'Hoarder' killed in Bethel Park fire

 By Peter Sullivan / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette


 An 83-year-old woman described as a hoarder was killed when her Bethel Park house caught fire this morning -- burning faster because of its contents, fire officials said. The smoke at 85 Highland Road was reported at 5:01 a.m. When firefighters arrived, the blaze was already fierce.


 They tried to force their way in but the heat and smoke pushed them back, Allegheny County Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Don Brucker said. They were able to contain the fire in less than an hour. About 9 a.m., as they demolished the charred remnants of the house looking for its resident, firefighters found Liz Cutone's body on the first floor.


 Bethel Park fire Chief Dave Gerber said having so much fuel only fed the fire. "She was definitely a hoarder," he said. "It makes it harder. It makes it burn a lot faster." Mr. Brucker said there was no sign she tried to escape. Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the fire, he said. Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-south/firefighters-comb-bethel-park-wreckage-for-signs-of-woman-638507/#ixzz1waC8khmU

Out on Arrival

Good afternoon from the jumpseat.  During my last shift it hit me the three words that every firefighter don’t want to hear.  “Out on arrival” is three words that take you from being #jumpseatready to the aw man moment.  We all know what's it's like to hear the dispatch of a possible structure fire can clear a station faster than someone cooking with ramps.  We all get on our chosen unit for the day, put our seat belt on, and prepare for the upcoming battle, then those words come and it’s time to take the gear off.

Talk about a letdown, now I hate to see anyone’s property be consumed by fire and the heartbreak that goes along with it is staggering.  But let’s all face it, we like fighting fires.  If there is a fire we want it in our area, unless you the engineer then you want it in your second due so you can fight some fire.  That’s why I chose to work on the west side of my city, to see more fire.  If you repaired air conditioners would you go to Alaska to work, I vote NO. 

With the constant stream of non-fire related calls coming our way you must stay on guard for your next fire. Just remember that when the bell rings, you get dressed and ready just to hear the words Out on Arrival broadcasted over the radio that you shoud take the time to make sure that you place all you PPE and equipment ready for the next fire because you never know where it will be!

Thanks for the stop in the jumpseat!

Bunker up, Buckle in, it’s where we all begin!

Picture is from the Dover DE Fire Department  Rescue 1 

Taken during visit to Delaware in March 2012

Large Church Fire in South Minneapolis

 The Views from the jumpseat crew would like to share this fire with the loyal readers. God Bless the injured firefighters and the Minneapolis Fire Department. 

MAY 28, 2012 · NEWS STORY AND PICTURES COURTESY OF: TWIN CITY FIRE WIRE

May 27 - Five firefighters were injured while battling a three-alarm church fire Sunday night. The blaze lit up the night sky over South Minneapolis as it  burned out of control for almost two hours before it was declared under control.

Fire officials said that one of the five firefighters suffered serious injuries to their upper body. Four others suffered less serious burn injuries and they were being treated at Hennepin County Medical Center where Fire Chief John Fruetel and Mayor R.T. Ryback are visiting with them.

• Audio: Listen here for incident audio. Mayday about 3:00

 The fire at the Walker Community United Methodist Church at 3104 16th Ave. S. was reported around 8:20 p.m. when an initial assignment was dispatched for a report of smoke in the building. According to the church’s website, the thee-story high building was opened in March 1910.

Engine 5 arrived to find smoke in the cockloft of the building and requested a full assignment, according to the Extra Alarm Association’s Facebook page.  Some companies in South Minneapolis were just clearing  of a fire on Sunrise Drive.

An attack line was stretched by Engine 5′s crew to try to find the source of the fire. Engine 17′s crew established a water supply and then stretched a backup line.

While crews were trying to locate the seat of the fire, a Mayday was called. It was initially reported that several firefighters were injured in a flashover.

For continued coverage of this fire and updates visit Twincitiesfirewire.com

Happy Memorial Day from the Jumpseat!

On this special day remember to personally say "Thank You" to someone who is/or has served our country in the Military.  I thought that I would share this AWESOME video of the "Pride of West Virginia" marching bands performance with you.  What a great tribute!   Happy Memorial day....and a Huge Thank you to all the men and women who protect our Freedom!!!!