On Sunday July 9th Muhlenberg Township sustained significant rainfall which caused flash flooding within the township. The first call came in shortly before 1pm and for the next 12 hours MTFR crews would handle 98 calls for service during that time. Due to the flooding impacting the area, a majority of the calls were for water rescues for trapped occupants in vehicles and structures which were cut off by high water. MTFR water rescue personnel along with mutual aid water rescue teams utilized high water vehicles, aerial trucks, boats, and even a helicopter to access flooded areas and remove residents to safety. In total it is estimated water rescue personnel assisted and removed from harm, approximately 50 people.
During the storm response, the MTFR was assisted by the Pennsylvania Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team in the 1800 block of Mt Laurel Road. Due to rapidly moving flood waters, ground personnel we not able to safety reach trapped occupants. Once the helicopter arrived, a rescuer was lowered to the residence where contact was made in order to check on their wellbeing. Due to the floodwaters begining to recede, occupants were not airlifted.
Fire crews continued to work the affected areas in the northern part of the township by completing street by street searches in high water vehicles, checking for anyone who needed assistance.
Due to a grant the MTFR was recently able to bolster our water rescue PPE and add a hi-water capable rescue vehicle to our fleet which expanded the departments effectiveness and response time during this event, thus providing a higher level of service to the residents of Muhlenberg Township. These projects were funded by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Devlopment.
We also want thank the following companies for their assistance while Muhlenberg Township was inundated with numerous emergencies and service calls during the storm.
Blandon Fire Department
Bernville Community Fire Company
Mt. Pleasant Fire Co.
Union Fire Company No.1 of Hamburg
Kenhorst Volunteer Fire Company
Shoemakersville Fire Co
Tremont Fire Company
Schuylkill Hose Company
City of Reading Fire Department
Greenfields Fire Company – Bern Twp
Western Berks Fire Department
Shillington Fire Company
Gibraltar Fire Company
Township of Spring Fire Rescue Services
Union Fire Company #1 of Leesport
Pennsylvania Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team
Muhlenberg Township Police Department
Muhlenberg Township Public Works
Muhlenberg Ambulance
