Fire News New Jersey, May 2023

Camden City

2-Alarmer

Fireifghters arrive to a wood frame twin with heavy fire and extension to an exposure.

See story on page 9

New Milford Car into House

An e-car hits a house and goes into the basement. The driver is charged with DWI.

See story on page 13

Bloomingdale Awards

Time in service awards and more are given at Bloomingdale’s awards ceremony.

See story on page 17

Tractor-Trailers

Crush Small Car

Two trailers completely crush a small car between them. Two passengers surprisingly survive.

AService for New Jersey Firefighters and EMS Heroes

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FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher

TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer

DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor

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CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager

BARBARACONNOLLY,Vice President National Sales

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FIRE NEWS NEW JERSEYPHOTOGRAPHERS

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.

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Dr. Seuss Day in Brigantine

See story on page 19 Brigantine fireifighters read to students of Brigantine Elementary Schools.

See story on page 20

Truck Goes

Airborne

Cresskil fireifghters are called to a tree removal truck that bit off more than it could chew.

See story on page 21

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Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are You Qualified to Drive? From the Editor’s Desk

Several years ago, my fire department asked me to become involved with their driver qualification committee. Having served as a certified NYS Driver Education Instructor for 20-years, I felt I would enjoy being part of our Emergency Vehicle Operation course. So, for two full days I attended EVOC training that was provided through my department's insurance company. When I returned home, our chief set up a full committee to implement following the guidelines set forth by VFIS. The recommended guidelines included classroom time, a competency course, and a road course.

The training started with in-class instruction. Our insurance company provided us with a thumb drive that contained numerous videos and lessons for presentation to our students. I should point out that even our seasoned drivers had to participate in the class. It was the seasoned drivers who added and shared their experiences with the younger drivers. Their real-life experiences added realism to the in-class lesson. It should also be noted that this course was to be given every other year. Our committee decided that since new drivers were always being added to the list, we would present an updated lesson throughout the year at department meetings.

In addition to classroom learning, all drivers had to take the EVOC (Emergency Vehicle

Operator Course). This course soon became known as the “cone-course.” Since we marked the parking lot with paint, it was easy to set up the cone course throughout the year. Once the member finished the EVOC course, we left the parking lot to go on a road course. The course challenged the thought process of the driver. Our fire district has a few railroad crossings and railroad overhead tracks that have the maximum height requirement marked on the overpass. We made it a point to stop and take note of the maximum height requirement. Since our vehicles are marked in plain sight with that measurement in the cab of the truck, students know they must share that measurement with the evaluator.

In general, the course we set up was approved by our Board of Fire Commissioners. We are into this program for several years now, and we are continually tweaking the program so it stays current. If a driver leaves the department and comes back a few years later, it is easy to take a standardized road-test to re-familiarize the driver on the trucks on which he used to be qualified. Usually, the individual is fine with the operation and handling of the vehicle. Remember that all emergency vehicle operators should take EVOC. I also encourage officers to take the VFIS course to Train the Trainer.

Are we finished? Well not exactly. EVOC is

a program that shows the chauffer how to safely operate the piece of equipment that is being driven. PERIOD! Further training is needed to learn how to safely operate at a working call. What 's next? Read John Salka’s article on The Engine Company Chauffer: Part 1 The article is in the July 1997 Firehouse Magazine

Getting our responders safely to a call is important. Knowing what to do when you arrive on scene is equally as important.

Drive Safe!

- Dennis

8-Alarm Fire Destroys Florence Twp. Church

Firefighters from throughout Burlington County, assisted by mutual aid from several neighboring counties, battled a multi-alarm inferno that destroyed a large church in Florence Township on March 20, 2023. It was about 1805 when firefighters were dispatched to the Fountain of Life Center Church in response to multiple smoke and heat detectoractivations reported by the building’s fire alarm monitoring company and 911 calls. Finding smoke pushing out from all sides of the octagonalshaped 70,000-square-foot church, the first arriving chief immediately called fora third alarm. First arriving companies supplied the building’s FDC and stretched lines inside but the thick smoke and the building’s layout hampered efforts to locate the fire. Interiorconditions rapidly deteriorated and all personnel were evacuated. Defensive operations were implemented, with the focus being on keeping the blaze from spreading into the Life CenterAcademy, a large K-to-12 school attached to the church. Eight alarms were eventually struck, with numerous otherunits special called from Camden, Atlantic, Ocean, Mercerand Bucks (PA) counties. Multiple tanker/tendertask forces were called to shuttle waterto the scene. Burlington County officials latersaid it was the county’s largest fire since the 11-alarm blaze at the Dietz and Watson plant in Delanco in 2013. While the church was a total loss, the school was saved thanks to firefighters trench-cutting the roof of the connecting wing and deploying multiple master streams. - Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe

Firewalls Help Stop Fire’s Spread

The volunteerfire companies of Cologne, Laureldale and Pomona responded to Falcon Court in the TimberGlen development off of Wrangleboro Road fora structure fire on February 26, 2023, at 1000. ALaureldale fire officerwho was nearby radioed dispatch he had heavy smoke showing. Upon crews arrival, Cologne’s Towertook a position on the Aside and Pomona set up theirQuint on the B side of the structure and had its crew stretch lines to the D side and begin extinguishment while the Quint’s main was put into service to begin masterstream operations. Mays Landing’s ladderset up theirmain

on the Aside to begin masterstream operations while a Laureldale engine laid out an LDH to a hydrant to supply the scene. Firefighters were aided by the fact there were two fire walls that stopped the horizontal spread of the fire, which allowed forthe fire to be contained to the building of origin. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation. Also responding were three watertenders from Bargaintown, Oceanville and the New Jersey AirNational Guard. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service responded as radiant heat set an area of nearby woodlands on fire.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

Paterson Commercial 3-Alarm

At around 0600 on March 25, 2023, Paterson Fire Dispatch transmitted a box forreports of a building fire in the area of Straight Streeet and Ellison Avenue. On arrival, Battalion Chief Hall reported heavy fire in a large single-story commercial building and advised companies of a possible backdraft condition. Asecond alarm was transmitted and companies were withdrawn from the building due to the heavy fire conditions already through the roof. Deputy Chief Ricciardi arrived and took command. With several interiorcollapses and exposure problems, and with heavy fire venting from the roof in the rear, a third alarm was transmitted. Alarge column of smoke was visible formiles as companies placed three aerial streams, one deck gun and numerous large caliberhandlines into operation. The building, which housed the Pickle King Compoany, was adjacent to NJ Transit railroad tracks on the Bravo side which restricted access and also made it necessary to shut down the line. No injuries were reported, the fire took several hours to be placed undercontrol and the origin is underinvestigation. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Camden City 2Alarmer

On March 22, 2023, a dwelling fire was reported in Camden City on North 38th Street. Companies arrived to find a two-story wood frame twin with heavy fire conditions throughout and extension into the exposure. Crews set up fordefensive operations as command reported a collapse of the original fire building and heavy fire throughout the exposure. Asecond alarm was transmitted. Crews placed a ladderpipe and multiple handlines in operation. The fire was knocked down and placed undercontrol with no reported injuries. The Camden City Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating the cause.

- Fire News photos by Ted Aurig

Afire involving the rearof a home in Edison Township was quickly extinguished on February 25, 2023. Engines 9, 11 and 12; Truck 2; Rescue 5; and Car7 were dispatched to Farmhaven Avenue formultiple callers reporting a fire. Aprecautionary second alarm was struck and more units were added to the assignment. Upon arrival, firefighters put a pairof hoselines in services and quickly knocked down the fire which had consumed a sun porch attached to the rearof the home. Afterprimary and second searches were completed and checks forextension proved negative, the fire was placed undercontrol.

Knockdown at Edison Blaze

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe

No Hydrant-Area Results in 4-Alarmer

On February 28, 2023, Taskforce 43 was dispatched fora porch fire at around 1953. Chief Mitchell arrived and found a fully involved two-story, single-family dwelling. The fire occurred in a non-

area so the Burlington County TenderTaskforce C was dispatched. The fire eventually went to fouralarms.

hydrant

- Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez

New Milford E-Carinto House; DriverCharged with DUI

On the afternoon of March 19, 2023, New Milford Police, Fire and EMS were dispatched to RiverRoad foran MVAwith a carinto a house. On arrival, responders encountered a four-doorE-carwhich struck the side of the home and was halfway into the basement and caused structural damage. The driverwas trapped. Fire crews immediately began stabilizing the vehicle and mutual aid was requested from the Hackensack Technical Rescue Team which is part of the NJ UASI rescue group. On arrival, the Hackensack deputy chief upgrad-

ed to a partial response, bringing five additional mutual aid rescue teams to the scene. Crews worked to continue stabilizing the carand the home while extrication of the driverwas underway. The driver was finally freed in just over30 minutes with minorinjuries and turned overto EMS. All additional resources were cancelled and the vehicle was removed by tow aftershoring was put in place. After treatment, the driverwas charged with driving underthe influence of alcohol.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

CarFire in MercerCounty

Firefighters in Ewing Township in MercerCounty extinguished a carfire during the evening of February 17, 2023. Volunteers from West Trenton Fire Company (Station 33) were dispatched at 1854 forthe blaze, which was reported to be in front of the WaWa store at the intersection of Parkway Avenue and Silvia Street and Scotch Road. Engine 33 arrived to find a car, stopped in the middle of Parkway Avenue, engulfed in flames. Engine 33’s crew quickly knocked down all visible fire. Township careerfirefighters manning Squad 30 also responded and assisted with overhaul operations. - Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe

Forest Avenue Chimney Fire

At around 1300 on February 13, 2023, a police officeron a construction detail was advised of smoke coming from a house of Forest Avenue. Companies 2 and 4, and Rescue were dispatched. While en route, companies advised that police had visible flames from the top of the chimney. The fire was quickly extinguished and contained to the chimney with a watercan. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo

Smoke Showing in Palisades Park

On January 8, 2023, Palisades Park Fire was requested to East Columbia Avenue fora fire. Police reported heavy smoke showing and a mutual aid ladderfrom Fort Lee was requested. Two Lines were stretched and the fire in the 1-1/2 story wood frame was quickly knocked down. EMS was requested for one victim forsmoke inhalation. Ventilation was conducted with positive pressure fans.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Quick Stop at New Orleans Ave. Fire

The South Egg HarborVolunteerFire Company, along with the Egg Harbor City VolunteerFire Department, responded to a structure fire off of New Orleans Avenue on March 6, 2023. Egg HarborCity Chief Butch Kienzle arrived and reported a working fire and had South Egg HarborEngine 26-54 reversed lay an LDH out to the street forwatersupply. South Egg HarborChief John Kohl requested the watertenderfrom Germania to the scene where it and Egg HarborCity Engine 10-2 supplied 26-54. Egg HarborCity Ladder10 and Engine 10-1 worked the fire with two handlines and provided ventilation. The fire was knocked down quickly and the cause was underinvestigation. Also responding was the Galloway Township Police and Galloway EMS.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Fatality and Fast Saves in Mays Landing 3-Car MVA

The volunteerfire companies from Mays Landing, Laureldale and Richland responded to Millville and Pittsburgh avenues on March 23, 2023, at 1747, foran MVAwith rolloverand people trapped. The crash involved three vehicles with one on its side and its driver ejected but with a girl still inside. Mays Landing FirefighterG ene Wellington, Sr., who lives nearby ran to the crash scene and crawled into the vehicle on its side and brought the girl to safety; she was tended to by EMS on theirarrival. Carnumbertwo had an occupant trapped in theirvehicle who was quickly extricated by firefighters upon theirarrival. Vehicle numberthree’s occupant self -

extricated and was transported. Mays Landing Assistant Chief Ken Badger, Jr., was informed a medevac was en route to transport the girl FFWellington removed. Command had a LZ set up on Millville and Bakeravenues and once loaded, the girl was flown to Cooper Trauma Center. Two otherpeople were transported by ground and one person died as a result of the accident. Aside note: this location has been the scene of many fatal crashes overthe years. Also responding were Atlanticare Paramedics, Dorothy EMS, Atlantic County Prosecutors Investigators, New Jersey State Medical Examiners Office.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Bloomingdale Awards Ceremony

Recently the Bloomingdale Fire Department held its award ceremo ny. The following personnel were honored.

Bloomingdale Fire Department ACE (Attitude, Commitment, Excellence) Awards to Kevin Miller, Dennis Ackerman and Paul Janiec.

NJ State Firemen’s Association Exemption and Bloomingdale Fire Department Exemption to Randy McMaster.

Service Awards

Five Years of Service Award: Jack Weinberg; 10 years: Katie Wanklin; 15 years : Ed Ball; 25 years : Keith Rounds and Bill Pomeroy; 30 years: Mike Hudson.

And congratulations to Eric Tuason forhis three years of service as Chief of the Bloomingdale Fire Department.

- Fire News photos provided

I-80 Car Fire

Hours before a recent snowstorm, units were called to Interstate 80 westbound at MM 25.8 fora carfire. Car51 and 52 along with Engine 59 and Tender57 were on the assignment. Car51 confirmed a working fire and E-59 came in and stretched theirfront line and quickly extinguished the fire.

- Fire News photos by A/C Kevin J. Maloney; Budd Lake FC

Tractor-Trailers Crush Car Between Them

The Denville Fire Department was dispatched to an MVAon Route 80 westbound at 1631 on February 27, 2023. Assistant Chief Jason Lezcano, arrived and established command. The accident involved two tractor-trailertrucks that had crushed a small carbetween them. Chief Lezcano requested two ambulances and two MICUs based on the seriousness of the accident. He also requested an engine from Parsippany District 5. The carwas occupied by two passengers. The driverwas severely pinned. The trailers were stabilized with cribbing and struts. Denville firefighters were able to force open the driver’s side door. Both passengers were rescued from the driver’s door; neitherwere too severely injured.

Merrimac Drive House Fire

On February 15, 2023, East DoverStation 28 and Silverton Station 29 were dispatched to a home on Merrimac Drive fora fire on the side of the home. Chief 2810 found a smoldering fire on the Aside of the home. Engine 2801 stretched a 1-3/4 inch line to the fire, while Engine 2931 opened up the interior walls. The fire was quickly knocked down and appeared to be caused by outdoordecoration lights.

- Fire News photo by Chief Lezcano; submitted by Charles Botti

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Dr. Seuss Day in Brigantine

Brigantine Firefighters John Hopkins, Tony Puglisi and Tom Newcomerread to students on March 1, 2023, in honorof Dr. Seuss Day in the Brigantine Elementary Schools.

- Fire News photos courtesy of Chief Paul Fuller

Well, That Was a Bit Heavier Than We Thought

Mays Landing House Fire

On February 27, 2023, Cresskill firefighters responded to Roosevelt Avenue where a local tree service crane truck was lif ted off the ground by a section of tree it had cut, entangling the front of the truck in powerlines. Orange and Rockland utilities were requested to turn the poweroff to the area and local tow company with two heavy-duty wreckers were brought to the scene and assisted in securing the truck and bringing it back down to the ground.

- Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’Denton

The volunteerfire companies of Mays Landing, Laureldale and Cologne responded to Farragut Avenue on February 15, 2023, at 0355 fora structure fire. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine arrived to fire showing from the C side of a multi-story wood frame. Mays Landing Engine 1812 laid in from a nearby hydrant and stretched a line to the C side and stretched anotherinside to the first floor. Firefighters found fire showing from the C-side basement area and cut an entry, exposing all of the fire which allowed forquick extinguishment. The crew making entry into the interiorfound fire emanating up from the basement and across the ceiling. Firefighters opened up to expose the fire, which was quickly extinguished. Apparatus from the Dorothy and Richland covered.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Egg HarborStructure Fire

On March 7, 2023, South Egg Harborand Egg HarborCity fire departments responded fora structure fire in the South Egg HarborSection of Galloway Township. Crews stretched a line to the seat of the fire and interiorcrews opened up to check forextension. The fire was quickly brought undercontrol. Germania was requested to assist with manpowerand watersupply.

- Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’Moran

All-Hands Basement Fire in Tabernacle

On March 12, 2023, Taskforce 43 was dispatched reports of black smoke coming from the basement of a home. Lieutenant Harrison arrived and confirmed an active basement fire. He placed all companies in service and reported that all human occupants were out of the dwelling, but there were several trapped pets. Chief Mitchell and Deputy Chief Watson III rescued two dogs from the second floor. The fire was brought undercontrol quickly and damage was contained to the basement. No injuries were reported. FM43 is investigating the cause of the fire.

- Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez

NAVRAEXTRICATION TRAINING

MAY24-26, 2023 ATSUBARU PARK, CHESTER, PA

The North American Vehicle Rescue Association (NAVRA) will present Patient-Centered Extrication Training, taking place at Subaru Park, in Chester, PA, on May 24 to May 26, 2023. The training features a two-day workshop on skills and tactics as well as a Q&A with technical, medical, and command assessors. This will be followe d by a one-day mini rescue challenge. This will be the first time NAVRAtraining will take place in the Northeast, providing an opportunity for emergency responders up and down the East Coast to get involved in this impactful and fun event.

Subaru of America, Inc., ESI Equipment, Inc., Turtle Plastics and Fire News are proud to sponsor NAVRA’s Patient-Centered Extrication Training at Subaru Park. Extrication Teams involved in the training play a vital role in the operational objective and function as their agency’s liaison with the vast networking opportunities associated with these extrication challenges.

NAVRA’s experienced industry expert members work tirelessly to train all of our emergency responders with innovative techniques, advanced equipment, and authentic competitions — all of which are based on the NFPA1670 guidelines and exceed the State of Florida for Fire Service Instructors standards. Fortunately, we’re able to do this by integrating corporate support into public service and subsidizing training costs.

This is a free event for all. You can participate in the traini ng and competition or just be an observer. This training seminar is focused on the Team Challenge Concept, and is ideal for potential extricat ion teams and departments that are interested in forming teams to l earn new skills and techniques from leaders in the field. What is le arned can be brought back and shared with their departments to improve skills and decreases rescue times.

Teams will consist of six to eight people: a captain, medical t eam, and a technical team. All scenarios are run with live patients in the vehicles. The training will be three days, split as follows:

-Day 1: Educate participants on extrication options through multivehicle scenario using current model Subaru vehicles. An instructor and an assessor for each discipline will be with the team guiding and coaching. At the close of day one, the team will work a multi-vehicle scenario through completion.

-Day 2: Using learnings and scenarios from day one, teams will perform a live scenario without stops while the Instructor Team evaluates performance. The instructor team will hold a debrief with the team and cover important learning points in incident command, technical rescue and medical treatment.

-Day 3: The culmination of the event will be the Rescue Challenge. Each Team will perform a live scenario under Rescue Challenge conditions, without stops, while the instructor team evaluates performance. Multi-vehicle scenarios utilizing current model Subaru vehicles will provide top-level training that teams can bring back to their departments. Day 3 spectators are welcome to watch the challenge activities and enjoy food trucks , music and other local attractions. To sign up for this event or to lean more visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/navra-training-seminar- tickets-568671591037.

NAVRAis a non-profit organization committed to preparing today’s rescuers for tomorrow.

For more information on North American Vehicle Rescue Association (NAVRA) visit www.navraus.org.

LIGHTTHE NIGHT FOR FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS

This May, a grateful Nation honors its fallen fire service heroes during the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend-the official national tribute to those firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. This national event, which has been held every October in the past, has been moved to May. As in years past, we are asking landmarks, buildings, families, and fire departments across the country to participate in “Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters.” Thank you so much!!

Donna Clark Marketing & Communications National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Training Underway

Marlboro Honors John Borden for50 Years of Service

On March 4, 2023, the Marlboro Fire Company held theirannual awards dinner. The company recognized John Borden for50 years of active service. Marlboro MayorJon Hornik and Monmouth County CommissionerRoss Licitra presented Proclamations to Borden. John has served as Assistant Chief, Chief, Trustee, Life Member, and currently is a Fire Commissioner. He retired as an Assistant Chief forthe NJ Department of Human Services and also served as Fire Sub Code Official and Fire inspector/Official fo r Marlboro Township, retiring in 2017. He currently teaches at the Monmouth County Fire Academy. Also recognized were William Higgins, forhis five years of service, and Assistant Chief Evan Levine for10 years. - Fire News photo provided

Training is underway at the Atlantic County Anthony ‘Tony’Canale Fire Training Center.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Mayday Cleared at Trenton Duplex 3-Alarmer

AMayday was transmitted shortly aftera third alarm was struck fora blaze involving both sides of a large three-story duplex in Trenton on March 2, 2023. Fortunately, the Mayday was quickly cleared and all personnel involved were confirmed to be OK. It was just after0515 when Trenton Engines 7, 6 and 10; Ladder4; Rescue 1 ;and Battalion 5 were dispatched to Greenwood Avenue. Heavy fire was showing from the rearof a vacant property occupying the left half of a duplex shared by an occupied home. Heavy fire conditions prompted a second alarm. Fourminutes latera third alarm was called. Multiple lines, both interiorand exterior, were put in service and a significant amount of overhaul performed. Signal 22, the city’s volunteerpolice/fire canteen, handed out refreshments at the scene. - Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe