A wild morning of torrential rain and wind resulted in 12 calls for the West Grove Fire Company, including a water rescue of a family along Route 896.

Tropical Storm Isais arrived with heavy rain early this morning, then added intense winds after 930am, along with a tornado warning. Rain and wind lasted until mid day, with numerous roads closed due to downed trees and power lines.

Just after 1230pm, WGFC was called to assist Station 21 of Oxford with a water rescue along Route 896 near Grist Mill Lane in Upper Oxford Township. The incident turned out to be just over the north side of the bridge over the Big Elk Creek on the border of Upper Oxford and Penn Townships. A mini-van became stuck in rapidly rising flood waters. Inside was a family of five -- three children, their parents, and the family dog.

Responding from New London, Rescue 22 was held back by flood waters on the south side of the bridge near Corby Road. Ladder 22 arrived from the north side and backed down to the scene. Extending its 105’ aerial ladder, and taking advantage of the new truck's ability to extend the ladder below grade, WGFC firefighters were able to help the family to safety.

This call was among a dozen emergencies handled by the WGFC. The vast majority were for trees and wires calls, extending from the southern edge of the district at Chambers Rock Road, north through all townships as the fast moving storm moved rapidly north. During this period, the ambulances were also busy, not only assisting the fire teams, but also handling five additional medical calls as well.

While the storm has passed and flood waters are receding, residents are reminded to treat all downed power lines as live, and use caution around fallen trees. With the ground soaked from rains, lingering winds from the storm can also down weakened trees and tree limbs over the next several days. Please continue to heed all road closed signs -- it's not only the law, it is also for your safety, and the safety of township and power crews who may be working.