Simultaneous Rubbish Fires– Platoon 2 responded to a report of a building fire in the 2400 block of Independence Avenue on 4-4-12 at 1:04 a.m. Upon arrival, crews discovered a rubbish fire in the alley that did damage to a wood fence at a house and melted the vinyl siding of the detached garage at the same address. A few minutes later a call came in for another rubbish fire in the 2200 block of Grand Avenue. This one damaged the siding of two garages and an utility pole. Both fires considered intentionally set and remain under investigation.

Porch fire–Platoon 2 was dispatched to the 400 block of 9th St. for a porch fire on 4-5-12 at 10:07 p.m. The probable cause was a carelessly discarded cigarette and after extinguishment damage was estimated at $300.

Motor Vehicle Accident with Injuries— Engine 7 and Truck 2 responded to a call of a vehicle that had flipped over at 73rd St. and Niagara Falls Boulevard at 3:00 a.m. on 4-8-12. Two people were injured and treated at the scene before being transported to local hospitals for further evaluation. The accident caused power wires to be downed and Engine 7 secured the area until National Grid arrived and could make the proper repairs.

Car Fire– A report of a structure fire in the 3700 block of Lehigh Court at 10:42 p.m. on 4-8-12 sent a full assignment from Platoon 4. Upon arrival, crews encountered a 1999 Honda that had previously been reported stolen in Orchard Park fully involved in fire. After extinguishment, Fire Marshall Carl Parker determined that the fire had been intentionally started via a pour of ignitable liquid in the passenger compartment. Damage $4200.

Note: The NFFD will soon be commencing it’s annual inspection program of businesses and public assembly areas. Important points to remember— Exits are to be kept free and unobstructed. Fire detection, alarm and firefighting equipment is regularly tested and maintained; staff are instructed in their function and operation.Combustible materials are not stored within 36 inches of a heat producing device such as a furnace or water heater. Electrical wiring should not pose a fire hazard— overcurrent protective devices shall be of the proper amperage and extension cords are not to be used in the place of fixed wiring. A portable fire extinguisher(s) that has been inspected in the last 12 months is required.In assembly spaces, a maximum number of occupants sign shall be conspicuously posted and emergency evacuation procedures are also to be posted. Any questions—call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 286-4728 or 286-4736.

Daniel M. Ciszek, Chief of Fire Prevention
Niagara Falls Fire Department

By Rick Pfeiffer
Niagara Gazette

NIAGARA FALLS — The conversion of the Falls Fire Department’s fleet of fire-fighting apparatus from outdated to state-of-the-art has taken another step forward.

Falls firefighters have taken delivery of another new pumper that will allow them to take a more than 20-year-old piece of equipment out of service. After the department makes some custom equipment additions and firefighters complete training on the new rig, it will be put into service at the Royal Avenue Fire Station.

The new 2011 Rosenbauer pumper, manufactured by Empire Emergency Apparatus, a Falls-based emergency vehicle sales and service company, is expected to be operating by the week of April 23.

”Ten years is probably a good guide for fire-fighting equipment,” Falls Fire Chief Tom Colangelo said. “I think (the pumper being taken out of service) was the one I started on more than 25 years ago, so it was time.”

The newest piece of fire apparatus is almost identical to a 2009 Rosenbauer pumper that the department put into service in October of that year at the 72nd Street Fire Station. The state-of-the-art vehicle is capable of pumping 1,500 gallons of water per minute on to a raging blaze.

It also carries 750 gallons of water and 30 gallons of firefighting foam on board. Four firefighters will man the apparatus.

”The new pumper will replace a pumper currently at the Royal Avenue hall,” Colangelo said. “That pumper now at Royal Avenue will go to the Bollier Avenue Fire Hall and the rig that’s (at Bollier Avenue) will go into our reserve fleet.”

Plans to purchase the pumper were approved about two years ago and the order was placed last year. The city had expected to take delivery of the equipment later this year, but Colangelo said the department got the equipment faster, and saved $50,000, by agreeing to use a chasis that is identical to the 2009 model pumper.

The two new pumpers are the first additions to the city’s fire fleet since pumper purchases in 2004 and 2005. The average age of the active fleet of five engines and two ladder trucks in the had been more than 20 years before the new equipment arrived.

The city’s reserve fire fleet will now grow to four engines and one ladder truck.

Colangelo said the city isn’t finished shopping for new additions to the fire fleet.

”We’re in good shape, but there’s always something you need. We have a wish list,” the chief said. “Probably the next things will look at is a new rescue truck. The one we have is about 20 years old.”

The last pumper was dedicated by the department to Fire Capt. Dave Williams, who died from injuries he received while helping New York City firefighters at Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001.

Colangelo said the department may also dedicate the new rig.

”We’re talked about who we might dedicate (the new pumper) to,” he said. “But we haven’t talked to the family yet, so we’re not ready to make any announcement on that.”
http://niagara-gazette.com/local/x1789085864/Falls-firefighters-breaking-in-new-fire-engine

Fire: Platoon 2 were dispatched to a report of a building fire in the 600 block of 15th St. on 3-21-12 at 3:06 a.m. Upon arrival crews discovered a detached garage on fire. After extinguishment, it was determined that the fire had been intentionally set and it remains under investigation. Damage–$5000.

Emergency Medical Service call: Engine 8′s crew consisting of Captain Tom Jelen, Jacob Edwards, Leonard Nowakowski, and Micah Carey responded to a call of a young woman not breathing in the alley of the 2400 block at 6:53 p.m. on 3-27-12. After initiating rescue breathing procedures, the woman began to respire on her own and she was transported to NFMMC for further evaluation.

EMS Call: Engine 4 was sent to the 1100 block of Ferry Ave. at 5:25 p.m. on 3-28-12 for a first aid call for a woman who suffered facial burns who said the oxygen canula she was wearing flashed over into flames when she blew out a candle. She was treated by the crew at the scene and transported to NFMMC. Remember, home oxygen should never be used near an ignition source.

Car Fire: Engine 4 and Truck 1 responded to a car fire in the 300 block of Spruce Ave. at 3:56 p.m. on 3-29-12. A 1997 Pontiac was being worked on by the owner when a fuel malfunction started the engine compartment on fire. The owner tried to extinguish the fire with a garden hose but was unsuccessful and he then called 911 for the Fire Department to respond. Extinguishment by the crews was rapid—damage listed at $1800.

Kitchen fire: A full assignment from Platoon 4 was sent to the 1800 block of Pierce Ave. for a report of a kitchen fire at 10:28 a.m. on 4-1-12. A boiling pot of water spilled over into a skillet of hot grease starting the stovetop and cupboards on fire. Damage was confined to this area and was estimated at $1300.

Water damage: A sprinkler head malfunction at Home Depot on Builder’s Way caused a discharge of approximately 4000 gallons of water onto merchandise. Crews from Platoon 4 shut down the sprinkler system and assisted removing the water from the store using squeegees and water vacuums. Damage–$20,000.

Car Fire: An electrical short inside a door panel started a fire in a 1999 Pontiac in the 1400 block of Byrd Ave. at 4:11 p.m. on 4-1-12. Engine 4 extinguished the fire and damage was pegged at $800.

Daniel M. Ciszek, Chief of Fire Prevention
Niagara Falls Fire Department

Column by Rick Pfeiffer — Well, what a difference a year makes.

After a heart-breaking last second loss to Falls police in their annual charity hockey game in 2011, city firefighters rebounded nicely a couple of weeks ago to claim victory in this year’s face-off.

The firefighters said they were confident the return of their starting goaltender (who did not play last year) and the addition of a couple of talented rookies would be enough for them to reclaim their dominance in the annual game on ice.

Since the police and firefighters have begun a series of charity flag football and hockey games, the guys in blue have seemed to hold the advantage on the football field, while the blazebusters have tended to clean up on the ice.

But no matter who the winning team is, there’s no doubt that these family fun and friendly events pay off for some very good causes. The hockey games proceeds this year will benefit the annual Firefighters Toy Fund, while the cash raised at the football game went to help the family of injured Niagara County Sheriff’s Deputy Allen Gerhardt.

It’s just another example of how the men and women of both the city police and fire departments go above and beyond to give back to this community. They do a lot more than just protect and serve and we should be thankful for that.

By Rick Pfeiffer Niagara Gazette

NIAGARA FALLS — Last year it came down to the final seven seconds.

The Falls Police Hockey Team hadn’t beaten their city fire department rivals in four years. Yet, down two goals with just two minutes to play, the officers had rallied to tie the game.

Then Officer Brendan Gee burst up center ice on a breakaway. His wrist shot, in the words of legendary Sabres’ broadcaster Rick Jeanneret, caught the top corner of the firefighters’ net, “Where momma hides the cookies!”

“I remember when Brendan scored, it was so loud,” Officer Tom Arist, one the police team organizers, recalled. “It was one of the best atmosphere’s I’ve ever been around.”

Come Saturday night, Arist, Gee and the rest of the Falls’ boys in blue team will try to recreate that atmosphere when they face off with the firefighters again in their annual charity hockey game at the Hyde Park Ice Pavilion. The game gets under way at 7 p.m. and tickets are just $5. The proceeds will benefit the Falls Firefighters Toy Fund.

“The firefighters were so generous to share their funds from the charity football game with (injured Niagara County Sheriff’s Office) Deputy (Allen) Gerhardt, we wanted to help them now,” Arist said.

While the officers may be eager to help the firefighters raise money for the Toy Fund, they haven’t forgotten that four year losing streak and they’re looking to notch their second victory in a row. Arist and fellow organizer, officer Paul Kudela, say they’re bring back the same team as last year, “only better.”

Kudela, who comes from a family of firefighters, says he “treads a fine line” when it comes to who the family cheers for.

“They’re for (the police) side,” he says with a laugh.

Though Kudela admits that his mom makes special hockey t-shirts for the police team, he’s pretty sure his dad (a firefighter) cheers for his fellow firefighters.

In the city’s fire halls, the sting of last year’s defeat is still being felt.

“That was a heartbreaking loss last year,” Firefighter Chris Finitz, the fire department team organizer, said. “But out best goaltender is back this year and we drafted much better.”

Finitz’s draft reference comes from the addition to the department of rookie firefighters Gordy and Tamara Stewart. The brother and sister team are both experienced hockey players.

“Gordy Jr. played at Ithaca (a college hockey powerhouse) and Tamara is very good too,” Finitz said. “I think we did well in the off-season. I feel like we have a very strong team this year.”

Even their police opponents say they have a healthy respect for Tamara Stewart’s skills.

“She skated with us once,’ Kudela said. “I think she was trying to see how she ranked.”

Added Arist, “Yeah, and she scored a sick goal.”

Fire Captain John Asklar said folks should come out for the game because it’s a good time and family fun.

“Hockey is our sport. Last year was a fluke. We’re out for bear this year,” Asklar said. “We play hard, but afterward we go out with our families and there’s great camaraderie. It’s a great evening for a good price and a great cause.”

Arist said he even has family members traveling in from out-of-town to attend the game.

“It’s a family event and it’s great to play in,” he said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Annual Falls Police vs. Firefighters Charity Hockey Game

WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Hyde Park Ice Pavilion

TICKETS: $5

 

Field fire: Engine 9 was dispatched to a field fire near the 9500 block of Colvin Boulevard at 6:39 p.m. Youths were observed fleeing the scene and it is believed they were responsible for starting the fire. The crew extinguished the fire in approximately 20 minutes.

Fire: A full assignment from Platoon 3 was sent to the 2200 block of Independence Avenue for a report of a building fire at 4:12 a.m. Upon arrival, crews discovered a fire on the 2nd floor porch. A man had knocked over a charcoal grill about 5 hours earlier and thought he had removed all the embers. However, at this time he realized that a fire had started on his porch. After extinguishment damage was estimated at $500.

Fire: While enroute to the fire on Independence Ave., Engine 3′s crew consisting of Captain John Asklar, Firefighters Anthony Ross, Risky Sanabria, and Nicholas Pino –responding from their Firehouse on 11th St. and Ontario Ave.—noticed heavy smoke conditions in the 1600 block of Ontario Ave. After receiving a radio transmission from first arriving crews at Independence Ave. that the porch fire was relatively small in nature, Engine 3 circled the block and discovered a structure fire at a vacant house at 1636 Niagara Ave. at 4:17 a.m. The fire was burning through the roof of the 2 1/2 story house, but was declared under control within 30 minutes. Evidence of a pour of an ignitible liquid was found in the attic and this fire remains under investigation. Damage listed at $15,000.

Car fire: Engine 3 and Truck 1 responded to the 1300 block of Beech Ave. for a car fire at 12:55 p.m. A man driving his 1997 Acura noticed a strong odor of gasoline coming from the engine compartment and pulled over. Minutes later the compartment was on fire. The fire was confined to the engine —damage $1500.

Grease fire: Engine 4 was called to investigate a kitchen fire in the 400 block of 9th St. The fire was extinguished by the occupant prior to the crew’s arrival, but the occupant suffered 2nd degree burns to his chest in doing so. The patient was transported to NFMMC for treatment. Careless cooking was the cause and damage estimated at $1300.

Reminder—With the unseasonable warm weather, the NFFD got a early start on it’s rash of unauthorized burning calls. Open burning–generally bonfires or burning of refuse–is prohibited in New York State without a permit. Outdoor recreational open flame devices are not illegal to sell in stores, but cannot be used legally due to extension of fire concerns, environmental and health codes. If called to one of these incidents, the NFFD is required by law to ensure extinguishment and the violator can be issued a court appearance ticket.

2-27-12– Structure fire–7:50 a.m.– Platoon 4 responded to a trailer fire in the 9800 block of Niagara Falls Boulevard. A child playing with a lighter started a bed on fire. Engine 9′s crew consisting of Captain Mark Trane, Firefighters Dave Ashby, John Pati, and Justin LaMacchia extinguished the fire with an 1 3/4″ hoseline. There was significant smoke and fire damage–$20,000. One resident went to the hospital to be evaluated for smoke inhalation.

03-02-12– Elevator rescue–11:42 p.m.-Engine 4 and Truck 1 were sent to the Seneca Casino Hotel for a report of people trapped in an elevator. The crews used standard procedures to safely free the people from the elevator.

03-05-12- Structure fire–3:42 a.m.— A full assignment from Platoon 2 was dispatched to the 900 block of Fairfield Avenue for a structure fire. After extinguishment, it was determined a marijuana growing operation had overloaded electrical circuits causing the fire. Police and Building Inspections were summoned to the scene and the building was condemned. $10,000 damage.

03-07-12– Structure fire- – 1:34 p.m.– Platoon 3 responded to the 1700 block of 13th St. for a call of a building fire. The fire originated near the 2nd floor exterior window of the vacant structure. The fire was doused before it could do significant damage to the interior of the house. All utilities had been shut off to building and no evidence of ignitible liquids were detected at the scene. The cause of the fire is undetermined and remains under investigation .$2000 damage.

03-09-12— Vehicle accident–8:34 a.m. — Engine 4 and Truck 1 replied to the intersection of John Daly Boulevard and Buffalo Ave. for a 10 car pile-up due to icy roads and heavy snow squall conditions. One person was treated for injuries sustained in the accident and transported to NFMMC.

Note: With the recent changing of the clocks, this is the standard Fire Prevention reminder to test and/or replace the batteries in your smoke alarms. If your smoke alarm is “chirping” periodically, this means the battery is low and needs to be immediately replaced.

2-15-12—Tire fire– At 5:08 a.m. Engine 4 and a fire investigator responded to the 1100 block of Ashland Ave. for a report of a fire in a backyard. Upon arrival crews found approximately 20 tires on fire emitting heavy black smoke throughout the neighborhood. After extinguishment, the NFPD and City building inspectors were called in to further investigate.
2-15-12–Ice Rescue– At 3:02 p.m. Platoon 1 was sent to Hyde Park Lake for a call of a person who fell through the ice. Within 3 minutes of receipt of the call, Battalion Chief Dan Boland and Captain Jason Zona had entered the bone-chilling water and brought the man to shore. Unfortunately, while the man still had a pulse upon removal from the water, he did not survive  the night.
2-16-12— Car fire– At 3:48 a.m. Engine 3 was dispatched to the 1800 block of Pierce Ave. for a vehicle fire. The arriving crew encountered a 2008 Dodge fully involved with fire in the passenger compartment–spreading to the adjacent garage. The fire was quickly put out, but not before $9500 damage to the car and garage. The fire was determined to be intentionally set.
2-16–12— Malicious false alarm— 3:12 P.M.– An alarm box at Niagara Falls High School was pulled by a student–no fire present. Under new law, this is considered a felony crime. Security tapes in the school were able to identify the perpetrator and the student was eventually arrested.
2-18-12– Extrication from vehicle—3:11 p.m.– A motor vehicle accident required the crews of Engine 7 and Truck 2 to use the Jaws of Life and a hydraulic cutting tool to remove a victim from a car. The patient was treated on the scene before being transported to St. Mary’s Hospital.

Note: The 90th annual Firefighter’s Ball and Awards Banquet was held on 2-11-12. Awards given:
Battalion Chief’s Award– This award is presented by the NFFD Battalion Chiefs to line personnel who have performed meritorious service on an emergency medical call. It can be difficult to single out one recipient as NFFD crews are involved in many EMS “saves” every year. For 2011 the award was bestowed on the crew of Engine 8 Platoon 2 –Captain Frank Guthrie, Firefighters Dave Seguin, Jerel Welch, and Joel Stephenson. Upon receipt of a call of a unconscious man in the alley of the 2700 block of Falls St., they discovered that the man had no pulse or respirations. Acting quickly, the crew began CPR and attached an automatic external defibrillator which prompted them to deliver an electrical shock  to the man’s heart . One more shock was needed to restore the patient’s normal cardiac rhythm . The patient’s vital signs improved dramatically and before the ambulance began transport to the hospital , the patient was conscious and talking.
Local 714 Presidential Award—-Risky Sanabria
Local 3359 Presidential Award—- Clifford Mayes
NFFD Mutual Aid Association President’s Award—Eric Barlow                                                                                                                                                                                                           Niagara Falls Firefighters Christmas Toy Fund Award—Gil Burke                                                                                                                                                                                                      George Optical Award—Vincent Orsi