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The victims identities in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion are still being processed. I have still not seen any “official” word on exactly who died and what their role was at the scene. Below you will find that there are currently believed to be 9 firefighters dead after the tragedy. The 9 firefighters represent several departments.

Previous coverage here and here

Fire Critic Facebook Page

Latest coverage by STATter911.com here

Listen to the 911 Calls here

Information below compiled from here, here and here

Their “role” will be important in the future…right now, it really doesn’t matter to me. These souls were lost in an enormous tragedy that will have a small community rebuilding for years to come. The toll it had on the West Volunteer Fire Department is amazing in itself. From reports, it seems as though they had 5 firefighters die in the explosion; 11 firefighters injured and hospitalized; and 3 fire apparatus destroyed.

There will be “official” word soon. Until then, I will repost the names I posted in this article with the addition of 1 name, Cody Dragoo. I did not read anything about his death until today.

The people listed below are believed to be 12 of the 14 confirmed deaths in the blast.

West Volunteer Fire Department Members

Morris Bridges, 41. Firefighter for West VFD. Fire Sprinkler Technician for Action Fire Pros.
Cody Dragoo, 50. Firefighter for West VFD. Foreman at West Fertilizer Co.
Robert Snokhous, 48. Firefighter for West VFD. Employee at Central Texas Iron Works.
Doug Snokhous, 50. Firefighter for West VFD. Employee at Central Texas Iron Works.
Joey Pustejovsky. Firefighter for West VFD. City of West Secretary.

In addition to those above, the people below also are believed to have died in the blast. Their role, response, and department they were responding for are not exactly known at this time. Some of the people below may NOT have been responding as Fire and/or EMS personnel. It is believed that some (possibly 4) of the people below were responding as EMS personnel even though they are volunteer firefighters.

Perry Calvin, 37. Firefighter for Mertens and Navarro Mills VFDs. Student at Hill College Fire Academy.
Jerry Chapman, 26. Firefighter for Abbott VFD.
Jimmy Matus, 52. Owner of Westex Welding in West, Texas.
Cyrus Reed. Firefighter for Abbott VFD. Worked at Waxahachie plant.
Buck Uptmor, 40′s. Owner of a fencing company and lived near West. *listed some places as a Firefighter for West VFD.
Kenny Harris, 52. Dallas FD Fire Captain.

Kevin Sanders is listed as missing. He is a member of Bruceville-Eddy VFD. He was attending the EMS class in West that night and was one of the initial first responders to the fire.

The Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force Facebook Page posted this:

The final count for LODDs in West, Texas is 10 Emergency Service Workers and 2 honorary Emergency Service Workers.

Donate to NFFF West Texas Firefighter & EMS Fallen Hero Fund

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 20, 2013 • Filed under: Dispatch & Communications, Emergency Communications, EMS Dispatch, EMS Topics, Fire Dispatch, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Major Incidents, Mass Casualty Incident, News • Tagged: Abbott VFD, Action Fire Pos, Apartment Fire, blast, Buck Uptmor, Building Fire, Captain Harris, Cody Dragoo, Collapse, Cyrus A. Reed, Cyrus Reed, Dallas FD Captain Kenny Harris, Dallas Fire Rescue, Dave Statter, David Pareya, Doug Snokhaus, Doug Snokhous, DPS, EMS, EMT, Explosion, Facebook, fallen firefighters, fertilizer plant, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, Fire Truck Blog, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighter & EMS Fallen Hero Fund, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Fires, House Fire, In the Line of Duty, IronFiremen.com, Jerry Chapman, Jim Matus, Jimmy Matus, Joey Pustejovsky, Kenny Harris, Kevin Sanders, Line of Duty, Line of Duty Death, LODD, mass casualty, MCI, McLennan County, Mertens VFD, Mike Rawlings, Morris Bridges, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Navarro Mills VFD, NFFF, Paramedic, people trapped, Perry Calvin, Rekindle, Rhett Fleitz, Robert Snokhaus, Robert Snokhous, Social Media, Station 30, STATter911.com, Steve Vanek, Structure Fire, Texas, Texas Department of Public Safety, Video, Waco, West, West Fertilizer Company, West Fire Department, West Texas Firefighter and EMS Fallen Hero Fund, West Volunteer Fire Department, Willie Wines Jr.

12 Bodies Recovered in West, Texas Explosion. 11 Fire & EMS Personnel Believed Among the Missing & Dead. Search and Rescue Still Underway

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Update: 14 bodies have now been found in the wake of the explosion in West, Texas

Below you will find the names and photos of the reported dead or missing fire & EMS responders in West, Texas. The sources for the information are marked if you would like more information. Some have been confirmed as dead, others are reported as missing after responding to the explosion.

I will update as more information is available. Some of this information is not “official”, but pulled from local reports and online postings from friends and family. It should also be noted that the members may have been members of a certain department but actually responding with a different department or organization. Not all of this information has been verified fully, we have simply shared information from multiple sources.

Scroll Down for information on those missing or deceased

West, Texas Stats: 12 confirmed deaths, 200 injuries reported, 150 buildings destroyed, 50 buildings cleared by search and rescue teams, 25 buildings yet to be cleared, 3 fire trucks destroyed, 1 EMS vehicle destroyed.

Previous Coverage on West, Texas

Fire Critic Facebook Page

Facebook Page for Firefighters Lost in West, Texas

Facebook Page for EMS Personnel Lost in West, Texas

Facebook Page for Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force

West, Texas Firefighter and EMS Fallen Hero Fund (Firehero.org)

STATter911.com has coverage here and here

The members below who are reported missing and or dead include:

West Volunteer Firefighters: Morris Bridges, Robert Snokhous, Doug Snokhous, Joey Pustejovsky, Cyrus A. Reed, and Buck Uptmor. (This info is from the reports below. According to other reports, only 5 current West VFD members died in the explosion).

Kevin Sanders and Jim Matus (unknown agency)

West Ambulance Service Member: Perry Calvin, Jerry Chapman (also Abbot VFD Firefighter)

Dallas FD (off-duty): Captain Kenny Harris

In addition to these Fire & EMS Personnel, 11 West, Texas Firefighters remain in the hospital.

Per the Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force (Facebook):

UPDATE: The bodies have been moved back to Dallas. The bodies were transferred under Law Enforcement and Fire Department escorts. The bodies are being guarded as we speak. We are more than thankful for the overwhelming support. Please be patient as we are trying to respond to all of the emails, text, and phone calls. We are recieving over a 100 email/text/ and phone calls a day. We are working very hard to contact everyone! Thank you for the Continued support and feel free to keep contacting us just leave us a message.

…

Guard schedule is being produced as we speak, please know this will require help from across the state. We will be doing a 24 hour guard till further notice. If you have not submitted your information please email c.muscle162@gmail.com or text 940.368.8311 with your availability. We could be standing guard for a few weeks and we will make it happen. If you are not from the area and would like to help just send the email. We have numerous Fire Departments in the metroplex who have offered to house Firefighters that would like to come in town and help. Thank You all for the continued support!

KWTX.com:

WEST (April 19, 2013)–A spokesman for the Department of Public Safety at a Friday morning news conference in West confirmed 12 bodies have been recovered from the area around the West Fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday night in West. DPS Sgt. Jason Reyes said all of the remains have been taken to the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences, in Dallas, for positive identification. Reyes said he could not confirm how many of the dead are first responders. He also said three fire trucks and one ambulance were destroyed in the blast. … Muska told CNN that seven West firefighters died in the blast Wednesday night along with two others, but provided no further details.

Captain Kenny Harris

Dallas FD Captain Kenny Harris

Age: 52; Married father of two. Off-duty Dallas FD Captain Kenny Harris was killed in the explosion. Captain Harris, who is a resident of West, went to help the volunteers of West with the fire according to reports.

The Scoop Blog (DallasNews.com):

Harris, a 52-year-old father of three, was among the multiple fatalities. Reportedly off-duty when the tragedy struck, Harris did what he was trained to do — help. The Dallas Fire-Rescue captain lived in the community, but has worked for the city of Dallas for nearly 31 years.

Perry Calvin

Calvin, 37; married with two children and one due on Thanksgiving. Calvin responded to the scene with West Ambulance Service and responded to the initial call.

Calvin was a firefighter with the Navarro Mills Volunteer Fire Department since 1996 and Mertens Volunteer Fire Department since 2012.

CorsicanDailySun.com:

Calvin worked as a rancher, carpenter, welder and mechanic, but was in training to become an Emergency Medical Technician, which is why he was training with the West Ambulance service. It was also why he and his partner were called upon when the fire began. “He was at EMT class at West last night,” explained Perry’s father, Phil Calvin. “He and another boy responded to the fire alarm for West fire department and they got at the fire scene before the explosion. They were both right there at the explosion site.”

MySanAntonio.com:

Phil Calvin said the family couldn’t get “definite confirmation” of his son’s death but admitted the possibility of his survival was bleak. “It’s been over 24 hours. He would have gotten hold of somebody,” he said late Thursday. “They do know that the guy he was with — they found his body (Wednesday) night. I was told they found (Perry Calvin’s) body this afternoon, but the ATF won’t confirm that.”

Jerry Chapman

Chapman, 26; Student Firefighter with Abbot Volunteer Fire Department (Abbott, Texas)

CBSDFW.COM:

A 26 year old volunteer firefighter is among those killed in the fertilizer explosion in West Texas, according to friends. Jerry Chapman was in class at the time the call went out for the initial fire at West Fertilizer Company. His friends and co-workers say he would not have missed a chance to go help people. “He worked for the Abbot Volunteer Department. He was happy. He loved working for them,” said Sharon Matthews, who worked with Chapman for 8 years.

NBCDFW.com:

Co-workers told NBC 5 that Jerry Chapman, 20, a volunteer EMS, was also killed in the blast. Chapman worked at the Black Eyed Pea in Hillsboro, and the restaurant is holding a fundraiser to help his family pay for funeral expenses. The rest will be donated to charity.

Morris Bridges

Firefighter for West, Texas; Three children ages 2, 17 and 18.

Morris Bridges

Brent Bridges, 18, told the Star-Telegram that his father, Morris Bridges, was told that he probably didn’t survive.

MySanAntonio.com:

A Facebook page dedicated to the memory of firefighters who lost their lives in the explosion included Morris Bridges and Buck Uptmor, both West Volunteer Fire Department firefighters. Brothers and West volunteer firefighters Robert and Doug Snokhous also were missing.

NBCDFW.com:

“He was the first respond for the West fire department, and we haven’t heard from him since, and everybody is gone from the fire station and his car is still sitting there. We went to all the hospitals; he’s not at any of the hospitals,” said Mills. “I’m thinking he’s died a hero; I really do.”

On Thursday afternoon Mills confirmed to NBC 5 that Bridges died in the explosion.

He had three children ages 2, 17 and 18.

Robert Snokhous & Doug Snokhous (Brothers)

Robert and Doug are brothers who are both firefighters in West, Texas.

Firehouse.com:

Marqee Snokhous, who lives in Florida, told reporters she spent the early morning calling every hospital in hopes of finding that her father, Robert Snokhous, and uncle were among the injured. Her calls haven’t panned out, and as of 12:30 p.m. Thursday, she said the family still had not received confirmation about the fate of her father or uncle. “There’s not been anything official but the mayor did call my stepmom,” she said. “He told her that he’s pretty sure that they’re both inside the business in the plant, trapped in there. And that there’s a pretty high probability that there’s no survivors there.”

Joey Pustejovsky

Married; Firefighter in West, Texas

Pustejovsky was the City of West, Texas City Secretary. The Facebook page “In Memory of West, TX Firefighters Last Alarm 4/17/2013” updated information that Pustejovsky reported among those missing.

MySanAntonio.com:

Joey Pustejovsky, West’s city secretary, volunteers as a town firefighter and “was there doing his job and he put his life in harm’s way to protect the people that he needed to protect,” said his brother-in-law, David Sebesta. He said Pustejovsky, 63[?], and his sister were married on March 10, 2012 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West.

Chron.com:

Joey Pustejovsky, West’s city secretary, volunteers as a town firefighter and “was there doing his job and he put his life in harm’s way to protect the people that he needed to protect,” said his brother-in-law, David Sebesta.

He said his sister, Kelly, and Pustejovsky, 29, were married on March 10, 2012, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West.

Pustejovsky brought a son into marriage and blended the family with his wife’s son and two daughters.

Kevin Sanders

Kevin Sanders is listed by a friend as one of the firefighters missing on the Facebook page ”In Memory of West, TX Firefighters Last Alarm 4/17/2013”

Buck Uptmor

Firefighter for West, Texas

MySanAntonio.com:

A Facebook page dedicated to the memory of firefighters who lost their lives in the explosion included Morris Bridges and Buck Uptmor, both West Volunteer Fire Department firefighters. Brothers and West volunteer firefighters Robert and Doug Snokhous also were missing. Uptmor was confirmed deceased by his family, according to the page.

NBCDFW.com:

Firefighter Buck Uptmor’s brother, Brian, confirmed that he died in the explosion. Uptmor, 44, is survived by his wife and three children.

Cyrus A. Reed

Firefighter for West, Texas

MySanAntonio.com:

Another West firefighter, Cyrus A. Reed, was also killed in the explosion, according to social media postings by friends and family.

Jim Matus

According to family posting online, Jim perished in the explosion in West, Texas. He was a first responder to the explosion.

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 19, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Major Incidents, News • Tagged: Apartment Fire, blast, Buck Uptmor, Building Fire, Collapse, Cyrus A. Reed, Dallas FD Captain Kenny Harris, Dave Statter, Doug Snokhous, EMS, EMT, Explosion, Facebook, fertilizer plant, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, Fire Truck Blog, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Fires, House Fire, IronFiremen.com, Jerry Chapman, Jim Matus, Joey Pustejovsky, Kenny Harris, Kevin Sanders, mass casualty, MCI, McLennan County, Morris Bridges, Paramedic, people trapped, Perry Calvin, Rekindle, Rhett Fleitz, Robert Snokhous, Social Media, STATter911.com, Structure Fire, Texas, Video, Waco, West, West Fire Department, West Volunteer Fire Department, Willie Wines Jr.

West, Texas Coverage: Fertilizer Plant Explosion. Off-Duty Dallas Captain Kenny Harris Among the Dead. 200+ Injured

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Last updated at 8pm (Scroll Down to Full Coverage)

Click here to follow along on The Fire Critic Facebook Page

Off-duty Dallas FD Captain Kenny Harris was killed in the explosion. Captain Harris, who is a resident of West, went to help the volunteers of West with the fire according to reports.

The Scoop Blog (DallasNews.com):

Harris, a 52-year-old father of three, was among the multiple fatalities. Reportedly off-duty when the tragedy struck, Harris did what he was trained to do — help.

The Dallas Fire-Rescue captain lived in the community, but has worked for the city of Dallas for nearly 31 years.

Chief Billy Goldfeder (FirefighterCloseCalls.com) has offered “unofficial” news of 11 deaths related to Fire & EMS:

5 West FD Firefighters
4 West EMS Medics
1 Off Duty Fire Captain (Kenny Harris) *Confirmed
1 unconfirmed Firefighter (unknown agency at this time)

Official word has not been released on the numbers, but Goldfeder sites reliable sources from the scene in West, Texas.

Those numbers above don’t quite add up to the remarks of Mayor Muska below (or further remarks below that)…

DallasNews.com:

West Mayor Tommy Muska said state responders, who have helped organize the search and rescue operation, told him that 80 percent of the devastated areas, including a nursing home and 50-unit apartment complex, have been searched so far. Teams have found eight to 10 bodies and expect to find at least a half dozen more at the West Fertilizer Co. facility when they can search those grounds.

USAToday.com:

WEST, Texas — Around 35 people, including 10 first responders, were killed in the Texas fertilizer company explosion Wednesday night, West Mayor Tommy Muska said in an interview with USA TODAY.

The dead include five members of the West Volunteer Fire Department who were trying to put out the initial blaze, four EMS workers and an off-duty Dallas firefighter who pitched in to help, Muska said. Not all the bodies have been recovered but all are assumed dead.

Two volunteers who showed up to help fight the blaze are also missing and presumed dead, he said.

The rest of the fatalities include residents from nearby homes in the devastated four-block area of this small north-central Texas town 20 miles north of Waco, the mayor added.

Dallas Captain Kenny Harris

KWTX.com:

The number of injured rose to more than 200 Thursday.

About 100 patients were treated at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center.

Twenty-eight were admitted and five were in ICU Thursday afternoon.

Here is another view of the blast

Video of the blast is below

Video by: zidyboby

1pm 4/18/13 update

Houston Fire Department’s Texas Task Force 1 deployed to West

City of West, Texas Fire Department web site

Photos from the explosion

There still hasn’t been any update on the confirmed deaths. There are mixed reports on firefighter, EMT, and Police Officer deaths at this point. The latest estimate on the death toll is 15 total, but that is a rough estimate without any concrete information. 3-4 firefighters are being reported as missing. The injuries reported around 160 currently.

It is easy to understand that there are some first responder deaths. After all, firefighters were on scene battling the fire when the explosion occurred. All we can do right now is wait until the area can be thoroughly searched for survivors and those who have perished. Firefighters from all over the area are on scene helping out in the rescue/search efforts.

I will continue to update as new and “official” information is available.

Noon 4/18/13 update

DallasNews.com:

Search and rescue teams were combing the crumbled sites in hopes of finding survivors. More than 160 injured people have been taken to hospitals, and emergency responders believe more victims might be trapped alive.

That “is good news to me,” Sgt W. Patrick Swanton, the Waco police spokesman handling media briefings in West, said early Thursday morning. Authorities have “not gotten to the point of no return.”

At a later media briefing about 10 a.m., Swanton added: “It’s a very slow, methodical search.”

Swanton repeated an earlier figure of five to 15 people killed but said that’s based on “very limited” information from “folks at the scene,” including local, state and federal officials. Three to four West volunteer firefighters who were at the plant when it exploded shortly before 8 p.m. Wednesday remain missing.

However, one emergency worker who had been reported as missing, a constable serving as a volunteer firefighter, was found hospitalized with “serious” injuries.

10:30 am 4/18/13 update

FirefighterNation.com has coverage here

MyFoxDW.com:

A major explosion occurred Wednesday night at a fertilizer plant in the city of West, near Hillsboro in north-central Texas – killing between five and 15 people and injuring at least 160 more. Three to four firefighters who were battling the fire that occurred before the explosion are unaccounted for.

Waco Police Spokesperson Sgt. William Patrick Swanton said a fire began Wednesday evening at the West Fertilizer plant. Fifty minutes later, an explosion was reported in a frantic radio call from the scene of the fire at the plant at 1471 Jerry Mashek Dr. just off Interstate 35. Authorities said there is no indication that the blast was anything but an accident.

A Facebook page has been set up for the Fallen Firefighters. Currently there are over 15k fans, but no information has been shared yet.

KWTX.com:

Teams of first responders descended on the devastated town of West, Texas, early Thursday where a massive explosion at a fertilizer plant left scores of casualties and turned homes to rubble.

The number of dead remained unclear, with police saying it could be between five and 15. More than 160 people were injured and “three to four” firefighters were missing or unaccounted for, officials said.

Firefighters were battling the blaze that precipitated the explosion Wednesday night. And a storm system heading into the area brought helpful rain — but also heavy winds that might make it much tougher to contain the fire.

8am 4/18/13 update

KWTX.com:

Rescuers were conducting another door-to-door search early Thursday for the living and the dead in areas damaged by a massive fertilizer plant explosion in West that left more than 100 injured and may have killed dozens.

As of 4:45, officials say five to fifteen people are believed to be dead.
Six firefighters and two paramedics are confirmed dead and seven nursing home residents were missing after the blast according to West EMS Director Dr. George Smith, who said earlier Wednesday night as many as 60 or 70 people may have died in the blast.

WFAA.com:

“I can’t confirm the number of casualties, but I can tell you that we do have casualties,” said Waco police spokesman Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton at a 4:35 a.m. news conference. “I can tell you that it is estimated anywhere from five to 15 at this point.”

At 4:15 a.m., West, Texas EMS director Dr. George Smith confirmed that two paramedics lost their lives in Tuesday night’s explosion at West Fertilizer Company. He said six firefighters remained unaccounted for.

1am EST 4/18/13 update via news conference

WFAA.com:

“We do have confirmed fatalities, Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman D.L. Wilson said at a midnight news conference, “We have a tremendous amout of injuries… over 100 injuries at this time.”

Wilson would not confirm or deny an earlier report that the number of deaths could be in the range of 60 to 70.

CNN.com:

Fire officials fear that the number of casualties could rise much higher — as many as 60 to 70 dead, said Dr. George Smith, the emergency management system director of the city.

Many of the major news agencies are reporting only 2 confirmed dead at this time. Below you will read about a local official claiming 60-70 reported dead. I will update with more information later.

More coverage available at STATter911.com as well as the links below.

WFAA.com:

A powerful explosion rocked the town of West, Texas, 19 miles north of Waco, on Wednesday evening.

“We’ve heard that figure of 60 to 70 dead that’s coming from the county’s emergency management office down here,” said WFAA reporter Todd Unger a short distance from the blast epicenter. “I can tell you that a couple of law enforcement soucres expect that number to go up.”

WacoTrib.com:

Several firefighters and others were injured in a fertilizer plant explosion in West shortly before 8 p.m.

Multiple buildings caught on fire, including West Intermediate School, 1212 N. Reagan St., after the explosion at West Fertilizer Co., 1471 Jerry Mashek Drive, and a dispatcher calling for ambulances said “we do have a lot of injured here.”

KWTX.com:

The explosion was reported at around 7:50 p.m. in a frantic radio call from the scene of the fire at West Fertilizer at 1471 Jerry Mashek Dr. just off Interstate 35.

The fire started in an anhydrous ammonia tank and spread to the building, authorities said.

Audio below from firefighterdispatch.

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 18, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Dispatch, EMS Health & Safety, EMS Topics, Fire Dispatch, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, HazMat, Major Incidents, Mass Casualty Incident, News, Videos • Tagged: Apartment Fire, blast, Building Fire, Collapse, Dave Statter, EMS, EMT, Explosion, Facebook, fertilizer plant, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, Fire Truck Blog, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Fires, House Fire, IronFiremen.com, mass casualty, MCI, McLennan County, Paramedic, people trapped, Rekindle, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, STATter911.com, Structure Fire, Texas, Video, Waco, West, West Fire Department, Willie Wines Jr.

Video: Pawtucket, RI Firefighters Battle 4 Alarm Fire that Swept Through Neighborhood Burning 8 Structures (3 Videos)

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Video by: sparkywfd. Video info: 8 structures, including garages, sheds were either destroyed or damaged on the afternoon of Sunday April 7th 2013 on Harrison St. A 3rd alarm was struck on arrival and a 4th alarm was transmitted shortly after. It took about 2 hours to bring the fire under control. Heavy afternoon winds only added a degree of difficulty for firefighters trying to knock down the inferno. Several homes in the area were also evacuated. Several tenants were injured but none seriously as fire spread from one structure to another. http://www.providencefirevideos.com. News on the fire can be found here.

News, Weather and Classifieds for Southern New England

Video by: RI BNS. Video info: Pawtucket Fire along with multiple M/A companies fighting a multiple alarm fire during high winds today.

(more…)

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 7, 2013 • Filed under: Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: 4 Alarm Fire, Building Fire, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Harrison Street, House Fire, House Fire Video, IronFiremen.com, Pawtucket, Pawtucket Fire Department, Rhett Fleitz, Rhode Island, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

Raw Video: Brick Row Fire in Hinton, WV. Entire Block Burns in Massive Fire. Billy Joe Gill Charged with Arson

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Video by joebob6684 (more videos below). A massive fire swept through Brick Row in Hinton, West Virginia burning 10 apartments and leaving 11 families homeless. More coverage of the fire here, here, here, and here. Brick Row, as the apartments are known in Downtown Hinton, were built in 1905 to house railroad officials.

WVMetroNews.com:

Police arrested Billy Joe Gill, 25, of Hinton. He’s lodged in the Southern Regional Jail charged with two counts of first degree arson.

(more…)

Posted by The Fire Critic on February 28, 2013 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: Apartment Fire, Billy Joe Gill, Brick Row, Brick Row Fire, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Hinton, Hinton Fire Department, Hinton West Virginia, House Fire, House Fire Video, IronFiremen.com, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Video, West Virginia, Willie Wines Jr.

Videos: 25 Rescued from 6 Alarm Queens Fire in Breezy Point. 200 FF’s on Scene. Area Where Rescue Me was Filmed

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View Coverage from Hurricane Sandy last night on FireCritic.com here

Check out The Fire Critic on Facebook here

FDNY Firefighter talks of rescueing about 25 from Queens Fire despite flooded streets.

The fire began around 11pm last night in Breezy Point, Queens on the Rockaway Peninsula. 50-60 homes burned as almost 200 firefighters battled the blazes. This is an area where they filmed the show Rescue Me. I imagine some are still on scene although I have not seen a timely update.

Firefighter Nation has a story on the fire here

Posted by The Fire Critic on October 30, 2012 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: Breezy Point, Facebook, FDNY, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Frankenstorm, House Fire, House Fire Video, Hurricane Sandy, IronFiremen.com, Queens, Rhett Fleitz, Rockaway, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

Best of the Rest – Alt Kilt, MN8 Contest, Boston Fire Gear, Random Tweet of the Week and Much More!

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New addition to “Best of the Rest” is the “Random Tweet of the Week”! Scroll down to see this one.

Willie and I are getting geared up for more traveling in 2012. We are looking forward to hanging out with the MN8 FoxFire team at FDIC. In September, Bob Gard is planning one helluva a good time in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. If you are anywhere in the vicinity you will want to be at this event. Willie and I will be speaking, and there will be plenty of other stuff going on as well! We will post more information soon.

In May, Dave Statter and I are presenting in Ohio at the Ohio Fire & Emergency Services Foundation’s 2012 Leadership Conference…Dave has been looking forward to this to some time. He gets to share the stage with his ~~hero~~ err idol (ME). Join us in Newark, Ohio for May 23 & 24.Click here to sign up

If you want to have Willie and I, or Dave and I, or all three of us speak at an event near you just let us know! FireCritic@FireCritic.com

Be sure to check out Fire Critic on Facebook and Click “LIKE”!

Voting for the 2012 Blog of the Year Contest, hosted by EMS1, FireRescue1 and FireCritic.com, and sponsored by the American Military University, will begin tomorrow (March 14th). There are some great blogs on the ballot in both Fire and EMS categories! There were almost 400 nominations for 55 blogs.

AltKilt.com

Shoutout – Alt.Kilt

Web Site: http://www.altkilt.com/

Facebook: Like them on Facebook: lt.Kilt

Twitter: @Alt_Kilt

Our purpose is to provide functional, stylish and well-made kilts that are individually designed and handmade custom for each client.

Alt.Kilt is making Willie Wines Jr. and I custom kilts. Hopefully, we will be wearing them at FDIC!

Quick Drills

You can view all of the weekly drills by FirefighterCloseCalls.com here. Try these two at the firehouse this week:

News and Opinion

Brotherhood Cuts – Willie Wines Jr. has an update from this past weekends inaugural “Brotherhood Cuts” fundraiser. The event raised around $2400 for local departments.

I visited the Shoals Volunteer Fire Department. I was there for the 1st ever Brotherhood Cuts Event.

“Brotherhood Cuts” is a fund raising event specifically designed for the fire service. It raises money through the National Firefighters Endowment who in turn, provides much needed funds and equipment to Departments in need all across the Country. Read more here

BostonFireGear.com

MN8 FoxFire is looking for your designs…and you could win!: MN8 Foxfire, you know…the photoilluminscent company, wants your help designing their new shirt! The new shirt will feature the MN8 FoxFire logo on the front and your design on the back. The winner will recieve a $100 MN8 FoxFire credit and a t-shirt. The winning design will be available at FDIC. Check out details of the contest.

There might be a FireCritic/IronFiremen/MN8FoxFire shirt in the near future!

Boston Fire Gear: I just got my St. Patrick’s Day long sleeve t-shirt today from Boston Fire Gear. I love Boston, St. Patrick’s day is one of my favorite ~~days to drink~~ holidays, and as a good friend of mine told me yesterday…that is where Irish people are from! NICE! Get your Boston Fire Gear here

STATter911.com: Dave “The Investigator and UL Tester” Statter is at it again with the vinyl siding. This time, two houses go up in Loudoun County…in broad daylight. Check out the pre-arrival video and Dave’s investigative reporting here.

4 Factor "Thin Red Line" Door Chock

4Factor: Matthew Ritter, one half of the now known writers at ELAFFHQ.com, has branched out. Welcome 4Factor to the mix. Right now they are offering hand painted “Thin Red Line” door chocks. Check out the site here. Like them on Facebook here. I haven’t got my hands on one yet…but I will soon. They retail for $4….however read below.

**Current donations, for EACH wedge purchased , are going to Team ELAFFHQ.com bucket brigade for the National Firefighters Endowment! What this means to you is as follows: For EACH wedge you purchase, we make a donation to the bucket brigade in YOUR name. Each donation in YOUR name enters you into a DRAWING for a Phenix TL-2 Leather Fire Helmet! The more wedges you purchase, the better your odds in winning that helmet! Good luck Brother and Sister Firefighters!

FDNY Supports World Record Attempt: A SCARBOROUGH firefighter’s plans to enter the world record books are gathering pace as his fundraising challenge gets the green light in New York. Justin Rowe, who lives in Scarborough and is watch manager at Malton Fire Station, is planning to run to every ﬁre house in New York in seven days. He will be joined in the challenge by Ryedale station manager Andrew Blades, Whitby station manager Mark Naylor and York ﬁreﬁghter Terrence Gregg. Read more here

FireRescue1.com: Are cellphones that important? Worth your life? FireRescue1.com has the story of a woman rescued from a trash compactor after trying to retrieve here cellphone she accidentally threw away. Read about it here

Magnesium Fire in Bellevue, Ohio

Magnesium Fire in Bellevue, Ohio: FireGeezer.com has this story which hits close to home for The Fire Critic. My Mother’s side of the family lives in Bellevue including my Grandparents. I was just up there for a short visit not too long ago. Paul Hasenmeier shared this photo to the right from miles away.

A MAGNESIUM FIRE PRESENTED THE BELLEVUE, OHIO, firefighters with an unusual challenge Tuesday morning when they responded to the MagReTech factory across the road from the Bellevue Hospital. Read more here

Random Tweet of the Week

Follow @FireCritic on twitter for more news 24/7!

Posted by The Fire Critic on March 13, 2012 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Best of the Rest, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Major Incidents, News, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: 4 Factor, 4Factor.co, Alt Kilt, AltKilt.com, Bellevue, Bellevue Fire Department, Boston Fire Gear, BostonFireGear.com, Building Construction, building lobby, built to burn, Dave Statter, EMS, EMT, Facebook, FDIC, FDNY, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighter Kilts, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Fires, Haz-mat, HazMat, home builders, homebuilders, House Fire, House Fire Video, Humor, IronFiremen.com, Kilts, Lightweight Construction, lobbyists, Loudoun County Fire, Loudoun County Fire & Rescue, McMansions, MN8 FoxFire, MN8 FoxFire Products, Mn8 Products, Ohio, Paramedic, Random Tweet of the Day, Residential Sprinklers, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, South Riding, STATter911.com, Tweet, Twitter, Video, Videos, Willie Wines Jr.

Peabody, MA Firefighter James Rice Dies in The Line of Duty at Hancock Street Apartment Fire

3 comments

Earlier report on Fire Critic.com here

Officials have identified James Rice as the firefighter who died at a fire today in Peabody, Mass.

The fire went to 3 alarms at 5 Hancock Street in Peabody. Firefighters from Danvers, Salem and Lynnfield also responded to the fire to assist. The initial call came in around 1:30pm.

Firefighter James Rice leaves behind a wife and 3 children. Reports are varied on his age between 38 – 46 years old. He was an 11 year veteran of the Peabody Fire Department.

Many were circulating the news very early on twitter. They used the nickname “Jim” when referring to James. I am not sure that he went by Jim or not.

More updates on Fire Critic Facebook Page

News Links:

Posted by The Fire Critic on December 23, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: 3 Alarm Fire, 5 Hancock Street, Apartment Fire, Danvers Fire Department, EMS, Facebook, Fire, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Hancock Street, In the Line of Duty, IronFiremen.com, James Rice, Jim Rice, Line of Duty, Line of Duty Death, Lynnfield Fire Department, Massachusetts, Peabody, Peabody Fire Department, Rhett Fleitz, Salem Fire Department, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

Video: 5 Alarm Fire in San Fancisco Western Addition. 60 People Displaced with Half of SF Firefighters Working

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A 5 alarm fire engulfed two buildings in San Francisco’s Western Addition. The buildings were residential apartments and displaced over 60 residents.

150 firefighters were on the call equaling about half of San Francisco’s firefighting force.

News links:

MercuryNews.com:

Heavy winds helped spread the fire until firefighters contained it by 2:26 p.m. Firefighters were initially pushed back by the intensity of the fire but managed to prevent it from spreading to other buildings in the neighborhood. A total of four buildings were damaged. Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White said the fire began in the back of a three-unit Victorian building at 1502 Golden Gate and swiftly blew through the roof.

… The fire quickly spread to a 25-unit apartment building at 1015 Pierce.

MN8 Foxfire Illuminating and Reflective Tetrahedrons 40% off here while it lasts!

Posted by The Fire Critic on December 22, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: Apartment Fire, EMS, Facebook, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fireground Video, House Fire, IronFiremen.com, Rhett Fleitz, San Francisco Fire Department, Social Media, Video, Western Addition Fire, Willie Wines Jr.

Video: Ground Ladder Rescue at Large Commercial Fire in Marysville, CA

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Firefighters evacuated 25 residents at a large fire in Marysville, California and then rescued one more via ground ladder which is caught on video.

The fire engulfed Knockout Sports Bar & Grill and the Travelers Hotel next to the bar. The fire started around 1:45am on Saturday.

The beginning of the ladder rescue is caught on film, unfortunately it gets cut off at the end.

Linda Fire Department, Yuba City Fire Department, Wheatland Fire Department, and Butte County Fire Department assisted the Marysville Fire Department on the fire.

News links:

Posted by The Fire Critic on September 26, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: Apartment Fire, Butte County Fire Department, California, EMS, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Ground Ladder Rescue, Knockout Sports Bar & Grill, Ladder Rescue, Linda Fire Department, Marysville, Marysville Fire Department, Rescue, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Travelers Hotel, Video, Wheatland Fire Department, Yuba City Fire Department

Oklahoma Oil Rig Explosion and Fire, Fire Could Burn for Days

1 comment

An oil rig has exploded and caught fire in the City of Watonga in Blaine County, Oklahoma. The fire could burn for days before the well is able to be plugged.

Continental Resources, an oil and gas company based in Enid, are on scene trying to extinguish the blaze and have taken over operations. They have called in an oilfield firefighting team from Wild Well Control. That team is on its way to the scene.

An oil rig explosion near Watonga on Monday, Sept. 19, 2011. Contributed photo by Maria Slay

The City of Watonga is the county seat of Blaine County. The population was 4,658 in the 2000 census.

This all began Monday night.

Links:

Posted by The Fire Critic on September 20, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: Blaine County, City of Watonga, Continental Resources, EMS, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Oil Rig Explosion, Oil Rig Fire, Oklahoma, Rhett Fleitz, Video, Watonga, Watonga Fire Department, Wild Well Control

Video: Pilot and 3 others Dead in Plane Crash at Reno, Nevada Air Races with Mass Casualties

3 comments

A plane crashed at Stead Airport during the Reno air races this evening. The accident happened in the 8 o’clock hour ET.

The plane “Galloping Ghost” crashed near the grandstands at the air races. The pilot and 3 others are confirmed dead. 21 Many others were transported to the hospital.

About the “Galloping Ghost” (unofficial)

Pilot Jimmy Leeward – ~~age 80~~ age 74
Type: P-51D-15NA
Serial # 44-155651
Registry: N79111
Vintage World War II Fighter

Here is the video of the crash at the Reno air races (original youtube video)

KTVN.com:

photo taken from video

Authorities say race pilot Jimmy Leeward has died after a crash at the Reno Air Races. This weekend’s races are also canceled.

Three people are confirmed dead, and another 21 people were admitted to Renown Regional Medical Center.

Concerned family members should call 775.972.6663 and Air Race staff is working to locate and establish the status of all involved.

Witnesses say Leeward’s plane, the Galloping Ghost, was about 400-500 feet in the air when it nosedived and crashed at the Reno-Stead Airport around 4:30pm.

News links:

Virginia Earthquake Coverage

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For all the coverage you are looking for on the earthquake in Virginia please check out VAFireNews.com (another site I run).

I am updating there as more information comes in.

Currently, the coverage includes live streaming video, links, news, and data on the earthquake.

Posted by The Fire Critic on August 23, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Major Incidents, News • Tagged: Earthquake, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, magnitude, Mineral, Mineral Volunteer Fire Department, Rhett Fleitz, Richmond, Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services, VAFireNews.com, Video, Virginia, Virginia Fire News, Willie Wines Jr.

Videos: London Burns as Rioting Keeps Firefighters Busy

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For the sake of time and ensuring you get to the proper videos I have simply given you a link.

The link is good for the most recent videos on Youtube related to the fires in London.

Click here for the latest videos of fires burning in London.

The other reason I simply added a link is because a ton of the videos will be pulled and some are just trash.

Firegeezer has coverage of Night 1, Night 2, and Night 3

Ok, I couldn’t resist…here is one video!

Posted by The Fire Critic on August 8, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: EMS, Fire, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Fireground Video, London Burning, London Riots, Offensive Attack, Rhett Fleitz, rioting, Riots, Social Media, Video

Asheville, NC Firefighter Jeffrey Bowen Dies in Fire. Many others injured

2 comments

I will update as more information becomes available.

Captain Jeffrey Bowen, a 13 year veteran, is the firefighter who died in the line of duty today in Asheville.

Asheville’s Fire Chief also stated that two others have been transported to the burn center in Augusta, Georgia. Six other firefighters are being treated at Mission Hill for heat-related illnesses.

One Asheville Firefighter is dead and many others injured after a fire in a medical building near Mission Hospital. The current total is that eight other firefighters were taken to the hospital for various reasons.

The medical building is located at 445 Biltmore Avenue. The alarm came in just after noon today. The building houses numerous private medical practices.

At least 1, maybe 2 MAYDAY’s were called during the fire. Fire was seen blowing out of a window on the 5th floor.

The fire was under control around 3pm.

More news coverage:

Posted by The Fire Critic on July 28, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: Asheville Fire Department, Biltmore, Biltmore Center Fire, Daily EMS Deals, Daily Fire Deals, Daily Police Deals, DailyEMSDeals.com, DailyFireDeals, DailyPoliceDeals, DailyPoliceDeals.com, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Firefighting, In the Line of Duty, Jeff Harkey, Line of Duty, Line of Duty Death, LODD, Medical Building Fire, North Carolina, Rhett Fleitz, Video

FireGround Audio: Muncie, Indiana Church Fire LODD and Funeral Arrangements

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Fireground audio is below from the deadly Tabernacle of Praise Church fire in Muncie, Indiana. The fire took the life of Firefighter Scott Davis.

The fire was quickly made a 2nd alarm. After that you can hear something about firefighters taking in an 1 3/4″ line. Water was an issue as they had several tankers respond.

A homeowner near the Church advised that units could draft out of his pond.

At 6 minutes in, there is talk about backing out because they don’t have water supply set up….and then there is radio traffic about needing EMS because they have a firefighter trapped and not out of the building yet.

Firefighter Scott Davis

Previous Coverage including Fireground Video here and Initial Reports on the fire here

Funeral Arrangements are posted below the video.

From The Secret List:

The following is the funeral information for our fallen Brother from Muncie FD, IAFF L-1348,Firefighter Scott Davis.

Visitation: Monday June 20th from 3-8 PM and Tuesday, June 21st from 10-11 AM at the Horizon Convention Center (401 South High Street Muncie, IN 47305-2328)

Funeral: Tuesday, June 21st at 11AM at the Horizon Convention center, followed by burial at Elm Ridge Cemetery.

Lt. Mark Greenburg of the Muncie FD will be in charge of the Honor Guard. You may contact Mark at (765) 730-9577 if you have members that wish to stand honor guard, act as ushers or be utilized any way Lt. Greenburg determines.

Additional details will be posted on www.IAFF.org

Posted by The Fire Critic on June 16, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: Church Fire, Collapse, EMS, EMT, Fire, Fire Department, Fire Service, Firefighter, firefighter dies, firefighter killed, Firefighter Missing, Firefighting, fuson road, In the Line of Duty, Indiana, Jim Clevenger, Line of Duty, Line of Duty Death, LODD, Muncie, Muncie Fire, Muncie Fire Department, Muncie Firefighter Killed, Paramedic, Roof Collapse, Scott Davis, Tabernacle of Praise, Tabernacle of Praise Church

Video: Difficult to Reach Rooftop Blaze Kept London Firefighters for Hours

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The video below gives you the aerial view of a blaze which appeared massive today in London.

The good news is that there was recently an access point built specifically fire firefighters to get to the roof. The other good news is that the blaze was primarily kept to the roof area and the internal structure was not affected.

The building was being remodeled and it appears that the fire started from the roofers using torches to heat the roofing material.

75-100 firefighters battled the blaze. According to the news it took 8 hours to get under control.

News coverage:

Posted by The Fire Critic on June 14, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, London, London Fire Brigade, Rhett Fleitz, Roof Top Blaze, Strand Fire, UK

Video: 6 Alarm Apartment Fire in Fitchburg, MA

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This is yet another great video brought to you by Providence Fire Videos.

This time it is a 6 Alarm fire in and Apartment complex in Fitchburg, MA.

The video information:
The top floor and roof were burned off in a spectacular fire that took place in Fitchburg, Ma at 520 Main St on June 13, 2011 around 9:30pm.

A 3rd alarm was requested on arrival after companies found heavy fire on the 5th floor and attic of the 5 sty apartments over commercial building. A 4th, 5th and 6th alarms were requested a short time later.

An interior attacked was initiated but companies had to withdraw and go to defensive operations due to the intensity of the fire.

Posted by The Fire Critic on June 14, 2011 • Filed under: Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: Apartment Fire, Fire Critic, Fire Video, FireCritic.com, Fireground Video, Fitchburg, Fitchburg Fire Department, Massachusetts, Massive Fire, Providence Fire Videos, Rhett Fleitz

Video Coverage: 125+ Firefighters Battle 8 Alarm Mill Fire in Woonsocket, Rhode Island

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All 125 Woonsocket, Rhode Island firefightes are working a huge fire at a mill this evening. The large 4 story building caught fire Tuesday evening. Firefighters from nearby departments were also called in to help. Mutual aid departments from Bellingham and Blackstone in Massachusetts also responded.

The building was currently vacant and had most recently been occupied by Tech Industries. One firefighter was reported to have suffered minor injuries.

News Coverage:

Posted by The Fire Critic on June 7, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: 8 Alarm Fire, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Mill Fire, Multi Alarm Fire, Old Alice Mill, Rhett Fleitz, Rhode Island, Tech Industries, Woonsocket Fire Department

I Caught a Job…The Fire Critic AND IronFiremen.com on Scene!

1 comment

You heard it right! I caught a job today and Willie Wines Jr. was on the scene as well.

Willie was in command and I was riding the seat on the first in engine. I was paying back Lt. Bradford for a day he worked for me, and Captain Martin decided to give his medics a break and ride the medic unit.

Captain Willie Wines Jr. in command. Photo by Mike Overacker

A perfect storm!

Check out Captain Wines post on the fire here!

Pictures from the fire here + videos and here

Hell, I didn’t even have to give a size-up! Captain Wines took care of that and struck a 2nd alarm in the same breath.

I was riding Engine 3 on C-shift and we brought a hydrant in with us. We pulled in right behind Ladder 5. They forced entry and we made our way in to put some wet stuff on the red stuff.

So there we were…Willie in command and loving it! Me paired up with Ladder 7 to go in and find the fire (my firefighter was on the hydrant and driver was pumping).

AND…I got the nozzle! Happy Birthday to me!

You have to understand that Willie and I working a job together is not probable. We work different shifts and probably never be stationed together…unfortunately. You never know…it could happen!

You can't wipe that smile off my face! This is me in rehab...after 3 bottles. Photo by Mike Overacker

I got inside with zero visibility, found a staircase straight ahead and headed up the steps. I found a wall the hard way…took a left found some more stairs and then found another wall…again the hard way. I got up to the 2nd floor. The 1st floor had about 14 foot ceilings. The next thing I know there is fire behind me…and a lot of it! I didn’t see any when I went in. I knew there was smoke coming from side Charlie/Delta and the eaves on the roof.

I quickly had to move back down the stairs where the rest of my crew was humping hose and began extinguishing the fire. We found the bulk of the fire in a room behind the stairwell. The fire had already gotten through the second floor to the attic. We made a decent knock on the fire.

: Villa Heights Recreation Center Burning. Photo by Roanoke Fire-EMS PIO Tiffany Bradbury

The problem was that the fire in the attic was not easy to get to. There was very little visibility, no access, and 12-14 foot ceilings. While crews were inside trying to get to it, command thought it had gotten too much of a jump and we were working inside too long. We had to pull out.

We made a defensive attack on the attic and once that was knocked down we re-entered and finished the job.

The building was originally a house I believe…over 5000 square feet and built in 1925.

The fire was vacant and boarded up…it was ruled unoccupied after a primary and secondary search!

Since I was the officer on the first in engine I got to do all the reports and the press release.

The bonus…I am pulling a 48!

All that…and we started the day with ARFF training from 9-noon. The fire toned out after lunch around 1:45pm.

Tomorrow I get to do the ARFF training again…oh joy!

Did I mention it was hot as hell out and sunny!

One call so far this shift and it is almost midnight! One hell of a day!

No injuries.

More coverage:

Posted by The Fire Critic on June 7, 2011 • Filed under: Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News • Tagged: Aggressive Firefighting, Aggressive Interior Firefighting, Fire, Fire Critic, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighting, House Fire, Interior Fire Operations, IronFiremen.com, Melrose, Rhett Fleitz, Roanoke, Roanoke City, Roanoke Fire-EMS Department, Villa Heights Fire, Villa Heights Recreation Center, Willie Wines Jr.

San Francisco Firefighter Dies After Flashover: LODD Video, Audio, and Links

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June 2, 2011 is a tragic day for San Francisco Firefighters. Lt. Vincent Perez was killed battling a blaze in the Diamond Heights area of San Francisco. Firefighter Anthony Valerio is fighting for his life in critical condition.

Firefighters were called to the fire at 133 Berkeley Way at about 10:45 a.m.

San Francisco Lt. Vincent Perez

Lt. Perez, 48, was a 21 year veteran of the fire service. Rest in Peace.

This is the first LODD in San Francisco since 2003.

Lt. Vincent Perez, 48, died trying to extinguish a fire at a four-story home in Diamond Heights. Anthony Valerio, 53, is in critical condition at San Francisco General Hospital’s intensive care unit with severe burns. Read more: http://www.sfgate.com

“Our hearts are heavy as we are reminded of the sacrifices firefighters and their families make each day to keep our City safe,” [Mayor]Lee said. “Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the two injured firefighters and their families for a safe and speedy recovery.” Read more: http://www.sacbee.com

San Francisco Firefighter Anthony Valerio remains in critical condition.

Links:

Posted by The Fire Critic on June 3, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Line of Duty, Major Incidents, Mayday, News, Videos • Tagged: Berkeley Way, California, Command Fire Apparatus, Dave Statter, Diamond Heights, EMS, Fire, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, firefighter killed, Firefighting, Fires, Flashover, House Fire, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Line of Duty Death, LODD, Mindy Talmadge, Paramedic, Rhett Fleitz, San Francisco, San Francisco Fire Department, Vincent Perez

Remembering The Coatesville 7 (Almost)… Article on Near Miss Report

1 comment

A report is about to be published on a three alarm apartment fire that injured 7 firefighters in Coatesville, PA.

We almost lost 7 firefighters that day. Luckily, they escaped with injuries only and no one died. This could have been a bigger tragedy than it was.

An article on the fire and upcoming report is blaming Incident Command, lack of communication, lack of doing a 360, and freelancing among other things that culminated with 7 firefighters injured. Some of those firefighters jumped from the second or third floor balconies.

In addition, firefighters had to go back in to search for a missing firefighter. That firefighter was later found safe at home after he simply left the scene. What the hell is up with that?

Dave Statter reported on the fire when it occured here.

There is video below.

The article by DailyLocal.com can be found here

Investigators found that Coatesville Fire Bureau Chief Kevin Johnson and other leaders failed their duties during the Sept. 10, 2010, fire at Millview in the 1800 block of Saginaw Drive. More than 100 firefighters responded to the blaze that caused roughly $1.5 million in damage to the 28-unit apartment building. Read the entire article here

The article later states:

“The false assumption of the exact location of the fire being the third floor caused others on the interior to also bypass the uncontrolled fire burning in the second-floor apartment,” the report states. “Responders’ reports and interviews indicated that everyone in the fire building was working for themselves. Read the entire article here

As I mentioned in the title, this could have very easily been a dark day for the fire service. We almost lost 7 firefighters that day and potentially more. Luckily, all lives were spared. However, some of the injured are still recovering.

One of the firefighters, Deputy Chief Pacana is also a firefighter in DC. He has been unable to return to work due to a hurt leg.

Lentz, the local union president for the city’s paid firefighters — the International Association of Fire Fighters — said in a prepared statement Monday that the Coatesville Fire Department has been working with administrators to update the department’s manual of Standard Operating Guidelines and an updated manual was finished April 4. Read the entire article here

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 17, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Videos • Tagged: Coatesville, Collapse, Dave Statter, EMS, EMT, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, garden-apartment, Millview apartments, multi-occupancy dwelling, Paramedic, Pennsylvania, Rhett Fleitz, Saginaw Drive, STATter911.com, The Secret List

Video: Vancouver 3 Alarm Fire Caught from 3 Different Views

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A three alarm fire destroyed a historic house in Vancouver’s West end on May 2nd.

The house was one of Vancouver’s last remaining historic wooden houses. The house was built in the 1920′s and is right next to several taller buildings. The house was located at the corner of Beach Avenue and Bute Street. The house is reported to have been “vacant” but possibly occupied by squatters.

The fire was caught on video from three different vantage points by three seperate people. The video is below.

News Coverage is here with additional video

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 3, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: Beach Avenue, British Columbia, Bute Street, Fire, Fire Critic, Fire Service, Fire Video, FireCritic.com, Firefighting, Firefigter, Fireground Video, Rhett Fleitz, Vancouver, Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services

Several Videos of FDNY in Action this past Week

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Newsworking is a youtube channel that offers some excellent video coverage of FDNY in action. This past week they managed to capture several jobs in New York City.

Be sure to check out Newsworking on youtube and subscribe to their videos!

Video 1: February 18th

In this video, you will ride along with me while fire chasing in Brooklyn, NY on Friday night.

#1 – Box 2886 1873 Cropsey Avenue. Structural Fire with reported people trapped. The box went to “all hands” and within 20 minutes, crews had the bulk of the fire knocked down. Truckies opened up and all searches were negative.

#2 – W. 6th and Avenue U, EMS 911 box for an extrication. Engine 248 and Ladder 159 find a 3 vehicle accident in the intersection. Minor injuries.

#3 – Box 1652, 2280 Atlantic Avenue for a 2 alarm fire in an O/M/D. Fire on the first floor with extension into exposure 4.

Video 2: February 19th

5th Alarm Fatal Box 2439, 346 East 29th Street Flatbush, NY.

200 firefighters battle blaze in 7-story Multiple Dwelling. A 64-year-old lady was found in the rubble after the blaze was extinguished. The building had over 70 apartments.

Heavy fire throughout the top three floors. Firefighters battled the elements as well, dealing with high winds and freezing temperatures. The whole neighborhood was iced over along with firefighters and their apparatus.

Video 3: February 19th

22:50 Box 0860 was transmitted for a fire in a private dwelling at 91 Saratoga Avenue.

Heavy fire third-floor of the M/O/R with extension into the cockloft.

Video 4: February 19th

Box 4049 Working High Rise Fire at 1530 Pennsylvania Ave. Fire in 6th floor apartment of a 17-story O/M/D

Posted by The Fire Critic on February 22, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: Apartment Fire, FDNY, Fire Critic, Fire Department of New York. Firefighting, FireCritic.com, Fires, High Rise Fire, Newsworking, Rhett Fleitz, youtube

Video: Deadly 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Christchurch in New Zealand

1 comment

Firegeezer also has coverage here as well.

A deadly earthquake has caused devastation in Christchurch, New Zealand. 65 people have been reported dead. There were hundreds of people rescued from the wreckage.

FoxNews.com has coverage here