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Charlotte Fire Department Showcases 80 years of Fire Apparatus Including a 1902 American Fire Engine Company, Metropolitan Model Horse Drawn Steamer

Those who know me understand that I love Fire Service History. I have done extensive research on the history of my department and even authored “Firefighting in Roanoke“.

I was able to find old worn out apparatus from my department. Unfortunately, I was not able to find any of our early apparatus.

Charlotte Fire Department recently had a demonstration which included a , a rare 1902 American Fire Engine Company, Metropolitan Model Horse Drawn Steamer pump.

Included is some history and stories by some of their older veteran members. I especially love this because we have done similar in my department. We have recorded some great history by some of our retirees. We had a retirees breakfast recently and were able to capture some history on video and audio.

Check out what Charlotte FD was able to capture at this demonstration.

The Charlotte Fire Department (Charlotte, NC) presents a live demonstration and display of its fire engine history spanning over 80 years of service. Fire Chief Jon B. Hannan, Command Staff, firefighters, family members, and friends gathered to watch ‘Old Sue’ Engine 3, a rare 1902 American Fire Engine Company, Metropolitan Model Horse Drawn Steamer pump and observe other antique fire engines. In addition to ‘Old Sue’ were a 1928 American LaFrance pumper, a 1948 Mack pumper, a 1958 Seagrave pumper, and a 1971 Seagrave pumper. All of these apparatus were purchased new and served on the front lines for the City of Charlotte. Retirees Oscar White and Artie Baker share their experiences riding on some these rare fire apparatus antiques.

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 22, 2010 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, News, training-fire-rescue-topics, Videos • Tagged: 1902 American Fire Engine Company, 1928 American LaFrance pumper, 1948 Mack pumper, 1958 Seagrave pumper, 1971 Seagrave pumper, Charlotte, Charlotte Fire Department, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, History, Metropolitan Model Horse Drawn Steamer pump, Rhett Fleitz

Fire Service Culture: New School vs. Old School Firefighting and Simulators

11 comments

I got this clip sent to me by a Crusty Old Jake. I do not know who made it.

The video (warning: vulgar language) features some of the old school mentality vs. new school mentality. While I don’t completely agree with everything that is said, the dialogue is interesting in the points it makes about how training is being created to not be dangerous. The outcome is firefighters who might not fully appreciate how dangerous our jobs can be.

It may not be as easy as saying “go in and put the fire out”, the video might bring a question to the table like “how come we are making it so difficult to go in and put the fire out”.

Standards like “two in, two out” were created because of lessons learned. The ability to follow this standard is typically accomplished by first due assignments in the area where I work. However, in more rural departments this might take some time.

As for the whole training in metal containers, class b burn buildings, and simulators is an issue which really peaks my interest. So many people are pointing to how effective simulator training can be in the fire service. I have a hard time buying it though.

Simulator training did nothing for my ability as a driver. However, I was already a seasoned apparatus driver when I took it. Subsequently, I think that simulator training is very effective for IMS. I have learned a lot by doing IMS training in front of a simulated house fire.

As for learning how to actually extinguish fire, simulators don’t seem to be a reasonable trade off. Even after hours of classroom to learn fire behavior, building construction, reading smoke, extinguishing agents, hose and appliances, water streams, and all that other stuff I feel that actual firefighting in the very least a Class B burn building is necessary to effectively teach what it is like to put out a house fire….and I mean a hot and smoky class b burn building with plenty of fire.

In all my learning, I always felt as though a class b burn building was a simulator in itself. It simulated a real fire. It was controlled and safe. Unfortunately that isn’t always the case.

What do you all think?

Here is the video…

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 21, 2010 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Health & Safety, EMS Topics, Fire Prevention & Education, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Funding & Staffing, Lessons Learned, News, Rescues, Special Operations, technology-communications-ems-topics, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Videos

Comedian is So Funny a Woman almost Dies Laughing. Watch as someone gives her the Heimlich Maneuver

1 comment

The video states:
A woman laughs so hard that she almost chokes to death at Jamie Kaler’s comedy show at the Columbus Funny Bone.

Someone starts giving her the Heimlich maneuver. However, they aren’t sure if she is choking.

Either way, it appears as though she lived and the comedian got the crowd laughing again quickly.

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 19, 2010 • Filed under: News, Videos • Tagged: Columbus Funny Bone, Comedian, comedy show, Die Laughing, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Heimlich maneuver, Jamie Kaler, Rhett Fleitz, Video

One Man Dead after a House Fire in Oklahoma City. Lack of Hydrants Hampered Fire Suppression Efforts

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It appears from the story that the fire had consumed a good portion of the house by the time firefighters made it to the scene. Once there, they had to shuttle water in via tankers and portable ponds.

Koco.com:

The brother of the woman who owns the home told Eyewitness News 5 that she came home and noticed the fire. She told fire officials that she believed her husband, who is disabled, was inside.

Neighbor Sharon Kerrens identified the man as Thomas Boyle. She said the man who lived there had recently suffered two broken hips.

“He was like a brother to me,” Kerrens said.

She said Boyle’s wife tried to get into the house but found that the smoke was too heavy.

“By the time (firefighters) got there, it was fully engulfed and there wasn’t any hope for anything,” Kerrens said.

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 18, 2010 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, News, Videos • Tagged: Deadly Fire, Fatal Fire, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, House Fire, House Fire Video, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Fire Department, Rehtt Fleitz, Video

Video: House Fire On Yerby Street in Marshall, Missourri

1 comment

Bread and butter? Maybe a little bit more. I am not so sure the video is in chronological order though. In the middle of the video you can see that there is a hoseline inside. Soon after, the operations are again exterior. It seems as though the footage was cut and maybe misplaced. I guess you never know though.

Marshall, Mo., firefighters responded Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 17, to a house fire at 622 E. Yerby St. No residents apparently were inside when the fire broke out. Marshall police and Saline County Ambulance crews assisted at the scene.

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 18, 2010 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, News, Videos • Tagged: Fire, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, House Fire, Marshall Fire Department, Missouri, Rhett Fleitz, Saline County Ambulance, Video

Top Ten Hot & Sexy Firefighter Calendars for 2011

10 comments

Check out the top ten list of firefighter calendars for 2011 right here on the Fire Critic. This years is a mixed list of male, female, and coed firefighter calendars!

Last year, I posted a top ten list of female firefighter calendars (link). That single post has remained the most visited article on the Fire Critic. For several reasons, this years is simply titled top ten firefighter calendars for 2011. Basically, it wasn’t fair to single out just the female calendars. I have plenty of readers who are female and many might enjoy the mens/coed calendars.

One thing I did notice both last year and this year was how many calendars did not return this year. This includes last years winner. Another thing is the quality of the web sites showcasing the calendars. Some of them are just terrible. Others are pretty decent.

Feel free to leave comments on your favorite calendar whether it is included or I left it out.

Enjoy!

10. NSW Firefighters Calendar

NSW Firefighters Calendar

NSW Firefighters Calendar - By purchasing this firefighters calendar helps, raise money for The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Burns Unit. These firies have a huge passion for their job and a large amount of strength and heart.

The firefighters calendar not only supports a very worthy cause but it also helps support community awareness and promotes the health and fitness of firefighters in N S W and A C T Fire Services.

The Proceeds go to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Burns Unit and World Firefighters Games.

These Firies are a dedicated fundraising team. The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Burns Unit has been given over $47,000.00 by these firefighters over the last 5 years.

The N S W calendar has only been running for a few years and it is getting bigger and better every year. Please help by supporting our firefighters and helping ease the pain and suffering of children who are unlucky enough to be hospitalized through a burns injury.

9. New Zealand Firefighters Calendar

New Zealand Firefighters Calendar

New Zealand Firefighters Calendar – The Calendar has now been in production for 21 years, and has a well established and dedicated following, throughout its history. Every year Firefighters from around the country raise their hands to become part of what is now a New Zealand tradition. The Calendar allows firefighters the opportunity to proactively fund-raise to assist them in their international sporting endeavors, as well as raise a substantial amount of money for our charities.

The Child Cancer Foundation has been the principal recipient of a donation for the past 18 years, and we have proudly donated to them over $500,000.

Orders are now being taken for the 2011 Edition. The 10 dollar price tag still remains, so get your while they are hot (off the press).

8. Toronto Firefighters Calendar

Toronto Firefighters Calendar

Toronto Firefighters Calendar – The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation has partnered with the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association in the fight against cancer by raising funds to support cancer research at Princess Margaret Hospital.

The Fire Fighters’ Cancer Research Fund was established in 1998 to raise money for Princess Margaret Hospital. Since inception, almost $1 million has been raised for this fund. The hospital benefits from a variety of annual firefighters’ fundraising events including the Rob Penney Memorial Slo-Pitch Tournament, Ross Forfar Memorial Golf Tournament, Toronto Fire Fighter Magic Show, and of course, the popular Toronto Fire Fighter Calendar. 100% of proceeds from the calendar and all of these events go directly to the Fire Fighters’ Cancer Research Fund.

The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation is grateful for the continued support and commitment of the firefighters and The Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association in the fight against cancer.

7. South Florida Firefighters Calendar

South Florida Firefighters Calendar

South Florida Firefighters Calendar - When firefighter Luis Espinosa attended the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) bi-annual convention in 1990, he was excited about networking with other firefighters and learning new techniques for rescuing members of the community who find themselves in danger. He had no idea he was about to be inspired to take lead on a new form of community service in South Florida. The spark which ignited the idea for one of the most successful charity firefighter calendars to date happened during an IAFF convention trade show. Members of the Houston and Vancouver Fire Departments were exhibiting their firefighters calendars, raising money for various charities.

As a former model/actor in South Florida, known as a Mecca for fitness and modeling, Espinosa thought he could easily find firemen whose looks would be in demand for such an endeavor. He worked hard for two years, learning how to create a charity, find and work with pro-bono professional photographers, graphic artists, printers and volunteers as well as sponsors. By 1992 he had created a hot commodity that was destined to light fires in the South Florida public and raise awareness of important community issues. To date the non-profit organization has raised over $240,000 to benefit charities such as the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Habitat for Humanity’s Hurricane Andrew Fund, Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities, Neighbors 4 Neighbors, Best Buddies, Cystic Fibrosis, Safehaven for Newborns and Here’s Help.

South Florida Firefighters Calendar on Facebook

6. Club Fire Girls

They may not be firefighters...but some of them ARE Playboy Playmates!

Club Fire Girls - They are the real heroes in the daily strife for survival: the firefighters. Keeping people safe from fire and rescuing them from dire situations and catastrophes which might otherwise cost lives.

FireGirls is a homage to the men and women who risk their lives for us on a daily basis.

Bestseller

For the FireGirls Calendar, the most successful firefighters’ calendar for the last 10 years, the astonishing FireGirls plunge into the firefighting action. Only the most experienced and fire-crazy models get the highly sought after predicate of “FireGirls”. The shootings take place at some of the most beautiful locations and amazing settings in the world.

In the center of the action: the utilization of real world equipment and genuine firefighting settings. The high quality of the imagery makes the FireGirls Calendar a unique worldwide endeavor.

Club Fire Girls on Facebook & Twitter

5. Firehouse Dolls

Firehouse Dolls

Firehouse Dolls – Firehouse Dolls is firefighter owned and operated. Our Calendars and DVD’s feature Beautiful Female Firefighters, EMT’s, Paramedics. Dispatchers and any Pretty Girl associated with the fire/rescue service. Paid and Volunteer!

A portion of the sales of our products are donated to random volunteer fire departments. The models go to trade shows every year to sell and autograph our products. Please look for the models at the next trade show you are attending.

It is not just professionalism and expertise that set our staff apart. They also have a strong commitment to to the fire service, to the quality of their work, and to the customers we serve. Loyalty and relationships link Firehouse Dolls’s staff and, in turn, link staff to customers. Their work is more than a job; it’s a dedication to promoting women in the fire service.

Firehouse Dolls on Facebook & Twitter

4. WSCFF – Washington State Firefighter Calendar

Washington State Firefighters Calendar

WSCFF – In 2003 we were told that our calendar was the number one selling fire fighter calendar in America. That was a statement we could neither prove nor disprove, but we do know it is sold in every state and continues to have a good following.

We have funded many worthwhile burn research programs and have expanded our mission to include sponsoring children with burn injuries to a week long summer camp, provide funding for smoke detector programs for low income and elderly residents, sponsored a fire safety museum and burn prevention kits for new mothers. Many of the research projects we supported have gone on to get national funding in amounts much greater than we could ever provide. Our calendar continues to be our number one source of income and we plan to continue producing it as long as we have fire fighters willing to donate their time to the cause.

We welcome the support of companies and individuals who would like to be a part of our efforts to reduce the pain and suffering of those who have sustained burn injuries as well as supporting burn prevention programs.

WSCFF on Facebook

3. Fired Up For Kids – Colorado Firefighter Calendar

Fired Up For Kids

Fired up for Kids – Fired Up For Kids is a Denver-based nonprofit organization that creates and produces the Colorado Firefighter Calendar. Firefighters from all over the state of Colorado donate many hours of their time each year to help Fired Up For Kids fundraise and raise awareness for The Children’s Hospital Burn Center. These men and women represent one of the noblest professions, and this calendar is a tribute to them as well as the children they help every day.

Fired Up For Kids donates all proceeds received from special events and sales of The Colorado Firefighter Calendar to The Children’s Hospital Burn Center. The burn center is committed to providing the highest standard of burn care to neonates, infants, children, and adolescents up to 21 years of ages in the Rocky Mountain region. To date, Fired Up For Kids has raised more than $375,000 for patient care, education, equipment and research. For more information about The Children’s Hospital Burn Center, visit www.tchden.org.

Fired Up For Kids on Facebook

2. Girls on Fire

Girls on Fire

Girls on Fire (NSW) – We are a group of professional firefighters from across the state who after much deliberation, decided to produce NSW’s first ever female Fire-fighter’s calendar!

The main aim of this year’s calendar is to raise enough money to send the Firey Felines – a soccer team made up of professional firefighters from NSW – to compete at the World Police and Fire Games in New York, 2011. These games will also coincide with the 10 year commemorations for September 11.

The team has also chosen two charities to donate 10% of all funds raised. These charities are The Burns Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and MND Free – helping to prevent hereditary Motor Neuron Disease.

Another aim of the calendar is to promote awareness of women in fire-fighting and other emergency services. This amazing group of women embody what it means to lead a fit, healthy and active lifestyle.

1. America’s Female Firefighters

America's Female Firefighters

America’s Female Firefighters – Americas Female Firefighters has participated in many events across the country. We don’t just sell calendars. We work with the public to educate and inform about burn victims. We have also volunteered time to appear in Television Series: Parenting & Beyond- Fire Safety Series

AFF donates calendars to injured troops currently at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC and to Tampa James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa FL.
Our ladies sponsor and bring our most precious calendar girl “Tatianna” to Brave Heart’s Camp in Indiana. The ladies of the calendar also volunteer their time and expense to travel to Indiana to serve as counselors at the camp for a week for the last 4 years.
Plan and run a “the firefighter teen challenge” at Brave Heart’s Camp for all the kids to see what their real life heroes do.
Donated 10 sets of bunker pants to People’s Burn Foundation for the kids to use at camp while doing the challenge.
Organize, prepare and have designed a book of poetry and drawings from the kids and counselors who attended Brave Heart’s Camp, and have 500 copies printed to be disbursed at the Ice Ball in Indiana.
Attend Engine 260 Muster in Milford CT to help them raise money for the Milford Recreation Department Handicap Children’s Programs
Formed a calendar girl team to walk in the Breast Cancer Walk in Ft. Lauderdale to help raise funds and awareness- was special to us because one of our own is a survivor of breast cancer.

America’s Female Firefighters on Facebook

Video: Firefighter Competition. Blooper Reel or Normal Occurrences in this test of Speed and Agility

1 comment

This video shows many facets of a firefighter competition overseas. Some of the footage is actually quite funny bloopers. I imagine that these bloopers are a part of the competition frequently since they are racing against one another and the clock. Check it out.

fireman.sk – Upss from fireman.sk on Vimeo.

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 17, 2010 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, News, Videos • Tagged: Bloopers, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Firefighter Bloopers, Firefighter Competition, Firefighter Race, Fireman Competition, Rhett Fleitz

Jaws of Doritos…that is the name of the clip

1 comment

Doritos commercial (not sure if it is an official one or not) utilizing Firefighters…that is all

Jaws of Doritos from Michael Kim on Vimeo.

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 17, 2010 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News, Videos • Tagged: Doritos, Extircation, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Funny Commercial, Funny Fire Commercial, Funny Firefighter, Funny Fireman, Jaws of Doritos, Jaws of Life, Rhett Fleitz

Early Video: Well Involved House Fire in Medina Township, Michigan

1 comment

This house fire quickly becomes well involved. The story is here.

There are a total of 5 videos of this fire here.

The clip below is the longest of the 5.

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 17, 2010 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, News, Videos • Tagged: Bothwell Highway, Clayton fire department, Fire Critic, Firefighting, House Fire, House Fire Video, Hudson fire department, Madison Township fire department, Medina Township, Michigan, Morenci Fire Department, Rhett Fleitz, Video, Waldron

Rekindle? That is a word no Firefighter or Fire Chief wants to hear!

1 comment

The video below shows a rekindled fire. The story is here. While the severity of the first fire at 4 am is not noted, the second fire at 7 am shows that the house was a total loss.

UPDATE: I have added another very recent Rekindle story below the first one.

A rekindle is a fire after firefighters have put the fire out and left the scene (or at least ceased all firefighting operations on scene).

No firefighter or Fire Chief ever wants to hear the word “rekindle”. The reason is because it makes us look incompetent. Whether or not the reason for the rekindle is our fault or not it is always blamed on us. Take for instance an arsonist who returns to finish the job. Unless the investigators can pinpoint the origin and cause of the second fire it will be considered a rekindle.

Typically, a rekindle is just that. Firefighters missed a hot spot which later started another fire. Make sure the fire is put out.

West Lafayette (IN) firefighters battled a fire twice at an apartment complex. The second one being a rekindle.

The story is here. Pine Manor burned twice in 18 hours. Hat tip to STATter911.com for this additional story.

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 17, 2010 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, News, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Videos • Tagged: Bedford Township fire department, Erie Township fire department, Fire Chief, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Indiana, Luna Pier fire department, Morin Point fire department, Origin and Cause, Pine Manor, Rekindle, Rhett Fleitz, Suder Road, West Lafayette Fire Department

Are you ready for Christmas? These Firefighters Are! Check out Long Hill Fire Department Station 3 in Trumbull, CT All Decked Out!

1 comment

The firefighters at Long Hill Fire Department in Trumbull, Connecticut take Christmas seriously. The video below will show you exactly how serious they are about Christmas.

They also offer a fire truck decked out with Christmas lights for a nominal donation. Check out their web site here.

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 17, 2010 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, News, Videos • Tagged: Christmas, Christmas Fire House, Christmas Fire Station, Christmas Firehouse, Christmas Lights, Connecticut, Fire Critic, Fire Station, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firehouse, Long Hill Fire Department, Rhett Fleitz, Santa Claus, Trumbull, Video

Video: Stubborn Two Alarm Fire in Catasauqua, PA. Listen as the Chief Advises NOT to Start the PPV Fan Because of the Smoke Conditions.

1 comment

The box was transmitted at 14:39 for a house fire at 10 School Street for a report of a stove fire. Companies 2 and 18 respond. Upon arrival, command reported a working fire in a two and a half story duplex. The videographer arrived early and went to the rear of the building where the fire engulfed the entire fire building.

The second alarm was struck immediately for Whitehall’s engine 1 from the Fullerton Station and Engine 2, Coplay Air unit, Greenawalds 11 for RIT and Medic 75.

Engine 211 stretched multiple handlines to the front and crews started stretching into the front door. They darkened down the bulk of the fire on the first floor within 15 minutes. The fire extended into the attic area. The engine crew from Whitehall vented the roof.

Engine 33 and Ladder 33 (Hanleco) along with 46 for rehab and East Penn Goodwill were special-called.

The fire was placed under control at 16:20 hours. Crews had extensive overhaul operations.

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 16, 2010 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: Catasauqua, Catasauqua Fire Department, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, House Fire, Pennsylvania, Postitive Pressure Ventilation, PPV, Rhett Fleitz

Close Call: House Collapses and Firefighters Nearly hit by falling ladder and porch roof in this short house fire video

1 comment

I admit that the quality of this video isn’t the best, but what it captures is some scary moments for firefighters.

The clip is short and worth watching as firefighters battle a house fire the roof and 1/2 story upstairs collapses along with the porch roof. Firefighters scramble to get out of the way of a ground ladder which was set on the house. The porch roof lands right where firefighters had been standing and as they scramble, the move into the path of the falling ladder. It does not appear as though anyone was hurt.

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 15, 2010 • Filed under: Close Call • Tagged: Close Call, Falling Ladder, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Firefighter Close Call, House Fire, House Fire Video, Rhett Fleitz, Video

Sounding the Roof. Truck Company Operations Showcased in this Apartment Fire in Monterey. Video Shows Decent Operations including Roof Work and Forcible Entry.

1 comment

I doubt you will find too many issues with the operations captured in this video of Monterey Firefighters fighting an apartment fire. Go ahead, take a look. Let me know if you see anything wrong.

Monterey, California

The Monterey Fire Department responded to a residential fire at a 3 unit apartment building at 698 Spencer Street on 11/12/10 at 11:29 a.m. Mutual aid was provided by the Pebble Beach Fire Department, Pacific Grove FD, Seaside Fire Department, Monterey Peninsula Fire Department, and Monterey County Regional Fire. The Monterey Police Department assisted with traffic control, and Americal Medical Response and the Red Cross also responded to the incident. Video by Ryan Whitty for FDNNTV.com.

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 14, 2010 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Safety, Special Operations, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Videos • Tagged: American Medical Response, Apartment Fire, California, FDNNTV.com, Fire, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Forcible Entry, Monterety County Regional Fire, Monterey, Monterey Fire Department, Monterey Peninsula Fire Department, Pebble Beach Fire Department, Red Cross, Rhett Fleitz, Seaside Fire Department, Spencer Street, Truck Company, Truck Company Operations, Video

Dual Master Streams from an Aerial Platform in this Well Involved House Fire

1 comment

I have no idea where this fire is. The video gives no hints as to where in the World it happened. The firefighters put the aerial platform to work though. Dual master streams put out the bulk of the fire. Enjoy!

Update: This fire occurred in Norcross, Georgia. The house is located in Peachtree Corners. The link to the article is here. Thanks to Dave Statter for coming across the story.

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 14, 2010 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: Aerial, Dual Master Streams, Fire, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Georgia, House Fire, Master Stream, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Platform, Rhett Fleitz, Solid Tip, Structure Fire, Truck Company, Video

Another House Burns, Another Fire Department Doesn’t Respond…Yet another reason to have Fire Protection. Chino Valley Fire District does not respond outside their Territory…Or do they?

8 comments

Here is yet another story of a house burning and a fire department not responding after being called.

Dave Statter can eat his heart out! I am sure that Chino Fire is to blame in Dave’s book! As for me, I am looking into more information on what is going on down there. The town of Chino Valley is located in Yavapai County. There are 18 Fire Protection Districts in Yavapai County. You can find more information on the fire districts here.

Read the Article here

ChinoValleyReview.com:

Chino Valley Fire District (CVFD) received a request to respond to a structure fire on North Juniper Drive in Paulden on the morning of November 4, 2010. Because the property was located outside the boundaries of the Chino Valley Fire District, an engine was not dispatched. The Prescott Regional Communication Center received reports of a house heavily involved with fire. The house was completely destroyed by the fire. Approximately thirty minutes after the initial call, CVFD was requested by Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office to respond to a medical emergency at the same address. An engine was dispatched, found no medical emergency, and returned to the station.

This story is eerily to the South Fulton/Obion County fiasco a month ago.

Chino Valley Fire District Station 63

In this case, Chino Valley Fire District was called to respond to a house fire but did not because it is outside the fire district. Yet later, when there was a medical emergency at the house, the firefighters responded with an engine. There is no mention if the house was still burning, but most house fires don’t burn themselves out in 30 minutes.

Here is my question: Why would they respond to the address for a medical emergency but not a house fire?

There have been attempts to annex the area into the fire district unsuccessfully in the past.

The Chino Valley Fire District operates 3 stations in Chino Valley, AZ. Their website is here.

The article doesn’t explain the situation as easily as I would like, it states:

People outside the district boundaries can purchase a Fire Protection Contract from the Fire District which will allow response for emergency medical and fire protection services to that property.

and

Additionally, the property to be annexed must touch other fire district properties. Law does not allow single parcel annexations without being “contiguous” to other district properties.

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 13, 2010 • Filed under: News • Tagged: Arizona, Chino Valley Fire District, CVFD, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Firefighters let house burn, Paulden, Prescott Regional Communication Center, Rhett Fleitz, Yavapai County, Yavapai County Sheriff's Office

Carmel 3 alarm Strip Mall Fire Claims a Dunkin Donuts and Pizza Restaurant.

1 comment

Indystar.com:

Much of a Carmel strip mall was reduced to ash and cinders after fire ripped through the building early Thursday, ravaging two eateries and a wine shop.

Carmel firefighters received the initial call about smoke and haze in the Dunkin’ Donuts, 1300 block of South Rangeline Road, about 2:20 a.m. but were unable to find the cause after about an hour of searching the roof and ceiling with a thermal imaging camera, said department spokesman Bruce Knott.

Chalking it up to issues with the store’s heating and cooling system, firefighters left, only to return about an hour later as the roof erupted into flames. The three employees inside at the time of the fire managed to escape without injury.

Dunkin Donuts on fire from Jon Sands on Vimeo.

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 13, 2010 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: 3 Alarm Fire, Carmel, Carmel Fire Department, Carmel Firefighters, Dunkin Donuts, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Indiana, Indianapolis, Pizza Resaurant Fire, Rhett Fleitz, South Rangeline Road, Strip mall Fire

Early Video: Clock Hotel Fire in Welwyn, UK takes 60 Firefighters to Contain

1 comment

Clock Hotel Fire — Thursday, November 11, 2010

photo from http://www.heart.co.uk. click for more info

Photo frAt 1423 on Thursday, November 11, 2010, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to a fire at the disused Clock Hotel in Link Road, Welwyn.

Ten fire engines from Stevenage, Welwyn, WGC, Wheathampstead, St Albans, Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock, Rickmansworth, Hertford and Potters Bar arrived at the scene, as well as the Control Unit from Hertford and aerial ladder platforms from Stevenage and Watford.

Click here for the entire set of 6 videos

Click here for 5 more videos from the fire

(more…)

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 13, 2010 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: Clock Hotel Fire, England, Fire, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Hertford, Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock, Potters Bar, Rhett Fleitz, Rickmansworth, St Albans, Stevenage, United Kingdom, Welwyn, WGC, Wheathampstead

Plenty of Fire to go Around…Check out these recent videos of Fires around the US including New York City, Prince George’s County, Boston, West Virginia, California

1 comment

Here are a pile of great videos from the past several days. The fires span the US from New York, Pennsylvania, California, West Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

Follow the links to the articles

Photo by Paul Martinka

FDNY Firefighters Battle Fire in Brooklyn at Associated Supermarket. The massive three-alarm blaze broke out inside a building on Fifth Avenue near 17th Street about 12:15 a.m. today and quickly spread throughout the three story structure, tearing through the Associated Supermarket, in the ground floor and gutting 10 residential apartments above, said officials.

Video: Firefighters Battle AC Transit Bus Fire in Berkeley California. According to Sabina Imrie, assistant fire chief for special operations at the department, the first call reporting the blaze came at around 12:35 p.m. She said the back portion of the bus was on fire when firefighters from the department arrived.

Stubborn Three Decker Fire in Boston Works its Way from the Basement through the Roof in this 4 Alarm Fire on Chester Street. This stubborn fire in a large three-decker residential structure in the Allston section of Boston. Eight residents were displaced, 125 firefighters were on the job, 20+ apparatus on scene, 1 firefighter injury.

Video Shows Rankin Borough Rowhouse Burning in Allegheny County Outside Pittsburgh. Two Firefighters Injured. Lonell Horton, Anthony Carter and several of their neighbors lost everything they own Wednesday when a quick-moving fire swept through a rowhouse in Rankin, sending billowing smoke so high into the air that it could be seen in several Mon Valley communities.

Early video: Prince George’s County house fire. Five firefighters hurt on Anaio Court in Clinton, Maryland. This is video from Morningside VFD of Wednesday’s house fire at 8200 Anaio Court in Clinton, Maryland. You can also hear a little of the radio traffic in the background. The fire left five firefighters with minor injuries.

Granville Firefighters Battle Well Involved House Fire in Maidsville. Well involved, decent video. This is a perfect example of the need for use of 2 1/2″ hose instead of 1 3/4″. Although the report says they had early water supply issues so it might not have been a feasible option.

Video: Is this a Box Alarm? St. Luke’s Roosevelt Ambulance Catches Fire outside New York City Hospital. Who Said EMS Doesn’t need the Fire Service? Updated with another video at the bottom (hat tip STATter911.com) Who says Emergency Medical Services doesn’t need the Fire Service? It looks as though these guys needed firefighters!

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 12, 2010 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, News, Videos • Tagged: 4 Alarm Fire, AC Transit Fire, Allegheny County, Allegheny County Emergency Services, Allston, Ambulance, Ambulance Burns, Ambulance on Fire, Anaio Court, Associated Supermarket, Basement Fire, Berkeley Fire Department, Boston, Boston Fire Department, Box Alarm, Bus Fire, California, Cassville Fire Department, Chester Street Fire, chief spokesman, Clinton, Dave Statter, EMS, EMT, FDNY, Fire, Fire Critic, Fire Department of New York, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, firefighters hurt, Firefighters injured, Fully Involved, Granville Fire Department, House Fire, Jakes, Joana Duroand, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Mark Brady, Maryland, Medic Truck, Medic Truck Burns, Mount Morris Fire Department, New York City, Paramedic, Park Slope, Paul Martinka, Pennsylvania, Photograph, Prince George's County, Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department, Rankin Borough, Rhett Fleitz, Rowhouse Fire, St. Luke's Roosevelt Ambulance, St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, Star City Fire Department, STATter911.com, Stubborn Fire, Tax Payer, Taxpayer, Three Decker Fire, Video, West Virginia, West Virginia State Fire Marshal's office, Westover Fire Department

Granville Firefighters Battle Well Involved House Fire in Maidsville.

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On November 12th around 4am, Granville (WV) firefighters responded to a house fire in Maidsville.

Granville, Star City, Westover, Cassville, and Mount Morris (PA) departments responded to the fire.

There were no injuries and the fire is being investigated by the WV State Fire Marshal’s office.

This is a perfect example of the need for use of 2 1/2″ hose instead of 1 3/4″. Although the report says they had early water supply issues so it might not have been a feasible option.

More information and some pics at Granvillevfd.com.

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 12, 2010 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: Cassville Fire Department, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Fully Involved, Granville Fire Department, House Fire, Mount Morris Fire Department, Pennsylvania, Rhett Fleitz, Star City Fire Department, Video, West Virginia, West Virginia State Fire Marshal's office, Westover Fire Department

FDNY Firefighters Battle Fire in Brooklyn at Associated Supermarket

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Photo by Paul Martinka

Firefighters battle this fire in Brooklyn this morning.

NYPost.com:

An inferno in a Park Slope building gutted a supermarket and has left scores of people homeless.

The massive three-alarm blaze broke out inside a building on Fifth Avenue near 17th Street about 12:15 a.m. today and quickly spread throughout the three story structure, tearing through the Associated Supermarket, in the ground floor and gutting 10 residential apartments above, said officials.

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 12, 2010 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, News, Videos • Tagged: Associated Supermarket, FDNY, Fire Critic, Fire Department of New York, FireCritic.com, New York City, Park Slope, Paul Martinka, Rhett Fleitz, Tax Payer, Taxpayer, Video

Video: Firefighters Battle AC Transit Bus Fire in Berkeley California

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The Berkeley Fire Department has put down a fire that broke out aboard an AC Transit bus at the intersection of Dwight Way and Shattuck Avenue.

According to Sabina Imrie, assistant fire chief for special operations at the department, the first call reporting the blaze came at around 12:35 p.m. She said the back portion of the bus was on fire when firefighters from the department arrived.

Dep More..uty Fire Chief Gilbert Dong said no one was injured in the incident.

The blaze was contained by around 12:50 p.m. and, as of about 1:20 p.m, crews remain on the scene, Imrie said.

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 12, 2010 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: AC Transit Fire, Berkeley Fire Department, Bus Fire, California, Fire, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Rhett Fleitz, Video

Stubborn Three Decker Fire in Boston Works its Way from the Basement through the Roof in this 4 Alarm Fire on Chester Street

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Backstep Firefighter was first to catch this one here

This stubborn fire in a large three-decker residential structure in the Allston section of Boston.

Eight residents were displaced, 125 firefighters were on the job, 20+ apparatus on scene, 1 firefighter injury.

More of the story here

Part 1 shows the fire in the basement and part 4 shows it going through the roof.

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 11, 2010 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: 4 Alarm Fire, Allston, Basement Fire, Boston, Boston Fire Department, Chester Street Fire, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Jakes, Rhett Fleitz, Stubborn Fire, Three Decker Fire, Video

Video Shows Rankin Borough Rowhouse Burning in Allegheny County Outside Pittsburgh. Two Firefighters Injured.

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Check out this video of a rowhouse fire in Rankin Borough, Allegheny County, PA.

Don’t worry, the videographer realizes that the video is sideways and corrects it!

Pittsburglive.com:

Lonell Horton, Anthony Carter and several of their neighbors lost everything they own Wednesday when a quick-moving fire swept through a rowhouse in Rankin, sending billowing smoke so high into the air that it could be seen in several Mon Valley communities.

Two firefighters were taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital, Uptown, for treatment of cuts and burns suffered while trying to douse the flames, which heavily damaged the rowhouse at the corner of Mound Street and Fourth Avenue, a block from the fire station.