The FDNY, in partnership with the FDNY Foundation, hosted the second annual Medical Special Operations Conference (MSOC), May 16-18, 2014. The weekend-long conference served as a platform for medical personnel from around the world who provide patient care under disaster and urban search and rescue conditions, with a primary objective to allow military, federal, state […]
In 2013, there were 97 on-duty Firefighter deaths, including 19 wildland Firefighters at the Yarnell Hill fire and nine Firefighter fatalities at the fertilizer plant explosion in Texas. In just these two major incidents, the country lost 28 Firefighters. However, notwithstanding the wildland fire and Texas explosion, sudden cardiac death continues to claim a major […]
There are several ways for the “outside team” to remove standard window bars from a fire building. Standard window bars are best described as solid stock bars–usually iron– mounted to cover a window. They most likely are fastened to the window frame or brickwork on the outside of the building. A ladder company may have […]
Everybody goes! Phone alarm. Residential. First-due engine. First-due truck. Address is 123 Main Street…Male caller states fire on second floor…Multiple dwelling…Three and two on the Box! As members hear the housewatch shout out the ticket, they start their size-up. Going through their mental Rolodex, they think of all the buildings on that block, creating a […]
As security concerns over the years have increased, so have the various methods and devices used to secure buildings and property. Firefighters have become accustomed to seeing drop bars, Fox locks, multiple dead bolts and slide locks on the doors of taxpayers and other buildings. These devices pose a significant safety risk to Firefighters and […]
As an operation progresses and Sectors/Groups and/or Branches have been assigned, it is incumbent upon the Incident Commander (IC) to establish a Command Channel to effectively implement strategy, coordinate supervision and facilitate better control of the overall operation. Implementation of a Command Channel shall be established under the following conditions: Third alarm or greater Signals […]
The 9×6 day tour in Bronx Battalion 3 started out rather uneventfully on November 20, 2013. The weather was seasonable and clear, with air temperatures in the low 40s and wind gusts in the 10- to 15-mph range. In this week before Thanksgiving, all signs indicated this day would be a pleasant and routine one. […]
Delivery has started on the latest generation of FDNY pumpers. The 91 new rigs are being built by Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corporation (KME)…
Editor’s Note: This second part of a two-part article focuses on firefighting operations at mill structures. Firefighting operations Fires in mill-constructed buildings pose a tremendous operational challenge. Firefighters must be prepared to engage heavy fire conditions. To fight fires in mill buildings effectively, two major concerns must be dealt with: 1. the large, open area […]
At 2107 hours on the evening of March 11, 2014, Engines 158, 154 and 157, Ladders 86 and 83, Battalion 22, Marine 9, the Marine Battalion and Tactical Support Unit 2 were dispatched to Staten Island Box 1194, 500 Western Avenue. That address is the main entrance to the New York Container Terminal, formerly known […]
Low-rise, fireproof multiple dwellings (LRFPMD) present unique challenges to the FDNY. Generally older buildings, they may be found in proximity to high-rise, fireproof multiple dwellings (HRFPMD.) Fires in these structures are complex and they will present problems similar to those found in taller fireproof buildings, while requiring tactics used in HRFPMDs and non-fireproof multiple dwellings […]
The Trans-Manhattan Expressway is a small section of expressway that connects the George Washington Bridge (GWB) to the Cross Bronx Expressway. The expressway has two inner roadways that deliver and expel traffic from the upper level of the GWB, while the two outer roadways do that for the lower level of the GWB. It also […]
Every July brings a proud event to the quarters of Rescue 5 and Engine 160. The Wounded Warriors Project arrives from several locations to meet up at the Clove Road firehouse. This is the kick-off for their week-long visit to the New York City area. They participate in many different water sports and excursions with […]
On April 30, 2014, the FDNY’s esteemed supporters were honored at the 2014 FDNY Foundation Dinner. Scott Baxter, Vice President of VF Corporation, was presented with the Fire Commissioner Humanitarian Award this year. Mr. Baxter, along with VF Corporation, has a long-standing history with the FDNY and was honored for his and his company’s commitment […]
The winter of 2014 will not be forgotten soon. The residents of New York endured cold weather and near-record snowfalls. On January 9, 2014, at 1528 hours, Bronx units were tested in the bustling Arthur Avenue neighborhood by a fast-moving fire and the cold weather. Fire Department units were dispatched to Bronx Box 3328, reporting […]
At vacant building fires, it is often possible to conduct an interior attack for the expeditious extinguishment of the fire and release of units. Prior to implementing interior operations, the Incident Commander (IC) must perform a risk assessment, keeping in mind that the life hazard and safety of members involved in operations are of paramount […]
