NORTH JERSEY FIRE DEPARTMENTS

In June of 2009 I was off to North Jersey to take a little time off and do a little of what I love to do. What I can tell you is that it was a very wet trip. It rained 10 of the 12 days that I was there. Fire activity was a little slow to say the least, but it was a good trip all-in-all.

My son, Robert and I made a quick trip to Dover, NJ to check out the Dover Fire Department Antique Club’s building. After 10 years of labor and countless dollars, the Dover Fire Department Antique Club has refurbished the DFD’s 1937 American LaFrance Pumper. The engine joins the club's other antique fire equipment, including a hand-pumper dating back to 1812. A previously renovated 1885 Steam Engine is also kept here, as well as a small collection of fire memorabilia.

On June 25th, 2009 Kenilworth Firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire at the above address. Firefighter made quick work of the fire that occurred on the second floor of this 2 ½ story house. I did run into an old friend at this incident, Union County Mutual Aid Coordinator (and Elizabeth Deputy Fire Chief) Lathey Wirkus.

On June 26th, 2009, at 05:07 hours, a full assignment was dispatched to the above address. First due units found the 2 ½ story wood frame dwelling heavily involved in fire, with an exposure problem on Side D. They were also advised of people being trapped in the building and that there were jumpers in the rear. A second alarm was struck immediately and an aggressive interior attack was launched in an effort to get to the trapped occupants. As firefighters were making their primary search, they came upon three unconscious victims. All three were immediately removed to the street, where it was discovered two were in full arrest and one was in respiratory arrest. Despite the best efforts of fire and EMS personnel two victims could not be revived, and were pronounced dead at the scene. Firefighter made quick knockdown and had the blaze under control in about 30 minutes.

I was on my way to a garage fire in Union when this second incident was dispatched. This fire occurred on June 26th, 2009 at approximately 18:44 hours. Due to units being tied up at the first fire, mutual aid companies from Hillside and Elizabeth were part of the first alarm assignment. Lightening in the area may have been responsible for the fire in the attic of this 2 ½ story wood frame dwelling. I owe many thanks to Union Fire Chief Skip Fretz for allowing me great access to the fireground.

On June 28th, 2009 I attended the June meeting of the New Jersey Metro Fire Photographers Association. The host department, Jefferson Township Fire Company #2 provided some area apparatus for a photo shoot, as well as some great refreshments. It was also a good opportunity to touch base with some old friends, as well as meet some new ones.

After the NJMFPA meeting, I made a trip into Newark to see what was going on. I had the opportunity to hook up with an old friend, Battalion Chief Kevin Killeen. I rode with Kevin to a waterflow alarm on Wilson Avenue and an Automobile Accident on McCarter Highway (of course leaving the camera in the car). I did take a few shots of the Quarters of Engine 5 and Battalion 5 at 65 Congress Street and the NFD’s Special Services Building (just behind Engine 5’s house) at 56 Prospect Street. These are two of the oldest buildings still in use by the Newark Fire Department.