The Warren Fire Department responded for a structure fire in the 600 block of Lener Avenue SW.
See story on page 4
Basement Electrical Fire Displaces 5
Cleveland Fire responded to an occupied house fire on Parkview off MLK Boulevard in Battalion 5.
See story on page 8
Heavy Fire Load on Arrival
Chesapeake Union Township Fire crews recently responded to a fully involved structure fire.
See story on page 10
Dog Saved from Drowning
Abystander flagged down Akron Fire Department units to report a dog in the water near Channelwood Village.
See story on page 15
Childhood Abuse Awareness Month
The Cincinnati Fire Department participated in the Pinwheels for Prevention event at Smale Park.
See story on page 17
Remembering the LODD of FAO Daryl Gordon
On March 26, 2025, we recognized the 10-year remembrance of the line-ofduty death of FAO Daryl Gordon.
See story on page 21
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2-Acre Brush Fire on Fallsburg Rd.
On April 14, 2025, at 1304 hours, Madison Grass-101, Rescue101 and Chief-112 responded to the 3400 area of Fallsburg Road fora brush fire. Grass-691 and Grass-541 were requested for assistance in extinguishing the two-acre fire.
- Photo courtesy of Madison Township FD
Vacant House Fire in Warren
At 0538 hours, the Warren Fire Department responded fora structure fire in the 600 block of LenerAvenue Southwest. Units arrived to find heavy fire coming from the front of the house. Crews initiated an aggressive attack, quickly bringing the fire undercontrol, while simultaneously protecting exposures and searching forvictims. This house was believed to be vacant.
- Photo courtesy of Warren Professional Firefighters Union Local 204
ALong Stretch Up a Driveway
Big Head Start for Burlington House Fire
Chesapeake Union Township crews responded recently, with Fayette Township and South Point, to a working house fire in Burlington. Engine 3-7 and 3-2 responded. Crews did a tremendous job, even though the fire had a very big head start. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation.
- Photo courtesy of Chesapeake Union Township FD
The National Trail Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire recently. Crews worked togetherto create a watersupply line up the long driveway from multiple tankers along the roadway. No injuries were reported. Big thanks to all departments who assisted.
- Photos courtesy of National Trail FD
Manufacturing Building Fire on ChesterStreet
At approximately 0446 on April 9, 2025, the Painesville City Fire Department (PCFD) received a pull station fire alarm from Avery Dennison Building 5 located on ChesterStreet. PCFD units arrived minutes laterto find a fire in a thermal oxidizing unit, extending to the roof of the manufacturing building. Avery Dennison employees reported that all staff were already safely evacuated and accounted for. PCFD’s incident commanderimmediately requested automatic mutual aid via MABAS Alarm 2313, which brought 13 additional departments to the scene; a second alarm was laterstruck, bringing an additional seven departments. Firefighters first attacked the fire in the mechanical equipment and placed aerial ladders to take firefighters to the roof to begin attacking the spreading roof fire. There
was no extension of the fire into the building and damage was contained to the roof edge nearthe oxidizerducting and the oxidizer itself. The cause of the fire was determined to be mechanical failure in the thermal oxidizer. PCFD received automatic mutual aid from Painesville Township, Fairport Harbor, Concord Township and Grand River, and also received mutual aid from Perry, Madison, Leroy Township, Mentor, Kirtland, Chardon, Eastlake, Hambden, Willowick, Willoughby Hills, Willoughby, Burton, Euclid and Highland Heights. Also on scene were the Painesville Police, Painesville Electric, Painesville Public Works and Enbridge Gas. - Submitted by Thomas C. Hummel, Jr., Fire Chief
Basement Electrical Fire Displaces 5
Recently, Cleveland Fire responded to an occupied house fire on Parkview off MLK Boulevard in Battalion 5. An unintentional/electrical fire in the basement spread to the first and second floors. Fourchildren and one adult were displaced. Afirefightersustained a minor hand injury and was transported by CEMS Medic 1 to Metro.
- Photo courtesy of Cleveland FD
Fast Stop at Warren House Fire
Recently, the Warren Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire in the 1700 block of Front Street Southwest. The Rescue crew was returning from anothercall and arrived on scene two minutes from the time of dispatch to heavy fire coming from the front of the house. All otherunits arrived shortly after. Crews initiated an interiorattack, quickly bringing the fire undercontrol. Fortunately, the occupants were able to exit the house without injury and quickly called 911. No injuries were reported and the fire was underinvestigation by the State Fire Marshal. - Photo courtesy of Warren Professional Firefighters Union Local 204
EasterMorning House Fire
The American Township Fire Department was requested for mutual aid to Lima Fire Department on Eastermorning fora house fire on North Jameson Avenue. No serious injuries were reported. - Photo courtesy of ATFD
Walnut Creek Shop Fire
East Holmes Fire and EMS was dispatched to a shop fire on State Route 39 in Walnut Creek at 0821 hours. Firefighters entered the building and were able to locate and extinguish the fire on the first floorwithin a few minutes. Crews removed sections of the roof to be able to extinguish flames that had extended into the attic area. The lowerlevel of the building contained several animals including horses, cows and sheep that were released into the field and were unharmed. The cause of the fire that originated on the first floorwas determined to have started at a lithium E-bike battery that was being charged. Mutual aid came from Winesburg VolunteerFire and EMS and Sugarcreek Fire and Rescue. - Photo courtesy of East Holmes Fire & EMS
Quick Stop at Columbus Vacant Home Fire
Crews from Columbus Division of Fire Battalion 1 and Battalion 5 responded to a working fire in the 1200 block of West Broad Street. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames in the vacant home. No injuries were reported. The cause of the blaze was underinvestigation. - Photos courtesy Colombus Division of Fire
1 Injured at a Working Structure Fire
Chesapeake Union Township crews responded fora working structure fire. They were assisted by Fayette Township, Proctorville Fire, WindsorTownship, Aid Township, Rome Township and LCEMS. Thanks to all fortheirhelp. Crews did a great job with an aggressive interiorattack. There was one civilian injury who was transported by LCEMS.
- Photo courtesy of Chesapeake Union Township FD
Coshocton Called forRailroad Bed Fire
On April 17, 2025, at approximately 1850 hours, the Coshocton Fire Department responded to a call of a fire on the railroad bed in the area of Brewer Lane in Coshocton. Firefighters found a controlled burn nearthe railroad within the city limits. With the help of the landowners the fire was extinguished. - Fire News photos by Jim McKeever
Garbage Truck Fire on I-70
Bethel Township crews were dispatched to a working garbage truck fire on Interstate 70 westbound at the 42 milemarker. Upon arrival, the vehicle was fully involved. The driverwas able to safely exit the vehicle with no injuries. Crews made a quick and effective attack on the fire and were able to extinguish it. Mutual aid came from Mad RiverTownship, Springfield Township, and Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
- Photo courtesy of Bethel Township FD
Heavy Fire Load on Arrival
Chesapeake Union Township Fire crews recently responded to a fully involved structure fire. Crews were met with heavy fire conditions and large fire load. Automatic mutual aid came from Fayette Township, and Proctorville. Afterarriving and seeing more resources were needed Rome, Windsorand Aid Township were then requested.
- Photo courtesy of Chesapeake Union Township FD
Empty Commercial Fire in Akron
At approximately 0930 hours, Akron Fire (AFD) personnel were dispatched to a report of a building fire in the 400 block of Morgan Avenue. AFD arrived on scene and found heavy smoke coming from a singlestory commercial structure. The building was not occupied at the time of the incident. Fire crews made entry and quickly extinguished a small fire. The Fire Investigation Unit was on scene to investigate the cause and origin, both of which were undetermined.
- Photo courtesy of Akron FD
Semi MVAwith Rolloveron SR 115
American Township Fire Department (ATFD) was dispatched to US Route 30 fora commercial vehicle rolloverMVA. Initially it was believed the crash was at the east side of ATFD’s territory, but it was found nearState Road 115, so the Cairo Fire Department was also dispatched. Upon arrival, the semi driver was found inside the cab trapped, but awake and alert. Parts of the windshield had to be cut and removed to extricate him. Medics transported the driverto Mercy Health St. Rita’s in Lima fora hip injury. Allen County EMAwas also requested to assist with a fuel and oil spill from the tractor. The trailerwas empty. Ohio State Police were investigating the accident, but it is believed wind and rain was a factor. - Photo courtesy of ATFD
Caron its Roof at Mt. Perry Rd. MVA
National Trail crews responded to a single-carMVAalong Mt. Perry Road. Upon arrival of theirmedic, one carwas found on its top off the roadway with the engine compartment on fire. The single occupant was out of the vehicle and was transported to a local hospital. Hopewell Township provided mutual-aid assistance. - Photo courtesy of National Trail FD
2 Vehicle MVA on SR 13
Licking Township Fire Company units responded to a two-vehicle MVAon SR 13 just north of I 70 recently. One occupant required extrication, but there were no serious injuries to report. Thanks to ourneighbors at Thorn Township Fire and EMS for the assist. - Photo courtesy of Licking Township Fire Company
DillerRoad MVAand Fire
American Township Fire Department (ATFD) responded to a single-vehicle MVAon DillerRoad. Asedan went off the south side of the road traveling westbound and struck a fire hydrant, then overturned onto its passengerside. The driver, the only occupant, was able to exit the vehicle with help from bystanders before the vehicle caught fire nearthe engine compartment. Township and Lima City waterdepartments were needed to stop flowing waterfrom where the hydrant was. The driverwas uninjured and signed off RMAon scene. - Photo courtesy of ATFD
Tree Onto House
in
Cleveland
Cleveland Fire responded to a large tree onto an occupied house on West 173rd south of Milburn in Battalion 3. Nobody was home at time of incident. Ladder39 and Engine 43 cut branches so a neighborcould remove a damaged vehicle. Beware of wind storms this spring. - Photos courtesy of Cleveland FD
MajorTruck MVAs
National Trail Medic 831 and Rescue 831 responded to reports of a multi-vehicle MVAat the 144 milemarkerwestbound. Upon arrival of Medic 831, additional resources were requested due to scene size. The incident involved foursemi-trailers and multiple trucks. Only one patient was transported to a local hospital with minorinjuries. Big thanks to Licking Township Fire Company, Hopewell Township Fire Department, Thorn Township Fire and EMS, Falls Township VolunteerFire Department, and Clever’s Towing and Auto Repair forthe assistance!
- Photo courtesy of National Trail FD
Dog Saved from Drowning
Abystanderflagged down Akron Fire Department units to report a dog in the waternear Channelwood Village. Crews, along with the Dive Team, were called to the scene to rescue the dog, who appeared to be exhausted, but uninjured.
- Photos courtesy of Akron FD
MotherDuck Reunited with HerDucklings
Sylvania Fire-EMS was notified by the caring staff at Hospice of Northwest Ohio (FlowerHospital campus) that a motherduck had lost five of hersix ducklings in a storm sewer. Not all heroes wear capes, and sometimes ourcustomers have feathers. With a combined effort from Sylvania Fire/EMS Truck 63, Chief 62, Hospice
staff, and FlowerHospital maintenance and security people, all of the ducklings were recovered safely and were reunited with their motherand sibling.
- Photos courtesy of Sylvania Fire & EMS
National Trail Drafting Training
National Trail Fire Department training involved drafting from three of theirarea’s dry hydrants. Dry hydrants are an asset forus in areas where wateris not readily available. These hydrants are not used often but training on them keeps us prepared.
- Photos courtesy of National Trail FD
Fire
2 Training
Firefighters drilled on some Fire 2 training in Mahoning County, recently.
- Submitted by Tommy Gibbs
Sylvania Trains in a Real-Life Scenario
Sylvania Fire-EMS Training Captain, Mike Behan, took crews out to the training towerrecently to work on vehicle stabilization and airbag deployment. Thanks to ourfriends at Joey’s Towing for“rearranging” ourtraining vehicles with their monsterRotatortruck. These simulated real-life scenarios are essential to ensure crews are prepared forall hazards.
- Photo courtesy of Sylvania Fire & EMS
Rope Rescue Training
Members of Cleveland Fire’s Technical Rescue Squad 1 were at Mills Creek recently, drilling during the nice weather.
- Photo courtesy of Cleveland FD
April was Childhood Abuse Awareness Month
The Cincinnati Fire Department participated in the Pinwheels forPrevention event at Smale Park. Fire Chief Frank McKinley, Assistant Chief Sherman Smith and Engine 14 joined the Cincinnati Police Department, Cincinnati Children’s, Rosie Red, and othercity organizations to plant pinwheels throughout the park space adjacent to the Moerlein LagerHouse, raising awareness throughout ourcommunity.
- Photos courtesy of Cincinnati FD
It All Starts Here
Recently, the Hamilton County Communications Centerprovided members of the Glendale Fire Department with the opportunity to shadow them during a shift. Dispatchers are the initial point of contact forindividuals experiencing emergencies, and theirprofessionalism is essential to delivering high-quality service. We are grateful forthe ongoing support of the Hamilton County Communications Centerin ourmission to provide assistance to others. - Photo courtesy of Glendale FD
Willoughby FFs at Lung Association Climb
Several Willoughby firefighters participated in the American Lung Association Fight forAirClimb in downtown Cleveland recently. This is a tough, but extremely worthwhile, event.
- Photo courtesy of Willoughby FD
BGSU State Fire School’s - Advanced Fire Investigation Class
Bowling Green State University (BGSU) State Fire School’sAdvanced Fire Investigation class - October2024.
- Photos courtesy of BGSU State Fire School
Cleveland Metroparks Controlled Burn
Cleveland Metroparks recently conducted a controlled burn in the field nearthe top of Ledges parking lot. These burns are conducted as part of the park’s resource management. Hinckley was able to use this opportunity to train newer members on wildland fire attack techniques during these burns. In orderto conduct these burns, the Metroparks team still have to get burn permits through the Ohio EPA, which are then signed off by the fire chief. The team then has to wait forthe right weatherconditions in orderto make the training successful. Thank you to the Cleveland Metroparks forallowing us to attend and help out.
- Photo courtesy of Hinckley Ohio Firefighters Association
Looking Back Coshocton - 2005
On July 8, 2005, the historic Park Hotel burned to the ground in downtown Coshocton; the fire burned throughout the night and through the next day. All Coshocton County fire departments were paged out to the fire, as well as many units from Muskingum,
Holmes and Tuscarawas counties. The fire spread quickly and was a tough battle forfirefighters. The hotel was a total loss.
- Fire News photos by
BRIDGINGTRADITION AND INNOVATION - ODC IS HERE!
By Colin Altman, OFCACommunications &Education Director
This year’s annual Ohio Fire Chiefs’Association conference theme is “Bridging Tradition and Innovation: The Future of Fire Service Leadership.” Tradition often takes precedence in the fire service, serving as a foundation for proven methodologies and trusted practices. However, as the demands on first responders grow, intensified by increasing service requirements and evolving community expectations, the need for innovative solutions is clear.
With this theme as its guiding principle, the Ohio Fire & Rescue Officer Development Conference has become the OfficerDevelopment Conference (ODC)
ODC provides fire service professionals from across the state and region with breakout sessions, workshops, and keynote addresses delivered by exceptional instructors. Its educational program cultivates curiosity, inspires participants, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration. ODC is tailored for mid-level supervisors, senior leaders, and anyone seeking to enhance their departments and advance their careers.
The ODC experience focuses on three key content pillars:
Connect. Build and maintain relationships with other fire service professionals, share ideas, and gain insights.
Educate. Learn from industry experts through two keynote sessions and nearly 30 breakout sessions.
Inspire. Draw inspiration from mentors and colleagues in the classroom, in the hallways, and from our 100 vendors.
The ODC experience goes beyond a traditional conference. Participants discuss diverse topics that emphasize professional development and explore a vast network of professionals dedicated to education, personal growth, and the advancement of the fire service. Join us in Columbus for this unique and essential gathering, featuring engaging topics and meaningful professional con-
For more information, visit www.ohiofirechiefs.org/conference.
Jim McKeever
Remembering the LODD of FAO Daryl Gordon
On March 26, 2025, we held the 10-yearremembrance of the lineof-duty death of FAO Daryl Gordon. The photos shared are of a gathering which took place at FAO Gordon’s gravesite and photos
Up Close &Personal
from laterthat afternoon when MayorAftab Pureval and the City Council proclaimed March 26, 2025, an official day of remembrance. - Photos courtesy of Cincinnati FD
Firefighters from the Newton Township Fire Department. - Photo courtesy of Newton Township FD
Youngstown Fire Awards Dinner
Youngstown Professional Fire Fighters Union crews were awarded life-saving awards forlast year’s Realty Building explosion. Capt.
was awarded a Medal of Valorforleading Ladder22
to be the first to respond to the incident. Capt. Gene Cook was also congratulated fora long and successful careerand wished a happy retirement at the ceremony. - Submitted by Tommy Gibbs