TROUT RUN, Pa. — This was the scene in Lycoming County on Friday morning when the remnants of tropical storm Debby hit Trout Run.
And now, cleanup is underway at the Trout Run Volunteer Fire Company after their home base suffered a devastating loss as a result.
"You can see how the creek. This is a tributary to the Lycoming Creek, and this came through and uncut the fire hall and the entire embankment and collapsed the road," said Peter Swift, Camp Director at Camp Susque.
The water ripped through Route 14 in front of the fire company. "Not a small easy thing to fix," said Swift.
The Trout Run Volunteer Fire Company suffered so much damage during the flood that half of the building is now condemned.
"We went across the bridge, and at that point, things started going south. The water started jamming up the logs and propane tanks. I mean, it just kept coming then the bridge finally went," said Trout Run Fire Chief Nick Smith.
Camp Susque, a neighboring camp in Trout Run, set up a fundraiser for the fire company, and it has now surpassed its goal of $10,000.
"Well, we've blown that away. We're closing on $25,000 raised plus the additional $5,000. I'm super pleased to see that. I love to see the way our community comes together in times of need. It really speaks highly of not only Trout Run but the neighboring communities and their care for the volunteer firefighters," said Swift.
Firefighters who continued doing their duty as the floods continued.
"Yeah, so when all this was going on, we were still making rescues, and we had some boats from South Williamsport. Many fire departments came up to help us," said Chief Smith.
And now the community is helping right back. The Trout Run Volunteer Fire Company will continue serving the community from a mobile unit until they find a new home base.
Camp Susque is also providing hot showers to anyone in Trout Run without power or running water.
For more information on how to help Trout Run Volunteer Fire Company, click here.