reported off Pratt Road. East Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding. A firefighter on scene says "It looks like it's going pretty good."

UPDATE 11:22 a.m.: From as best as I can glean, this is a four-wheeler or some other piece of equipment which caught fire at the rear of a property in some grass, near a tree line. Firefighters will use fire extinguishers to put it out.

UPDATE 11:30 a.m.: The crews are back in service.

A possible barn fire, now out, is reported at 3023 W. Main St. Road in East Pembroke. East Pembroke firefighters on scene say the blaze may have gotten partially into the structure and they are wetting it down thoroughly, along with the grounds.

A school bus and a tractor-trailer have collided at 3299 W. Main St. Road. The school bus is on its side. Injuries unknown. There is one student and the bus driver and they are both out of the vehicle. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding along with Mercy EMS. Oakfield and Darien are asked to stand by in quarters along with Town of Batavia firefighters. Mercy Flight is put on standby. This is west of Wortendyke Road.

UPDATE 12:16 p.m.: Wortendyke at Route 5 is closed, along with Route 5 at Hopkins Road. Sheriff's deputies are rerouting traffic until fire police can respond. Mercy Flight will not be needed. The Pembroke school district has already called a tow truck for the bus.

UPDATE 12:18 p.m.: The semi's driver is also out of his vehicle. Response from Oakfield, Darien and Town of Batavia is cancelled.

UPDATE 12:22 p.m.: The two adults will be sign-offs. There is one pediatric patient to be transported to the hospital.

UPDATE 12:29: "Until we get the bus on its wheels, the road's going to be closed for awhile." Meanwhile, truck traffic is backing up. A State Trooper is responding to the scene.

UPDATE 12:43 p.m.: The child is being taken to UMMC.

UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: The roadway is reopened. All units clear.

It's going to be a whole new ball game at the East Pembroke Mud Races this year.

After a nearly $10,000 renovation to the mud pit, organizers expect the races to be more fair, more competitive and safer.

The event, sponsored by the East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department, has attracted a huge fan base over the years, but last year the old pit was showing some of its flaws, with racers in the left lane usually losing races because of sink holes in that lane.

"This is our biggest event and biggest fundraiser of the year and we want to make it as good as we can so we can keep going with it and keep building on it," said Dale Lewter, who has been helping supervise the changes.

The mud pit is all new for 2012, having been dug out, bedded with large stones, filled with smaller stones, paved with a layer of asphalt and then covered with sifted clay (removing all stones as a safety measure).

"We’re trying to make both lanes as even as can be and right now it looks like it will be that way," Lewter said.

A new water filling and drainage system will also allow officials to keep the mud more consistently mud and less like a pond filled with water.

The race is Saturday, with registration from 10 a.m. to noon. As always, there will be the Mud Queen scramble through the pit and the Outlaw Class race. Spectator admission is $11 or $15 for the pit, and racing registration is $15. Raffle prizes include a 2012 Polaris Sportsman 500 CC, a 2012 Polaris Outlaw 50cc and $3,500 cash.

Lewter asked that we be sure to include the East Pembroke Fire Department's thanks to its sponsors.

Top photo: Dale Lewter with youngest son Jarrett Lewter, and next to him son Mitchell Lewter, along with Julie Waldron and Destin Danser.

A one-car rollover accident with four occupants still inside is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 393.7. Unknown injuries. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 7:33 p.m.: The vehicle landed on its roof and it's actually on the shoulder of Harloff Road. One person remains trapped inside. There are multiple cars pulled over near the accident scene.

UPDATE 7:36 p.m.: Two adults and two infants were in the car, with one adult still inside. A second ambulance is called along with traffic control.

UPDATE 7:51 p.m.: The driver is being transported to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 8:01 p.m.: The babies are being transported to Women's & Children's Hospital in Buffalo.

UPDATE 8:07 p.m.: East Pembroke is back in service.

Deputies are responding to East Pembroke where a U.S. Border Patrol helicopter has reportedly spotted people cultivating marijuana.

One person reportedly saw the helicopter and ducked into a house.

Two other people are reportedly pulling plants into a barn and there is some concern they are trying to destroy the evidence.

A white sedan with a sunroof was reported leaving the property and a deputy has located the car.

Other deputies are responding to the scene.

One suspect is carrying plants to the residence.

An older model red SUV has reportedly left the property.

UPDATE 8:32 p.m.: The subject in the white car reported that he left because they were pulling the plants. Another subject is in custody. The red SUV has not been stopped yet.

UPDATE 10:41 p.m.: I inadvertently failed to publish to the home page when it was breaking. I just returned from the scene. Three people taken into custody. More info and pictures coming.

Route 33 is being shut down at Angling Road for an ATV vs. gas meter accident with a possible gas leak.

East Pembroke Fire Department on scene. Corfu fire police responding for road closure.

UPDATE 10:22 p.m.: All houses from the east of the incident location have been evacuated.

A car is reportedly in a ditch at Brown and Wilkinson roads, unknown injuries, and a power line was taken down as a result. Emergency responders are told to proceed with caution. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 8:29 p.m.: The caller states the vehicle has one occupant. The high-tension wires are across the roadway and it is "completely blocked." A train close to or crossing Wilkinson Road is stopped. The driver has head injuries and Mercy Flight and a landing zone set-up are requested. But Mercy Flight says there's no Batavia bird available; checking on Buffalo now.

UPDATE 8:36 p.m.: The driver has serious injuries. A brother is on scene. National Grid is notified.

UPDATE 8:43 p.m.: A Mercy Flight helicopter is expected to arrive from Canandaigua in about five minutes.

UPDATE 8:46 p.m.: The helicopter is expected any second now. It will land north of Brown Road, on the east side of that road. Fire police are on scene also.

UPDATE 8:49 p.m.: National Grid is on scene.

UPDATE 9:04 p.m.: The patient is described as a 52 41-year-old male who was thrown from the vehicle and has symptons consistent with a serious head injury.

UPDATE 9:28 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne and headed to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

A 4-wheeler accident with injuries is reported a 3808 Pearl St. Road in the Town of Batavia. Mercy EMS and East Pembroke Fire Department are responding.

UPDATE 7:17 p.m.: East Pembroke's fire equipment is being held in quarters. The ambulance is continuing.

UPDATE 7:29 p.m.: No word on injuries. The assignment is back in service.

A roll-off metal scrap bin is on fire at Eddy Arnold Scrap Processors, Inc., located at 2216 Angling Road in Corfu. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding. The bin is next to the office.

UPDATE 5:53 p.m.: The fire is out. They are checking for hot spots.

UPDATE 6:05 p.m.: East Pembroke is back in service.

A one-vehicle rollover accident, unknown injuries, is reported at mile marker 397 on the westbound Thruway. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 7:31 p.m.: Responders on scene report there's nothing found. The single call may have been about a disabled semi roadside. After midnight, a tractor-trailer accident was reported near the location. It landed on its roof and dumped its cargo of bananas. Since then, the semi has been uprighted, but remains roadside until its tow is available, which is expected within the next 24 hours. Responders to this call are returning to quarters.

A red Jeep with its brakes on fire is reported off Boyce Road, near Route 5. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 12:16 p.m.: The fire is out.

UPDATE 12:23 p.m.: East Pembroke is back in service. A tow truck is en route.

A garage fire, with heavy smoke showing, is reported at 33 Pearl St. City fire is responding. It's now a second alarm.

UPDATE 1:42 p.m.: A responder on scene says the fire is fully involved. There are no people inside. There is some fire exposure to an adjacent structure. Alexander's Fast Team is called to the scene and the Town of Batavia will send a fire crew to fill in at the city station. Two mercy rigs are called in case needed.

UPDATE 1:45 p.m.: Now they are saying people are believed to be still inside the structure on the second floor.

UPDATE 1:49 p.m.: Elba's "Cascade" is called to the scene.

UPDATE 1:50 p.m.: The fire has spread to the house. The location is between Franklin Street and Brooklyn Avenue.

UPDATE 1:53 p.m.: The fire inside has been knocked down.

UPDATE 1:54 p.m.: A truck at the site is also on fire.

UPDATE 2:05 p.m.: They've confirmed that there's no one inside the structure. National Grid is called to the scene.

UPDATE 2:09 p.m.: They checked for extension into the small attic. There is smoke and heat, but no flames.

UPDATE 2:16 p.m.: The Salvation Army is called to provide cold drinks at the scene.

UPDATE 2:22 p.m.: Power to the structure has been disconnected. The American Red Cross is called to provide housing for five adults.

UPDATE 2:28 p.m.: City command reports that the fire is under control.

UUPDATE 2:41 p.m.: Three cats and one puppy are unaccounted for. The three cats lived in the downstairs unit and the puppy lived in the upper apartment, where the fire extension occurred.

UPDATE 2:58 p.m.: The cats are actually kittens, and two of the three have been rescued.

UPDATE 3:07 p.m.: All three cats have been rescued -- only two were kittens. No word still on the pup.

UPDATE 3:16 p.m.: Residents of the building say more than five people lived there. They say five lived upstairs, three lived downstairs and two in the basement. The fire started in the garage. Two people are being interviewed at the police station.

UPDATE 3:27 p.m.: Town of Batavia and Elba are back in service, and so is East Pembroke, which filled in at the town's station.

UPDATE 4:03 p.m. (by Howard): As of about 20 minutes ago, the puppy had not been located. It's a 10-week-old chihuahua.

UPDATE 4:16 p.m. (by Howard): City building inspector requested to the scene.

UPDATE 4:25 p.m.: Ladder 15 and Engine 12 are back in service. Others from city station remain at the scene to continue their investigation. The code enforcement officer is there. Regretably, the puppy was found. He didn't make it.