HARRISON, NJ, MARCH 10, 2013 – A five-alarm fire that required responses from departments from three counties produced a backdraft that injured five firefighters and destroyed two structures. About 40 people were evacuated from a second-floor church as firefighters arrived. Mutual aid was called as the flames spread to an attached two-story frame structure. A backdraft occurred in the rear of the structure, blowing firefighters down the stairs and out into the street. Four firefighters were injured and transported to Jersey City Medical Center with injuries including cuts from flying glass, burns and a concussion. Eventually, five ladder pipes were put into operation along with handlines and master streams. Seventeen people reportedly were left homeless. Photo by Ed Gray
HARRISON, NJ, MARCH 10, 2013 – A five-alarm fire that required responses from departments from three counties produced a backdraft that injured five firefighters and destroyed two structures. About 40 people were evacuated from a second-floor church as firefighters arrived. Mutual aid was called as the flames spread to an attached two-story frame structure. A backdraft occurred in the rear of the structure, blowing firefighters down the stairs and out into the street. Four firefighters were injured and transported to Jersey City Medical Center with injuries including cuts from flying glass, burns and a concussion. Eventually, five ladder pipes were put into operation along with handlines and master streams. Seventeen people reportedly were left homeless. Photo by Ron Jeffers
ROCKY MOUNT, NC, MARCH 4, 2013 – The first-in engine company reported a heavily involved occupied house. The occupants fled before the arrival of the fire department. Firefighters were forced to make an exterior attack and quickly had the bulk of the fire knocked down. It took more than one hour to bring the fire under control. Firefighters remained on the scene overhauling and checking for hot spots. No injuries were reported. Photo by Bob Bartosz/RMFD photographer
LOS ANGELES, CA, MARCH 3, 2013 – A Sunday afternoon fire destroyed two classrooms at Sun Valley High School. More than 50 firefighters worked to control the fire, which was reported by a sensor activation, in 31 minutes. The fire extended into the structure’s shallow attic. Damage was estimated at $750,000. Photo by Mike Meadows
