Editorial

From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor Where Does Experience Come From?

I became a firefighter in 1992. As a probationary firefighter and for the next few years, I constantly found myself challenged to be the best at what I was doing. After a few months, I felt like a seasoned firefighter. Fortunately, one or two of the old-timers kept me in line and made sure my ego wasn't going to get me in trouble.

Searching for a theme for this month's Fire News editorial, I gave thought to my career as I mow start my 30th year in the fire service. One of the thoughts that came to mind was the summer of 1995. Throughout that summer, Long Island had an unusual amount of brush fires. Upon our return to the firehouse, one of our senior members always asked how the fire went. It seemed that every time he asked about the fire, the flames were hotter, and the size of the fire increased exponentially. Fast forward to July 2022.

Last week my department battled a fatal fire that challenged our members. I know everyone can look back and recall a fire that not only challenged your skills, but also left a scar on your memory. The memory of a fatal fire doesn't go away. You are left with a haunting mark that will always come back to you in some way. Kudos to my department for making sure our members understood that they did their best to save life and property. I applaud the members of my department who did their best to save the victims of this fire.

Now, back to 1995. The Long Island Wildfires of August 1995 started in July of 1995. Yes, throughout the summer of 1995, brush fires were breaking out throughout Terryville, Rocky Point and eventually moved south to the Long Island Pine Barrens. As a firefighter, what goes through your mind as you are responding to a fire and see a dark violent cloud of smoke in the direction that you are traveling? Responding to my first major wildfire, I had no idea what to expect. Thankfully, the crew of experienced firefighters knew what we were in for that day and kept a watchful eye out for one another as the flames exploded around us. I believe 12 departments worked feverishly to bring the blaze under control. Unfortunately, due to the hot and dry conditions, the flames seem to pop out all over Long Island and eventually led to the Long Island Wildfire of 1995. This fire burned approximately 5000 acres.

I urge all new firefighters to research this fire. Ask yourself would you be ready to go to work to bring a major wildfire under control? Keep in mind that every call is a learning experience. Drills help us direct our thoughts and prepare you for dealing with a thought process to battle fires that may cross your path. Experience is what is needed to safely get you through a tough situation.

I recommend that on nights you are sitting at the firehouse, take a moment to share some of the difficult fires you have had with your newer members. Talk about the scenario so that your members are aware of how they can stay safe during difficult calls. Be prepared for the return of the unexpected call. -Dennis

FireNews.com Fire News, August 2022, Page 5 RochesterHouse Fire

Just around 40400 on June 18, 2022, Rochesterfirefighters were dispatched to Lill Street fortwo calls reporting a structure fire. First companies arrived to fire showing out the Delta side of a 1-1/2 story home and quickly went to work. An aggressive interiorattack was made and a hole was cut in the roof forventilation allowing crews inside the relief they needed to put out the flames. The fire was brought undercontrol just a few minutes later. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Cover Story Garage in Glenmont Goes up in Flames

On June 19, 2022, around 1444, Selkirk and Elsmere Fire were dispatched to a structure fire on Glenmont Road. FASTs were also dispatched. Upon arrival of Bethlehem Police and fire units, the detached garage towards the rearof the property was fully engulfed in flames. ASignal 30 was declared and Slingerlands, Delmarand, later, North Bethlehem units also responded. The cause was underinvestigation, but was not thought to be suspicious. - Fire News photos by Lindmark Photography and Tom Heffernan, Sr.

Eggstravaganza Fundraiser

Midway Fire Department held an “Eggstravaganza” fundraising event on April 8, 2022. The department held multiple egg hunts with eggs filled with prizes, coins and candy. There was a craft fairand food vendors along with Homeland Security, Colonie Police Department and Colonie EMS who had the opportunity to teach Captain Marvel and Spiderman CPR. The fundraiserwas able to raise much needed funds to help build a special needs playground. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn

FASNYRibbon Cutting

On May 23, 2022, the FASNYPresidents, Board of Directors, Trustees, Committee Members, elected officials and friends were there to see the cutting of the ribbon on the new face of the FASNYoffice. Aftera few years in the making the job came to an end. The look is that of a vintage firehouse and it brings delight to Washington Avenue. If you happen to be in Albany area, please stop by to see the place. - Fire News photo by Vinny Galvin, HVVFA

Harrison Electrical Fire

On June 26, 2022, at around 0921, the Harrison Fire Department, along with a Purchase engine, were dispatched to Bradford Street foran electrical fire. Car2164 and Engine 13 arrived to smoke showing from a two-story brick. Units stretch a precautionary line off of Engine 13. Units found a small electrical fire in the garage and knocked it down with a watercan. Units remained on scene venting the structure. - Fire News photo by Brandon Colon

FDNYFire Riders

Historic Home in Berne Destroyed in Fire

On June 5, 2022, at 1730, Berne Fire, Helderburg EMS and Guilderland EMS were dispatched to a structure fire with possible occupant inside, located at a historical house on Helderburg Trail. Onesquethaw and Knox were dispatched to standby in quarters as explosions were reported and a fully engulfed garage was confirmed. The fire then spread quickly to the structure and a signal 30 was called. Onesquethaw, Knox and Westerlo responded to the scene with additional manpowerand tankers. Delmarfire was then called to standby in Onesquethaw’s house. North Bethlehem Fire was requested to the scene forrehab. With a watersupply set up and a fill-up point also set, tankers from multiple department kept making rounds to and from the scene filling up two pools. West Albany was also requested to the scene laterthat evening. - Fire News photos by Lindmark Photography

Recently, DelmarBethlehem EMS, Delmar, and Slingerlands were dispatched to Meads Lane fora fully involved vehicle fire. Bethlehem PD and EMS were already on scene before Delmar's Truck 22 arrived. Slingerlands arrived and both crews went to work. When all the flames were extinguished, the frame of a 2022 Ford Maverick remained. The driverwas evaluated by EMS and latertransported to Albany Med with unknown injuries. Police stated that the driverdrove off the road into an open field where he then proceeded to drive recklessly around leaving tire marks in the field. The driverthen attempted to drive back onto the road afterhis joyride but got stuck in a ditch. That is when the dry grass met the very hot engine and brakes, which ignited the blaze. Police also stated that alcohol was most likely involved as well. - Fire News photo by Lindmark Photography

Off-road Joyride Ends up in Flames

FireNews.com

Fire News, August 2022, Page 11 Fire in Sunset Park E-Bike Shop

Firefighters in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, were kept busy battling a three-alarm fire in an E-bike shop on June 26, 2022. Firefighters arrived to the fire heavy fire venting out the first-floorstore and fire extending to the multiple dwellings above. Units removed some 20plus E-bikes from the shop.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

Albany 3-Alarmer

On May 8, 2022, at about 0630, Albany firefighters arrived at two rooming houses side-by-side on UpperHudson Avenue, which were fully involved. There were 15 college students residing in the two buildings. All exited the buildings and one was taken to the hospital forsmoke inhalation. Troy, Cohoes and Watervliet also responded. - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller

FireNews.com Fire News, August 2022, Page 13

Acting CommissionerLaura Kavanagh Swears in New Chief of Department, Others

Acting Fire CommissionerLaura Kavanagh presided at the swearing-in of fourtop-level staff chiefs on July 1, 2022, at the FDNY Training Academy at Randall’s Island. Acting Commissioner Kavanagh appointed John J. Hodgens as Chief of Department — the highest-ranking uniformed position in the FDNY—and John M. Esposito was appointed Chief of Fire Operations. In addition, Malcolm Moore was promoted to Deputy Assistant Chief and Chief of Special Operations and Charles R. Downey was promoted to Deputy Assistant Chief and appointed Chief of the Fire Academy. - Photos provided by the FDNY

3 Injured in Woodstock MVA

On June 20, 2022, at 1148, the Woodstock Fire Department was dispatched fora reported vehicle into a building with a possible person trapped underthe vehicle on Mill Hill Road. Within three minutes the Woodstock Fire Department Paramedics and Woodstock Police were on scene reporting that there was a confirmed carinto the building with multiple patients. Asecond ambulance, a mutual aid rescue truck, and a rotatortow truck responded. Firefighters and EMS personnel simultaneously began stabilizing the vehicle, treating the patients, and started the process of removing the trapped patient from underthe vehicle. Athird ambulance was requested from West Hurley. Approximately 30 minutes into the incident the patient was removed from underthe vehicle. Three patients were transported —two to HAHV Broadway Campus and one to Vassar. Three were treated and refused transport. Mutual aid came from West Hurley, Woodstock Police, New York State Police, UlsterCounty Sheriff’s Office, Perry's Towing, the Town of Woodstock, and the UlsterCounty Department of Emergency Services and the Olive Fire Department which provided coverage forWoodstock. - Fire News photos courtesy AC/EMT Patrick Rose, Woodstock FD

Carvs. Dump Truck in Coeymans Hollow

On June 20, 2022, at around 1800, Coeymans Hollow Fire, Ravena Rescue and Albany County Paramedics were dispatched to County Route 101 fora car-versus-dump truck MVA. It was unknown exactly how the accident occurred, but tire marks and debris on the road indicate that the sedan crossed the double yellow line veering into oncoming lanes striking the dump truck. - Fire News photos by Lindmark Photography

CarFire Training

Recently, Winona Lake Fire Company probies trained on carfires and hose handling. They also learned how magnesium reacts in a carfire. - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick

Florida Rope Training