Fire News New York State, March 2023

In this issue...

1 Injured in Newburgh MVA

The Cronomer Valley FD was called for a single-car MVAinto a tree with possible injuries.

See story on page 5

Rochester Commercial 2-Alarmer

The Rochester Fire Department was dispatched for a building fire.

See story on page 8

Driver Escapes

Car Fire

City of Schenectady firefighters battled a car fire.

See story on page 12

Fire Destroys

Colonie Warehouse

Amid-afternoon fire brought fire companies from Schenectady and Saratoga counties.

See story on page 18

5-Alarmer in Hamilton Heights

Firefighters battled a five-alarm fire in Hamilton Heights.

See story on page 22

Abandon Building Goes in Brighton

Firefighters battled a fire in an abandoned boarded up building.

See story on page 32

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From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor

WinterChallenges

I recently checked with my local groundhogs and found that all the seasoned groundhogs had differing opinions on when winter will end. Punxsutawney Phil is predicting six more weeks of cold weather, while Chuckles and General Beauregard Lee are saying we will have an early spring. Since I am an optimist, I’m betting on an early spring! But, regardless of what our groundhogs think, I am staying prepared for a few more weeks of cold weather.

I grew up in the fire service. I remember my dad hated fighting fires in the cold. He always prepared his rack for winter, which included an extra wool sweater, a wool skull hat and a nylon vest. In 1960, I was a full-fledged buff. In those days I ran to fires and immediately found the Salvation Army truck, which was always present. My adopted job was to retrieve a cardboard box filled with coffee and doughnuts and distribute them to the MPOs, so that the members of the companies had a warm beverage waiting for them when they exited the fire building. I know the members appreciated my gesture offering them coffee and doughnuts provided by the Salvation Army. Truthfully, I miss the dedication of the Salvation Army. With the advancement of technology, we now have Recuperation and Care Units (RAC Units). These units respond to all-hands calls and provide members with cool

drinks and cool towels during hot weather and warm drinks during cold weather.

Several times I was asked to run to my father’s company and load up a bag of dry clothing and bring it back to the fire. It didn’t look like fun when I saw firefighters exiting a warm building in wet clothing and standing in freezing temperatures. This changed in the late 60s.

In extreme temperatures, firefighters need protection from both heat and cold at the same incident. While stretching lines and opening up a building, firefighters are exposed to the cold temperatures and, within minutes, they are exposed to extreme heat. Firefighters who are dressed for the cold are likely to become fatigued. It is common for firefighters to be sweating on the inside and covered with ice on the outside. Officers should remind members to stay warm without compromising protection.

Plan and prepare for fighting fires in the winter months. Agood pump operator has a built-in instinct that warns of the dangers of allowing their truck to freeze up. Some departments in cold climates operate with dry pumps. As they arrive on scene they allow water to enter the pump so that it can be out into operation. I recommend that new pump operators speak with a senior pump operator to review cold weather operation. You should also check with the pump

manufacturer to see if they have guidelines for operating in cold weather.

Check with Firehouse magazine. Jim Vaughn wrote a great article called, “Preparedness and Training for Cold-Weather Firefighting.” Check out their December 2020 edition.

Let’s hope Punxsutawney Phil is wrong and that springtime is less than six weeks away. In the meantime, stay warm! - Dennis

1 Injured in Newburgh MVA

Athens Handles WaterRescue Call

On Thanksgiving night 2022, the CronomerValley Fire Department was called fora single-carMVAinto a tree with possible injuries at the Barklay Manorapartments in the Town of Newburgh. One person was treated at the scene by Town of Newburgh EMS. The Town of Newburgh Police also responded to the scene.

- Fire News photo by John C. Miller

- Fire News photo by John C. Miller

The Athens Fire Department responded to the Hudson Riverto assist Greenport Fire fora reported overturned kayak in the river. Greenport Fire, Greenport Rescue and the City of Hudson Dive Team were all dispatched to the incident which was in the area of the Greenport Conservation Area. The kayak was found but no subject was reported with it. All units were back in service within the hour.

Story Stubborn Fire Guts Rotterdam Home

Stubborn Fire Guts Rotterdam Home

On January 10, 2023, firefighters from South Schenectady, Rotterdam Fire District 2 and Carman battled a two-alarm fire on Trinity Avenue. Heavy smoke was visible upon arrival and the seat of the fire became difficult to locate afterthe fire spread to crawl spaces and open void areas. All occupants escaped unharmed.

- Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

RochesterCommercial 2-Alarmer

On, January 17, 2023, the RochesterFire Department was dispatched fora building fire at the cornerof Martin Street and Gorham Street, which was originally called in by the Rochester Police Department. First arriving companies found heavy smoke coming from a commercial building owned by Alsco Cleaners, and

quickly declared a working fire. Command requested a second alarm due to the size of the building. Companies were able to contain the fire to a portion of the interior.

Rappel Training at Amsterdam HQ

- Fire News photos by Matt Leo

Amsterdam firefighterAnthony Turnbull rappels down three stories in the front of Amsterdam Fire Headquarters during training on January 7, 2023. - Fire News photos by Mark Perfetti

Heavy Fire and Smoke in Rochester

Flames Show on Crescent Street

On November15, 2022, the RochesterFire Department was dispatched to the reported smoke and flames from a building on Leavenworth Street. Engine 5 arrived to heavy smoke coming from a single-story commercial building. Companies first attempted an interiorattack, but were forced to go defensive due to heavy smoke and fire in the building. Two truck companies began pouring water through theiraerials, and multiple handlines were also used. Asecond alarm was called foradditional manpower, and fire became visible as the roof of the building began to collapse. The fire took multiple hours to bring undercontrol and the building was eventually demolished. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation.

Firefighters fought a two-alarm fire on Crescent Street in East New York on November19, 2022. Engine Company 236 transmitted a 10-75 forheavy fire from a 2-1/2 story wood frame private dwelling. Apairof residents suffered injuries. The fire extende d to the second floorand attic area of the structure. Over100 firefighters battled the incident.

- Fire News photo by Matt Leo

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Carinto HouseDriverFlees Scene

Head-on in Latham

On January 9, 2023, City of Schenectady firefighters responded to a report of a vehicle into a residence on Congress Street near10th Avenue. The driverfled the scene and no one in the house was injured.

During the first snow of the season on November15, 2022, a drunk drivertraveling at a high rate of speed crossed the double line and crashed into anothervehicle traveling in the opposite direction on Troy Schenectady Road in Latham. The driverof the carhit, was trapped in hervehicle and was extricated by Latham and Verdoy fire departments with the aid of FullerRoad Fire Department. Both of the drivers were in serious condition and transported to local hospitals.

- Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

DriverEscapes CarFire

On January 13, 2023, City of Schenectady firefighters battled a car fire on Bradley Boulevard nearElm Street afterthe operator arrived to pick up herson at a nearby school. Truck 2 firefighters arrived on scene and quickly knocked the fire down. The driver

So. Jamaica House Fire

FDNYcompanies in the South Jamaica section of Queens responded to a private dwelling fire on Inwood Street on January 16, 2023. The blaze appeared to have originated on the second floorand extensive overhauling was required.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

stated she had just had the oil changed and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. She got out of hercarjust as flames consumed the engine compartment. No cause was given forthe incident.

- Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

9 YearOld Dies in Brownsville Blaze

Rescue Company 2, Ladder120 and Engine Company 231 originally thought to be responding to an odorof smoke, arrived to find heavy fire out the second-floorwindows, with fire rapidly extending to the third floor, where a child was trapped in herbedroom. Rescue Company 2 FirefighterEd Dailey rescued the nine-year-old girl, carrying herout overhis shoulderto EMS Paramedics. Paramedics removed herto Brookdale Hospital where she tragically passed away on January 13, 2023.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Fatality in Niskayuna House Fire

Chimney Fire in South Schenectady

On January 20, 2023, firefighters from Stanford Heights, Niskayuna Fire District 1 and Colonie battled a fire in a singlestory residence afterfire was reported just after0700. Awooden fence around the perimeterof the home hampered efforts to begin an initial attack. The fire was brought undercontrol in less than an hour. The ownerof the home was found deceased in the home. The cause was underinvestigation.

On January 9, 2023, South Schenectady firefighters used their towerladderto access a chimney fire on Berdick Street in Rotterdam. The contents of the fire place were removed to the front lawn of the condominium and chimney chains were utilized to cleardebris and creosote from the chimney pipe.

- Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber

- Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber

RochesterWorkeron Langham St.

Rochesterfirefighters were dispatched to a reported house fire with people trapped in the area of Langham Street. The first engine arrived to heavy fire coming from the front of the home, with a person lying in the yard. Requesting EMS on a rush, crews tended to the victim as others stretched lines to the front door. Firefighters made a strong aggressive push to knock down the fire from the inte-

riorof the home, but the well-advanced fire had conditions worsening rapidly. Command made the call to remove all members from the building and go defensive; a great call as just minutes laterthe front porch collapsed.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Washingtonville House Fire

On December19, 2022, at 2243, the Washingtonville Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a fire in a garage on Canterbury Circle. Upon arrival, within minutes from dispatch, firefighters found a two-story colonial well involved. Blooming Grove VolunteerAmbulance Corps personnel stood-by at the scene and Washingtonville Police assisted. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation by the Orange County Fire Investigators.

-Fire News photos by Joseph VanRiper, story by Gary Hearn

Fire Destroys Colonie Warehouse

On January 20, 2023, a mid-afternoon fire in a 200 x 100 foot storage warehouse on Kings Road in the Albany County town of Colonie, brought mutual aid fire companies from Schenectady and Saratoga counties to assist. With no hydrants nearthe location porta-ponds and tankerrelays were established. Albany International Airport sent one of their5,000-gallon crash trucks to the scene to help sustain the watersupply. Explosions from acetylene tanks stored in the structure caused the fire to quickly spread and soon, with the intense heat, the roof caved in. No injuries were reported and the cause was underinvestigation.

- Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

All-Hands in Canarsie

Shed & TractorFire in Mt. Morris

The 58 Battalion transmitted a 10-75 forheavy smoke and fire from the basement of a Canarsie tenement on East 78 Street on November14, 2022. Units used fourhoselines to knock down the main body of fire. Searches throughout the basement apartment, first and second floors were negative.

The Mount Morris Fire Department was dispatched to Hoagland Road fora shed fire 50 feet from a house. Car41 was the first on scene and reported a tractorand shed on fire, with the shed already on the ground. Crews worked to extinguish the fire and wet down the area to prevent extension. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

- Fire News photo by Matt Leo

Quick Stop in Jamaica

FDNYfirefighters in Jamaica, Queens, responded to a private dwelling fire on Lakewood Avenue on December6, 2022. The bulk of the fire was located on the second floorand was quickly knocked down. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

5-Alarmerin Hamilton Heights

Firefighters battled a five-alarm fire on West 141st Street in the Hamilton Heights section of Manhattan, on December3, 2022. Engine 80 transmitted a 10-75 afterfinding fire in the cockloft of a top-floorapartment. The fire left nine people, including seven fire-

fighters, hurt and overa hundred residents displaced. Fire burned through the roof forhours as units used a towerladderand, seven hoselines and trench cuts to bring the fire undercontrol.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

House Fire in South Ozone Park

FDNYunits called an all-hands fora fire in the basement of a South Ozone Park private dwelling on December31, 2022. Companies were able to bring the incident undercontrol within 20 minutes. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

1 Fatality, 6 Injured in Apartment Fire

Firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on SnyderAvenue on January 22, 2023. Units rescued a 13-year-old occupant from the fire apartment. Tragically, he was pronounced deceased at a local hospital. In

17 Rescued in Williamsburg

total, five occupants and a firefightersuffered serious injuries battling the blaze.

FourAlarms Needed in Harlem

Firefighters rescued 17 residents from an apartment building fi re on Penn Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on January 23, 2023. Units had to cut off window bars and removed occupants via portable ladders and towerladders. One person rwas transported in critical condition.

Firefighters in Harlem battled a four-alarm fire in a vacant furniture store on 3rd Avenue on January 23, 2023. Units had fire on the three floors on arrival. Units were withdrawn from the building and two towerladders and fourhose-lines were put into operation. The fire was placed undercontrol at 0410.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Rockaway 3-Alarmer

FDNYcompanies battled a three-alarm blaze in a private dwelling on Beach 68th Street in the Rockaways section of Queens on December29, 2022. Heavy fire was visible in the rearof the house

on arrival and a heavy cluttercondition hampered overhauling operations.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Toys forTots, Saratoga Style

Fire departments and businesses from fourcounties participated in the 8th annual Saratoga County Sheriff’s Toys forTots Convoy. Fire engines, tractortrailers and even a 1972 lawnmowertraveled along Route 50 in Saratoga to the Saratoga Performing Arts Centerto bring donated toys to the Marines and volunteers loading them into the waiting tractortrailer. The Grand Marshal for the event was 100-year-old, knighted SirKen Bailey, a WWII, DDay veteran. Braden Champagne, son of West Crescent Fire Department Assistant Chief Joe Champagne, drove a 1972 lawn tractorduring the convoy. West Crescent’s past Chief Steven Myer, who passed away this year, was honored forhis diligent work during the past convoys. SenatorPaul Tonko was among the volunteers who helped load the truck with gifts. Patriot Guard Riders and MacBoston 18 Truck Fallen FirefighterMemorial tillertruck also assisted in the event. The event makes sure 30,000 children in the Capital Region receive a gift forChristmas.

3-Alarmerin Kensington

Firefighters fought a three-alarm fire on East 8th Street in the Kensington section of Brooklyn on November9, 2022. Units encountered heavy fire on the fourth floorof a seven-floor, occupied, multiple dwelling. The fire extended to the fifth and sixth floors. Units used fourhoselines and HazMat Company 1 was called in to deal with the removal of an E-Bike.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

ON THE PASSINGOFFIRE ENGINEERING AND FDIC - CLARION EVENTS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFBOBBYHALTON

It is with great sadness that the Fire Engineering/FDIC International and Clarion Events family announces the unexpecte d passing of Chief (ret.) Bobby Halton, Editor-in-Chief of Fire Engineering and Educational Director for FDIC. Chief Halton passed away at his home in Oklahoma on December 19, 2022. Halton served as our editor for the past 18 years. Halton led the editorial team and helped build the FDIC into the largest fire service educational conference in the world.

“We are devastated by the news of Bobby’s sudden passing. Bobby was a larger-than-life personality who dedicated his life to God, family, and the fire service. Bobby spent his life in service of others and his impact serving as VPof Education and Training for Clarion Fire & Rescue, was a source of great pride and personal responsibility. This is a major loss for the Clarion family and the fire service. In this difficult time, we offer our deepest condolences to Marcia, Dean, Ryan, Evan, and the entire Halton family,” said E ric Schlett, Executive Vice President, Clarion Events - Fire & Resc ue.

Chief Bobby Halton was a native New Yorker. He began his career in structural firefighting with the Albuquerque (NM) Fire Department and rose through the ranks to include Chief of Training. Halton was Chief of Operations until his retirement from Albuquerque in 2004. He then became Chief of the Coppell (TX) Fire Department. Halton left Coppell to assume the duties as Ed itorin-Chief of Fire Engineering.

Chief Halton was a graduate of the University of New Mexico, left a member in good standing with the International Associati on of Fire Fighters, was a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and has served on several of the National Fire Protection Association technical committees. He was active with the Nation al Fallen Firefighters Life Safety Initiatives as well as the Fire fighter Cancer Support Network. He was a passionate fire service advocate, speaker, author, and friend to so many.

Chief (ret.) David Rhodes, Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, Content Strategist Clarion Events

“There will never be another Bobby Halton. He defied the odds with cancer and lived his life to the fullest. His passion for history, his love for America, and his understanding of the fire service made him an incredible voice for our profession. He was a trusted friend and mentor who has been a major part of my life for the past 20 years. Working directly with him full-time for the past five months has been a blessing that I will treasure forever. His life was service. I will miss you my friend.”

Captain (ret.) Michael Dugan, FDNY

“Bobby was an iconic individual who left the fire service bette r than he found it. He believed in family, trust and loyalty and there were not many like him.”

Chief (ret.) Rick Lasky, Lewisville Fire Department, TX

“The fire service just lost an incredible fire service mentor a nd leader. I just lost my big brother. He was an incredible man, father and husband. He was one of my best friends and I am so blessed that I just got to spend the weekend with him in Hawaii where my son also spent time with him. Very few people will ever have the im pact on people lives and the fire service as Bobby did. He changed the fire service. His passion and love for the fire service was second t o none. I will miss my big brother so much.”

Glenn Corbett, Technical Editor, Fire Engineering

“Bobby Halton represented the core essence of the fire service. Working with him for years on Fire Engineering magazine, FDIC, and other projects, I witnessed his unwavering devotion and love for firefighters. He always kept firefighters as his focus and mission, making sure that they received the best training possible. He w ove his editorials into philosophical motivators for many readers, encouraging them to think and act. Bobby was a unique firefighter who touched many lives His presence will be sorely missed at Fire Engineering, FDIC, and in the fire service itself.”

Captain (ret.) Mike Gagliano, Seattle Fire Department

“Bobby will never be gone for those who love our calling. His legacy is woven within the fabric of firefighters across the world who pursue our craft with passion and gratitude. No one has impacted how I think about the fireground and firefighting more than my mentor, brother and friend. He believed in you and me in a way that was contagious and inspirational, and I believe still does today. Thinking of him catching up with Bruno and Brennan, swapping stories and laughs makes me happy. This world, and my own personal walk in it, now has a hole that I can’t quite believe and it is terribly sa d. Such is the impact of a true leader, legend and authentic man of faith. Salute my friend. I look forward to the day when our Lord looks at you and says, ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant.’Well done indeed.”

Captain Bill Gustin, Miami Dade Fire Department, Technical Editor, Fire Engineering

“Bobby was such a big part of our lives. He was so talented and passionate. Everyone touched by him is not only a better fire officer but a better person. He has been such a big part of my life. I know he would want us to carry on and keep working hard every day to make each other better.”

Santa Comes to CronomerValley

Santa Comes to Chatham

On December17, 2022, the CronomerValley Fire Department drove through theircommunity with Santa.

Santa (aka, Chatham Fire Department past Chief Paul Pratt) and Ms. Santa (Mrs. Pratt), received almost 100 families and children at the Gazebo in Chatham, hearing the children’s holiday requests and wishing all a happy and healthy holiday season.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

- Fire News photo by David Levow

Construction Accident in the Bronx

FDNYcompanies and othercity agencies were on the scene on Colden Avenue in the Allerton section of the Bronx, aftera construction pile drivertoppled into a nearby apartment building. No

one was seriously injured but the building was deemed unsafe. Crews were working on a plan to upright the equipment.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Laurelton House Fire

Abandoned Building Goes in Brighton

FDNYfirefighters in the Laurelton section of Queens battled a private dwelling fire on January 12, 2023. The blaze damaged both floors of the two-family, two-story home on 135th Avenue. No serious injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Firefighters battled a fire in an abandoned boarded up building on Brighton’s 5th Street just after1342 on January 9, 2023. Engine Company 246 and LadderCompany 169 arrived to heavy fire throughout a 1-1/2 story house underconstruction. Operations were hampered by boarded up windows and electrical wires down and arcing in the rearof the dwelling as smoke and fire made its way into the attic space.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Menands Open House

Menands Fire Department held and open house forthe community. The evening included fire engine rides, aerial laddertrips and instruction on how to help put out a fire. - Fire News photos by Lori

Washburn

36 Students Graduate from FF-1 Training

On January 12, 2023, Dutchess County FF-1 Class had their graduation ceremony at the New Hamburg Fire Department. The 36 students went through many weeks of classroom and hands-on training. Thirty-three students were from Dutchess County and three from Putnam County. In attendance were about 130 family members, friends, chiefs,and officers of the students. Also in attendance were the Dutchess County Volunteer Firemen’s Association which handed out certificates along with a patch and a year’s m embership in the DCVFA. Keynote speaker Dana Smith from the Dutchess County Emergency Response congratulated the students and told t hem to never stop learning. The people responsible for all these students get-

ting through this course is fire Instructor Dan Shultz and his team of instructors and the many departments who sent apparatus to the class to help the students get through their evolutions. The Fire Fighter 1 class was so pleased with Instructor Dan Shultz that they presented Instructor Shultz with a Halligan bar with each student’s name on it.

- Fire News photo by Vinny Galvin, DCVFA

Dutchess VFAElections for2023

On January 17, 2023, the Dutchess County Volunteer Firemen’s Association held theirannual election meeting at the S.W. Johnson Fire Company 2 in Wappingers Falls. The results of the election were as follows: Robert Boyles, President; John O’Brien, 1st Vice President; Kyle Pottenburgh, 2nd Vice President; Vincent Galvin, Financial Secretary; Mike Schappert, Treasurer; Jack Schmidt, Director; John Pomerico, Director; Robert Ruston, Director; and Russell Boyles, Recording Secretary. The association is looking good forthe new year.

- Fire News photo by Vinny Gavin