SPRINGFIELD, MA, MARCH 12— A two-alarm fire damaged a two-family house and a neighboring residence as a result of careless smoking. Springfield Fire Department dispatched seven engines, three trucks, a rescue squad and two district chiefs to the incident. Thirty-seven firefighters were on scene. Thirteen civilians were displaced by the fire.
Photo by John DeForest
MADISON, IL, MARCH 11—The Madison Fire Department, with assistance from the St. Louis Fire Department, battled a multi-alarm blaze at a recycling plant. Reports indicated that more than 70 firefighters were on scene, nearby residents were evacuated and rail traffic was shut down during the fire. The plant’s recycling efforts included metals, computers and electronics. The National Weather Service in St. Louis said that smoke from the incident was seen on its radar.
Photo by Connor Hamilton
SMITHTOWN, NY, MARCH 1—Upon arrival, firefighters of the Smithtown Fire Department encountered a heavy fire condition that showed from the carport of a ranch house. Mutual aid was provided by the Hauppauge Fire Department, the St. James Fire Department and the Nesconset Fire Department. In total, 60 firefighters responded with four engines, one ladder, two rescues and two ambulances. One of the rescues acted as the rapid intervention team. The fire was brought under control in 30 minutes. Overhaul operations took an additional hour.
Photo by Joseph C. Sperber
PATERSON, NJ, MARCH 16—A mayday was called for a member of the Paterson Fire Division who fell through the roof of a commercial building 15 minutes after companies arrived. Fellow members quickly reached the fallen firefighter, who was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Twenty-six minutes after the first calls about the fire, a fourth alarm was sounded, and the incident commander requested the water company to boost pressure as a result of how large the blaze became. Four elevated streams, two deck guns and numerous handlines were employed. A collapse zone was established when the roof caved in and the Alpha and Delta walls showed signs of deterioration. A fifth alarm was requested 10 minutes after the fourth alarm for manpower and relief purposes.
Photo by Peter Danzo
