Jersey City third alarm: A fire yesterday at 83 Bleecker Street. Five firefighters were taken to the hospital for heat exhaustion or smoke inhalation. Four families were left homeless. Click here for all five parts of the video and here for more details.
Tarrytown, New York volunteer firefighter killed trying to save worker: Firefighter John Kelly tried to save a Tarrytown worker who collapsed inside a manhole behind a fire station. Kelly also went down and by the time his fellow firefighters could get to both men they were dead. Here’s our coverage.
Internal report on Seattle pump failure at fatal fire says it took seven minutes to get water: The Seattle Fire Department has issued a report on the fire in June that killed five people. The first arriving engine could not flow water because of an electronic keypad malfunction. Here’s the latest.
Tour of Duty Run visits the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial: I’ve been reading about their run through 20 states in 31 days with a scheduled arrival in Manhattan on Saturday, September 11. It was nice to meet the group of Australian and U.S. firefighters and other first responders during their visit to Emmitsburg on Labor Day. Click here for some video I shot as part of my work with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, plus links to other news coverage of the event.
Dave loses it and goes after a former Congressman and Presidential candidate: I’m sorry that I needed to get on my soap box, but it appeared everyone was attacking the fire marshals of Fairfax County, Virginia for arresting two bartenders who were doing fire tricks inside a Herndon bar. Reading a blog by Georgia’s Bob Barr sent me over the top. Mr. Barr gives the indication that it is “fun” to play with fire in a bar and that anyone who thinks otherwise is a “busy-body” who is against “freedom”. If that’s the case, I guess you better sign me up as one those unfun, freedom-hating, busy-bodies. Read why I am proud to wear those labels.
Injured Kentucky firefighters believe staffing shortages contributed to injuries: With no overtime to fill vacant positions Lyndon firefighters believe trying to do more with less contributed to injuries last week during an apartment fire. Here’s the story.
Fairfax County comes out on top for MDA: From Joel Kobersteen, communications director of IAFF Local 2068- “Thanks to the tremendous generosity of the citizens, visitors and employees of Fairfax County, IAFF Local 2068 was able to claim the crown as the highest raising Fill the Boot campaign in the United States. Fairfax County collected an amazing $561,487.72 during their campaign, beating out Houston, Texas Local 341 who raised $489,081.00 during their campaign.”
Firefighters among those who lost homes in Colorado: At least four firefighters who are battling this 3500 acre blaze near Denver have lost their homes. Firegeezer has been following this one.
