Fire News New Jersey, June, 2024

Peter Danzo

Egg Harbor Home Destroyed

An unstable structure lets firefighters fight from the exterior only.

See story on page 8

Residential 4-Alarmer in Paterson

Afew minutes after a third alarm is toned, firefighters go to a defensive attack.

See story on page 10

Florence Duplexes Gutted

Twelve departments assist Florence firefighters after they arrive to heavy fire showing.

See story on page 12

Not How to Order Donuts

Acar goes on fire at the drive-thru window in Lawrence Township.

See story on page 18

Trenton House Fire

Firefighters in the state capital battle a stubborn blaze involving both sides of a 2-1/2-story duplex.

See story on page 24

Awards & Ceremonies Around the State

New firefighters, bravery awards and more from around New Jersey.

See story on page 25

Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973

FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO

TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer

GARYP. JOYCE, Editor

MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor

MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production

LYNN SEDLER, Art Director

CLIFFCHIESA, Production Manager

BARBARACONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales

SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager

BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant

GREG JONES, Graphic Artist

DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus

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.

COPYRIGHT2024, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEWYORK. ALLRIGHTS RESERVED

For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3

Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 281 Fax number: (631) 286-6866

Internet: http://www.firenews.com e-mail: nj@firenews.com

Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions

Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ

Proud Member Of: Official Publication of the NJState Firemen’s Convention

Focus of the Month

Directory

page 20

22 Industry News

Up Close &Personal

page 23

page 26

Mercer

On One Shopping Center

Roof Fire

Somers Point Deck Fire

Firefighters investigating an odorof smoke discovered an active fire burning beneath the roof decking of a commercial building on April 7, 2024. Employees of the Music and Arts store started smelling a burning odorand called 911. Lawrence and Princeton Junction fire companies were dispatched to the Merceron One shopping center (formerly MercerMall), and confirmed an interiorodor. Firefighters went to the roof via Princeton Junction’s Truck 44 at the front and a ground ladderfrom Lawrence’s Engine 202 at the rear. Crews spotted wisps of smoke rising from beneath an area of roofing with a nearby solarpanel possibly involved. The incident commanderrequested additional mutual aid from the Princeton and Hamilton. Fortunately, it was confirmed that the photovoltaic equipment on the roof was not involved. Ahoseline was stretched and, once the roof was opened up, the fire was contained to a small area and quickly extinguished.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe/Lawrence Township FD

The City of Somers Point Fire Department responded to Chapman Boulevard on April 14, 2024, fora report of a deck on fire at the rearof the house. ASomers Point policeman arrived within minutes and advised of a working structure fire. Chief Mike Sweeny arrived and confirmed the working fire and requested the working fire box bringing in neighboring communities forRITand mutual aid. The fire was quickly brought undercontrol and, during a search, the homeowner’s pet cat was found alive and meowing and was taken to a neighbor’s house. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the New Jersey State Division of Fire Safety Investigators. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

ClutterFilled Basement Fire Spreads

On March 28, 2024, the Oradell Fire Department received several calls reporting a house fire on the 800 block of Oradell Avenue. On arrival, heavy smoke was showing from the single-story ranch and companies reported a working fire in the basement. Asecond alarm was transmitted, bringing mutual aid to the scene. Interiorcrews reported heavy amounts of clutterin the basement as fire vented out a window. At that time, command ordered all companies to evacuate the building and transmitted a third alarm. Afterquickly hitting the fire from the exterior, crews re-entered the building and knocked down the remaining fire. Two cats were rescued by firefighters and the fire was brought undercontrol in just overan hour. -Fire News photo by Peter Danzo

Paterson House Fire

In the morning of March 8, 2024, Paterson fire companies responded to East 37th Street fora house fire. On arrival, crews reported a working fire on the second floorof a 2-1/2 story dwelling. Several lines were put into operation as the roof was vented and searches conducted. The fire was quickly knocked down and placed undercontrol in just over20 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Peter Danzo

Fully Involved House Fire on Tilton Road

The volunteerfire companies of Farmington and Cardiff were dispatched to Tilton Road and Washington Avenue at 2057 on April 21, 2024, fora report of a structure fire. Units arrived to find a wood frame dwelling well involved. Farmington accessed a hydrant and supplied Cardiff with numerous handlines. An additional request brought Bargaintown to the scene and the City of Northfield forRIT. The fire took several hours to bring undercontrol and the cause was underinvestigation.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

3-Building Commercial Fire in Newark

On April 22, 2024, Newark Fire Dispatch started receiving multiple calls fora fire on the 500 block of Broadway. Upon arrival, companies reported a 2-1/2 story frame building and an addition housing a bodega on the first floorand apartments above. Heavy fire was reported with possible entrapment and severe exposure problems on both sides. Asecond alarm was transmitted, followed within minutes by a third as fire extended to both exposures and then spread to a large three-story building with a supermarket on the first floor. Crews continued to try and get the upperhand in all three buildings, but companies reported parts of the roof coming down and Deputy 1 ordered all companies out to start a defensive attack. The main body of fire was knocked down in the original fire building allowing crews to re-enterboth structures to begin hitting hot spots and overhauling. The fire took several hours to be placed undercontrol; one firefighterwas transported to the hospital and all three buildings were heavily damaged. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Egg Harbor House Destroyed

The volunteerfire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown responded to Ivins and Reega avenues at 0025 on April 10, 2024, fora report of a fire. Egg HarborTownship Police arrived first and reported a working structure fire. An additional response from Scullville was requested along with an RIT from the City of Northfield. Firefighters worked forseveral hours hitting hot spots and, because of the unstable structure, firefighters had to work from the exterior. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation by the township fire official and the EHT Police.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

Woodbridge Front Porch Fire Extends

Woodridge Police started receiving several calls forsmoke from a house on North Avenue. As companies arrived the entire front porch became heavily involved. Asecond alarm was transmitted bringing mutual aid to the scene. An aggressive attack on the main body of fire quickly knocked it down. However, the fire extended to the second floorand attic. The fire took just overan hourto be placed undercontrol. -Fire News photo by Peter Danzo

4-Alarm Residential Fire in Paterson

Afour-alarm fire heavily damaged two large three-story frame residential buildings in Paterson on April 16, 2024, in the area of Market Street and East 18th Street, only a block behind the Madison Avenue firehouse. Asecond alarm was transmitted, with reported heavy fire on the second and third floors. Watersupply was an issue due to a carblocking a hydrant. The third alarm was transmitted foradditional manpower. Afew minutes latercommand pulled all companies out of the building and went to a defensive attack. Afourth alarm brought mutual aid companies to the scene and firefighters were able to re-enterthe buildings.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

3-Alarm House Fire on Grove Avenue

On March 24, 2024, the Maywood Fire Department was dispatched to Grove Avenue fora reported house fire. Crews arrived to heavy smoke howing from the home. Asecond alarm was transmitted. Hackensack responded with a ladderand took the front of the home to vent the roof. Heavy fire began to show from the attic and a third

alarm was transmitted. Mutual aid from Saddle Brook, Lodi, Paramus, Rochelle Park, Hackensack, and RiverEdge responded to the scene to assist bringing the fire undercontrol.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Firefighters from more than a dozen Burlington County municipalities teamed up to battle a two-alarm fire that gutted both sides of a duplex in Florence Township on March 24, 2024. The fire at West Third Street, started on the right side of the duplex and rapidly spread to the left side. The rear of the duplex was already well-involved in fire when Florence’s Rescue 4011 arrived. The heavy fire conditions, togetherwith exposure concerns and live powerlines that dropped and complicated firefighting operations on Side A, prompted a second alarm to be struck. Offensive operations were attempted several times, but deteriorating conditions forced crews to evacuate twice. Apolice officerand a civilian were reportedly transported to the hospital forburns. Assisting Florence were firefighters from Beverly, Bordentown City, Bordentown Township, Burlington City, Burlington Township, Chesterfield, Delran, Evesham, Mansfield, Mount Laurel, Springfield, and Willingboro. Also, special-called to the scene from Camden County was Cherry Hill’s Rehab 13 Canteen unit.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe/Lawrence Township FD

2-AlarmerGuts Burlington County Duplex

Fire Guts

Attached Garage in Budd Lake

Byram Township Fire was dispatched to Sleepy Hollow Road fora garage fire. Upon arrival of a chief, heavy fire was found coming from the garage, and a second alarm was dispatched. The attached garage was fully involved and crews went to work knocking down the fire and keeping the fire from entering the rest of the house. The crews went inside, opened and checked the rest of the house forextension. There were no injuries. The fire was underinvestigation by the Byram Township Police and the Sussex County Fire Marshal’s Office.

- Fire News photos by Kevin J. Maloney

Budd Lake CarFire

Dispatched to a reported carfire in the parking lot of the EZ Storage on Route 46, Budd Lake Car52 was first on scene and reported a well involved carfire. Engine 59, Car50 and Engine 59 arrived and stretched theirfront bumperline on the fire and had the fire out within a half hour. There were no injuries reported, but there was damage to the siding on the front of the building. The Morris County HazMat unit was called due to some gasoline which had run into a storm drain. The Mt. Olive Fire Marshals were on scene and investigating the fire.

- Fire News photo by Kevin J. Maloney

Long Branch Celebrates Easter

The Saturday before Easter2024 some members of the volunteer division of the Long Branch Fire Department got togetherto escort the EasterBunny throughout the city.

- Fire News photo by

Chris ‘Doc’Denton

Maywood House Fire

On March 24, 2024, the Maywood Fire Department, responded to a house on fire on Grove Avenue. On arrival, command reported heavy smoke from the attic and eaves of a 1-1/2 story Cape Cod. Lines were stretched and put into operation as companies reported fire on the second floor, attic and roof. Asecond alarm was requested as crews worked to open up walls and locate the main body of fire. Fire vented through the vent hole before crews were able to hit the fire and quickly knock it down. The fire was placed undercontrol in under90 minutes.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Vehicle Ablaze in Lawrence Dunkin’Donuts

The initial call reported a fire alarm activation, but the call turned out to be a working vehicle fire in the drive-through lane of a Dunkin’Donuts in Lawrence Township on April 7, 2024, at 0508. The call was upgraded due to information initially received from 911 that the fire was a possible appliance orcoffee maker. When crews arrived, firefighters found the engine compartment of a sedan ablaze right next to the drive-through window. Aline was stretched and the flames quickly knocked down. While the window and canopy of the drive-through sustained some damage, there was no fire extension to the rest of the structure.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe/Lawrence Township FD

Hoarding Conditions Hamper Operations in Trenton

Severe hoarding conditions greatly hampered efforts to battle a blaze in a 2-1/2-story duplex in Trenton on March 14, 2024. The blaze, on Trent Avenue, was reported just after1505. Heavy smoke and fire was showing from the right side of the duplex when Engine 6 arrived. The all-hands signal fora working fire was transmitted and companies attempted an aggressive interior attack. Hoarding conditions were so bad that offensive operations had to be abandoned. Much of the roof and parts of the upperfloors collapsed.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe/ Lawrence Township FD

West Windsor Rolloverand Entrapment on EasterSunday

Arollovercrash with entrapment shortly before noon on EasterSunday 2024, brought firefighters in West WindsorTownship to find that a 66-year-old man had lost control of his SUVwhile traveling on New Village Road nearAkron Lane. The vehicle left the road, struck the curbing and then a tree, and finally came to rest on its side in the roadway. West WindsorEmergency Services careerfirefighters and volunteers from West Windsorand Princeton Junction responded and found the driverstill in the vehicle. He was extricated and transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Centerin Trenton. New Village Road was closed forabout 90 minutes as a result of the crash.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe/Lawrence Township FD

House Fire in Pine Hill

On the evening of March 6, 2024, Taskforce 6 was dispatched to the area of Richard Avenue and Country Club Road fora house fire. Battalion 6B arrived and reported fire showing from the C side of the dwelling and requested the all-hands box. Crews begin an aggressive fire attack and TowerLadder6 arrived to conduct a pri-

mary search forany occupants. In addition, mutual aid companies arrived and performed supporting operations to ensure a successful and safe outcome. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation by the local and county fire investigators.

-

Fire News photos by John Duvall

ESO SOLUTIONS AND IAMRESPONDING TEAM UPTO ENHANCE DATA-BASED SITUATIONALAWARENESS AND INCIDENTREPORTINGCAPABILITIES FOR FIRSTRESPONDERS

Two Proven Leaders in Emergency Response Leverage Decades of Industry Experience to Deliver the Best-in-Class, Cutting-Edge Technology

IamResponding announced a strategic partnership with ESO, a leading data and software company serving fire departments, emergency medical services (EMS), hospitals and state and federal agencies. IamResponding, a RapidSOS solution, and ESO combine the strengths of the premier incident alerting and situational awareness communication platform with the industry-leading records management system.

This partnership focuses on making a real impact where it counts the most, reshaping the dynamics of emergency response. The two companies’collaboration marks a pivotal moment in emergency services, introducing enhanced incident data capabilities that empower first responders to make better-informed decisions swiftly and efficiently. Customers can expect exciting enhancements to IamResponding and ESO’s offerings:

• Real-Time Insights forRapid Response:

With rich incident data from IamResponding including actual 911 caller location, health profiles, vehicle telematics, alarm information and more from over 500M connected devices and ESO’s extensive repository of critical information - including property details, occupancy status, pre-plans, hydrant locations and inspection recordsresponders get a clear view of the situation fast. This means quicker, more informed decisions that can save time and lives. The comprehensive dataset enables a more informed emergency response and assists mutual aid agencies, improving coordination and effectiveness across jurisdictions.

• Streamlined Incident Management and Permitting Processes:

By leveraging the IamResponding community portal and ESO Properties, Inspections and Permits modules, first responders can streamline operations and easily stay compliant. This integration empowers users to easily tap into a vast network of resources and expertise for smoother workflows.

• Closed Feedback Loop forContinuous Improvement:

The collaboration goes beyond initial response efforts, as incident

response data from IamResponding will be seamlessly delivered back into the ESO platform. This closed-loop system ensures that every incident contributes to refining future responses, enhancing overall efficiency and effectiveness.

• Comprehensive Solutions forEmpowered Response:

Together, ESO and IamResponding offer a robust toolkit for emergency response and department operations. From mobile dispatch alerts and real-time tracking to logistics management and fire-incident reporting, responders can access industry-leading tools that streamline operations and elevate performance.

When paired, the two technologies offer unparalleled reporting and data insights, comprehensive fire records management, seamless compliance for national and state-level requirements, real-time caller locations and apparatus tracking, interactive mapping and more for first responders. “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership presents to our customers and the first responder community at large,” said Eric Beck, President and CEO of ESO. “IamResponding is an innovative solution for our customers looking for real-time critical incident information, and further enhances their ability to improve community health and safety through the power of data.”

“This partnership with ESO marks an exciting milestone in our journey, but it’s just the beginning,” said Daniel Seidberg, President of IamResponding. “Together, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in emergency response technology, ensuring that first responders have the tools and enhanced emergency data they need for situational awareness in an ever-evolving emergency response landscape.”

The collaboration taps into combined decades of industry experience and cutting-edge technology. Today, IamResponding and ESO will focus on their core strengths while leveraging each other’s expertise to enhance technology features and make data even more actionable for improved patient outcomes. Both companies are committed to ensuring seamless integration and delivering unmatched value to their shared customer base.

Trenton House Fire Forces Defensive Operations

Firefighters in the state capital were kept busy battling a stubborn blaze involving both sides of a 2-1/2-story duplex on April 16, 2024. Members of Trenton Fire Department reported heavy fire was showing from the top of OliverAvenue, with flames extending into the right side exposure. First-due Engine 8 arrived and transmitted an all hands. Multiple hoselines were stretched as crews mounted an aggressive interiorattack. Battalion Chief James

Scott called an evacuation and a switch to defensive operations as the fire burned through the roof Ladder2’s aerial masterstream was put in service and the fire was officially declared undercontrol. Engines 8, 1, 9 and 10, Ladders 1, 2 and 4, and Rescue 1 operated, with Ladder4 responding as a manpower-only unit.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe/ Lawrence Township FD

Awards and Ceremonies

Margate Hosts Annual Award Ceremony

The Atlantic County Firefighters Association held their31st Annual Harold J. ‘Whitey’ Swartz ValorAwards and 50-yearrecognition ceremony at Anthony ‘Tony’Canale Training Centeron April 17, 2024, hosted by the City of Margate Fire Department. Margate Chief Dan Adams welcomed the guests, honorees and family with seven 50-year certificates awarded, three Class AAwards, three Unit Citations, and the Most Dramatic was awarded to the Borough of Buena Fire Department fortheirresponse to a structure that exploded in which fourpeople perished, including two children.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

33 Graduate from Local Departments

Agraduation ceremony was held on March 22, 2024, at the Boardwalk Hall in honorof Atlantic City Fire Department, Brigantine Fire Department and Pleasantville Fire Department, which added 33 members (25 Atlantic City, 6 Pleasantville, 2 Brigantine) to theirranks. Recruits competed a 10-week academy which was held at the Anthony ‘Tony’Canale Training Centerin Egg HarborTownship. Graduates received both FirefighterI and FirefighterII certifications. Best of luck on your future endeavors and a safe and prosperous career!

- Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’Moran

Pine Hill FD Honored with Unit Citation

On Friday, March 8, 2024, Pine Hill Fire Department attended the FiftySeventh Annual Camden County Hero Scholarship Fund Dinner. During this event, members of the Pine Hill Fire Department was awarded a Unit Citation fortheiractions during a house fire on November12, 2023, that resulted in the rescue of two trapped residents. - Fire News photos by

John Duvall

Up Close & Personal

Mays Landing and Richland WaterRescue Teams

Up Close and Personal with members of the Atlantic County, Mays Landing, and Richland waterrescue teams following theirdrill at the Weymouth Furnace recreation area on March 3, 2024.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

City of Linwood Chief Marty Walley (sunglasses, sitting) poses with his crew afterthey returned from a mutual aid assignment in the City of Somers Point on April 14, 2024.

- Fire News Photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Female members of the Somers Point Fire Department standing by at a Chapman Boulevard fire on April 14, 2024.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe