Fire News, Southern New England Edition 12-12

VOLUME 1, NO.1

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2013

The Hanson Fire Department responds to a vacant structure blaze, one of several suspicious fires. Please turn to page 26 for the full story.

-Fire News photo by Pat Travers

WWW.FIRENEWS.COM

Fire News Wishes All A Safe, Happy Holiday & New Year -Southern New England Edition-

Fire News, December/January 2013, Page 3

In this issue...

Woonsocket Garage Fire An aggressive attack by the Woonsocket FD keeps this fire contained to the one-story concrete block garage.

See story page 7

Quincy Battles Three-Alarm Blaze Arson sparks this November 27th Blaze.

See story page 8

Fast Moving Blaze in Grafton Residents of a Colonial style dwelling escaped a fast moving fire.

See story page 14

Hard Hit in Worcester MVA

A Service for Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713

FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artist: GREG JONES, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS THOMAS CARMODY, PATRICK DOOLEY, GLENN DUDA, KEN LABELLE, MICHAEL LAPRADE, SCOTT LAPRADE, CHARLIE MCGRATH, PAUL SHEA, PHIL SULLIVAN, PAT TRAVERS, ROB REARDON, STEPHEN WALSH COPYRIGHT 2013, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 280 Fax number: (631) 776-1854 Internet: http://www.firenews.com e-mail: tim@firenews.com Proud Member Of:

Companies from Webster Square were faced with an entrapment on arrival.

See story page 18

Firefighters Battle Fire In Abandoned Motel Overnight blaze consumes the former Alpine Motel in Middleboro.

See story page 23

Suspicious Fire Destroys Vacant Building Cover story coverage of Hanson’s response to this November 27th blaze.

See story page 26

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Looking Back, Summer 2012

. . . . . . . .page 24

Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 29 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 30 Up Close and Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 31

Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permis-

This Issue of Fire News Is Dedicated To

Lieutenant Russell F. Neary

President of the Easton Volunteer Fire Company #1 and

Captain David Mowbray North Kingstown Fire Department Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice in the Line of Duty

Page 4, Fire News, December/January 2013

From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Forty Years of Publishing Excellence Do you remember what the fire service was like in the 60s and 70s? I am sure if you sit around the firehouse coffee table and talk to the senior members of your department, you will find that fighting fires in what became to be known as "The War Years" was quite intense. You may have a few photos hanging on the wall of your firehouse that show what the fires were like back in those days. It was during this time, in 1973 to be exact, that a man named Jeb Ladouceur who, according to legend, held court in the Firehouse Pub in Smithtown, decided that it would be a great idea to honor all firefighters by publishing a monthly newspaper about them. Hence, Fire News' first edition reached the firehouses of Long Island in August of 1973. Forty years later Fire News is still going strong and has editions in seven states. It is commendable that Fire News still has advertisers and photographers that have been with the paper since its founding.

In March of 2000, Frank C. Trotta purchased the paper from Jeb. Frank's intentions were simple. He wanted to make sure that Fire News continued producing a publication known for its quality. He also wanted to see the paper grow and expand so that first responders in other states could have the same thrill of seeing themselves in action. Frank's team of editors, advertising specialists, artists and production staff work hard to bring Fire News to you, our readers.

In continuing with what was envisioned for Fire News

in 1973 and again in 2000, we are happy to be publishing Fire News in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island six times per year. As has been the case with our other editions, Fire News is about you and all of the sacrifices you make for your communities. We encourage your Department Photographers and Public Information Officers to submit articles and photos from fires, motor vehicle accidents, training, awards, installations, and upcoming events. We also encourage you to offer your suggestions - tell us what you think about Fire News. Our goal is make each issue better than the previous one.

The quality of Fire News speaks for itself. Our circulation continues to grow on a daily basis. Our Facebook page currently has well over 6100 friends, and photos and announcements that we post are viewed by thousands more.

How great was it when a photo of Hagerman Lieutenant Ralph Lettieri's homecoming after a serious illness was viewed over 6500 times? Despite the electronic age, our publication is still a very popular fixture around the firehouses and continues to be the premier source of information for the fire, rescue and emergency medical services.

On this New Year's Eve, the ball will drop in Times Square to bring in 2013. It will also signify the start of remembering 40 years of excellence in representing the fire service.

Stay safe in 2013. Happy New Year!

- Dennis

2013 LONG ISLAND FIRE, RESCUE & EMS MEGA SHOW The 2013 Long Island Fire Rescue & EMS Mega Show is coming to the Expo Center at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale, Saturday, February 23 and Sunday, February 24, 2013. This is the Tri-state's fastest growing show. The latest and most innovative turnout gear and newest product lines for the fire and rescue community will be on display. Hundreds of vendors will be present to explain and demonstrate their products and services.

There will also be a two-day extrication competition.

Competing at this year’s competition on Saturday are Hagerman, North Babylon, Montauk, Ridge, Nesconset and Great Neck Alert. On Sunday it will be Sayville, West Babylon, North Bellmore, Blue Point and Selden.

Show hours are from 100 to 1700 both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are on sale at the door the day of the show; $13.50 for General Admission or have your department call for a pre-registration form.

Children under 12 are free. Don’t miss the 2013 Fire, Rescue& EMS Mega Show on February 23 and 24 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale.

25TH ANNUAL FDSOA APPARATUS SYMPOSIUM MOVES TO NEW LOCATION The Fire Department Safety Officer Association is celebrating its 25th Annual Apparatus Specification and Vehicle Maintenance & Safety Symposium , January 20th-23, 2013, by moving to a new location at the Wyndham Hotel Buena Vista, Orlando, Florida. The move to the Hotel Buena Vista, across from the Disney Village Markplace, will offer attendees the same great programming at reduced room rates, free wi-fi and free parking.

Keynote speakers for the 25th Annual Apparatus Symposium will include Stephen Raynis, Chief of Safety for FDNY and the ever-popular James Juneau, Attorney, Juneau, Boll, Stacy & Ucherek Attorneys.

Programs will include EPA Changes on Engines, Maintain versus Purchase New and Budget Realities from a Business Manager. Breakout seminars will include Braking & Roll Stability, New Government regulations on Tires, Electrical requirements and writing specifications, and more. An all-new Ambulance Track will include sessions on the Patient Compartment, the new NFPA 1917 Standard and specifying your next ambulance. The 2012 Emergency Vehicle of the Year will also be announced during the General Session.

To register and for more details on the current program guide, go to www.fdsoa.org

like us on & follow us on Go To FireNews.com and Click on Link

Where Are Your Department’s Photos?

As the Southern New England edition of Fire News starts regular publishing, we would like to remind our readers that we are always happy to receive photos and stories.

Feel free to e-mail your photos to Tim@FireNews.com.

We ask that any photo you do send be high resolution (300 dpi or better) and that you do not retouch, crop, alter or reduce your photos in size when you e-mail them to us.

Please send two to four photos per incident. Also, include a brief write-up of the incident, event, or family news, which includes basic “who, what, when, and where information.”

We look forward to seeing your department in our next issue. - Ed.

Page 6, Fire News, December/January 2013

Fire News, December/January 2013, Page 7

Woonsocket Garage Blaze

A Woonsocket police officer radioed that he had heavy smoke showing in the area of Hamlet Avenue and Wells Street just before 1300 on October 16, 2012. City Fire Chief Gary Lataille arrived and reported that he had a detached three-bay garage with two cars on fire at the rear of Hamlet Avenue. Companies were tied up for some time at a major motorcycle accident which EMS Rescue had to transport to the Trauma Center in Providence. There was a steady wind in the area blowing from the rear of the garage. This wind direction kept the fire away from the several three-story wood framed tenement houses on the Charlie side. The vinyl siding of the two-story exposure on the Bravo side was starting to ripple due to the intense radiated heat. Several minor explosions occurred from

the garage. Engine 3 arrived first due and stretched a 2-½ inch handline. Engine 1’s crew secured water supply to Engine 3’s pump and then also assisted with stretching a second 2-½ inch line. Squad 4 grabbed a 1-¾ inch line to protect exposures. This aggressive attack kept the fire contained to the one-story concrete block garage.

Engine 2 and Tower 2 arrived to assist once they cleared the accident scene.The OIC had firefighters survey the exposures on the Bravo, Charlie, and Delta sides for extension with thermal cameras.

There were no reported injuries. Woonsocket Fire and Police Departments investigated the fire. Two vehicles that were parked on the Delta side also received heat and smoke damage.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

Page 8, Fire News, December/January 2013

New Haven 2 Alarm Fire

Firefighters responded to a report of fire in the area of Fitch Street and Whalley Avenue just after 2200 in the city's West Rock section. The first-due truck arrived reporting the pavilion inside Edgewood Park "going good." Companies had long lays due to lack of hydrants within the park, prompting the transmission of a second alarm for brands and water supply issues. The pavilion itself is an A-frame chalet-type structure with a one-story attached on either side. The fire took about an hour to bring under control. The pavilion was not being used at the time of the fire causing the FMO to classify the fire suspicious.

- Fire News photos by Glenn Duda

Quincy Firefighters Battle Three Alarm Blaze

Around 0145 hours on the cold morning of Tuesday, November 27, 2012, the Quincy Fire Department struck their box 2412 and responded to a reported building fire at 488 Quincy Avenue, at the corner of East Howard Street.

Companies arrived to find a fire in a large 2.5-story wood framed structure that appeared to be vacant. A working fire was requested.

Shortly thereafter, a second alarm was ordered after companies found heavy fire on floor two, and had fire through the roof. Due to the heavy fire conditions, all companies were ordered out of the vacant building.

A defensive attack was initiated with several handlines in operation.

Once the heavy fire, that was venting through the roof, subsided and they heavy fire was knocked down crews returned to make an aggressive attack inside the building, overhauling and hitting hot spots.

As crews worked inside again, heavy fire was once again found in the attic area. A third alarm was ordered, and the companies were again ordered out of the building. Companies used hand lines and deck guns to knock the remainder of the fire down.

The Quincy Fire Department utilized the State Fire Marshal’s office in investigating this early morning blaze. It was determined to be an arson fire, that was started in an inside stairwell of the building. The Marshal's office wouldn't say that the fire was related to a string of arson fires that have recently plagued the South Shore of Massachusetts but they did comment that it does not fit the pattern of the other suspicious fires in the area. No injuries were reported at the scene.

-Fire News photos by Pat Travers

Fire News, December/January 2013, Page 9

Election Night Fire Destroys Johnston Home

Shortly after 1700, on November 6, 2012, Johnston fire alarm operators began receiving numerous calls for a house fire on Harbourd Road. An assignment consisting of Engines 3, 1, 2 and 4; Ladder 1; Rescue 3; and the battalion were dispatched. Engine 3 was first to arrive and reported heavy smoke showing from the one-story ranch. Crews stretched in but had difficulty locating the fire.

Ladder 1 was ordered to the roof and reported heavy smoke push-

ing from the attic. Engine 3 found the fire in the attached garage and knocked it down but not before it spread into the house. Several lines were stretched and were able to bring the fire under control within 30 minutes. The occupants of the house were not home at the time of the fire and no one was injured. The cause is under investigation.

- Fire News photo by Tom Carmody

Page 10, Fire News, December/January 2013

Fast Moving Fire Stopped in Woonsocket

A fast moving fire tore through a vacant two-story office complex on October 2, 2012 on Mendon Road in Woonsocket. Engine 4 arrived to find heavy fire in the center stairwell of extending rapidly into the attic. The roof was constructed of lightweight trusses with no firewalls. A second alarm was sounded bringing all of the city's apparatus to the scene. The fire quickly burned through attic and

the trusses quickly failed. The fire was rapidly knocked down once Ladder 1 and Tower 2 established LDH water supplies to their rigs.

Crews reentered to overhaul the structure once the master streams were shut down. The building appeared to be a total loss.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

Two Alarm in Vernon Vernon, CT, firefighters responded to a second alarm on Park Street on November 6, 2012.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

Four Providence Firefighters Injured in Multi-Alarm Fire As the sun began to rise on Halloween Day, a still-box went out in Providence firehouses for a building fire on President Street. On arrival, Engine 5 found fire showing from the Joseph B. McIntyre House, a historic building built in 1911. As crews began to fight the fire, they realized the fire had spread to all floors of the house and a second alarm was transmitted. Two firefighters were injured

when they fell through a hole in the second floor, another suffered a shoulder injury and the last was transported due to smoke inhalation. All were released from the hospital later in the day. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

- Fire News photo by Tom Carmody

Fire News, December/January 2013, Page 11

Page 12, Fire News, December/January 2013

Fire News, December/January 2013, Page 13

Two Alarm in Glastonbury

Glastonbury, Connecticut. was called out on November 14, 2012, for a two-alarm blaze on Great Swamp Road.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

Quick Thinking at N. Worcester Blaze

This is 27 North Worcester Avenue shortly after 0900. Off-duty Captain Perkins who was nearby entered the building after it was thought there was still an occupant inside. One person was transported with burns. Companies made a quick knock down.

- Fire News photo by Paul Shea

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Page 14, Fire News, December/January 2013

Fast Moving Blaze in Grafton

The residents of this Colonial style dwelling at 48 Blanchard Road quickly escaped a fast moving fire that originated in their garage around 2200 on November 19, 2012. Grafton Car-1 arrived to find heavy fire conditions on the Delta side of this large dwelling. The fire was quickly spreading up the D-side gable end and overlapping into the sky. There were two cars inside the garage that were fully involved and another car closely nosed up to the garage doors that sustained heavy fire damage to its front end.

Grafton Engine 3 arrived and began an aggressive attack on the fire with big lines. Tower 1 set up in the roadway at the driveway entrance and placed its master streams into action. The fire breached through the

exterior siding and sheathing and was traveling into the adjacent rooms and main attic space. Water supply was established using LDH feeders with engine companies pumping the hydrants due to lower pressures.

The OIC struck the second alarm for coverage with a special call for the Town of Sutton’s Ladder 3. Sutton set up on the Alpha-Bravo corner and threw their stick to the roofline. Ground ladders were set up for egress from the upper floors if needed. Crews entered the dwelling with 1- ž inch handlines to extinguish the interior fire. Sutton made a vent hole on the main roof exposing the trapped heavy fire. The OIC pulled all companies out so the ladder pipes could knock down the fire.

- Fire News photos by Ken LaBelle

Page 16, Fire News, December/January 2013

New England Responds To Sandy

Hurricane Sandy in Rhode Island The State of Rhode Island Urban Search and Rescue Task Force was activated to be on the ready if the citizens of the state became endangered by Hurricane Sandy. The team deployed three strike teams to the towns of Westerly, Narragansett and Middletown.

The Mobile Command Post (MCC) was set up at the Cache in Scituate. The MCC monitored the team's communications via the state’s 800mhz P25 system, the webEOC software, and all local fire/police/EMS frequencies. The team was placed on alert on Sunday October 28 through October 30, 2012. On Sunday, teams readied their gear and deployed to their bases. The storm made its appearance late Sunday into Monday morning bringing heavy rain and wind to the region. The strike teams encountered downed trees, downed wires and high surf. On Tuesday morning the teams were deployed to the Town of Westerly. The area of Atlantic Avenue along the Misquamicut Beach front was devastated by high surf that had damaged or destroyed several houses and also moved several feet of beach into the area. The teams split up into two squads and began to search the area for occupants who may have decided to ride out the storm. Buildings were marked for damages along the search.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

Whitman Firefighter and Wife Help NY Sandy Victims

Hurricane Sandy Wreaks Havoc On The South Shore

Whitman, Massachusetts, call-Firefighter Robert Figgins, Jr., and his wife, New York native, Mary Figgins, began a drive to collect donations in the form of relief supplies for the numerous victims of Hurricane Sandy in New York. After sufficient donations were collected, Robert and Mary made the lengthy trip to deliver these much needed supplies to the residents of the Belle Harbor area of Rockaway, located in the borough of Queens, New York. The two Whitman residents networked with local fire departments to set up drop off locations at the Bridgewater, Hanson, Rockland, West Bridgewater & Whitman Fire Departments who helped collect the supplies.

- Fire News photo by Pat Travers

To deal with the storms predicted destruction, Whitman Fire Chief Timothy Grenno ordered all Whitman Fire-Rescue personnel, 20full time firefighters as well as several call-firefighters, in to work at 0800 hours on Monday. Many firefighters worked 48-hours straight during the storm.

-Fire News photo by Pat Travers

Fire News, December/January 2013, Page 17

Semi Flips, Closes 95 Ramp

A tractor trailer dump truck carrying a load of gravel and rocks lane of 95. The driver was self extricated and transported for minor tipped over on the Route-95 Southbound ramp from Smithfield injuries. Heavy wreckers righted the rig shortly after while the Avenue in Providence on the afternoon of November 9, 2012. The Rhode Island State Police Truck Team investigated the crash.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle load was dumped out over an embankment onto the southbound

Crash After Pursuit Kills Brockton Woman

Around 1630 hours on Friday, October 12, 2012, the Brockton Police Department initiated a pursuit of a vehicle that was reportedly wanted for narcotics violations. The pursuit came to a tragic end at the intersection of Centre Street and Quincy Street, when the suspect’s vehicle ran a red light and struck another vehicle, causing a situation that would kill one woman and send eight people to area hospitals.Engine-4, Squad-A, the TSU and 2-AMR ambulances responded to the scene on the initial report of the crash. Engine-4 arrived and reported they had one person trapped and immediately requested an additional company to respond, along with the deputy and requested Boston MedFlight to land at the Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital, less than a mile away.

Ladder-1 responded to the scene, along with Engine-7 that later responded. The driver of the fleeing vehicle, identified as Antwoin Moore, 27, of Brockton has been charged with manslaughter, assault with a dangerous weapon, operating to endanger and several other motor vehicle violations, according to Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and Brockton Police Chief Emanuel Gomes.

- Fire News photo by Pat Travers

Two-Car Crash in Whitman Injures Two

Around 1500 hours on Tuesday, September 25, 2012, the Whitman Fire and Police Departments responded to a reported motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Bedford Street at Temple Street, Route-18 at Route-27. Crews arrived to find a two-vehicle accident in the intersection with two people injured. A second ambulance was requested to the scene and Whitman Ambulance-3 responded, to assist Whitman Ambulance-1, Engine-2 and Car-2 who were already on the scene. One victim was transported to the Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital and the other victim was transported to the South Shore Hospital. Both had what appeared to be nonlife threatening injuries. Whitman Police are investigating the accident.

- Fire News photo by Pat Travers

Page 18, Fire News, December/January 2013

Hard Hit in Worcester MVA

Wo r c e s t e r firefighters responded to an MVA shortly after 1600 on October 22, 2012, at Main Street and Great Post Road in Worcester. Companies from Webster Square were faced with an entrapment on arrival.

Ladder 4 started work with their jaws until Rescue 1 arrived and

put their tools in service to help extricate all parties from the vehicle. The roof had to be removed. There was heavy impact from the Ford Expedition which made its way into the passenger compartment of the smaller sedan.

- Fire News photos by Paul Shea

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Fire News, December/January 2013, Page 19

Duxbury Gets Improved Station

Duxbury Fire Department’s new firehouse which was recently dedicated at a ribbon cutting ceremony.

- Fire News photos by Rob Reardon

1971 Maxim Worcester Engine 8 Restored

Restored 1971 Maxim Engine 8 with the current Engine 8 from The Worcester Fire Department.

-Fire News photo by Paul Shea

Fire News, December/January 2013, Page 21

The Tide Also Rises ‌ in West Haven

Shortly before noon, members of West Haven's Center District and West Shore Fire Department were sent to the April Street boat ramp for a report of people stranded on a sand bar. The four victims, who were attempting to fish in the harbor area had to beach their inflatable raft on the sandbar after the water in the harbor became to rough. A representative of the Sound School Regional

Vocational Aquaculture Center saw the four people in the water and called 911. The four men were stranded on a rapidly disappearing sandbar in waist deep water. Members from each department placed their respective boats in service to effect the removal. There were no injuries.

- Fire News photos by Glenn Duda

Page 22, Fire News, December/January 2013

911 Call Unconfirmed in Providence

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A 911 caller reported a man having possibly jumped off the Rte195 I-Way Bridge into the Seekonk River on November 9, 2012. A Marine Task Force was deployed to the area to begin the search.

Boats from East Providence Fire, Providence Fire and Police, Warwick Fire, and Barrington Fire combed the region for hours.

An USCG Jayhawk helicopter also was deployed to assist. Divers entered the water to inspect the SONAR hits but came up empty handed. The search continued on the next day with negative results.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

Fire News, December/January 2013, Page 23

Firefighters Battle Fire In Abandoned Motel

Firefighters battled flames at a vacant building off Route-28. The fire was in an abandoned motel, the Alpine Motel, on Wareham Street in Middleboro. This is the second time firefighters have responded to the abandoned Alpine Motel for a fire. Firefighters immediately went to a defensive attack mode. The flames were intense early on but the firefighters were able to get the fire under control. Firefighters managed to knock down the fire around 6:30

in the morning, with some residual flare-ups. The building is located in a commercial area with no houses nearby, and no other buildings affected by the fire. Parts of Wareham Street was shut down Tuesday morning. Carver, Wareham, Lakeville and the DFS Rehab unit responded mutual aid to the scene.

- Fire News photos by Rob Reardon

Page 24, Fire News, December/January 2013

Looking Back at Summer 2012

Fast Work on Lincoln 4 FFs, 2 Civilians Injured in Dorchester 5 Alarm House Fire

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

- Fire News photo by Thomas Carmody

General Alarm in Southington

Tankers Work in Charlton Blaze

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

- Fire News photo by Paul Shea

Quick Knockdown in Holbrook

Woman Dies in Providence Fire

- Fire News photo by Pat Travers

- Fire News photo by Thomas Carmody

Fire News, December/January 2013, Page 25

Firefighter I/II Class in Plymouth

Firefighters from across Plymouth County are in a Firefighter I/II class which started in October 2012 and will run until March, 2013.

- Fire News photos by Pat Travers

Page 26, Fire News, December/January 2013

Cover Story

Suspicious Fire in Hanson Destroys Vacant Commercial Building

Just before 0530 hours on a cold Tuesday, November 27, 2012 the Hanson Fire Department responded to the area of 1000 Main Street, Route-27, for a possible structure fire.

Hanson Fire Chief Jerome Thompson was the first to arrive on-scene and reported a working fire in a vacant structure. Chief Thompson immediately requested a working fire assignment, and requested an additional engine to the scene. This would bring Whitman and Pembroke engines along with Hanson’s already responding apparatus.

The vacant 20 x 100-foot commercial building at 999 Main Street was fully involved when crews arrived. Hanson Engine-3 dumped their monitor while a supply line was obtained. Whitman Engine-2 grabbed a hydrant and used their deck gun and a Blitz gun off a three-inch handline at the rear of the building. Pembroke’s engine laid a supply line for Hanson Tower-1 which utilized its master stream.

The State Fire Marshal’s office was requested in the early stages of

the blaze. A string of suspicious fires has plagued the South Shore area of Massachusetts, with suspicious fires occurring in two neighboring towns in the early morning hours just one day before. Another suspicious fire that went to three alarms occurred in Quincy, just a few hours prior to this blaze.

The Hanson Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the State Fire Marshal, the Massachusetts State Police, and the ATF. K-9s could be seen sniffing through the debris throughout the morning as snow flurries covered it.

The State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan asks that anyone with information regarding any of the recent fires throughout the Southeastern part of Massachusetts, or that may have seen something suspicious to call the arson hotline at 800-682-9229. All information can be confidential and people that report information could be eligible for a $5,000 reward.

-Fire News Story and photos by Pat Travers

Fire News, December/January 2013, Page 27

Odor Brings HazMat Response in Stoughton

Around 1145 on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, the Stoughton Fire Department responded to Page Street for a report of a strange odor in a building. Crews arrived and investigated the commercial building that was occupied by Honorcraft, Incorporated. Fire crews that entered the building noticed stinging in their eyes and throats. They immediately backed out and the officer in charge requested a tier-1 response from the Department of Fire Services Hazardous Materials Team. Around 1700, after several hours of testing and

monitoring the building, no immediate hazard to humans was discovered. Stoughton Fire ventilated the building, and companies picked up from the scene. Following all of the testing that was completed the hazardous materials team was unable to determine the cause of the strange odor that brought crews to the location in the first place.

- Fire News photos by Pat Travers

Page 28, Fire News, December/January 2013

Pink Heals at Lincoln FD

The Rhode Island Chapter of the Pink Heals visits local fire departments during the month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness month. On May 20, 2010, the RI State Association of Firefighters officially adopted the "Cares Enough to Wear Pink" campaign. Pink T-Shirts are worn from October 21 through October 28 to show support for the cause. On October 24, 2012 the Pink Heals tour visited Station 4 of Lincoln. Members were able to pose for photos, sign the rigs with names of cancer victims and survivors, and buy merchandise to help support the cause. All of the pink vehicles have been named after someone who inspired the chapter running the vehicle or the agency that donated the vehicle.

For more information on the pink heals tour please visit their website: www.pinkfiretrucks.org.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

Fire & Iron Motorcycle Club Donates Turkey Dinners

Fire & Iron Motorcycle Club Station #144 presented the Saint Edith Stein Church in Brockton, MA, with four turkey dinners for families in need. Pictured left to right are: Fire & Iron MC Station #144 members Whitman, MA; FF Pat Travers, Rockland, MA; FF Mike Mullins; and Pat Galligan.

-Fire News photo by Pat Travers

Fire News, December/January 2013, Page 29

INDUSTRY News Five Star Fire is Pleased to Announce That Rick McDonald Has Joined Their Sales Team Rick will be assigned to the Apparatus Division of Five Star Fire representing the Sutphen, Toyne and SVI lines of fire apparatus in western Massachusetts and Tolland County, Connecticut.

With more than 20 years of experience as a Volunteer Firefighter, Rick currently is a Captain in his department and also serves as the Incident Safety Officer. Rick also holds numerous certifications in many areas including being trained to Haz-Mat operational level.

His sales experience spans three decades which included fire apparatus & ambulance sales, construction equipment, parts & service and as a manufacturer's representative covering several states.

Five Star Fire serves volunteer and municipal fire departments, as well as industrial and government agencies in CT, MA and RI. Proud to represent Sutphen Fire Apparatus, the oldest, continually owned and operated fire apparatus manufacturer in the U.S., Five Star Fire offers an Emergency Vehicle Service Center with a staff of industry trained service professionals. They are an authorized warranty and service center for Hale, Waterous & Darley fire pumps; Detroit Diesel, Caterpillar, Cummins & MBE Engines, Allison Transmissions, Command Light Products, Smart Power & Harrison Generators and the is the largest provider of On-Spot Tire Chains in New England. A division of Freightliner of Hartford, the largest over-the-road truck sales and service facility in New England, Five Star Fire can work on any make truck chassis or fire body.

Page 30, Fire News, December/January 2013

New Haven Fire Department Old Engine 9 Dedication

A 1909 Westinghouse horse drawn fire engine was put on permanent display inside New Haven City Hall. Originally placed at Engine Co. 9, the piece remained with the department for 50 years and then was decommissioned. It made its way into a collector's hands and a barn in Massachusetts before being rediscovered. It was traced back to the department by the builders plaque on it.

The project took five years to complete.

- Fire News photo by Glenn Duda

Spencer Open House

Spencer Fire Department held an open house during fire prevention week. The festivities included a pancake breakfast, LifeFlight helicopter display as well as vehicle extrication and fire extinguisher displays.

- Fire News photo by Paul Shea

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Fire News, December/January 2013, Page 31

Up Close & Personal

No Dogs Allowed?

Rhode Island USAR Task Force on the beach after Hurricane Sandy.

- Fire News photo

by Ken LaBelle

Big Burrillville Structure Fire.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

Glastonbury two-alarm blaze November 14, 2012.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley From left: Lt. John Kennedy, Ladder 4; Lt. John Franco, Engine 5; unknown; South End District Chief Decourcey during a shift change at an MVA in Worcester, MA. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea

Providence Engine 3 Captain in action.

- Fire News photo by Amanda Carmody

Ellington FD provides mutual aid at Vernon two-alarm fire.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

Providence Firefighter Paul Doughty in Action.

- Fire News photo by Tom Carmody

Vernon, CT, two-alarm on Park Street on November 6, 2012.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley