Page 4, Fire News, August/September 2022
FireNews.com
From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Where Does Experience Come From? I became a firefighter in 1992. As a probationary firefighter and for the next few years, I constantly found myself challenged to be the best at what I was doing. After a few months, I felt like a seasoned firefighter. Fortunately, one or two of the old-timers kept me in line and made sure my ego wasn't going to get me in trouble. Searching for a theme for this month’s Fire News editorial, I gave thought to my career as I now start my 30th year in the fire service. One of the thoughts that came to mind was the summer of 1995. Throughout that summer, Long Island had an unusual amount of brush fires. Upon our return to the firehouse, one of our senior members always asked how the fire went. It seemed that every time he asked about the fire, the flames were hotter, and the size of the fire increased exponentially. Fast forward to July 2022. Last week my department battled a fatal fire that challenged our members. I know everyone can look back and recall a fire that not only challenged your skills, but also left a scar on your memory. The memory of a fatal fire doesn't go away. You are left with a haunting mark that will always come back to you in some way. Kudos to
my department for making sure our members understood that they did their best to save life and property. I applaud the members of my department who did their best to save the victims of this fire. Now, back to 1995. The Long Island Wildfires of August 1995 started in July of 1995. Yes, throughout the summer of 1995, brush fires were breaking out throughout Terryville, Rocky Point and eventually moved south to the Long Island Pine Barrens. As a firefighter, what goes through your mind as you are responding to a fire and see a dark violent cloud of smoke in the direction that you are traveling? Responding to my first major wildfire, I had no idea what to expect. Thankfully, the crew of experienced firefighters knew what we were in for that day and kept a watchful eye out for one another as the flames exploded around us. I believe 12 departments worked feverishly to bring the blaze under control. Unfortunately, due to the hot and dry conditions, the flames seem to pop out all over Long Island and eventually led to the Long Island Wildfire of 1995. This fire burned approximately 5000 acres. I urge all new firefighters to research this fire. Ask yourself would you be ready to go to work
to bring a major wildfire under control? Keep in mind that every call is a learning experience. Drills help us direct our thoughts and prepare you for dealing with a thought process to battle fires that may cross your path. Experience is what is needed to safely get you through a tough situation. I recommend that on nights you are sitting at the firehouse, take a moment to share some of the difficult fires you have had with your newer members. Talk about the scenario so that your members are aware of how they can stay safe during difficult calls. Be prepared for the return of the unexpected call. -Dennis
