Firefighter Treated For Burns In Three-Alarm Harlem Fire

Looks like the FDNY was faced with a "Heavy Contents" fire this morning in Spanish Harlem.  From the news report looks like they found what the FDNY calls "colliers mansion" conditions, named after the collier brothers from Manhattan.  I have spoken with many FDNY members who express how common these conditions are in their city.

FDNY has one option that most of us don't, Staffing. The news reports state that this fire went to three alarms bringing 138 firefighters to the scene.  Can you imagine how long it would take to get 138 to your fire scene.

This is why identifying, controlling, and pre-fire planning "Heavy Content" residences before they catch fire is so important.  Once you discover these conditions you should report findings to the entire department, code officials, landlords, and dispatch center.  Knowing that you will be facing these conditions before you arrive will allow time to call extra alarms for more firefighters, allow you to change tactics, and make for a safer fire scene.

Great job by the FDNY, as usual.  Speedy recovery to the burned firefighter and thanks to the news team for sharing this video.  Hoarding is becoming a familiar condition to today's firefighters, time to train on dealing with this growing problem!!


Here are some other links to this story:
http://gothamist.com/2012/07/12/photos_six_injured_in_massive_east.php#photo-2

http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20120712/east-harlem/firefighters-battle-massive-blaze-east-harlem

http://manhattan.ny1.com/content/top_stories/164684/firefighter-treated-for-burns-in-three-alarm-harlem-fire

West "By God" Virginia People

Good afternoon from the jumpseat.  In my travels around this great country spreading the #hoarding message  I often encounter people who know little about my home state.  The comments range from: is that near Richmond to isn't Charleston near the ocean (referring to Charleston SC). Many not knowing that we are a state and not part of Virginia. Once past the discovering where my home state is the discussion often goes to the hillbilly jokes. So you get the point.

I must say one thing about my home state, WV people are the nicest folks on earth!  Yelp, I said it, they truly know how to look after each other, even complete strangers.  What WV lacks in numbers we make up for in quality.  The quality of our residents is second to none.  Recent storms that hit the east coast hard served as a prime example of what WV is all about! 

Here is a awesome blog from the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette on a story of how a mayor of Fayettville opened his house to help some complete strangers!  I am very proud to say that I live in West "By God" Virginia. 

Be safe everyone ....

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/perspectives/saturday-diary-thank-you-west-by-god-virginia-643641/

Alleged Hoarder in Custody After 7 Hour Standoff

Good afternoon from the jumpseat.  As we are experiencing technical difficulties with our sister site we will continue to spread the hoarder message here on views from the jumpseat.  This is a tragic story that hammers home what Compulsive Hoarding disorder means to the folks who experience it. 


This story has all the "tell tell" signs of compulsive hoarding.  The code enforcement officer shows up to serve notice and they find a person with a deep seated passion for their belongings.  People who hoard have a deep association with their stuff!  They are even willing to booby trap or shoot at people who threaten it.


Since the days of the collier brothers the intense feelings for things that you and I feel are valueless are well documented.  We all should watch this video and learn from this tragic event.


People who hoard have a disorder that needs to be handled with care.  Learn the warning signs of a possible hoard behind closed doors and practice how to interact with someone who has this conditions.


Stay tuned for more information once chamberofhoarders.com gets back up and running!


Till then be safe and stay cool!!!




Alleged Hoarder in Custody After 7 Hour Standoff

This is what it's all about!!!

As the View's crew tweeted about the brotherhood/sisterhood of today's fire service being in decline, I stumbled upon this heartwarming story.  If this don't show you what type of people sign up to serve as a firefighter.  We all need to keep our focus on what we all are....Family! Shout out to station 1!

Detroit Fire Department Out of Service 7-4-2012