Operations & Training

Fire Wire 1/13

Jan. 1, 2013

DEC. 3: UNION CITY, NJ – Firefighters found heavy fire coming from the top floor of an occupied four-story mixed-use building. Approximately 20 people escaped the fire, but nearly 100 residents were displaced. As crews advanced on the fire, the roof collapsed. Ladder pipes, a squirt and a tower ladder from Jersey City responded to the third alarm.

NOV. 2: OCALA, FL – Five people using a gasoline generator inside their home survived carbon monoxide poisoning when one was able to call 911.

NOV. 10: COOKVILLE, TN – Improperly discarded cigarettes were a possible cause of a blaze that likely began on a home’s front porch and caused $40,000-$50,000.

NOV. 14: MERIDEN, CT – Flames were already shooting from the back of the house upon firefighters’ arrival and the fire progressed from the first floor to the second floor and attic.

NOV. 30: ACCOMACK COUNTY, VA – Investigators were probing about two dozen fires that they believe were intentionally set by a serial arsonist. The fires all occurred in abandoned buildings and all were between 8:30 P.M. and 4 A.M.

DEC. 4: LAS VEGAS, NV – The occupant of a home was using a torch to work on plumbing when it started a fire in the wall of a two-story home, causing $25,000 in damage.

DEC. 5: FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA – Damage was estimated at $150,000 after fire broke out in a single-family two-story home. Firefighters conducted an aggressive fire attack and it was under control in approximately 20 minutes. Two adults and three children were displaced.

Thanks to contributors: David Bowen, Jay K. Bradish, Donald E. Brady, Bo Power and Brian Stoothoff.