Tag:

Firefighting

Mulch-Fueled Inferno Still Burning Days After Maryland Garage Fire Ignites Debris Mulch-Fueled Inferno Still Burning Days After Maryland Garage Fire Ignites Debris
Mulch-Fueled Inferno Still Burning Days After Maryland Garage Fire Ignites Debris A massive fire at a Maryland recycling site is still burning days after it broke out, with crews unable to fully extinguish the flames due to the sheer amount of fuel feeding it, officials said. The blaze started shortly after 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at a commercial garage on Ocean Gateway in Wye Mills, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal. Firefighters arrived to find not only the building on fire, but also large piles of mulch, lumber, and debris burning across the property. More than 100 firefighters responded to the scene, working across three alarms to try to get the fire u…
Long Island Man Torches SUV In New Cassel Parking Lot: Cops Long Island Man Torches SUV In New Cassel Parking Lot: Cops
Long Island Man Torches SUV In New Cassel Parking Lot: Cops A Long Island man torched an SUV in a parking lot, then fled the scene Thursday, April 30, police said. Oma Puzie, 52, covered a gray 2011 Honda Pilot in accelerant before setting the vehicle on fire in a parking lot at 735 Prospect Avenue in New Cassel, the Nassau County Police Department said Friday, May 1. Firefighters and police responded to the fire around 4:50 p.m. Thursday, and the Westbury Fire Department extinguished the flames, cops said. No one was injured in the incident. Puzie, of Hempstead, was located nearby and arrested. He was charged with third-degree arson, and his arrai…
Massive Fire Destroys Building At Putnam County Golf Course, Propane Tanks Complicate Response Massive Fire Destroys Building At Putnam County Golf Course, Propane Tanks Complicate Response
Massive Fire Destroys Building At Putnam County Golf Course, Propane Tanks Complicate Response A large overnight fire tore through a maintenance building at a Putnam County golf course and was complicated by compromised propane tanks, firefighters said.  Firefighters from the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department were called to the Putnam County Golf Course on Hill Street in Mahopac at around 2:15 a.m. on Friday, March 20, the department said in an announcement. Upon arrival, crews found a maintenance building behind the main clubhouse fully engulfed in flames, according to the department. To make matters worse, the situation was made more dangerous by two 1,000-pound propane…
Snow Outside, Flames Inside: Middle-Of-The-Night Townhouse Fire Forces Columbia Residents Out Snow Outside, Flames Inside: Middle-Of-The-Night Townhouse Fire Forces Columbia Residents Out
Snow Outside, Flames Inside: Middle-Of-The-Night Townhouse Fire Forces Columbia Residents Out As snow piled up and temperatures dropped, firefighters were battling something far hotter in Maryland — a middle-of-the-night townhouse fire that forced residents out into the cold and lit up a quiet neighborhood with flashing lights and heavy smoke. Fire crews were dispatched to the 9800 block of Rainleaf Court in Columbia at approximately 2:05 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, after reports of a townhouse fire, according to the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services. The Howard County fire. Howard County Fire and Rescue Firefighters worked for roughly 90 minutes to bring the bl…
Bristol Firefighter Dies Suddenly Off-Duty: 'Words Can't Describe How Much He'll Be Missed' Bristol Firefighter Dies Suddenly Off-Duty: 'Words Can't Describe How Much He'll Be Missed'
Bristol Firefighter Dies Suddenly Off-Duty: 'Words Can't Describe How Much He'll Be Missed' The Bristol Fire Department is mourning the sudden loss of one of its own. Fire equipment technician Jason “Jay” Kelly, who served the department for more than 20 years, died unexpectedly while off duty, the department announced. "Words cannot describe how much he is going to be missed, as a huge part of BFD for over 2 decades," Bristol firefighters posted on Facebook. "Jay was known and loved by many, and respected for his expertise throughout the fire service and beyond. We are proud to have called him our brother and our friend." Kelly also served the Rocky Hill Fire Department, wher…
Barn Engulfed In Flames In Warren County: FD Barn Engulfed In Flames In Warren County: FD
Barn Engulfed In Flames In Warren County: FD Multiple agencies responded to a barn fire in Warren County on Saturday, Oct. 11. At 2:24 p.m.,  several fire departments responded to the 200 block of Main Street in Port Murray and found the barn fire already on fire, the Mansfield Township Fire Company No. 1. said. An additional alarm was transmitted, brining multiple agencies from Warren County to the scene to assist in fighting the fire, firefighters said. The fire was eventually brought under control at 5 p.m., firefighters said. The cause of the fire is unknown and remains under investigation, firefighters said.
Car Catches Fire On I-684 In Katonah Car Catches Fire On I-684 In Katonah
Car Catches Fire On I-684 In Katonah A car fire briefly shut down part of Interstate 684 on Sunday evening, Sept. 21. The incident happened Sunday evening on the southbound side of I-684 in Katonah, according to the Katonah Fire Department. Fire crews arrived to find the vehicle fully engulfed in flames. Crews soon stretched a hose line and quickly knocked down the blaze.  All occupants had safely gotten out of the car before firefighters arrived, firefighters said.  Once the vehicle was removed from the roadway, the highway was reopened and crews returned to service. 
Tractor-Trailer Parts Ignite Blaze That Scorches Acre In Maryland: Fire Marshal (PHOTOS) Tractor-Trailer Parts Ignite Blaze That Scorches Acre In Maryland: Fire Marshal (PHOTOS)
Tractor-Trailer Parts Ignite Blaze That Scorches Acre In Maryland: Fire Marshal (Photos) What started as a pile of tractor-trailer parts turned into a fireball that scorched an acre of land in Allegany County, fire officials said. The blaze broke out around 3:05 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, in the 17400 block of Breakneck Road in Flintstone, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal. Investigators said the homeowner had pulled the engine out of a 1997 Freightliner the day before and set it next to a pile of mechanical parts and the truck cab.  By the next afternoon, black smoke was rising — and flames were chewing through the pile. The fire spread quickly, torching approxim…
Fire Erupts In Fairfax County Neighborhood As Home Explodes In Flames (PHOTOS) Fire Erupts In Fairfax County Neighborhood As Home Explodes In Flames (PHOTOS)
Fire Erupts In Fairfax County Neighborhood As Home Explodes In Flames (Photos) Flames tore through a Fairfax County home Monday afternoon, sending heavy smoke billowing into the air as dozens of firefighters fought to contain the blaze, officials said. Crews were dispatched around 4:45 p.m. on Sept. 8 to the 12200 block of Folkstone Drive in Herndon, where they arrived to find fire showing from all levels of the home, according to Fairfax County Fire/Rescue. The scene of the Fairfax County fire. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Photos from the scene show walls engulfed in flames and thick black smoke as firefighters stretched multiple hose lines and raised ladde…
Blaze Rips Through Attic, Leaves Home Significantly Damaged In Pawling Blaze Rips Through Attic, Leaves Home Significantly Damaged In Pawling
Blaze Rips Through Attic, Leaves Home Significantly Damaged In Pawling Fire crews knocked down an attic fire that caused heavy damage to a Dutchess County home, officials said.  The blaze broke out at 19 Sage Rd. in Pawling on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at around 7:15 p.m., according to Pawling Fire Chief Everett White.  When firefighters arrived minutes later, they found active flames and heavy smoke conditions. Crews stretched a line to the front door and began an aggressive attack inside, while others set up a water source nearby, White said.  By 7:28 p.m., the fire was put out. Firefighters then began overhaul and an investigation into the cause. C…
Police Cars Torched By Hackensack Man Near Mosque, Gas Pumps: Prosecutors Police Cars Torched By Hackensack Man Near Mosque, Gas Pumps: Prosecutors
Police Cars Torched By Hackensack Man Near Mosque, Gas Pumps: Prosecutors A New Jersey firebug with a very particular set of targets is facing multiple arson charges after torching police cars near a mosque, prosecutors say. Jaime Magnelli, Sr., 78, of Hackensack was arrested this week following a joint investigation launched over the weekend when the cruisers were deliberately damaged in a municipal parking lot. Shortly after 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, Hackensack police and firefighters responded to Municipal Parking Lot T at 78 Trinity Place for reports of police cars burning.  The lot, used as overflow parking for city police vehicles, is located next …
Active Firefighter James ‘Jimmy’ Smargiassi Dies After 39 Years Of Service: Officials Active Firefighter James ‘Jimmy’ Smargiassi Dies After 39 Years Of Service: Officials
Active Firefighter James ‘Jimmy’ Smargiassi Dies After 39 Years Of Service: Officials An active firefighter with 39 years of service has died, the Eynon Sturges Fire Department announced on Tuesday, Aug. 2. James “Jimmy” Smargiassi served as a Lieutenant and Captain during his decades of dedication to the department. Known for mentoring new firefighters, Smargiassi helped guide many of them through their first fires, officials said. “He taught many of the guys here the ropes,” the department wrote in a tribute. “He enjoyed helping the community and being with his fire department family.” Smargiassi was a constant presence at community events, always volunteering, lending a …
Pilot Captures Dramatic Footage Of 70-Acre West Milford Wildfire Pilot Captures Dramatic Footage Of 70-Acre West Milford Wildfire
Pilot Captures Dramatic Footage Of 70-Acre West Milford Wildfire A 90-acre wildfire is burning in Passaic County, and a local pilot captured it all (scroll for video). The fire, in the area of Clinton Road, is now 20% contained as of Wednesday, Sept. 3. Overnight, crews constructed containment lines and began backfire operations, officials said. No structures are threatened and no evacuations have been ordered. Clinton Road remains closed between Goldfinch Lane and Van Orden Road. Resources on scene include Forest Fire Service fire engines and ground crews. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Pilot Eric Sampson said he spotted the blaze shortl…
Chemical Vapor Cloud, Third-Alarm Fire Prompts Hazmat Response At Yonkers Warehouse Chemical Vapor Cloud, Third-Alarm Fire Prompts Hazmat Response At Yonkers Warehouse
Chemical Vapor Cloud, Third-Alarm Fire Prompts Hazmat Response At Yonkers Warehouse This story has been updated. A chemical vapor cloud triggered a third-alarm fire response at a Westchester warehouse, city officials said. The incident happened at 134 Woodworth Ave. on Tuesday, Sept. 2, at around 12:30 p.m., according to the Yonkers Fire Department and Deputy Director of Communications Lisa Reyes. Reyes said the chemical release created a vapor cloud that set off multiple alarms. The incident was isolated to one pallet of materials. Fire companies are ventilating the building and using protective equipment to collect a sample of the product. The incident involved beauty …
Late-Night Blaze Rips Through Gloucester Twp Home (PHOTOS) Late-Night Blaze Rips Through Gloucester Twp Home (PHOTOS)
Late-Night Blaze Rips Through Gloucester Twp Home (Photos) A late-night fire displaced residents from a home in Gloucester Township’s Glendora neighborhood, police said. Officers responded at 12:09 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, to 420 Price Dr., for reports of a dwelling fire, according to a Gloucester Township Police Department media release. They arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the home. No one was inside at the time, police said. The residents returned after being notified by officers. Firefighters from Glendora, Chews Landing, Blackwood, Magnolia, Somerdale, and Bellmawr responded and brought the blaze under control before it could …
Firefighters Evaluated After Blaze At Recycling Facility In Beacon Firefighters Evaluated After Blaze At Recycling Facility In Beacon
Firefighters Evaluated After Blaze At Recycling Facility In Beacon A massive fire at a recycling facility in Dutchess County drew a multi-agency response after heavy smoke was spotted pouring from the building. The blaze broke out around 1:19 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Republic Services facility, locally known as Hudson Baylor, located at 508 Fishkill Ave. in Beacon, according to the City of Beacon Fire Department. When firefighters arrived, they were met with thick black smoke. A second alarm was quickly transmitted, summoning additional resources to the scene. Crews from Castle Point, the Village of Fishkill, the City of Newburgh, and Rombout assis…
Past Fire Chief Of Pocatello Fire District Dies Suddenly At 47: Remembered As 'Friend To Many' Past Fire Chief Of Pocatello Fire District Dies Suddenly At 47: Remembered As 'Friend To Many'
Past Fire Chief Of Pocatello Fire District Dies Suddenly At 47: Remembered As 'Friend To Many' The Orange County firefighting community is mourning the sudden loss of a past fire chief and longtime responder whose life was tragically cut short.  Joseph John Mazza Sr., 47, of Orange County, died unexpectedly on Saturday, Aug. 23, the Pocatello Fire Department announced.  Mazza was a past chief and commissioner of the Pocatello Fire District in Middletown and a member of both the Orange County HAZMAT team and the Orange County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, according to the department. "Joe was known and loved everywhere he went," the department wrote in a tribute…
Lawn Mower Goes Up In Flames At Cemetery In Mahopac Lawn Mower Goes Up In Flames At Cemetery In Mahopac
Lawn Mower Goes Up In Flames At Cemetery In Mahopac A quick response by firefighters stopped a small blaze from spreading after a lawn mower caught fire in a Putnam County cemetery. The fire happened around 10:15 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, at the Red Mills Baptist Church Cemetery in Mahopac Falls, according to the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department.  Crews soon arrived and confirmed that a lawnmower was on fire. Firefighters quickly went to work and extinguished the blaze, the department said. Photos released by the department showed pillars of smoke drifting high up into the air while the fire burned.  The fire was …
Maryland Home Torched Twice: Cameras Catch Arsonist Running From Burning Building Maryland Home Torched Twice: Cameras Catch Arsonist Running From Burning Building
Maryland Home Torched Twice: Cameras Catch Arsonist Running From Burning Building A Maryland home that went up in flames earlier this year was set on fire again — this time with security cameras catching the arsonist in the act, officials said. The blaze broke out around 1 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23 at a vacant residence on Augustine Herman Highway in Kennedyville, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal. Security cameras from the Kennedyville Volunteer Fire Company captured a suspect igniting a fire on the outside of the home before bolting from the scene, investigators said. The property, now owned by Francis Bonass, is no stranger to fire crews. Investigators bel…
Fundraiser Launched For Daughters Of Maryland CNA Shot Before Stewartstown Fire Fundraiser Launched For Daughters Of Maryland CNA Shot Before Stewartstown Fire
Fundraiser Launched For Daughters Of Maryland CNA Shot Before Stewartstown Fire A fundraiser has been launched to support the daughters of a Maryland CNA and mother of three who was killed in a Stewartstown Borough home before it caught fire. Jennifer Troch, 41, and Michael Shores Jr., 54, both of the first block of North Main Street, were found unconscious on the second floor of a burning home at 2 North Main Street on Sunday, Aug. 3. Firefighters forced entry, carried the pair out in cardiac arrest, and rushed them to WellSpan York Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Autopsies confirmed both died from gunshot wounds to the head, according to the York County Cor…
Fire At Oceanside’s High Seas Gallery Exposes Secret Drug Operation: Nassau County Police Fire At Oceanside’s High Seas Gallery Exposes Secret Drug Operation: Nassau County Police
Fire At Oceanside’s High Seas Gallery Exposes Secret Drug Operation: Nassau County Police A fire inside Nassau County’s premier glass art gallery led investigators to uncover an alleged drug operation run by its owner, police announced on Thursday, Aug. 21. Zachary Mednick, 31, of Poplar Street, was arrested after a fire broke out at his Oceanside business, High Seas Gallery, located at 2901 Long Beach Road, according to Nassau County police. Firefighters rushed to the second floor around 2:25 p.m. after heavy smoke poured from the building. Multiple fire departments battled the blaze, and the Nassau County Fire Marshal and Arson Bomb Squad also responded. No injuries were repor…
2 Firefighters Injured, Cat Rescued From West Milford Blaze: Officials 2 Firefighters Injured, Cat Rescued From West Milford Blaze: Officials
2 Firefighters Injured, Cat Rescued From West Milford Blaze: Officials Two firefighters were injured battling a house fire in West Milford on Saturday, Aug. 16, officials said. West Milford fire crews responded to a reported structure fire on Otterhole Road just before 10 a.m., where responders were met by heavy fire and smoke on the front of the home, the fire department said. Fire crews from Butler, Bloomingdale, Wanaque, Riverdale, and Pompton Lakes joined West Milford at the scene, officials said. Firefighters first went inside the home to fight the flames, but heavy smoke and intense heat forced them back outside, where they continued battling the fire, a…
Five PA Volunteer Firefighters Suspended After Alleged Alcohol Use On Call: Reports Five PA Volunteer Firefighters Suspended After Alleged Alcohol Use On Call: Reports
Five PA Volunteer Firefighters Suspended After Alleged Alcohol Use On Call: Reports Five members of the Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company in Shaler Township have been suspended after allegedly responding to a call while under the influence of alcohol, township and fire department officials confirmed. The suspensions were issued Thursday, Aug. 8, following a concern stemming from an Aug. 2 emergency call on East Genesee Avenue, according to Undercliff Fire Company President John Klocko Sr. Seven firefighters responded to the incident — a reported odor of smoke inside a home — but nothing was found and the call was deemed a false alarm, Allegheny County Department of Emergenc…
Franklin Brothers Race Door-To-Door, Save Neighbors From Raging Pre-Dawn Fire Franklin Brothers Race Door-To-Door, Save Neighbors From Raging Pre-Dawn Fire
Franklin Brothers Race Door-To-Door, Save Neighbors From Raging Pre-Dawn Fire A fire tore through a home on Main Street in Franklin Borough early Wednesday, Aug. 13, leaving the structure unsalvageable, authorities said. The blaze broke out around 4 a.m. at 139 Main Street, Franklin Borough police said. Firefighters from Franklin and multiple surrounding towns responded, but the home could not be saved. All residents were evacuated safely, police said. None of the neighboring homes were affected, and no injuries were reported to residents or first responders. Neighbor Enrique Ojeda said the tense moments began around 3:40 a.m., when his son ran downstairs to wake hi…
ARSON: Chambersburg House Fire Leads To Arrest Of Teen: Police ARSON: Chambersburg House Fire Leads To Arrest Of Teen: Police
Arson: Chambersburg House Fire Leads To Arrest Of Teen: Police A Chambersburg teenager is accused of setting a house on fire in the borough, investigators announced on Monday, Aug. 11. Christopher David Diaz, 19, was arrested after crews were called to the 100 block of South Second Street for a reported dwelling fire around 8 a.m., according to the Greater Chambersburg Area Paid Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 1813, and Chambersburg police. Engine 1-2 arrived to find smoke showing from the front of the home and deployed a 400-foot attack line to the rear, while Engine 1-1’s crew stretched a 200-foot line to the front and made entry, firefighters …
No Arson Found In Waldorf Fire That Killed 6 — Cause Remains A Mystery After Deadly Blaze No Arson Found In Waldorf Fire That Killed 6 — Cause Remains A Mystery After Deadly Blaze
No Arson Found In Waldorf Fire That Killed 6 — Cause Remains A Mystery After Deadly Blaze Six people — including four children — were killed in a Sunday morning house fire in Waldorf, and Maryland officials say the cause remains under investigation. The Office of the State Fire Marshal announced Monday, Aug. 11, that investigators have found no evidence of arson but are still working to determine what started the multi-fatal blaze. Part of the investigation includes determining whether smoke alarms were activated during the fire, Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray said. “We must methodically examine every possible fire cause and contributing factor,” Mowbray said. “Dete…
Man Slain, Apartment Set On Fire; Arson, Homicide Investigation Underway In Philadelphia: PD Man Slain, Apartment Set On Fire; Arson, Homicide Investigation Underway In Philadelphia: PD
Man Slain, Apartment Set On Fire; Arson, Homicide Investigation Underway In Philadelphia: PD A homicide investigation is underway after a man was found dead inside a burning apartment in Philadelphia’s 2nd District, police announced on Friday, Aug. 8. Just after 6 a.m., firefighters responded to a reported apartment fire on the 7200 block of Rockwell Avenue, according to Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small. Crews forced their way into a third-floor unit, where they discovered a small kitchen fire. Inside the bedroom, they found a man’s body next to a knife, Small said. The victim had numerous lacerations to his arms, face, and neck, along with trauma to his face. Medics…
They Set Stolen Car On Fire In Rochelle Park, And One Was Caught At JFK Airport: Prosecutor They Set Stolen Car On Fire In Rochelle Park, And One Was Caught At JFK Airport: Prosecutor
They Set Stolen Car On Fire In Rochelle Park, And One Was Caught At JFK Airport: Prosecutor Two New York men have been charged in connection with a stolen vehicle fire that lit up a Rochelle Park parking lot last winter, authorities said. Ethan Olivo, 19, and Starlin Siri, 21, both of the Bronx, were charged in the Dec. 3, 2024, blaze that consumed a 2020 Honda Accord on Rochelle Avenue just after 7 a.m., Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said in a Thursday, Aug. 7 release. The car was found fully engulfed in flames by Rochelle Park firefighters, who extinguished the fire and contacted police, Musella said. Officers from Rochelle Park and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office …
Car Catches Fire on Taconic Parkway Exit Ramp In Kent Car Catches Fire on Taconic Parkway Exit Ramp In Kent
Car Catches Fire on Taconic Parkway Exit Ramp In Kent A vehicle burst into flames on a Taconic State Parkway exit ramp in Putnam County, prompting a swift emergency response. The fire broke out around 11:12 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5, on the southbound Exit 31B ramp in the Town of Kent, according to the Kent Volunteer Fire Department.  Kent's Fire Chief was first at the scene and confirmed the vehicle was actively on fire. Another crew arrived shortly after, and firefighters quickly deployed a hose line to douse the flames. The fire was extinguished without any reported injuries to the vehicle’s occupants.  The East Fishkill Fire Depa…
Loud Boom, Then Flames: Solar Panels Blamed For Roof Fire In Reston Home Loud Boom, Then Flames: Solar Panels Blamed For Roof Fire In Reston Home
Loud Boom, Then Flames: Solar Panels Blamed For Roof Fire In Reston Home A fire that erupted on the roof of a Virginia home was caused by a solar panel malfunction, officials said. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue crews were called to the 2300 block of Colts Brook Drive around 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3, where crews arrived to find flames showing from rooftop solar panels, the department said. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the roof — no injuries were reported. According to the department, residents heard a loud noise inside before seeing smoke from the roof. Everyone evacuated safely. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue “Smoke alarms were present thr…
Two-Alarm Madison Fire Breaks Out At Home In Morris County Forest Preserve: Authorities Two-Alarm Madison Fire Breaks Out At Home In Morris County Forest Preserve: Authorities
Two-Alarm Madison Fire Breaks Out At Home In Morris County Forest Preserve: Authorities A heavy fire occurred near a forest preserve in Morris County on Sunday, Aug. 3. At 6 a.m., officers received a report of a brush fire in the Drew Forest Preserve off Loantka Way, the Borough of Madison said. Firefighters discovered the fire occurred in an abandoned two-story home within the preserve, authorities said. A second alarm was activated, requesting additional units to the scene, authorities said. The fire was eventually contained, and crews remained on scene for three hours to ensure all hot spots were extinguished and there was no risk of spread to Zuck Arboretum, authorities …