New York, May 1, 2016—A spectacular four-alarm fire tore through the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral church in Manhattan. FDNY units were dispatched at 6:55 p.m., and Engine 1 transmitted the 10-75 on arrival as flames were visible from the large front doors, and heavy smoke was pushing from across the roof. As companies were establishing water supplies, flames broke through the large circular stained glass window in the front of the church. Flames were soon venting out of the two-story-tall side windows and breaking through the roof. The fire ultimately went to four alarms, and a wide collapse zone was established as the structural stability was in question. One civilian and four firefighters were treated for minor injuries.
Photo by Bill Tompkins
Indianapolis, March 20, 2016—Indianapolis firefighters responded to a building fire at the Flying J truck stop on the southwest side of Indianapolis. Engine 34 arrived and reported a heavy working fire. The truck stop was occupied with a Denny's restaurant, showers for truckers and a general store. All occupants escaped safely. A second and third alarm were struck, bringing firefighters from the Indianapolis, Decatur Township, Wayne Township and Beech Grove fire departments.
Photo by Tom Dolan
Los Angeles, April 17, 2016—More than 150 Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters fought a “Major Emergency” fire at a Sun Valley auto salvage yard. Upon arrival, firefighters found 15 vehicles well involved in flames. Fanned by 10-mph winds, the fire spread rapidly through the recycling yard, creating a plume of smoke that could be seen for miles. Waves of firefighters were systematically requested and strategically deployed to surround the inferno. Firefighters fought the fire in a defensive mode, pouring water on the blaze from the exterior of the auto yard. Firefighters worked closely with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to ensure that sufficient water pressure was maintained. The fire ultimately ripped through approximately 1½ acres of the five-block long yard filled with rows of tightly packed vehicles. The fire was extinguished in approximately two hours, but firefighters remained on scene through the night to prevent flare-ups.
Photo by Mike Meadows
