By Erin Thompson
LEWISBURG — When it comes to fire safety, the William Cameron Engine Company’s services extend far beyond its borders.
After hearing that another local fire company would have a difficult time responding to as much as two-thirds of their service area, they decided it was time to step in Friday and donate one of their lesser used fire trucks.
Without the fire truck, the Thornhurst Fire Department has to travel an extra 40 minutes around the Lehigh River to help those on the other side because the bridge can no longer able to hold the weight of their fire trucks.
“The bridge has been in bad shape for awhile, but they finally said our fire trucks were too heavy to cross,” said Vance Packard, president of the Thornhurst Fire Department.
“The fire station could not service that area adequately,” said Packard. “Response time would be terrible.”
After inspection, it was found that the bridge that goes across the Lehigh River recently went from being able to hold 10,000 pounds to 3,000 pounds.
Vance said if the trucks were to continue passing on the bridge in its current condition, even cars would not be able to pass.
Thornhurst officials plan to use their new fire truck on the other side of the river so they will have easier access to those areas.
According to the Thornhurst fire chief, the next nearest fire station would be is Tobyhanna, which is about 8-10 miles away.
The William Cameron Engine Company were in the process of downsizing their fire company and this truck was rarely used.
