The Forbes Road Volunteer Fire Department, Salem Township Fire Company #2 was established in 1959. The department is located in Salem Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania about 30 miles east of Pittsburgh off of Route 819. Forbes Road is one two fire departments within Salem Township with the other being the Slickville Volunteer Fire Department, Salem Township Fire Company #1. Between the two departments we serve an area of about 60 square miles.
Our township is located between six other townships, two boroughs and one small city; all to whom we provide to and receive automatic aid from. We provide fire and rescue services to five public schools, five homes for the elderly, one school for mentally-challenged children and one halfway house for mentally-challenged adults. We also have two very large interstate natural gas transmission and storage facilities, with the storage capability of six billion cubic feet of natural gas. There is also a large gasoline tank farm with the capabilities of 19 million gallons of gasoline and gasoline by-products located in the center of our fire district.
We are equpped with two engines and a rescue truck. Engine 90-1 responds to fires and fire alarms within Salem Township. Engine 90-2 provides mutual aid to the surrounding townships and responds to brush fires. Rescue 90 responds to all motor vehicle accidents, EMS related calls, and other specialized rescue calls. Rescue 90 is Quick Response Service (QRS) certified through the PA Department of Health, with several trained EMS personnel.
Forbes Road is funded by a 1 mil fire tax, an annual fund drive, fundraisers, and various donations. Thanks to all Salem Township residents and others who have supported our fire department for the past 50 years.
The department has fortunately received several Assistance to Firefighter Grants in order to purchase equipment. Such equipment includes: turnout gear, radios, Scott Air Packs, cascade system, gear washer and dryer, new Hurst Rescue System, rope equipment, station exhause removal system, etc. We have also received several grants from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner to assist with building upgrades, purchasing helmets and other equipment, and to help with the purchase of apparatus. Special thanks to these agencies for this funding so we can concentrate on our mission instead of constantly fundraising.
Our township is located between six other townships, two boroughs and one small city; all to whom we provide to and receive automatic aid from. We provide fire and rescue services to five public schools, five homes for the elderly, one school for mentally-challenged children and one halfway house for mentally-challenged adults. We also have two very large interstate natural gas transmission and storage facilities, with the storage capability of six billion cubic feet of natural gas. There is also a large gasoline tank farm with the capabilities of 19 million gallons of gasoline and gasoline by-products located in the center of our fire district.
We are equpped with two engines and a rescue truck. Engine 90-1 responds to fires and fire alarms within Salem Township. Engine 90-2 provides mutual aid to the surrounding townships and responds to brush fires. Rescue 90 responds to all motor vehicle accidents, EMS related calls, and other specialized rescue calls. Rescue 90 is Quick Response Service (QRS) certified through the PA Department of Health, with several trained EMS personnel.
Forbes Road is funded by a 1 mil fire tax, an annual fund drive, fundraisers, and various donations. Thanks to all Salem Township residents and others who have supported our fire department for the past 50 years.
The department has fortunately received several Assistance to Firefighter Grants in order to purchase equipment. Such equipment includes: turnout gear, radios, Scott Air Packs, cascade system, gear washer and dryer, new Hurst Rescue System, rope equipment, station exhause removal system, etc. We have also received several grants from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner to assist with building upgrades, purchasing helmets and other equipment, and to help with the purchase of apparatus. Special thanks to these agencies for this funding so we can concentrate on our mission instead of constantly fundraising.
Quick Facts
* The average cost of a basic fire engine is about $250,000.
* A set of turnout gear costs between $1500 and $2500 each.
* A new NFPA approved air pack costs about $7000 each.
* A firefighter's gear adds an additional 60 to 70 pounds of weight.
* A set of turnout gear costs between $1500 and $2500 each.
* A new NFPA approved air pack costs about $7000 each.
* A firefighter's gear adds an additional 60 to 70 pounds of weight.
