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Glenn Usdin's FireTruckBlog.com has a look at the traffic signal controls that have been approved in Rocky Mounty, Virginia after the tragic double LODD last summer. Click here.
Also, a look at a fire truck pull for charity and a roundup of funding and deliveries.
Previous coverage of this story here, here, here & here
Lt. Robert "Cadillac" Alvarado is the latest of five DC firefighters injured in Friday's fire on 48th Street, Northeast to be released form the Medstar Burn at the Washington Hospital Center.
Also this evening, IAFF Local 36 is making the case that because three of the city's 16 ladder trucks (Trucks 10, 11 & 16) were out of service at the time of the fire due to maintenance problems it impacted response times. Union President Ed Smith says a combination of transfers to cover the city due to the missing trucks and another working fire caused delays. Smith believes ongoing maintenance issues for the ladder trucks are a big safety problem for firefighters and the public. Here are excerpts from the story by Tom Howell Jr:
Mr. Smith said it is unclear whether anything would have turned out differently at the Deanwood fire — ladder crews may have been able to ventilate the structure or remove security bars from the windows sooner, he noted — but it highlights the burden created by absent trucks.
Pete Piringer, a spokesman for D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services, said response times to the Deanwood incident were within the acceptable range and there was no gap in service.
Union leaders said the District’s aging ladder trucks frequently go out of service, while limited reserve trucks are often in disrepair or tied up on other calls. The problem did not happen overnight, but needs to be addressed in the fiscal 2012 budget before the fire department gets further behind, Mr. Smith said.
Local 36 provided an update this evening about the two remaining members in the Burn Unit, Firefighter Chucky Ryan and Lt. Ramon Hounshell:
As of 1900 hrs. today, two of the members have been released from the Burn Center at Washington Hospital Center. The remaining two members have both been through surgery, and are recovering peacefully in their respective recovery rooms. Local 36 graciously thanks the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation, for their enduring support of these members and their families from the first few moments after the incident on 48th Pl. NE., providing watchmen over the members during their hospital stays, arranging transportation to and from the Burn Center, and arranging for lodging for family members near the Burn Center – all on a voluntary basis by the members of the Foundation. The DC Firefighters Burn Foundation was formed seven years ago, by members of the DCFD who recognized a chance to support other department members during their time of need. As with many organizations focusing on the department, it's strength depends on the commitment of it's members. If you are interested in becoming a member of the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation, or would like to contribute financial assistance, please visit their homepage, and contact their Board of Directors, or simply ask another member around the firehouse. Local 36 would like to express our deep gratitude to them, for readily providing the information necessary to keep our other members informed over the last 5 days, and for the enduring support they have provided for the last seven years.
Edward Malik is back in operation shooting fire videos in Gary, Indiana. Early Monday there was plenty to shoot. He reports three fires in short order. Here is what he wrote:
1st call was for a box alarm at 1700 Polk, reported apartment building fire around 4am. At about 4:30am came the house fire call at 24th and Louisiana and while crews were fighting that fire came 800 East Ridge Road. All were with-in one hour and all were fully involved. I guess those 34 guys that got laid off are not needed. Crews were strapped beyond their means and mutual aid was used. Sad days in Gary Indiana.
This video was shot by Ron Bombaro on March 25 on Adriana Street in Saddlebrook, New Jersey and posted Sunday on Ed Gray's allhandsgoingtowork YouTube channel. Click here for Part 3 and here fo Part 4. We previously posted another video from this fire by our friend Paul Bassett.
Previous coverage here, here & here
Washington Hospital Center Blood Donor Services
On Monday, Dan Keys brought together a group of firefighters from IAFF Local 2068 in Fairfax County for a trip to the Washington Hospital Center. They came to donate blood on behalf of the five DC firefighters burned during Friday's fire in Northeast Washington. While there they received a visit from one of the Medstar Burn Unit patients, Lt. Robert "Cadillac" Alvarado of Truck 13. Lt. Alvarado made this short video that Leigh Boswell shot as a thank you to the firefighters from Fairfax County. She asked me to post it to encourage others to donate blood.
The latest update on Firefighter Chucky Ryan, who is the most seriously injured of the group, comes from the Riverdale VFD where he is chief:
Chief Ryan was able to complete 5 laps around the ICu today and is continuing to progress greatly. Due to upcoming procedures, the hospital staff has mandated that he have NO VISITORS until further notice. As soon as he is able to have vistors again we will make the information available here. Thank you to everyone again for all of your support.
Video from Captain Greg Zalenski, Station 812 (College Park VFD). Evacuation order comes at about 6:30 in the video.
Press release from PGFD's Mark Brady:
Firefighters from Beltsville and surrounding stations were alerted to a house fire in the 4100 block of Ulster Road this morning just before 10:00 am.
Fire/EMS units arrived within minutes and encountered heavy fire coming from the 2-story single family home with an attached garage. A precautionary 2nd Alarm was sounded as fire consumed the garage and had extended into the second floor and roof area.
As firefighters were advancing hose lines and searching for any occupants inside the home, a roof collapse appeared imminent and all personnel were ordered to evacuate the structure. All firefighters self evacuated safely and the firefight continued from the safety of the exterior. Once the bulk of the fire had been knocked down, firefighters re-entered the structure to complete searches and extinguish the remainder of the fire. With the exception of a family pet dog, no one was home when firefighters arrived.
It required about 40 minutes to extinguish the bulk of the fire. There were 60 firefighter/medics, command officers and support personnel that operated on the scene of this incident.
The cause of the fire is under investigation and estimated fire loss is still being tabulated. An adult male neighbor sustained minor lacerations to his arm when he broke the window out of a rear door to allow a dog to escape from the burning home. The dog, “Spencer,” a nearly 12 year old male, was soon reunited with the homeowner and did not appear to have suffered any injury. Paramedics tended to the injured neighbor on the scene, however, did not go to the hospital. No other civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.
The well-known Kevin Kennedy family of Beltsville will be displaced and are making their own arrangements for temporary housing.
Previous coverage from STATter911.com here & here
DC says there will be an internal investigation into injuries
We have updates from various sources on the firefighters burned Friday at a house fire in Northeast Washington. DC Fire & EMS Department spokesman Pete Piringer tells STATter911.com that all of the firefighters are making good progress, including Chuck Ryan who was critically burned. FF Warren Deavers was released from the hospital yesterday which leaves Lt. Robert Alvarado and Sgt. Ramon Hounshell in good condition at the Medstar Burn Unit of the Washington Hospital Center. FF Theodore Douglas was treated and released on Friday.
Here is more on Chuck Ryan in a message this morning from PGFD's Mark Brady. Ryan is the chief of the Riverdale VFD:
Riverdale Volunteer Fire Chief and District of Columbia Career Fire Fighter Charles Ryan remains in “critical” but stable condition at the Burn Unit of the Washington Hospital Center. Ryan sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns on over 40% of his body in an early Friday morning fire in northeast Washington, DC where he was working.
Even though he remains intubated, medical staff had him up taking slow and measured laps around the Intensive Care Unit of the Burn Center. Family, close personal friends and fellow firefighters have had a constant presence at the hospital. Chuck has been able to communicate via facial expressions and written/typed words. One of his very first communications was to inquire about the welfare of his crewmembers.
Whenever a firefighter, regardless of department affiliation, is injured and hospitalized in the Burn Unit, a fraternity of previous burn center patients return and help families and friends of the injured to understand the healing process. Retired PGFD Fire Lieutenant Dino Mahaffey and his wife spent time at the hospital over the weekend. The Mahaffey’s spent time with Chuck’s family and firefighters helping them to understand the healing process and to reinforce the knowledge that the Burn Unit of the Washington Hospital Center is the best possible place to be at this time and that burn patients have the very best physician in Dr. Marion Jordan, director of the Washington Hospital Center's Burn Unit.
Steve Lamphier, Volunteer President of the Riverdale Fire/EMS Station, stated late Sunday night, “Chuck continues to make remarkable progress, the medical staff is continuing to assess his burns and has reported some positive news.” He added, “Chuck still can not have visitors. Thanks to everyone for their continued support and thoughts.”
Medical staff will re-evaluate Ryan's condition today and possibly remove the intubutaion tube; another positive sign in the road to recovery.
Here is the latest from the Riverdale VFD website, posted yesterday afternoon:
Chief Ryan contniues to make great progress. He was able to complete 4 laps around the ICU today and is still intubated at this time. He is still unable to receive visitors other than family and we are hoping that sometime this week that will change. Once we receive notification, we will make that information available online.
We continue to thank all of those who have offered assistance and words of encouragement during this crisis. Please continue to keep all of these firefighters in your thoughts and prayers as they continue their road to recovery.
SUNDAY UPDATE: All of the hospitalized members are doing well. One is scheduled to be released this afternoon; two are being evaluated for possible release early next week, and even the most seriously injured member has been up walking around, and communicating with visiting members. All will have significantly lengthy recovery periods in the weeks and months ahead.
SATURDAY UPDATE: DC Firefighters Burn Foundation liaison personnel are standing watch at the Washington Hospital Center's Burn Unit, and assisting the family members of the injured firefighters. They are happy to report that the members conditions are all improving. They were also thankful for the assistance and visitation of Ret. Lt. Joe Morgan. The members are being closely overseen by Dr. Marion Jordan, and his amazing staff at the Burn Center. Local 36 has received questions regarding retired members being able to donate blood from areas other than the Washington Metro Area. When this information is known, we will pass it along to all members, so that everyone may continue to assist. Local 36 & the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation would like to thank it's members for the outpouring of support for the hospitalized members, and also extend a heartfelt thanks to the United States Park Police, the Maryland State Police Helicopter Division, the Prince Georges County MD. Fire Department, and the Montgomery County MD. Fire Dept. for their invaluable assistance during our time of need.
Memories: In and around the firehouse in Falmouth, Massachusetts in 1955. Glenn Usdin's FireTruckBlog.com found this treasure trove of 30 videos (so far) showing the fire service on Cape Cod in the 50s and 60s. Most of the film is in great shape. Click here to see a trio of clips showing two structure fires and a boat fire from more than a half-century ago.
Three DC firefighters in good condition, one still has a long recovery ahead: We hope to hear more today on Firefighter Charles "Chucky" Ryan who was in critical condition with burns over 40% of his body from Friday's fire in Northeast Washington. Click here for the weekend report.
Protecting exposures first in the Cherry Blossom Parade fire: People commenting on the videos of the SUV burning in the middle of Saturday's Cherry Blossom Parade are wondering why no one could come up with a fire extinguisher to handle what was initially a very small fire in the engine. But some people did think to unhitch the float just in case the whole vehicle went up. Engine 2 arrived in time to squirt a little water and save the day. Here are the videos.
Bear's beach vacation is interupted: Martin Grube's Fire Rescue TV has video of Virginia Beach Fire Department's Ladder 11 helping get a bear out of a tree on Friday. Check it out.
Recycling plant fire: The view from atop a railroad car as the yard of a recycling plant burns along the tracks in Phoenix. Click here.
Pineville, Louisiana helmet-cam: The Holiday Village Fire Department on a recent house fire.
New fireboat for Chicago: I saw the old one in action last summer, but Firegeezer has a preview of the new one on its way to Chicago.
17-minute response time for house fire being questioned: The fire chief in Cahokia, Illinois says they shoot for a seven to ten minute response time but that it can take more than that for the volunteers to get to the firehouse and then to the scene. Here's the story.
Personal escape rope saves FDNY firefighter: There were two maydays at a three-alarm fire in Queens on Saturday. One trapped firefighter used his rope to make a quick exit when conditions deteriorated and the second fell through the floor. You will find details here and more at Backstep Firefighter.
Man coming out of the closet attacks firefighter: Police in Mission, Kansas believe the man hiding in the closet of the burning office set the fire. He is also charged with attacking a firefighter. Read and watch the story.
Second-alarm in Irvington, New Jersey: I think this fire on 19th Avenue occurred on April 4th.
This is why you need to be checking in on Glenn Usdin's FireTruckBlog.com. Today there is a wonderful video from 1954 of Cape Cod fire departments involved in a combined drill. Click here to see it.
This clip is just one of 30 so far showing fires, drills, parades and firefighting life in the 1950s and 1960s from in and around Falmouth, Massachusetts. They have been posted to falmouthfiretraining on YouTube.
To me they are a joy to watch. I find it extremely interesting to see the state of the fire service a half-century ago. They are produced by current Deputy Chief Glen Rogers. The citizens of Falmouth have paid for saving and sharing this wonderful treasure through the Falmouth Community Preservation Funds.
Below are three of the clips showing firefighting operations.
The Virginia Beach Fire Department's Ladder 11 ran an unusual call on Friday. They were sent to assist in the rescue of a 150 pound bear in a tree in a residential neighborhood. According to Martin Grube at Fire Rescue TV, the firefighters provided the means to reach the tranquilized animal and let the professionals run the rescue operation.
Watching the multiple stories below from WAVY-TV you will see the bear's visit to the oceanfront attracted a lot of attention and was carried on live TV. Read more here.
This is from a fire Friday at Friedman Recycling, located along the railroad tracks near 35th Avenue and Lincoln Street in Phoenix. The fire went to two-alarms, forced the shut down of the Union Pacific tracks, caused evacuations of nearby businesses and sent ash over downtown. KPNX-TV reports that it was mostly stacks of cardbord burning in the large storage yard. Wind gusts in excess of 20 mph fanned the fire.
In the two videos below, you will notice the photographer gets on top of nearby rail cars to get his shots.
He (Phoenix FD Captain Scott Walker) said the plant had several fires in the past 10 years and investigators will start researching the cause of the blaze as well as any code compliance violations.
More than 20 engine companies, including four ladder trucks and at least 80 firefighters, responded to the two-alarm fire.
Employees noticed the blaze at the top of a 20-foot-high cardboard bundle on the west side of the facility and called the fire department immediately, fire officials said.
There had been concern that a federal government shutdown would stop this year's Cherry Blossom parade in the Nation's Capital. It actually took something less political to bring a halt to the parade.
Hundred of spectators were lined along Constitution Avenue at 12th Street, Northwest late Saturday morning and watched as DC firefighters dealt with a vehicle fire in the middle of the route. They applauded as Engine 2 arrived and again after the firefighters quickly extinguished the engine fire.
The SUV was towing a float carrying the band Kicking Daisies when smoke and flames began coming from under the hood. There are at least 16 videos uploaded to YouTube from the people who found the parade they came to see suddenly interrupted. The video above seems to be the most extensive. The video below appears to the closest and earliest video. Both videos show people unhitching the float soon after the fire was discovered.
This fire was on Thursday. Helmet-cam from the Holiday Village Fire Department which is located in Pineville, Louisiana.
What's for sale at SellFireTrucks.com? Check out FireTruckBlog.com for the latest — a Ford 1990 Mini-Pumper/Rescue 250/250 and a 1991 International 1250/750 Pumper.
Selling a used fire truck? Click here.
Previous coverage of the fire including fireground audio
Below is more information on the five DC firefighters injured during a house fire early yesterday morning in Northeast Washington. Critically burned is Firefighter Charles A. "Chucky" Ryan III. Ryan, who is also the chief of the Riverdale VFD in Prince George's County, suffered second and third degree burns over 40% of his body. Below are press releases from the DC Fire & EMS Department and PGFD, along with a message from Riverdale VFD's website.
Press release from DC Fire & EMS Department:
DC FIREFIGHTERS INJURED IN NORTHEAST HOUSE FIRE
Five firefighters taken to hospital, four admitted
Shortly after 12:30a on Friday, April 8th, Units from the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department were dispatched to a report of a house on fire in the 800 block 48th Pl NE. Within minutes firefighters arrived on the scene at 813 48th Place, Northeast and encountered fire showing from a one- story, wood-frame single family house. It was reported that the building was being evacuated.
Moments later additional crews arrived on the scene, including Rescue Squad 3 (RS-3 – Anacostia) whose crew began a systematic search for other occupants. While the first arriving engine crew made an aggressive attack on the fire, another engine crew protected a nearby exposure building. Within minutes a partial collapse of the roof occurred forcing heat and debris on top of the search crew. Another crew from Truck 13 (T-13 – Trinidad) recognized this and called for assistance. Firefighters activated an emergency call followed by a 'Mayday'.
Two of these firefighters self-rescued and the 3rd was assisted by the 'rapid intervention team' (RIT). A 4th firefighter was injured during the rescue and firefight.
Firefighter Charles A. Ryan III, was critically injured in the fire. Ryan is also the chief of the Riverdale VFD in Prince George's County, Maryland.
Emergency medical services personnel treated the injured firefighters. One firefighter was listed as Priority 1, serious and life-threatening, while the other three were considered Priority 2, serious & non life threatening. All have burns of varying degrees. All were transported to the Washington Hospital Center, MedStar Burn Unit. The most seriously inured firefighter is in critical condition, three others are being admitted to the Burn Unit with varying degrees of burns, while another was treated and released.
The injured firefighters are: Firefighter Warren Deavers, RS-3, Lieutenant Robert Alverado, T-13, Firefighter Ramon Hounshell, RS-3, Firefighter Charles Ryan, RS-3 and Firefighter Theodore Douglas (E-10, T-4)
The building was evacuated and defensive fire attack was initiated. Once all firefighters were accounted for an offensive fire attack was implemented and the fire was 'knocked down' within 10-15 minutes.
Neighbors indicated the house is vacant, but was sometimes occupied for one reason or another. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire Investigators believe the area of origin was to the rear interior of the house. The house suffered significant damage and is a total loss, estimated to be approximately $150,000.
DC Fire Chief Kenneth Ellerbe was on the scene and reported to the hospital along with many DC firefighters and family members. The DC Firefighters Burn Foundation is assisting and supporting the injured firefighters. Please keep the injured firefighters and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
Early this morning, at approximately 1:00 am, Chief Charles A. Ryan, III was on the job at Rescue 3 in the District of Columbia (DCFD) at a house fire in the 800 block of 48th Street, NE. While performing as a member of the search team comprised of firefighters from Rescue 3 and Truck 13, Chief Ryan and 4 other members of the DCFD were injured when the roof of the single family home collapsed.
Chief Ryan is in critical condition with significant burns at the Washington Hosiptal Burn Center. Three other firefighters with varying degrees of burns were alos admited to the Burn Center. The Washington Hospital Burn Center currently seeking people to donate blood to assist with the injured firefighters. Anyone wishing to participate is encouraged to stop by the Blood Services Center at the Washington Hospital Center. Any help is greatly appreciated and we ask everyone to continue to keep Chief Ryan and the other injured members of the DCFD in your thoughts and prayers.
Chief Ryan has been a member of Riverdale for 25 years and has served as Volunteer Chief for several terms. HIs father is also a Life Member of Riverdale and a past Chief. His stepson, Anthony Anastasi, is also a member and currently serves as Tower Captain.
At this time the Burn Center is limiting visitation to family members only.
As further pertinent information becomes available it will be posted here. Please do not contact the station seeking information.
On behalf of the Riverdale Fire Department, thank you for all of the phone calls and email of support and assistance. It is much appreciated. Please keep all these firefighters in your thoughts and prayers.
Press release from PGFD:
Volunteer Fire Chief Charles "Chucky" Ryan of the Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department was critically injured while battling a house fire while working as a firefighter with the District of Columbia Fire Department (DCFD) on Friday, April 8, 2011 (DCFD Press Release is below). As of this morning he remains listed in "critical" condition.
Ryan has been in the constant company of family, friends and fellow firefighters from the DCFD, PGFD and volunteer members of his Riverdale Station. He is under the very best of care with the staff of the Burn Unit of the Washington Hospital Center. He remains listed in critical condition as he begins to recover from burns over 40% of his body.
Being a veteran firefighter, Ryan demonstrated the difference between life and death; he was described as being very deliberate in maintaining his face piece in place. A firefighters face piece provides fresh breathing air and thermal protection to their face and airway. By doing so Ryan prevented the superheated gases and toxic air from entering his airway which would have complicated and more then likely prevented a recovery of his injuries.
Medical reports and diagnosis have been favorable for Ryan's recovery. Hospital staff stated the burn injuries sustained by Chuck Ryan are "survivable," however, his path to recovery will be long and painful and at this point his stay in the Burn Unit will be measured by "weeks."
Acting Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor has been in contact with DCFD Fire Chief Ellerbe and with the volunteer leadership at the Riverdale Station. Bashoor has extended whatever resources are needed to assist each Department through this period. Chief Bashoor has urged everyone to keep Volunteer Chief Ryan and the other injured firefighters in their thoughts and prayers through this very challenging time. With so many members of the fire service family wanting to contribute in some way, it has been recommended that a blood donation be considered. Potential donors are encouraged to contact the Blood Services Center located in the lobby of the Washington Hospital Center.
Previous coverage of this issue here & here
Vote in Washington Post poll on FEMS vs DCFD
DC Fire & EMS Department Chief Kenneth Ellerbe found his recent order to use the name 'FEMS' instead of the traditional 'DCFD' on t-shirts purchased by firefighters under scrutiny by the City Council. It happened at this morning's FY2012 budget hearing in front of the Committee on the Judiciary & Public Safety. Council members Phil Mendelson and Jack Evans asked Ellerbe about the controversial decision by Ellerbe. Ellerbe had previously indicated 'DFCD' does not cover the EMS activities of the department. At the request of IAFF Local 36 officials Chief Ellerbe has delayed implementing the order for 120 days. Jack Evans has introduced a bill to keep the 'DCFD' name alive.
The video above starts after a question by Committee Chairman Phil Mendelson about any cost associated with suh a change.
The video below is a brief discussion of the related issue of having firefighters outfitted with safer NFPA compliant uniforms. Mendelson says more than $2.5 million was budgeted to replace polyester pants and shirts during the administration of former Chief Dennis Rubin. The questioning comes on the same day that five DC firefighters were burned during a house fire. One of the firefighters, Charles Ryan, is in critical condition.
Click here for an update on this story
Message from IAFF Local 36: Early this morning, five members of the department experienced burns while operating on a house fire at 813 48th place North East and have subsequently been admitted to the Washington Hospital Burn Center. At this time the burn center has limited visitation to family members only to provide the for the members safety. Local 36 will provide more information as it becomes available, and we ask everyone to keep the injured brothers in your thoughts and prayers.
Also from IAFF Local 36: The Washington Hospital Burn Center is asking for volunteers to donate blood to assist with the firefighters that were injured while operating on a house fire at 813 48th Place NE Washington DC. Members wishing to participate are encouraged to stop by the Blood Services Center at the Washington Hospital Center. The center is located on the first floor of the Hospital Center to the immediate left of the main entry doors. The center is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8 a.m. thru 4 p.m., as well as Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. thru 4 p.m. Any help is greatly appreciated and we ask everyone to continue to keep the injured members in your thoughts and prayers.
UPDATE: At 10:35 AM, during the hearing of the Committee on the Judiciary & Public Safety, Council member Phil Mendelson announced the names of four of the five injured firefighters from this morning. The critically injured firefighter is Charles A. "Chucky" Ryan III of Rescue Squad 3 #2, who is also the chief of Riverdale VFD in Prince George's County, Maryland. Also injured were Firefighter Mike Deavers, Rescue Squad 3 #2, Sgt Ramon Hounshell, Rescue Squad 3 #2 and Lt. Robert "Cadillac" Alvarado, Truck 13 #2. Mendelson asked for a moment of silence for the injured firefighters.
EARLIER: DC Fire & EMS Department spokesman Pete Piringer now says five firefighters were hurt, some seriously, during a two-alarm house fire at 813 48th Street, NE. The fire was reported around 12:40 this morning. Three of the firefighters were from Rescue Squad 3 and were caught in the collapse of the roof of the one story, wood frame, single family home. At 7:30 AM Piringer reported one firefighter is in critical condition with significant burns, three with varying degrees of burns have been admitted and one with moderate burns to the ears is expected to be released. All are at the Medstar Burn unit of the Washington Hospital Center.
This audio does include transmissions from another fire.
According to a preliminary account from Piringer, the first units arrived on the scene with heavy fire showing from the roof and rear of the building. The house is considered vacant but neighbors tell firefighters it is sometimes occupied. Piringer says the first arriving engine was making an aggressive interior attack while another engine was protecting an exposure. Rescue Squad 3's crew began a search for occupants. Here is more from Piringer:
Within minutes a partial collapse of the roof occurred forcing heat and debris on top of the search crew. Another crew from T-13 recognized this and called for assistance. Firefighters activated an emergency call followed by a 'Mayday'.
2 firefighters self-rescued and the 3rd was assisted by the 'rapid intervention team' (RIT). A 4th firefighter was injured during the rescue.
The building was evacuated and defensive fire attack was initiated. All firefighters were accounted for. An offensive fire attack was implemented and the fire was 'knocked down' within 10-15 minutes.
DC Fire Chief Kenneth Ellerbe was on the scene and reported to the hospital along with many DC firefighters and family members. The DC Firefighters Burn Foundation is assisting.
At 1:19 on the video above from WRC-TV you will see the charred PPE from some of the injured firefighters.
Below are the initial updates from Twitter provided by Piringer between about 1:00 to 3:00 AM:
dcfireems dcfireems
813 48th Pl NE – 1 sty single family house – fire showing – house being evacuated. 3 hours agodcfireems dcfireems
update – 48th St NE – house on fire – addl fire/ems units requested. 3 hours agodcfireems dcfireems
update – 48th St NE – several injured FFs. 3 hours agodcfireems dcfireems
Update – 48th St NE – roof collapse – injured firefighters 3 hours agodcfireems dcfireems
2nd Alarm – 48th St NE 2 hours agodcfireems dcfireems
Update – 48th St NE – 3 FFs evaluated & transported – , 1 priority 1 , 2 Priority 2 to MedStar – 1 more being evaluated 2 hours agodcfireems dcfireems
Update – 813 48th St NE – house fire – fire out – total 4 FFs transported to MedStar – 1 Priority 1 serious, 3 Priority 2 1 hour ago
More recent tweets:
dcfireems dcfireems
Update – 48th Pl NE – EMS treated & transported 1 addl FF with burns to WHC, MedStar Burn Unit – Total 5 inj (7:08 AM)
Guy Zampatori on the scene again in Rochester, New York. The fire this evening is on Evergreen Street where a man was stabbed to death over the weekend. A 39-year-old woman has been charged with his murder. Here's more on the story from WHEC-TV.
Last week, firefighters attending FDIC in Indianapolis made the climb (Previous STATter911.com coverage of the 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb at FDIC is here). Wednesday, firefighters stepped it up at Hilton Washington to honor the 343 honor firefighters who lost their lives on 9-11. The event was co-hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
Among these doing the climb were Prince George's County Fire/.EMS Department Chief Marc Bashoor and a class of PGFD recruits.
Scenes from Wednesday's climb:
WCBS-TV says it has a partial list of what may be as many as 20 fire companies in New York that could be closed under Mayor Michael Bloomberg's budget cutting plan. Click above to watch the story.
Also in FDNY news, Glenn Usdin's FireTruckBlog.com takes a look at the expansion of the "Modified Response" program. Queens has been following the procedure since October and now Brooklyn and Staten Island will as well.
Residents in Lyndhurst, Chagrin Falls and Shaker Heights will need to change their ionization type smoke detectors to photoelectric ones.
Shaker Heights (Ohio) Fire Chief Kevin Jacobs told WKYC-TV, "We've found photoelectric smoke detectors tend to respond tens of minutes faster in a smoldering fire which are more common today than the fast burning fires."
The fire department plans to provide new photoelectric smoke detectors to residents who can't afford to make the switch.
Read WKYC's full story here.
Previous coverage of this issue
Read more from Mike Ward at Firegeezer
Columnist Harry Jaffe on FEMS for the Washington Examiner
A press release yesterday (see below) from Jack Evans, a long-time member of the City Council of the District of Columbia, has a lot of DC firefighters excited that there is an important ally in their battle to keep the DCFD logo, instead of wearing t-shirts that say FEMS. Evans has introduced a council bill that would allow firefighters to keep their DCFD shirts. In the release, Evans makes many of the same arguments firefighters have. He talks about tradition and the morale issue of forcing firefighters who haven't had a raise in years to fork over their own money to be in compliance. (The release also refers to "New York City’s iconic 'NYFD' logo" which makes you think maybe it's not as iconic as we believe.)
While my original article on this focused on the potential marketing pitfalls of using the DC government shorthand of FEMS, I understand the emotional aspects of such a move and the tradition involved. I also understand pretty clearly the image problem that EMS has faced in the Nation's Capital.
But here is something else I understand that no one seems to be talking about. Something that is written rather clearly in the press release by Evans' staff. While there is a lot of political capital being spent on both sides of the logos and t-shirts issue, the cops now have legislation pending to provide a minimum level of staffing for the department.
In the very same press release outlining the FEMS battle, Evans reports on the introduction of his bill titled “MPD Minimum Staffing Act of 2011”. It is co-sponsored by four of his colleagues. Interestingly Evans does not mention any co-sponsors on the “Fire and Emergency Medical Services Logo Clarification Act of 2011”. Tom Howell Jr. at The Washington Times tells us "Initially, the legislation was cosponsored by Council member Marion Barry, Ward 8 Democrat. However, Mr. Barry after the introduction withdrew his support."
So, at a time when unions across the country are fighting for their existence and losing gains they made in safe staffing levels, the DC police department is bucking the trend and somehow has a bill on the table that would keep a minimum of 4,000 cops on the force.
At the same time, the District of Columbia Fire EMS Department/DCFD/DC Fire/FEMS somehow got itself into a domestic squabble over t-shirts and logos. How unfortunate.
Evans Introduces Police & Fire Legislation
Bills Aimed at Public Safety & Employee Morale
Washington, DC – Councilmember Jack Evans today introduced the “MPD Minimum Staffing Act of 2011” and the “Fire and Emergency Medical Services Logo Clarification Act of 2011.”
The “MPD Minimum Staffing Act of 2011” was co-sponsored by Councilmembers Graham, Bowser, Brown, and Biddle and would require the District of Columbia to retain a minimum staffing level of 4,000 sworn members of the Metropolitan Police Department.
“Chief Lanier recently testified that fewer than 3,800 sworn officers will present significant challenges for our public safety efforts,” said Evans. “This Bill will help to ensure that we never reach a point where our rank and file membership falls below 4,000.”
The “Fire and Emergency Services Logo Clarification Act of 2011” would provide that District firefighters may continue to wear the DCFD logo on their uniforms despite a controversial order from Chief Kenneth Ellerbe requiring all personnel to wear “FEMS,” as well as to pay for certain changes to their uniforms.
“No one is arguing against the policy justifications for elevating the stature of the emergency medical services portion of the department,” Evans said. “However, just look at New York City’s iconic “NYFD” logo, used for a department that serves a number of functions, none of which are suffering because they are not all included in the department’s logo. Around the country, a logo consisting of a city’s initials in front of “FD” is universally recognized and inspires confidence and cooperation from residents.”
“Further, a workforce that hasn’t received a pay increase in five years should not be asked to incur additional out of pocket expenses to purchase re-designed uniforms without any consultation whatsoever.”
Two-alarms were need around 5:00 PM Sunday at this fire on Hilliard Park Boulevard in Columbus, Ohio. WCMH-TV reports high winds and low water pressure were cited as issues for Columbus firefighters.
A neighbor shot this house fire on Sunday at 6023 Canterbury Drive in Columbus, Georgia.
From an article by Alan Riquelmy at Ledger-Enquirer.com:
Three adults with two dogs were standing in the street when firefighters arrived. One of their pet cats was unaccounted for.
The other was found inside the home — a victim of the fire, the chief said. "They were watching the Nascar race," (Battaltion Chief Terry) Herring said. "They didn't know the house was on fire. They just heard crackling and popping."
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