VOLUME 1, NO. 4
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving OHIO Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1973 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022
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Fire News, August/September 2022, Page 3
In this issue... HazMat Help at Ag Fire Willoughby and Lake County HazMat techs assisted Painesville Twp. with a fire in an agricultural building. See story on page 10
Long Stretch on the Ohio Turnpike A semi carrying 55-gallon barrels of PVC glue overturns and explodes.
See story on page 12
A Service for Ohio Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973
146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager
Fayette Twp. Assists Green Valley Fayette Township Tanker 3 and Engine 5 assisted Green Valley on a commercial structure fire. See story on page 15
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Girard Scrapyard Fire A fire in a scrapyard ends up drawing 45 departments. See story on page 18
1 Fatality at Cincinnati MVA An SUV Goes airborne into a multi-unit structure taking out an atrium and a staircase.
See story on page 21
Hinckley’s Lydia Wochna Calls it a Career Lydia Wochna retired from Hinckley Fire after 17 years of dedicated service as a firefighter/EMT and fire safety instructor. See story on page 30
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Fire News’ Looking Back . . . . . . . . . . . . page 20 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 26-27 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28
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Page 4, Fire News, August/September 2022
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Are You Ready for Something That Can’t Happen? An AS/MCI (active shooter/mass casualty incident) drill was held at Greenport (NY) High School on June 4, 2022. The drill had been scheduled months prior, but somewhat eerily took place 11 days after the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting in which 19 elementary school students and two teachers were slaughtered. The proximity to that latest AS/MCI is what has prompted this editorial. The drill involved the Southold Police, Suffolk Police, North Fork fire departments and EMS services from Jamesport to Orient, and even several South Fork departments, along with moulaged teenage actors to play victims. By all reports the exercise was a success. But what makes a successful AS/MCI drill? According to FEMA’s 2013 white paper, Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department Operational Considerations and Guide for Active Shooter and Mass Casualty Incidents, there are several things that responding agencies need to incorporate into a specific SOP for such an event. Why formalize reacting to an AS/MCI if your department already has an MCI plan in place? Because the “AS” part of the exercise makes it, nearly, an entirely different animal. Some particular areas of focus, become apparent with little thought and are proved out — or have problems made obvious — by an AS/MCI
drill. Some key facets are communication between the parties, including ensuring all parties are not only able to communicate with each other, but use the same terminologies when doing so. This is unlikely to be a problem between FDs and EMS, but it may become a problem when communicating with law enforcement (LE) who, in most instances, will be first on the scene. Other areas of concern will become apparent in frequent drills involving all the aforementioned agencies, as well as local hospitals and trauma units. There needs to be a single Incident Command Post for fire, EMS and LE. The goal of any and all SOPs is to plan, prepare and respond in a manner that will save the maximum number of lives possible. Although in their careers most first responders have encountered some horrific scenarios, the results of a mass shooting of unarmed people — seemingly more often than not children with obviously terminal wounds — will undoubtedly be something first responders will never forget. Many of the first responders will be long-term casualties of this ongoing slaughter, even if they never spilled a drop of their own blood. As psychology researcher Deborah C. Beidel, Ph.D. of the University of Central Florida, who has studied the impact these slaughters have on first
responders, put it, “There are just some events that are so horrific that no human being should be able to just process that and put it away.” Add after-action reports and treatments to the long list of things an AS/MCI SOP demands. A last note … “It’ll never happen here” too often becomes, “Oh my God, how did this happen?” Be prepared for the thing that’ll never happen. And the only way to do so is to train for it. - Gary P. Joyce Managing Editor Gary P. Joyce is filling in for Editor Dennis Whittam this month. Joyce is a decorated three-tour Viet Nam combat veteran.
Page 6, Fire News, August/September 2022
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Cover Story
1 Injured in House Fire in Van Wert
The Van Wert Fire Department were dispatched to Woodland Avenue at 0452 on May 30, 2022, for a house fire. The fire units arrived on scene at 0457. One female occupant was treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation. The occupancy was a total loss.
Moderate damage was caused to the residency next to the fire structure. The fire started on the first floor where the occupant was smoking a cigarette and placed an oxygen device down next to the cigarette. - Submitted by Jon D. Jones, Fire Chief
Page 8, Fire News, August/September 2022
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Lightning Strike Ignites Gas Line An early morning lightning strike ignited a natural gas line fire in resident’s front yard on Haven Crest. The house was not damaged, but crews had to wait for Duke Energy to control the gas flow, before extinguishing the fire. - Photo courtesy of Green Township Fire & EMS
Warren Handles Structure Fire Warren Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the area of Central Parkway SE and Brier SE. Squad 1, Rescue 1, Ladder 1, Engine 6, and Car 12 arrived to the working fire. All units operated on the scene for two hours. There was one minor injury to a firefighter and a family pet was lost in the fire. The cause of the fire was under investigation by officials. - Photo courtesy of Warren Professional Firefighters Local 204
Page 10, Fire News, August/September 2022
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HazMat Help at Ag Fire Willoughby and Lake County HazMat techs assisted Painesville Township with a fire in an agricultural building. The HazMat Team monitored water run-off, among other things at HazMat box 2777. - Photo courtesy of Willoughby FD
Nice Stop by Thorn Twp. Thorn Township Fire and EMS, along with mutual aid, were dispatched at 0350 to a commercial fire at the TC Market. Rescue 291 and Engine 291 arrived to flames present on the exterior of the structure. The fire was quickly knocked down and contained. Additional checks for extension were completed and no extension was found. - Photo courtesy of Thorn Township Fire & EMS
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Fire News, August/September 2022, Page 11
Quick Stop By American FD American Township firefighters responded to a fire on the side of an apartment on Emerald Lane recently. Crews arrived to some siding on fire, which appeared to have been burning for a while since there were structural members burnt as well. The fire was extinguished quickly with some siding and insulation removal and checked for extension. No one was injured during the incident. - Photo courtesy of American Township FD
Nice Saves at Madison Twp. Garage Fire On March 27, 2022, at 1759, Madison Township Fire Department was dispatched to the 2000 block of Fallsburg Road for an attached garage on fire. Multiple agencies were simultaneously dispatched as part of automatic aid agreements. Despite the fire having a substantial head-start and a brisk 21-mph wind, crews were able to stop the fire and save the home, as well as another home located behind it. Mutual aid came from departments from Mary Ann, Newark, Newark Twp., Hanover, Heath, Granville, Newto, and Licking Twp. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries. The fire was under investigation. - Photo courtesy of Madison Township FD
Page 12, Fire News, August/September 2022
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Long Stretch, Long Fire on Ohio Turnpike
Firefighters responded to a semi-truck hauling 55-gallon drums of Carlisle Twp. and Oberlin. The Ohio Turnpike was shut down for PVC glue on fire. Crews had 15 barrels explode, the semi was total- eight hours. An 1000-foot supply line was laid over bridge onto the ly destroyed, but no one was injured. Responding crews came from turnpike and a 500 footer was added. Amherst, South Amherst, Elyria, Elyria Twp., Sheffield Twp., - Submitted by Jim Wilhelm, Fire Chief
Coshocton House Fire
Coshocton Fire Department responded to a house fire in the 400 block of High Street on May 29, 2022, at about 0300. Mutual aid was provided by Three Rivers and Jackson Twp. Also on scene were the Coshocton County EMS and the Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office. - Submitted by Jim McKeever
Page 14, Fire News, August/September 2022
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1 Dead in Fostoria Fire One person died in a fire in Fostoria on February 20, 2022. - Submitted by Chief Brian Herbert
All Safe from an Afternoon House Fire
At about 1415 on April 20, 2022, the Coshocton Fire Department responded to a house fire in the 600 block of South Lawn Avenue. Heavy smoke was coming from the structure upon arrival. Mutual
aid came from Jackson Twp., Three Rivers and West Lafayette. Also on scene was the Coshocton County EMS and the Salvation Army with wet cool towels and cold drinks. - Submitted by Jim McKeever
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Fire News, August/September 2022, Page 15
Fayette Twp. Assists Green Valley Fayette Township Tanker 3 and Engine 5 assisted the Green Valley Fire Department on a working commercial structure fire on 5th Street Hill. Multiple agencies responded. - Photo courtesy of Fayette Township FD
Fire Consumes 150-Year Old Church The Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office received several calls on May 20, 2022, at about 1000, sabout heavy smoke coming from the church at the corner of Walnut Street and 4th Street. Coshocton Fire was dispatched, and found heavy smoke coming from the roof; a second alarm was requested, bringong Three Rivers, Jackson Twp. and Walhonding Valley. As the fire grew, additional ladders wcame from Holmes District 1 and Dresden. Crews were on scene for about seven hours. A lightning strike was confirmed as the cause of the fire. Also assisting were the Coshocton County Sheriff's, Coshocton Co. EMS, Coshocton Co. REACT and the Salvation Army. Several restaurants donated food for the first responders. - Submitted by Jim McKeever
Page 18, Fire News, August/September 2022
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Willoughby Hills Mutual Aid Fire Willoughby’s ladder and command vehicle responded as auto-mutual-aid to Willoughby Hills recently for a house fire. - Photo courtesy of Willoughby FD
Another Early Start Another early start to the day for the Warren Fire Department. At approximately 0400, the crews responded to the 2400 block of Burton Southeast for a structure fire. Units arrived to heavy fire showing. The fire was extinguished and no injuries were reported. - Photo courtesy of Warren Professional Firefighters Local 204
Timbuk Farms Barn Fire Firefighters battled a barn fire in Timbuk Farms recently. - Submitted by Matt McElroy
Girard Scrapyard Fire Draws 45 Departments On April 23, 2022, the Girard Ladder 24 (Trumbull Co.) was dispatched to a scrap yard fire on Furnace Lane. First units tied in to an on-site hydrant system for initial attack until mutual aid companies could arrive for water supply. Being a wind-driven fire, it spread quickly. By the end of the day, water shuttles were responding from Trumbull, Mahoning, Ashtabula, Geauga and Portage counties. Additionally, Ladder 1 from Austintown and Ladder 36 from Lordstown responded. The fire brought in 45 fire departments. Trumbull EMA, Mahoning EMA, Mahoning County HazMat and the State Fire Marshal-s Office also responded. Lane LifeTRANS and the Red Cross were on scene for rehab. - Photo courtesy of Girard Firefighters Local 1220
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Fire News, August/September 2022, Page 19
Patches Mason Deerfield Joint Fire District
North Randall Fire Rescue
Cheviot Fire Division
Madeira & Indian Hills Deliver a Newborn
Recently, Madeira and Indian Hill Joint Fire District's Unit 3 crew got to assist a mother in delivering life into the world in the back of Medic 64. Mom and dad are proud parents of a healthy baby girl. - Photo courtesy of Madeira & Indian Hill Joint Fire District
Page 20, Fire News, August/September 2022
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Looking Back Sylvania - 1930s
A Sylvania firefighter training on his all new SCBA (late 1930s). - Photo courtesy of Sylvania Fire & EMS
Cincinnati Fire Department 169 Years Old
On April 1, 1853, the Cincinnati Fire Department became the first fully paid professional fire department in the United States. - Photo courtesy of Cincinnati FD
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Fire News, August/September 2022, Page 21
Fatality at Cincinnati MVA Units from Green Township Fire and EMS in Cincinnati responded to a 0940 MVA on June 6, 2022, in which an SUV left the roadway and became airborne, striking a 12-unit multi-family dwelling. The vehicle was traveling at high speed and traveled over 100 feet through the air, coming to rest squarely in the shared common entrance of the building, collapsing the interior stairwell in the process, the single means of normal egress. The vehicle struck the building while still airborne, at about the second-floor level. Shortly after the arrival of the first fire and EMS units, a small fire erupted from the vehicle, which was quickly extinguished by responding crews. Unfortunately, the single occupant of the vehicle was killed. No injuries were reported by occupants of the building, many of whom were home. In fact, one was sitting on a second-floor balcony, not 10 feet from the point of impact and witnessed the entire situation while diving for cover. Green Township units, assisted by units from Colerain Township and Whitewater Township assisted several residents out of the building by ladders placed on balconies, and later retrieved several pets from the building, which was rendered uninhabitable due to the lack of a stairwell. The American Red Cross was on scene to assist any residents who needed housing assistance. The cause of the accident was under investigation by the Green Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit. - Submitted by Mike Nie
Page 22, Fire News, August/September 2022
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Medevac from Coshocton Med Center On June 7, 2022, the Cleveland Metro Life Flight 3, based at Wayne County Airport, flew to the helipad at the Coshocton Regional Medical Center, for a patient transfer. - Submitted by Jim McKeever
2 Injured in 2-Car MVA On May 20, 2022, shortly after 1000, American Township crews were dispatched to a two-car MVA. Two patients were transported for minor injuries. - Photo courtesy of American Township FD
Medevac from Euclid Ave. MVA Recently, Willoughby C-Shift crews responded to a single-vehicle crash on Euclid Avenue near Brown. One occupant was trapped and required extrication. The victim was removed within 20 minutes and transported to UH Lake West and an awaiting medical helicopter, flew the occupant to a Cleveland trauma center. - Photo courtesy of Willoughby FD
Well, First it Was an MC vs. Car Call, But Then … Madison Fire Medic 101, Rescue 101, Engine 102, Chief 111 responded to Marne Road near the ODOT outpost on a motorcycle versus car MVA call and a report of an individual waving a gun on scene. Upon arrival of Chief 111, there were several vehicles stopped, an individual waving his arms in the roadway, a sedan with front-end damage, a motorcycle in a ditch, and male subject who had apparently been run over. No suspects with weapons were noticed by first responders. A medevac was requested and Med Flight responded. Medic 101 transported the patient to More Life Church, which is an established LZ. Engine 102 helped with the LZ. The patient was transported to Grant Hospital. - Photo courtesy of Madison Township FD
Page 24, Fire News, August/September 2022
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Labor Intensive Extrication Eleven firefighter/paramedics worked for 16 minutes to free an entrapped driver near Interstate 74 and North Bend Road. Prior to working on the car, Engine 55’s crew had to cut away the guardrail, which was pinned against the roof and the windshield. The driver was in stable condition at a local hospital. - Photos courtesy of Green Township Fire & EMS
Uhh, That’s Not a Puppy! Green Township firefighters originally thought it was a puppy trapped in a storm drain, but after some creative rescue efforts, a baby racoon emerged and was given a second chance. - Photos courtesy of Green Township Fire & EMS
Sylvania Duck Rescue Sylvania Fire and EMS Engine 61 were on the scene of a successful duck rescue. All five ducklings were reunited with mom! - Photos courtesy of Sylvania Fire & EMS
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Fire News, August/September 2022, Page 25
GorhamFayette Stays Current Gorham-Fayette members keeping up with EMS needs by switching their training night to cover some unconscious and unresponsive medical emergencies. - Photos courtesy of Gorham-Fayette FD
Vacuum Tanker Training Several Portage firefighters spent a recent weekend learning more about making sure they have plenty of water when fire hydrants aren’t available or just won’t cut it. While a good amount of the training is focused on new opportunities that come with owning a vacuum tanker, it’s also aimed at making sure crews understand how the new tanker fits in to conventional tanker operations. Bay Township Fire was also represented in the class. Thanks to Chief Engineer Paul Striker for organizing the event, the Ottawa County Fair Board for use of the fairgrounds, Firovac Power Systems for bringing in expert instructors, Fire Safety Services for providing doughnuts, and Kozy Corners Restaurant for catering lunch. - Photos courtesy of Portage FD
Page 26, Fire News, August/September 2022
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New Electronic Hurst Tools Training
Firefighters training on the new electric Hurst Jaw’s, Cutter, and Ram tools they were able to purchase with help from a donations and Township funds. - Kerry D. Jett, Road Supt./Fire Chief Groton Township
Just Being Neighborly Providence firefighters drilled at the Whitehouse Fire Department’s training building in Sandra Park. Crews drilled on search and rescue techniques. It’s great to see other departments take advantage of the structure for skill building and teamwork exercises. Whitehouse frequently invites “the neighbors” over to train together. - Photos courtesy of Whitehouse FD
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Fire News, August/September 2022, Page 27
Coshocton Co. LEPC Holds a Hazmat Drill
On May 14, 2022, the Local Emergency Planning Committee HazMat Team, Coshocton FD, Three Rivers FD, and the Coshocton (LEPC) held a hazmat drill at the Coshocton County Career County EMA. The hazmat team had to rescue the two victims and Center. The situation was a chemical leak from a tanker truck with stop the leak. - Submitted by Jim McKeever two victims. Participating departments were the Coshocton County
Page 28, Fire News, August/September 2022
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East Holmes Turns Out Members of East Holmes Fire and EMS. - Photos courtesy of East Holmes Fire & EMS
NATIONAL FIRE SERVICE RESEARCH AGENDA REPORT RELEASED Researchers and fire service practitioners met virtually last year for the 4th National Fire Service Research Agenda Symposium resulting in the National Fire Service Research Agenda Report with nearly 300 recommendations. Symposium participants worked in three facilitated working groups to create recommendations to have the most significant impact on firefighter health and safety. The facilitators then submitted the recommendations as worksheets to an expert jury of researchers and fire service representatives. After review, the jury was able to modify and move recommendations to other domains as needed. The report includes the finalized recommendations and the working groups’ original worksheets. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) hosted the National Fire Service Research Agenda Symposium, and UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) was the exclusive sponsor. NFFF Chairman of the Board of Directors Troy Markel said, “Our commitment to create a fire service national research agenda is embedded in the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives through Initiative 7. But even more critical than that, is our commitment to take a multidisciplinary approach to firefighter health and safety by providing the opportunity for researchers and fire service representatives to map out the future needs of the fire service.” Steve Kerber, Executive Director of FSRI, added, “The research conducted today is without a doubt making a difference in the health and safety of our nation’s firefighters and communities across the
country. It is promising to read these recommendations created with the input of firefighters and envision what the future of fire service research can be.” The report features the working group recommendations based on their domains topical area. The planning committee determined the three domains to be: • Domain #1: Hiring/Retention/ Advancement included recommendations on recruitment, effective leadership, diversity/equity /inclusion/belonging, and hiring, promotion, and retention. • Domain #2: Effective operations included recommendations related to training, tactics, tools, equipment, apparatus, personal protective equipment, and community risk reduction. • Domain #3: Health and safety included recommendations related to wellness, understudied populations, cardiovascular health, cancer, mental health, metabolic health, reproductive health, occupational medical evaluations, fatigue, injury prevention/assessment, violence prevention/risk assessment, and work environment. The 4th National Fire Service Research Agenda Report can be downloaded here: http://www.everyonegoeshome.com/wpcontent/uploads/sites/2/2022/01/research-agenda-symposium-4report.pdf For more information on the National Fire Service Research Agenda, please contact John Tippett, Director of Fire Service Programs, jtippett@firehero.org.
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Fire News, August/September 2022, Page 29
Glendale’s Finest Firefighters from the Glendale Fire Department. - Photo courtesy of Glendale FD
Green Twp. at the Findlay Opening Day Parade A group of off-duty Green Township firefighters and their families attended the recent Findlay Market Opening Day Parade, along with the IAFF Local 2927 Fire Pumper. - Photo courtesy of Green Township Fire & EMS
Page 30, Fire News, August/September 2022
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Delaware County Fan Drive Thanks to Natalie Fravel of the Delaware County Clerk of Courts office for dropping off fans to EMS Station 1. This is part of the 2022 summer fan drive sponsored by Delaware County Emergency Management to benefit People in Need, Inc. Remember you can donate fans to the fan drive at any DCEMS station, or fire station in Delaware County through the end of the summer. - Photo courtesy of Delaware County EMS
Hinckley Celebrates Lydia Wochna! Lydia Wochna retired from Hinckley Fire after 17 years of dedicated service as not only a firefighter/EMT, but also as our fire educator. She has spent years teaching kids about fire safety with her dogs by her side. You will be missed Lydia, but congratulations! - Photo courtesy of Hinckley Ohio Firefighters Association
Uniontown FD, Univ. of Akron Join Forces The Uniontown Fire Department and the University of Akron have joined forces for their upcoming Fire Academy class which started June 6, 2022, at the Uniontown Fire Station. This partnership is the first of its kind for the Uniontown Fire Department and will pave the way for future academy classes to be held at the department. - Submitted Jointly by Derek Shaffer Fire Chief Uniontown FD and Matthew Claflin Chief of Training and Project Coordinator University of Akron
American FD Thanks the Moose Club American Township FD gives a big thank you to the Lima Moose Club for their very generous donation to the department. Members also received a box full of stuffed moose toys to hand to children during stressful incidents in which they may be involved. These firefighters live and work in a great community and are thankful they have great organizations supporting them. - Photo courtesy of American Township FD