1st Responder News FDNY February Edition

This section is exclusively dedicated to coverage of the New York City Fire Department PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

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FEBRUARY, 2016

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ALLEN EPSTEIN

Long Island City, Queens, NY - On December 19th, FDNY firefighters were dispatched for a drill machine on fire at Jackson Avenue and Orchard Streets in Long Island City.

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February, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

ALLEN EPSTEIN

Plaque dedication

JOHN HOPPER

Six alarms in the Bronx devastates ten buildings On Thursday, December 10, Bronx companies turned out 2086 Valentine Avenue at East 180 Street for reports of flames from the roof of a multiple dwelling.

Dispatchers received numerous calls and loaded up the assignment with four engines, two trucks, Rescue 3 and Squad 41.

Engine 48 arrived on scene first due and transmitted a 10-75 for a fire on the roof of a three story frame. Battalion 19 arrived on scene and transmitted a second

JUMP TO FILE #121415104 alarm for heavy fire through the roof, extending to the Exposure two side.

The fire quickly spread to the exposure two and two A side, requiring the transmission of a third alarm.

The fire continued to spread to exposure 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E, fivethree story frames and five-two

story frames, ten buildings in total. The incident went up to a sixth alarm, assigning units from all over the Bronx, Northern Manhattan and Queens.

The incident was placed under control with an approximate three hour duration. Units were still on scene hitting hot spots long after the fire began.

On December 20th, a plaque dedication was held for Detectives Liu and Ramos in Brooklyn. One year ago today, the two police officers were gunned down while sitting in their police vehicle. The ceremony and unveiling brought a very large NYPD and FDNY turnout.

- JOHN HOPPER

FDNY

Red-tailed hawk rescued by FDNY ALLEN EPSTEIN

Two perish in Brooklyn five alarm blaze Brooklyn, NY - On December 28th, firefighters were dispatched to Richardson and Grand Streets in Brooklyn for an alarm of fire. Crews arrived to find fire throughout a three story frame with extension to the exposures. The second and third floors were fully engulfed and caused units to pull out of the building. Three tower ladders and five hose lines were used to extinguish the fire. By the next day, it was determined that two perished in the fire. Officials are investigating the cause and origin of the fire.

“It’s a juvenile red-tailed hawk, under a year old. It has some injuries, its toes are swollen and it has blood on its abdomen. We were very lucky to catch him. He made an attempt to jump off at the last second but he maneuvered the bucket perfectly. Without this equipment we never would have saved him.” FDNY Firefighter and Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator Robert Horvath describes January 7th's rescue of a red-tailed hawk on Canal St. in Manhattan. With assistance from Firefighter Greg DeBiase and members of Ladder 1 and Battalion 1, Firefighter Horvath was able to capture the injured animal, who had been sitting on the air conditioner of a third floor apartment for over 24 hours. “He just needs some TLC. We’re going to take good care of him.”

1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

February, 2016

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ALLEN EPSTEIN

Fire in a vacant house

On January 8, 2015, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to 155 Avenue and 77 Street in Queens for fire in a home.

Crews arrived to find fire not he first and second floor of a house, which had been vacant since Superstorm Sandy.

Three hose lines were used to extinguish the fire.

JOHN HOPPER

Second alarm in the Bronx destroys private dwelling On Monday, January 11, 2016 at approximately 5:05 p.m., Bronx companies turned out 335 East 236 Street at Katonah Avenue for a report of smoke in a private dwelling.

Battalion 15 quickly arrived on scene and transmitted an urgent 10-75 for a fire on the first floor of a two and a half story frame private dwelling and requested a tower ladder.

The 15 put All Hands to work

JUMP TO FILE #071513129 and requested an extra engine and truck.

Two lines were stretched and put into operation while heavy fire spread to the second floor and the attic.

Division 7 transmitted a second alarm upon arrival. Two more lines were stretched and put into

operation.

Heavy fire in the walls and in the attic were eventually knocked down and all searches were found complete and negative.

Two additional trucks were requested and the fire was placed probably will hold.

The fire was placed under control with an approximate 90 minute duration.

- JOHN HOPPER

ALLEN EPSTEIN ALLEN EPSTEIN

Drill machine cause fire Long Island City, Queens, NY. On December 19th, FDNY firefighters were dispatched for a drill machine on fire at Jackson Avenue and Orchard Streets in Long Island City.

According to reports the machine hit a gas line, which caused the fire. One tower ladder, a ladder pipe and a deck gun were used to extinguish the fire.

Six injured in Queens fire On December 7th, firefighters arrived to find heavy fire and smoke in a three story frame at Ketcham Street and Britton Avenue in Queens. Fire was throughout the building and crews used five hose lines to bring the fire under control. Truck were placed in action to help douse the flames from above. Six injuries were reported to residents. One of those injuries was reportedly in serious condition.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

277 and 112 FDNY HOUSES FDNY HOUSES by Larry Woodcock

Anyone who has heard of Bushwick, Brooklyn knows it’s history as a neighborhood with a rough reputation. From riots to buildings on fire and crime, it has been a slow, but steady climb out of the depths of despair to normalcy and through that time the “House of Pain” has been the one constant in a century of change.

Home to 277 Engine and 112 Truck, previously two separate companies, 112’s quarters on Madison Street was closed to make room for a new school. And despite opposition, it was decided that the truck would move in with 277 on Knickerbocker Avenue, a single bay firehouse.

In September of 1973, 112 moved in and the saga began. At first, it was called the “Ant Farm” due to it’s small quarters. When the rigs pulled out, all of the men got in and resembled swarming ants.

But later, it was coined the “House of Pain” due to the fact that the rigs had to be parked piggyback style and depending on which company got a run, the chauffer had to move the rig so the other could get out. After a short time, the competition of racing back to quarters bonded the companies and made it an even tighter-fitting firehouse. The inconvenience brought the house together even more.

What started, as farmland in the 1800’s, became a bustling neighborhood when the elevated railways on Myrtle Avenue and Broadway made it possible to commute to Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn. Tenements and wood frames were built and Bushwick became known as “Brewers Row” for the fourteen breweries that opened and operated here.

In July of 1977, one of the city’s biggest and most famous fires was fought here. A group of kids started a fire in an abandoned

FDNY

LARRY WOODCOCK

knitting factory located at Knickerbocker and Bleecker Streets. On arrival of the first units, heavy fire was seen on multiple floors with temperatures in the high 90’s.

The battle was already lost. Citizens to keep cool were using open hydrants; there was little pressure to keep the fire from spreading from building to building. At one point, the paint on 124 Truck blistered and the truck had to be moved. Several others were also moved during the firefight.

23 buildings were damaged and destroyed as the fire went to ten alarms with units from Queens and Manhattan operating at the scene.

65 families were left homeless and over 100 people out of work. The fire devastated an already depleted neighborhood that had suffered from the burning down of its Central District on Broadway three days prior during the city-wide blackout that lead to looting and rioting.

But out of the ashes changes were made and during the mid 1990’s changes came, after years of “rock bottom’. Warehouses were converted to loft apartments and brownstones refurbished, which attracted young professionals and artists. This along with the rise in real estate and sky-high prices in Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn made the neighborhood more desirable.

In the mid 1990’s, the fire-

house, after going through numerous repairs, the city decided to tear down the old firehouse and put up a new one. This was not before years of delays and rumors of even of closing Engine 277 for good. One of the delays was getting approval from the Board of Education due to the fact that the firehouse was on school property.

In December of 2007 after a five-year relocation, the companies moved back into their new firehouse. Suddenly, the firehouse that was dubbed the worst firehouse on the job for anyone detailed there, now was the envy of many.

277 Engine was organized on March 20, 1913 and located at 582 Knickerbocker Avenue until moving into their new firehouse at the same location. Ladder 112 was organized as Ladder 12 in the Brooklyn Fire Department on November 20,1893. They were changed over to Ladder 112 on January 1, 1913 have been at this location.

Both companies have a combined four line of duty deaths with numerous medal recipients. In one hundred and twenty two years, the “House of Pain” has enjoyed a stellar reputation among Brooklyn companies and has represented and will carry on the tradition of this department for years to come. A hello to Fabio Valencia, who has spent his entire career in 277, a good friend and a good man.

29 EMT’s graduate On January 6th, FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro presided over the graduation of 29 Emergency Medical Technicians at FDNY Headquarters in Brooklyn. Over the last 12 months, these new EMTs have already served as FDNY Emergency Medical Dispatchers, answering thousands of emergency medical calls and dispatching FDNY resources throughout New York City. Seven of today’s graduates also attended the FDNY High School for Fire and Life Safety in Brooklyn, which they graduated from in 2013.

ALLLEN EPSTEIN

Second floor Queens fire On December 21, 2015, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to 68 Street and 53 Drive in Queens for a fire on the second floor of a private home. Crews arrived to find fire in the bathroom within the master bedroom. One hose line was used to extinguish the fire.

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February, 2016

ALLEN ESTEIN

Fire in two buildings

On December 21, 2015, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to Skillman Street and Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn for fire in a building. Crews arrived to find fire on the second and third floors with extension to exposure four on the top floor and in the cockloft. Firefighters quickly used three hose lines with one tower ladder to extinguish the fire.

Fire in two houses in Queens

ON THE LITER SIDE

On December 27th, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to 146 Street and 120 Avenue in Queens for fire on the second floor of a building. Extension was found in exposure two in the rear. The main body of fire was knocked down quickly. Four hose lines were used to extinguish the fire.

If you have photos you would like to see in our “On The Liter Side” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com

ALLEN EPSTEIN

FDNY

62 officers promoted STEVE WHITE

Richmond Engine Company 1, based in Richmondtown, Staten Island all decked out in holiday lights.

Today, FDNY Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro presided over a ceremony in Brooklyn promoting 62 FDNY officers. “With more 1,300 years of experience, this group of new Chiefs, Fire Marshals and Marine Firefighters have bravely battled fires, saved lives and performed heroic acts throughout their careers,” said Commissioner Nigro. “In their new roles, they will demonstrate the strong leadership that has been a hallmark of the FDNY for the past 150 years.”

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1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

ALLEN EPSTEIN

Colliers mansion in Jackson Heights

On January 8, 2015, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to 85 Street and 37 Avenue in Queens for fire in a house. Crews arrived to find colliers mansion conditions in a two story house with fire in the basement with extension to the first floor.

Three hose lines were used, but units had a hard time getting into the house. Each floor was packed with materials. Three firefighters suf-

JUMP TO FILE #010915101 fered minor injuries. Extensive searches were conducted to find the female resident, but it was determined that she was not at home at the time of the fire.

- ALLEN EPSTEIN

ALLEN EPSTEIN

Forest Hills homes still burning On December 6, 2015, FDNY firefighters were once again dispatched in Forest Hills, Queens for a blaze in a house under construction. Crews arrived at 69 Road and 112 Street to find a large house on fire. During the blaze the home collapsed from the frilled. A tower ladder was placed in operation and three hose lines were used to extinguish the fire.

JOHN HOPPER

Second alarm in the Bronx On January 3, 2016 at approximately 2:40 a.m., Bronx companies turned out to 655 East 230 Street between Carpenter Avenue and Lowerre Place for a reported fire on the third floor of a six story multiple dwelling. Dispatchers received multiple calls for smoke on the upper floors and reports of people trapped. Battalion 15 arrived on scene and transmitted a 10-75 for a fire in a six story H-Type multiple dwelling with people on the fire escapes. All hands were put to work and an additional engine and truck were requested. Numerous rescues were made and CPR was given to one victim.

The condition of the victim is unknown. The main body of fire was quickly knocked down, but the smoke elevated throughout the building, requiring the transmission of a second alarm. The fire was placed under control with an approximate 45 minute duration.

STEVE WHITE

Santa Run On December 19th, Richmond Engine Company 1 did their annual Santa Run giving out candy to the children in Richmondtown, Staten Island.

SHOTS FROM AROUND THE FDNY 1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

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To see your photos in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

FDNY

On January 6th, FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro presided over the graduation of 29 Emergency Medical Technicians at FDNY Headquarters in Brooklyn.

Command post set up at a fire in two houses at 146 Street and 120 Avenue in Queens on December 27th.

ALLEN EPSTEIN

PROVIDED

Engine 316 in East Elmhurst received a recent visit from Santa Clause and his elves (rear middle is 1st Responder correspondent Allen Epstein).

FDNY

FDNY

On December 30th, FDNY Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro presided over a ceremony in Brooklyn promoting 62 FDNY officers.

“I loved my time spent at the EMS Academy. As excited as I am to get out on the streets, I’ll be sad to not come here every day. The instructors were amazing and we’re such a tight-knit group. We worked together so well as a team, and whatever mission they gave us, we accomplished it together. We didn’t leave anybody behind, and we didn’t allow anyone to fail.” – FDNY EMS Academy graduate Paramedic Verena Kansog discusses her time spent training at the EMS Academy.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY