This section is exclusively dedicated to coverage of the New York City Fire Department
FDNY NEWS
JUNE, 2014
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FRED BACCHI
On April 21, 2014 at approximately 5:45 p.m., FDNY units in Queens were dispatched to a reported fire at 74 Street and 37 Avenue. Ladder 154 arrived and transmitted the 10-75 and indicated fire on the third floor of a four story brick mixed occupancy. - See full story on page 4
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June, 2014
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY
FRED BACCHI
JOHN HOPPER
All hands for basement fire in the Bronx Around 4:10 p.m. on April 17th, the Bronx Communications officer received a phone call for a report of smoke in a private dwelling at 121 East 236th Street between Oneida and Kepler Avenues. Immediately, Box 3969 was transmitted sending a response of three engines, two trucks and the battalion. Ladder 39 arrived moments later and transmitted a 1075 for a fire in the basement of a
JUMP TO FILE #042114123
private dwelling. Engine 66 had just taken up from a box a few blocks away and was assigned as the fifth due engine above the 10-75. Companies made a quick knock down. Division 7 had control of the fire and was quickly placed under control and special
units were released. Searches of the floors above were severely delayed to Collyers Mansion conditions. Response was as follows Engines 38 acting 63, 62, 81, 79. Ladders 39, 32, 46(FAST) Battalion 27, 15, Division 7 Rescue 3, Squad 61 and RAC 3. - JOHN HOPPER
COMMAND VEHICLES If you have photos you would like to see in our Command Vehicles feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
Exposure one and four corner
FRED BACCHI
Four alarms in Bushwick
LUKE PATTERSON
The FDNY uses this GMC Sierra 2500 as a Hazmat battalion.
On April 6, 2014, FDNY units from Brooklyn and Queens battled a four alarm fire in a commercial warehouse converted to compartmented office space. The fire building was a four story brick 40x80. The fire was in the basement storage area and spread to the first and second floor. At 2:05 p.m., just after the transmission of the third alarm a 10-66 was transmitted (10-66 missing, trapped or seriously injured member) for an engine company that became disorientated in
JUMP TO FILE #040614117
the basement. All members were safely removed by the TL111, who was the F.A.S.T. truck for this fire. At 2:20, Division 14 transmitted the fourth alarm and began relieving companies on the first alarm. The fire was placed under control at 3:28 p.m. - FRED BACCHI
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY
June, 2014
PAgE 3
FRED BACCHI
All hands in Ridgewood
FRED BACCHI
FDNY removing passengers from derailed train at an emergency exit near 60 Street
On April 24, 2014 at 11:30 a.m., all hands went to work in Queens at 68-19 Fresh Pond Road in the Ridgewood section of the borough. The fire building was a three story brick with a commercial pharmacy on the first floor and residential apartments above. Fire was located and contained to the Top floor. No injuries were reported and the fire was placed under control at 12:00 p.m.
APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
Train derailment in NYC transit system FDNY units responded to a train derailment at 60 Street and Broadway in the Woodside section of Queens. FDNY and EMS assisted in the evacuation of several hundred people off two trains, one which was derailed and the second stuck in a tunnel behind the derailed train.
JUMP TO FILE #050214116
Passengers from the derailed train were removed via an emergency exit at 60 Street. All power to the rails was shut off during this time.
Limited power was restored and the train with passengers on board was moved to the Queens Plaza Station where a second alarm assignment of FDNY and EMS staff were on scene for triage. - FRED BACCHI
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.
PROVIDED
FDNY Ladder was 4 is seen here at 8th Avenue and Columbus Circle for an incident
STEVE WHITE LUKE PATTERSON
FDNY Engine 54 seen here operating at an alarm in Manhattan
Fire Alarm Communication electricians use this bucket truck to fix FDNY fire boxes in the five boroughs of NYC.
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June, 2014
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY
PATCHES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the month “feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
FRED BACCHI
Five alarms in Jackson Heights On April 21, 2014 at approximately 5:45 p.m., FDNY units in Queens were dispatched to a reported fire at 74 Street and 37 Avenue. Ladder 154 arrived and transmitted the 10-75 and indicated fire on the third floor of a four story brick mixed occupancy. Battalion 49 requested an additional engine and truck to the scene. At 5:51 p.m., the second alarm was transmitted and reported heavy fire out the windows on the exposure 1
JUMP TO FILE #042114149
and 4 corner with auto exposure to the fourth floor. The fire building was a four brick 200x100, stores on the first floor with office space above. Most of the office space had been converted into classroom. At 6:00 p.m., Division 14 transmitted the third alarm and reported heavy fire on the third and fourth
floors, removing all members from the building and going to an exterior attack. At 6:33 p.m., two additional tower ladders were special called, and the fourth alarm was transmitted followed by the fifth alarm at 10:00 p.m. Six tower ladders and numerous handlines were used at this fire. The fire was placed under control at 11:41 p.m.
ROBERT PAV (FDNY RETIRED)
FDNY Engine 268 and Ladder 137 Patch
- FRED BACCHI
ROBERT PAV (FDNY RETIRED)
FDNY Engine 5 Patch
STEVE WHITE
Third alarm in Staten Island Staten Island, NY. On April 11, 2014 at 7:48 a.m., FDNY units requested a second alarm on arrival for heavy fire through the roof of a multiple dwelling. A third alarm was soon requested for four attached houses on fire. At the height of the fire, five hand lines were stretched and operating. Division 8 reported the fire under control at 0849 hours.
ROBERT PAV (FDNY RETIRED)
FDNY Squad 18 Patch
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY
June, 2014
Page 5
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PAGE 6
June, 2014
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY
STEVE WHITE STEVE WHITE
Third alarm blaze strikes in Staten Island Staten Island, NY. On March 19, 2014, Box 3-3 0264 was struck at 2:10 p.m. for a fire at 215219 Canal Street, Staten Island in a beauty salon. Crews arrived to a fire in a two story taxpayer 20' x 110' with extension to exposures. A second alarm was transmitted ten minutes later followed by a third alarm fifteen minutes after that. At the height of the fire, Car 8 reported that he had six hand lines stretched and operating. The fire was probably will hold at 3:24 a.m. and under control at 3:52 a.m.
Safe Ladder Operations Part 3
STEVE WHITE
Third alarm brush fire in Staten Island On April 14, 2014 Engine 166 transmitted a 10-75 for a large area of brush. Battalion 22 then transmits a second alarm five minutes into the fire. Division 8 on the scene orders all incoming units to stage and relay water due to numerous out of service hydrants on Port Authority property. A third alarm was soon transmitted for six main bodies of fire. The fire was under control at 23:13 hours. (Photo on right shows FDNY members dwarfed by twenty foot high flames.)
When carrying tools up a ladder, the number of tools carried should be limited to one, and consideration to size and weight must also be given. If it is too bulky or heavy, another method should be deployed for accomplishing the task such as use of an aerial platform or hoisting the equipment by use of ropes. When climbing a ladder with a tool, the tool should be slid or pushed along the beam, remembering that there is a compromise to your safety, as you do not have a good grasp on the ladder with the hand-holding the tool. Overloading of ladders should be avoided. The newer ladders give detailed information on the weight loading permitted on the ladder and all personnel should comply with this information. The rule of thumb has always been one firefighter on a straight wall ladder and one firefighter per section on an extension ladder, and it is still a good rule of thumb. When more than one firefighter is climbing a ladder, a ten-foot distance between firefighters should be maintained. There rarely is a reason for firefighters to be bunched up on a ladder unless affecting a rescue. In a rescue situation, it is advisable to place another ladder immediately adjacent to the first ladder and have a second rescuer assist from the second ladder. This will provide for better control of the victim and a safer environment for all concerned. The last thing you would want to do is have a ladder collapse or lose control wherein everyone falls to the ground.
STAYING SAFE Chief Henry Campbell
It has happened! Flat roof operations require the use of a minimum of two ladders placed at opposite locations of the building in order to provide for alternate means of escape should one exit route become blocked. Ladders placed to flat roofs should extend a minimum of three feet above the roofline so they may be readily visible and accessible for firefighters operating on the roof. It is a good practice to paint the last couple of feet on the top of the ladders in a bright or fluorescent color to enhance their visibility. Painting the tip also makes it easy to tell the fly from the butt when the adrenalin is rushing or for those who may have difficulty discerning the top from the bottom. When working on a peaked roof, a roof ladder with hooks should be used. The hooks should be opened and the ladder slid up the roof into position, followed by a test pull of the roof ladder to ensure the hooks have secured to the ridge and the ladder is firmly in place prior to using. A roof ladder should extend from the ridge to beyond the eaves if at all possible. In the event there is a roof collapse, the ladder will maintain its position rather then falling into the opening. Once again work from the windward side so that fire
and smoke are blown away from you, not towards you. Getting on and off the ladder are two critical periods in the use of ladders. When climbing onto a roof, fire escape, etc. make sure where you intend to go is stable and will support you prior to transferring to the location. Feel with one hand or a tool to check for sturdiness, follow this by placing one foot slowly onto the roof while increasing the pressure. If it appears to hold your weight, move the second foot onto the roof, followed by releasing the grip on the ladder with your other hand. At any point in the transition, should the roof feel insecure, get back on the ladder. Always be sure there is floor or roof where you intend to go, and be careful when attempting roof access on some of the older buildings in the downtown areas. Many have high parapet walls in front with a big drop to the roof, therefore look before leaving the ladder. In addition, you will be faced with having to find another way down from the roof if you haven’t been injured from the fall. Regular maintenance of all ground ladders is required and they should be thoroughly checked, including rungs, pulleys, and halyards. Annual testing in accordance with NFPA Standard 1931, Design and Verification Tests for Fire Department Ground Ladders is recommended. Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless! - HENRY CAMPBELL
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY
FDNY HOUSES
June, 2014
Page 7
276 Engine and 156 Truck in Midwood
FDNY HOUSES by Larry Woodcock
Midwood, Brooklyn, a neighborhood located in the south central part of the borough, was settled in 1652 by the Dutch. It was then taken over by the English some 15 years later. It remained undeveloped until its incorporation within the City of Brooklyn in the late 1890’s. From then until now, it has remained a quiet middle class residential neighborhood that quite possibly has the largest ethnic mix of any area of Brooklyn. Midwood was once home to Vitagraph Studios located at Avenue M and East 14th Street, which was bought out by NBC in 1952. The studios taped many notable TV shows including the Perry Como and Sammy Davis, Jr. Variety Shows and later, various made-for-TV programs. The studio is still in use today. The main streets, Kings Highway and Nostrand Avenue as well as Coney Island Avenue, offer every store that can be found in New York for shopping. On East 14th Street off Avenue P is the Highway House, 276 Engine and 156 Truck along with the 33rd Battalion. This firehouse was built in 1910 and is the only home to both, who were organized on the same day, February 1, 1927. Battalion 33 was organized on December 9, 1895 and has moved around several times before settling here in January of 1930. One of the most notable fires in the city’s history occurred involving 276 and 156 on August 2, 1978. A fire broke out at the Waldbaum’s Supermarket on Ocean Avenue around 8:30 a.m. The fire and subsequent collapse killed six firefighters, two from 156 Truck, one from the battalion and three from neighboring companies. It occurred during a tumultuous period for the city that involved cutbacks in the fire department and numerous city agencies, which contributed to the tragedy. The fire also injured as many as 30 others either in the collapse itself or the dangerous and daring rescue attempts to free others who were trapped in debris. The building contained truss roof construction, which was later identified in the investigation. This unfortunate scenario played out again in July of 1988 in Hackensack, New Jersey where five firefighters were killed when a bowstring roof collapsed while they were inside the building. Again in June 2009 in Charleston, South Carolina at a the sofa superstore, nine firefighters were killed fighting a fire in steel trussed building. Each building had similar roofs. One particular fire that likely started a trend for death in this type of construction is documented, but seldom talked about.
LARRY WOODCOCK
The Cardinal Lanes Bowling Alley fire just across the Hudson River in New Jersey occurred in October of 1967. Five firefighters were killed by a cinder block retaining wall after the bowstring roof collapsed during the fire. My father was on the roof at the time, venting with another firefighters who climbed the aerial with a hose line that was brought up as well. That was the procedure at the time. When the roof collapsed, John O’Hara, my father’s friend, was closer to the edge of the roof and when it collapsed and was able to
crawl along the parapet to get to the ladder. My father rode the collapse down, holding the hose and was able to settle into a crease just before the inferno. He managed to climb up the hose, but could not reach the aerial. John ordered the ladder as low to the roof as possible and with my father yelling didn’t leave. John hung himself off the ladder so my father could reach his legs and pull himself up. They then climbed down to the street. My father, for obvious reasons, remained close to John throughout his life. My father passed away this
past July and was a man of few words and even less when it came to details about this fire or any others in his career. He talked about this fire just once and there are things about it that he didn’t elaborate on and I’m sure he took it to the grave with him. Some of the details I came to know from reading the report and the newspaper articles from then were that my father was 38 at the time and I was a few months old. I guess it just was not his time to go. I was fortunate and had my father for 45 years, so many kids from these fires did not. There have
been many other fires involving truss roofs that killed firefighters, not with as much notoriety as these mentioned, but just as tragic. The common denominator in all these cases was that besides the truss roof, these buildings are killing firefighters still all these years later. Although I did not know a single firefighters in these fires, on the anniversary of the dates I remember the names and the faces of all, because it is appropriate to do so. I had the privilege of having my father and so many others have not.
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PAGE 8
June, 2014
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY
STEVE WHITE
STEVE WHITE
MVA with extrication A motorist was severely injured when his car collided with a tractor trailer on Sharrotts Road and Carlin Place in Staten Island on April 21st.The motorist had to be extricated using the Hurst tool.
Third alarm brush fire in Staten Island 3-3 Box 3163 alerted at 6:14 p.m. on April 24th for 300 Wild Avenue in Staten Island for a large area of brush behind the Holiday Inn Express. Multiple tower ladders and handlines were used to knock down the third alarm fire.
Vehicle News
RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
In Queens, the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer F.D. FDNY Ladder Co. 166 has been assigned a 2013 Ferrara The Rockaway Point Volunteer Fire Department received placed into service a 1988 E-One 1500-gwt pumper that 100-foot rear mount aerial ladder. a Ford F450 4WD/Osage Ambulances unit assigned as was donated by Gulf Park Estates, Miss. Rescue 2.
RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
The West Hamilton Beach V.F.D. received and placed FDNY Ladder Co. 140 received a new Ferrara 100-foot FDNY Engine 153 is a 2014 KME 2000/500. into service a 1980 Mack/2000 New Lexington refurb rear mount aerial ladder. 1000-gpm pumper that was donated by Hooversville, Pa.
KEN SNYDER
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY
June, 2014
PAGE 9
ALLEN EPSTEIN
All hands in Queens On April 16, 2014, FDNY crews were alerted to a fire at Madison Street and Fresh Pond Road in Queens. Crews arrived to find a basement fire and quickly extinguished it with one line.
ALLEN EPSTEIN
TOOLS OF THE TRADE If you have photos you would like to see in our â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tools Of the Tradeâ&#x20AC;? feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
Truck and car collide in Queens On May 6, 2014, a truck and car collided at Forest and Gates Avenues in Queens. Engine 291 and Ladder 140 responded to the scene with EMS. Both drivers were treated at the scene and refused transport.
MUTUAL AID GORDON WREN
FRED BACCHI
FDNY Rail Cart used to transport Staff and Equipment at Transit Emergencies in NYC
The fact that you are reading this column means that you probably read other fire related publications and books-I do too. In fact, I usually open a magazine and go right to the letters to the editor to see what other readers thought of past stories. However, with Firehouse Magazine, I usually start with the last page in each issue in order to read what former FDNY Battalion Chief John Salka, Jr. has to say in his column "The Fire Scene." I have known and been a fan of Chief Salka for many years. He is the real deal as far as being an experienced firefighter, a tested and respected leader and quality individual. I have never met any firefighter who served under him who did not speak highly of him. He started as a volunteer firefighter and loved it so much that he chose it as his career. He has served as a career chief and a volunteer chief, and his articles and his classes are designed to be applicable for both volunteer and ca-
reer firefighters. His column in the May issue of Firehouse is no exception and is one that should be read by every officer and firefighter because it applies to every department/company and every firefighter no matter what their role is or where they serve. The title of May's column is "Making Mistakes - And Correcting Them. Learning from mistakes can help us operate more safely." John acknowledges that we all make mistakes. However, in the field of firefighting, making a mistake can result in serious injuries or death. He emphasizes how important it is to acknowledge when a mistake is made at an incident, discuss it and find ways to keep from making the same mistake again. Chief Salka describes one of his methods for approaching a firefighter, who he knows made a mistake at an incident, without making them defensive. He states, "This discussion can and should be done in a constructive manner and is often best accomplished by asking questions rather than making statements. For example; 'So, Frank, did you have any trouble with the nozzle or moving down the hallway?' If you know there was some difficulty during that process, you
are letting Frank talk about it and provide perspective on the issue. Asking people about how things went opens the door for a good effective and corrective discussion." He also recommends these type of discussions take place almost immediately either at the scene next to the apparatus or back at the firehouse. He states that waiting five weeks for a future drill in a volunteer department or a future shift for a career company will not have the same impact that having it immediately will have. He emphasizes repeatedly that correcting mistakes is an important element of running a good, safe and effective team. He recommends staying sharp and well trained so that you will be able to recognize tactics and behaviors that need correcting - good advice! After finishing Chief Salka's column, go to page 16 and read the article written by Scott Goodwin. Lieutenant Goodwin has written one of the best summaries on firefighters taking care of themselves so they can do their best that I have read in quite some time. Take a few minutes and read both of these articles and keep reading 1st Responder for more ideas on how to make yourself better at what you do.
PAGE 10
June, 2014
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY
FDNY ACTION SHOTS To see your action shots in the newspaper, upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
SHANE SHIFFLETT
Savannah, GA. FDNY firefighters participated in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah, GA.
FRED BACCHI
Firefighter from Tower Ladder 135
SHANE SHIFFLETT
Savannah, GA. FDNY firefighters participated in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah, GA.
SHANE SHIFFLETT
Savannah, GA. FDNY firefighters participated in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah, GA.
FRED BACCHI
Firefighter from Tower Ladder 135 removes window frame
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY 1
June, 2014
Page 11
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2007 complete with central air, high efficiency windows, hot water heater, boiler, one layer roof, etc. Electrical upgrades ni 2001. All your core up-grades already done. Great investment. Make it your own.
869 York St., East Rutherford, NJ ... $449,900 *** Heroes Exclusive Listing ***
Property size is 110 x 110 - oversized level lot - tree lined street. Well maintained ranch featuring large EIK, LR w/fireplace, 2 bedrooms, full bath. Full finished basement with bonus room/rec room, laundry room and full bath. Three car detached garage - oversized driveway (8+ cars). Attention builders - potential two, 2-family homes. Near Meadowlands, NYC transportation, schools, parks/shopping. Flood zone but never flooded.
46 Hathaway St., Wallington, NJ ... $325,000 *** Heroes Exclusive Listing *** Two Family, 4 Bedrooms, Fully Rented!
Two family home located on a quiet street, in a quiet neighborhood. First floor features kitchen/dining space, living room, 2 bedrooms, full bath. Second floor features kitchen/dining space, living
room, 2 bedrooms, full bath. Unfinished basement with hook-ups for washer/dryer, separate utilities. Two car garage. Both units are currently rented. Flood zone.
Heroes get a discounted rate on this rental! $200 Savings A Month For Heroes! This apartment building located in West New York, NJ, features four 3-bedroom apartments which are currently being advertised for $2,400 per month and a 1-bedroom apartment which is being advertised for $1,850 per month. They are newly renovated and close to schools, parks, shopping centers, Boulevard East, Hoboken and Edgewater. Heroes can deduct $200 per month from the advertised price!
‘Heroes Certified’ apartments available in West New York, NJ
Local hero heads up the team at Heroes Realty
Martin Kaczmarczyk practically grew up in the firehouse and his family has served bravely in different capacities for generations. These days, Kaczmarczyk proudly carries on the family tradition. Kaczmarczyk is a career firefighter with the Bloomfield (N.J.) Fire Department and volunteers in the Wallington (N.J.) Fire Department, where he served as Chief the past three years. That’s what you call a hero and Heroes Realty is proud to have Kaczmarczyk on our experienced team of real estate salespersons. When he isn’t fighting fires, Kaczmarczyk works for Heroes Martin Realty. He shrugs off the so-called Kaczmarczyk hero status, but he’s certainly passionate about working in the firehouse, and with Heroes Realty. Heroes Realty works with heroes and their families across the country with a variety of real estate transactions. These selfless men and women include firefighters and EMT’s, police officers, members of the armed services, healthcare professionals – including doctors, nurses and support staff – and educators. “You want to help anyone you work with, but these men and women lay it on the line for all of us every day,” Kaczmarczyk said. “You want to try to go above and beyond for them, especially since I can really relate to them. I was working with a police officer on a transaction and he said ‘I can’t believe you run into burning buildings.’ I can’t believe he would go into a dark alley looking for someone who might have a gun. Just to have a positive influence on their lives means a lot, whether it be a police officer, a firefighter, an EMT or a veteran.” Shortly after graduating high school in 1995, Kaczmarczyk joined the Wallington Fire Department. He has served ever since and was chief last year. He became a member of the Bloomfield Fire Department in 2007. It's important for me to serve and help others in their time of need,” Kaczmarczyk said. “When they call, they need help. Their lives and the lives of their loved ones may be in danger. They could be losing all of their possessions, family photos, family heirlooms, or even their homes.” Whether you are looking to purchase a new home, sell the one you are in for the best price possible, or are even looking to rent or lease a quality home or apartment, Kaczmarczyk and Heroes Realty has opened its doors to provide personal real estate services to all of the Heroes in our community. Heroes Realty is dedicated to the longterm success and financial well-being of all of our clients. We understand how hard you work and the sacrifices you make. Let us work hard for you!
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June, 2014
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY