Editorial

From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor Are You Ready forSomething 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 SOPfor 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 SOPdemands.

Alast 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.

Overnight 3rd Alarm Blaze in Halifax

Twelve departments with 25 units responded to a 0221 callout from Dauphin County 911 fregareding a vacant house fully involved on Armstrong Street. The initial page out was for Engine 29, Engine 216-1, Tanker 29 and Truck 20. Chief 29-3 was given additional information and at that time requested a first alarm be struck, adding Air 35, Perry Engine 2, Perry Truck 2, Reliance Hose Rescue 21, Fisherville Tanker 216 and Dauphin- Middle Paxton Tanker 38.

Units arrived to a two-story single-family dwelling well involved and beginning to spread to multiple exposures. Asecond alarm was struck with the main fire building fextending to a two-story single-family home, a two-story four-unit row home and a two-story four-bay garage. As crews began to put the first water on the growing blaze that seemed to be taking the whole block, Truck 20 arrived on scene positioning on the A/D corner of the row home in a dirt driveway being supplied by Engine 29 as Firefighter Hepner took to air in the bucket to begin aerial master streams. Athird alarm was struck at 0257. The main fire building collapsed as multiple lines were working on the second two-story home, the row home and garage. At 0305 evacuation tones were dropped as conditions rapidly deteriorated in the row home with smoke beginning to exhibt “breathing” and a flash over occured on the A/B/C area. Within minutes crews brought the remaining fire under control. The fast moving blaze had affected five structures, a car, a work truck, and an enclosed utility trailer. The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal arrived later in the morning to conduct an investigation into the cause. During the event EMS from Life Team Medic 6, Williamstown EMS and Millersburg EMS collaborated to assist with rehab.

Units finally cleared the scene at 1036 and returned to stations to begin the tedious task of cleanup.

Units on Scene: Engines-29, 216-1, 19-1,201, 22, 26, 37, 35 and Perry 9. Trucks: 20, Perry 2. Rescues: 21, 37 and Perry 2. Tankers: 29, 216, 21, 20, 38, 19, Perry 2. Air 35. Utilities- 29, 291and 21. Ambulances-20-1, 6-4, 13-2, 24Q with Rehab Trailer. PS&PFire Marshal, three transfers and two units on standby in quarters. - Fire News photos by Seth Lasko

Cover Story 39 Residents Displaced in Harrisburg Blaze

On May 24, 2022, at 2010, Box 1-3 sent Harrisburg Squad 8, Wagon 3, Truck 2, Tower1 and Battalion Chief 7 to Reel Street in the city’s Uptown fora structure fire. Chief 7 requested the first alarm assignment. Truck 2 arrived to heavy fire on the second floorof a three-story, middle-of-the-row, dwelling. Wagon 3 laid a line while Wagon 4 stretched a line into Tower1 to attack the D exposure. Chief 7 reported a row of eight homes with fire on the second and third floors and extending in both directions of the cockloft. Chief 1 requested the second alarm. Truck companies made several holes in the roofs of the dwelling keeping the fire from spreading. The fire was placed undercontrol in about an hourwith extensive overhaul required. Seven homes were affected and 39 residents were displaced. The cause was a malfunction in an airconditioneron the second floor. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Fire at Harmar Wendy’s

On June 21, 2022, just before 1800, fire crews were dispatched to the Wendy’s restaurant located along Freeport Road in Harmar Township fora fire in the building. Soon afterdispatch, 911 began to receive multiple calls fora fire at the location. EMS arrived and confirmed a working fire with fire showing from the drive-through window. Crews began an aggressive attack and the fire was able to be placed undercontrol in about 30 minutes. Crews then remained on-scene forseveral hours to extinguish hot spots. There was no word on what caused the fire. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Teamwork Halts Mt. Lebanon 2-Alarmer

Firefighters battled a two-alarm garage fire in Mt. Lebanon, June 9, 2022. The garage was fully involved on arrival, with exposures endangered and the tree line facilitating additional spread. Asecond alarm was quickly called. Crews brought the fire undercontrol and took care of the adjacent structure and the tree. Great team work between municipalities and all of the first responders working togetherfrom fire, police and EMS. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager

3 Homes Burn in Kulpmont

Three homes were extensively damaged by fire in Kulpmont during heavy rainstorm on May 6, 2022. Firefighters from at least eight communities battled the two-alarm fire formore than fourhours. All three homes were vacant and being remodeled when the fire broke out. - Fire News photo by Harry Deitz

Monroe Porch Fire

Recently, Monroe crews responded to a working porch fire. Assistance came from 25 Mechanicsburg, 23 UpperAllen and 33 New Kingsington. - Fire News photo provided

Looking Back Philadelphia - 1985

On July 13, 1985, LIVE AID was at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Fire Department manned hoses to cool the crowd of 100,000. They were out forovertwo hours in the blazing sun cooling members of the crowd as bands such as Judas Priest; Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and others played. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Smokerin Perkiomen

At 1737 on May 2, 2022, an oven fire in the unit block of Wynnewood Drive in the township had Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s Engine 66, Tanker66 and Air66 responding. Volunteers investigated and remediated the smoke with fans. Station 66 volunteers were in service forabout 30 minutes. Thanks to Trappe Fire Company’s Fire Police forhelping to keep the scene safe. - Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Yeagertown CarFire

Engine 3 (Yeagertown) attacks a carfire on a very hot day. - Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop

Porch Fire Extends

Crews responded to a porch fire with extension into the home. No serious injuries were reported.

Barn Consumed

On May 12, 2022, just before 2200, crews responded fora barn fire on Saint Johns Road, Mifflin Township. Multiple calls were made to Dauphin County 911 in relation to the event and other units were added. In the night sky a glow of orange could be seen from several directions. Engine and Tanker26 arrived and notified county of a fully involved barn fire. Engine 21 picked up Engine 26’s five-inch to supply water. Engine 21 established a porta-pond and tankers began to dump theirloads. Crews found flames had created a small grass fire spreading towards a field, and went to work wetting down an exposure building. Despite rapid responses by the crews the fire had spread rapidly and consumed the structure. Additional tankers from Hickory Corners, Community Fire and Wiconisco Fire were also requested as well as the rehab unit from Williamstown EMS. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

New Cumberland House Fire

On May 20, 2022, Cumberland County Box 10-01 sent Engines 10, 13, 68, 12 and 14, Trucks 10, 12 and 69, Squad 13, Rescue 68, RIT40, and Air13 to Market Street in New Cumberland Borough fora house fire with possible entrapment. Due to numerous calls, the working fire assignment was sent on the initial dispatch. Fairview Township Rescue 68 and LowerAllen Squad 12 arrived and secured a hydrant. Attack lines were stretched from these companies forheavy fire to the rearof a three-story semi-attached dwelling. Command 10 requested a second alarm formanpower. The fire extensively damaged the fire building and caused severe damage to the attached exposure. The fire was placed undercontrol in about 40 minutes. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

2-Alarm Fire at Palmer International

On May 18, 2022, Skippack Fire Company was dispatched to a fire at Palmer International on Lucon Road. Asecond alarm was quickly called due to the size of the facility, location of the fire, and the amount of work needing to be done to extinguish all of the fire and check forextension. Crews operated on scene for4-1/2 hours. We are grateful forthe assistance of ourmutual aid companies including Perkiomen Township, LowerProvidence, Harleysville Community, UpperProvidence Township Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Trappe, Worcester, UpperSalford, LowerFrederick, Hatfield, Perseverance Company of Souderton, Towamencin, Skippack EMS, and Harleysville EMS. We also appreciate North Penn Goodwill Service Canteen forproviding food and rest facilities as well as Limerick and Telford forstanding by at the Skippack Fire Station. - Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

2-Story Garage Fire on Trappe Road

At 1838 on June 1, 2022, Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s Engine 66, Tanker66, Air66 and an all-volunteercrew responded to a building fire in the 100 block of Trappe Road in the township. The initial report came in as a lawn tractorthat caught fire inside a two-story garage. Fire Marshal 76 arrived on scene and reported black smoke pushing from the first and second floorof the two-story out building. Engine 66 arrived and knocked down the fire on the first floor. Thanks to ourmutual aid partners who also responded including those from Trappe Company 1, Collegeville and Royersford, Skippack and LowerProvidence. Thanks also to UpperSalford forstanding by at ourstation. - Photo courtesy of Pat Webster, Bob Greenwood, John Pablo, Royersford FC and Upper Salford FC.

Page 14, Fire News, July/August 2022 LODD

Philadelphia’s Sean Joseph Williamson

It is with great sadness that the Philadelphia Fire Department announced the loss of one of its own, Lieutenant Sean Joseph Williamson who passed away in the line of duty on June 18, 2022.

Lieutenant Williamson, 51, and a 27-year veteran of the department, was killed at a fire on West Indiana Avenue in the city’s Fairhill section. He was most recently assigned to Ladder 18, located in the Hunting Park section of the city. Five City of Philadelphia employees — Lieutenant Sylvester Burton, Fire Marshal, Lieutenant Clarence Johnson, Firefighter Dennis Daly, Firefighter Robert Brennan, Jr., and Thomas Rybakowski, Supervisor, Emergency Services Unit, L&I — werealso injured.

Shortly before 0200, fire crews responded to the fire. Eight occupants of the property were safely evacuated from the building. The fire was placed under control over an hour later. Firefighters remained working when the building collapsed after 0300. Asecond alarm was declared after the collapse occurred.

Three firefighters and the L&I inspector, were initially trapped. Two other fire department members were trapped under debris where firefighters began a search and rescue operation after the initial collapse. Around 0700 the trapped firefighters were removed from the rubble. Firefighter Robert Brennan, Jr., was rushed to Temple Hospital. Lieutenant Williamson was pronounced deceased on the scene at 0645.

The building’s owner was later charged with arson.

Williamson is survived by his partner Dana Kuzma. Devoted father of Patrick Williamson, Alyssa (Elizabeth) Glassey, and Kierra Kuzma. Beloved son of Barbara (Robert) Nerch-Williamson. Brother of Erin Williamson, Debbie Taraschi, and Donna Nerch. Cousin of Lauryn Keenan and Dante Fratto. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and the entire Williamson family

Sean was a former US Marine. He was a mentor and guide to many people in and outside of the fire department. He led by example every day and was loved by all. - Photos courtesy of the Philadelphia FD

CarFire Extends to House in Susquehanna Twp.

On May 5, 2022, at 0232, Box 32-2 sent Company 32, Engines 301, 33 and 40, and Rescues 35 and 37 to Birch Street in Susquehanna Township for a house on fire. County advised responding companies of rapid calls reporting a working house fire. Chief 32-2 (Lawrence) arrived to a twostory, single-family dwelling with a carfire in the carport and extension to the house. Paxtonia Truck 34 was added to the box. The bumperline was stretched from Progress Engine 32 making a quick knockdown of the visible fire limiting furtherextension. All searches were negative and firefighters removed a dog from the residence. Fouradults were displaced. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Harrisburg Porch Fire Extends to Dwelling

On May 10, 2022, Harrisburg Wagon 3, Squad 8, Truck 2, Tower1 and Battalion Chief 5 (Lloyd) were dispatched to North 4th Street fora residential structure fire. County advised of two callers reporting a fire on the back porch and second floor. Truck 2 arrived to a two-story, occupied row dwelling with light smoke showing. Wagon 3 stretched a line to the second floorrear. Truck 2 reported fire on the balcony that appeared to have extended into the interior. Captain 4 advised there was fire in the ceiling. Shortly after, heavy fire consumed the ceiling and roof areas. Chief 5 requested the first alarm bringing Wagon 4, Truck 32, Rescue 69 and Air13. Engine 2, manned by members who were coming on duty, also responded to the scene. Once companies were able to open up, the fire was quickly knocked down. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Kitchen Fire in Limerick Twp.

Limerick Township firefighters were busy on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2022, responding to six calls throughout the day. The second call of the day was a report of a building fire in the 500 block of HunsbergerDrive. Tower51, Rescue 51 and Ladder51 all responded. Upon arrival, smoke was discovered in the residence. Crews proceeded with ventilation and checked the remainderof the residence and surrounding units. Trappe Fire Company and Sanatoga Fire Company also responded. - Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins