Pittsburg, PA

Technology developed in Pittsburgh could be game-changing in fighting wildfires

Published

2 months ago

September 27, 2024

A technology developed in the Pittsburgh area could be the next big thing when it comes to fighting wildfires.

A former deputy chief in Greensburg has had an interest in firefighting foam since he wrote his term paper on it when he was 17 years old.

Larry Sukay recently returned to the firehall where he grew up: Fire Station #1. He was there the day it opened and spent 15 years with the department.

It was during that time that he learned about the foam technology developed in the late 50′s in Greensburg to put out coal mine fires. Sukay says it was integral in getting the historic La Rose Shop fire out in 1961.

He moved from the area in 1985 to California, a landscape increasing with wildfires. Sukay is now using his knowledge of firefighting foam to try to stop them.

“The technology that was developed here in Western Pennsylvania is going to address that global issue,” said Sukay.

Sukay has taken that foam “recipe” that was created in Greensburg and adapted it to make his own foam and own technology to drop it from a helicopter.

He says it can put down 8,000 feet of fire line in one pass, compared to 600 feet from a helicopter dropped with the same amount of liquid.

Sukay says foam attacks from 3 different angles: it eliminates oxygen, fuel, and heat.

“The technology we have is important, but an equally important part of our technology is we’re dropping an environmentally friendly, plant-based foam. Its safe for humans, animals, aquatic life, and its biodegradable,” Sukay also adds its free from PFAS.

Though Western Pennsylvania doesn’t have the wildfires that he does out west:

“There are sections here in town where the vegetation has grown up significantly around homes. You can have a major vegetation fire here even in Western Pennsylvania,” said Sukay.

The SKHI-EX system is still in the design and testing phase, but Sukay hopes to be able to launch it for fire departments to buy.

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Pittsburg, PA

Wisconsin storms back against Pittsburgh to win Greenbrier Tip-Off

Published

3 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Press Room

Wisconsin storms back against Pittsburgh to win Greenbrier Tip-Off

The Wisconsin Badgers are the 2024 Greenbrier Tip-Off champions.

Wisconsin, ranked No. 19 in the nation, improved to 7-0 by coming back from a double-digit deficit to defeat Pittsburgh (6-1) 81-75 Sunday evening in West Virginia. The comeback completed a sweep of the showcase, having defeated Central Florida in their first game of the tip-off on Friday afternoon.

John Tonje led the Badgers with 33 points. The star guard was 11-of-19 shooting and a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line. It’s his second 30-point game of the season; his first was a 41-point explosion in Wisconsin’s win over then-No. 9 Arizona on Nov. 15.

Pittsburgh jumped out to a 20-8 lead nearly 10 minutes into the first half before the Badgers clawed back to within 34-27 at the half.

In the second half, Pittsburgh kept the Badgers at bay, leading 50-45 with 12:22 to go before Wisconsin went on a run and grew a lead to 71-64 with 4:15 remaining.

The Badgers have scored at least 79 points in all seven games this season, which is a program first.

Up next: Wisconsin vs. Chicago State, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. CT.

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Pittsburg, PA

Pirates Prospect Wins Bronze Medal With Team USA

Published

11 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Press Room

Pirates Prospect Wins Bronze Medal With Team USA

A busy fall for Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Termarr Johnson has come to a close.

Team USA wrapped its run in the WBSC Premier12 with a 6-1 win over Venezuela to win the bronze medal on Saturday. They also beat Venezuela 6-5 in the Super Round of the Premier12 on Friday and wrapped up the tournament going 2-2.

Chinese Taipei shut out Japan in the championship game 4-0 to win the Premier12 and hand them their first loss in international play since 2019. Team USA lost to Japan 9-1 and Chinese Taipei 8-2.

Johnson went 1-4 with one run scored and a walk and one strikeout on Saturday. After grounding out in his first two at-bats, the Pirates’ left-handed hitting middle infield prospect singled to center field with one out in the top of the sixth inning. He stole second base, then came around to score with two outs on an infield single from Tampa Bay Rays left-handed hitting outfield prospect Chandler Simpson to extend Team USA’s lead to 3-0.

Team USA went 5-4 in the Premier12. In the previous Premier12, the US finished in fourth place.

Johnson struck out and walked in his next two at-bats. The Pirates’ No. 3 prospect by MLB Pipeline and the No. 75 prospect in baseball hit .310/.414/.429 with one home run and two RBIs in nine games. He also walked six times and struck out nine times.

Before playing in the WBSC Premier12, Johnson played in the Arizona Fall League. The left-handed hitting prospect batted .250/.444/.475 with one home run and four RBIs across 11 games for the Scottsdale Scorpions. He also walked 14 times and scored nine runs.

Johnson, who was the fourth overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft by Pittsburgh spent time with High-A Greensboro (110 games) and Double-A Altoona (14 games) in 2024. He batted .237/.366/.386 with 15 home runs and 54 RBIs in his 124 games played.

Make sure to visit Pirates OnSI for the latest news, updates, interviews and insight on the Pittsburgh Pirates

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Pittsburgh’s Light Up Night kicks off the holiday season

Published

20 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Press Room

Pittsburgh’s Light Up Night kicks off the holiday season

02:46

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The holiday season began in Pittsburgh on Saturday night with the city’s popular Light Up Night event.

Thousands crowded Downtown streets to ring in the holidays.

The iconic Highmark Christmas tree was lit along with trees at the City-County Building and PPG Place. A new light show on the Sister Bridges was also unveiled.

“It’s just a magical time of the year,” said Nicole Ambrogio.

She brought her kids to see the Highmark tree lit up.

“It almost gives you that Times Square-like feeling,” said Melissa Iaquinta. “It was amazing. The fireworks are always an added touch, and it’s beautiful.”

Vendors also filled Market Square, along with caroling and drumming.

“This is my first Light Up Night. It’s honestly amazing. I love all the music,” said Pietro Pucci. “It’s really magical; it’s like a winter wonderland come to life.”

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