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

FDNY & NFFF: Still Working...So Everyone Goes Home

Every jumpseat rider needs to watch and learn from the FDNY and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundations. We all can learn from their initiatives on safety, survival, fitness, and Situational Awareness.

Huge thank you to the FDNY and NFFF......

Always #jumpseatready!  

Does your Fire Department have a "Medal Day"

Does your department have a "Medal Day"?  FDNY did a great job with this video honoring the firefighters who went above and beyond.  Recognizing  people who do their job above and beyond usually don't cost you a thing but the reward to them is immeasurable. Congrats to all the recipients of medals today in the FDNY.

If you are a chief officer take the time to give your members a pat on the back.  It doesn't have to be a life or death situation. You will be amazed at their reaction!

"A pat on the back is only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the pants, but is miles ahead in results."
Ella Wheeler Wilcox 

We will never Forget!

We will never forget! It is the night before September 11th 2009. It is so hard to believe it has been eight years. Just like everyone else, I can remember that day like it was yesterday. I was home in bed after working a overtime shift on the bolance. My wife came and woke me up to show me what was going on. The first words out of my mouth were "It's going to collapse". Man I wish that I was wrong. God bless the men and women of the FDNY, NYPD, and Port Authority. God bless everyone who lost their life on 9/11. God bless the first responders that protect America everyday! Let's join together on this day to stop and take a moment to remember and honor their sacrifice. Let's also take this time to take to look at our situations and take a step back. From the jumpseat to the front seat let's all make safety our number 1 priority so we can honor the fallen and protect the future. God bless America!

Thanks Pete Mathews from firehouse.com for the use of his picture.