VOLUME 9, NO. 5
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State MARCH 2016
See page 6 for full story. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
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In this issue... .
Blizzard Baptizes New Firefighter
During the second-biggest area snow storm in history Probationary Firefighter Chris Tortorella’s got his first chance to test his skills.
A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713
See story on page 5
Winter Woes in New City
The New City Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on Old Hempstead Road. See story on page 7
Newburgh Structure Fire
The City of Newburgh Fire Department, along with numerous mutual aid companies operated at a structure fire on Washington Street. See story on page 11
Fatality at New Lebanon Trench Collapse
A 911 call was dispatched for Chatham Fire and Rescue to respond to a man trapped in a trench cave in. See story on page 15
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, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artist: GREGORY JONES CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Aguilar, Chris Aldous, Jeff Ambroz, Peter Barber, Kevin Barry, John Bashaw, Bill Bennett, Tom Bierds, Jeff Couch, Chris Creighton, David Denniston, Rick Douglas, Brian Duddy, Stan Dybus, John Falcone, Ken Flynn, Joe Fortunato, Eli Gill, Mark Gillen, Tom Heffernan Sr., Greg Herman, Matt Hodge, Steve Hodgekiss, Robert Holley, Daniel Imfield, Andy Jarchin, Bill Johnson, Mark Johnson, Chris Kalisak, Charlie Keller, Jon Kemp, Gordon Kotars, David R. LaRocco, Stephen Lenz, Joshua Long, Mike Messar, Ralph Miele, Albert Mignone, John Miller, Lloyd Mitchell, Brian Natoli, Carleton Raab, Robert Reynolds, Lauren Rivera, Stephen Schaefer, Deborah Schweikert, Tom Shand, John Shaw, Sharon Siegel, Robert Simpson, Joe Sperber, Bryan Sypniewski, Karen Todd, Kyle Townsend, Joe Turner, Michael VanDerLieth, Lori Washburn, D.B. Weimer, Stephen White.
Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka COPYRIGHT 2016, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
St. Albans Garage Fire Spreads
A fire, which may have started in a an attached garage of a St. Albans home, did extensive damage when the blaze spread to the adjoining home. See story on page 17
MVA Closes 84 for Hours East Fishkill firefighters along with Mobile Life Paramedics, StatFlight and the New York State Police operated at a tractor-trailer versus car MVA.
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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
Training is No Joke Recently, I have been hearing complaints from first responders that they are being “killed” by what appears to be an increased amount of training. Although it might appear to be an inconvenience and burden on all responders, especially the volunteer, training is important and is what saves your life when things go wrong. Close to 25 years ago, departments were required to give yearly HazMat and OSHA training. Many departments cover this requirement in an all-day seminar or through their local fire academy. Others have spread it out over the entire year. In New York, the Department of Labor (DoL) sent out a letter to departments. The purpose of which was to, “help clarify an important issue regarding the level and types of training required for firefighters.” OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.156, (C) (1) is
intended to ensure the safety of firefighters and requires that fire department leaders and instructors receive training and education that is more comprehensive than that provided to the general membership of the department. To clarify the concerns of the DoL, many of the major fire service organizations have gotten together to identify the core competencies that fire department members, leaders and trainers should have in order to satisfy this requirement. The DoL is interested in the competencies achieved and training from any source must be properly documented. Referring to the OSHA Fire Department Refresher, there is no longer a requirement that you provide a specific number of hours of annual refresher training, but rather that you must provide and document annual safety training in six specific areas — Hazardous Materials/Emergency Response, Respiratory
Protection, Blood Borne Pathogens, Right to Know, Workplace Violence, and Fire Extinguishers (if required to use) — as well as additional training from the suggested areas that apply to your department. This training does not have to occur in one single class, but, “must occur each year.” My advice is to review training and refresher programs and run them by your state associations to be sure they meet the requirements. Chiefs and instructors should take a look the Recommended Best Practices for Fire Department Training Programs by the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Visit www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc/training/firefightingbest-practices.cfm for more information. Although it may seem inconvenient, ongoing training is what keeps you proficient and what helps keep you safe. Dennis
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Blizzard Baptizes New Firefighter During the second-biggest area snow storm in recorded history, Engine 22’s tire chains rattled down snow-blanketed Union Avenue in New Rochelle. The heavy rig sprayed a wake of slush onto powdery piles, the tips of mirrors the only clue to the vehicles buried beneath. From several blocks away, a large plume of smoke could already be seen pouring from around the corner, whipped by winds, which peaked at nearly 50 miles per hour. This was it — Probationary Firefighter Chris Tortorella’s first chance to test his skills. Months earlier, Chris had been a successful carpenter, supervising six men as a foreman. Although committed to his dream of becoming a firefighter, he had two young children to support. It is never easy to earn a spot in the fire department, but suffering from dyslexia meant Chris had to study twice as hard as everyone else for the three entrance exams he took over 10 years. And then the letter arrived from the New Rochelle Fire Department. “It was a dream come true. It was surreal — nine years and it was finally there.” But it seemed crazy to leave a stable job with a newborn son and daughter just starting preschool. “When my wife first saw how much I was going to be paid, she said, “I don’t think you can do this,” recalled Chris. Luckily, he comes from a firefighter family. His relatives reassured the couple that their sacrifice would eventually pay off, and they decided to take the chance together. Chris remembered, “My wife has always been supportive. She works full time and really helped me out by taking care of the kids while I was in the academy.”
Back to the storm … As the corner neared, flames were revealed roaring well overhead, engulfing the front end of a car. “I saw the smoke and really just tried to rely on my training.” Guided by his experienced crew, Chris yanked the hose down from the back of the fire engine, and dragged it through a waist-high snow bank and down the sidewalk. Just as he was trained, he cracked the nozzle open and placed it under his knee so he could control the arriving water pressure. Then he placed his helmet between his knees as he put on his air mask. While this fire was straightforward, these small skills, repeated at every fire, may
one day save a firefighter’s life. Once the members of Ladder 12 had pushed past and created access to the vehicle, Chris and his crew quickly advanced and extinguished the fire, protecting the cars parked closely on both sides of the tight street. While the true test of a new firefighter is his first interior building fire, any fire helps to get the jitters out. “You want to get your first fire over with,” Chris confirmed. And this fire ended with the sweetest reward for a new firefighter, a casual “nice job” from a senior firefighter. “It meant a lot.” See newrochellefirefighters.org/blog/new-firefighter-baptized-by-blizzard/ for more photos.
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Cover Story
Fatality at Arlington Fire
Recently, Arlington firefighters assisted by City of Poughkeepsie, Pleasant Valley and Mobile Life Paramedics operated at a structure fire on McKinley Lane. Firefighters arrived to find an active fire. An interior search was immediately initiated, and firefighters located a lone occupant unconscious. The individual was removed and resuscitation efforts were attempted, but the person was later pronounced deceased at Mid-Hudson Regional. - Fire News photos by Bill Johnson
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Winter Woes in New City
On the morning of January 23, the New City Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on Old Hempstead Road. At the time of the call, the blizzard that was hitting the East Coast was just beginning to intensify. Members of the department were at the firehouse preparing for the coming snow, and a truck quickly responded to the fire. Upon arrival, crews found fire venting out two windows and a door on the first floor of the home. Two lines were stretched and the fire was quickly knocked down. Mutual aid responded from Hillcrest, West Nyack and Congers. The cause of the fire was under investigation, but was believed to be accidental. Several people were home at the time the fire, and they were taken to a local hospital for smoke inhalation. - Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn
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Suspicious Fire in Jackson Hts.
On January 8, 2016, a suspicious fire broke out in Jackson Heights. The two-alarm blaze was complicated by a Collyer’s Mansion condition. Firefighters made a search for an elderly woman who was possibly in the structure, but searches were negative. - Fire News photo by Wayne Carrington
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Happy Ending for Queens 2-Alarmer
On November 21, 2015, Queens Communication Office started transmitted for more manpower. After the fire was knocked down receiving numerous calls for a fire in a private dwelling on 146th firefighters were able to find the family’s dog under a bed and Street. Upon arrival of Ladder 126, a 10-75 was transmitted. reunite it with its owners. - Fire News photos by Brian Grogan Firefighters encountered fire on all floors and a second alarm was
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Newburgh Structure Fire
Recently, the City of Newburgh Fire Department along with numerous mutual aid companies operated at a structure fire on Washington Street. - Fire News photos by Bill Johnson
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Total Loss in East Schodack
East New York 2-Alarmer
On January 19, 2016, East Schodack was dispatched to a working structure fire on Nassau Lake. Nassau responded and, on arrival, assisted an elderly woman from the structure. A fire in the rear of the house was being fanned by high winds and spreading through the interior. Water wasn’t a problem, thanks to the lake. Mutual aid came from other Schodack departments and Tri-Village in Columbia County. The home appeared to be a total loss. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
On January 5, 2016, FDNY units responded to a second alarm with hazardous materials in a single-story warehouse. Units arrived to heavy smoke pushing out of the Essex Street building in East New York. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
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Yorkville 3-Alarmer
On January 6, 2016, a fire, which eventually went to three-alarms, was reported on Whitesboro Street in a 2-1/2 story, two-apartment structure. Yorkville, New York Mills and Whitesboro were immediately dispatched. There were reports of someone trapped on the second floor, and an aggressive response was launched, but searches were negative. Responders found the second floor fully involved. It
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was later reported that a space heater was the cause of the fire. A great coordinated effort was made by all departments involved. Units on scene also included: Utica, New Hartford, Maynard, Willowvale, Kunkel Ambulance, National Grid and Fire Coordinator 271. - Fire News photos by Jack Zwijacz
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Multiple Fires in Brooklyn
Two Alarmer in Schenectady
Hours after a second alarm on Essex Street, a fire broke out in a group of row frames. Engine 236 and Tower Ladder 120 arrived to find heavy fire on the first and second floors. Battalion 39 asked for a second alarm to bring the fire under control due to Collyer’s Mansion conditions. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Recently, Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on Barrett Street, after an electrical fire erupted in the three-unit apartment building. The fire was brought under control quickly but displaced six adults and four children. -Fire News photo by Peter Barber
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Fatality at New Lebanon Trench Collapse
On January 14, 2016, a 911 call was dispatched for Chatham Fire and Rescue to respond to a man trapped in a trench cave in. The person was helping the homeowner install a footing drainage system around the home, and was in the bottom of the trench, connecting drainage pipe, when the walls collapsed, burying him in the eight-foot deep trench. Local rescuers were unsuccessful in extricating the man and units from New York State Fire, Lebanon Valley’s and Colonie Fire’s Technical Rescue units were called to the site with their trench rescue equipment. The victim was declared dead at the scene. - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller
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Big Mac-Chili Fest It is Sunday, February 7, 2016. Why is the date so important? It was Super Bowl Sunday 2016 and I am spending my day in Weston Connecticut. Why, you might ask? Well it was the Big Mac-Chili Fest! A few months ago, I received an e-mail from a promoter who is a fan of my show. His name was Jim Keenan. Jim is the creator of Chowder-fest, which is a big event in Connecticut as well as the MacChili Fest. He thought it would be a great idea to have the Mac-Chili Fest before the Super Bowl. He said, “Come on! What would be better than chili, and macaroni and cheese before the big game?” How can one argue with that? One of the main reasons he contacted me was due to a rivalry between the Weston Fire Department and Westport Fire Department, a feud based on who had the better chili. Who better to judge this contest than Firefighter Ray! I know we do a lot of chili on Firehouse Kitchen, but … this is the fire department and we do love our chili! When I arrived at the event, it was controlled chaos. Sacred Heart University was there with their band and more volunteers to help than you could imagine! One could immediately tell that this was a huge event. The lines for the chili were long, but totally worth it. I have never seen so many different macaroni and cheese dishes and specialty chili in my life. All the chili was made by different restaurants in the area as well as several local fire departments. One was better than the next. Now for my decision. I thought both departments’ chili was delicious, but I had to go with the Weston Fire Department chili. Firefighter Frank Caolo was the chef who created it. Not only did it win over Westport, in my opinion, but it came in second overall in the event. If you’re not doing anything on Super Bow Sunday 2017, I highly recommend attending the Mac-Chili Fest. One last thing, Firehouse Kitchen will be returning TV55 WLNY New York on Saturday mornings at 1130 starting April 2, 2016. Be sure to watch the new season! To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen, go to firehousekitchenshow.com or contact us on Facebook.
Get the winning recipe on page 17
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Big Mac-Chili Fest...continued from previous page Weston Volunteer Fire Department “SmokeEaters Chili” For Two Engines and Two Ladder Trucks of Firefighters Ingredients: 12 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1-tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon ground white pepper 2 teaspoon brown sugar 1 ½ teaspoon fresh cilantro 1 ½ teaspoon fresh thyme 1 cup Guinness Stout beer 2 quarts chicken stock 8 long green chilies new Mexican roasted and chopped 2-15 ounces cans fire roasted diced tomatoes 2-15 ounces cans fire roasted crushed tomatoes
St. Albans Garage Fire Spreads
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh celery 3 cloves garlic finely chopped 2 lbs. Vermont (New England) Smoked Bacon (save the bacon fat) 4 Lbs. center cut pork chops or pork butt cut into 3/8-inch cubes 5 Lbs. beef sirloin tips or try tips, cut into 1/4-inch cubes 4 medium onions cut into 3/8 inch pieces 2 green peppers cut into 3/8 inch pieces 1 red peppers, cut into 3/8 inch pieces 1 yellow peppers, cut into 3/8 inch pieces Serve with: 1 lb. Grated Monterey Jack cheese 3 limes sliced
Directions: Start cooking the bacon; when done save the bacon fat for use later and chop the bacon into small pieces. Place chicken stock into large pot and start getting it to a low boil. While waiting for the chicken stock, mix all dry spices together then add the cup of Guinness beer and stir making sure there are no lumps. Now, add the spice and beer mixture into the chicken stock. Roast the green chilies over a flame or in frying pan with two spoons of saved bacon fat. Now finely chop and add chilies to the stock, chop celery, and garlic and add them to the stock. Open the cans of fire roasted tomatoes add them to the stock, Start to brown the pork … using bacon fat. Add pork in stock …and let it work for 20 to 30 minutes. As pork is in the stock start browning the steak in the bacon fat. Once browned place steak into stock and low boil for one hour. Now start chopping the onions and bell peppers, cook for additional three- to four hours until all the pork and meat breaks down. (Stay on top of it with the stirring as it could stick to bottom of the pot.) Almost there… Take it off the heat and sit at room temperature for 45 minutes to an hour…for the best refrigerate for a day or two to get the best and optimum flavor. Reheat for about five minutes before serving. Serve: Place cheese and limes on the side and firefighters can add as they choose. For a sandwich version usepPotato rolls or baguettes.
On January 6, 2016, a fire, which may have started in a parked car in an attached garage of a St. Albans home, did extensive damage when the blaze spread to an adjoining home. FDNY firefighters arrived at the scene and found a heavy fire condition in the garage on 194th Street. The fire was able to spread to the main house via a covered passageway. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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MVA Closes 84 for Hours
Fatality at E. Greenbush MVA
On October 12, 2015, East Fishkill firefighters along with Mobile Life Paramedics, StatFlight and the New York State Police operated at a tractor-trailer versus car MVA on I-84 Eastbound at the Fishkill Hook Road overpass. The accident occurred when a car entered the path of the tractor-trailer and the tractor-trailer was unable to avoid it and struck a bridge abutment. The impacts pinned both drivers in their vehicles and spread the contents of the trailer on the roadway. Interstate 84 eastbound was closed for hours as police investigated and crews worked to remove the vehicles and the debris. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
On December 29, 2015, the East Greenbush Fire Department responded to a serious crash on I-90 between exits 9 and 10. A NYS corrections officer, on his way home from work, was killed in the crash, which shut down most of the lanes east of Albany for hours. State police say a FedEx tandem tractor-trailer and the car collided. Both vehicles wound up in the median. Snow and sleet was falling around the time of the accident, and troopers believed weather conditions were a factor in the crash. East Greenbush was assisted by Clinton Heights, Best Luther, Schodack Valley and Defreestville, along with the Bruin Rescue Squad. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
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MVA with Entrapment on I-86
Route 48 MVA
On January 12, 2016, Broome County Communications dispatched West Windsor (54), Windsor (28), and Five Mile Point (59) Fire Departments along with Windsor Ambulance (84) to Interstate 86 Westbound near exit 76 for a single-car MVA with entrapment. Under the command of Chief 54 crews deployed hydraulic tools, powered down the vehicle and extricated the driver. The extrication was tricky due to severe intrusion on the driver’s door from impact with a tree. An uninjured passenger in the vehicle advised they had lost control and began to spin before taking out a large highway sign and finally impacting the tree and coming to rest in a ditch. After some careful work with the tools, the driver was extricated complaining only of an injured left shoulder besides some bumps and bruises. Road conditions were very slippery at the time of the crash. - Fire News photo by Nicholas Griswold
On January 10, 2016, the Winona Lake Fire Department responded to a two-car MVA on Route 48 east. Two people were taken to the hospital by Town of Newburgh ambulance. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
KEYSTONE FIREFIGHTER CONFERENCE JULY 15-17, 2016
The Keystone Firefighter Conference has announced that Lila Gillespie will be taking on the role of booth and sponsorship sales for the Keystone Firefighter Conference. If your company is interested in exhibiting, contact Lila at lila@keystonefirefighterconference.com or 877-532-6792, ext. 703. The Keystone Firefighter Conference will take place July 15-17, 2016, in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and will feature Exhibits, Training, Junior Firefighter Competition, Fire Truck Rodeo, and a Chili Cook-Off.
BRIAN BLINN JOINS MINERVA
VET FIREFIGHTER & EMT BRINGS EXPERIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING TO MINERVA Minerva, the leading cleaner of firefighter and EMT apparel in North America, is proud to announce that Brian Blinn joined the company as Director of Sales and Business Development. Brian brings 12 years of experience as Vice-President of Sales at Honeywell First Responder Products and as a firefighter/EMT in the State of Ohio. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Brian is recognized in the fire service industry as a leading authority on the science behind bunker gear design, use, cleaning and care. As a 13-year veteran of the fire service as a firefighter and EMT, Brian also has a unique and first-hand understanding of the importance of keeping bunker and EMT gear clean to minimize health risks and maximize performance. During his time with Honeywell, Brian serviced departments from the largest major metros to smaller rural and suburban squads. His years and breadth of experience working with all types and sizes of department is a real asset for Minerva and Minerva’s customers. Brian can be reached at Brian.blinn@bunkergearcleaners.com.
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Unique Training in Colonie
On January 30, 2016, a unique Tabletop Drill was held for students from around New York who were attending Fire Officer I at the Town of Colonie Municipal Training Tower. The lower level of the building houses a massive re-creation of a town. This diorama fills the room with every scenario possible for emergency situations from an airpor incident to rural area ones. The teams of students were each given a scenario of an emergency situation and told to give their responses as to how they would they would stage the emergency vehicles and crews. The scenarios were detailed using Matchbox-size vehicles to lay out the scene. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
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New Fire Police On February 2, 2016, Judge James Reitz, swore in members of the Carmel, Mahopac and Mahopac Falls Fire Departments as new Fire Police officers for the State of New York. -Fire News photo by Jack Casey, PIO
Capital Region FOOLs Help Youngster On January 24, 2016, the Capital Region FOOLs fulfilled the wish of young Jeffrey Jackson with New York Rangers gear, Rangers and Capital Region FOOLs Challenge Coins, train tickets and tickets to a March New York Rangers game. Jeffrey will be escorted by a group of CR FOOLs. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
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Obituaries
Silver Lake FF Killed Reward Offered
Justin Speights, a 20-year-old member of the Silver Lake Fire Department, was stabbed while attempting to break up a fight on New Year’s Day. Justin answered his final alarm on January 8, 2016, surrounded by his family, friends and hundreds of firefighters from around the region. He will be sorely missed by many. Anyone with information about the events leading to Justin’s death are asked to contact the State Police at 845-344-5300. - Fire News photo courtesy of Jeff Stedner
Good Will’s John J. Welsh
John J. Welsh, Jr., of Wallkill, a lifetime area resident, peacefully entered into rest on January 14, 2016, with his loving wife, Peggy, by his side. He was 71. A Vietnam veteran, John was a lifetime member of the Good Will Fire Department where he served as past-President of the company, past-Captain and past-President of the Benevolent Association, a member of the Orange County Volunteer Fireman’s Association and member of the Red Vest Association. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
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The Eggertsville Officers for 2016 Brian K. Multerer has been re-elected to a third term as Chief of the Eggertsville Hose Company. Other officers elected to serve the volunteer company are: First Assistant Fire Chief Kiel Gentry, and Second Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Peters. Captains: Michael Flynn, James Day and David Mastrella. Lieutenants: Justyn Moore; Angela Hess; John Whitehead, Jr.; and Don Fetes. Christina Mastrella was re-elected Captain of EMS, and Adam Trigilio, Lieutenant of EMS. John Buttino has been re-elected as the President of the company. Others elected were: Vice-President James Christopher, Recording Secretary Richard Cumpston, Corresponding Secretary Patrick Galvin. and Treasurer Robert Brand. Michael Maisano was re-elected to the Board of Directors, and James McDonald was re-elected Sergeant-at-Arms. - Fire News photo courtesy of John P. Buttino; Pres., Eggertsville HC
Obituary
Five Mile Point’s Richard D. Clendening Richard Clendening, 78, passed away unexpectedly during the early morning hours of January 12, 2016, after being taken to the hospital earlier the night before. Dick, as he was known, spent 40 years as an active and proud member of the Five Mile Point Fire Department. Dick was also an active member of the Broome County Firefighters Association, New York State Fire Chiefs Association, FASNY, and the Volunteer Fire Police Association of the State of New York. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, his daughters and grandchildren. - Fire News photo provided by Nicholas Griswold
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Treating the Ladies Right On January 16, 2016, some the of the men of the Winona Lake Fire Department held there 16th Christmas dinner for the Ladies Auxiliary, for which they cooked and served surf-and-turf, salad, shrimp and cheesecake. Rich Nosek, Tom Hoey and Dave Dominick did the cooking and Will Roy handled the serving. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Hockey Game Fundraiser On January 9, 2016, MacBoston Hockey played Worcester 6 Hockey in a benefit hockey game to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy. This is an annual match-up between the teams, which play to raise funds for charity. MacBoston Hockey helps to raise awareness and funds also for the NYS Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Albany, along with the MacBoston 18 Truck which travels throughout the state to support fallen firefighters. MacBoston 18 Truck helps to keep the memory of all firefighters who have died in the line of duty or as a result of a line-ofduty accident. They also promote safety through ongoing educational programs. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
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NYSAFC Conducts Home Fire Sprinkler Demonstrations Across New York State On January 27, 2016, the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) and Orchard Park Fire District conducted a dramatic demonstration in Erie County to illustrate the effectiveness of home sprinkler systems in saving lives and reducing damage from fire. This was the latest in a series of demonstrations conducted by NYSAFC across New York State to educate both the public and members of the emergency services on the affordability and benefits of home fire sprinklers. Previous presentations were held in October 2015, with the Henrietta Fire District (Monroe County), December 2015, with Plattsburgh Fire District 3 (Clinton County), and January 26, 2016, with the Baldwinsville Fire Department (Onondaga County). At each demonstration site, two simulated residential rooms were set on fire— one protected by a sprinkler system and the other non-sprinklered. The live fire demonstrations showed that a room without sprinklers quickly reaches a temperature that causes flashover of all the contents in the room. In a room protected by sprinklers, fire does not grow out of control, which gives residents time to safely escape, minimizes risks to the firefighters who respond, and significantly
was approximately $1.44 per square foot. In reduces property damage. According to NYSAFC Executive an average home this would be less than Director Jerry DeLuca, “Statistics show that $3,000. Modern home construction methods are presenting new challenges to firefighters. Homes are no longer built using timber and nails. Almost all of today’s homes contain composite materials, such as plywood or waferboard, and they are manufactured with highly combustible glues. Furthermore, many of today’s household products are made from synthetic materials that are more flammable than traditional materials, so the home’s contents will catch fire quicker and burn hotter than in the past. As a result of these changes, a resident typically has less than three minutes to safely escape from a burning home. Orchard Park Fire District Training Chief Bill Hanrahan said, “It is clear to me that the United States has the highest rate of fire home fire sprinklers will save lives of citizens deaths of any industrialized country. and firefighters. They will assist in controlApproximately 85 percent of all U.S. fire ling a fire, allowing residents time to escape deaths occur in the home. Opponents of fire and the fire department time to arrive before sprinkler systems will argue that the cost is a building becomes fully engulfed in fire.” too high, but that is not true — how can you For more info on the benefits of residential put a price on human life?” fire sprinklers, visit NYSAFC’s online Home A recent study found that the cost of instal- Fire Sprinkler Advocacy & Awareness lation of a sprinkler system in a new home Toolkit: www.nysfirechiefs.com/hfsaat.php.
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