North Hudson Fire & Rescue gets two major calls on December 1.
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Searches turn up the body of a 57-year old resident.
On arrival firefighters find an abandoned two-story restaurant.
5-Alarmer
West New York
On a busy night, crews responded to a fire and explosion that ultimately goes to a fifth alarm.
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Ever since I was a kid, batteries were problematic. Years ago, we used lead acid batteries. The batteries were used to operate all our toys. One problem was that they leaked. I soon learned that to save my toys, I had to carefully wash and dry the battery terminals with baking soda, dried the unit and carefully abraded the terminals to expose the tin metal contacts. Once again, we were good to go!
Nickel Metal Hydride and Pro High Capacity NiMh batteries are common to photographers. They work well and offer little problems. I used rechargeable batteries with little problems, only finding I had to keep track of when the batteries were last charged.
As our electronics became more sophisticated, so did the need for more power. Lithium-ion batteries took over the playing field. I first heard of the problems with these batteries when they were used in laptop computers. Defective batteries could overheat, catch fire, and even explode. This posed a danger when the user charged batteries on beds and under pillows.
So, what is the problem? As technology grew, so did the problems. We soon learned that it was difficult to extinguish fire from Lithium-Ion batteries. It was so difficult that firefighters had to become creative when extinguishing this type of
product.
When you read Fire News, look at the increasing number of Lithium-Ion battery fires. Thanks to our photographers who point out fires in which E-Scooters were removed from the occupancy.
Firefighters are using copious amounts of water to knock down the flames. They are also are using large non-conductive plastic buckets to submerge the E-Bike into, to aid in extinguishment of the fire. Firefighters are making the effort to remove the E-Bikes into the street where they can be fully extinguished. I am also observing that HazMat units are responding to these calls on a regular basis.
I am happy to see firefighters question the violent blue-green arc that is seen more frequently in car fires. As the magnesium yoke around the steering column begins to burn, crews quickly learn that the magnesium yoke can explode. Crews are becoming aware of the importance of switching to a foam operation. If the high temperature of the burning yoke is not extinguished, you risk the high heat condition taking over the car and causing the fuel tank to rupture. It is no fun to watch fuel flow down the street toward a parked car.
Be prepared for the unexpected, we will look
at battery incidents thought the year. Let’s hope that a safer battery is available in the future.
As more and more training classes are provided, look to attend seminars at your local fire academy or trade show, on the Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries.
Stay safe and continue to wear your SelfContained Breathing Apparatus!
- DennisThe volunteerfire companies of Scullville and Bargaintown responded to Weymouth Avenue on November13, 2022, at 1556, fora report of a structure fire. Scullville Chief Vern Cruse arrived and established command fora single-family dwelling with heavy fire rolling out the Aside. Scullville Ladder1535 stretched two preconnected lines to the front of the structure assisted by Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe and his Assistant Chief Wil Hancock. Upon the arrival of Bargaintown Engine 1522 a LDH was laid from a nearby hydrant and hooked into Ladder1535 fora watersupply. Engine 1522, had its crew stretch a line to the rearof the structure with its watersupply coming from Bargaintown Tender1528. Also responding were the City of Somers Point Fire Department, Atlantic City Electric, South Jersey Gas and the EHTAmbulance Squad.
- Fire News photos by Ken & Cindy Badger
“Fully-involved” was certainly an accurate description of conditions that greeted firefighters when they arrived on scene in response to a reported structure fire in Hopewell Township in MercerCounty, on November25, 2022. Thanksgiving was only a few hours in the past when a neighborreported the fire on Madison Avenue just before 0135. Flames were venting through the roof and shooting out nearly every window of the two-story 6,300-square-foot mansion when Pennington Borough Fire Company Deputy Chief RogerDemareski arrived. With parts of the roof already collapsing, he ordered responding personnel from Pennington, Hopewell, Union (Titusville), West Trenton, Lawrenceville and Lawrence Road to implement a strictly defensive operation. Large diametersupply lines were laid to two neighborhood hydrants to supply a half-dozen hoselines and Pennington LadderTower51’s aerial masterstream. Tankers from Upper Makefield and Somerset County (Griggstown, Montgomery and Neshanic) were special-called to the scene as well as a precaution. There were no injuries reported and it was laterlearned that the home had been unoccupied at the time of the blaze.
- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe
On the evening of December1, 2022, the members of the North Hudson Fire and Rescue Department, which serves the Hudson County cities of North Bergen, Union City, Guttenberg, West New York and Weehawken underthe command of Chief of Department Donnarumma, found themselves spread thin with two almost simultaneous multiple alarm fires a few miles apart. At approximately 1445 Fire Control received multiple calls reporting a fire on Madison Street in West New York. Companies arrived to heavy smoke showing from the front of the four-story type 3 constructed OMD with a bodega on the first floor. Heavy fire was found in the basement as companies reported people trapped on the fire escapes and a second alarm was transmitted. Several lines were stretched and placed into operation in the basement and first flooras search-
es were conducted, howeverinteriorcrews reported not making much headway due to a gas fed fire, and a third alarm was transmitted. During the offensive fire attack, a section of flooring collapsed and one firefighterwas dropped into the basement. He was quickly removed without injuries and at this point command decided to remove all members and go defensive. The fire continued to rapidly spread across the cockloft and as portions of the roof collapsed the fire also dropped down into the fourth floor. The fire continued to burn forseveral hours, completely burning through the top floorand roof. By daybreak companies were still operating masterstreams into the building. Several firefighters and civilians were injured all with non-life-threatening injuries and at least 40 families were left homeless.
Recently the Mount Arlington Fire Company was dispatched to Arlington Avenue, around the cornerfrom fire headquarters. On arrival of the chief, smoke and flames were coming from the second-floorwindows. The first-due engine and truck stretched a line in and quickly started knocking fire down. The commanderquickly called a second alarm bringing in Picatinn y Arsenal fora ladderand engine, Jefferson, Hopatcong, Netcong and Budd Lake. Crews knocked down fire through the attic and second floor. There were no injuries and crews remained on scene forhours overhauling and investigating the fire.
- Fire News photos by A/C Kevin J. Maloney; Budd Lake FC
On November6, 2022, Brick Stations 24, 23, 22 and 21 and Point Pleasant Boro FASTStation 75 responded to a middle-of-the-row apartment building on Saw Mill Road forheavy fire showing out of the front door. First arriving Engine 2471 conducted an aggressive interiorattack keeping the fire to the main apartment with moderate extension to only the adjoining apartments. The fire was placed undercontrol 30 minutes afterarrival and the cause was underinvestigation.
- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
- Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe
The holiday feast did not slow Trenton firefighters down one bit as they quickly extinguished a working fire on Thanksgiving evening, November24, 2022. It was 2225 when firefighters were alerted to a commercial building fire on New York Avenue. Engine 6 quickly arrived and reported smoke showing from a third-floorapartment above the Dubai Restaurant and Lounge. An all-hands signal was transmitted and additional resources were dispatched. But there was little forthe extra companies to do as the blaze was rapidly knocked down.
The Egg HarborTownship Fire Department in Atlantic County supported “Shop with a Cop” on December3, 2022. The project is sponsored by WalMart and allows underprivileged youth to shop with a cop at a local WalMart fortheirChristmas present.
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
At approximately 1730 on November17, 2022, the Maywood Fire Department was dispatched fora report of smoke in a basement on Stone Street. On arrival of Chief J. Gargagliano several minutes later, he reported a working fire in the two-story, frame, private dwelling. Mutual aid from Rochelle Park and a FASTtruck from Hackensack was requested. Two lines were stretched into the home and the operations chief reported a fire in the basement which was quickly knocked down. Companies opened up and checked for extension, which was negative, and the fire was called undercontrol in just over30 minutes and contained to a small area of the basement.
- Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
Trenton firefighters discovered the body of a 57-year-old man while conducting a primary search during a structure fire in the early hours of October23, 2022. The blaze on SummerStreet was reported about 0040. First-due firefighters reported smoke in the air, then arrived to find heavy fire showing from both floors of the two-story semi-detached dwelling. Told someone might still be inside, firefighters mounted an aggressive interiorattack and search. The victim who had been staying in the home was unfortunately already deceased when he was located. The fire was fought by crews from Engines 1, 10, 8 and 9, Ladders 1 and 4, and Rescue 1. The blaze was declared undercontrol at 0125.
- Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe
The Cologne VolunteerFire Company along with Township of Hamilton EMS and Police were dispatched on November10, 2022, at 1836, to New York and West Jersey Avenues fora report of an MVA with the vehicle into the woodlands and the driverout and walking around. Upon arrival of the police, it was discovered the vehicle was on its side and a person was still trapped in the vehicle. This prompted the
dispatching of Mays Landing and Laureldale. Upon arrival of the extrication equipment, Mays Landing Assistant Chief Ken Badger, Jr., entered the vehicle to stay with the victim while firefighters stabilized the vehicle, cut the B post and did a roof roll, enabling extrication of the victim who was stabilized by EMS and transported.
- Fire News photo by Ken Badger
On October31, 2022, the Township of Toms Riverhosted theirannual Halloween parade down Main Street in front of a packed crowd.
From the moment they arrived on the scene, Battalion Chief Dave Smolka and first-due firefighters knew the two buildings were going to the ground. It was only a question of how long it would take. It was 0255 on November21, 2022 — as the temperature hovered at a frigid 21 degrees — that Trenton firefighters were alerted to the blaze on Tremont Street. Both structures were abandoned and were well-known to city firefighters, as they had already been badly
damaged by several previous fires. This time they were both fully-involved and it was clearthat a collapse would be imminent. Asecond alarm was struck and firefighters focused on protecting exposures from the intense radiant heat. It wasn’t long before first one structure, and then the other, toppled over. Engine 3’s deck gun and several 2-1/2 inch hoselines were used to bring the blaze under control by 0339. -
There is a great selection of training classes and breakouts to choose from. You must register, in advance, for training classes. Additional training classes will be posted, so check back frequently so you don’t miss out. You do not need to register for breakouts.
The Kevin H. Tuno, Emergency Manager of the Year Award nomination deadline is March 10, 2023. This award recognizes and honors an individual or program that embodies the values and leadership displayed by Kevin during his 33 years of service to the Emergency Management Community in New Jersey.
The recipient will be recognized for their long-term commitment to emergency preparedness efforts and have clearly influenced the Emergency Management profession and community in New Jersey in a positive manner.
To learn more about this award, eligibility and rules, and the selection process, please visit our website at www.njepa.org
On the evening of November6, 2022, at approximately 1915, Clifton Fire Alarm dispatched companies to Vincent Drive fora reported building fire in the area. On arrival, companies found an abandoned two-story restaurant with heavy smoke showing. Due to reports of holes in the floors, command initially advised companies not to enter the building and a second alarm was transmitted. With a report of a
possible person trapped, companies cautiously entered the building to conduct searches, which were negative. Several handlines were stretched as trucks ventilated but, with heavy fire reported in the cockloft, command pulled all companies from the structure and placed L-2 in service with theirladderpipe. The fire was finally placed undercontrol at around 2100. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
The volunteerfire companies of Cardiff and Farmington were dispatched to Black Horse Pike on September4, 2022, fora report of a dumpsterfire. Cardiff Chief Gil Zonge arrived to a construction roll-off dumpsterwell involved and up against a structure. ACardiff engine pulled two preconnects and begin knockdown as others checked forextension. The fire was brought undercontrol with no extension to the building.
- Fire News photos by Ken Badger
Just as companies were clearing a carfire across town on November21, 2022, Brick stations 21, 23 and 24, and the TRTresponded to a home on Springhill Drive fora carthat struck a home. Crews arrived to a sedan well into a garage, taking out a cornerof the home with the sole drivertrapped and a moderate gas leak. NJNGwas requested on a rush as the crew from 2301 was able to extricate the driver. TRTresponded to shore up the home.
- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
On November9, 2022, Stations 25 and 26 were dispatched to a home on Hyers Street in downtown Toms Riverfora reported dryerfire. The first arriving chief had heavy smoke showing and transmitted a second alarm, bringing all Toms RiverFire companies to the scene, along with a Beachwood Ladder. Engine 2671 quickly placed a 1-3/4 inch line in service knocking down the bulk of the fire on the first floor. Additional companies opened up on the second floor. The fire was placed undercontrol nearly 20 minutes afterarrival and crews began to pick up shortly after. - Fire News
The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs and Islip Town Fire/EMS Museum Educational Center have partnered once again to deliver this exciting emergency services exposition and educational event on Long Island. Don’t miss the 2023 Long Island Metro Fire/EMS Expo, February 3-5, 2023, at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale.
The 2023 event will feature numerous vendors displaying apparatus, tools, equipment and services for fire and EMS agencies, as well as nine 90-minute educational seminars for fire/EMS responders of all ranks presented by some of the most prominent leaders in the emergency services field. Alist of exhibitors and schedule of lectures will be available at www.nysfirechiefs.com/liexpo.
Attendee registration is only $20 per person, per day, and includes entry to the expo and classroom seminars. Parking is free! Tickets are available in advance online through Ticketmaster (credit card only; service fees will be applied). Tickets can also be purchased at the door (cash, credit card, and voucher accepted). If paying by voucher - departments can provide NYSAFC with the voucher and a roster in advance OR submit the voucher and use a sign-in sheet on-site. NYSAFC will bill agencies at the conclusion of the event. Email vouchers and rosters — and any questions — to NYSAFC at liexpo@nysfirechiefs.com. Vouchers and rosters can also be faxed to NYSAFC at 518-477-4430.
New for 2023 will be Hands-On Training delivered during this event! Class sizes are limited, and HOTwill require special registration. More details and a registration form are forthcoming. This event benefits the museum and the association, supporting their shared mission to serve the fire and emergency services personnel of Long Island and New York state. Learn more at www.nys firechiefs.com/liexpo.
Robert Ross - Rob has recently joined Fire & Safety Services as a Sales Rep. Rob will be working towards replacing Kevin Driscoll in Somerset and Mercer Counties.
For more than a decade, Rob has been a part of the fire industry through dedicated service, technician training and achievements including years as volunteer firefighter. Rob joins the F&SS team with in-depth industry sales experience. He is a career firefighter with Hamilton Fire Department.
Paul Sickler - Paul has recently joined Fire & Safety Services as a Sales Rep and will be working towards replacing Fred Hundt in Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland Counties.
Since 1988, Paul has been a part of the fire industry through dedicated service, training and achievements including 20 years as volunteer firefighter. He is currently a Battalion Chief with Winslow Township Fire Department.
On November21, 2022, Brick fire stations 21 and 22 were dispatched to Sunnydale Lane fora vehicle fire. The first arriving chief confirmed a pickup truck on fire in the driveway in close proximity to the home. Due to the truck being mostly composed of metal fire spread was slowed and fire just began to break through the windshield upon the arrival of the first engine. One line was placed into service, quickly knocking down the fire with no extension to the home.
- Fire News photo by Mark RosettiMatthew SteitzMatt has recently joined Fire & Safety Services as a Sales Rep and will be working towards replacing Kevin Driscoll in Middlesex County. Matt has over 15 years of dedicated service, training, and achievements in civil service. Matt is a career firefighter, EMT& Mechanic.
On December1, 2022, while all companies, which included multiple NHRFand R companies along with units from Jersey City heavily engaged on a Madison Street blaze, Fire Control received a call at approximately 1645 fora reported fire and explosion on Kennedy Boulevard in Union City. Mutual aid companies covering empty houses were dispatched on the box along with a NHFand R (North Hudson Fire and Rescue) ladderand battalion chief. While en route the BC reported smoke in the area and on arrival of Bayonne L-3, E-6 and BC, they reported a working fire in a large single-story type 3 building with a bow string truss roof, housing a Salvation Army thrift store. The building was fully involved and companies set up fora defensive operation and a second alarm was transmitted. Companies cut a metal overhead doorto gain access as two ladderpipes were set up and several handlines were put into operation. This area is comprised of tightly packed buildings and fire spread to exposures is not uncommon. The Bravo exposure, a three-story frame OMD, was severely threatened as the fire extended into the top floorand asphalt shingle siding. Anotherthreat was several buildings on the Charlie side of the fire which comprised of stores of various dimensions facing Summit Avenue. A third alarm was sounded, quickly followed by a fourth alarm for exposure protection. AKearny engine responding reported a working fire and requested additional companies from Jersey City. It was then discovered that a portion of the original fire building had collapsed onto one of the Charlie exposures. Jersey City L- 12 set up theirladderpipe and several handlines were stretched into the e xposed stores as well as onto the roof of one and were successful in keeping the fire out of those buildings. Hoboken L-1 was able to place theirladderpipe into service protecting additional exposures. Ultimately a fifth alarm was transmitted and the main body of fire was knocked down in just over90 minutes. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
The volunteerfire companies of Bargaintown and Cardiff were dispatched at 0720 on November1, 2022, originally to assist the police with an MVAon Mill Road and Tremont Avenue. The call was upgraded to an MVAwith entrapment and Cardiff Chief Gil Zonge, responding from anothercall, advised the dispatcherto have the Scullville Fire Company respond. Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe arrived and established command fora single-vehicle into a large tree with multiple occupants with the driverand rearseat passengerremoved but the front seat passengerheavily entrapped. Firefighters used multiple tools and worked for close to 45 minutes to free the passengerand once extricated, the passengerwas treated and stabilized by paramedics and EMS and was transported in critical condition.
- Fire News photos by Ken Badger
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Chief Robert Hebrank on November 3, 2022. Please join us in keeping his family in your hearts and prayers during this difficult time. He was 48.
Deputy Chief Rob Hebrank was a devoted member of the West Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department, who faithfully served our community for over 25 years. Chief Hebrank was recently diagnosed with choriocarcinoma, a form of testicular cancer, which had spread to multiple other organs in his body. This is an extremely rare form of cancer in an aggressive state and, after many months of chemotherapy and other treatments, Chief Hebrank passed away.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Melissa; loving brothers, Michael and his wife, Kelly, and Brian and his wife, Jessica; loving uncle of Jackson, Mackayla, William and Evelyn; godfather to his nephews and Sebastian Schleck; dear nephew of Allie Lull and Barbara (Peter) Ramsay; close cousin, Stephen (Cynthia) Tischio and their children, Sophia and Gabriel; also many cousins and their families.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the West Caldwell Vol. Firemen’s Assoc., PO Box 1511, West Caldwell, NJ 07007 would be appreciated.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Afire involving a pile of junked cars sent a large column of smoke looming up overthe northern end of the state capital on October28, 2022. The blaze, which involved more than a dozen old vehicles, occurred at the Alpha Shredding junkyard on Enterprise Avenue. Trenton firefighters were alerted about 1900 and arrived to find a pile of scrapped autos engulfed in a mass of flames.
Crews from Engines 6, 10 and 7, Ladder4 and Rescue 1, underthe direction of Battalion Chief Ross Dale, attacked the fire using a pairof 2-1/2 inch hoselines. Additional crews from Engine 1 and Ladder1 were dispatched and sent to the Route 1 Freeway to see if a better vantage point could be had to attack the fire from the elevated roadway. Ultimately, however, the crews on the ground made quick work at containing the fire and preventing flames from spreading to a nearby structure and othereven largerpiles of junked vehicles.
- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe
