Editorial

From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor I Want to Be AFirefighter!

Over the past few years, I have met many new volunteer firefighters that soon develop aspirations to become members of a paid department. In my volunteer department, a few members have applied to fire departments in other states and met their requirements. The reason they were accepted to out of state departments was because they did their homework and worked hard to meet the requirements that were posted for the job.

Afirefighting career field is very competitive. If you apply to a department like the FDNY, you quickly learn you are competing against thousands of applicants for very few available jobs. I read that over 46,000 people applied for the FDNYtest in 2017. I was stunned when I read this number. The best candidates think of their minimum score on this exam as above 90 percent. You can increase your chances of getting a high grade if you have military experience and live in New York City. Hence, the challenges of becoming a NYC firefighter have encouraged people to look to other states for possible acceptance into their fire departments. This is where you must pay attention to every aspect of the requirements stated on the application form.

Recently, I asked a young energetic volunteer firefighter if he applied to a nearby state for a posted test to become a firefighter. His answer was a quiet no! One of the requirements on the application was that applicants needed to be an EMT. My response was, “Why not become an EMTin your current department and get some experience to add to your application?” I never got a response to my question.

If you are serious about any occupation, be the best you can be and do more than what is expected of you. Exceed any education requirements. Also, as a volunteer firefighter, think of getting as many certifications as you can. If national certifications are available, take the additional tests. Speak with your local fire academy to find out about additional certifications that may help you stand out above other applicants.

Are you in tip-top shape? Remember, if you pass the written test, you still must pass a Physical Ability Test. The agility tests are no joke. The test has many parts, and you are not going to pass them unless you prepare yourself for their grueling nature. Military experience helps with understanding how to prepare for these tests.

Congratulations, you did well on the written test, and you passed the physical test. Guess what, you’re not finished. You must pass an interview that investigates your past. Whatever you do, do not lie during this interview. Start to prepare for this part of the exam by reviewing your social media page. If you have inappropriate posts, remove them. GroupMe posts can come back to haunt you.

My best advice to anyone interested in becoming a paid firefighter is to talk to the people that have walked the path before you. Study, work out, and set an example for others to follow. And while you are waiting for your chance to shine, think about joining the armed forces. Think of it as preparation for the greatest job in the world! - Dennis

FireNews.com Fire News, September/October2022, Page 5 5 Displaced by

House Fire

On July 5, 2022, just before 0030, Springfield (MA) firefighters were dispatched to WebsterStreet in the city’s LowerLiberty Heights area fora structure fire. First arriving companies reported heavy fire on the Aside of a large 2-1/2 story, two-family home. Crews used 2-1/2 inch lines on the Aside to knock down the fire. Additional lines were taken inside as crews went to work. Truck 1 and Truck 4 crews worked to open the roof up forventilation. Engine 4 crew rescued a 15year-old dog from the fire, who was treated by AMR crews (the dog was fine). Five people were displaced. The Springfield Arson and Bomb Squad determined that fireworks caused the blaze. - Fire News photo by John DeForest

Heavy Fire Showing in Manchester

On June 8, 2022, at 1502 Manchester(CT) crews responded to a call of heavy fire showing with a report of a person trapped in a Saddle Hill Road home. The occupant was able to escape priorto the FD’s arrival.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

Fire News Donates $50,000 to Charities

In May, Fire News held a charitable awards event donating a total of $50,000 to five fire-EMS-related charities. The commitment to donate the funds was made by Fire News publisher Frank C. Trotta when the Fire News 9/11 20th Anniversary Issue was released last fall.

Publisher Frank C. Trotta and Chief Operating Officer Tim Edwards presented $10,000 checks to the charities, noting that the, “Five charities continue to contribute in a positive way to families affected by the devasting effects of 9/11.”

The charities chosen work on a national basis include: The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund, Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Foundation, The Ray Pfeifer Foundation, Firefighter Cancer Support Network - NYChapter and The FealGood Foundation.

Close to 200 people attended including chiefs, commisioners and members from many departments, state and local government officials and others. It was highlighted by the Ceremonial Color Guard provided by the Fire Chiefs Council of Suffolk County and former FDNYChief of Department Tom Richardson as the key note speaker.

“I’d like to thank the Fire News editorial and sales staff for their roundthe-clock work producing the issue, our photographers who donated their images and our advertisers who supported the issue,” said Trotta.

Thank you to the South County Ambulance Company for generously providing their facilities, hospitality and to all of their members who volunteered their time to help. - Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone &Bryan Lopez

4+ Alarms in Newport

On May 23, 2022, Newport (RI) Fire was dispatched to a masterbox activation at The WayfinderHotel. Car2 arrived on scene and reported a small Code Red on the exteriorAlpha/Delta corner, requesting Engine 5 and a Navy LadderCompany. The fire was in a wing on the south end of the several-wing building. Upon the arrival of E5, the crew was sent to the second floor. and reported a strong smoke condition. In response to the deteriorating conditions, command ordered additional units. As conditions deteriorated, eventually, all companies were pulled from the second, third and fourth floors and the roof. Companies regrouped, were briefly put back inside, then withdrawn again. The fire then went to strictly defensive operations. Ultimately crews were able to save the northern wing of the hotel. - Fire News photo by Dylan Conway

Heavy Fire on Arrival at Midland Garage Fire

At approximately 2320 on July 30, 2022, the Orange (CT) Fire Department was dispatched to the 200 block of Midland Drive fora house fire. First units on scene found heavy fire in a two-bay garage of a raised ranch, which was extending into the home. Reports from radio traffic was that all occupants made it safely outside. Mutual aid responded from Derby and Woodbridge. - Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com

Plymouth 2-Alarm Displaces Family

Chief Neil Foley reports that the Plymouth (MA) Fire Department extinguished a two-alarm house fire on July 24, 2022, that left a family displaced. At approximately 0635, Plymouth Fire responded to Overlook Circle fora fire. Upon arrival, firefighters from the West Plymouth Village Fire Station observed heavy flames throughout the home. The occupants, a family of three, were not home at the time of the fire. Asecond alarm was struck to provide additional manpowerand relief to the scene due to the high ambient temperatures. Members of the Kingston Fire Department responded to provide station coverage. BrewsterAmbulance also responded. Firefighters aggressively worked to knock down the flames and the fire was deemed to be undercontrol around 0800. Crews were still working to overhaul the scene. No injuries were reported. The home sustained significant damage and was a total loss. - Photos courtesy of Peter Walsh, Jr. and John Sjostedt

West Haven Pavilion Fire

The West Haven (CT) Fire Department operated at a pavilion fire on West Spring Street. - Fire News photo by Fill The Box Fire Photography

Lowell 4-Alarmer

Around 1100 on June 5, 2022, Lowell (MA) firefighters were dispatched to Westford Street fora fire. Companies arrived to find a fire in a store on the first floorof a large residential-over-commercial building. Firefighters made an aggressive interiorattack on the firstfloorfire and looked to have the fire knocked, but crews found that the flames had entered the walls of the building and extended into the cockloft. Crews continued to make a strong effort to get to the rest of the fire but conditions quickly deteriorated and firefighters were forced into a defensive operation. With the help of three aerial masterstreams, the fire was knocked down allowing companies to reenterto knock down the remaining fire and bring the fire undercontrol.

FireNews.com Fire News, September/October2022, Page 9 Manchester3-Alarmer

Over100 Manchester(NH) firefighters battled a stubborn threealarm fire on the city’s West Side in a three-deckeron Hevey Street on July 10, 2022. - Fire News photos by Jay Heath and Jeffrey Hastings

Nashua Apartment Fire

Nashua (NH) firefighters were dispatched to a building fire at the DowntownerApartments on Chestnut Street in the early evening of July 23, 2022. Engine 1 arrived to nothing showing initially. A fire was eventually found in a fourth-floorapartment ceiling and a working fire was struck. Companies had the fire knocked down in a short amount of time.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Kerrigan

Malden 3-Alarmer

On June 6, 2022, Malden (MA) firefighters responded to Eastern Avenue forwhat would become a three alarm fire in a large twostory concrete/wood mixed-occupancy building (apartments over commercial). Fire was on the second floorwith some extension to the attic area.

- Fire News photo by Dave Stewart

Taunton Complex Burns

Taunton (MA) Fire Communications received MasterBox 507, reporting multiple zones with a follow up call of smoke in the building. Engines 1 and 3, Ladder3 and Car2 were dispatched. Engines 4 and 5 were special called as crews arrived to find fire spreading through the complex. As the fire grew, a general alarm was sounded. The towns of Raynham, Bridgewater, Berkely, Rehoboth and Lakeville responded in mutual aid. It took several hours forthe fire to overtake the entire complex which was surrounded by woods and a riverwith only one road into the building. - Fire News photo by Bob Myers

Fire Runs the Roof in Johnston

Johnston (RI) fire companies were dispatched to Enfield Street on June 8, 2022, formultiple calls fora dwelling fire. First-due crews found heavy fire conditions on the Bravo/Charlie cornerof this single-story ranch. Three handlines were stretched and operated to knock down the fire from the exterior before firefighters entered the dwelling to get to the seat of the fire. The roof line was compromised due to heavy fire conditions running the attic and solar panels. Command requested additional units from Providence, Smithfield and Cranston to the scene to assist.

Nice Stop in Fall River

Around 1430 on June 20, 2022, Fall River(MA) firefighters responded to Wooley Street fora fire. Car3 arrived and reported heavy exteriorfire on the A/D cornerrunning from the first floor to the third floorand roof. Shortly after, command reported live electric wires burning and dropping to the street. Engine 4 tied into a hydrant in front of the structure while Ladder2 used their aerial to access the roof. The fire appeared to have started on the first-floorporch in a metal bucket and raced to the eaves of the three-story house. There was heavy waterdamage on all three floors but only interiorfire damage was in the attic. - Fire News photo by Ken Leger

Roof FireatBoston4-Story

On June 2, 2022, Boston (MA) Box 1212 was struck forHanover Street in the city’s North End for a fire on the roof of a four-story building. Engine 8 and Ladder1, just blocks away from the fire, arrived to heavy black smoke from the roof. The fire began in an apartment on the top floor. A second alarm was called as the fire was through the roof. Firefighters stretched lines to the front and rearof the building in the tight street and narrow alley. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade

So Much fora Nice Sunday Drive

On June 12, 2022, Bridgeport (CT) firefighters responded fora tractor-trailerfire that snarled northbound Interstate 95 traffic for hours. Atruck carrying watermelons burst into flames after pulling into the breakdown lane of the highway. Fourengines and a truck battled the flames forabout 20 minutes before bringing the fire undercontrol. The highway remained closed forcleanup of the fruit and hazardous materials.

Page 12, Fire News, September/October2022 4 Die in WorcesterBlaze

On May 14, 2022, Worcester(MA) firefighters responded to a fouralarm fire on Gage Street. There was heavy fire showing from the large wood frame building on arrival. One of the occupants jumped from a third-floorporch as firefighters arrived. The fire started to extend to an exposed building. Fourpeople perished in the fire. Investigators from WorcesterPolice and Fire, along with the ATFcombed the building fordays before it was ordered torn down. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea

Yacht Burns, Sinks in New Castle

On June 17, 2022, New Castle (NH) Fire Department responded with multiple other agencies to the Wentworth Marina fora boat fire. Crews arrived to find a 72-foot yacht fully involved and drifting. A fireboat from City of Portsmouth (NH) responded to fight the fire. Three occupants on the yacht were rescued by a bystanderboat. The occupants were treated for minor injuries and mild hypothermia. The vessel eventually sank. - Fire News photo by John DeForest

GloucesterInnerHarbor Fire

Acting Chief Robert Rivas reported that the Gloucester (MA) Fire Department responded to a three-alarm fire in Gloucester’s Inner Harbor. GloucesterFire was dispatched to Beacon Marine Basin on East Main Street for a building fire. crews arrived to smoke in the building’s basement, which had extended to the roof and subsequently ordered a second alarm, followed by a third shortly after. Firefighters assisted one individual to safely evacuate from the building. There were no reported injuries and all of the building’s occupants were accounted for. Gloucesterwas assisted at the scene by the Beverly (Marine Unit), the GloucesterPolice Department, GloucesterHarbormaster, GloucesterInspectional Services, Beauport Ambulance and mutual aid fire units from Essex, Hamilton, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Rockport. Station coverage was provided by Beverly, Rockport, Danvers and Manchester-bythe-Sea. Rehab 5 also responded. The American Red Cross was called to the scene to assist fewerthan 10 residents who were displaced. - Photo courtesy of Gloucester FD

Phillipston 2-Alarmer

On April 12, 2022, Phillipston (MA) Fire responded to Petersham Road fora report of smoke coming from a home. Upon arrival a second alarm was struck formutual aid, and additional tankers were called in overthe second. Templeton responded with their ladderto assist with opening the roof. Orange, Athol, Gardnerand Petersham also responded. - Fire News photo by Bryan Favreau

Recycling CenterFire

The Yantic (CT) Fire Department requested numerous mutual aid to battle a large building fire loaded with cardboard, plastics, and otherClass Acombustibles, at the city’s Rogers Road facility. - Fire News photo by Joe Shefer

Londonderry 3-Alarmer

On July 11, 2022, at 1901, Londonderry (NH) firefighters responded fora three-alarm fire in a large commercial building which took several hours to bring undercontrol. An extra ladder, and the HazMat Team also responded. - Fire News photo by Jay Heath

Cover Story

Shelton Rollover& Extrication

At approximately 1430 on June 12, 2022, the Shelton (CT) Fire Department was dispatched to Howe Avenue fora single-car rolloverthat ended up on the passengerside with two people trapped. Both people were extricated and transmitted to local hospitals with injuries, which did not appearto be life threatening. - Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com

1 Fatality at Colchester 2-Alarm

- Fire News photo by Robert Ladd, CFPA

Watertown House Fire

- Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan

ConveyorSystem Fire

- Fire News photo by Robert Brown

Golf Cart Fire in Carver Dogs Die, Dogs Saved at Becket Blaze

- Fire News photo by Ed Harvey

Haddam CarFire

- Fire News photo by Olivia Drake

Structure Fires on Clinton St. Middletown

- Fire News photo by David Bowen

Fast Stop in Hartford

- Fire News photo by Maurice Delage

2 FFs Injured at Hartford 2-Alarmer

Hartford (CT) crews responded fora two-alarm fire on Ashley Street on July 4, 2022, around 0300. Due to the amount of smoke and fire in the building they made a defensive attack of the fire. Two firefighters were injured but were expected to be okay. - Fire News photo by Nick Peruta

Fire News, September/October2022, Page 15 Electrical Failure in Waterbury

At approximately 1240 on June 9, 2022, the Waterbury (CT) Fire Department responded to East Main Street fora fire in an underground electrical vault beneath the sidewalk. The fire was quickly knocked down, but not before it caused the four-story commercial building at the address to sufferstructural damage to the first and second floors. There were no reported injuries, but many businesses and residents lost powerin the downtown area forover an hour. - Fire News photos by FireGroundImages.com and Rick Kulmann

Page 18, Fire News, September/October2022

Mashpee 2-CarMVA

Mashpee (MA) Captain Nicole Stanley (left) makes herway to one of two cars involved in an MVAin Mashpee on June 25, 2022. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade Manchester3-CarMVA

Amulti-vehicle MVAon Interstate 93 in Manchesterappeared to be related to the heavy rains and flooding on the roadway. Manchester (NH) Fire, Police, AMR and New Hampshire State Police responded to 93 south in the area of the HanoverStreet off ramp fora rollover. On arrival they had a passengercarwith an infant in the back seat, and the carappeared to be rear-ended by a pickup. The pickup hit the guardrail, flying overthe embankment, striking support wires forutility poles and coming to rest in a swamp on the HanoverStreet connector. Additional fire and EMS were dispatched to the scene, and firefighters worked to get the injured man out of the pickup. The people in the carwere transported but did not appearto have suffered any life-threatening injuries. The man in the pickup was seriously injured and was extricated afterabout 30 minutes. - Fire News photo by Jeffrey Hastings

Extrication at Fall River 3-Car

On July 27, 2022, Heavy Rescue 1 along with three medical rescues responded to the intersection of President Avenue and Robeson Streets in Fall River(MA) fora three-carMVA. When units arrived, they found a chain reaction accident involving the three vehicles and a fire hydrant. Rescue 1 had to use theircutters and spreaders to extricate one driverfortransport. Fall RiverPolice were on hand to do accident reconstruction. - Fire News photo by Ken Leger

RacerMedevac’d in Templeton

On June 12, 2022, just before noon, Templeton (MA) Fire was requested to set up an LZ forUMass Lifeflight at Templeton Developmental Centerforan ATVriderwith serious injuries from a racing accident at the Crow Hill Motocross track. - Fire News photo by Bryan Favreau

Duxbury Extrication

Duxbury (MA) Firefighters had to stabilize this vehicle before extricating the trapped occupant. - Fire News photo by Rob Reardon

South Meriden MVA

On June 28, 2022, South Meriden (CT) firefighters responded to a two-carMVAat Main and Camp Streets. Both cars were heavily damaged and both drivers injured. - Fire News photo by David Bowen

FireNews.com

Fire News, September/October2022, Page 19 Merrimack CarChase, Crash and Medevac

Bedford (NH) Police attempted to stop a vehicle that reportedly refused to stop on South RiverRoad on July 6, 2022. Merrimack Police were notified the vehicle was traveling towards theirtown. Officers advised the vehicle was occupied by one male and a dog. Radio broadcasts indicated the occupant of the carmay be armed with a knife. Merrimack (NH) Police attempted to stop the vehicle which continued South on D.W. Highway. The vehicle lost control and struck a guard rail and utility pole in front of the Merrimack fire station at about 2345. The vehicle plunged into the Souhegan Riverand began smoking, and was heavily damaged. The man was secured by police but he remained trapped in the vehicle. Firefighters worked foroveran hourto extricate the man. The dog was leashed and uninjured. The man was removed, transferred to a Merrimack ambulance and then to a DHARThelicopterfortransport to Elliot Hospital in Manchesterwith multi-system trauma. - Fire News photo by Jeffrey Hastings

Looking Back

Boston 2014

On March 26, 2014, shortly before 1500 Boston firefighters responded fora fire in the 200 block of Beacon Street, which quickly went to nine alarms. Along the way Lieutenant Edward J. Walsh Jr. and FirefighterMichael R. Kennedy made the supreme sacrifice. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade

Hartford - 1982

Firefighters working a structure on North Main Street, in Hartford, in 1982. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta

Fitchburg - 2011

On June 11, 2011, 6 alarms Fitchburg (MA) firefighters responded on mutual aid towhat woulkd be a six-alarm fire on Main Street. The fire was in a fivestory apartments-overcommercial building. The building was built in 1897 was converted into condominiums and consisted of 47 units. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade

FireNews.com Fire News, September/October2022, Page 21

Biddeford Works Unusual

EMS Call

Around 1100 on the morning of August 4, 2022, the Biddeford (ME) Fire Department responded to a medical emergency on Basket Island, in the Hills Beach section of the city. Ambulance10, Engine-26, Car-1 and Utility-4 with the 6x6 Rangerresponded to the scene. Companies accessed the victim via a low tide sand baroff of Surf Avenue. The Ranger6x6 was able to remove the patient to EMS-10. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers

Kayakers Fine in Mashpee

Mashpee and Contuit (MA) fire departments received a call for possible kayak with people in trouble. Mashpee deployed a boat and found the people, who were all fine. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade

LifeNet Medevac for Trauma Vic

In early July, Great Barrington (MA) had a run of severe traumatic emergencies requiring airmedical transportation. LifeNet helicopterout of New York, landed at a school sports field to pick up a trauma victim.

- Fire News photo by Ed Harvey

Trees, Poles, Wires Down on Vehicle

Astrong storm moved through southern New Hampshire, bringing heavy winds, rain and lightning. During the height of the storm a Londonderry (NH) man was driving south on Londonderry Turnpike (Also known as the 28 By Pass) when trees and utility poles started falling in front of his moving vehicle. He slammed on the brakes, and the right side of his vehicle was struck by a tree and live powerlines covered his vehicle. He called 911 who advised him to stay in his vehicle and Auburn (NH) firefighters responded. He was trapped in his vehicle formore than an hourwhile Eversource responded and disconnected the power, and then was assisted from his vehicle and evaluated. He was physically uninjured but was very shaken by the incident. - Fire News photo by Jeffrey Hastings