South Whitehall commissioners have approved a service agreement between the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the township, and Cetronia, Greenawalds and Woodlawn fire companies.

The document outlines fire protection and rescue services for customers using the Pa. Turnpike system and for commission buildings and property in a designated mileage section.

A $750 deposit for Pa. Turnpike gate access keys will be paid by the township for each of the fire companies.

The Pa. Turnpike Commission will pay $225 to the township for each incident requiring a fire company response.

Payment does not increase if more than one company is at the scene.

In addition, the Pa. Turnpike Commission will compensate the township an additional $1,000 per year.

Of that, each fire company will receive $333.33.

If township equipment is damaged or destroyed during an incident response, the Pa. Turnpike Commission will provide compensation not covered by insurance.

Fire companies will respond to all calls with sufficient apparatus, equipment and personnel to provide immediate assistance at the site.

The first unit to respond will establish Unified Incident Command by immediately contacting the Pa. Turnpike Commission Operations Center.

If additional services are required, the incident commander will request other fire companies reasonably available to that particular section of the Pa. Turnpike.

Traffic and maintenance of a safety zone in the area of the incident will be by state police.

Firefighting on the Pa. Turnpike System will be under the direction of the officer in charge of the responding fire companies.

If more than one company responds to an incident, the first on the scene will be responsible for the fire and rescue services at the location.

Vehicles of the chief and assistant chief also will be granted admission to the Pa. Turnpike.