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FDNY NEWS
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Wishing you a Holiday Season filled with Peace, Love,
Hope & Happiness!
JANUARY, 2016
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January, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Great stop at Manhattan supermarket Aggressive firefighting was able to keep damage to a Manhattan supermarket to much less than usual when a third alarm is transmitted for that type of occupancy. Shortly after 1:30 a.m. on November 25th, Manhattan box 1638 was transmitted for a fire in a Foodtown Supermarket at 756 St. Nicholas Ave. Arriving at 1:39, Division 6 transmitted the all hands with an extra truck for heavy smoke vent-
JUMP TO FILE #112515135 ing from the one story 30’ x 70’ structure. Several lines were quickly stretched and the roof vented. A second alarm was transmitted at 1:48 followed by a third at 2:14. Companies advanced and found the seat of the fire in a mezzanine storage area toward the rear
STEVE WHITE
of the building. Once members put water on the fire, the heavy fire was knocked down and the smoke condition lessened. Extensive overhaul of the stacked products commenced and went on for several hours. The fire was placed “Probably will hold” at 2:40 and placed “Under control” at 3:30 - BILL TOMPKINS
MEMORIES
If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memories” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com
STEVE WHITE
Three alarms needed in Staten Island
RUSSELL CURLEY
FDNY Ladder 127 had a 1936 FWD 100 foot tiller ladder. Back in the day, they were wooden ladders.
On December 1, 2015 at 8:45 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to 451 Clove Road, Staten Island for fire in a two story row frame with fire in three structures. Battalion 22 transmitted the second alarm on arrive at 8:45 p.m. Five minutes into the firefight, a third alarm was transmitted for fire in exposures 2, 2A and 4. The fire was declared under control at 9:50 p.m. with a 10-41-1 transmitted.
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
January, 2016
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JOHN HOPPER
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Second alarm in the Bronx On Wednesday, December 2nd at approximately 8:15 p.m., Bronx companies turned out to 4331 De Reimer Avenue between Pitman and Nereid Avenues. Due to multiple boxes out in the area, Engine 38 arrived on scene first due and urgently transmitted a 10-75 for heavy fire in the basement of a two story peaked roof private dwelling. Battalion 15 arrived on scene
JUMP TO FILE #120315100 and put All Hands to work and requested an additional engine and truck due to the amount of fire. The fire quickly spread to Exposure 2 which is a similar two story private dwelling, requiring the transmission of a second alarm. Multiple lines were stretched
and put into operation. The fire was quickly knocked down in Exposure 2 and the fire extended to the first and second floors and the cockloft of the original fire building. The fire was placed under control with an approximate one hour and 30 minute duration. - JOHN HOPPER
ALLEN EPSTEIN ALLEN EPSTEIN
Busy in Forest Hills
On November 10, 2015, FDNY firefighters were dispatched for a fire at 108 Street and 67 Drive in Queens. Crews arrived to find fire on the first and second floor of a private home. The main body of fire was quickly knocked down with three hose lines.
Small job in second floor apartment On November 7, 2015, FDNY firefighters were alerted for a fire in an apartment at Greene and Irving Avenues in Brooklyn. Crews arrived at the three brick mixed dwelling to find a small fire in a rear apartment on the second floor. One hose line was used to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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January, 2016
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ALLEN EPSTEIN
Car hits three parked cars On November 16, 2015, crews were alerted to an accident at 63 Drive and Woodhaven Boulevard. According to reports, the vehicle was going at a high rate of speed and hit three parked cars. The driver of the one moving vehicle was pinned and removed to a local hospital with serious injuries. On scene units included Engine 319, Ladder 136, Rescue 4 and Battalion 46.
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Queens high-rise fire On November 14, 2015, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to a fire at 57 Avenue and 96 Street in Queens. They arrived to find fire on the seventh floor of a 18 story high rise. One hose line was used to extinguish the fire. Three patients were transported to a local hospital for what appeared to be minor smoke inhalation.
MEMORIES
If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memories� feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Fire in two story private home On November 14, 2015, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to Grant and Atlantic Avenues in Brooklyn. They arrived to find fire in the cockloft with fire extending to Exposure 4. Crews were quickly able to knock the fire down with three hose lines.
RUSSELL CURLEY
FDNY Rescue 2 once ran with a 1967 Mack R/Providence heavy rescue. This was the FDNY's first delivery of the Mack R model. This rig responded to a multi-alarm fire in Brooklyn in 1969. By 1984, all five rescue companies had Mack R models.
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
January, 2016
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January, 2016
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A Closer Look at Haz Mat 1 and Squad 288 FDNY HOUSES FDNY HOUSES by Larry Woodcock
Maspeth has always been a small blue-collar community in Northern Queens, located off Queens Boulevard and the Long Island Expressway. Back in 1642, it was the first European settlement in the borough and was named after one of the 13 Indian tribes that at one time inhabited Long Island. You won’t find any fancy restaurants or wealthy homes here. What you will find are modest single-family homes and a large commercial area that borders Woodside and Sunnyside, as well as Green Point, Brooklyn. The main streets; 69th Street, Grand and Flushing Avenues; contain the neighborhood’s mix of bars, dining establishments and delicatessens. Maspeth is also home to Haz mat 1 and Squad 288 located on 68th Street off of Grand Avenue. It has been twelve years since 9/11, a day that will live in infamy in this country and for this firehouse that lost 19 men on that day. 11 from haz-mat and 8 from the squad were gone. That day caused a total upheaval on a grand scale, more than any other firehouse in this city. Many years of experience were lost that day along with many more years as a parade of retirements followed over the next few years. A completely different firehouse exists today, but the same expectations are expected. A monument now stands in Maspeth Memorial Park across the street from the firehouse in remembrance of the sacrifice made that day. Squad 288 turned one hundred years old last year and this year, it’s fire house, which was designed by architects Morgan and Trainer, turns one hundred
ALLEN EPSTEIN
years old. The building has a legacy and an emotional resonance to the community and to the families of those who were lost. The small town vibe of this two and a half square mile area and its 37,000 or so residents, of which have mainly been Irish and polish for generations, continues. It is a quiet neighborhood with little excitement and not even a subway stop, despite being only five miles from Manhattan. But, talk to any residents and it is just the way they like it. In the early 1980’s, as the times were changing, the department realized the need for a specialized unit to mitigate numerous hazardous situations that arise at any given time and place in the city, whether it be inside an occupied building or a busy street or highway. So in 1981, the city designated and qualified Rescue Company 4 as the hazardous material unit. Their role as a rescue company remained the same, but they received specialized training at the National Fire Academy in Maryland. They now have the capability to mitigate situations that were foreign prior to being established. And as the decade wore on, the need for a specially designated unit was needed. Haz-mat Unit 1 was organized on October 15, 1981 and has resided here since. Unlike other companies that
arrive on scene and go right to work, haz-mat has a more methodical approach to identify chemicals and the hazards. But make no mistake. Just because they are not actively involved in fighting fires, their job is just as dangerous, even more so today with the threat of domestic and foreign terrorism. Countless hours are spent on training and learning state of the art equipment to identify the myriad of chemicals that exists and new waves of threats. When it hits the fan, they will be in the middle of it. Haz-mat 1 is the only two-piece company in the city and the largest with an officer and seven firefighters. Squad Company 288 was organized on September 1,1913 and was located at 61-55 Maspeth Avenue before moving to their current quarters in October of 1914. They were designated a squad company in July of 1998. Today, both companies because of their training and capabilities, will be the on the front lines of any situation that arises in this city. Just inside the doors of the firehouse is a memorial dedicated to the members who were killed on 9/11, a tribute and reminder to Never Forget the sacrifice these companies made protecting the lives of the people in this city.
LARRY WOODCOCK
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Fire in Ridgewood house
On November 29, 2015, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to 60th Place and Putnam Avenue in Ridgewood, Queens for fire in a two brick residence. The fire was found in the front first floor apartment. Crews faced heavy fire venting from the windows of the fire apartment. No extension was found to the second floor. Two hose lines were used to extinguish the fire.
IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
RUSSELL CURLEY
FDNY Engine 217 is a 2010 Seagrave 1500 gpm pumper in the Bedford/Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn,.
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ALLEN EPSTEIN
Another fire in Forest Hills On November 17, 2015, FDNY firefighters were alerted to a fire at Yellowstone and Queens Boulevards in Forest Hills, Queens. Crews arrived to find fire on the top floor of a large apartment building. A good stop was made with three hose lines with minor extension into the cockloft. Three patients were injured with minor smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is under investigation by officials.
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Tower ladder 111 sustains damage at fire On November 14, 2015, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to Nostrand and Flushing Avenues in Brooklyn for a fire in a yard. On fire were buses, tanks, and wood panels with extension to exposure two, a commercial building. Firefighters quickly went to work to extinguish the fire. Tower Ladder 111 sustained damage from the flames.
IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Firefighters brought out in Forest Hills again FDNY firefighters were once again dispatched to a fire in Forest Hills, this time on November 17th. Crews arrived at 108 Street and 66 Avenue to find a large under-construction house with fire throughout and extension to exposures. Crews needed to work from all exterior sides with five hose lines and a tower ladder. They were able to douse the flames and bring the fire under control. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
RUSSELL CURLEY
FDNY Engine 218 is a 2010 Seagrave 1500 gpm pumper, which runs in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn
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January, 2016
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ALLEN EPSTEIN FDNY
Top floor in Ridgewood
On November 21, 2015, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to Madison and 64th Street in Ridgewood, Queens for a fire. Fire was found in the walls of apartment 3L with no extension to the cockloft, but it did travel down to apartment 2L. Two hose lines were used to extinguish the fire.
Lieutenant saves three year old
On November 17, FDNY Lieutenant Adam Vilagos of Engine 316 rescued a 3-week old baby caught in a house fire in Queens. Lieutenant Vilagos battled zero visibility and high heat to find the infant in his crib in the attic of a 2-story home. Today, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio honored FDNY Lieutenant Vilagos for heroically saving the life of that baby boy.
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January, 2016
Vehicle News
FDNY Tower Ladder 138
ALLEN EPSTEIN
JOHN HOPPER
All hands in Queens New engine running as FDNY Engine 289
ALLEN EPSTEIN
On Tuesday, December 1, 2015, Queens companies turned out to 41-28 52nd Street between Skillman Avenue and Roosevelt Avenue for a reported kitchen fire in a multiple dwelling. Engine 325 quickly arrived on scene first due and transmitted a 10-75 for a fire on the first floor of a three story brick multiple dwelling. Two lines were stretched and one was placed into operation and the fire was quickly knocked down. The incident was placed under control with an approximate 30 minute duration.
Terrorism, Still A Threat STAYING SAFE
Chief Henry Campbell
In light of the Paris, France terrorist shooting attacks on November 13th and the continued bold threats being made by ISIS against the United States, it is of the utmost necessity that emergency responders stay alert to any responses that may indicate a terrorist attack and be prepared to protect themselves as well as the public. Terrorism can happen in any community, so stay trained and stay alert. The following information is taken from the from the U. S. Fire Administration “Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department Operational Considerations and Guide for Active Shooter and Mass Casualty Incidents”. More than 250 people have been killed in the United States during what has been classified as active shooter and mass casualty incidents (AS/MCIs) since the Columbine High School shootings in 1999. AS/MCIs involve one or more suspects who participate in an ongoing, random or systematic shooting spree, demonstrating the intent to
harm others with the objective of mass murder. It has become evident that these events may take place in any community impacting fire and police departments, regardless of their size or capacity. Local jurisdictions must build sufficient public safety resources to handle AS/MCI scenarios. Local fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and law enforcement (LE) must have common tactics, communications capabilities and terminology to have seamless, effective operations. They should also establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for these very volatile and dangerous situations. The goal is to plan, prepare and respond in a manner that will save the maximum number of lives possible. Maximizing Survival Extraordinary efforts on the part of local fire/EMS agencies and direct preplanned coordination with LE is required during response to these events in order to rapidly affect rescue, save lives, and enable operations with mitigated risk to personnel. It is essential that local policies be put in place before AS/MCIs happen to ensure coordinated and integrated planning, preparation, response, treatment and care. The recognition of AS/MCIs as a
reality in modern American life has led to the assembly of a number of public safety organizations representing various disciplines to share and develop strategies for combating the problem. One group, convened by the American College of Surgeons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Hartford, Connecticut, developed a concept document for the purpose of increasing survivability in mass casualty shootings. The paper, The Hartford Consensus, describes methods to minimize loss of life in these incidents. The Hartford Consensus identifies the importance of initial actions to control hemorrhage as a core requirement in response to AS/MCIs. Experience has shown that the number one cause of preventable death in victims of penetrating trauma is hemorrhage. Well-documented clinical evidence supports the assertion. The Hartford Consensus focuses on early hemorrhage control to improve survival. These very practical recommendations include the critical actions contained in the acronym THREAT: T - Threat suppression H Hemorrhage control RE - Rapid Extrication to safety A - Assessment by medical providers T - Transport to definitive care The THREAT concepts are simple, basic and proven. The Hartford
paper points out that life-threatening bleeding from extremity wounds are best controlled by use of tourniquets. Internal bleeding resulting from penetrating wounds to the chest and trunk are best addressed through expedited transportation to a hospital setting. Coordinated/Integrated Planning and Response To increase survivability of victims, fire and EMS agencies must incorporate THREAT principles as SOPs. At a minimum, SOPs should include: • Jointly developing local protocols for responding to AS/MCIs. Fire/EMS and LE should plan and train together. • Planning for and practicing rapid treatment and evacuation, including who, what, when, where and how it will be carried out. • Using the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS). Accordingly, fire/EMS and LE should establish a single Incident Command Post (ICP) and establish Unified Command (UC). • Fire/EMS, LE and all public safety partners planning and training together. • Including AS/MCIs in tabletop and field exercises to improve familiarity with joint protocols. Regularly exercise the plan. • Using common communications terminology. In addition to NIMS and ICS terminology, fire department personnel must learn common LE terms and vice versa. Share
definition of terms to be used in AS/MCIs and establish a common language. • Incorporating tactical emergency casualty care (TECC) into planning and training. Training must include hemorrhage control techniques, including use of tourniquets, pressure dressings, and hemostatic agents. Training must also include assessment, triage and transport of victims with lethal internal hemorrhage and torso trauma to definitive trauma care. • Providing appropriate protective gear to personnel exposed to risks. • Considering fire hazards secondary to the initial blast if improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are used. • Considering secondary devices at main and secondary scenes. • Determining how transportation to and communications with area hospitals/trauma centers will be accomplished. This is only the first few pages, there is much more valuable reading on this subject at https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/active_shooter_guide.pdf Another source of Responding to Terrorism information is from the CDC, Center for Disease Control EMERGENCY RESPONSE RESOURCES or http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/emres/terrorresp.html Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!
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ALLLEN EPSTEIN
Second floor all hands in Maspeth On November 27th, FDNY firefighters were alerted to a fire on the second floor at 66 Street and 53 Avenue in Maspeth, Queens. Crews arrived at a two story price home and found fire on the second floor in the front room. No extension was found in the attic and two hose lines were used to extinguish the fire.
FDNY
William M. Feehan fireboat christened On November 20th, the FDNY christened a new fireboat named for FDNY First Deputy Commissioner William M. Feehan, who was killed at the World Trade Centers on September 11. The William M. Feehan is a 66foot long, 90,000 lb. jet propelled fireboat that can travel at 46 mph. It can pump more than 8,000
JUMP TO FILE #112015134 gallons of water per second, the equivalent of eight fire engines, and is equipped with a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) system to protect firefighters if they are ever operating in those
dangerous environments. But among the many technological and operational abilities of this boat, there is one important feature that stands out. The name William M. Feehan is crafted from World Trade Center steel. - FDNY
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Fires continue in Forest Hills On November 25th, another fire was reported in a home under construction in Forest Hills, Queens. This home was located at 67 Drive and 108 Street. Two tower ladders and four hose lines were used to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation and investigators are seeking a subject, who was seen in the area.
ALLLEN EPSTEIN
Small basement job in Maspeth On November 28, 2015, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to 58 Road and 59 Street in Maspeth, Queens for fire in the basement of a two story private home. Two lines were used to extinguish the fire. Minor extension was found to the first floor.
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STEVE WHITE
ALLEN EPSTEIN
All hands needed in Glendale On November 22, 2015, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to 88 Street and 81 Road in Glendale, Queens. Fire was found on the first floor of a private home with extension to the second floor. An additional engine and truck were needed above the all hands. Two hose lines were needed to extinguish the fire.One adult female was transported to a local hospital with chest pains. Three cats were pulled from the fire by firefighters and were given oxygen.
STEVE WHITE
BUDDY SHOT
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Buddy Shot� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
STEVE WHITE
Five alarm brush fire in Staten Island At approximately 13:44 hours a 10-75 (5-5 Box 2693) was transmitted for a large area of brush at Kissam Avenue and Mill Road in Staten Island on November 13th. A total of five alarms was ultimately transmitted for a wind driven brush fire that took over three hours to control.
JOHN A. CALDERONE
New Jersey 1st Responder News Editor Ron Jeffers, left, and Hackensack Firefighter Mike Martinelli where sworn in by FDNY Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro and Chief of Department James E. Leonard as Honorary Battalion Chiefs with the New York City Fire Department during a ceremony at the Bureau of Training on November 19th.
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