VOLUME 1, NO.3
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Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 MAY 2013
Please open to the centerfold for coverage of the heroic response to the terror attack at the Boston Marathon. – Fire News photo by Rick Nohl
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Fire News, May 2013, Page 3
In this issue... Cranston Fire Goes to Three Alarms Cranston firefighters responded to Bedson Road for a commercial building fire. See story page 6
Multi-Alarm Residential Fire In Prospect, CT Prospect volunteer firefighters were dispatched to New Haven Road for a residential fire. See story page 8
Lynn, MA, Four-Alarm Lynn Fire Department responded to a four-alarm fire in a threestory, apartment building. See story page 14
Snow Doesn't Help Big Blaze in Central Falls
A fast moving basement fire tore through a Victorian style dwelling on Central Street, RI.
See story page 17
Go Team Oliver! North Madison Volunteer Fire Company took a photo to help support a child in New Milford, CT, suffering from MLD.
A Service for Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973
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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 GABE BALSAMO, DICK BARTLETT, THOMAS CARMODY, KEVIN CZARZASTY, TIM DELANEY, PATRICK DOOLEY, DOUG DOW, GLENN DUDA, LIZ FEITELBERG, TIM GORMAN, STEPHEN HESS, KEN LABELLE, ROB LADD, MICHAEL LAPRADE, SCOTT LAPRADE, CHARLIE MCGRATH, KEITH MURATORI, RICK NOHL, ROB REARDON, PAUL SHEA, JOE SHEFER, CHRIS STEINES, PHIL SULLIVAN, PAT TRAVERS, STEPHEN WALSH COPYRIGHT 2013, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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See story page 27
Worcester Mourns Loss of Ed Seman
25 year veteran of the Worcester Fire Department passed as a result of occupational cancer.
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 permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
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Page 4, Fire News, May 2013
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
From the Editor’s Desk
NEFEEA Holding Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 23rd
Dennis Whittam, Editor
Do You Know How CFSI Helps You? Fire News recently learned that under current law, contributions into certain LOSAPs (Length of Service Award Program) cannot be guaranteed to volunteers, meaning that they are vulnerable to creditors if the department goes bankrupt. Also, according to the Congressional Fire Service Institute, a federal cap established in 1996 on annual contributions into a LOSAP has never been adjusted for inflation, reducing the value of the LOSAP funds for many departments. CFSI also pointed out that LOSAPs that are treated as private plans are subject to stringent reporting requirements. Thanks to, Congressman Peter King a bill, known as the Volunteer Emergency Services Recruitment and Retention Act was introduced (H.R. 1009). The bill will clarify the tax treatment of LOSAPs. In addition, Senator Susan Collins (ME) and Senator Charles Schumer (NY) introduced S. 506, companion legislation to King's H.R. 1009. Collins and Schumer also introduced S. 501, the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Reauthorization Act, a distinctly separate piece of legislation. This measure would exempt from federal income tax any property tax benefit and up to $600 per year of any other type of benefit that a state or local unit of government provides to volunteer emergency responders as a recruitment or retention incentive. It is imperative that you follow the Congressional Fire Service Institutes (CFSI) coverage of these bills. You should visit www.cfsi.org on a regular basis to provide you with information and updates as CFSI works with the bill sponsors, the national fire service organizations and the relevant House and Senate committees on these important bills. By visiting CFSI.org on a regular basis you will learn what political leaders are the fire service's true friends in government. Thank you Congressman Peter King, Senator Susan Collins and Senator Charles Schumer for the support you are giving to the fire service.
- Dennis
Where Are Your Department’s Photos? 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.
The New England Fire Equipment Exhibitors Association (NEFEEA) will be holding their annual meeting on Sunday, June 23, 2013 in conjunction with the New England Fire/Rescue/EMS Expo. The Expo will be held at the Eastern States Exhibition Center in West Springfield, MA on June 21, 22 & 23. All paid vendor members are encouraged to attend where election of officers will take place. Those that have not paid their yearly dues can do so in advance by contacting the Secretary/Treasurer of the Association, Tom Simonelli at nefeea@gmail.com. The time and location of the meeting will be announced on set up day of the Expo.
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Page 6, Fire News, May 2013
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Commercial Building Goes Up in Cranston, RI
A fast moving fire broke out in a Bedson Road commercial garage around 1700 on March 13, 2013. The 6000-square foot, one-story concrete block and metal roof truss building appeared to house maintenance equipment and several vans and trucks. The first due arriving companies reported heavy black smoke and fire showing from the Alpha/Delta sides. Ladder 1 set up on the Alpha side for defensive operations. The exposures on the Charlie side street concerned the OIC as he requested extra companies to the scene. Ladder 2 positioned on First Avenue in defensive posture to protect that side of the street. Heavy fire was taking control of the entire roofline and the contents of the garage.
Billowing black smoke was seen for miles as the roofing material burned away. The Delta side was beginning show cracks in the mortar joints and signs of bulging outwards. A collapse zone was established due to the failed integrity of the structure. Ladder 3 pulled in behind Ladder 1 on the Alpha side for water tower operations. Engine companies established relay pumping to supply the LDH feeders into the scene from blocks away. Master streams, deck guns, and multiple hand lines were played into the blaze for an hour to get a hold on the fire conditions. - Fire News photos by Ken LaBelle & Tom Carmody
Page 8, Fire News, May 2013
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Multi-Alarm Residential Fire in Prospect, CT
On April 5, 2013, Prospect volunteer firefighters were dispatched to New Haven Road for a residential fire. Sitting on over 300 acres, the structure was originally a club house and restaurant, which had been converted to a luxurious home. Upon arrival fire command requested a mutual aid ladder from neighboring Cheshire, as well as an additional tanker and engine from Bethany. Crews attempted to reach the fire in the attic space of the three-story stone structure but were pushed back by intense fire and heat. Several roof ventilation attempts were made but due to the metal roof material and steep pitch they were unable to penetrate. As interior conditions
rapidly declined, evacuation tones were sounded and an exterior attack was taken up. Mutual aid was also requested from Naugatuck for an additional ladder, Beacon Falls, Wolcott, Middlebury, Thomaston, and Waterbury for additional tankers and engines to maintain the water supply and cover. It took crews several hours to bring the fire under control and they remained on scene until the next morning wetting down the hot spots. Though the fire was held to the wing of origin, that part of the home was badly damaged sustaining a roof collapse and fire and water damage on all floors. - Fire News photos by Kevin Czarzasty
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Fire News, May 2013, Page 9
Cooperation at Three-Alarm in Watertown
A block of stores on Main Street in Watertown required a lot of cooperation to douse. Pictured: a Watertown police officer, a Massachusetts state trooper and a Watertown firefighter working together to open a frozen hydrant. - Fire News photos by Steve Walsh
Page 10, Fire News, May 2013
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Two Alarms For Easton Garage Fire
Heavy Fire Destroys Providence House
Around 1745 the Easton Fire Department responded to Bay Road for a report of a well-involved garage on fire. Command immediately requested a working fire assignment followed shortly thereafter by a second alarm. A 2-1/2 inch handline was the first line off the engine. Another handline was requested into the dwelling. Two elderly residents were evaluated by EMS but not transported. The second alarm brought engine companies from Brockton, Norton, West Bridgewater, Stoughton, a ladder company from Sharon and several Easton companies to the scene. Easton also received station coverage from mutual aid companies. Norfolk County Control’s unit FAO-1 also responded to the scene. Shortly after, the garage collapsed. While the B side of the dwelling suffered fire damage, the interior damage was kept to a minimum. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
On March 14, 2013, just as most Providence firefighters were sitting down for lunch, a Still Box went out for a reported house fire on Social Street. Heavy fire was showing from the second floor of an occupied 2.5-story house and quickly spreading upwards. All hands immediately went to work and numerous lines were stretched and operated. The fire had a tremendous head start and began showing from the eaves and roof of the structure. Extra companies were requested and crews were able to remain inside, pulling ceilings and knocking down any visible fire. A Mayday was transmitted by the IC for a low air issue but that was quickly recalled as the firefighter was able to exit under his own power. The cause of the fire is under investigation. - Fire News photo by Tom Carmody
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Page 12, Fire News, May 2013
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Three Escape from Cumerford St. Fire
On March 17, 2013, Providence firefighters responded to Cumerford Street for a house fire with reports of people trapped. On arrival, firefighters found the rear of a two-story house fully involved. Three people had jumped from the upper floor just prior to the arrival of the fire department. With all of the occupants accounted for, crews were able to quickly confine the fire to the rear with only smoke damage to the uninvolved sections of the home. The residents of the home were transported to Rhode Island Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation. - Fire News photo by Tom Carmody
Kingston Two-Alarm
Firefighters open up as a line is put into operation at an early morning second alarm house fire in Kingston. Several towns responded mutual aid to the scene and to cover. - Fire News photo by Rob Reardon
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Fire News, May 2013, Page 13
Two Saved at North Smithfield, RI, Fire
A fire in a kitchen sparked a two-alarm fire on Pond House Road on February 21, 2013. A worker in the basement assisted a wheelchair bound male and an Alzheimer suffering wife out to safety and called 911. North Smithfield Fire Department Chief Jillson responded to the scene. NSFD Engine 1, 2, and Tanker 1 responded with Smithfield Engine 2 and Burrillville Tanker 33 on mutual aid. The area of the fire is not serviced by hydrants. Chief 1 arrived to find heavy smoke and fire conditions in a 1-½ story wood framed Cape Cod-style dwelling. He ordered a working fire to be sounded. The OIC ordered a defensive attack due to the large quantities of home oxygen equipment stored in the dwelling. Engine 1 began fire attack on the Bravo/Charlie side while Engine 2's crew hand jacked
LDH down the driveway to the roadway. The electrical service on the Bravo side was beginning to fail and sparks were flying; National Grid was requested. The hose team made the second floor but had to be withdrawn after a few minutes due to deteriorating conditions. The family dog was rescued from the kitchen area as crews pushed in to make final knockdown. Millville Engine 2 was also special called to the scene for manpower to assist with overhauling. The house was deemed a total loss due to the extensive damage sustained by the fire. The Special Signal Association Canteen responded to provide warm refreshments to the fatigued personnel. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
Bloomfield, CT, Two-Alarm
Bloomfield, CT, (Blue Hills Fire District) at a second alarm on March 27, 2013 at Barry Circle. The white helmet is Blue Hills FD Chief Farmer. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Page 14, Fire News, May 2013
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On March 24, 2013, Lynn Fire Department responded to a four- building. Heavy fire was on all floors and through the roof. alarm fire on Lewis Street in a three-story, 20-unit apartment - Fire News photo by Rick Nohl
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Fire News, May 2013, Page 15
Page 16, Fire News, May 2013
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Lawrence, MA, Three-Alarm Fire
Lawrence firefighters responded to a fast moving and fierce blaze on March 30, 2013. Upon arrival, companies encountered two houses on Hancock Street with heavy fire conditions extending throughout. The fire, fueled by windy conditions, spread to a third house. All companies were ordered out of the buildings by command due to deteriorating conditions and water supply issues from area hydrants. Mutual aid from Methuen, Haverhill, North Andover, Andover, Lowell and Dracut responded to the fire. The cause of the fire was under investigation and no injuries were reported at the scene. - Fire News photos by Rick Nohl, Scott LaPrade, and Tim Gorman
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Fire News, May 2013, Page 17
A fast moving basement fire tore through a Victorian style dwelling on Central Street late in the evening of February 9, 2013. Engine 1, 2, Ladder 1, and Battalion 1 responded to the address, only a few blocks from their headquarters. Firefighters attempted to push into the cellar, but the crew encountered cluttered conditions while trying to locate the seat of the fire. Mutual aid from Lincoln and Pawtucket arrived. Lincoln Ladder 51 set up as FAST and put up ground ladders for fire escapes if needed. Lincoln Engine 4 took a line to the Delta side to protect an exposure. Pawtucket Engine 2 and Ladder 1 went to work stretching lines to the first and second floor to attempt a stop. The fire appeared to be gas feed on the Alpha/Delta corner, and the OIC made the decision to pull all firefighters out of the building until the utilities could be cut off. As fire began to break through the roofline, the OIC requested a third alarm. Water supply had to be relay pumped in from a distance from the hydrants that could be found due to the massive piles of snow on the streets. Central Falls Ladder 1 set up its master stream on the Alpha/Delta corner while North Providence Ladder 1 had the Charlie side. Exterior handlines and master streams operated for 45 minutes to knock down the blaze. Companies were rotated out to the Special Signal Association's canteen for thawing and hot drinks. The structure was a total loss. - Fire News photos by Ken LaBelle
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Page 18, Fire News, May 2013
Dryer Fire in Middleborough, MA,
Shortly before noon on April 08, 2013, the Middleborough Fire Department responded to a reported building fire on Cedar Street. Chief Lance Benjamino, Car 6-0, signed off with heavy fire showing from a garage that was attached to a 1-1/2 story wood framed dwelling. A working fire was requested with a special call for a mutual aid tanker to the scene. Middleborough Engine-1, Engine6, Tanker-1, Car 6-0 and Car 9-1 responded. Plympton Tanker-1 was the mutual aid tanker. Brewster EMS sent an ambulance to the scene for a stand by. The heavily involved garage, which eventually collapsed, extended into the house, but companies were able to make an aggressive attack and quickly knock down the fire. The fire may have originated in a dryer in the garage. Firefighters removed two tanks with reptiles from the home. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
No Sleep At Fitchburg Fire
In Fitchburg on February 16, 2013 a three-alarm fire began in a mechanic's shop on the ground level and spread to the second floor where mattresses were being stored. Leominster, Lunenburg and Westminster also responded to the fire. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
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Quick Work at Woonsocket, RI, Blaze
A dwelling on Blackstone Street was the scene of a quick second alarm fire on April 4, 2013 at around 1545. The building was a balloon frame dwelling with a slate tile roof. Heavy fire was showing from the Bravo side as Engine 3 arrived on scene. A second alarm was requested bringing in Ladder 2, Squad 4, Rescue 1, and Blackstone Ladder 1 to the scene. Engine 3 went into attack mode with a 1-他 inch line to try to knock down the exterior fire. Engine 1 secured water supply into Engine 3. Ladder 2 set up on the Delta side in a lot to prepare for roof operations. Rescue 1 treated one construction worker for minor burns. Mutual aid from Cumberland, Burrillville, and Lincoln responded to the city to cover the empty firehouses. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
Well Done Burgers
On April 1, 2013, a small fire broke out at the rear of a Burger King restaurant on Grafton Street. Companies stretched a line and quickly extinguished the fire with some overhaul. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
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Fire News, May 2013, Page 19
Lucky Dog at a Three-Alarm in Uxbridge, MA
After receiving a call reporting smoke, Uxbridge Engine 2 arrived at a Stanphyl Street address to find a well-involved two-story dwelling. A Box-4, working fire assignment, was requested along with a tanker task force, as this area of town was not supported by hydrants. Engine 2 dumped its tank water into the fully involved garage section of the house. The fire was now pushing from the entire farmer’s porch on side A and through the roofline. The attic was framed with lightweight trusses and failed quickly. Second and
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third alarms were ordered bringing in tankers and manpower. Portable ponds were set up at the base of the driveway. The homeowners arrived and stated no one was in the structure, but there were several pets inside. A firefighter on a ground ladder noticed that there was a dog still alive in its cage on the second floor of the structure. Remarkably, the dog survived the heavy fire, smoke and roof collapse during the blaze. The house was deemed a total loss. - Fire News photos by Ken LaBelle
- Fire News photos by Steve Walsh
- Fire News photos by Rick Nohl
Page 22, Fire News, May 2013
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JFK Library Fire
On Monday April 15 just as the events at the Boston Marathon were unfolding, Box 41-182 was struck for a fire at the John F. Kennedy Library on Columbia Point in Boston. First due companies had fire showing from an addition to
Perfect Timing Quells Cumberland, RI, Blaze
On January 29, 2013. Valley Falls Engine 1 arrived to a Mowry Street address to find smoke showing from a 2-1/2 story wood framed dwelling. Lincoln Ladder 51 was special called on the working fire. An attack line was stretched up the stairway on the Bravo side to the second floor. Lincoln's ladder arrived and was ordered to open the roof. They raised the stick to the Delta side and opened a vent hole over the fire. The interior attack line crew knocked the fire down as the roof was popped. The coordinated fire attack and vent work was timed perfectly. The walls and attic flooring were opened and checked for any vertical extension. The fire was placed under control with no injuries reported. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
the main building and went into fast attack mode. The fire was under control within 20 minutes and was deemed caused by careless disposal of smoking materials by fire investigators. - Fire News photos by Steve Walsh
Quick Work Saves Building in Lowell
Firefighters quickly got control of a two-alarm fire in a commercial building on Maple Street. On arrival, companies had fire in the walls and the fire was starting to vent on the outside. A second alarm was struck, but firefighters only needed about 10 or 15 minutes to get control of the blaze. The cause is under investigation by the city’s Fire Investigation Unit. According to the deputy chief on scene, if the companies hadn't made the quick stop the all-truss roof building would have burned all night long. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
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Fire News, May 2013, Page 23
Laptop Starts Blaze in Milford, MA
A fire caused by an overheated laptop completely destroyed a twofamily home on Water Street on the morning of March 28, 2013. The 911 calls rang in around 0600 reporting a dwelling fire. The fire originated from the first-floor apartment of the two-story building, where a laptop had been plugged in overnight, causing it to overheat. Engine 3 arrived to find a heavy smoke condition from the front door with fire beginning to vent from the Side D windows. A box was requested to be struck to recall off-duty firefighters. Ladder 1 positioned in front of the building to vent the roof. Attack lines went into operation through the front door into the fire apartment. The fire in the bedroom flashed over and spread upwards
along the vinyl siding to the soffit and attic. A second alarm was ordered bringing Franklin, Hopedale, and Bellingham to the scene or to cover. Heavy black smoke billowed upwards as the roof became fully involved. The OIC gave the order to evacuate the structure as conditions deteriorated. Milford Ladder 1 opened their waterway into the blaze along with several exterior handlines. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 15 minutes of master stream operation. The fire was placed under control around 0830. The building was determined to be a total loss. All of the occupants and pets were safely evacuated. - Fire News photos by Ken LaBelle
Page 24, Fire News, May 2013
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Close Call in East Providence, RI
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A faulty extension cord was deemed the cause of a three-alarm fire in a large Victorian style dwelling on Walnut Street in East Providence on March 2, 2013. The fire appeared to have started on the second floor of an eight-room boarding house. First-due companies had heavy fire venting from windows on the second floor. Handlines were stretched into action to begin an aggressive interior fire attack. The fire was traveling through the balloon-framed walls and void spaces to the floors above. Firefighters on the third floor radioed a “Mayday” as they were cut off by heavy fire that was rapidly extending upwards. An aerial ladder was extended to a window on the Bravo side to act as a fire escape. The OIC had all on-duty city companies on scene with mutual aid covering the empty firehouses. The fire began to burn through third floor, attic and roof. A defensive operation used several big lines, deck guns, and two ladder pipes. The chief placed the fire under control around 0300. All of the six residents made it out safely and one firefighter suffered a minor injury during the battle. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
Tricky Blaze in Northbridge, MA Police officers arrived first at a Church Street address around 2345 on the 23degree night of March 17, 2013, and reported heavy fire showing from the rear of an occupied 2-1/2 story dwelling. Heavy fire was venting out the basement door. A second alarm was sounded bringing an Uxbridge engine, ladder and chief. The first-due companies knocked down the bulk of the fire in 10 minutes. Firefighters continued to overhaul the basement and a moment later, smoke began to push from the second and third floors on the Bravo and Charlie sides. The eaves and attic was also beginning to show signs of charged smoke. The OIC pulled all firefighters outside and heavy streams played into the building from all sides, eventually quelling the blaze. Five people were left homeless. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
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Squad Car Accident Sends Officer To Hospital
Around 1730 hours on March 26, 2013, the West Bridgewater Fire Department responded to a report of a multiple vehicle accident in the area of Manley Street. Companies arrived to find a two-vehicle motor vehicle accident involving a West Bridgewater Police Department vehicle. A second ambulance was requested immediately. Shortly after, Boston MedFlight was requested to the scene for the injured police officer, and responded with an approximate 20-minute ETA. The victim was transported to the LZ Engine-3 and the Chief's vehicle secured the area. WBPD requested the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police and the Brockton Police Department with traffic control. The Plymouth County Sheriffs Department BCI unit responded to the scene. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Fire News, May 2013, Page 25
Bike vs. Deer in Vernon, CT
Vernon, CT, crews at a motorcycle vs. deer accident on Hartford Turnpike. The incident occurred on April 8, 2013. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Page 26, Fire News, May 2013
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Minivan Driver Trapped
Three-Car MVA in Ashland, MA
On March 9, 2013 an accident was reported on West Mountain Street. The operator of the mini-van was trapped inside the vehicle and needed to be extricated with the assistance of hydraulic tools. He was taken to a local hospital with non life threatening injuries. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
One person was injured and transported to the hospital by Ashland, MA, firefighters following a three car crash on Pleasant Street in Ashland. The white car in the pictured collided with an NStar Electric bucket truck going in the opposite direction. - Fire News photo by Dick Bartlett
Duxbury, MA, MVA
Jeep Crashes Through Gas Pump in Whitman
When Duxbury firefighters arrived at this MVA, they found a female trapped in the vehicle and immediately went to work with hydraulic tools. Two people were transported to the South Shore Hospital, one with serious injuries. - Fire News photo by Rob Reardon
Approximately 20 minutes after midnight on April 10, 2013 the Whitman Fire Department responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident on South Avenue near Stetson Street. Whitman Ambulance-247, Engine-2 and Car-3 responded. Companies arrived to find a single-vehicle crash involving a Jeep. The Jeep collided with a gas pump at Leadbetter’s South Avenue Motors located at 180 South Avenue. The gas pump was sheered off of its base and smashed into the side of the building. The gas station was closed at the time of the collision. There were no injuries on the scene but firefighters were tied up while speedy dry was scattered around the parking lot to control any leaking gasoline. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the Whitman Police Department with the assistance of the Plymouth County Sheriffs Department BCI Unit. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
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Fire News, May 2013, Page 27
MVA in Vernon, CT
At 2048 on March 27, 2013, an accident with extrication happened on Hartford Turnpike in Vernon, CT. - Fire News photos by Patrick Dooley
North Madison VFC Helps Child
North Madison Volunteer Fire Company took a photo to help be part of a book presented to the child. - Fire News photos by Chris Steines support a child in New Milford, CT, suffering from MLD (metachronatic leukodystrophy). Go Team Oliver! This photo will
Page 28, Fire News, May 2013
Hiker Injured in Newton, MA
FireNews.com
Time and Tide Wait for No Man ‌ or Vehicle
At about 1100 March 17, 2013, in Newton, MA, a 27-year-old male, who fell on a hiking trail in the Webster Conservation Land on Hammond Pond Parkway, received serious injuries and was transported to the Beth Israel Hospital in Boston. On scene were Newton Fire Department Engine 3, Ladder 2, Cataldo EMS and Newton Police. - Fire News photo by Steve Walsh
Duxbury Bay firefighters got a call for a vehicle in the water on a fast-rising tide. On arrival the deputy chief reported two vehicles in the water and the operator still in a front end loader. Two Duxbury fireboats were quickly launched, and the deputy requested the spill trailer to the scene. Duxbury Marine 1 set up booms to contain any spill of hazardous materials from the vehicles. Because of tides this became a two-day operation to remove both vehicles. DEP and DFS incident rehab truck assisted. - Fire News photo by Rob Reardon
Medevac From Hopkinton, MA
Fall Victim Medevaced From Duxbury, MA
On March 22, 2013, a man working on a roof fell about 20 feet to the ground in Hopkinton, MA. Hopkinton firefighters responded to the South Mill Street address and called for a helicopter from Life Flight New England to transport the worker to U Mass Medical in Worcester , MA. - Fire News photo by Dick Bartlett
Around 1315 on March 25, 2013, the Duxbury Fire Department responded to Lincoln Street for a report of a person who fell out of a bucket truck. Companies arrived on-scene to find a victim who had fallen approximately 25 feet while doing tree work. The crew from Duxbury Ambulance-1 requested Boston MedFlight to respond. The landing zone was secured with Engine-1, Car-3 and the assistance of the Duxbury Police Department. The victim was transported to a Boston hospital with an unknown injuries. OSHA was requested to the incident location on Lincoln Street to investigate. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
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Fire News, May 2013, Page 29
Hartford, CT, Graduates 51 Recruits
Boston Hosts Autism Gala
Some of the 2012-2013 winter recruit class of the Hartford, CT, Fire Department graduated 51 new recruits. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Greater Boston Firefighters Pipes and Drums from the big Autism Gala in Boston. - Fire News photo by Liz Feitelberg
Worcester, MA FF Memorial
St. Patrick’s Day in Worcester
Worcester 6 Firefighter Memorial at the Franklin Street Station, Worcester, MA in December 2012. - Fire News photo by Liz Feitelberg
Worcester, MA, St. Patrick’s Day Parade in March 2013 with the Worcester Fire Brigade Pipes and Drums. - Fire News photo by Liz Feitelberg
Page 30, Fire News, May 2013
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Marshfield, MA, Three-Alarm
Two firefighters suffered minor burns at a Marshfield three-alarm. A big line was put into operation as firefighters were just pulled out of the building after a partial roof collapse. - Fire News photo by Rob Reardon
Dorchester Window Fire
A small fire in the Dorchester section of Boston required four engines and two trucks for a fire around a window inside a home. The fire may have started on the outside and burned around the window. One line was stretched the fire was quickly knocked down quickly. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
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Fire News, May 2013, Page 31
Unknown Powdery Substance in Lincoln, RI Envelope An envelope was mailed to the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Nursing Program that contained an unknown white powder substance on March 8, 2013. The envelope was opened and the victim inhaled the product. A security guard took the envelope from the nursing office on the second floor and walked it through the common areas to the first floor and then outside to meet the responding firefighters. The regional haz-mat team from Woonsocket Fire Department and a decon team from the North Providence Fire Department responded. Those in the area of the envelope were placed in isolation. Technicians donned Level-B exposure suits and SCBA to move in to examine the envelope. The substance was determined to be a dextrose-based sweetener. The RI State Police, US Postal Inspectors, DEM, and the RI EMA also responded to the scene. The case is under investigation. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
Training: Day One in Providence
Providence, RI, Fire Department's 49th Academy starts day one with the 110-foot, 65-degree aerials of Ladders 3 and 5 at the Department of Training on Reservoir Avenue. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
Cranston Recruits Attend RIFA for Training
The Cranston Fire Department began a recruit school of 20 fire- level. On March 4, 2013, the recruits spent a day at the Rhode fighters in January 2013. The new firefighters will go through 20 Island Fire Academy in Exeter, RI. They learned how to fight car weeks of training which will include FF 1 & 2, Haz-Mat Operations fires and went through a propane tank exercise. - Fire News photos by Tom Carmody and Technician, Rope Rescue, Confined Space and Trench rescue. All of the trainees are Rhode Island EMTs, licensed to the cardiac
Page 32, Fire News, May 2013
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Drill: Moving Big Water Sans Hydrants
The North Madison Volunteer Fire Company and Madison Hose Company #1 participated in a Valley Shore Rural Water Supply Operations Seminar. Mark Davis of GBW Associates, LLC, along with the Valley Shore Mutual Aid Association coordinated the event, also known as Big Water Weekend. Activities consisted of both classroom and practical scenario operations. North Madison’s entire district consists of underground water tanks, as well as a
The course focused on effectively shuttling water to fire scenes in areas where there are no fire hydrants. Fourteen tankers, numerous engines, and two ladder trucks worked together to establish a water source, shuttle water, and sustain a water flow of 1,600 gallons per minute for two hours. At peak performance 2,400 gpm was reached for about an hour. A total of 176,000 gallons of water was shuttled and pumped out. “This was the most efficient and successful drill conducted by Got Big Water Associates” said Mark Davis President of GBW Associates LLC. - Fire News photos by Gabe Balsamo
small portion of Madison Hose’s. Both departments benefited from a training opportunity working with other departments within the Valley Shore Mutual Aid Association. Participant towns with over 150 firefighters included Guilford, Madison, North Madison, Clinton, Westbrook, Old Saybrook, Lyme, Old Lyme, Essex, Deep River, Chester, Haddam, Durham, Middlefield, and Killingworth.
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Fire News, May 2013, Page 33
Obituary 25 Year Veteran, Firefighter Ed Seman Mourned
Firefighter Ed Seman was a 25 year veteran of the Worcester Fire ing a badly burnt woman. Ed passed as a result of occupational Department, His last assignment was on Rescue 1. He received a cancer. District Chief O’Connell handing Firefighter Seman’s helmet, - Fire News photos by Paul Shea citation for Firefighter of the Year in the 90s for his heroic efforts sav- 116, to his father. Continues on next page
Page 34, Fire News, May 2013
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Obituary Firefighter Ed Seman Mourned
Past and present co-workers of Firefighter Ed Seman prior to his funeral.
continued from previous page
Worcester Firefighter Jose Ramos of Ladder 1 and also a Worcester Fire Brigade member plays the pipes at Firefighter Ed Seman's funeral. - Fire News photos by Paul Shea
FireNews.com
Fire News, May 2013, Page 35
Cold Criminals in District 12
Main Street TwoAlarm in Derby, CT
A fire in a vacant McDonald’s restaurant on VFW Parkway in District 12, resulted in a collapse about 15 minutes into the fire. Three suspects were arrested after jumping into the Charles River in an attempt to flee the scene and were charged with breaking and entering as well as arson. All three were transported to local hospitals to be treated for hypothermia. - Fire News photo by Steve Walsh
At approximately 1900 on March 23, 2013, the Derby Fire Department was dispatched to Main Street for a structure fire. Heavy smoke was showing from two windows on the A-side of the two-story, brick, apartment-over-commercial with reports of two occupants being trapped on the second floor. According to Derby Fire Chief Thomas Lenart, Jr., one of the occupants made their way out of the blaze, but the second had to be rescued. The fire was quickly knocked down in the second floor apartment before it could extend into the cockloft and endanger the attached structures. - Fire News photo by Keith Muratori
Worcester Fire Handled After Head Start
One Injury in Hopkinton, MA, Blaze
On March 11, 2013, a fire occurred on Sutton Lane in Worcester. The fire was in a commercial garage at the end of a secluded dead end road abutting a cemetery. The fire had a good head start before it was reported, and companies had heavy fire showing on arrival. It was held to one alarm as companies used big lines and a ladder pipe to hold it in check. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
One person was slightly injured in a fire at The Apple Tree Hill Condos on Elm Street in Hopkinton, MA, recently. Hopkinton firefighters were assisted by Ashland and Milford in fighting the one-room fire. No other units were affected by the fire. Hopkinton Fire Chief Ken Clark was in charge. - Fire News photo by Dick Bartlett
Page 36, Fire News, May 2013
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One FF Injured at Dorchester Four-Alarm
A fire occurred about 1130 on March 27, 2013, on Harvard Street in nies over that. One firefighter was injured and taken to a local hosDorchester. The fire started behind a refrigerator in a restaurant pital for evaluation. - Fire News photos by Steve Walsh and went to four alarms and required two additional truck compa-
Engine 3 was sent out to investigate reported smoke from the roof a Princess Avenue building on March 11, 2013. Smoke was showing from a two-story, wood framed dwelling as they arrived. Engine 3’s crew stretched in a 1-¾ inch attack line to the first floor. Next due companies secured water supply to Engine 3 and backed up interior operations. The fire appeared to be knocked down in the room of origin but the firefighters on the second floor saw signs of extension. Walls were opened proving vertical extension to the attic. Ladder 1’s crew climbed their aerial to the roof on the Alpha side and
opened the hip roof releasing charged smoke. The attic space was filled with high heat and smoke that quickly turned to fire. A hose line was placed through the attic scuttle access to attack the fire. The quick teamwork doused the flames. The exhausted first alarm firefighters were relieved as the recruit class of 20 probationary members arrived on scene to pick up the hose lines. The fire was under control in an hour without any injuries. - Fire News photos by Ken LaBelle
FireNews.com
Fire News, May 2013, Page 37
Pierce Manufacturing Announces New NFFF Program To Support Families Of Fallen Firefighters Donate to win a custom, one-of-a-kind Ford F-150 to support the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Pierce Manufacturing Inc., has launched Support for the Long Haul, a new nationwide campaign to benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). The program will help the NFFF assist the families of firefighters who die in the line of duty. “Since forming a partnership with the NFFF, we’ve raised more than $275,000 to support the families and loved ones of firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president Fire & Emergency. “An important facet of Pierce’s mission is to give back to the fire service and the NFFF, and programs like Support for the Long Haul help lead the way.” Through October 1, 2013, participants can visit www.supportforthelonghaul.com to make a donation to the NFFF. When they do, they will automatically be entered in the Support for the Long Haul sweepstakes* for the chance to win a firefighter inspired, customized Ford F-150 4 x 4 SuperCrew pickup truck. The sweepstakes winner will be announced in November 2013. “We are grateful to our sponsors for helping us raise awareness
and funding so that we can fulfill our mission,” said Ron Siarnicki, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation executive director. “With the help of partners like Pierce Manufacturing, their dealer network, the people of Oshkosh Corporation and support from Pritchard Auto Company, we are able to continue to expand our programming for the families of fallen firefighters.” Every October, the Foundation sponsors the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland and the names of the fallen are added to the National Memorial. All year long, the NFFF helps survivors rebuild their lives through support networks, conferences and workshops and scholarships. The NFFF also works with fire departments across the country and all of the major fire service organizations to develop education programs to prevent firefighter injuries and deaths. The Foundation receives funding through private donations from caring individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundations. *No purchase necessary to enter the sweepstakes. Complete rules for entering and for eligibility are available at www.supportforthelonghaul.com. Employees of Pierce Manufacturing, Oshkosh Corporation, their advertising agencies, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and their families are not eligible for the sweepstakes. Sweepstakes void where restricted or prohibited by law.
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Page 38, Fire News, May 2013
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Up Close & Personal
Pawtucket, RI, Lt. Maher at a four-alarm fire on Harrison Street in Pawtucket on April 7, 2013. - Fire News photo by Tim Delaney
Madison Hose Company Number One, following a tanker shuttle drill in Killingworth. - Fire News photo by Gabe Balsamo
Chief Eric Pettaway of Boston Fire District 7 (Dorchester) at a one-alarm fire. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
Manchester Fire Rescue EMS Engine 1 members FF Regan, FF/PM Sneller and Lt. Lambert. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Providence, RI, Captain Keith Edson of Engine 6 at a multi-alarm fire on Social Street in Providence on March 14, 2013. - Fire News photo by Tim Delaney
Milford Lieutenant and Firefighter at a house fire on March 28, 2013. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
FireNews.com
Fire News, May 2013, Page 39
Up Close & Personal
Two participants in the Big Water Weekend training program take a break. - Fire News photo by Gabe Balsamo
Providence Engine 10 Firefighter Dave Duggan at a Cumerford Street (RI) fire. - Fire News photo by Tom Carmody
Boston firefighter at a March 27, 2013, fire in Dorcester. - Fire News photo by Steve Walsh
Hartford Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Revere, MA, firefighter from Engine 5 operating at a working fire on Garfield Avenue on April 7, 2013. - Fire News photo by Rick Nohl
Anthony Cordo and Craig Masse at a three-alarm on Belford Road (RI). - Fire News photo by Amanda Carmody