02/13/2026
🚨 Elrama VFC Fire Service Update
As of Friday, February 13, we would like to provide an update regarding the ongoing recovery efforts following the recent flooding at the Elrama Volunteer Fire Company station.
Recovery continues to move forward, though progress has been gradual.
Our fire rescue truck has been successfully restored and is back in service. The vehicle sustained significant water and sludge exposure, with water reaching the exhaust system and initial smoke issues upon startup. This rescue truck is less than one year old, and thanks to the prompt assistance of J. Marcoz Emergency Vehicle, Inc. and 1st Out Specialty Vehicles & Equipment for pump testing and support, it was able to be fully evaluated and returned to operational status. We are grateful to have this apparatus safely back on the road.
Our fire engine remains out of service and is currently in the shop. Floodwater appears to have caused damage to electrical components, resulting in a loss of power to the engine. Investigation and repairs are ongoing. During this time, we are extremely thankful to the Elizabeth Township Fire Department for loaning an engine to Elrama VFC for temporary use so that emergency response capabilities remain in place.
Unfortunately, our squad truck was not as fortunate. Due to its lower profile and greater water exposure, the vehicle has been deemed a total loss. We sincerely thank Jefferson Hills Fire-Rescue for their support and coordination as we work toward securing a temporary squad truck during the replacement process.
The fire station itself is currently being cleaned out by Disaster Restoration Services, and a full damage assessment is still underway. In the meantime, our temporary station operations are being conducted out of the Union Township Municipal Building.
Elrama firefighters are continuing to respond to emergency calls with the support of mutual aid from Jefferson Hills Fire Rescue and the Finleyville Volunteer Fire Department, ensuring uninterrupted fire protection for our community.
We are also continuing to work through the appropriate recovery and funding channels. This process takes time, especially as we navigate depreciation considerations versus the true cost of replacement in today’s market. The upfront costs associated with replacing a squad truck alone are in the tens of thousands of dollars.
To help cover immediate recovery needs, we have established a recovery fund. Those who wish to contribute can do so using the link below.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/elrama-vfc-water-main-break-recovery-fund
We would like to sincerely thank our community for the overwhelming support shown so far. We are incredibly grateful to those who have donated to the recovery fund, purchased shirts through our merchandise store, and contributed items from the wish list created through Collin's Elves. Your generosity and encouragement mean more to us than words can express.
We will continue to share updates as recovery efforts progress. Thank you for standing with Elrama Volunteer Fire Company during this time.
