Crabtree Fire Dept.

09/01/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Unity Township Bureau of Fire to Expand Stipend Staffing Program, Ensuring Enhanced Overnight Protection with Key Community Support
UNITY TOWNSHIP, PA -September 1, 2026- The Unity Township Bureau of Fire is pleased to announce a significant enhancement to its stipend staffing program, marking a crucial step forward in community fire safety.

Beginning September 1st the Bureau will officially expand its stipend staffing to include weekday overnight hours. This strategic move, made possible by the unified support of the Unity Township Board of Supervisors and the township's dedicated taxpayers, ensures that trained firefighters are ready to respond during the critical weekday and weekday overnight periods when our Volunteer numbers are statistically lower.

This expansion directly addresses the Bureau’s commitment to providing the highest level of protection by significantly reducing response times for all emergencies. Rapid response is paramount in saving lives and minimizing property damage, and these additional hours directly translate to a safer community.

We are tremendously grateful for the unwavering support of the Board of Supervisors and, most importantly, the taxpayers of Unity Township. Their investment in public safety allows us to transition to this enhanced staffing level, which is absolutely vital for ensuring our residents receive a timely and professional response to emergencies, even during the late-night and early-morning hours."

08/26/2026

Over the summer, the Department hosted a “summer camp” for our junior firefighters. The 3 junior members spent 2-3 afternoons a week training, running calls and having lunch with the duty crews … along with going for ice cream runs. They amassed an average of 45 hours at the firehouse during the “camp”, while still attending training, calls, and events during the remainder of the weeks and weekends. Congratulations and thank you Jaime, Jaxson, and Arianna for your dedication, effort, and fun times that you provide to the Department and the community!

08/20/2026

Some photos of the 20 incidents handled during the first 2 weeks of August.

08/17/2026

https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/tri-city-daytime-fire-crew-shows-early-signs-of-success/

Congratulations to these 3 northern Westmoreland County cities, as their Fire Departments and Minicipal Governments recognized the staffing shortages facing the volunteer fire departments in their area and continue to progress toward a solution to keep their communities safe. We are beginning year #3 of the duty crew program here in our area, and will be expanding into crewing the overnight hours starting in September. With that being said, we are always looking for new recruits to join the volunteer ranks here and at our neighboring fire stations. Help to make a difference in our communities and inquire today!

Since last year, Arnold, New Kensington and Lower Burrell’s fire departments have been taking steps toward implementing a daytime fire crew with the goal of lowering response times and improving coordination on scene. While there are still goals to be met, the Tri-City Duty Crew firefighters h...

08/06/2026

JULY 2026 STATS:
Total Incidents-34
Average # of Personnel per Incident-4
Type of Incident: Fire-14, Service-10, Rescue-5, EMS-4, Haz-Mat-1
Apparatus Responses: Engine-17, Rescue-10, Utility-8
Busiest Municipality: Unity Township
Busiest Municipality for Assists: Derry Township & Hempfield Township
Busiest Department for Assists: Lloydsville
Busiest Day of Week: Monday
Busiest Time of Day: Daytime (0700-1500)

08/04/2026

Thank you to Daniel’s Concrete, Inc. for the first step of our much needed parking lot renovation. We now have a concrete apron in front of the bays which will allow better drainage and a stronger pad for the apparatus to sit out on, which will prevent the previous sinking of the blacktop due to the weight of the apparatus. The remainder of the lot will be assessed, milled, and paved in the near future.

07/21/2026

Photos from the 115th Annual St. Bartholomew Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Mass and Procession.

07/18/2026

Tomorrow morning, in conjunction with the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Mass & Procession, The Crabtree Volunteer Fire Department is holding its annual Breakfast Buffet Fundraiser from 9:30AM – 11AM in the social quarters. $11.00/person. $5.00/ages 8-10. $4.00/ages 5-7. $3.00/ages 4 & under. $5.00 first responders.

07/18/2026

Due to the forecast of severe weather and out of concern for everyone’s safety, this evening’s festival and fireworks have been canceled. There is no rain date.

Thank you for keeping our parish and festival in your prayers. We look forward to coming together tomorrow to honor Our Lady. Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, followed immediately by a procession. All are welcome.
115 Year Tradition.

07/17/2026

This festival weekend has brought some unexpected challenges, including severe weather and smoke throughout our area.

At this time, we still plan to hold the festival this evening on the grounds of Saint Bartholomew Church. We encourage everyone to prioritize their health and safety and make the decision that is best for themselves and their families.

Any changes or updates will be posted on this page. Once the festival begins, we may not be able to respond to individual questions, so please check our recent posts for the latest information.

Thank you for your continued support, patience, understanding and prayers.