Fire News Ohio, April/May 2023

In this issue...

Fire on Wing Street

Newark Division of Fire responded to a working structure fire on Wing Street.

See story on page 4

Walhonding Valley FD Responds to House Fire

the Walhonding Valley Fire Department was paged out for a well involved house fire on Township Road.

See story on page 6

House Fire for Coshocton

Acaller to the 911 Center reported white smoke coming from a house on South 12th Street.

See story on page 12

History in the Walls

Firefighters responded to an occupied house fire on West 120th in the 3rd Battalion.

See story on page 18

Cincinnati, 7 Alarm

the Cincinnati Fire Department was dispatched to an abandoned industrial building on fire in the Camp Washington neighborhood.

See story on page 21

20th Anniversary of Oscar Armstrong LODD

March 21, 2023, marked the 20th anniversary of the line of duty death of Firefighter Oscar Armstrong III.

See story on page 26

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From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor

CFSI is Around the Corner!

CFSI? To our readers, I ask if you know what the Congressional Fire Service Institute is?

Every year, the departments that make a difference, send a contingency of representatives to Washington, DC, to partake in the National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner. In 2023, the CFSI Symposium will take place on May 22- 23.

The purpose of CFSI is to “Educate Members of Congress about Fire and Life Safety.” Formed in 1987, the Congressional Fire Services Caucus was established to just that, educate members of Congress about the work of the fire and emergency services, which goes far beyond simply fighting fires. It is important to know that, “The Fire Caucus was created to be a bipartisan group where Republicans and Democrats could work together to learn about our nation’s fire and emergency services, improve the readiness of local first responders, and jointly recognize their valor and dedication.” Alist of Fire Caucus members can be found on CFSI’s website.

Each year, approximately 2000 fire and emergency officials participate in this event. They attend seminars, conduct meetings with members of Congress and network to build relationships. At the conclusion of the symposium, the attendees assemble in the Washington Hilton

ballroom to hear our highest-ranking political leaders pay tribute to the dedication and commitments of our nation’s first responders.

By attending this event, you will have a better understanding about our government’s role in addressing the challenges and concerns of firefighters, emergency services personnel and the fire service industry. You will have the opportunity to speak with our friends in government about your concerns on national and local issues.

The CFSI program is designed to educate everyone on current and future national issues, legislation and policies that impact the entire fire-rescue and emergency services. Aside from meeting members of Congress and their professional staff, you will have the chance to meet with federal agencies and key administration representatives. In the past, members of the fire service who have attended this event came home with a sense of comradery toward the leaders of state and national organizations that represent the fire service industry. To learn more about the 2023 CFSI Dinner and Symposium, go online and visit www.CFSI.org.

In closing, I will leave you with a statement from the Congressional Fire Service Institute; “As a first responder, your job is to protect the citizens of your community against the threat of

Fire on Wing Street

fire and other dangers. Our job at CFSI is to educate members of Congress about the work you perform and how the federal government can support the fire service in making our communities safer.”

I hope you visit the CFSI website to get a better understanding of their purpose and how you can be a part of this great event.

- Dennis

Newark Division of Fire responded to a working structure fire on Wing Street. Crews faced heavy fire on arrival, quickly made an aggressive interiorattack and coordinated ventilation. No injuries were reported. AC Bolte had command. This fire was underinvestigation.

- Photos courtesy of Newark Ohio Division of Fire

Walhonding Valley Responds to House Fire

On February 2, 2023, at approximately 1615, the Walhonding Valley Fire Department was paged out fora well involved house fire on the 40000 block of Township Road. Upon arrival, firefighters found flames and heavy smoke coming from most of the windows and immediately went into a defensive attack. Mutual aid came from Conesville, Three Rivers and Jacks on Township. Also on scene were the Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office, Coshocton County EMS, and the Salvation Army DisasterServices.

- Fire News photos by Jim McKeever

East Holmes at East Palestine Train Disrailment

East Holmes Fire and EMS crews responded on a request to send an engine to assist with the train derailment in East Palestine.

- Photos courtesy of East Holmes Fire & EMS

Wintersville Brush Fire

Wintersville Fire Rescue responded to a brush fire recently tha t burned approximately 20 acres. First arriving crews had a difficult time due to wind gusts in the area. Mutual aid came from area Stations 26, 59 and 77.

FR

Recently, American Township Fire Department was sent to SaveA-Lot on North Cole Street fora vehicle fire. The vehicle was found fully involved behind the business. There were no occupants, and no one was injured.

- Photos courtesy of Wintersville

- Photos courtesy of American Township FD

High Winds Challenge Firefighters at Barn and Grass Fire

On February 15, 2023, the Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call stating that a neighbor’s barn was on fire. The Walhonding Valley FD was then dispatched to the 20000 block of State Route 60. Dresden, Frazeysburg and Bladensburg were also dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters found not only was the barn on fire but it had also extended to a hay field. The barn was already destroyed, so firefighters worked on putting that out as

well as the hay field. High winds were a big issue in fighting the spread of the fire in the hay field, About six round bales of hay were also on fire. With all of the departments working togetherthey brought all the fires undercontrol. Also on scene was the Coshocton County EMS and the Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office.

- Fire News photos by Jim McKeever

Fayette Twp. Trains

Fayette Township Fire Department would like to thank Citizens First Fire Training forcoming down and spending time with us doing extrication training. The training gave us an opportunity to demo new tools and learn some different techniques, betterpreparing us foremergencies.

- Photo courtesy of Fayette Township FD

Mayday at Warren Structure Fire

The Warren Fire Department was dispatched to the 2000 block of Carolina Street fora structure fire. Units reported a working fire with heavy fire showing from the first and second floors. Crews made an interiorattack with two handlines. While operating inside of the building, a firefighterfell through the second-floor stairs and into the basement. AMayday was transmitted and efforts began to remove the downed firefighterfrom the basement. Fortunately, there was no active fire in the basement and the memberwas located and able to walk out on his own. Ourfirefighters train regularly on Mayday situations in case of incidents such as this. There were no otherinjuries reported and the fire was under investigation.

- Photos courtesy of Warren Professional Firefighters Union Local 204

House Fire forCoshocton House Fire forCoshocton

On February 28, 2023, at about 2245, a callerto the 911 Centerreported white smoke coming from a house on the 100 block of South 12 Street. The Coshocton Fire Department was paged out to respond. Upon arrival, crews determined it was a working fire. An all-hands call was put out forall members to report to the station. Mutual aid was requested from Jackson Township and Three Rivers. The fire was mostly located in the basement of the home but had spread throughout. An aggressive interiorattack was performed and contained the fire. Anothercrew laddered the roof and cut a vent. Also helping on scene was the Coshocton County EMS, Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Salvation Army DisasterServices.

- Fire News photos by Jim McKeever

Quick Stop by Warren FD

The Warren Fire Department was notified of a structure fire in 2200 block of Stephens Avenue Northwest. Upon arrival, smoke and fire were visible from the structure. Members were able to quickly extinguish the fire. All occupants were accounted forand no injuries were reported. The cause was accidental.

- Photo courtesy of Warren Professional Firefighters Union Local 204

Coventry House Explosion

Green Twp. Station 53 Host Boy Scouts

Green Township Station 53 crew recently hosted a tourforthe Oakdale Elementary Pack 186 Boy Scouts.

- Photo courtesy of Green Township Fire & EMS

Coventry firefighters responded to a house explosion on the afternoon of December22, 2022.

- Submitted by Adam Rockich, Fire Chief

Parma Heights Fire Department

Jacksonville Fire Department

Wellington Fire District

DryerFire in Elida

American Township Fire Department was dispatched to Village Laundry in Elida fora dryeron fire. On arrival, flames were seen coming from an open dryerand up to the ceiling. The fire was quickly extinguished and the cause was undetermined. No one was injured. We’d like to remind everyone the best thing to do in this situation is shut the dryerif safe to do so, similarto an oven fire.

- Photos courtesy of American Township FD

Thorn Township Commercial Fire

Recently, Thorn Township units, along with area mutual aid, were dispatched to a commercial fire on State Route 204. On arrival, crews found a large commercial business with fire coming through the roof. Due to no hydrants in this area, additional mutual aid was started with tankers to assist with watersupply. Fire investigators were called to the scene and the cause was underinvestigation. Thorn Township appreciates the assistance from the multiple mutual aid companies.

- Photos courtesy of Thorn Township Fire & EMS

Coshocton Responds to House Fire Coshocton Responds to House Fire

Shortly after2300 on February 3, 2023, the Coshocton Fire Department was dispatched to a home in the 400 block of Locust Street. Upon arrival, firefighters found a home that was well involved on the C side. With a confirmed structure fire, an allhands call was put out to bring in off-duty Coshocton firefighters. Also dispatched were Three Rivers and Jackson Township on mutual aid. An aggressive interiorand exteriorattack, as well as a primary search ensued. The fire continued to grow and the extra manpowerwas put to good use. As the fire was brought undercontrol, firefighters started overhaul. Also on scene was the Coshocton County EMS, Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Salvation Army DisasterServices.

- Fire News photos by Jim McKeever

American Twp. Operates at MVA

Crews from Elida Police and American Township Fire Department operated at a recent MVA. - Fire News photo by Richard Parrish

History in the Walls

Firefighters responded to an occupied house fire on West 120th in the 3rd Battalion recently. The fire involved a garage and fence and was quickly extinguished by Engine 33, Engine 23, Ladder23, and Rescue Squad 2. While opening up the exteriorwalls to check for fire extension, crews discovered newspaperused as insulation when

the house was built. Specifically, the Thursday June 24, 1954, edition of The Cleveland Press. There were no injuries, though one adult female resident was displaced. Cause of the fire is under investigation.

- Photos courtesy of Cleveland FD

1 Call, 2 MVAs shut down I-70 Both Ways

Recently, the National Trail Fire Department on-duty crew along with six volunteers had multiple runs on I-70 at the 139 milemarker. Initially units were called to the 139 mm westbound for an MVA. Upon arrival of Medic 831, a semi was found on its side covering both westbound lanes. Approximately 75 gallons of diesel fuel was leaking from a hole punctured into one fuel tank. With Rescue 831 on scene crews did their best to contain the fuel spill in the rain, keeping it fr om spreading and entering a waterway. The Licking County HazMat Team was cal led to assist. While crews were still on scene attempting to uprigh t the semi, a three-car accident occurred across from the accident in the e astbound

lanes, shutting I-70 down completely. The incident involved a flatbed semi and two small SUVs. Crews on scene of the first accident a cted fast and rushed to assist patients in the two SUVs. Auto extrication began promptly on one SUVto gain access to the patients. Three patients were transported to the hospital all in non-critical c ondition. Assistance came from Hopewell Township, Licking Township, Newark Division of Fire, Hanover, Thorn Township Fire and EMS, Jaes Towing and Recovery and the Licking County HazMat Team.

- Photos courtesy of National Trail FD

Commemorating the Collinwood School Fire

Cleveland Fire Chief Anthony Luke, his Command Staff, Public Education, B6, E31 and L31 joined the Dean of Cleveland City Council, and the teachers, staff, and students at Cleveland Metropolitan School District Memorial School to honor the 115th anniversary of the Collinwood School Fire in which 172 children, two teachers, and one rescuer perished.

“You are the most important thing in your

house,” Chief Luke told the K-8 Students, asking them to help the fire department by checking their smoke alarms and having an escape plan for their family in case of fire adding, “Once you are outside, never go back in!”

Lieutenant Domonic Draft discussed fire safety, encouraging students to “stay low and go” in case of smoke in the house.

The former Collinwood Volunteer Fire Department is now Engine and Ladder 31 at

925 East 152nd Street. Both companies displayed equipment and how quickly they could don their turnout gear to get ready to fight a fire.

The Collinwood School Fire, which happened on March 4, 1908, is credited with enhanced building construction and fire code requirements making modern school buildings much safer.

Delaware County EMS Hosts Educator’s Retreat

Recently, Delaware County EMS hosted its first-ever Educator’s Retreat. This one-day seminar welcomed instructors and educators from within DCEMS and a few additional agencies including City of Worthington Government Fire Departme nt, Porter-Kingston Fire District, and OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital. They lea rned some of the best ways to educate adult learners, led by our medical direction team from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

It was a very cozy atmosphere at Shale Hollow Park (Preservation Parks of Delaware County) and we really appreciate everyone who contributed and participated. This is sure to grow and become a yearly tradition!

- Photos courtesy of Delaware County EMS

East Holmes Trains

Members of East Holmes Fire and EMS brushing up on some hazardous materials/confined space training.

- Photos courtesy of East Holmes Fire & EMS

- Photos courtesy of Cleveland FD

Cincinnati 7-Alarmer

On March 4, 2023, at 0900, the Cincinnati Fire Department was dispatched forthe report of an abandoned industrial building on fire in the Camp Washington neighborhood of Cincinnati. First alarm companies arrived to heavy smoke conditions in a Type IVheavy timber, concrete-block-and-brick manufacturing facility. Companies attempted an interiorattack but were met with heavy smoke and heat, so command went defensive. The second, third, fourth, and fifth alarms were struck not long into the incident. Cincinnati deployed 15 engine companies, seven truck companies,

both heavy rescues, six medic units, two ALS supervisors, a fuel truck, all fourdistrict chiefs, a safety officer, Chief the Department Car1 and 4 assistant chiefs. Mutual aid came from Colerain Township, Green Township, Norwood, Springdale, Woodlawn, Madeira/Indian Hill, Springfield Township and the Hamilton County Drone unit. There were no civilian orfirefighterinjuries . The building was razed and units were on the scene fortwo days wetting down the debris.

- Submitted by Bill Strite, Cincinnati FD Photographer

Small Rural FD Tackles Big Challenge

When the Mechanicsburg Fire Department officials received notification that country music superstar Luke Bryan would be holding an outdoor concert on September 16, 2022, within their area, they knew that there would be some serious challenges that would have to be addressed. Mechanicsburg was given the task of making sure that, not only the general safety needs of the event would be addressed, but also, the greater task of assuring that the on-site emergency medical service needs of all patrons would be properly and adequately provided for. All of these concerns would have to receive priority attention, along with also assuring that continued service to the general public would not be interrupted. In a community with a service population of approximately 7500 residents, a sudden influx of 15,000 concert goers, creates a substantial challenge for rural public safety.

These tasks would require careful planning that would involve every intricate aspect of a number of any given scenarios. Assistant Fire Chief/EMS Coordinator Steve Castle stated that large entertainment events of this nature bring with it its very own unique culture, along with a wide variety of individual people who view music entertainment with a unique perspective.

Fire department notification of the event occurred in early spring of 2022. That gave the department less than six months to prepare. Mechanicsburg Fire Chief Robert Keene immediately assumed a leadership role and began to formulate a plan to insure a successful and safe event. Knowing that the magnitude of such an event would create a staffing hardship for his own local fire department, Chief Keene reached out to surrounding departments to ask for their assistance. Johnson St Paris Fire Department, Madison County EMD, Jerome Township Fire

Department and NECCFD all graciously committed to send an EMS crew along with a vehicle to the event to help ease staffing concerns.

General EMS oversight was delegated to Assistant Fire Chief/EMS Coordinator Steve Castle, who coordinated efforts with a group of local volunteer nurses from Mercy Health Systems. Collectively, the onsite medical staffing consisted of highly competent pre-hospital paramedics, and nursing and EMTmedical professionals.

Over the following months and up to the day of the event, Chief Keene and Mechanicsburg Fire Department Captain Jamie Adams, along with other local public safety officials, established a written command structure that was finalized and prepared for implementation on event day. Substantial input from the concert organizers proved to be an invaluable resource in key decision strategies. The final plan would include additional key players vital to the event. Contracted event security worked closely with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department to ensure orderly conduct and safety of all concert patrons. Public safety services from surrounding counties would also provide additional resources in terms of equipment and expanded communication capabilities.

Finally, event day arrived and the Luke Bryan “Farm Tour” concert took place as scheduled. The concert proved to be a success for all involved. Thanks to the meticulous efforts of those charged with the task of onsite general safety, recordable incidents were kept at a minimal level. Fire department officials kept a constant vigil of overseeing patron activity on the event grounds which allowed them to respond with no delay. Fire inspectors also assured structural integrity of all assembled platforms was never compromised.

- Submitted by Steve Castle, Fire Chief

Mechanicsburg Fire Chief Robert Keene (right) along with Assistant Fire Chief/EMS Coordinator Steve Castle (left) discuss onsite staffing assignments along with the various tactical strategies utilized during the September 16,2022, Luke Bryan performance at Springfork Farm.

Honoring a Tuskegee Airman

On March 4, 2023, Port Clinton Fire and Rescue along with Danbury Township Fire and Rescue were asked to display Port Clinton Fire and Rescues’30- x 40-foot American flag foran F-16 flyoverforthe late Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Harold Brown’s celebration of life ceremony. Dr. Brown was a resident of Port Clinton and a friend to all. He was one of the remaining three Tuskegee Airmen from WWII, until his passing in on January 12, 2023. Truly a great man.

- Submitted by Kent Johnson, Fire Chief; Photo courtesy of Shots by Shay

World Book Day

Recently was World Book Day, and we want to give a shout out to the Cincinnati Fire Foundation for supporting our pre-school reading program, our firefighters for putting their hearts into storytime with the students, and Mrs. Connie Lewis from our Operations Division for keeping the program on track!

Throughout the school year, Cincinnati fire companies visit 44 Cincinnati public schools campuses to read a book to 148 preschool classrooms. The Fire Foundation provides a book for the firefighters to leave behind for each classroom library.

During the visit, firefighters do more than just read a book. They give students a chance to ask fire safety questions and get familiar with firefighters in a nonemergency situation. There is also a demonstration of what a firefighter looks like with all of their gear on, so students know not to be afraid of the sights and sounds when a firefighter shows up to an emergency with all their protective equipment.

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

- Photos courtesy of Cincinnati FD

Retiree Dinner 2023

The Newark Division of Fire recently spent a great evening sharing a meal and memories with current and past firefighters. - Photos courtesy of Newark Division of Fire

20th Anniversary of Oscar Armstrong LODD

‘Lithium-Ion Batteries: Are You Ready?’

The Theme for Safety Stand Down, June 18-24, 2023

Lithium-ion batteries power a vast range of products and equipment, from laptops and smartphones to micro-mobility devices, electri c vehicles, and energy storage systems. As the use and presence of lithiumion batteries continues to grow, so does the potential risk for first responders who are called upon to mitigate fire incidents and hazards associated with them. To help ensure firefighters’safety when handling lithium-ion batteries in a variety of situations and scenarios, the theme for this year’s Safety Stand Down campaign, June 18-24, 2023, is “Lithium-Ion Batteries: Are You Ready?”

The week of Safety Stand Down will cover topics relating to lit hium-ion battery response and safety, which will be broken down into five daily focus areas: recognition of hazards, firefighting operations, firefighter safety, post-incident considerations and public education.

Safety Stand Down is a joint initiative of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Safety, Health and Survival Section, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA). Held each year during the third week of June, the campaign works to reduce the number of preventable injuries and deaths in the fire and emergency services. In support of this year’s Safety Stand Down, responder agencies are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activities during the campaign week to f ocus on training and education related to lithium-ion battery safety awareness and education.

Resources and training videos will be made available at www.saf etystanddown.org in advance to help departments plan for and implement Safety Stand Down strategies.

In addition, NFPAwill once again host the Fire Service Safety Stand Down Quiz to raise awareness and foster a greater understanding of this year’s theme. Everyone who completes the online quiz will be automatically entered into a sweepstakes; 200 randomly selected participants will win a commemorative Safety Stand Down challenge coin.

Stay tuned to www.safetystanddown.org for additional information. (Below): Afire caused by E-Bike batteries being charged.

March 21, 2023, marked the 20th anniversary of the line of duty death of FirefighterOscarArmstrong III. The Cincinnati AfricanAmerican Firefighters Association hosted a memorial service attended by Fire Administration, Local 48, active and retired firefighters, and members of FirefighterArmstrong’s family. They unveiled a plaque that will honorhis memory at the site of the old 9’s house where he was assigned. May we honorhis sacrifice by remembering the lessons learned from March 21, 2003, and training each day to keep each othersafe.

- Photos courtesy of Cincinnati FD

- Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber