DETROIT, JUNE 14—The 5th battalion companies of the Detroit Fire Department responded to a reported building fire. Engine 17 arrived on scene and reported heavy smoke showing from a two-story store front, which was part of a block-long row of buildings. Companies stretched for fire attack while worked on the interior of the building. Not long after, Chief 5 ordered all of the companies that were on the interior out of the building, requested a second alarm and switched to defensive operations. A senior chief arrived, requested a third alarm and reported fire in the center building of a row of buildings. Companies operated on scene for three hours to bring the fire under control.
Photo by Dennis Walus
GENEVA, NY, MAY 10—Geneva firefighters were dispatched for the report of a fire. On arrival, companies found heavy smoke showing from the rear of a strip mall. Crews made entry into both the front and rear of the building as smoke pushed from both sides. Members worked to combat the fire but found that it had advanced quickly into the cockloft of the building. Firefighters eventually were pulled out of the building and transitioned to an exterior operation. Two tower ladders and an aerial master stream worked to knock down the heavy fire in the cockloft. Firefighters were able to keep the fire from running the full length of the building.
Photo by Jon Tenca
PATERSON, NJ, MAY 22—Heavy fire from the front greeted the first-arriving companies at a fire at a large commercial building that had a bow-string truss roof. Following explosions and collapses, a second alarm was transmitted. As the fire consumed the building, firefighters worked to keep the flames from spreading to the exposure buildings. Thick black smoke and embers covered the area. Three elevated master streams, several ground monitors and multiple handlines held the flames, but the damage to the building and contents was complete. The large truss assemblies collapsed into the interior. The exposure buildings were opened up, and any minor extension of the fire was quickly quelled. A third alarm was called for to help with staffing.
Photo by Bill Tompkins
OMAHA, NE, MAY 30—A massive fire engulfed a chemicals warehouse, which caused parts of the building to collapse. Firefighters had difficulty accessing the fire when they arrived. Once they did gain access, the severity of the fire had intensified greatly, and member encountered explosions. Crews were pulled back to go defensive. The company manufactures form coatings, water repellants, liquid floor hardeners and joint fillers, among others, but the contents of the warehouse were unknown at press time.
Photo by Mike Connor
Firehouse Staff
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