This is a bit of an unusual find thanks to fire buff extraordinaire and STATter911.com personal friend Vito Maggiolo. It was posted to YouTube in August, 2008 (not sure how I missed it then) and shows a pumper from PGFD’s Bladensburg VFD (Station 809) laying out at a house fire in the 3400 block of Bladensburg Road in Northeast Washington (on the corner of 35th Street, NE). It’s a bit unusual because there is no automatic aid between DC and PG and the fire is one block inside the DC line.
I have no details or recollection of this fire. Was Bladensburg dispatched or were they following the smoke like the guy who took the video? It’s interesting to note Bladensburg pulls up to the house on the outbound side of Bladensburg Road (heading toward the county). Did they come up and turn around or were they already in DC on a transfer due to a major fire? As I have indicated, I haven’t a clue (clueless is my usual state), but I am sure there is more than one person out there who knows the answers.
It’s great no longer being a reporter. I don’t actually feel obligated to ask the questions or have any answers before posting and instead just let you sort it out among yourselves. Enjoy.
Video above from Vito Maggiolo of a fire Wednesday night in Washington, DC. Details below from Vito via DCFD.com (where you will also find photos of the fire from Elliot J. Goodman):
A second alarm assignment of DC firefighters spent Halloween night and the following morning battling a warehouse blaze in the Union Market complex of NE Washington.
The fire engulfed a two story structure at 1259 4th Street NE that housed a wholesale enterprise selling souvenir merchandise, and was reported around 10 PM. The building was packed to the gills with stock, providing a very heavy fire load and a dangerous maze for firefighters to maneuver in. Further complicating efforts to battle the fire was how tightly secured the warehouse was, making forcible entry and ventilation extremely difficult.
Despite these challenges, units initiated an interior attack, knocking down considerable fire on the first floor. However, the flames had already extended to engulf the floor above, forcing the incident commander to order the building evacuated.
It than became an outside battle, utilizing Tower 3, a ladder pipe, and multiple stangs and 2.5 inch attack lines. The barrage of heavy duty devices battered the blaze for hours, but limited penetration was a problem, and flames continued to rage in the center portion of the structure, which continued to billow heavy smoke.
In order to facilitate the vast amount of water needed for the firefight, engines from the water supply task force assigned on the second alarm laid additional five inch hose to the scene.
There were attached, similar exposures on both sides, but a concerted effort prevented further spread.
This is the fire that critically burned Firefighter Chuck Ryan who was with Rescue Squad 3. Firefighter Ryan is now back on the job in DC.
You may note another familiar name in the previous coverage of this fire. Robert Alvarado was a lieutenant at the time he was burned. Alvarado has since been demoted to sergeant following his public challenge of Chief Kenneth Ellerbe’s uniform policy (click here).
The big local news in your Nation’s Capital today is the announcement of criminal charges against another city official. This time it’s Kwame Brown, the Chairman of the District of Columbia City Council. Reports indicate that Brown is about to resign that post after being accused of bank fraud (read details).
Brown is the second City Council member to face such action in the past few months. Mayor Vincent Gray remains under investigation. Two top officials in Gray’s campaign entered guilty pleas in recent weeks over some funny business going on during the 2010 mayoral race.
As for Brown, the handwriting was on the wall as soon as he took over as chairman in January 2011. That’s when he received the nickname “fully loaded” after the city SUV assigned to him failed meet Brown’s standards and he made the city order a new one.
Despite this ugly chapter in the city’s local political history, the average city worker keeps doing the job they are assigned to do. Among them are the members of the DC Fire & EMS Department. Here’s evidence of it today during a fire at 209 61st Street, NE.
A full shift of firefighters fell ill with symptoms of chemical exposure after working a fire earlier in the day, according to D.C. Fire and EMS.
All eight from the station at 1342 Florida Ave. NE had to be relieved by other fire crews. Those who fell ill complained of respiratory problems, vomiting, dizziness and burning eyes.
They were taken to a clinic for observation and D.C. Fire and EMS declared it a hazmat incident.
The firefighters became ill after fighting an apartment fire at about 11 a.m. Wednesday in the 3700 block of Hayes St. NE, according to officials. They did not begin showing symptoms until evening. Sources told 9News Now the firefighters may have been affected to a home drug lab while fighting the fire Wednesday morning.
D.C. Fire and EMS declared a mass casualty hazmat and took the firefighters to the police and fire clinic for observation.
The firefighters could be ill from a fire they fought about 11 a.m. in the 3700 block of Hayes Street NE, officials said. It’s possible it was a PCP lab.
The firefighters work at Engine 10 in the 1300 block of Florida Avenue NE and complained of the symptoms when they were at the station about 8:30 p.m., said Battalion Chief Brian K. Lee, a spokesman.
It was not clear what may have caused the firefighters’ dizziness. But three sources with knowledge of the probe said authorities are investigating the possibility that drug-making chemicals were inside the apartment building during the fire.
With all of the turmoil we have shown you lately in the DC Fire & EMS Department, it is nice to be able to show you that they still go to fires in Washington, DC. This video comes courtesy of Joe Brown at TraditionsTraining.com. It combines helmet-cam and a little ground camera video with Joe's narration of how roof operations were handled at a house fire that was dispatched just after 6:00 AM Sunday morning in the 4200 block of Lane Place, Northeast.
E27 went to work knocking down the first floor. However, due to the stairs being burnt out the crew was unable to get to the second floor. The ladder pipe took care of the second floor, and the fire was under control in 30 minutes.
This video is courtesy of Engine 10 and Truck 13 (The "Trinidad Fire Department" & "House of Pain"). It was shot Sunday morning around 9:00 AM at 1236 Mt. Olivet Road in Northeast Washington.
13 TRUCK had numerous locked gates and doors to breach to get THE DIME in position to attack the fire. Once inside the structure crews were confronted with zero visibility while discovering a large pile of debris on fire that had extended to the roof of the structure.
A D.C. firefighter who spent months in the hospital following an injury on the job is getting ready to head back to work.
Chuck Ryan was severely injured battling a house fire in April. Five other firefighters were also injured in the blaze, but none as severely as Ryan.
"My biggest thing about coming back is that I will get to the next chapter in my life,” Ryan told ABC7 News exclusively.
Ryan and Rescue Squad 3 were inside a burning house on 48th Place for only minutes on April 8 when the fire flashed over.
"It started getting hot and the smoke started changing, signs of a flashover,” Ryan said. The heat spiked to 2300 hundred degrees.
"My gear was on fire, everything, and my face piece started to melt,” Ryan said. "Just because you go inside of a burning structure doesn't always mean you are going to come out."
Ryan held his face mask in place – that saved his life.
"They didn't think we were going to make it through the night,” he said of doctors at the hospital.
Forty percent of Ryan’s body was covered in 2nd and 3rd degree burns. But even while recovering, Ryan longed to return to his job.
"From the moment I woke up in intensive care, all I was looking forward to was going back to work,” he said.
He was able to leave the hospital 49 days later and continue the even tougher days at home.
With the help of his 15-year-old daughter Shelby and 21-year-old son TJ, Ryan's wife Kathy took 80 days off from work. She had to change her husband’s bandages twice a day, painful three to four-hour sessions.
"I have a wonderful wife and best friend that is just amazing. I don't know how many people would have to be able to do what she did,” Ryan said.
He almost lost four fingers, but has healed now with his grip back to 100 percent. So is his spirit.
"Every day before you go to work it is like getting ready to go to Walt Disney World," Ryan said.
The arsonist who caused the house fire that injured Ryan and his colleagues was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
District of Columbia fire investigators, along with agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, announced at a press conference today they have made an arrest in the April 8 fire at 811 48th Place that critically burned Firefighter Chuck Ryan and injured four other DC firefighters.
Maurice Dews, 26, was picked up after a fire Tuesday night across the street from the April 8 fire. In addition, Dews is accused of setting a fire on June 14 at 4501 Grant St. NE.
Investigators say Dews also falsely claimed he was a volunteer firefighter from Bladensburg, Maryland. According to the investigators, Dews has called 911 about nine separate fires in DC and Maryland since 2007.
Charging documents indicate that Dews already was suspected in the series of arsons before Tuesday's fire. In fact, Dews called a DC fire investigator who had previously interviewed him to report information shortly after the fire Tuesday evening. This lead to Dews' arrest.
It's been nearly two months since five D.C. firefighters were injured while fighting a house fire in Northeast. Thursday, the last of those firefighters was released from the hospital and his entire company came out to welcome him home.
"I already feel ten times better. The hospital staff takes care of you and they do a really good job. But, just to be out of the atmosphere of the hospital and be back outside feels great," said D.C. Firefighter Chuck Ryan.
"I can't believe how much he's come back from that night that he was burned," said D.C. Firefighter J.C. Carroll. "It's a tremendous showing of his will-power and love for the job."
Ryan, a D.C. Firefighter and the Chief of the Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department in Prince George's County, was badly burned when the roof collapsed while he was fighting a fire on April 8th, 2011. Four other firefighters were also injured, but Ryan was by far the worst. He had second and third degree burns over 30-percent of his body. Today, his arms, hands, legs, and feet are still covered in bandages. Still, Ryan says he is itching to get back to work.
"Oh I'll be back. Absolutely. 100%. There's no question. I will be back," Ryan said. "I've made it back home. Now my mission is to make it back to work."
WTTG-TV's Paul Wagner interviewed DC Fire & EMS Department Lt. Robert Alvarado and Firefighter Warren Deavers about the fire on 48th Street Northeast on April 8 that left the pair and two other firefighters with burns. Firefighter Charles Ryan and Lt. Ramon Hounshell are still being treated in the Medstar Burn Unit of the Washington Hospital Center.
The DC Firefighters Burn Foundation website has a series of pictures of Lt. Ramon Hounshell and Firefighter Chuckie Ryan from the Medstar Burn Unit at the Washington Hospital Center. Today they were visited by some of the IAFF leadership and others. Here is the Foundation's update on their conditions:
Firefighter Chuckie Ryan continues to improve in the Burn ICU and was able to come off the ventilator today. He is breathing well on his own and continues to show progress with rehab. Firefighter Ryan was pleased to walk five laps around the ICU this afternoon and was able to entertain guests while sitting up in a chair. Chuckie will be taken to the operating room tomorrow for surgery to his lower legs.
Firefighter Ramon Hounshell continues to recover from his surgery earlier this week. He continues to show progress with his rehab and anticipates returning to surgery on Monday.
The site also has details of this fundraiser and blood drive:
The Hogs and Heroes (National) will be holding a Blood Drive to help the DC Firefighters that were recently injured in a house fire on Friday, April 8, 2011. One of the Firefighters is a Hogs and Heroes Maryland Chapter 1 Member. Robert "Cadillac" Alvarado, received burns when the ceiling collapsed while fighting the fire. As part of the Blood Drive, we will also be doing an "In House" Poker Run at Old Glory Harley-Davidson. The Proceeds of the Poker Run will be donated to the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation. We will have a 50/50 Raffle and we will be selling a Limited Addition Event Shirt. The Event will be held Saturday, April 23, 2011 at Old Glory Harley-Davidson 11800 Laurel Bowie Road Laurel, Maryland 20708 from 10am To 4pm
The cost of the Poker Run is $15.00 and the cost of the Limited Addition Event Shirt is $15.00. Please visit www.heroesride.com to download and print a copy of the event flyer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ago
dcfireems dcfireems
update – 48th St NE – house on fire – addl fire/ems units requested. 3 hours ago
dcfireems dcfireems
update – 48th St NE – several injured FFs. 3 hours ago
dcfireems dcfireems
Update – 48th St NE – roof collapse – injured firefighters 3 hours ago
dcfireems dcfireems
2nd Alarm – 48th St NE 2 hours ago
dcfireems dcfireems
Update – 48th St NE – 3 FFs evaluated & transported – , 1 priority 1 , 2 Priority 2 to MedStar – 1 more being evaluated 2 hours ago
dcfireems 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)
Even before the pre-dawn house fires Saturday morning in neighboring Prince George’s County, DC firefighters dealt with the high winds during a house fire Friday evening in the 2800 block of Channing Street in Northeast. The video above is from DC Fire & EMS Department photographer Vito Maggiolo. The picture below is from Elliot J. Goodman. Elliot reports on DCFD.com:
The fire which was mainly in the rear of the home extended to the second floor and through the roof.
A working fire dispatch was sounded and the fire placed under control quickly.
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