Jefferson Parish, LA, April 10—The initial interior attack of the Jefferson Parish Fire Department had to be pulled out when fire came through the roof of this so-called camel back house (the dwelling’s design is single-story in the front and two-story in the rear). Fire on the second floor of such a house can be more difficult to get to when fire is present on the first floor. Once the roof on such a house is vented, it usually is easier to fight fire in the rear. However, limited manpower in a place such as Jefferson Parish can make assigning firefighters to vent the roof a challenge. Photo by Chris Mickal
Los Angeles, May 17—Upon arrival at a downtown one-story commercial building that housed a wholesale distributor of smoking and vaping products, firefighters found smoke and engaged in an aggressive, offensive fire attack. They made entry to chase the seat of the fire when an explosion occurred. A mayday was put out. Twelve firefighters suffered significant injuries. Additional units were added, making the event a major emergency response. A medical branch was created to attend to the injured firefighters. Canisters of carbon dioxide and butane reportedly were discovered. Butane is one of the ingredients that’s needed for production of illegal marijuana products. The wholesale distributor is not a cannabis business. Photo by Michael Meadows
Hackensack, NJ, May 16—Hackensack Fire Department’s Ladder 1 and Ladder 2 operated ladder pipes at a multiple-alarm fire at a commercial building. Initially, firefighters made a push inside of the building, having stretched hoselines to the front door. The roof was vented. However, all members were withdrawn as conditions deteriorated: Heavy fire broke through the roof in the rear. Flames extended to the roof area of the Delta side of the building before the spread was halted. Mutual aid was provided by the Englewood Fire Department. Two retail businesses that were housed in the building were gutted and a third was damaged. Photo by Bill Tompkins
Fort Salonga, NY, May 5—Upon arrival on scene, the Kings Park Fire Department found the house heavily involved in fire. Neighbors reported that occupants might be inside. An aggressive primary search was conducted, but crews had to withdraw because of deteriorating fire conditions. (The occupants later were accounted for, having self-evacuated prior to the arrival of firefighters.) A defensive attack was mounted, utilizing two tower ladders and multiple handlines. Mutual aid was provided by the Commack Fire Department, East Northport Fire Department, Greenlawn Fire Department, Northport Volunteer Fire Department and Smithtown Fire Department. Photo by Joseph Sperber
Firehouse Staff
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