Hot Shots 6/22

CHICAGO, FEB. 21—A 3-11 fire that began at 3:30 a.m. as an outside fire that involved a stairwell in a large, occupied apartment building quickly spread into the apartment complex and across a narrow alley into several large truss-roof commercial occupancies. Firefighters were met with a large volume of rapidly spreading fire on two streets as well as a major search and rescue effort. One of the commercial occupancies was a microbrewery, and numerous cylinders of compressed gases that are used in the brewing process exploded throughout the initial operations. Several master streams and aerial devices were utilized. A 3-11 alarm brings approximately 12 engine companies, six truck companies, two tower ladders, a heavy rescue snorkel squad and several EMS units. The commercial occupancies and most of the residential buildings were a heavy or total loss. One injured civilian was transported early in the incident.

Photo by Steve Redick

Artie Osniak 3 6 22 New Kensington, Pa House Fire Pic 2

NEW KENSINGTON, PA, MARCH 6—Police were on scene within a minute-and-a-half of a call to Westmoreland County 9-1-1 for a house on fire. They advised of a working fire with someone possibly inside of the one side of the balloon-frame duplex. Two police officers made entry into the structure and attempted to rescue the person. They were forced out by intense heat and smoke conditions. An assistance chief with the New Kensington Fire Department arrived, donned his PPE and SCBA, made entry, found the victim, exited the structure and turned the woman over to EMS. The fire extended to the Bravo exposure, where it moved from back to front and caused the roof to collapse. The attack on the fire was hampered by strong winds and how close the exposures were to the fire building. Approximately 70 firefighters and 14 pieces of equipment were on scene. The victim didn’t survive.

Photo by Artie Osniak

Bill Tompkins 4 12 22 Bergenfield, Nj Rapid Roof Evac Pic 1

BERGENFIELD, NJ, APRIL 12—On arrival, members of the Bergenfield Fire Department found heavy fire showing in the rear of a two-and-a-half-story split-level, extending from ground level outside up into the eaves and attic area. Heavy smoke was pushing out of the eaves on the A side. A second alarm was transmitted as two lines were stretched into the front door. The truck company vented the roof, and heavy fire came through the vent hole. As parts of the roof began to burn away and collapse, members had to make a hasty retreat. All companies were withdrawn, and a third alarm was sounded. Multiple handlines were operated from three sides. Within an hour’s time, the visible fire was knocked down, and members went inside to open up and overhaul. Mutual aid was provided by the Dumont Volunteer Fire Department, the Englewood Fire Department, the New Milford Fire Department, the Teaneck Fire Department and the Tenafly Fire Department.

Photo by Bill Tompkins

John De Forest 2 28 22 Springfield, Ma Wood Frame Pic 3

SPRINGFIELD, MA, FEB. 28—Members of the Springfield Fire Department arrived at a two-and-a-half-story wood-frame with heavy fire on the first floor of the C and D sides. With heavy conditions and frigid temperatures, crews initially went defensive to try to knock down the heavy fire load. Crews then made entry on the A side, but conditions deteriorated quickly, which forced them from the structure. An extra truck was added to battle the blaze defensively. Multiple 2½-inch lines and two ladder pipes were used. It took crews more than 90 minutes to bring the stubborn fire under control.

Photo by John DeForest