Editorial

From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor Reflections on 9/11 and a Busy Fall Season

As I write this editorial, the date is September 1, 2022. This editorial is my October editorial. Sitting at my desk, my mind is reflecting ahead to September 11, 2022. Taking a few moments remembering the day our nation was attacked, it is our duty to never forget September 11, 2001. I remember driving to work on a clear crisp day. The major story on the radio was about a “small” airplane that crashed into the World Trade Center. When I arrived at work, I immediately turned on the news and realized the airplane was not a small plane and my city was probably under attack. Yes, we were under attack. I reflected and shared my recollection with my readers for the past 21 years.

Last year, I attended as many memorial services as possible. One year later I find myself thanking many of my photographers who joined me and spread throughout as many communities as possible, capturing photographs of the memorial services. Fire News utilized our photographs in our 9/11 20th Anniversary-Fire News Remembrance and Tribute edition. This magazine was a work of art that remembered all those lost on September 11, 2001, and continued paying tribute to those that passed away over the past 20 years due to illnesses spurred by toxic chemicals generated by the attack. When I pass Memorial Sloan Kettering Medical Center, it is still common to find an FDNYFirefighter Transport Unit waiting outside of the hospital to bring one of our loved ones back home.

As we move into 2023, try to think about something special your department can do to bring peace in our world. Plan on reflecting with your neighboring departments to never forget September 11, 2001. Remember to never forget those that continue to be lost to 9/11 diseases. Never Forget!

As the summer months are passing us by and we enter the fall, are you prepared to do your job under different conditions? Already I am finding that the windows on my car are fogging up on the inside, making response a little slower. Before you know it, the inside fog will move to the outside of your car windows, and you will be reminded that winter is not far away. Please take the time to clear off your frosted windows before you respond to a call. Think about the children who are waiting at school bus stops. Use caution while responding through school zones and bus stops. I have seen two students who were badly hurt when they tried to run across a busy street to catch a bus that they were late for.

Is your fire prevention program updated with new ideas to bring to the kids in your district? Yes, September and October are busy times in the fire service. Polish off your ideas and incorporate new activities into your Safety Programs. If you need help, meet with your Fire Prevention Committees to discuss what you can do to embellish your Fire Prevention Program.

Remember; if it wasn’t for the beep, you would still be asleep! Change your smoke and CO detector batteries or if you have 10-year detectors, check their dates to ensure that they are still good.

Stay safe!

- Dennis

West Market St. West Market St. Garage Fire Stopped Garage Fire Stopped

Recently, the Warren Fire Department was dispatched to the 1300 block of West Market Street fora structure fire. Units arrived and reported a working fire in a garage. The fire was quickly extinguished preventing any spread to nearby buildings. There were no injuries to civilians orfirefighters. This fire was underinvestigation by officials. - Photos courtesy of Warren Professional Firefighters Local 204

Apartment House Fire Goes to 2 Alarms

Early on July 24, 2022, the Warren Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 1400 block of Fifth Street Southwest in the Hampshire House Apartments. Upon arrival, crews had a large volume of fire showing from the first and second floorand roof of an occupied eight-plex. Crews conducted fire attack and search operations simultaneously. The fire was upgraded to a second alarm shortly afterarrival. Multiple firefighters were injured and treated at the scene by multiple EMS agencies. No firefighters were transported forfurthermedical care. The State Fire Marshal was investigating the cause of the fire. - Photos courtesy of Warren Professional Firefighters Local 204

Page 8, Fire News, October/November2022 Cover Story

House Destroyed on Seriff Road

Amassive blaze on Seriff Road on August 26, 2022, left one house completely destroyed, but with no injuries to the residents. Around 2230, American Township Fire Department responded to the fire. The fire caused the metal roof at the front of the house to collapse, and crews had to pull the fallen structure apart to fully put out the fire. Although the entire house is being declared a complete loss, no othernearby structures were damaged and all residents of the house were evacuated. Shawnee Township Fire Department assisted at the scene, and according to the American Township Fire Department, theircrews didn’t return to the station until 0400 the following morning. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation. - Fire News photos by Richard Parrish

30 Units Affected by Fire

Recently, Sylvania Fire and EMS, along with area mutual-aid, battled a fire in an apartment complex. The blaze gutted the structure effecting over30-units. The cause was underinvestigation by officials.

- Photo courtesy of Sylvania Fire & EMS

Building Fire in Lima

The Lima Fire Department and American Township Fire Department responded to a building fire on East Spring Street recently.

- Fire News photo by Richard Parrish