Serving NEW JFire, ERSEY Serving Rescue
VOLUME 14, NO. 12
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973 MAY 2020
See story on page 6. - Fire News photo by Brian Grogan
Helpful COVID-19 Information Please See Pages 4, 6 & 8.
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Fire News, May 2020, Page 3
In this issue... Fatality in Moorestown Crews arrive at a two-alarm house fire...and find the body of a man who went back into the home. See story on page 10
Solar Panel Fire in Bargaintown And, luckily for the homeowner, a Bargaintown assistant chief happens to be a solar power installer. See story on page 14
Elizabeth Commercial 4-Alarmer Crews force entry into a truck repair building to find it fully involved. See story on page 18
Brick Poster Contest Winners Brick award ceremony takes place at Pioneer Hose Station 22. See story on page 19
A Service for New Jersey Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY Graphic Artist: GREGORY JONES FIRE NEWS NEW JERSEY PHOTOGRAPHERS Chad Aaronson, John Axford, Keith Addie, Adam Alberti, Ted Aurig, Kenneth E.Badger, Dick Berry, Tommy Bilancia, Thomas Bischoff, James Bonner, Joseph Brecko, John Buttino, Bob Chester, John Clark, Alex Coulter, Carl Crossman, Damien Davis, Chris Denton, Alan Dumoff, Brian Duddy, Brett M. Dzadik, Dan Eckert, Doug Fenichel, Tom Finnegan, Joe Fortunato, Liam Glinane, Israel Goldstein, Thomas Hayden Jr., David Hernandez, Robert Halberstadt, Roman Izaryk, Erica Jacoby, Jeffrey Konya, Kevin Maloney, Robert Munson, Paul Newborn, Robert F. Newkirk, Denis Niland, Mike Nowacki, Elvin Padilla, Ed Pinkevicz, Dane Policastro, Michael Ratcliffe, Joe Repici, Paul Rodriquez, Mark Rosetti, Chris Saraceno, Robert Scollan, Dennis C. Sharpe, Steve Sperlak, Steve Skipton, Matt Spadaro, Danielle Tagerty, Tim Sullivan, Robert Tallaksen, Wayne Tasaki, Giuseppe Tartaglia, Jim Trepeos, Gregory Taylor, Ron Trout, Ken VanPelt, Kevin Umbach, Jose Vazquez, Ronnie Viola, Tom Vogel, Tom Walker, Mike Wallace, Chris Whitam, Wells P. Wilson, Gerald Wyhopen, Jr., Peter Danzo. Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka, Billy Goldfeder. COPYRIGHT 2020, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
West Caldwell Alarm Course Sixty firefighters from nine departments attend a course on modern fire alarm systems and get a surprise. See story on page 23
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Tabernacle Mixed-Use 2-Alarmer Three occupants escape before fire crews arrive to heavy fire conditions. See story on page 26
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28
Official Publication
of the NJ State Firemen’s Convention Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Wear Your Mask! On March 11, 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was characterized as a pandemic by the WHO (World Health Organization). This is the first pandemic known to be caused by the emergence of a new coronavirus, namely COVID 19. As this disease took hold of the world, our fire rescue and emergency services were faced with educating and setting up protocols for dealing with the disease. Thanks to our doctors, research organizations and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and County EMS and FRES organizations, guidelines were set up for handling patients that were suspected of having COVID 19. I am very proud of how our first responders have been involved with this pandemic from the “get go” and set up recommendations for all departments to follow. Their daily updates on the disease have kept anyone involved with patient care informed about the progress of the disease. They have updated you around the clock with recommendations, who to call if you have problems, patient testing and personal safety. Guidelines for patient care and transport were sent to everyone. Not only have guidelines been set for our EMS providers, guidelines were set for general fire alarm response. How should you respond? Where should you sit on the rig? What should you do when you return to
quarters? These are a few of the questions that were addressed by FRES. According to the CDC, people 65 and over account for 80 percent of the deaths from COVID 19. Agencies should strongly consider not having members in that age group respond. Fire Police should not respond unless requested by the IC. Departments should consider relaxing LOSAP requirements. Members should not worry about consequences to their quota or LOSAP credit. Limit the number of vehicles that respond and the number of personnel that may be exposed to people or premises on the alarm. Keep ambulance crews staffed with a minimum crew. If more members are needed, request additional personal. Check with your county EMS and fire rescue and emergency services for recommendations. I recently listened to a Webinar about the “mask debate.” The Zoom (a means of holding group meetings over the Internet) presentation was excellent. (My compliments to Suffolk County FRES and Northwell Health EMS on providing in-depth knowledge on how this disease spreads.) In general, there is no debate. Wear your mask! Whether it is a N95 mask or a common surgical mask, wear it properly. What should you do if you do not have a mask? I am sure you have seen the creative and designer masks
people are making at home. Yes, these homemade masks help. What you want to do is to understand how COVID 19 spreads. You must keep your distance and to prevent aerosol or airborne droplets from coming in contact with your face, wear the mask. Droplets of this disease can spread through handshaking, sneezing and exhalation. It is important that the patient dons a mask. A simple sneeze can spread 40,000 particles at 100m/second. Each sneeze can contain millions of viral particles. In closing, I remind you that I am no expert on the spread of COVID 19. However, I highly recommend that you speak with the doctors and your county EMS and FRES officials. To all responders; Thank You For Your Service! - Dennis
2020 New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference Postponed Due to the current situation regarding COVID-19 and the concerns for the health and safety of our participants and volunteer staff, the New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association has decided to postpone the 2020 Conference from May 4-8, 2020 until August 24 - 28, 2020. We will still be at Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City. Our program will certainly have some changes as not everyone scheduled to present will be available and we will have some of our Sponsors/Vendors who will not be able to reschedule, but we will make every effort to bring a very robust and informative conference to you. Anyone already registered will be sent an e-mail with options for attending during the new dates or getting a refund. If you have not yet registered, you may do so by visiting our website www.njepa.org, registration will be open until August 21, 2020. Opportunities for sponsorships and exhibiting are still available and information is on our website. Thank you for your understanding during these difficult times, our thoughts are with those people on the front line and with the families impacted by this disease. Everyone please be safe out there; we hope to see you in August. If you can’t join us in 2020, please mark your calendar for May 3-7, 2021, the Conference will be held at Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City.
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Cover Story
USNS Comfort Arrives
On March 30, 2020, the United States Naval Ship USNS Comfort (T-AH-20), a Mercy-class ship, arrived in the New York City Harbor to the welcome of vessels and aviation units from multiple other armed branches, the NYPD, State Police, and fireboats from the FDNY, Jersey City and North Hudson Regional. The ship began its journey from Virginia and docked at Pier 90, which is directly across from Weehawken, at around 1100. The mission of the ship is to help alleviate some of the stress on local hospitals as it takes in non-COVID-19 patients during the epidemic. USNS Comfort was placed into service in 1987 and weighs 69,360 tons (fully laden), is 894 feet long, propelled by a steam turbine developing 24,500 shaft horsepower, and has a top speed of 20 mph. Comfort has 1,000 patient beds, 63 civilian (operational crew from the Military Sealift Command) and 956 Naval hospital staff, and 258 naval support staff. She has deployed off Kuwait during the Persian Gulf War (1990-91), served as a migrant processing center off Haiti in 1994 (Operation Sea Signal), again to Haiti in 1994 (Operation Uphold Democracy), arrived in New York City on September 14, 2001, in answer to the terrorist attack (Operation Noble Eagle), served again in the Persian Gulf for the Iraq War (2002-03), served in the Gulf after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and has responded on several humanitarian missions in Central and Latin America and Puerto Rico (Hurricane Maria). - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Implementations for ISOs and HSOs During COVID-19 The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) recommends implementing the following actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, if your department has not already: • Screen personnel when they are coming on duty and then 12 hours later (24-hour shifts). If they have 100.4°F temperature or signs/symptoms of illness, send them home. Ensure your Infection Control Officer is notified, if any personnel are identified. Some agencies are just using fever/chills and signs/symptoms of a respiratory illness (dyspnea, cough), another agency is saying if they have two or more of the following: muscle aches and pain; nonproductive cough; sore throat; runny nose; nausea; send them home. ** Check with your medical directors/hospital systems, etc. for local recommendations. ** • Develop a maximum and minimum staffing level plan per type of apparatus for volunteer companies. • Limit the number of members having patient contact to essential personnel only. • Ensure personnel know when and how to don the appropriate PPE. Ensure supplies of PPE are available and create a reuse protocol for N95 masks based on CDC recommendations to manage limited supplies. • Have your communications center implement a flu/COVID-19 screening process on calls. This information can be sent to responders while en route to the call so they can don their PPE prior to making patient contact. • When personnel respond to emergencies, have them slow down and assess the scene before entering. Sometimes the unknowns can be patients with flu-like symptoms. This will allow them to stop and don PPE prior to entering the building. • A mask should be placed on patients you are concerned about potentially having the illness. • Limit personnel entering the hospital at time of transfer of care and other needs to visit the hospital. • Allow units to temporarily go out of service to clean their unit, uniform and shower if they run a patient with flu/COVID-19 signs
and symptoms. Ensure an exposure form has been completed for tracking purposes. • If personnel are off duty they should not be in the station/admin facilities. • Eliminate in-person, non-essential meetings. Use teleconferencing if possible. Promote telecommuting for non-essential personnel. • Utilize social distancing while on duty. • Eliminate social functions (bingo, pancake breakfast, company meetings, allowing the public into the station for station tours). • If there isn’t a plan for reductions in workforce, then work to create one — this should be part of your COOP. • Have a plan to quarantine personnel if directed (where will they go, what leave status will they be placed on, food, etc.). • For volunteer companies with live-ins, have a plan to relocate them if they become ill. • Continue to promote hygiene practices and cleaning of works spaces. • Increase the frequency of wiping down door handles and all surfaces at the station and in the apparatus. The virus can live on a surface for up to three days. Make sure your EVT mechanics are aware of the need to clean all apparatus. • Ensure that there is a plan if personnel test positive for COVID-19, i.e., a plan for communication and potential coverage during the quarantine period. • Cease the use of humidifiers in stations/bunk rooms. • With all the disaster declarations, work with budget/procurement personnel to track all purchases such as PPE for possible reimbursement. • Work to have “one voice” sending information to the department. All formal messages/direction on COVID-19 should come from one person. This way it avoids duplication and possibly contradictive information. Reference of information should be from a reputable and consistent source, i.e., CDC. • If your organization hasn’t set up an IMT for this situation, recommend one be established. If one is set up, make sure you have an HSO/ISO representative on it.
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Vacant Building Goes in Bridgeton The City of Bridgeton Fire Department responded to North Commerce Street on March 3, 2020, around 2230, while returning from another call and found a working fire at the former Ferrecute Building. The building had been vacant for decades and was a haven for vagrants. The fire took hours to bring under control as the roof collapsed and there was no floor. An excavator was brought in to help with overhaul. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Hackensack 2-Alarmer On February 3, 2020, the Hackensack Fire Department was alerted of a building fire on Clinton Place. Deputy 3 reported fire and smoke showing from a 20- x 50-foot 2-1/2 story wood frame commercial structure. A second alarm was struck, bringing an Englewood truck and a Teaneck engine to the scene. The main body of fire was on the first floor and had extended to division 2. Crews were able to knock down the fire within 20 minutes, but conducted extensive overhaul on the Bravo side of the structure pulling away siding. The city was covered by Ridgefield Park and Maywood. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Fatality at Moorestown 2-Alarm Blaze
On March 27, 2020, Chief Thomas arrived at a two-story dwelling with fire showing. Burlington County Central Communications advised command that a resident went back into the dwelling. Command requested a second alarm for manpower and coverage. The 61-year-old resident passed away at the scene. One firefighter was treated for minor injuries. The Burlington County Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating the cause of the fire. - Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez
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Mays Landing Fire
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The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing and Mizpah responded to Millville Avenue on February 4, 2020, at 2032, for a dwelling fire. Mays Landing Assistant Chief Ken Badger, Jr., arrived followed by Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine who requested crews from Laureldale, Dorothy, Estell Manor and Richland for water tenders, and Bargaintown to cover. Mays Landing Water Tender 1819 pulled lines to the front and rear doors of the wood frame single-family. Fire showing from the A side burned the electrical service wire, which fell to the ground. Water supply was established through the use of LDH from 1819 to the street where they were fed by water tenders. A water fill site was established a mile away. Firefighters worked for several hours hitting hotspots and overhauling. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Township of Hamilton Fire Investigator and Township of Hamilton Police. Also responding were Township of Hamilton EMS, Police, and Atlantic City Electric Company. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Solar Panel Causes Roof Fire
The volunteer fire companies of Bargaintown and Cardiff responded to Lily Road on March 2, 2020, at 1123, for a report of a structure fire. Upon the arrival of Cardiff Engine 1512 they pulled a line and began wetting down the roof (and when they did a squirrel came popping out) of a two-story, wood frame, singlefamily dwelling that contained solar panels. Because of possible manpower shortages, command requested a second alarm, bringing Scullville, Farmington, West Atlantic City and Somers Point. Bargaintown Assistant Chief Wil Hancock, a solar panel installer by trade, utilized Cardiff Tower 15 to access the roof to assess the situation. A/C Hancock disconnected the power to the solar panels and determined the fire was contained to the solar panel with little extension to the roof. A second crew went into the interior to check the attic for extension. The cause of the fire was investigated by the Egg Harbor Township Fire Official; also responding were EHT Ambulance and EHT Police. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Quick Stop at Hampton Twp. Fire
Crews repsonded to a car fire at Newton Kia in Hampton Township. Crews found a van parked on B/C side next to a stack of pallets which also caught fire along with some nearby brush. The fire was brought under control in 15 minutes. - Fire News photo by David Gutterman
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Long Fight at Somers Point Storage Facility
The City of Somers Point Fire Department responded to Chestnut Avenue on January 30, 2020, at approximately 0400, for a report of smoke coming from a building. Car 401 (Sweeney) arrived to find heavy smoke showing from a large self-storage building. A second alarm was requested bringing extensive mutual aid from throughout Atlantic and Cape May counties which was augmented by a water tender strike team. Firefighters worked through the day to contain the fire which needed heavy equipment brought in for assistance and Somers Point firefighters responded back several times over the next 24 hours extinguishing hot spots. Somers Point Chief Jim Somers had command and Deputy Chief Mike Sweeney had operations. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger and Dennis C. Sharpe
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HazMat Response for Paterson Fire
On March 27, 2020, the Paterson Fire Department responded to Chadwick Avenue for a fire. Heavy smoke could be seen from blocks away as Deputy 1 confirmed heavy fire showing from the roof of a Type 2 large commercial warehouse. Companies set up for defensive operations but were quickly able to contain the fire as it was determined to be only on the roof with some minor extension to the interior. due to chemicals stored inside the warehouse Car 1 requested Hazmat 1 to the scene to assist in decontamination on top of the precautions taken with the COVID-19 Pandemic. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Elizabeth Commercial 4-Alarmer
Just after 2300 on March 2, 2020, Elizabeth firefighters were dispatched to North Avenue for a fire in a truck repair building. On arrival, crews were faced with heavy fire from the rear of a singlestory commercial building. Firefighters had to force entry into the building and, once they did, reported the interior was fully
involved. Second and third alarms were quickly stuck as the fire ripped through the building. The roof collapsed and explosions were seen and heard as firefighters hit the fire with master streams. The fire hit four alarms. One firefighter was hurt. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
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Brick 2019 Fire Prevention Poster Contest Award Ceremony
The Brick Township Fire Prevention Poster Contest Award Ceremony took place on March 12, 2020, at Pioneer Hose Fire Company, Station 22 in Brick. Local winners’ posters will go on to the Ocean County level for judging next. This year’s theme was: “Not every hero wears a cape. PLAN and PRACTICE your ESCAPE!” Division 1B - First and Second Grades: 1st
Place - Benjamin Burkhart; 2nd Place - Yanet Lezama-Flores; 3rd Place - Mia NatividadRamirez. Division 2 - Third through Fifth Grade: 1st Place - Brody Douma; 2nd Place - Jayden Ardizzone; 3rd Place - Kaitlyn WeitzellSanchez. Division 3 - Sixth thru Eighth Grades: 1st Place - Amber Gardner; 2nd Place - Maggie
Banach; 3rd Place - Jordyn Ramos; Honorary Mention-Desiree Valentin. Division 4 - Ninth thru Twelfth Grades: 1st Place - Ben Tang; 2nd Place - Chloe Rozell; 3rd Place - Aidan LaBianca. Nursery School: 1st Place - Jaycee Chiaravalle; 2nd Place - Matthew Martin; 3rd Place - Maria Agudelo. - Fire News photo courtesy of Sue Avezier
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Paterson 5-Alarm Commercial Blaze
On the morning of March 16, 2020, just before 0930, Paterson Fire Dispatch started receiving calls for a building fire on Market Street. Responding units from the 1st Battalion could see smoke in the area while en route and found a two-story commercial building with a single-story setback with heavy fire on the first floor. A second alarm was requested as companies began an offensive attack. On arrival of Chief Calamita, a third alarm was requested and all member were ordered out of the building. A Mayday was sounded for a member who fell through the roof, though, thankfully, he was quickly removed and transported to the hospital with minor injuries. A large column of black smoke was visible for miles and traffic on Interstate 80 started backing up as rubberneckers watched the fire, which was located right off the highway. At 0956 Chief of Department Brian McDermott requested a fourth alarm and also to have the water company boost pressure in the area as the building became heavily involved. A total of four elevated streams, two deck guns, as well as numerous handlines and ground monitors were put into service. A collapse zone was established when the roof caved in and the Alpha and Delta walls showed obvious signs of imminent collapse. At 1110, a fifth alarm was requested for manpower and relief purposes, as all crews were still heavily engaged. At approximately 1300 command reported all mutual aid companies released from the scene but city companies continued operating for an extended period of time awaiting demolition. No other injuries were reported and the origin and cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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Port Reading Officers Sworn
The Port Reading Board of Fire Commissioners of Fire District 2, Port Reading, installed Robert Santorelli (above, left) as President and Kenneth Galvach (above, right) as First Vice-President for 2020. - Fire News photos by Steven White
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Cologne Extrication
The Cologne Volunteer Fire, along with EMS and police, were dispatched on March 18, 2020, at 1542, for an MVA with rollover on the Black Horse Pike eastbound and Newport Drive. The alarm was upgraded to an entrapment with Mays Landing and Laureldale added to the assignment for the extrication. Cologne Chief Paul Gramm arrived to find a single vehicle on its passenger side with a single occupant entrapped. Firefighters removed the windshield and roof. EMS removed the occupant with serious but non-life-threatening injuries to Atlanticare Regional Medical Cente’s, Atlantic City Campus. New Jersey DOT was on scene to provide traffic safety during the incident. Also responding were Atlanticare Paramedics. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
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West Caldwell Alarm Systems Course
Haddonfield All-Hands
The North Caldwell Fire Department recently hosted a course on “Alarm Systems: Beyond the Activated Alarm” for 60 firefighters representing nine departments. The course was taught by member Scott Stellfox, owner and operator of SMS Security Systems, LLC. One of the most eye-opening takeaways from the course is that the Firefighter I textbook is teaching new firefighters about ionization smoke detectors which haven’t been the industry standard in over 15 years! Home-grown courses by firefighter-industry professionals bridge the gap between knowledge and practical application. To arrange for this course at your fire department please call SMS Security at 800-772-4767. - Fire News photo by Brian Wlodawski
On March 30, 2020, Task Force 14 was dispatched for a reported dwelling fire on Chews Landing Road. Haddonfield Command arrived and reported a 1-1/2 story, single-family wood frame with heavy smoke showing. An all-hands was transmitted. Companies secured a water supply and placed a 1-3/4 inch handline in operation. The ladder company performed a primary search and placed ground ladders. Interior crews reported fire conditions on the second floor. A second handline was placed in operation and the fire was knocked down and placed under control around the 30 minute mark. One civilian sustained an injury but refused treatment. - Fire News photo by Ted Aurig
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Brushing Up on the Basics
The Egg Harbor Township Fire Department recently trained on a acquired structure doing forcible entry and ventilation. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe and Ken Badger
UPDATE ON INTERSCHUTZ AND INTERSCHUTZ USA The news changes almost daily as it relates to postponements and cancellations due to the outbreak and spread of COVID19. We would like to update you on how the virus is impacting both INTERSCHUTZ USA and INTERSCHUTZ (Hannover) below: INTERSCHUTZ (Hannover) – INTERSCHUTZ 2020, scheduled for June 15-20, 2020, has been postponed. INTERSCHUTZ (Hannover) will now take place June 14-19, 2021. INTERSCHUTZ USA – INTERSCHUTZ USA 2020, scheduled for October 13-17, with exhibits October 15-17, 2020 in Philadelphia is proceeding as scheduled. We want to assure our INTERSCHUTZ USA family that we are monitoring the situation. At this time the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Philadelphia Convention Center have all increased their efforts taking precautions and creating awareness to warn against the potential spread of the virus. Please find a statement and additional preventative efforts as presented by the City of
Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Convention Center, the Philadelphia International Airport and other industry partners. At this time, preventative measures are focused on the immediate future, and indications are that COVID-19 should not have any effect on the inaugural INTERSCHUTZ USA, October 13-17, 2020, at the Philadelphia Convention Center. Registration for the event continues to grow, as do exhibiting company commitments. Despite this bright outlook, we understand our nation’s fire, EMS and first responder professionals are on the front lines of this battle – as you are for every domestic challenge or catastrophe. This note is to announce that we are extending our Early Bird discounts on Attendee Registration and Exhibit Space pricing until June 15, 2020. We will reassess the situation at that time and will extend these if the situation warrants. If you have any questions, please contact
Vice-President Ed Nichols at enichols @interschutzusa.com or 773-796-4250. Continue doing the vital work you are already doing, keeping all of us safe as we navigate this challenge. We’ll be here – with your discounts still available – when you are done. Thank you and stay safe.
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Paterson Blaze Extends But Is Stopped
On February 26, 2020, just after 1630, the Paterson Fire Department responded to reports of a house fire on North 5th Street in the 3rd Battalion area. On arrival, companies reported light smoke from a 2-1/2 story frame and further investigation revealed a fire in the basement. Lines were stretched as searches went underway and the main body of fire appeared to be knocked down quickly. As crews started overhauling, conditions rapidly deteriorated on the second floor and attic. Second and third alarms were sounded within minutes of each other as heavy fire started venting from the
second floor and extending into the attic and the B & D exposures, similar frames separated by about a foot. Due to heavy fire, all members were withdrawn from the original fire building and a defensive attack was established to save the exposure buildings. Once all heavy fire was knocked down, firefighters re-entered the building to complete extinguishment and overhaul. The fire was placed under control at 1850, with one firefighter suffering minor injuries. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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Tabernacle Mix-Use 2-Alarmer
On March 28, 2020, at 0400, Chief Cunard placed all companies in service based on a report from Burlington County Central Communications of multiple callers advising a working fire. Cunard arrived and found a two-story mixed-use building with heavy fire conditions on the charlie side, and requested a second alarm. The fire was brought under control with no injuries reported. Three occupants had self-extricated prior to units’ arrival. The Burlington County Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating the cause of the fire. - Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez
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Extrication on the AC Expressway The volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Farmington from the Egg Harbor Township Fire Department in Atlantic County responded to milepost 8 eastbound on the Atlantic City Expressway on March 10, 2020, at 0021, for an MVA. Cardiff Chief Gil Zonge arrived to find a single-vehicle crash with the vehicle on its side with one occupant trapped. Cardiff Assistant Chief William Danz III led the extrication team which removed the windshield, passenger door and roof. The patient was removed by EMS and transported. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Hard Fight at Irvington Mixed-Use 3-Alarmer Irvington firefighters had their hands full on the evening of December 3, 2019, when they were dispatched to a fire on Springfield Avenue just before 2200. On arrival, companies faced heavy fire on the first and second floors of a large three-story frame building housing stores on the first floor and apartments above. Due to the heavy fire conditions, the first engine hit the fire with their deck gun. With the fire traveling the walls into the upper floors, command requested a second alarm. With four lines operating, it appeared companies were getting the upper hand, however crews reported heavy fire on the third-floor rear and the trucks on the roof reported heavy smoke and heat from the vent holes. With conditions appearing to be deteriorating, all members were ordered off the roof. At 2300 command reported six lines and a master stream in operation. With companies still reporting fire conditions on all floors a third alarm was transmitted. After some very tedious truck work opening up, the fire was finally placed under control at 0010 with extensive overhaul required. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
Tractor Fire in Atlantic County The volunteer fire companies of Farmington and Cardiff were dispatched on January 16, 2020, to Delilah Road, at the Atlantic County Utilities Authority, for a report of a tractor on fire on top of the landfill. Farmington Chief Harry Goodman arrived and established command and requested assistance from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and the Atlantic City Air National Guard Fire Department for 4x4 apparatus as conventional apparatus were unable to access the fire. Upon the arrival of the 4x4s, several lines were pulled off of NJFFS engines C-7, C-8, and C-37 as well as the Air Guard 4x4. The fire was brought under control within 45 minutes and extensive overhaul was needed as the fire burned through the layers of trash. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Nice Stop in Passaic
On March 4, 2020, a Passaic Fire Inspector was driving on Jackson Street and noticed a fire on the second-floor porch of a home and radioed in the fire to dispatch. Crews arrived and quickly knocked down the fire, which was located on the exterior of the home, but did come across some minor extension into the interior. One line was stretched and placed into service as crews opened up division 2 and 3 and the fire was knocked down and placed under control within 15 minutes of arrival. Units were able to hold the fire to a first-alarm assignment and no mutual aid was called. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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House Fire in Cumberland County
The volunteer fire companies of Gouldtown and Fairton from Fairfield Township in Cumberland County responded to Munson Lane on March 13, 2020, at 1400, for a structure fire. Firefighters arrived to smoke showing from a single-story, wood frame, singlefamily dwelling. Mutual aid came from Bridgeton and Rosenhayn. The fire was brought under control quickly and the cause was under investigation. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Fire News, May 2020, Page 29
Quick Stop, Long Overhaul in Mays Landing The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing, Cologne and Laureldale responded to Thomas Jefferson Court in Mays Landing Village on March 6, 2020, at 0032, for a structure fire. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine arrived and established command for a multi-story multi-family building with smoke showing from the second-floor A side. As command did his 360, he found heavy fire showing from the C side. Mays Landing Assistant Chief Ken Badger, Jr., arrived and assumed operations and, after consulting with command, requested mutual aid from Cardiff and Bargaintown. Mays Landing Water Tender 1819 arrived first and its crew led off with a line through the front door to the second floor led by Captain Rob Dibiaso. Laureldale, on their way in, dropped a LDH and laid 400 feet of supply line from a nearby hydrant and fed 1819. Bargaintown Tender 1528 took a hydrant at the rear of the structure and stretched two lines to the C side. The initial fire was knocked down quickly, but extensive venting and overhaul was required with firefighters remaining on location for several hours. Responding were Mays Landing, Cologne, Laureldale, Cardiff, Bargaintown, Mizpah (covered Mays Landing), Township of Hamilton EMS, Township of Hamilton Police, South Jersey Gas Company, Atlantic City Electric Company. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Page 30, Fire News, May 2020
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Pennsauken All Hands On March 26, 2020, a dwelling fire was reported on Cedar Avenue in Pennsauken. Companies arrived to find a two-story dwelling with heavy fire conditions in Division C with heavy smoke throughout. An all-hands box was struck. Crews secured a water supply and went into operation with a 1-3/4 inch handline as searches were conducted. A second line was placed in operation. Crews reported heavy fire conditions on Division 1 with extension to Division 2. A third line was placed in operation and the bulk of the fire was knocked down. No injuries were reported on the fire ground. - Fire News photo by Ted Aurig
Nice Work at Newark 2-Alarm On March 30, 2020, the Newark Fire Department received multiple calls reporting a house fire with people trapped on the second floor at a South 8th Street location. Ladder 11 arrived to heavy smoke showing from the top floors of a 2-1/2 story wood frame with an exposure problem on the Bravo side. Crews quickly initiated a primary search and deemed all occupants out. Deputy 1 assumed command and transmitted the second alarm. Companies were able to contain the fire to the upper floors of the main fire building and kept the bravo exposure form catching fire. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Laureldale Car Fire The Laureldale Volunteer Fire Company responded to westbound Black Horse Pike between Route 50 and the ACCC light for a vehicle fire on January 19, 2020, at 1153. Laureldale Chief Chris Tilley arrived and reported a passenger vehicle fully involved. Firefighters needed to use an extrication device to open the hood to ensure complete extinguishment. Also responding were the Township of Hamilton Police and EMS. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger