USFA LODD: New Jersey Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.25.2014

Firefighter James Woods, 44, on December 25, 2014, passed away from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined within 24 hours of responding to an emergency response call in North Bergen, New Jersey.

Our condolences to the Woods Family & Friends, the Jersey City Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter James Woods’ passing.

To date, 87 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA LODD: Long Island New York Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 12.23.2014

Firefighter Joseph “Junior” Sanford Jr. succumbed to injuries sustained on December 23, 2014, several days after being rescued from the basement of a burning residence in Woodmere, New York, revived by fellow responders and transported to the hospital. 
   
Firefighter Joseph “Junior” Sanford Jr. Sanford, a former Assistant Fire Chief with the Inwood Fire Department, was reported to have been one of the first firefighters on the scene when he became separated from others and fell through the first floor of the home into the basement.

Our condolences to the Sanford Family & Friends, the Inwood Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Joseph “Junior” Sanford Jr.’s passing.

To date, 86 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 










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USFA LODD: North Carolina Fire Chief On-Duty Death 12.16.2014

Fire Chief Ricky Wooten Doub, on December 16, 2014 at 1343hrs, responded to an EMS and a fire call during the day and was later found deceased at home by his wife around 1700hrs that evening. A nature and cause of fatal injury for Chief Doub is still to be determined.

Our condolences to the Doub Family & Friends, the City of Forbush Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Fire Chief Ricky Wooten Doub's passing.
    

To date, 85 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA LODD: Tennessee Firefighter On-Duty Death 12.09.2014

Firefighter Gus Losleben, 69, on December 9, 2014 at 1030hrs., died from injuries received when the fire department tanker he was operating in response to a working structure fire collided head-on with a loaded logging truck. The driver of the logging truck was also killed in the accident, the cause which remains under investigation by authorities.

Our condolences to the Losleben Family & Friends, the City of Hardin County Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Gus Losleben's passing.
    

To date, 84 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA LODD: Philadelphia Firefighter On-Duty Death 12.09.2014

On December 9, 2014 at approximately 0249hrs., Firefighter Joyce Craig Lewis, 36, was one of several firefighters that were first to respond to a residential fire in the West Oak Lane Section of Philadelphia. Upon arrival at 0253hrs., the firefighters advanced a hose into the home's basement to fight the fire. As reinforcement arrived, a change in tactics was ordered and the first group of firefighters started to withdraw from the basement. During this time, Firefighter Craig-Lewis became trapped. She was rescued by fellow firefighters and, with no vital signs, was transported to Albert Einstein Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at approximately 0400hrs.. Investigation into the incident and cause of death continues. Firefighter Craig-Lewis is Philadelphia's first female firefighter to die while on duty.

  

Our condolences to the Lewis Family & Friends, the City of Philadelphia Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Joyce Craig Lewis' passing.

     

To date, 83 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

Fatal Fire At Villa Serene Apartments; Up-State New York 12.03.2014

ELMIRA HEIGHTS, N.Y.
Firefighters responded to the Villa Serene Apartment Complex at 399 East 14th St. at 4:48 a.m. Wednesday, where a blaze broke out on the 11th-floor. Multiple fire departments responded to the scene.
  
Fire officials have confirmed one death; Bernard G. Marshall, 63, died after falling from his apartment window that was on the 11th floor of the 12 story building.

 

 

"The fire appears to have started and was mostly contained to apartment 1103, which was the apartment of Marshall," according to Elmira Heights Police Chief Rick Churches said in a news release. "Marshall did fall from his apartment window, which was on the 11th floor of the 12-story building. Although cause of death cannot be stated at this point Marshall did appear to be escaping the intense flames and smoke that was coming from the apartment."

 

"The building is built in a way that contained it [the fire]," said Elmira Heights Fire Chief Michael Cadek. "The fire had a really good head start because it was already blowing out the window when we got the call."

 

The fire was under control by 5:15 a.m. Firefighters used a special technique to combat the flames

 

"We have an aerial device that we used to hit it [the fire] from the outside," said Fire Chief Cadek. "And then once we hit the majority of it, the crews went inside, because they had to climb up 11 floors to get there, then they made the initial attack from the inside."

 

120 people were evacuated from the building. Some units sustained water damage from the fire response. While some people were able to move back into the building by Wednesday evening, others will be out for a few days.

 

The Red Cross is assisting those displaced. Residents are staying optimistic. 

  

Chemung County Fire Investigators, New York State Fire Investigators and Elmira Heights Police are investigating the cause of the fire.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

USFA LODD – South Carolina Fire Lieutenant On-Duty Death 12.03.14

Lieutenant John Burns, 50, on December 3, 2014 at 0645hrs, was discovered by other firefighters unresponsive in his bed at the fire station early in the morning where he was pronounced deceased from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined. In addition to other duties, Lieutenant Burns had responded to one or more emergency alarms earlier during his shift.  

Our condolences to the Burns Family & Friends, the Myrtle Beach Fire Department, and to all affected by Fire Fighter John Burns’ passing.

To date, 82 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 


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2-Alarm Apartment Fire; Binghamton New York 12.01.2014

BINGHAMTON, N.Y.
Binghamton firefighters responded about 2:20 p.m. , to a fire call at 26 Stuyvesant Street. A building housing two apartments left all residents without a place to live, Binghamton Fire Chief Daniel Thomas said.



The two-alarm blaze caused extensive damage to an apartment house in downtown Binghamton this afternoon.

Chief Thomas said the fire was primarily on the top floor, but investigators have not nailed down a cause or an origin yet.



Chief Thomas said the fire was primarily on the top floor, but investigators have not nailed down a cause or an origin yet.

When firefighters arrived on scene, they tried to go into the building, but the fire was too fierce, so crews had to attack it from the outside, according to the Fire Chief Thomas.

It was reported two cats which had been in the burning building were rescued by firefighters.

Fire investigators were on the scene to begin looking for the cause of the blaze.

No one was reported hurt.



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA LODD: Ohio Firefighter-EMT On-Duty Death 11.28.2014

Firefighter-EMT Tom Rhamey, 71, on November 18, 2014 at 1350hrs, fell ill while working at the scene of a residential structure fire. Firefighter-EMT Tom Rhamey was treated and transported by Western Holmes County EMS to Wooster Community Hospital and subsequently flown to Akron City Hospital where he remained in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit until his passing on November 28, 2014.

        

Our condolences to the Rhamey Family & Friends, the Western Holmes County Fire and EMS - Lakeville Station, and to all affected by Fire Fighter - EMT Tom Rhamey's passing.

     

To date, 81 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA LODD: New Jersey County Fire Coordinator On-Duty Death 11.19.2014

On November 18, 2014, County Fire Coordinator Arthur E. Treon, 61, responded to a working multi-family dwelling fire. While operating as fire coordinator, County Fire Coordinator Treon began experiencing chest pains and difficulty breathing and was transported by EMS to Cape Region Medical Center for a suspected heart attack.  Fire Coordinator Arthur E. Treon was admitted for possible pneumonia but subsequently passed away at approximately 2230hrs on 11/19/2014 from a nature and cause of injury still to be reported.

        

Our condolences to the Treon Family & Friends, the Cape May County of Emergency Management, and to all affected by Fire Coordinator Artur E. "Art" Treon's passing.

     

To date, 80 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

2nd Alarm Fire - Frackville Pennsylvania - 11.21.14

Flames destroyed a borough tavern and apartments Friday morning. Firefighters were called to Amberdeen's Fine Food and Beverages at 62 N. Lehigh St. around 6:45 a.m. and found heavy smoke coming from the building.  



Firefighters from Frackville, Shenandoah, Englewood, Altamont, Mahanoy City and Shenandoah battled the fire and managed to get the flames under control in about 30 minutes.



“When we arrived there was a lot of smoke pouring from the building where the fire originated,” said Goodwill Hose Company Asst. Chief Bill Lindenmuth. “Four total buildings with damage with smoke or water, one with substantial fire damage.”

The first floor of the building that was home to the bar and restaurant sustained extensive damage while apartments on the upper floor were damaged as well.

Smoke damage was possible to two adjoining buildings _ the Frackville Public Library at 56 N. Lehigh St., and the Compact Sweeper Co. at 66 N. Lehigh St.

Firefighters are still at the scene and North Lehigh Avenue, Route 924, remains closed due to hoses and fire apparatus.

Rapid Intervention Teams were at the scene from both Pottsville and Mahanoy City along with EMS units from Frackville and Shenandoah.

No firefighter were injuries as well as no civilian injured during firefighting operations.

No cause has been listed for the blaze.

Fire officials say brick fire walls prevented the spread of the fire.

A state police fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA LODD – Pennsylvania Fire Marshal On-Duty Death 11.20.14

On November 11, 2014 at 1230hrs, several hours after responding to a medical call, Fire Marshal Samir P. Ashmar, 51, was found in cardiac arrest at his residence. Samir P. "Sam" Ashmar was treated and transported by fellow responders to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest where he succumbed to his injury.

        

Our condolences to the Ashmar Family & Friends, the Upper Macungie Township Station 56, Inc., and to all affected by Fire Marshal Samir P. "Sam" Ashmar's passing.

     

To date, 79 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

South Glens Fall Fire; No Injuries – 11.20.14

SOUTH GLENS FALLS, N.Y.

Multiple firefighting crews were called out just before 8 a.m. on Thursday morning to the home at 32 South Spring Street. The fire was reported at about 7:45 a.m. by residents calling 911 after smelling smoke.

Firefighters were able to put the fire out quickly despite the cold.

“We’re pretty well versed as far as the cold. It hasn't gotten too cold yet, so we're working through it,” said Jonathan Pease, Assistant Fire Chief with the South Glens Falls Fire Department. “It's definitely a change of element but it didn't cause any problems here today."

South Glens Falls, West Glens Falls, Wilton, Gansevoort, Hudson Falls and Fort Edward firefighters were called to the scene, while South Queensbury was called out for standby.

No injuries were reported.

The cause is under investigation.



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

USFA LODD: New York Firefighter On-Duty Death 11.18.2014

On November 18, 2014 at 1951hrs, Firefighter James Foote, 57, upon returning inside of the station to get warm after cutting down two trees on the fire department grounds, Firefighter James Foote fell ill and collapsed. Medical assistance was provided by fellow responders and James Foote was transported to Cobleskill Hospital where he later passed away of a heart attack.

   

Our condolences to the Foote Family & Friends, the Summit Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter James Foote's passing.

  

To date, 78 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

2-Alarm Fire; Barton New York – 11.19.14

TIOGA COUNTY, N.Y.
Multiple crews were called out the to the structure fire at 24 Frost Hollow Road in Barton, New York just before noon at 11:20 am Wednesday.

Tioga Center Fire & Squad and Halsey Valley Fire Company responded to the fire at an old gun shop in Tioga County and there was an explosion, according to the Tioga Center Fire Department. After arriving firefighting crews on the fireground reported a fully involved structure fire, and there was an explosion which blew debris onto the road.

Additional call out for manpower was called for and a water tanker from Nichols Fire Department, along with Waverly Barton Fire Department responded.

Tioga Center First Assistant Fire Chief Art Mayer said, a man was currently living in the home, which was a former gun shop, and his father owns it.

The home was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, so the only thing they could do, First Assistant Fire Chief Mayer said, was get as much water on the home as possible.

There were no injuries at the fire scene, but the building is a total loss.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

Brooklyn, N.Y. Fire; 1 Dead, 16 Others Injured – 11.19.14

A two-alarm fire broke out in Brooklyn at 12:38 a.m. Wednesday in the three-story apartment building on Flatbush Avenue near Farragut Road in the 1400 block. 

The blaze was brought under control at 1:55 a.m.

The blaze started in the three-story apartment building over a store-front church at about 12:35 a.m., according to the FDNY.

   

   

Fire originated on the second floor and swept through the third floor. The blaze was brought under control at 1:55 a.m.

Fifteen people were injured in the blaze, including six critically. One person later died from their injuries. A man in his 20s was killed in a fire that broke out during frigid temperatures in Flatbush, Brooklyn, said police.

The fire marshal was investigating the cause of blaze Wednesday morning.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

USFA LODD: Texas Firefighter On-Duty Death 11.16.2014

Pump Operator/Paramedic Alejandro Castro, 40, on November 16,2014 at 2230hrs, was found unresponsive while on-duty inside of Brownsville Fire Station 8. Alejandro Castro had succumbed in the fire station to a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.

  

  

Our condolences to the Castro Family & Friends, the Brownsville Fire Department, and to all affected by Pump Operator/Paramedic Alejandro Castro's passing.

  

To date, 77 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

Small Single-Engine Plane Crashed Into Chicago House - 11.18.14

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago police say a small plane has crashed into a home on the city’s southwest side.

Police spokesman Ron Gaines says the single-engine plane crashed into the house around 2:45 a.m. Tuesday.



Gaines says the occupants of the home were not injured but he did not know about the condition of the person or people aboard the plane.

Fire officials told local news outlets they were still searching for the plane’s pilot.

Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Elizabeth Corey told the Chicago Sun-Times the small cargo plane, an Aero Commander 50, had just departed from Midway International Airport on its way to Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling when the pilot reported engine problems and tried to return to Midway. The plane crashed about a quarter-mile from its departing runway.





There was one pilot on board the plane. Firefighters have not been able to locate the pilot.

The plane crashed through the roof of the house and into the living room through to the basement.

There was no fire or explosion after the plane crashed.

Firefighters have not been able to enter most of the home because the building is unsafe.



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA LODD: New York Firefighter On-Duty Death 11.15.2014

On November 15, 2014, a short time after responding to a school fire alarm Firefighter Richard Weisse, Sr., 59, suffered a medical emergency and passed away. The nature and cause of fatal injury are pending further investigation.    

Our condolences to the Weisse Family & Friends, the St. James Fire District, and to all affected by Firefighter Richard Weisse's Sr. passing.

  

To date, 76 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

USFA LODD: New Jersey Fire Lieutenant On-Duty Death 11.15.2014

On November 14, 2014, at 0305hrs.,  Lieutenant Christopher Hunter, 38, responded to his last alarm. The next day on November 15, 2014 at 0152hrs., Lieutenant Hunter suffered a cardiac arrest at home.  Christopher Hunter was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.    

Our condolences to the Hunter Family & Friends, the Cinnaminson Fire Department, and to all affected by Lieutenant Christopher Hunter's passing.

  

To date, 75 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

4-Alarm Fire In Newark, New Jersey - 11.15.14

NEWARK, N.J.  — The Newark Fire Department responded to a fire that started just before 10 p.m. at 295 Lafayette St. and quickly spread to three other houses before firefighters extinguished the blaze two hours later on Saturday evening.









Two homes were destroyed and two others were severely damaged when the multi-alarm blaze roared through the Ironbound neighborhood Saturday night.



No injuries have been reported. There is no word yet on what sparked the blaze. Crews worked for most of the night to access the damage and check for hotspots. 


A total of 33 people were forced out of their homes. Most will be staying with family and friends. “We had about 33 people in the reception center, but many were able to stay with friends or family members,” Red Cross spokeswoman Diane Kincannon said.


The cause of the fire remains under investigation.



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Report for Ammonium Nitrate Explosion at a Fertilizer Plant Fire Texas – 04.07.13

April 2013 plant blast killed nine volunteer firefighters and one off-duty firefighter
      
On April 17, 2013, ten emergency first responders (ranging in age from 26 to 52 and all male) were killed when a burning fertilizer plant containing an estimated 40 to 60 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded just outside the city limits.  The explosion occurred less than 20 minutes after the emergency responders arrived on-scene.

The victims included 5 volunteer fire fighters with the city’s volunteer fire department, and 4 volunteer fire fighters from 3 neighboring volunteer fire departments who were attending an emergency medical services (EMS) class in the city.  One off-duty career fire captain and two civilians who responded to offer assistance to the volunteer fire department were also killed by the explosion.

The victims were among a number of first responders engaged in fire suppression and support activities and were in close proximity to the burning structure when the explosion occurred.  Five other volunteer fire fighters with the city’s fire department were injured.  The two civilians were providing non-suppression support to the fire department when they were killed by the blast.  Three civilians living nearby also died as the result of the blast.

Contributing Factors

* Non-recognition of the hazards associated with ammonium nitrate

* Limited pre-incident planning of commercial facility

* Fire quickly spread to an un-controllable size

* Approximately 40-60 tons of solid ammonium nitrate unexpectedly detonated

* Responders working within blast radius at time of explosion  

* Large non-sprinklered, wood construction, commercial structure.

Key Recommendations

* Fire departments should conduct pre-incident planning inspections of buildings within their jurisdiction to facilitate development of safe fireground strategies and tactics, especially for high hazard / high risk structures and occupancies

* Fire departments should have a written risk management plan, use risk management principles at all structure fires and especially at incidents involving high risk hazards

* Fire departments should develop, implement and enforce a written Incident Management System to be followed at all emergency incident operations

* Fire departments should ensure that fire fighters wear a full array of turnout clothing and personal protective equipment appropriate for the assigned tasks

* Fire departments should ensure that fire fighters are trained to standards that meet or exceed NFPA 1001 Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications.

Additionally, governing agencies (federal, state, regional, and local municipalities) should:

Consider requiring automatic sprinkler systems, performing regular fire inspections, and other types of active fire prevention methods in industrial facilities, especially those with high risk / high hazard inventory

Consider following the most current safe handling procedures for ammonium nitrate fertilizer storage and handling.

Read the entirety of the report at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face201311.html

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

USFA LODD: Baltimore City Fire Department On-Duty Death 11.12.2014

On  November 12, 2014 at 0028hrs, Baltimore City Fire Department firefighters responded to a vacant row house fire. Lieutenant James Bethea, 62, the safety officer, arrived at the scene at approximately 0043hrs.. A few minutes later, the vacant row house fire was deemed to be under control and by 0330hrs, all fire department units were recalled to fire stations or other emergencies. Around 0700hrs, a fellow officer who drove by while off-duty observed that Lieutenant Bethea's fire department SUV was still at the scene. Officials returned and found Lieutenant James Bethea's body in the basement of a vacant home next door to where the fire occurred. Investigation into the incident and cause of death continues.
     

Our condolences to the Bethea Family & Friends, the Baltimore City Fire Department, and to all affected by Lieutenant James Bethea's passing.

     

To date, 74 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page. 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)