Deployment Stories

Ara Safety's Fire Interruption Technology Saves Family Dog and New Castle Home from Fire

New Castle, PA
May 2009

When Glenda Covelli left for work the day of May 13, she likely didn’t expect to return home to find fire trucks and first responders surrounding her home. Little did she know that an electrical fire in her living room had threatened the life of her dog and the safety of her property. Thankfully, first responders arrived just in time to save Glenda’s home and her dog Babe, using Ara Safety’s Fire Interruption Technology.

Fire Chief Jack Hitchen of Scott Township Volunteer Fire Department was first to arrive at the
duplex apartment where flames and smoke were coming out of the living room window. With the
rest of the crew still en route and no water at hand, Chief Hitchen made the decision to use his
portable Fire Interruption Technologyfire knock down tool to prevent the spread of fire and buy time until the rest of his crew arrived on scene.

“[Fire Interruption Technology] knocked the fire right down and practically extinguished it”, said Chief Hitchen. “[Ara's device] helped reduce damage to the home significantly by containing fire damage to the living room, and it helped us save the homeowner’s dog by creating safer interior access.”

First responders from Volant, Hickory, Neshannock and Slippery Rock fire departments, and
Noga Ambulance also responded to the fire. “The only thing we used water for was taking the
smoke out and ventilation”, said Chief Hitchen.

This was the fourth Fire Interruption Technology deployment in Lawrence County. Neighboring Neshannock Volunteer Fire Department has used the device twice to save properties. Scott Township Volunteer Fire Department currently has 5 of Ara's devices dispersed throughout the department on various vehicles.

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