VOLUME 3, NO. 1
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 JANUARY 2015
A November 10, 2014 structure fire leveled this 19th century house on Mulpus Road. See full story on page 23. - Fire News photo by SmokeShowingPhotography.com
Fire News Wishes Everyone a Happy and Safe 2015 -Southern New England Edition-
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Fire News, January 2015, Page 3
In this issue... Quick Work in Pawtucket A fire in a tractor-trailer box is held from involving the exposure. See story page 9
Backdraft Hits Worcester Firefighters A backdraft at a four-story fire knocks fiefighters back, but no injuries are reported. See story page 14
Mix-Used Building Fire in New Haven Forcible entry is required before firefighters can snuff a two-alarm blaze. See story page 19
Rodent Causes Elec. Outage in Providence
A squirrel causes a transformer explosion, knocking power out in downtown Providence in the middle of the day. See story page 25
New Hampshire’s Fallen FFs Remembered A memorial held at the Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial honors the Granite State’s fallen.
See story page 33
Meriden Celebrates Anniversaries Engine Compnay 3 (Parker Hose) celebrates 145 years of service and 125 years in their current station.
See story page 34
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Up Close and Personal . . . . . . . . . . .page 35,36 Industry News
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 38
Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 38
A Service for Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973
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FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artist: GREG JONES, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS GABE BALSAMO, ALAN BRACKETT, MARIE BRENNAN, AMANDA CARMODY, OWEN CARRIGAN, THOMAS CARMODY, DAVID CINQ-MARS, ROGER CONANT, KEVIN CZARZASTY, TIM DELANEY, ROB DILLON, PATRICK DOOLEY, DOUG DOW, OLIVIA DRAKE, GLENN DUDA, LIZ FEITELBERG, SEAN FREIMAN, MATT GASKINS, TIM GORMAN, JOHN HANLEY, ED HARVEY, JEFFREY HASTINGS, STEPHEN HESS, MIKE IPPOLITO, DORRANCE “DOC” JOHNSON, KEN LABELLE, ROBERT LADD, MICHAEL LAPRADE, SCOTT LAPRADE, PAUL LAROCHELLE, JR., KEN LEGER, MIKE MCGONEGAL, CHARLIE MCGRATH, KEITH MURATORI, RICK NOHL, BILL NOONAN, PETER OSTROSKEY JR., REG PATCHELL, JIM PERUTA, PETER POZERSKI, GLENN PRESTON, ROB REARDON, LARRY RILEY, PAUL SHEA, JOE SHEFER, NICK STEHN, CHRIS STEINES, PHIL SULLIVAN, RICK SUSI, PAT TRAVERS, STEPHEN WALSH COPYRIGHT 2014, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Page 4, Fire News, January 2015
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From the Editor’s Desk
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dennis Whittam, Editor
Icarus and Daedalus Must Work Together I am always honored when an ex-Chief pulls me aside and asks me to write about current problems in the fire service. Why would there be problems? I see members drilling together and fighting fires together. However, if you take a closer look, you might ask yourself: are young firefighters getting along with older firefighters? It seems that there is a difference in opinions between seasoned and unseasoned members on many topics that come up at the firehouse. So, I will try to bring light to a problem that has been around for thousands of years. Let me tell you about one of my favorite Greek myths, the story of Icarus and Daedalus. Icarus’ father Daedalus was a talented and remarkable Athenian craftsman who built the Labyrinth for King Minos of Crete to imprison the Minotaur. Minos ended up imprisoning Daedalus. You can read the myth yourself to find out why. In an effort to escape prison, Daedalus created two pairs of wings out of wax and feathers for himself and his son Icarus. Daedalus tried his wings first, but before taking off from the island, warned his son not to fly too close to the sun, or too close to the sea. Guess what? Icarus didn’t listen, the wax melted, the feathers fell off and Icarus fell into the sea in the area which today bears his name, the Icarian Sea near Icaria, an island southwest of Samos. I always tell my daughters that you can learn two ways in life. You can experiment and suffer the hardships that come along with lack of experience, or you can listen to experience so that you do not make the mistakes I made in life. Over the years, I trained probationary firefighters. For their hands-on test, I asked them certain questions for which I expected the wrong answer. When I asked if they learned anything, they smiled and said, “of course.” I always laughed and said “I asked you those questions because I knew you would not know the answers. I, too, was once young. The half-dozen things I just asked you were things I screwed up on when I was a probie, too.” Like Icarus, we do not always heed warnings that are given to us. This attitude can be disastrous, especially around the firehouse. To quote Cameron Tucker (played by Eric Stonestreet) of the ABC sitcom, Modern Family, “There are dreamers and there are realists in this world. You’d think the dreamers would find the dreamers and the realists would find the realists, but more often than not the opposite is true. You see, the dreamers need the realists to keep them from soaring too close to the sun. And the realists, well without the dreamers, they might not ever get off the ground.” In the end, when we crawl down that totally dark and very hot hallway. I think you will soon learn that experience is something you want close to you when you have never done something. As an “experienced” old-timer, I have learned to listen to the future of the fire service and to respect change. In the end, positive change happens successfully when ideas are discussed around the coffee table or while playing Xbox 360 in the lounge. Hey, is anyone up for a game of Madden NFL 15? - Dennis
EDGARTOWN FIRE MUSEUM Built in 1994 as a garage to house the 1927 and 1952 Mack fire trucks. This project was done with all volunteer labor and many donated supplies. After his retirement, Senior Captain Richard Kelly began collecting many artifacts around town and slowly this garage transformed into the present museum. Recently the association, in conjunction with the MV museum, built a new addition to house the 1855 hand tub and many more acquired pieces. The association applied for, and was granted monies from the town as part of the
Community Preservation Act and as with the original building this too was completed with donated labor and many materials. The museum is located on Martha's Vineyard Island in Edgartown, Massachusetts and is open daily from May until December. T-shirts and hats are for sale during these hours and donations are always welcome. For more information contact Curator Captain Dick Kelly at 508-627-9946.
Never Forget the Worcester 6 December 3, 1999
- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
Page 6, Fire News, January 2015
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5 Injured in East Hartford Apartment Blaze
On October 4, 2014, East Hartford (CT) firefighters responded to Bell Court for numerous calls reporting a structure fire. Car 3 struck a second alarm on arrival when he found heavy fire showing from three floors of a three-story brick apartment building with people jumping and others trapped. Members had at least two jumpers and were able to rescue at least four via ground ladders. When first-due Engine 3 was able to make entry into the first floor they found the stairs burned away and were unable to gain access to the upper floors. With command seeing the front brick wall staring to crack they went to a defensive attack and exterior streams were used to knock down the fire. Five civilians were transported to area hospitals. Mutual aid from Manchester and Hartford assisted at the scene. - Fire News photos by Patrick Dooley and Jim Peruta
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Seymour Responds to Garage Fire
On September 10, 2014, the Seymour Fire Department was dispatched to Silvermine Road for an activated fire alarm. FM2 was first on scene with heavy smoke showing from a 40 x 100 foot commercial garage. Crews made an aggressive interior attack and found a vehicle heavily involved on a lift with fire extending to the roof’s insulation. Crews remained on scene for approximately three hours. - Fire News photo by Keith Muratori
Fire News, January 2015, Page 7
3- Alarmer Guts Row House A three-alarm fire tore through an occupied dwelling on First Street in Sutton (MA), on October 13, 2014. Companies arrived to find heavy fire conditions on the Bravo side of the structure extending thru the roof of the century duplex that housed mill workers from the nearby Manchaug Mill complex. An aggressive attack knocked the bulk of the fire down in 30 minutes. The interior of the left side of the duplex was gutted by the fast moving fire. There was a firewall in the attic area, which halted the fire’s progression. The fire did eventually spread to the right side through the voids of the old building. Crews vented over the spreading fire as firefighters donned SCBA and prepared themselves to VES the second floor. The extension was quickly contained on the right side of the duplex due to a coordinated attack. All of the occupants were safely accounted for but, unfortunately, five dogs perished. The fire gutted the house. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
Page 8, Fire News, January 2015
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Fire Destroys Vacant Providence House
On November 5, 2014, the Providence Fire Department began to receive numerous calls for a house fire on Ford Street. A still box was sent out and crews arrived to find a well involved vacant, 2-1/2 story house. Companies began an interior attack but were withdrawn as the fire broke through the roof. As crews withdrew, they prepared for an exterior attack and Tower Ladder 1 and Ladder 5
set up for ladder pipe operations. After the outside streams knocked down the fire, firefighters re-entered the building to extinguish all of the remaining pockets of fire. There were no injuries reported and the cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Tom Carmody and Tim Delaney
Lack of Water Hampers Effort in Southbury
Recently, Southbury volunteers along with mutual aid from Sandy Hook and Oxford battled a late morning residential structure fire on Berkshire Drive. The dwelling was already well involved prior to the alarm being struck and, with the home’s heating oil tank ruptured and burning, the black smoke from the fire could be seen for
miles. Since the area did not have a municipal water source, a tanker shuttle had to be established to supply water. Though the residents were not home at the time of the blaze their family pets (two dogs and a rabbit) perished in the fire. - Fire News photo by Kevin Czarzasty
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Fire News, January 2015, Page 9
Quick Work in Pawtucket
Pawtucket (RI) Engine 3 arrived to find a well involved tractor-trailer box adjacent to a one-story, metal clad, vacant commercial building on Keough Street on November 2, 2014. Companies deployed large lines to protect the exposure from becoming involved. The fire was contained to the original unit within 15 minutes. - Fire News photos by Ken LaBelle
Page 10, Fire News, January 2015
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Vacant House Fire in Hull
Building Fire in Lisbon
The Hull (MA) Fire Department responded to a working fire in the heavy rain of October 21, 2014. The house had been vacant for about 30 years and firefighters quickly went to outside operations only. - Fire News photo by Bill Noonan
Recently, firefighters from Lisbon, Taftville and Yantic, along with mutual aid tankers responded to a fully involved building on River Road in Lisbon. The Fire Marshal and State Police Fire Investigation team were called to determine the cause. - Fire News photo by Joe Shefer
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Fire News, January 2015, Page 11
‘Suspicious’ Fire in New Haven
On November 14, 2014, New Haven (CT) fire companies were dispatched for reported smoke and fire in a vacant, three-story, wood frame house. Upon arrival they were met with heavy smoke and fire showing. Companies assumed a defensive attack using master streams and handlines. Truck 1 was special called and went to work
with their tower ladder darkening down the heavy volume of fire. There were no exposure issues or life hazards. The blaze took about an hour to bring under control. The cause of the fire was under investigation and was being called suspicious. - Fire News photos by Glenn Duda and Doc Johnson
Page 12, Fire News, January 2015
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Northbridge Attic Fire On November 19, 2014, the Northbridge Fire Department, along with mutual aid from Grafton and Upton, contained heavy fire to the attic of a 2-1/2 story, two-family dwelling on Cove Place. The fire was under investigation and there were no reported injuries. - Fire News photo by Peter Ostroskey, Jr.
Quick Knockdown in Watertown Recently, with multiple calls received, Watertown Volunteers responded to a working fire at a residence on Highmeadow Road. The first arriving command unit found a large wood frame residence with heavy fire showing and requested a second alarm. The fire was knocked down quickly saving the majority of the structure. Companies would spend an extensive amount of time overhauling and ventilating the structure. - Fire News photo by Kevin Czarzasty
Quinebaug Firefighters Knock Down Coop Fire On November 19, 2014, Quinebaug firefighters responded to a reported shed fire on Linehouse Road. Upon arrival, they found they had a 10 x 12 foot chicken coop fully involved and located dangerously close to a two-story wood frame dwelling. The fire’s radiant heat had already ignited the rear stairway and deck to the dwelling, and had also melted most of the home’s vinyl siding on the C side. Quinebaug Fire Chief Steven Bodreau arrived and immediately requested dispatch to fill out his first alarm assignment which
brought the balance of the Thompson (CT) fire companies to the scene. The crew of the first-due engine stretched a line to the rear of the building and placed it between the burning shed and the threatened dwelling, effectively knocking down the fire and keeping the extension in check. The line was then turned to the burning coop, quickly bringing that fire under control. - Fire News photo by Alan Brackett
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Backdraft at Worcester Blaze Worcester firefighters were called to Lafeyette Street on November 8, 2014. Companies reported a working fire on arrival with fire showing from a fourstory frame occupied residence. A backdraft occurred as companies were advancing lines into the fourth floor. The explosion blew the firefighters back, but no injuries were reported. Firefighters were able to remove some animals from the building. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
West Haven Home Burns
On November 5, 2014 ,West Haven (CT) firefighters responded to Washington Avenue and found smoke showing from the third floor of a three-story, wood frame house. An aggressive attack kept the fire to the room of origin. Two lines were stretched, Truck 22 opened up with topside ventilation and searches proved negative. All occupants of the dwelling made it out prior to the fire department's arrival. The third floor of the home sustained smoke and fire damage and the occupants were forced to seek shelter elsewhere. - Fire News photo by Glenn Duda
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Working Fire in Windsor
Windsor (CT) firefighters responded to a working fire on Seymour Street on October 30, 2014. Mutual aid was provided by Blue Hills who responded to the scene. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Fire News, January 2015, Page 15
Fire Damages Providence Home
On November 14, 2014, a still box went out in Providence reporting a fire on Messina Street. On arrival, companies found heavy smoke showing from the basement of an occupied house. As crews stretched lines into the basement, members of Ladders 3 and 7 began both horizontal and vertical ventilation. Members of the Special Hazards unit performed a primary search and found no one inside. Crews were able to knock down the basement fire but not before it spread to the first floor. Additional lines were stretched and extensive overhaul was needed to expose hidden pockets of fire. - Fire News photo by Tom Carmody
Page 16, Fire News, January 2015
One Charged with Arson at Higganum Blaze
Nine fire departments in Connecticut responded to a structure fire on October 16, 2014, in Higganum. Haddam, East Haddam, Haddam Neck, City of Middletown, Middletown South District, Chester, Killingworth, Deep River and Durham, responded to a blaze at a raised ranch on Candlewood Hill Road. The home was fully involved upon arrival. Crews pulled water from a pond at the base of the home’s driveway and dumped into a portable holding tank to supply water. The house and a detached two-car garage were a total loss. One fireman was taken to the hospital with respiratory distress. - Fire News photo by Olivia Drake
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Bridgeport 3-Story Saved At approximately 1330 on November 19, 2014, the Bridgeport Fire Department was dispatched to Myrtle Avenue for a house fire. First arriving companies found heavy smoke showing from the attic of a three-story, wood frame home. There were people inside the home at the time of the blaze but all made it to safety before firefighters arrived. The fire was quickly knocked down and confined to the third floor. This was to be the first of two fires Bridgeport would battle this day. - Fire News photo by Keith Muratori
Condo Fire in Cromwell On October 21, 2014, Cromwell firefighters were dispatched to a reported fire on Cedarland Court in the Cromwell Hills Condo Complex. Firefighters arriving before the first apparatus reported smoke showing and possibly a bathroom fire on the second floor. The first fire officer on the scene reported a working fire with fire extension to the cockloft and transmitted a second alarm, bringing area fire departments to the scene and for station coverage. The fire was brought under control in a short time and with minimal damage. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta
Fatality at Boston 5-Alarm Boston firefighters responded to a fire in a large three-story frame, six-family house. The fire went to five alarms and one man was found deceased inside the structure. - Fire News photo by Bill Noonan
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Fire News, January 2015, Page 17
Tolland Tpk. Fire
Heavy Fire in Marlborough
Manchester (CT) firefighters responded to a shed fire on November 22, 2014, on Tolland Turnpike. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
On October 19, 2014, Marlborough (MA) firefighters responded to a working fire on Parmenter Road. Firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions throughout a two-story wood frame dwelling. Due to only one hydrant located several hundred feet away, a secondary lay into a cistern in Southborough was made. - Fire News photo by Douglas Dow
Page 18, Fire News, January 2015
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Good Work in Woodbridge Recently, Woodbridge volunteers arrived on scene to find a vacant residence with heavy fire showing from the rear roof. To get additional manpower and a tanker shuttled water supply established, they immediately called the neighboring communities of Seymour and Bethany for assistance. Though crews were ordered out of the building due to collapse concerns, they were able to get the fire under control before the home was consumed. There was extensive damage to the rear of the structure but fire crews made an admirable stop saving the majority of the structure. - Fire News photo by Kevin Czarzasty
3-Alarmer at Plymouth Condos On November 4, 2014, Plymouth (MA) firefighters responded to three-alarm fire at the Spring Hill Condos on Russell Street. - Fire News photo by Rob Reardon
Plympton Firefighters Battle 3-Alarmer On October 7, 2014, the Plympton Fire Department toned out for a reported house fire on Main Street. Companies arrived to find smoke showing from the eaves of a two-story, wood framed dwelling. A working fire was requested, followed shortly thereafter by a second alarm. Mutual aid from Halifax, Carver and Kingston responded to the scene. Companies made an aggressive interior attack on the fire in the old farm house. Crews made quick work of the fire, but eventually, a third alarm was struck, bringing additional firefighters to the scene and a Hanson engine company for station coverage. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
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Mixed Use 2-Alarmer in New Haven
On October 23, 2014, New Haven (CT) Engine 15 and Truck 4 were stilled out to check for smoke in the area. Upon the arrival of Engine 15, there was smoke issuing from several stores of a onestory, taxpayer with a two-story addition on Whalley Avenue. There was a delay in attacking because the stores required a forcible entry. Once entry was gained, members found heavy fire in the rear of VIP Cleaners with extension to the cockloft. A second alarm was transmitted by Battalion Chief Gould. Multiple lines were stretched, trucks and squads opened up and searched. Companies were briefly pulled from the building because of a compromised air handling unit on the roof. The fire took about an hour to bring under control. - Fire News photo by Glenn Duda
Fire News, January 2015, Page 19
Hartford Structure Fire
In the early afternoon of October 25, 2014, Hartford (CT) North End companies responded to Albany Avenue and Brook Street for many calls reporting a structure fire. Companies arrived to fire showing from the second floor of a two-story wood frame. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Page 22, Fire News, January 2015
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Bellingham FF Injured in Floor Collapse
Calls for smoke in a dwelling on Rogers Street rang into 911 on November 10, 2014. Bellingham (MA) Engine 1 arrived to find smoke showing from a two-story, occupied, raised ranch style home. As companies arrived, fire began to blow out the C/D corner second floor windows. A second alarm was called due to a member falling through a weakened hallway floor; he was rescued without incident. Crews returned inside for fire attack and quickly knocked the bulk of the fire down. The flames did get into the attic space above the fire rooms from the overlapping fire from the window openings. Companies had the fire contained in under an hour. The incident commander requested the third alarm for additional manpower and station coverage. The injured firefighter was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. - Fire News photos by Ken LaBelle
3 Injured at Hartford 2-Alarmer
On November 14, 2014, Hartford firefighters were dispatched to a reported building fire on Hamilton Street. While firefighters were responding, the dispatcher relayed messages of people trapped and a flames coming from the building. Engine 15 arrived and transmitted the working fire. District One arrived and transmitted the second alarm. One person was rescued from the third floor and a police officer and firefighter were transported to the hospital. The fire did extend to an exposure and to several cars in the backyard. Firefighters remained on the scene for several hours. - Fire News photos by Jim Peruta and Patrick Dooley
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Fire News, January 2015, Page 23
Cover Story
Blaze Levels Lunenburg Home
On November 10, 2014, a 911 call came in reporting a structure fire on Mulpus Road. Firefighters from groups 1 and 2 were dispatched to the scene as a firefighter living nearby reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a 2-1/2 story, large, irregular shaped house built in 1824. The fire, which was out of the hydrant area, had a great jump on firefighters as first-due companies had to work with only tank water until a hydrant line could be established from a mile away. At this time a second and third alarm were quickly called to
establish a water supply. Fire crews from Ashby, Townsend, Ayer, Shirley, Leominster and Fitchburg responded. Two occupants from the home jumped from the second floor to escape the fast moving fire. After midnight, with mutual aid companies picking up, another fully involved house fire came in from less than a mile away. Both fires were under investigation by local and state authorities. - Fire News photos by SmokeShowingPhotography.com
Page 24, Fire News, January 2015
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Route 3 Car Fire Duxbury firefighters were called to an early morning car fire on Route 3. Route 3 was closed for a short period of time as firefighters knocked down the fire. - Fire News photo by Rob Reardon
Sandwich Car Fire Recently, the Sandwich Fire Department received a call for a vehicle fire on the Route 6 East offramp at Exit 4. An off-duty Sandwich firefighter reported a vehicle with an engine compartment fire. Sandwich Engine 1 arrived with the shift commander to find the vehicle heavily involved. The fire was extinguished with no injuries. - Fire News photo by Peter Pozerski
Car Fire in Cherry Valley On September 16, 2014, Leicester firefighters responded to a car fire just off of Main Street in the Cherry Valley section of town. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
Sandwich Responds to Bomb Scare Recently, the Sandwich Fire and Police Department received a call for a bomb threat at Sandwich High School. A joint search was conducted by Sandwich Fire, Sandwich Police and Massachusetts State Police K9. The search was negative. - Fire News photo by Lt. Peter Pozerski
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On the morning of October 21, 2014, Providence firefighters responded to the Manchester Power Plant, on Point Street, for an explosion and fire. On arrival at the plant, companies found a smoke condition in one room but no visible fire. A squirrel managed to short out a large transformer and caused a power outage that affected all of the downtown section of the Capital City. The outage occurred in the middle of the work day and the Providence Fire
Fire News, January 2015, Page 25
Alarm Office became overwhelmed with calls for fire alarms sounding and numerous people trapped in elevators. Nearly every piece of fire apparatus was operating in downtown and mutual aid from surrounding communities filled in at Providence firehouses or responded to emergencies themselves. No injuries were reported and the power was restored within two hours. - Fire News photo by Tom Carmody
Page 26, Fire News, January 2015
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Brush Fire Nears Propane Tank The Haddam Volunteer Fire Company responded for a brush fire on November 4, 2014, behind a fireplace store on Bridge Street in the Tylerville section of Haddam (CT). The fire appeared to have been sparked by embers left on a pile of leaves approximately 30-feet away from a propane tank. Haddam firefighters extinguished the fire using the booster line from Engine 1-13. - Fire News photo by Olivia Drake
Propane Explosions Levels Mobile Home A propane leak lead to an explosion that leveled a mobile home on Hemlock Drive in Glocester (RI) on October 25, 2014. The home was vacant and for sale at the time of the incident. Flying debris caused minor damage to exposures. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
Boat Fire on Land Worcester firefighters battled a boat fire on landlocked Grand Street. The boat was on a trailer and the fire was quickly extinguished without any exposure problems. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
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Dog Saved in Sandwich
On October 5, 2014, the Sandwich Fire Department received a 911 call for a dog that had jumped into the canal. Sandwich launched Marine 439 with three firefighters aboard. The Marine Unit rescued the dog outside the containment boom at the NRG terminal. The dog chased a bird and got outside the boom and could not come back in, according to the owner. The dog was reunited with its owners on the USCG dock. Pictured is FF Jeremy Cadrin reuniting “Moxie” with its owner. The boat was operated by FF Mike Harrington with Captain Robert Black and FF Matt Thompson assisting in the rescue and retrieval of the dog. - Submitted by Peter Pozerski, story by John J. Burke, Deputy Fire Chief
Fire News, January 2015, Page 27
Haz-Mat Incident at Mall
On November 11, 2014, a Tier 2 Haz-Mat and a level 2 MCI were declared at the Kingston (MA) Independence Mall. Many towns responded for mutual aid, as did the state’s HazMat team. A refrigerant leak was the suspected cause. - Fire News photo by Rob Reardon
Page 28, Fire News, January 2015
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Minor Injuries in Uxbridge Head-on A head-on MVA trapped one driver early on November 25, 2014, on River Road at Balm of Life Springs Road. The members of Uxbridge (MA) Rescue 1 used hydraulic tools to remove the roof of a sedan to gain access to a driver who suffered minor injuries. Millville (MA) responded with a mutual aid ambulance for the driver of the second vehicle who also suffered minor injuries. Both victims were transported by ground to local hospitals. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
Tornados, Fires and MVAs On August 31, 2014, Worcester firefighters were very busy as a small tornado passed thru the Vernon and Grafton Hill areas. There were numerous calls for downed wires and trees as well as reported building fires. After the storm subsided, companies were summoned to a report of a rollover on Mountain Street East at Clark Street. The occupant was uninjured but was unable to exit the auto. Rescue 1 went to work with new battery-powered extrication tools. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
2-Car MVA in Sandwich The Sandwich Fire Department received a call for an MVA at Snake Pond Road and Route 130. First arriving apparatus found a two-vehicle MVA with two injured. Paramedics evaluated two patients with minor injuries. - Fire News photo by Lt. Peter Pozerski
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Fire News, January 2015, Page 29
Clinton Live Fire Drill
MAFD 14 Dive Team Trains
On November 1, 2014, Clinton firefighters completed training evolutions at a house that was donated to the fire department for the purpose of live fire training. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
On September 24, 2014, the Massachusetts Fire District 14 Dive Team trained at Learned Pond in Framingham. - Fire News photo by Douglas Dow
Page 30, Fire News, January 2015
Live Burn Drill in Haddam
Members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company (CT), participated in a live burn training exercise on November 1, 2014, behind a residence on Beaver Meadow Road. The property owners contacted the fire company about having the wood structure (previously a chicken coop) burned for training purposes. Members practiced fire control and suppression, exposure protection, hose advancement, smoke ventilation, water pumping and tanker shuttles, among other skills. - Fire News photos by Olivia Drake
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Fire News, January 2015, Page 31
Southborough Training Burn
The Southborough Fire Department obtained a vacant house and evolutions were conducted allowing members to perform interior hosted a live fire training day on September 6, 2014. Several local and exterior firefighting, search and rescue, fire ground tactics and departments participated including Ashland, Westborough, overhaul. - Fire News photo by Douglas Dow Northborough, Berlin, Hopkinton and DCR Fire Control. Several
Page 32, Fire News, January 2015
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Live Fire Training
On November 21, 2014, firefighters from Foxborough, Plainville and Norfolk participated in live fire training at a vacant house on North Street. Foxborough fire officials followed NFPA 1403 guidelines for this evolution. They conducted six room-and-contents fires along with coordinated fire attack tactics. Outside venting was performed as the attack line crew stretched in to extinguish the fire. The building was then allowed to burn to the ground after the final evolution. - Fire News photos by Ken LaBelle
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Riding to Remember
Recently, the 3rd Annual Jon Davies Motorcycle Ride was held in memory of Worcester Firefighter Jon Davies who died in the line of duty in December 2011, battling a fire in a three-decker that collapsed trapping him and his partner. A memorial was recently constructed outside the quarters of his company, Rescue 1, housed on Franklin Street. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
Fire News, January 2015, Page 33
Granite State’s Fallen Remembered
Fallen New Hampshire firefighters were honored and remembered at the New Hampshire Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial on September 28, 2014. The memorial is located on the grounds of the New Hampshire Fire Academy in Concord. - Fire News photo by Liz Feitelberg
Page 34, Fire News, January 2015
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Meriden Celebrates Anniversaries On October 4, 2014, Meriden (CT) Engine Company 3 (Parker Hose) celebrated 145 years of service to the citizens of the city and 125 years in their current fire house. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta
Road Race for Team Danielle On October 15, 2014, Fitchburg Fire had their fifth annual Verne E. Roy Memorial Road Race at Fitchburg’s main station. This year $2700 were donated to Team Danielle. Danielle Lefebvre of Leominster is the daughter of Leominster Fire Lt. Anthony Lefebvre. Danielle was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma earlier this year and has endured very aggressive chemotherapy treatment over the course of the year. At this time Danielle is in remission. It was a great showing and a great day. Once again, the brotherhood comes through for one of our own. Great job Fitchburg firefighters and to all participants! - Fire News photo by SmokeShowingPhotography.com
Local Soldier KIA in Afghanistan Whitman (MA) Firefighters Chris Donahue, John Norton, and Lt. Al Cunningham stand by at a memorial service for Whitmannative, US Army Major Michael Donahue, 41, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in September. Notice the large flag in the background hung off Ladder 1. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Gone But Not Forgotten Recently, an open house was held in honor of the 100th anniversary of Maxim Fire Apparatus. Maxim was a locally-based manufacturer of apparatus sold worldwide. There were between 30 and 40 pieces of apparatus from all over the Northeast and New York on display. Pictured are Joe Lennerton and his pumper that once served Leicester (MA) and Kevin Holstrom and his pumper that once served neighboring Auburn (MA). Both Joe and Kevin are also members of the Worcester Pipes and Drums band. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
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Fire News, January 2015, Page 35
Up Close & Personal
On the afternoon of October 18, 2014, the Whitman Fire Department held their annual open house for residents at the Central Fire Station on Temple Street. This year, Whitman was able to secure the sprinkler demonstration trailer from the Department of Fire Services to demonstrate how a fire sprinkler can activate, and put out a fire before the smoke detectors sound. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Members of Uxbridge (MA) Rescue 1 using hydraulic tools to remove the roof of a sedan during recent MVA. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
New Britain (CT) Company Two. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta
Cranston firefighter operating on Burbank Street. - Fire News photo by Tom Carmody The Sandwich Fire and Police Departments investigating a recent bomb threat at Sandwich High School. The search was negative. - Fire News photo by Lt. Peter Pozerski
Firefighter Glenn Duda (L-6) operating at a recent all hands fire in Bridgeport (CT) on November 22, 2014. - Fire News photo by Keith Muratori
Windsor (CT) firefighters responded to a working fire on Seymour Street on October 30, 2014. Mutual aid was provided by Blue Hills who responded to the scene. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Page 36, Fire News, January 2015
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Up Close & Personal
Pawtucket (RI) FF Adam Kestler sporting his “Movember” ’stache at a fire on Main Street. - Fire News photo by Tim Delaney
Arlington firefighters from Engine 2 await orders after responding to a two-alarm fire on Union Street in Woburn (MA)on October 31, 2014. - Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan
Deputy Flaherty and Brookline Engine 5 at a 4-alarm fire in Boston. - Fire News photo by Bill Noonan
Manchester (CT) firefighters responded to a working fire on Main Street on November 25, 2014. Members made quick work of the fire and rescued a dog. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley New Haven (CT) firefighters responding to a one-alarm fire that broke out in a three-story, wood frame occupied building. - Fire News photo by Glenn Duda
Rocky Hill (CT) firefighters, after assisting Wethersfield (CT) firefighters with an MVA in Wethersfield on September 18, 2014. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta
Good work in Woodbridge. - Fire News photo by Kevin Czarzasty
Page 38, Fire News, January 2015
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SHIPMAN’S HOSTS OPEN HOUSE Shipman’s Fire Equipment was pleased to host its biannual open house and customer appreciation day on September 26, 2014. The event highlighted the many new improve-
products offered The redesigned website, www.shipmans.com, features the convenience of on-line shopping and offers current fire news and information. A new and larger
Holmatro Rescue Tool, was another highlight of the day. To round out the day, a fundraiser was held for a local cancer survivor with a pink Cairns Helmet on display to attract
ments that Shipman’s has made in the past year The newly re-esigned showroom resembles an old-time fire station. A brick wall, a bright red door and a Gamewell fire box are reminiscent of the days of old. The new displays allow the customers to see and feel the
SCOTT Service Center hosted tours and conducted demonstrations. Many manufacturers were on hand with their latest products and displays. The Ferrara fire apparatus was a focal point to our guests as well as those passing by. A vehicle extrication demo with a
donations. Great food was served and prizes were given out throughout the day. Everyone left with a smile on their face and a goody bag in hand looking forward to the next Shipman’s open house.
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Terry Farrell FireFighters Fund “Surplus Equipment Program” has assisted fire departments throughout upper New York State with much needed turnout gear, hoses, tools and even several vehicles. All of this is possible through the generous support of Long Island Fire Departments. We now need the help of volunteers to assist us with • Equipment deliveries • Drive our vehicles in parades • Man our booths at Fire Dept. tournaments, festivals & functions • Assist with the collection of gear from donating department No one is paid in our organization but the feeling of helping firefighters who receive our donations and assistance and the gratitude they show to us is payment enough. To Volunteer of for more information about our fund please go to our website terryfarrellfund.org. Or email terryfund@terryfund.org Thank You, Brian Farrell
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Fire News, January 2015, Page 39