Jan. 26, 2010. Washingtonville firefighters began the evening with a gas emergency drill given by Orange and Rockland Utilities. At 1940 drill was interrupted by a CO alarm activation on Revere Circle in the village. Car 2 and E-582 quickly handled this run and returned to drill.
Shortly after returning from the CO call units were alerted at 2010 for a reported house fire on Rt. 94 west of Washingtonville. Car 2 (Zaccaro), E-582, T-579, RE-583 and TA-577 were on the road moments after dispatch. Car 2 arrived on scene and reported smoke showing from a 1 story single family dwelling. Crews from E-582 and T-579 made entry and found heavy smoke conditions with moderate heat throughout the house. Due to many bird cages and clutter in the house members had a difficult time locating the fire. E-582's hose line was held at the front door until the fire could be located. After searching for a short period the fire was found in the kitchen and a family room addition off the rear of the kitchen. The line from E-582 quickly knocked the bulk of the fire, while T-579's crew opened up. Crew remained on scene conducting overhaul and assisting investigators until 2230.
HAZMAT INCIDENT IN THE VILLAGE
January 9th -In the afternoon hours, numerous agencies converged on 32 North Street in the village for a hazardous condition. What started as a fuel oil leak cleanup in the basement snowballed into an investigation of a homegrown bio diesel manufacturing operation on the property involving village code officers, New York State DEC, Miller Environmental Group and Orange County Haz-Mat. Haz-Mat units arrived on scene and upon sizing up the situation, sampled drums inside the location which numbered several dozen. Washingtonville Rescue-Engine 583 and M-576 stood fast during the operation as a precaution for several hours until crews were able to confirm that the drums inside posed no immediate risk and contained materials consistent with bio diesel manufacturing.
YET ANOTHER AUTO FIRE
January 7th -At approximately 7:34 AM Washingtonville units were alerted for the MVA with fire at 314 Toleman Road. Rescue-Engine 583 responded with 6 and was advised enroute of a working fire with all occupants out of the vehicle. 583 arrived on scene and stretched its bumper line and began extinguishment of the fire while the rest of its crew and the crew from Rescue 581 opened up. Due to heavy brush and downed trees, crews initially had a hard time accessing the engine compartment to complete a knock on the fire. Chainsaws were used to gain access to the area of the woods the vehicle had driven into. Crews picked up and went back in service a short time later.
Picture courtesy Vails gate FD Asst. Chief Thomas Lucchesi
EXTRICATION ON STATE ROUTE 208
December 21st -At approximately 1:30 PM, Washingtonville units were alerted to a 1 car rollover MVA located in the area of State Route 208 North and Moffat Road. As Rescue 581 rolled out of quarters with a crew of 6, control updated the status of the run and advised of the entrapment. Rescue 581 arrived on scene along with Cars 1 and 3 (VanRiper and Skelly) to find a vehicle into a utility pole and overturned. The crew went to work stabilizing the vehicle through the use of wood cribbing and the unit’s rescue-jack system while the arrival of Rescue-Engine 583 brought about the stretching of a precautionary handline and additional manpower. With the vehicle secure, crews went to work removing the roof for patient access. After several cuts utilizing both the cutters and sawsall, the roof was peeled back and secured allowing for Blooming Grove EMS to attend to the patient. The patient was packaged and taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Crews returned to service shortly after.
PICKUP TRUCK OFF ON THE FRONT RAMP
December 20th - In the afternoon hours, Washingtonville crews need not travel far for a pickup truck on fire within the district. Initial dispatch placed the vehicle fire in front of the firehouse on State Route 94, however, first arriving firefighters to the firehouse found the working truck fire just off the ramp. Rescue-Engine 583 was pulled out of quarters and the bumper line was stretched to knock down the fire in short order.
TRUCK AND TANKER RUN SMALL HOUSE FIRE
December 16th - Around midday, the Campbell Hall Fire Department was alerted to a reported structure fire in the area of Tuthill Road and State Route 208 North, just north of the Washingtonville Fire District line. Multiple calls indicated smoke and fire coming from a farmhouse in the area. Campbell Hall requested Washingtonville Tanker 577 followed in short order for Truck 579. Washingtonville units arrived on scene to find 2 lines stretched into the interior of the home by Campbell Hall crews and smoke evident from the roof. Fire had extended beyond a chimney fire but was held in check by first arriving units. Crews searched for extension in the attic and Truck 579 went to the roof to perform chimney fire operations on ¾ corner of the house. Within an hour, both units were clear and back in service.
CREWS DRILL AT OLD RECTORY, TACKLE SNOWSTORM MVA/CAR FIRE
December 5th - Recently, crews have been fortunate enough to drill on fireground evolutions and carry out hands on training that is hard to replicate at training centers, following permission from St. Mary’s Church in Washingtonville to utilize its former rectory home located on the church’s grounds prior to demolition.
Thursday night and Saturday morning, crews drilled at the 3 story, balloon frame home for several hours each drill. During this time members trained on advancing lines, vent/enter/search, throwing ground ladders, primary and secondary searches, overhaul procedures, roof ventilation and forcible entry. With fire duty minimal over the year, hands on training such as this is essential in keeping crews on the ready. The Washingtonville Fire Department would like to once again extend its thanks to the St. Mary’s Church of Washingtonville for providing the department with this valuable opportunity for training.
Shortly after the fireground drill at St. Mary’s concluded Saturday morning, the region’s first substantial snowfall began to pickup, leading to the familiar calls that accompany the inclement weather. As road conditions deteriorated, units were dispatched for a car into a tree on Mountain Lodge Road with the cross of State Route 208. While enroute responding units were advised of no injuries and no leaks present. However, upon the arrival and staging of Rescue 581 in the area, Car 1 (Van Riper) notified 581 to continue in for the car fire. Rescue 581 proceeded in to find an SUV with heavy fire in the engine compartment and beginning to intrude on the interior of the vehicle. The crew pulled several cans and extinguishers and began to knock down the fire. Rescue/Engine 583 arrived on scene shortly after, stretched its bumper line and knocked down all remaining fire. Units returned to service shortly after.
FAST TO KJ FOR THE 3RD ALARM
Sept 10 - Just after 0100 Washingtonville units were alerted to respond with the FAST team to the Village of Kiryas Joel. KJFD and surrounding companies were on scene with a working fire in a large 3 story dormitory building on Berdichev Dr (Which was also the scene of a 2nd alarm in January 2009). Washingtonville Car 1, Car 2 and R-581 responded with 7 men. Upon arrival Washingtonville units found all units engaged with smoke showing from 3 floors and fire showing from 1 window on the #1 side. The FAST team was initially split with 1 crew throwing ground ladders and the other crew standing by on side 1. Window bars were found on many windows and crews on 2nd floor were reporting high heat and heavy smoke. The fire was knocked down shortly after the FAST team completed throwing ground ladders. Much overhaul was necessary by the 1st and 2nd alarm companies due to the fire involving large piles of mattresses in the basement. washingtonville units returned to service just before 0430.
MEMBERS HANDLE SMALL FIRE IN VILLAGE HOME
August 25, 2009 - In the early hours of the morning Washingtonville firefighters were alerted to a trailer fire on Democracy Lane in Washingtonville. While units were responding PD arrived and advised of a working fire. Car 1 (VanRiper) arrived on scene and confirmed smoke showing, followed closely by E-582. Members from E-582 performed a quick primary search and stretched an 1.75" line knocking down a fire in the rear bedroom. Units were hampered by Colliers Mansion conditions within the home. Extensive overhaul was performed and units returned to service by 4:30am. SMFD E-560 stood by in Washingtonville while units operated on scene.
In Memoriam
It is with deep regret that we announce the untimely passing of Firefighter Emily Steele Selvage.
"Emily was a bright and shining star whose loving spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew her."
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday June 22nd 4pm to 6pm at Ferguson's Funeral Home in Washingtonville. There will be a funeral service at 6pm at the Funeral Home.
We ask that you keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
Firefighter Emily Steele Selvage
SERIOUS MVA ON RT. 208
July 11, 2009 - in early morning hours prior to 2am Washingtonville units were alerted to an MVA with entrapment on Rt. 208 just south of Twin Arch Rd. Due to conflicting locations being given to 911 Campbell Hall FD was dispatched prior to Washingtonville FD. Upon the arrival of all 3 Washingtonville chiefs and R-581 Campbell Hall was in the process of extricating subjects from a vehicle off the road and down a steep grade. R-581 began extrication on one patient trapped in a second vehicle. The vehicle was stabilized and extrication was complete in less than 10 minutes. RE-583 arrived on scene and stretched 2 protection hand lines for the 2 extrications in progress. Tragically 2 young women in their early 20's succumbed to their injuries and 1 male is listed in critical condition in a local trauma center. In addition to Washingtonville and CHFD units on scene, Salisbury Mills FD responded with 1 Eng. to establish a LZ at the Washingtonville Middle School. SMFD E-560 also relocated to Washingtonville's quarters, after the LZ , while Washingtonville units remained on scene assisting NYSP with lighting.
FAST TEAM TO KJ FOR THE APARTMENT BUILDING FIRE
May 31, 2009 - Shortly before 1900 Washingtonville was requested mutual aid for our FAST team to a working fire in the village of Kiryas Joel. Units were on scene for some time prior to our dispatch with heavy fire in the attic of a large 2 story apartment building. Washingtonville's FAST team was requested when the original FAST was put to work during overhaul operations. R-581 and Car 3 (Skelly) remained on scene for just over 2 hours while units performed extensive overhaul.
Photo #1 Prior to our arrival
Photos thanks to Ryan Hearn (Photo 1)
ANNUAL MOCK MVA AT WASHINGTONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
May 13, 2009 - For the third year in a row Washingtonville firefighters attended the mock MVA at Washingtonville High School. This event is held every year to try to prevent DWI during the prom season. Washingtonville R-581 and Car 2 (Zaccaro) were assisted by SMFD, BGVAC and Washingtonville PD to help make this years event a success once again.
ENGINE TO MAYBROOK FOR BASEMENT FIRE
April 27th, 2009 - At approx. 6:06 PM, Rescue-Engine 583 was dispatched to standby Maybrook's quarters while they began operations at a house fire at 817 Abbey Avenue in the village. 583 was on the air a short time later with a crew of 5 along with Car 1 (Van Riper) when its assignment was upgraded to respond in to the scene. The engine arrived on scene and reported to command for assignment. Members assisted in searching for extension on the floor above, performed overhaul and relieved members standing by with handlines in the basement. Due to a strong initial push by Maybrook crews, the fire was contained to 1 room in the basement. By 7:45 PM the engine was back in service.
ENGINE, TRUCK AND TANKER RUN SBG VACANT
April 21st, 2009 - Shortly before 12:30 AM Tuesday morning Washingtonville units were alerted to respond on the 2nd alarm assignment for a working dwelling fire at 611 Birchwood Lane on the former Lake Anne Country Club property in the South Blooming Grove District. Rescue-Engine 583, Truck 579 and Tanker 577 responded with a total of 13 men along with Cars 1 (Van Riper) and 2 (Zaccaro). The dwelling, a vacant bungalo was well involved upon arrival and was extinguished within 30 minutes. Washingtonville units were back in service by 2:15 AM.
Photos by Amanda Wells
OUTSIDE FIRE STOPPED BEFORE EXTENDING INTO ATTIC
April 13th, 2009 - For the second straight Monday Washingtonville firefighters were alerted to a reported structure fire during the 4 PM hour, this time dispatched to reports of flames coming from a house in the area of Kent Court and New Castle Drive at approx. 4:43 PM. First due units and chiefs arrived to find the home’s vinyl siding on the 1/4 corner charred from foundation to the eaves of the roof as the result of an outside fire in nearby shrubs. A Washingtonville firefighter at home nearby had knocked down the flames utilizing a water can prior to units arrival. Engine 582 upon arrival made entry into the attic to check for extension. Crews found charred insulation and some heat but no further fire upon opening up. Truck 579’s crew along with assistance from Salisbury Mills Tanker 557’s crew placed a 24’ portable ladder to the ¼ corner and opened up from the exterior as well. With no extension found, units began to take up within 30 minutes.
M-578 STAYS BUSY IN KIRYAS JOEL
April 8th, 2009 - With the burning of bread ritual leading up to the start of Passover being a traditionally busy time for the Kiryas Joel Fire Department, M-578 arrived within the village shortly before 10 AM with 4 men to assist crews in running the abundance of rubbish, dumpster and brush fires that coincide with the event. M-578 spent the morning running nearly 2 dozen calls, ranging from dumpster fires to an individual struck by a vehicle with medivac. With calls winding down by 1 PM, M-578 was released from standby and was placed back in service.
Photos by Pat "Radar" Hargrove
FAST TEAM GOES TO WORK AT WOODBURY HOUSE
April 7th, 2009 - At approx. 7:45 PM the FAST team was assigned on the 2nd alarm assignment for a working house fire at 277 Seven Springs Road in the Woodbury Fire District. With several members having just finished completing weekly truck and equipment checks, Rescue 581 responded within moments with 7 men along with Car 3 (Skelly). Once on scene, members stood fast on side "1" until being assigned to assist crews on scene with extensive overhaul on the 2nd floor. With the fire having originated from below in the garage members worked to open up the hardwood flooring and walls above using the K-12 saw and multiple hand tools in 2 rooms on the exposure "4" side of the structure. Once opened up, members stood fast as firefighters from Woodbury and KJ worked to hit hot spots. The FAST team was released and placed back in service shortly before 9:30 PM.
Photos by Ryan "Photo 1" Hearn
FIRST DUE HOUSE WITH FIRE SHOWING
April 6th, 2009 - At 4:45 PM units were alerted to a reported structure fire on Tuthill Road. Units were initially advised of a bathroom on fire. Upon arrival of Car 1 (VanRiper) and Car 5 (Hearn) heavy smoke was showing from the entire house with fire showing from a window on side 3. Car 1 requested a 2nd alarm be transmitted as Car 5 met with the resident to insure everyone was out of the house. E-582 arrived and went in service with an 1 3/4" preconnect. The crew of E-582 assisted by Car 4 and 5 quickly had the bulk of the fire knocked down. T-579 and RE-583 threw multiple ground ladders and performed horizontal ventilation. Washingtonville firefighters were assisted on scene by firefighters from Salisbury Mills, Maybrook, Campbell Hall and Chester as well as BGVAC ALS and BLS crews. Cornwall and South Blooming Grove FDs covered in Washingtonville' quarters while units were on this incident.
Photos by Pat "Radar" Hargrove
2 FIRES IN LESS THAN 48 HOURS
Friday March 6 - In the afternoon Washingtonville FD was dispatched automatic response to the Salisbury Mills Fire District for a structure fire on Sylvan Trail in the Mountain Lodge Park area. Washingtonville Car 3 (Skelly) arrived to find smoke showing from side 1 of the house. Crews from SMFD E-546 stretched a line and extinguished a fire in the kitchen. RE-583 arrived on scene and assisted with opening up. Washingtonville units returned to quarters within an hour.
Sunday March 8 - At 0400 Washingtonville firefighters were woken by a reported structure fire on Manor Dr. Washingtonville Car 2 (Zaccaro) arrived to find a small fire in the wall in the living room. E-582 arrived and stretched a line while the search crew investigated. As the line was being stretched conditions within the residence deteriorated rapidly. Visibility went from clear to zero in less than a minute. Fire was found in the void between the ceiling and the roof running almost the entire house. Due to the amount of work needed to be done to "open up" the entire house, command (VanRiper) requested a 2nd alarm assignment. The bulk of the fire was knocked down prior to arrival of the 2nd alarm companies. Units remained on the scene with the fire investigators for over 2 hours.
SALISBURY MILLS CHIMNEY FIRE
February 5, 2009 - Just minutes before 1pm units from Salisbury Mills and Washingtonville RE-583 were dispatched to Station Road for a chimney fire. SMFD Car1 arrived on scene to find a large, old farm house with smoke from the chimney as well as smoke within the dwelling. RE-583 arrived shortly after SMFD E-560 and was advised to send their manpower up to the house to help check for interior fire spread. At this time SMFD Car1 requested Washingtonville T-579 due to the lay out of the house and our 107' reach. SMFD T-558 arrived on scene prior to T-579 and set up their aerial. T-579 arrived and positioned behind T-558 to also ladder the roof. Crews from Washingtonville and Salisbury Mills worked together for just over an hour to insure all fire in the chimney was extinguished. No extension was found by interior crews. South Blooming Grove FD stoof by in Washingtonville with 1 engine while crews were tied up in Salisbury Mills.
WINTER STORM BRINGS PICKUP FIRE
Jan. 28, 2009: At 10:16 AM crews were dispatched to a reported vehicle on fire in the parking lot of the Blooming Grove Post Office. As Rescue-Engine 583 and Car 1 called on the air, a member on scene advised of a fully involved truck up against the commercial/residential building. With an immediate exposure problem Car 1 requested that Salisbury Mills Tanker 557 be added to the run. Both Car 1 and Rescue-Engine 583 arrived on scene to find a pickup truck fully involved now situated a safe distance from the exposure thanks in part to a sanatation crew which pushed the truck back. 583's line crew stretched its bumper line and knocked down the fire in short order as the remainder of the crew opened up the vehicle. Units returned a short time later from what would be the only run handled during the storm.
FAST TEAM GOES TO KIRYAS JOEL
Jan. 27, 2009: Shortly after 4:00pm units from Kiryas Joel were dispatched to a structure fire on Berdichev Drive in the village. KJ units arrived on scene to find a working fire in a large boy's dormitory with bars on the windows of the first floor. KJ command quickly requested a 2nd alarm, unfortunately Washingtonville units were not due on the 2nd alarm. As units from the 2nd alarm put a good knock on the fire a 3rd alarm was requested bringing Washingtonville R-581 as the FAST unit. Upon arrival of R-581 the crew threw 2 ground ladders to the upper floor and staged on side 1 for a short time. R-581 was release within an hour and returned to quarters.
NEW YEAR STARTS WITH WORKING CAR FIRE
January 1st, 2009: At 3:45 PM Washingtonville firefighters received their first call of the new year, alerted to a car fire in the driveway of 56 Peacock Circle. Rescue-Engine 583 arrived on scene to find a vehicle in the driveway well involved and stretched its bumper line, knocking down the fire in short order. Rescue 581's crew arrived on scene and assisted in opening up the vehicle before both units returned a short time later.
NEW OFFICERS FOR 2009
Elections for officers were held on Saturday December 6, 2008. The following is our line up for 2009:
Line Officers
CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT Christopher VanRiper 1st Asst Chief Brian Zaccaro 2nd Asst Chief James Skelly Captain Justin Phillips 1st Lieutenant Gary Hearn 2nd Lieutenant Brian Bates 3rd Lieutenant Michael Butkus Chief Engineer Matthew Salamin Fire Police Capt Thomas Mulvey
Civil Officers
President Stephen W. Smith Vice President Henry Ponti Treasurer Fred Krampe Recording Secretary Kevin Schaffer Financial Secretary Mel Gioia Trustee Paul Schmitt Trustee Chris Leavey Trustee Douglas Jefferies Trustee Dan Leahey
