Quick Takes

Fire play-by-play: Dramatic video isn’t my only criteria for posting YouTube videos on STATter911.com. Often it’s the audio. And here is a prime example. Listen to the narration of the camera operator from this 3-alarm fire on May 10 on Chadwick Avenue in Newark, New Jersey. 

Imagine you are the chief and you have to explain what you burned down today: In Monroe, Ohio the fire department really didn’t have a chance to save Jesus. The giant statue was a landmark along I-75 until yesterday morning when a bolt from the sky turned it to ash. Click here for the video and the story.

Fire vehicle stolen at party: Colorado’s Lefthand Fire Protection District may know what the right hand is doing but one its firefighters has no clue where his truck is. The pickup equipped with a light bar and the firefighter’s gear was stolen after the firefighter put down his keys while at a party. Read more.

Not a bomb: The explosion and bomb fears at a Prince George’s County, Maryland parking garage yesterday afternoon are being blamed on a mistake by a heating and air conditioning repairman. The blast was caused by a leaking acetylene tank in the man’s truck. The problem was compounded when the man left the scene after it blew up. Neighbors at the Hyattsville apartment building were kept from their homes for almost nine hours. Read the story. Watch the story.

How about a nice Hawaiian Punch?: In Honolulu a man grilling outside his house had a visit from firefighters. The man claims one of the firefighters beat him up for no reason. A TV station is reporting the firefighter says Glen Murray pushed him before the first punch was thrown. Read more.

Station 14, we hardly knew you: That may be the case in Bakersfield, California where the fire station only opened 6-months-ago at a cost of about $2 million dollars. Now budget cuts may leave it without staffing. Here’s the story.

Controversy over arrest of river guides following rescue: In Colorado when two girls were swept downstream after a raft overturned two guides from the company leading the trip attempted to make the rescue. They were both arrested, accused of interfering with the rescue operation. Not everyone is agreeing that this was handled properly. Check out the stories and opinions here, here and here.

Attention FMs there is plenty of evidence on YouTube of dangerous actions at a bar near you: Earlier this week fire inspectors in New York arrested a Chinatown bartender famous for his flaming liquor shows. The FDNY became aware of the man’s antics when he was featured on an episode of  “The Real Housewives of New York”. Read more. Below is one of many YouTube videos showing such fire tricks performed by bartenders around the country. Here is a link to a group of these videos. Take a look. Maybe this is occurring at a bar in your jurisdiction and you will want to step in before someone is killed.

Stupid bartender tricks: Here’s the caption with this one-  ”This was taken at Schmooze in Toronto. Bartender does a neat trick, and has more than just this trick up his sleeve. Check out the place to see some of the neat tricks!”

Also on STATter911 …

• For Bob Barr: Please watch the Station night club video until you understand its message. – September 5, 2010
• Quick Takes – September 7, 2010
• Must see raw video: Three views as car explodes in face of bomb technician. PPE does its job. – July 2, 2011
• Quick Takes – September 20, 2010