January - February - March

MARCH 24 - From Frank Martucci and Captain Greg Sereico
At 11:55 hours, Box 5472 was transmitted for a reported house fire at 46 Houston Street, between New York Avenue and Elm Road. Captain Jose Rodriguez, of Engine 27, reported a working fire in the basement of an occupied 2-1/2-story frame dwelling upon his arrival. Battalion Chief Kevin Killeen, Battalion 5, then transmitted a Signal 11 upon his arrival. The blaze was confined to the basement area, with smoke throughout the entire structure, and was declared under control at 12:10 hours.

MARCH 23 - From Deputy Chief Tom Reiss and Frank Martucci
Tom reported that both Engines 7 and 9 had their first, first-due fires today with their new rigs. Engine 7 was first-due at a fire involving 183 South 11th Street, between Central and 11th Avenues, which was a Signal 11, plus an additional Signal 9 assignment, bringing six engines and four trucks to the scene.

At 16:28 hours, Box 3233 was transmitted for a fire at 350 Summer Avenue, between Nursery Street and Woodside Place, turning out Engines 9, 13, 15 and 28; Trucks 6 and 7; Rescue 1; Battalion 3, and Deputy 1. On arrival, Engine 9 reported a heavy smoke condition and fire in a large, occupied, 2-1/2-story frame dwelling. At 16:30, Battalion 3 transmitted a Signal 11 upon his arrival, and ordered an interior attack. This brought Battalion 6 to the scene as Incident Safety Officer, and Truck 11 as the FAST Team.

Gusting winds and older building construction helped the fire spread to all floors of the house. Both vertical and horizontal ventilation was used, and all searches for possible occupants proved negative. At 16:54 hours, Deputy Chief Vincent Kuhn, Deputy 1, requested an additional Signal 9 due to a large amount of truck work and overhaul necessary. Engines 7 and 6; Truck 1, and Battalion 5 responded. Trucks 5 and 8 were also special-called to the scene.

Chief Kuhn declared the fire under control at 17:12 hours. A Signal 100 was transmitted, bringing the Arson Squad to the scene, and Firefighter M. Johnson, in Headquarters 3C, responded to assist in the relocation of displaced the occupants. The only injury reported was to Firefighter A. Rizzolo, of Engine 9, who sustained a bruise to the bridge of his nose. He was treated and remained on duty.

MARCH 20 - From Deputy Chief Tom Reiss - Photos by Mike Martinelli
Tom advised that on Tuesday, March 17, Engines 7 and 9 received their new American-LaFrance pumpers, and that Engine 5's went in service the following day. None of their former rigs have been reassigned as yet. They have been advised by Absolute Fire that the chassis for the new E-One rescue will be coming off the line this week, and work will begin soon on the body. We are hoping to have some pictures soon. At this point in time, delivery is still scheduled for May.

MARCH 16 - From Frank Martucci  - Photos and additional information from Rob Munson
At about 00:45 hours, Irvington firefighters turned out for a reported house fire at 210 Ellis Avenue, between Springfield and 20th Avenues. On arrival, they found a vacant 2-1/2-story frame dwelling fully involved, with extension to Exposure D, an occupied  three-story frame tenement. In addition, they found several people hanging from windows at the rear of the exposure. A second-alarm was struck on arrival, bringing the remainder of Irvington's companies to the scene, in addition to Maplewood. Firefighters went to work rescuing trapped occupants and trying to contain the blaze. An interior attack was made in the exposure, but the fire had gained great headway and quickly spread throughout the building, forcing firefighters to back out. As the fire started to spread to Exposure D2, another 2-1/2-story frame dwelling, an urgent call was made to Newark, who responded with a full first alarm assignment. Master streams and hand lines were put to work knocking down the heavy fire, which then allowed firefighters to enter the structures for final extinguishment, which was about five hours later. The original two fire buildings suffered partial collapses. At least three civilians were transported to University Hospital, in Newark, and four firefighters were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. Other mutual aid companies covered Irvington while firefighters battled the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

MARCH 9 - From Frank Martucci and Tom Ernst
Shortly before 11:00 hours, Box 5345 was transmitted for a fire at 90 Magazine Street, between Marne and Komorn Streets. Arriving companies found fire between two, three-story frame dwellings, with extension to the second floor at #90. Two lines were initially stretched and operated, and a Signal 11 was transmitted. Later than night, Box 3464 was struck for another working fire in a two-story commercial building at 554 Bloomfield Avenue, between North 12 and 13th Streets.

MARCH 9 - From Captain Damian Emerick
Damian has sent along this calendar of NFD events scheduled for 2009. Thanx, Wheels!

MARCH 9 - From Deputy Chief Tom Reiss
Tom advised that the three new pumpers are ready to go in service. They are just waiting for some paperwork  from American-LaFrance so the rigs can be registered. All of the crews have completed their training with the new engines. Tom also advised that it looks good for the city to purchase the loaner pumper (see February 23). They will just be finalizing the details. The city still has possession of the loaner ladder. The new decon rig plans are still being worked on, and the construction of the new E-One heavy rescue continues.

MARCH 5 - From Frank Martucci - Photos and additional information from Ron Jeffers
At 16:20 hours, Belleville firefighters turned out for a report of a warehouse on fire at 681 Main Street. On arrival, they found a one-story brick, 25-by-100-foot warehouse, occupied by Paradise Auto Body, fully involved in fire and heavy smoke. A severe exposure problem prompted an immediate second alarm and an urgent call to the NFD for assistance, which resulted in Engines 13, 28, Truck 7, and Battalion 4 responding to the scene. Initially, firefighters were hampered by limited access to the building, which sat in the middle of a congested industrial complex, along with a limited water supply. As the flames raged on, and several rooftops caught fire, a third alarm was struck, bringing mutual aid from Bloomfield, Nutley, North Arlington, and Kearny to the scene, while apparatus from East Orange, Orange, Montclair, West Orange, Verona, and Cedar Grove, covered the town. By 17:30 hours, the fire was under control. Initial reports were that the fire originated in a row of cars and then spread to the roof.

MARCH 1 - From Battalion Chief John Riker
John sent in these 'sneak peeks" of the new American-LaFrance pumper that will be assigned to Engine 9. The shots were taken at the NFD facility on Orange Street. The crews are training on them and they are expected to go into service this week. A tip o' the ol' NFH high-eagle leather to ya for the pix, Bro!

FEBRUARY 23 - From Deputy Chief Tom Reiss
I just got off the phone with Tom. He was in a meeting, so we didn't chat very long. The department took delivery of Engine 5's and 7's new American-LaFrance pumpers today. Engine 9's rig is being held to check a possible leak in the tank, and will either be delivered tomorrow or Wednesday. Negotiations are still in the works to buy the 1991 American-LaFrance "Eagle 148" loaner that was assigned to Engine 9. Tom advised they would probably put new graphics on it, but it wouldn't be repainted at this time. The loaner pumper with Engine 7 that was seriously damaged in the crash will probably have a new cab placed on it. That rig has been returned to American-LaFrance.

Engine 9's loaner rig that the city is trying to purchase from American-LaFrance.
Photo by Mike Martinelli

FEBRUARY 23 - From Frank Martucci
At 02:20 hours, EMS radioed in a working fire at Nye Avenue and Leslie Street. Box 4634 was transmitted, and upon his arrival, Battalion 4 reported a vacant, two-story frame dwelling fully involved and through the roof, with exposure problems. He then ordered exterior operations only, and for the second-due engine to put their deck gun to work. Deputy 1 later reported a serious ember problem and Engine 11 was special-called above the Signal 11 to protect the exposures. The temperature was 17 degrees F.

FEBRUARY 21 - From Deputy Chief Tom Reiss - Additional information from Ron Jeffers, and photos by John Malecky
Tom advises the three new American-LaFrance pumpers will be delivered Monday, February 23. There will be a week of training, and if all the motor vehicle docs are in proper order, they will go in service the week of March 1. Ron advises that the rigs are equipped with 1250 GPM pumps, 750-gallon tanks, and Akron Apollo Hi-Riser deck guns. He has also supplied us with some great "sneak peeks" of 7 Engine's rig after the graphics were applied.

In other news: The department is still waiting on word from the city regarding promotions. The unions have started negotiations for a new contract, and are hoping for a settlement so that arbitration can be avoided. The Newark Firefighter's Pipe Band is entering the Saint Patrick's Day parade season, and will be busy for the next month. They'll be marching in Newark and Belmar, so why not turn out and show your support for this great bunch of talented guys? (Webmaster's remark) Plans for the new decon truck are still being worked on, and it's possible the NFD may get a grant for a new Command truck. The new E-1 heavy rescue is scheduled for delivery in either April or May.

FEBRUARY 14 - From Gary Haszko - Additional information from Firefighter Gerry Wyhopen - Photo by Rob Munson
On arrival for a reported house fire at 125 Fabyan Place, between Nye Avenue and Buffington Street, firefighters found the fire actually to be at 174 Schley Street, between Lyons and Shaw Avenues. They found heavy fire running up the rear exterior wall of a vacant three-story frame structure, which was the result of a stolen Audi that was left against the house and set afire. Firefighters encountered difficulties making entry, due to security covers on the windows and doors, allowing the fire to extend into the cockloft and through the roof. A Signal 11 was transmitted, putting the entire first-alarm assignment to work.

FEBRUARY 13 - From Frank Martucci
Newark's Bravest fought two Signal 11 fires. The first fire, for which Box 3529 was transmitted, was in an occupied, three-story brick multiple dwelling, at 278 Montclair Avenue, at Lake Street. Later, firefighters battled a blaze in a 2-1/2-story frame dwelling at 110 Smith Street, between South Orange Avenue and Norwood Place.

FEBRUARY 6 - From Frank Martucci - Photos and additional information from Captain Greg Sereico
Newark's Bravest fought back-to-back Signal 11 fires. At 09:49 hours, Box 1564 was transmitted for a reported house fire at 120 Ellery Avenue, between the Irvington town line and Putnam Street. Shortly after, fire dispatchers advised responding companies that the Irvington Fire Department was on the scene, and they confirmed a working house fire In Newark. Arriving units found a working fire in the attic of an occupied, 2-1/2-story frame dwelling.

A Signal 11 was transmitted, bringing Truck 5 to the scene as the FAST truck (According to the 1926 Newark City Atlas, #118-120 is the very first property in Newark over the Irvington line). Irvington Engine 41 and Truck 42 worked at the scene, as well as Newark's full first-alarm assignment.

As companies were still working at the Vailsburg fire, the warble tones came over at 10:11 hours, indicating a full assignment was being sent out on Box 1321, for a reported house fire at 194 3rd Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues.

Engine 15 reported a smoke condition in a 2-1/2-story frame dwelling upon their arrival, followed by a Signal 11, by Third Battalion Chief Jack Doll, upon his arrival. The fire started on the first floor and extended to the cockloft via the walls.

Heavy fire began to show on the top floor, prompting Deputy Chief Ed Rydzewski  to put the FAST truck to work and request another to replace them. Despite sub-freezing temperatures, firefighters had the fire under control in about 30 minutes.

FEBRUARY 5 - From Deputy Chief Tom Reiss
I just got an e-mail from Tom, who had the following to report: "All three pumpers have arrived at Campbell Supply. Today, we settled on the graphics, and Rick Agin will get started on them next week. We expect, and hope, to have them delivered on February 23. There will be a week of training, then they should be ready to go in service. The graphics will be almost the same as the ladder trucks, especially the cab. The stripe will be horizontal across the bottom of the cab... then angle upward on the front compartment and go horizontal below the side lights on the wheelwell. The company number will be on the rear compartment below the stripe. The rear-facing compartment will have red and white chevrons on the door. The company number will be on the upper left side. Truck 6 (ex-Truck 1's elevating platform) has returned from repair and will re-enter service Friday. We are looking seriously into buying Engine 9's American- LaFrance loaner."

FEBRUARY 4 - From Frank Martucci - Additional information and photo by Rob Munson
Box 1536 was transmitted for a a reported house fire at  86 Stuyvesant Avenue, at Abinger Place. Upon arrival, Engine 26 found fire on the second floor of an occupied, 2-1/2-story frame dwelling. The initial attack on the fire was hampered  by the fact that the three out of the four nearest hydrants were frozen, in the 18 degree F. temperatures, and that Engine 26 suffered a mechanical failure, resulting in the pump being left inoperable. Despite the initial hardships, Trucks 11 and 12 vented and opened the building as interior lines were being stretched, resulting in a quick knockdown of the fire on the second floor. The Arson Squad was requested at the scene. Pump operators quickly overcame the water problems and got a supply going without interruption to the interior lines. Battalion 1 transmitted a Signal 11 upon his arrival, and Deputy Chief James Smith declared the fire under control in about 15 minutes. The Arson Squad was requested to respond to the scene. There were no reports of injuries.

FEBRUARY 4 - From Frank Martucci - Photos and additional information from Captain Greg Sereico
At 08:52 hours, a full assignment for Box 5512 was transmitted for reports of a house fire at 35 Goble Street, between Harper and Murray Streets. Battalion 4 was the first to arrive, and reported a working fire on the top floor of an occupied, 2-1/2-story frame dwelling. Upon the arrival of Battalion Chief Killeen, in Battalion 5, he transmitted a Signal 11, signifying that the entire first alarm assignment was going to work. A coordinated aggressive attack resulted in a quick knockdown. (Tour 1)

FEBRUARY 2 - From Deputy Chief Tom Reiss
Tom reports that the new pumpers were delayed a week from reaching Campbell Supply as they fixed the minor problems found on the final inspection tour. The rigs are expected by the end of this week. One of the main jobs was to cut down the hose bed dividers to allow easier access to reloading hose. They were much too high. Tom explained that not all of the hose bed compartments will be used for hose, as there are five, and the standard NFD pumper carries four sizes. The extra compartment will be used to hold each company's supply of foam cans, and possibly other items. The new E-One heavy rescue is expected in May.

JANUARY 31 - From Deputy Chief Tom Reiss
While responding to an alarm, Truck 5 was involved in an MVA, but there were no injuries and there was no damage to the rig. (Tour 1)

JANUARY 30 - From Ron Jeffers & Deputy Chief Tom Reiss
While responding on a full assignment, Engine 6 was involved in an MVA at Clinton Avenue and South 16th Street. There were no injuries, nor was the rig damaged. (Tour 4)

JANUARY 28 - From Frank Martucci
Box 5425 was struck, at around 11:00 hours, for a fire in an occupied three-story frame dwelling at 52 Delancey Street, between Jefferson and Adams Streets. (Tour 2)

JANUARY 26 - From Frank Martucci
Shortly before midnight, a Signal 11 fire, at Box 4576, damaged two, two-story frame dwellings in the 100 block of Schley Street, between Bragaw and Shaw Avenues. (Tour 4)

JANUARY 24 - From Frank Martucci
At about 14:30 hours, a Signal 11 fire heavily damaged the top floor of a 2-1/2-story frame at 22 Isabella Avenue, between South Orange Avenue and Plymouth Street . An additional Signal 9 was special-called. (Tour 2)

JANUARY 22 - Photos and report from Deputy Chief Tom Reiss
On January 22, Tom returned from the final inspection of the three new American-LaFrance "Eagle" pumpers at their South Carolina facility. Tom reports: "All went well and all the minor problems we found will be remedied by this Friday (January 23). Al three pumpers are due to be shipped to Campbell Supply some time next week. After graphics and radios, we should see them in February. We were very happy with how they turned out, and the workmanship looks great." Can't wait to see them after the graphics are applied!

JANUARY 21 - Photos and story by Captain Greg Sereico, Newark Fire Department, Special Operations
Newark firefighters fought two fires in the same building today. At 12:12 hours, Newark Fire Dispatch received a call for a fire located at 276 Clinton Place, between Renner Avenue and Saint James Place. After the alarm was transmitted came the phrase that we all love to hear... “Units responding on Station 4671, we are receiving numerous calls." Engine 18, first on the scene, reported a working fire on the second story of a two-story frame dwelling. A quick interior attack knocked down the fire in a few minutes. Battalion Chief 4, Richard Dixon,  transmitted a Signal 11. The fire was controlled with the all hands assignment.

A look at the front of the building after the second fire. The heavy fire out the windows on the Exposure
B side can be seen at far left.

At 14:01 hours, the Dispatch Center again started receiving calls for a fire in the same building as the previous fire. Engine 29, responding from their quarters, reported a heavy smoke condition in the area. Upon their arrival, they reported a working fire in the same building. The second fire had a better hold on the building, with the exposure B side, 272 Clinton Place, now involved. Battalion Chief Dixon again transmitted a Signal 11. Upon his arrival, Deputy Chief 1, Edward Rydzewski, transmitted an additional Signal 9 (two engines and a truck) to respond to the fire.  A quick interior attack again knocked down the fire in a few minutes.

Battalion Chief Richard Dixon supervises the overhaul of the second floor.

After the fire was knocked down, firefighters found a gasoline can on the landing between the first and second floors of the main fire building. The NFD Arson Squad was requested to the scene to conduct the investigation. (Tour 3)

NOTE: Webmaster's prerogative was exercised in changing the use of of the term "ladder" to "truck." Greg's report did contain the term "ladder."

This view shows the Exposure B side. Note the melted vinyl siding and scorched clapboards underneath.

JANUARY 18 - From Frank Martucci
At about 20:30 hours, a Signal 11 fire occurred in an occupied three-story frame tenement at 575 Hunterdon Street, between Avon and Madison Avenues. Three handlines were used to bring the blaze under control. (Tour 4)

JANUARY 16 - From Frank Martucci - Photos and additional information from Rob Munson
During the early morning hours, units were dispatched to 384 Lafayette Street, between Wilson Avenue and Merchant Street, for a reported house fire. First-arriving units found fire showing from the second floor of an occupied, new construction, three-story frame dwelling, and extending to the third. Battalion 5 ordered a Signal 11 and an interior attack was started against the fire. Upon the arrival of Deputy 1, Chief Smith, he found the fire had extended to the cockloft and was now presenting a problem on the Exposure B side. He special-called an additional Signal 9 assignment to the scene. Despite a temperature of only 10 degrees F., Newark's Bravest held the fire to the building of origin. (Tour 1)

JANUARY 13 - From Deputy Chief Tom Reiss and Captain Damian Emerick
I spoke with Tom and Damian via phone and told them I had gotten a couple of requests to post the recent transfer notice that took effect on January 12, 2009, and asked if it would be okay? Tom said it would be no problem and immediately sent me a copy, with Damian following up shortly thereafter. Here it is for your viewing pleasure:

JANUARY 10 - Photo by Ron Jeffers
After midnight, Newark Fire and EMS units were dispatched to Orange and 1st Streets for an MVA with entrapment. On arrival, units found a car had crashed into a highway barrier. Of the three female occupants in the car, one was pinned, one was walking wounded, and the third was lying on the ground. Firefighters and EMS personnel worked to free the pinned girl while others tended to the two injured occupants. All were taken to the hospital for treatment. (Tour 3)

JANUARY 7 - From Captain Greg Sereico
Greg reports: The preliminary stats are in for Rescue 1 in 2008: 4,430 runs, 184 Signal 11 and/or multi-alarm fires, and five Signal 200s (fire fatalities).  That's an increase of 144 runs, eight fires, and three deaths over 2007. The company's runs increased even though "The Squad" was taken off all carbon monoxide alarm responses in July. Greg promised to be in touch when he has further info.

JANUARY 5 - From Deputy Chief Tom Reiss
Tom reports: The final inspection for the three new American-LaFrance pumpers is scheduled for January 19-22 in South Carolina. While there is some hesitancy in predicting their delivery date, it will probably take place some time in February. There is a strong possibility that five captains will be promoted to battalion chief in the very near future. A new transfer list is out and will become effective January 12. Contact will be made shortly with Absolute Fire Protection Co. with regard to the new heavy rescue being started, with delivery scheduled in May. Captain Greg Sereico is working on plans for a new decon truck, which will be purchased with 2007 UASI (Urban Areas Security Initiative) funds. Otherwise, there is no Capital Budget money available, nor is any expected any time soon, which will prove 2009 to be a very lean year for new vehicles. Chief Reiss related that for the very first time he can recall, the Mayor visited Fire Headquarters, demonstrating a clear sign of support for the fire department.