Editorial

From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor AnotherYearDown… Just Around the Corner

As I was reading the April Long Island Fire News at my firehouse, I took note of our emblem that says, “Fire News 49th Anniversary.” I found it hard to believe that Fire News’50th Anniversary is around the corner.

I finished being a Captain in the Terryville Fire Department in 2000. My company knew that in a previous life, I buffed fire calls in NYC as a young kid. I’d ride my bicycle to calls. Eventually, I acquired an inexpensive camera and took photos of the members of Engine 291 and Ladder 140. My childhood heroes loved the photos. Sadly, I never made copies for myself. But I can say the many dinners I had with the members was my reward for taking the photos. Eventually my dad’s chauffer took me under his wing and introduced me to photography. Richie Kubler had a family photo business, and my first paid job was picking up the undeveloped film and bringing it back developed the next day. Whoever thought this job would open the door to working at Fire News as a photographer? In 2000, I gained a reputation as being a photographer who had one goal in mind. My goal was to honor the volunteer fire service with photographs of the members of the Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services in a positive light. Yes, I still have many of my first photos because I was part of the digital age.

Eventually Fire News decided to expand and started a New Jersey edition, the Wildwood edition, which highlighted the NJ Firemen’s Convention, and a New York State edition, which included the emergency services throughout NYS and New York City. How did this happen? Our early expansion happened because of the support from Publisher Frank Trotta, Executive Editor Tim Edwards, Advertising Specialist Barbara Connolly, an art staff which included Cliff Chiesa, Lynn Sedler and Greg Jones. The man who brought our production of 12 editions that reach 15 states is Gary Joyce. Gary is the guy you never see, but his work is seen by everyone. Since Fire News is all digital, our stories come into the paper via email. It is a monumental job to keep the stories sorted. Bryan Lopez spends hours downloading and filing our stories, so that our art staff can prepare the photos for print.

Our 12 editions would not be possible without the support of our dedicated advertisers. Their products are highlighted in their ads, in the Fire News Special Features page and in our Industry News section. Yes, Fire News is now more that stories. Our advertisers work hard to bring you new products on a regular basis.

Finally, Fire News has a dedicated staff of recognized photographers, who go out in all kinds of weather to cover events happening all over the states that they cover. Thank you to our photographers who cover fires, motor vehicle accidents, training, dedications and so many other areas that make all of us better firefighters. In a few months, our 49 Years of Excellence will read 50 Years of Excellence! I am proud to be part of this great paper that was started by Jeb Ladouceur. Sadly, Jeb has recently passed away. He will never be forgotten as he guides my pen when I write my monthly editorial. In closing, I say thank you to the Fire Service for enjoying Fire News. There is more to come!

- Dennis

Lawrence 3-Alarmer

Firefighters battled a three-alarm fire in Lawrence (MA) on February 19, 2022.

5 Alarms forExplosion and Fire

On March 3, 2022, Bradford (NH) Fire and automatic aid partners were dispatched to New Hampshire Route 114 fora large commercial building destroyed by an explosion. The fire went to five alarms, as well as having three ambulances, two med flight helicopters and Concord’s towerladderspecial called above the fifth. - Fire News photos by Dylan Conway and Jay Heath

Residents Displaced in Springfield Blaze

On February 28, 2022, Springfield (MA) firefighters battled a blaze on Mountainview Street just after2030, in the city’s Forest Park section. Crews arrived to a large 2-1/2 story wood frame with heavy fire on the first floorC and D side. With heavy fire conditions and frigid temperatures, crews initially went defensive to try to knock down the fire load. Crews also made entry on the Aside. Conditions deteriorated quickly forcing crews from the large home. An extra truck was added to help continue to battle the blaze defensively. Multiple 2-1/2 inch lines and two ladderpipes were put in use. It took crews over90 minutes to bring the stubborn fire undercontrol. The fire was investigated by the Springfield Arson and Bomb Squad. Multiple people were displaced by the fire.

- Fire News photo by John DeForest

CarFire on I-293

Bedford (NH) and Manchester(NH) firefighters received reports of a Jeep on fire on Interstate 293 south nearthe Bedford town line recently. Bedford Fire arrived to a fully-involved vehicle and confirmed the occupant had safely gotten out. Firefighters used water, foam and extinguishers to knock down the fire. The highway had significant traffic backups as the travel lane and breakdown lane were closed while firefighters worked. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office directed traffic around the incident, a job usually handled by New Hampshire State Police, who were at the funeral of a Massachusetts State Trooperkilled in the line of duty.

FireNews.com

Fire News, May/June 2022, Page 7 40+ Displaced by Hamden 3-Alarmer

On February 14, 2022, numerous calls were received fora fire on WarnerStreet in Hamden (CT). Asecond alarm was transmitted while en route by the battalion chief due to the high occupancy and size of the structure. Rescue 2 arrived to a large apartment complex with heavy smoke showing and heavy fire through the roof. There was a severe watersupply issue, which prompted a third alarm to be transmitted by Chief of Department Merwede. Crews from North Haven, Wallingford, Cheshire and New Haven were called in on mutual aid. The fire rapidly extended throughout the complex prompting a defensive firefight in cold conditions. The fire took three ladders, a deck gun, multiversal and multiple handlines 2-1/2 hours to bring undercontrol. Crews remained on the scene throughout the night dousing hot spot. The cause of the fire was being investigated. Over40 residents were displaced. - Fire News photos by Glenn Duda, CFPA; Patrick Dooley; and FireGroundImages.com

New Britain Vacancy Burns

On March 8, 2022, New Britain (CT) crews responded to a twoalarm fire on West Main Street and Grove Hill. Police found the vacant building on fire at about 0320. Crews attempted an interiorattack but due to clutterand advanced fire conditions they went defensive.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

Civilians Rescue Resident

This fire occurred on March 24, 2022, when firefighters received numerous calls reporting smoke showing from a dwelling. Companies had heavy smoke showing as soon as they left theirquarters. Companies had heavy fire showing on arrival. Civilians rescued a resident who suffered serious injuries. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea

Good Stop in Sterling

Crews battled a two-alarm fire in Sterling (MA) on April 4, 2022. The fire was in a garage and extended into the breezeway of a two-story house. Crews had over20 calls fora house fire priorto arrival. The chief arrived to find the garage fully involved and already extending into the house. Asecond alarm was struck bringing mutual aid from several towns to the scene. Crews knocked the fire down before it could extend into the main house. - Fire News photo by David Bryce

New Haven 2-Alarmer

On March 10, 2022, New Haven (CT) Engine 6 arrived to smoke and fire showing from the first floorof a private dwelling on George Street. Multiple lines were stretched as the trucks opened up and performed searches. The fire was held to the first floorwith minorextension to the floorabove. The fire took about 45 minutes to bring undercontrol. No one was injured. - Fire News photos by Glenn Duda, CFPA; and

Fill The Box Fire Photography

Long Night in Fall River

Fire News, May/June 2022, Page 9 4-Alarmer in Gardner

On April 3, 2022, at 1715, Fall River(MA) firefighters were dispatched to High Street fora reported fire and explosions. Car2, underthe command of District Chief Matt Johnson, reported heavy smoke immediately upon leaving the station. Moments laterhe reported heavy fire in a three-story Victorian home. The single-family home was built in 1890 and seven adults and one child were residing there. The residents were sitting down to a meal discovered a wall of flame entering the kitchen from the exterior. Command called for a second alarm. Afterknocking down the heavy exteriorfire, companies made theirway inside only to have to evacuate a short time lateras heavy fire took control of all floors. Platform 1 used their towerand, along with several handlines, were able to darken down the fire and then return to interioroperations. Firefighters were on scene forseveral hours, with a spare piece being detailed to be a fire watch overnight.

- Fire News photo by Ken Leger On March 29, 2022, Gardner(MA) firefighters responded to what would become a four-alarm fire. The fire started in the kitchen and extended from there. Heavy fire worked its way into the second floorand attic. The roof was vented and fire broke through several of the holes. Multiple lines were stretched and two tower ladders were used. - Fire News photo by David Bryce

Looking Back Leominster- 1989 Brockton - 1980

June 18, 1989, Fathers Day fire. Leominster(MA) firefighters used a big line to cool the exposure building from catching fire on Prescott Street. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade

On January 19, 1980, a five-story brick building on Main Street in Brockton (MA), underrenovation, Was fully involved on arrival with a second and third alarms quickly sounded. - Fire News photo by Bob Myers

Somerville - 1991

Somerville 7 Alarms 21 South St May 20, 1991. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade

Athol - 1996

March 21, 1996 4 alarms in Athol (MA). - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade

2 Houses on Fire in Middletown

At 1330 on March 16, 2022, the Middletown (CT) Fire Department responded to a two-alarm fire on Clinton Avenue with two homes on fire. Middletown received mutual aid from Cromwell, Meriden, Middlefield, New Britain, Portland, South District and Westfield. Two firefighters were hospitalized after suffering burns. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation with the Middletown Fire Marshal’s Office and Connecticut State Police.

- Fire News photo by Olivia Drake

Fire News, May/June 2022, Page 11 2 Alarms in Framingham

Framingham (MA) Fire responded to a building fire on site of a country club located on Gates Street on April 2, 2022. Upon arrival, companies faced difficult access and watersupply issues. Shortly after, it became known there was a hazardous chemicals being stored within the building. Due to the fire load, structural integrity concerns, and hazardous chemicals, the companies assumed a defensive position. As conditions deteriorated, a second alarm was ordered. Crews worked forupwards of an hour, establishing multiple watersupplies to feed a masterstream and exteriorlines before the fire was knocked down. - Fire News photo by Dylan Conway

Mayday at Derry Fire

Derry (NH) firefighters battled a fire in a fruit/farm stand on Maple Street on February 23, 2022. Companies arrived to fire showing from the centerof the building and a partial collapse in the rear. A Mayday was called and command struck a second alarm. The Mayday was quickly cleared and command canceled the second alarm and companies went defensive forthe remainderof the fire. - Fire News photos by Patrick Kerrigan and Dylan Conway

Lakeville 2-Alarmer

Lakeville Hose Company responded to a house fire recently that brought a two-alarm response, plus five extra tankers to the scene. - Fire News photo by Ed Harvey

Page 12, Fire News, May/June 2022

Derby Basement Fire

On March 13, 2022, the Derby (CT) Fire Department was dispatched to a fire in the area of Elm and Chapel Streets. Ansonia was dispatched as RIT, and Shelton also responded. First companies on scene found heavy smoke showing from a 1-1/2 story home located on Chapel Street. Derby FD-2 Assistant Chief Gloade assumed command. Members encountered heavy fire in a section of the basement to which the fire was contained. - Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com

Chimney Collapse at Woonsocket Blaze

Woonsocket (RI) firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing from a dwelling on Grove Street on February 21, 2022. The Aside of the two-story occupied dwelling had heavy overlapping fire on both floors. Companies led off with 2-1/2 inch lines and a blitz gun. Command requested a second alarm, bringing in many mutual aid companies. The fire made its way into and through the roof line. Crews on the bravo side escaped safely when the chimney collapsed without warning. Several puppies were rescued from the building during searches, howeversome of theirlittersuccumbed. All the occupants escaped safely. The fire was ruled to be caused by a space heater. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

Lincoln Garage Fire Held

Lincoln (RI) firefighters responded to the Conklin Limestone Quarry property on WilburRoad on January 10, 2022, fora garage fire. Engine 3 arrived to find smoke showing from a four-bay, single-story commercial garage. An attack line was quickly stretched in through an overhead door and knocked down the rolling fire in the attic area. The fire was contained to a third of the attic area with a possible cause due to a heating unit. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle Lowell (MA) Fire was dispatched to a large three decker formultiple calls reporting a structure fire on Maude Street on March 3, 2022. Upon arrival from Engine 2 and Ladder2 from the Branch Street station, heavy fire was showing and there were multiple people trapped, most on the upperfloors. Lowell Ladder2 was able to rescue multiple occupants from the third floorwith theiraerial as conditions rapidly deteriorated. The second and third alarms were quickly transmitted. Laterinto the fire anothervictim was pulled from the building on a lowerlevel and transported to a nearby hospital by Trinity ambulance. In total, five people were rescued by Lowell Fire, and a sixth individual died in the building. - Fire News photo Dylan Conway

Meriden 3rd Alarm

On February 26, 2022, Meriden (CT) firefighters arrived to find heavy fire venting from the topfloorwindows of a four-story vacant mill building. They immediately went to defensive operations putting two ladder pipes and two multiversals into operation. They were able to quickly darken down the heavy volume of fire. Second and third alarms were transmitted bringing departments from Southington, Middletown and Wallingford to the scene. The fire had taken a deep-seated hold on the top floor. Firefighters remained on the scene into the morning dousing pockets of fire and flare ups. The cause of the fire was investigated by the Meriden FMO.

- Fire News photo by Glenn Duda, CFPA

Barnstead 2-Alamer

Crews battled a two-alarm fire during a snowstorm in Barnstead (NH) on February 25, 2022.

- Fire News photo by Sean Fesko

1 Fatality, But 5 Rescued in Lowell Blaze

Beverly 3-Alarmer

In the afternoon hours on a pleasant February day, the Beverly (MA) Fire Alarm Office struck the box fora fire in a building on Swan Street. First-due companies arrived to heavy smoke and fire showing from the first and second floors of an occupied 2-1/2 story frame. Chief of Department Pete O’Connor quickly called a third alarm. Beverly jakes were assisted by Danvers, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody and Wenham. - Fire News photo by Glenn Preston

Page 14, Fire News, May/June 2022 Brockton 2-Alarm House Fire

Bristol Strip Mall Fire

1 Burned in Tanner City 3-Bagger

- Fire News photo by Bob Myers

- Fire News photo by Rick Kulmann

- Fire News photo by Glenn S. Preston

Hoarding Conditions at Fitchburg Fire Hopkinton Chimney Fire

- Fire News photo by Sean Fesko

Nashua House Fire

- Fire News photo by Patrick Kerrigan

Fire Stopped in Arlington

- Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan Shelton 2-Alarmer

Cover Story

Central Falls Home Heavily Damaged by 3-Alarmer

On the afternoon of March 7, 2022, the Central Falls (RI) Fire Department responded to BarberAvenue fora house fire. On arrival, companies found heavy fire showing from the Bravo side of an occupied 3-1/2 story house. All of the occupants were able to escape priorto the arrival of the fire department. Asecond alarm was immediately struck, which brought crews from Pawtucket and Lincoln to the scene. Companies attempted an interior attack but due to the advanced fire conditions, command ordered all firefighters to withdraw and go into defensive operations. One ladderpipe, one deck gun and several lines knocked down the fire. Firefighters then reentered to complete an extensive overhaul operation and extinguish any remaining fire. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire was deemed to be electrical in nature. - Fire News photos by Amanda Carmody and Tom Carmody

No Injuries at Cranston Collapse

Cranston (RI) Firefighters dispatched to a structure fire on Lincoln Avenue around 0300 on February 25, 2022. Crews arrived to find heavy fire showing from a three-story wood frame structure with extension to a second structure in the rearof the house. The Bravo and Delta exposures suffered minimal damage. Approximately 90-minutes into the incident the main fire building collapsed. No civilians orfirefighters were injured during the blaze. - Fire News photo by Chris Palmer

Fatality at Agwam Blaze

Agawam (MA) firefighters were dispatched just after0900 fora structure fire on Squires Lane. Upon the arrival of Engine 2, they had heavy smoke and fire showing from a two-story wood framed home. Crews made an aggressive attack on the fire which ultimately engulfed the home. Mutual aid came from Westfield, West Springfield and Springfield. It took crews almost 90 mins to bring the blaze undercontrol. The home was a total loss and the fire was under investigation by the state police, Agawam Police and the state fire marshal. This fire claimed the life of a teen and injured an adult. - Fire News photo by John DeForest

Page 18, Fire News, May/June 2022 Carinto Lake Massabesic

Auburn (NH) Fire Rescue, Derry (NH) Fire EMS and Auburn Police responded to a report of a vehicle that had driven into Lake Massabesic from Front Park on the Londonderry Turnpike. Conflicting reports came in if the vehicle was occupied. When Auburn Police arrived, they found a man had been removed from the submerged vehicle by bystanders. The man who was cold, and shaken up was able to walk to a cruiserto wait forEMS. The man was then transported to the Elliot Hospital. Auburn Fire put rescue personnel in the waterto place oil absorbing booms around the vehicle, and secure the vehicle to prevent it from going furtherinto the lake. Grant Towing used a large tow truck to remove the vehicle. Witnesses say the man was sitting in the vehicle, and for unknown reasons drove forward. The vehicle went overa rock wall, down a small embankment and into the lake. - Fire News photo by Jeffrey Hastings Berlin MVA

Crews responded to a carparked on the side of the road hit by a truck. No injuries reported. Berlin (CT) Engine 8 and Tac 11 operated on scene. - Fire News photo by Robert Brown

Shelton MVA with Double Extrication

At approximately 1630 on March 5, 2022, the Shelton Fire Department was dispatched to Leavenworth Road just north of Indian Well Road fora head-on collision. Companies arrived to a two-carMVAwith one person trapped in each vehicle needing extrication. Both vehicles had heavy front-end damage with one vehicle up and overthe guardrail needing to be secured to keep it from going down a steep embankment. The othervehicle’s front end was plunged into the ledge wall on the opposite side of the road. According to police, both drivers were transported to local hospitals, one with serious injuries. The Shelton Police Traffic Division Reconstruction Team did an investigation. - Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com

Snowmobile Accident in Gilford

On February 12, 2022 Gilford (NH) crews responded to a snowmobile accident on Lake Winnipesaukee. - Fire News photo by Sean Fesko

Waterbury MVA

On February 18, 2022, about 1130, Waterbury (CT) Fire Department responded to Meriline and Rockaway Avenues, in the East End foran MVAwith entrapment. The vehicle was on its side with an unresponsive victim trapped. - Fire News photo by Rick Kulmann

FireNews.com Fire News, May/June 2022, Page 19 1 Extricated from ManchesterMVA

Manchester(NH) Fire, and AMR Ambulance responded to a head-on collision on Front Street. Responders arrived to find a man entrapped in a vehicle with serious leg injuries, requiring extrication. MFD Rescue 1 responded and began to remove the doors from the driver’s side of the vehicle. Firefighters provided medical care to the victim in the carand covering him to protect from the glass breaking from the extrication. Firefighters worked forabout 45 minutes to extricate the victim, and AMR medics requested a trauma team activation while the patient was being extricated. The victim was removed and transported to a local hospital with what appeared to be serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The driverof the other vehicle refused medical treatment and remained at the scene. - Fire News photo by Jeffrey Hastings

Bridgeport Water Rescue Call

On February 14, 2022, the Bridgeport (CT) Fire Department was dispatched to Gilmore Avenue at Midland Avenue fora reported waterrescue in Ash Creek. Dispatch received reports of a woman making herway down to the waterand dropping what the callerreported as an infant into the waterand then leaving. Multiple companies from multiple city agencies from Bridgeport and Fairfield operated at the scene forapproximately two hours before calling off the search due to information received from investigations of the woman and the father reporting all children were home safe. Operations had proved difficult due to the shallow waterand thick silt of the creek. Boats, divers and rescue personal in coldwatersuits had a hard time navigating these conditions, which also lead to extended decon and tore suits. - Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com

Horse Rescue in Groton

Pepperell Fire with theirlarge animal rescue equipment assisted Groton Fire with an equestrian rescue on Longley Road in Groton (CT). - Fire News photo by Shaun Shattuck

Horse Rescue in Mattapoisette

The Plymouth County Technical Rescue Team was activated fora horse down in a stall on Accushnet Road in Mattapoisette (MA). The team was able to move the horse to an area that allowed the horse to stand up. This was the third horse rescue at this address in two months. - Fire News photo by John Sjostedt