Multiple vehicles burn in front of motel: Firefighter Spot found this one first. The cars were burning at the Comfort Inn off Scott Avenue in the Morgantown, West Virginia area on Monday.
Radio traffic from fire engine crash in Baltimore: Baltimore City Fire Department Engine 36 and Engine 14 both were responding on the box at 1223 Mosher Street when each rig ended up on the northeast corner of Edmondson Avenue and N. Fulton Avenue. We have details, some pictures and two versions of the radio traffic (one on the collision and the other focusing on the fire, which went to two-alarms). Here is our coverage.
Woman charged in fire next to firehouse that left Baltimore firefighter injured: As we told you last week, the fire at 3910 Liberty Heights Avenue that seriously injured Firefighter/Paramedic Jeff Novack was suspicious. Now, a 19-year-old woman has been charged with starting the fire. Here’s more.
A veritable love fest: One of my favorite TV shows are the episodes of the DC City Council Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary where Chief Dennis Rubin is the guest star. For more than a year it has been the place to go if you like public hearings that aren’t dry and boring. Even when they have dealt with the type of budget minutiae that puts many of us in the mood for a power nap, Chief Rubin and Chairman Phil Mendelson have kept the conversation quite lively. Basically they just don’t get along. But if Monday’s hearing on overtime is any indication, maybe these two may have buried the fire axe. In one hour and fifteen minutes of facing each other there was none of the fireworks that we’ve seen in the past. Check it out yourself. Also, here is Chief Rubin’s written testimony explaining the issues behind over budget overtime spending.
Judge reverses arbitrator leaving Buffalo firefighters having to pay back the city: On average, firefighters could be out $230 each month to reimburse the city for a pay raise a judge says they shouldn’t have received. That’s on top of rolling back the increase. The union makes the case this could actually be a good thing. Here’s the story.
Union president fired, two others suspended over spreading of information about chief and his wife: This is an update on a story we previously told you about in Jackson Township, Ohio. Despite support coming from as far away as Colorado, the town trustees fired Scott Harr, who is president of IAFF Local 2672. Two other firefighters were suspended. They are accused of leaking details from an incident report about a response to their chief’s home involving a domestic issue. Even though there is a union, the firefighters do not have collective bargaining under Ohio law that exempts unincorporated areas of less than 5,000 people. Read the latest.
One of the more amazing stories in recent days: Firegeezer takes a close-up look at how that trucker in Dallas, Texas escaped his rig during a fiery crash that left the flaming wreckage dangling over a bridge. Take a look.
Also, Bill takes a nostalgic look back at a “Fire-Pal”. This is for the radio geeks among us.
Houston’s Draycott files harassment suit: Last week they were celebrating the history making shift of an all-female engine company. Now, the Houston Fire Department has a lawsuit to deal with from a woman firefighter who is at the center of a long running episode involving concerns about harassment and discrimination. The case of Jane Draycott at Station 54 has also left Houston looking for a new fire chief. Here is the latest.
People eyeing Flint jobs: The struggling Michigan city may actually be in a position to soon hire a dozen or so firefighters, thanks to the grant money we have told you about. Here is the latest.
Chief reports on fire station closing: In Lufkin, Texas the chief reports on the first week without Station 3. Click here for the details.
Pittsfield, Massachusetts fire: This apartment fire began around 7:30 PM last night on Wahconah Street. Click here for details.
