Niagara ARS Firefighters assist in snowstorm Published Nov. 20, 2014 By Peter Borys 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, NEW YORK- -- A five person specialized team from Niagara Air Reserve Station has been mobilized to assist officials in Erie County, N.Y. hit hard by the massive lake effect snowstorm. The storm which dumped more than six feet of snow hit the Buffalo area on Tuesday November 18th causing countless numbers of road closures, school and business closures, stranding motorists, and has been responsible for eight deaths so far, is now emerging with a new threat. The weight of the heavy lake effect snow that is piling up is taking a toll on area rooftops. Several area businesses have suffered a roof collapse and more are being threatened as snow continues to fall. As a safety precaution, one local area senior care facility was evacuated for fear of collapse. Officials ordered fire personnel at the scene to analyze the structure. The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Fire Department received a mutual aid request thru Niagara County Emergency Operations Center to assist with a structural analysis of the facility. According to one official, the request was made because the counties are "stretched to the limit." The specialized team was sent to a staging area and is in "Ready Status" to assist with the assessment and or rescue if a collapse should occur. The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Fire Department has mutual aid agreements with fire officials throughout the county and can provide HazMat, Fire and Technical Rescue support.