Hot Shots 12/21

Dec. 13, 2021
Hot Shots includes an image that was captured by a drone that shows the positioning of four of the seven tower ladders that were used to knock down a fire in Manhattan in New York City that in a structure that housed eight stores.

WEST HAVEN, CT, JULY 1—A box was put out for the rear of the dwelling that was two blocks from Allingtown fire headquarters, and the chiefs radioed that they could see smoke. The first-due chief reported that he had heavy smoke and fire on the first floor. As companies stretched hoselines, they were hampered by a burnt-out rear stairwell. Two members fell partially through the stairwell but were able to self-extricate. Topside ventilation was initiated. The fire rapidly extended to the third floor, which prompted the chief to transmit a second alarm. Trucks continued to open up as engine companies overcame the stairwell issue to bring the fire under control in about an hour.

Photo by Glenn Duda

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CA, OCT.12—A Sikorsky Sea King helicopter that operated under a U.S. Forest Service contract worked on the second day of the Alisal Fire, as the fire threatened many homes in Refugio Canyon. Nearly 2,000 firefighters battled the fire that burned nearly 17,000 acres and destroyed 12 homes along the coastal mountain range north of the city of Goleta.

Photo by Keith Cullom

MANHATTAN, NY, NOV. 3—At approximately 3 a.m., units were dispatched for multiple reports of smoke from the roof of a taxpayer. A working fire was transmitted on arrival for a fire on the first floor of a single-story taxpayer that contained eight stores. A second alarm was transmitted at 3:17 a.m. as the smoke condition intensified. Heavy fire broke through the roof, and all members were withdrawn at 3:23 a.m. The defensive operation quickly went to a third alarm at 3:26 a.m., and a fourth alarm soon after. Seven tower ladders were put into operation. This kept most of the fire damage to stores on one side of the structure. Two Multiversals and several handlines also operated. The visible fire was knocked down, but the heavy smoke continued. A fifth alarm was sounded for relief at 6:30 a.m., and the fire was placed under control at 7:19 a.m. Two hundred firefighters battled the blaze.

Photo by Bill Tompkins

DAUPHIN, PA, OCT. 17—First-arriving companies were met with heavy fire showing from the rear of a two-story commercial building that housed both the Lions Club and Dauphin Middle-Paxton Historical Society. Initial lines were stretched for an exterior attack. An aerial was set up from an open area on the D side. Evacuation tones were sounded to ensure that no companies were operating on the interior. All companies were advised of a burned-through first floor. Multiple handlines, aerial streams and Blitzfires were set up to knock down the main body of fire. The building was erected in 1826 and originally served as the location for the Dauphin Public School.

Photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!