April - May - June

JUNE 26 - From Frank Martucci - Additional Info and photos from Rob Munson and Tom Aurnhammer
Richard Roper, of 194 Custer Avenue, between Seymour Avenue and Osborne Terrace, was asleep at about 05:00 hours when he was suddenly awakened the "pop, pop, pop" of breaking glass. Thinking it was kids breaking car windows, he looked out a front window and was shocked to see fire shooting out of the first-floor windows of 191 Custer Avenue. The flames were intense and were already lapping at the eaves of the roof. "It went up like a tinderbox," Roper said.

Meanwhile, six occupants in the house at #191, found themselves trapped on the second floor by the rapidly spreading flames and heavy smoke. Herb Smith and Jesse Faulkner made their way to a rear window, where they jumped to safety, uninjured. Shahzaadee Torry, 21, managed to escape the house, suffering injuries in the process.

At 05:07 hours, a full assignment was sent to the address as fire dispatchers began receiving multiple calls. On arrival, firefighters found the 2-1/2-story 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, Alexis Frazier, 15, and Tony Ward, Jr., 23, could not be revived, and were pronounced dead at the scene. Sharon Faulkner, the mother of Alexis, was revived, and was rushed to Saint Barnabas Medical, in Livingston, in critical condition. The other three survivors were taken to University Hospital, where it was determined to send Torry to Saint Barnabas as a precautionary measure. Firefighter made quick knockdown and had the blaze under control in about 30 minutes. Smoke alarms were activated in the basement, but it's unknown if any activated on the first and second floors.

The family was well known and loved in the neighborhood, which resulted in crying family, friends, and neighbors gathering in the street outside the charred, stucco home. The fire apparently started on the first floor, but the cause is unknown, and was declared suspicious by fire officials due to the rapid spread of the flames. The blaze is being investigated by the Newark Arson Squad and the Essex County Prosecutor's office.

JUNE 25 - Story and photos by Battalion Chief Greg Sereico
On Thursday, June 25, at 07:35 hours, the quiet in the firehouses was interrupted by the dispatchers transmitting over the radio, "A full alarm is being transmitted for 55 Oriental Street." What made this call different from the usual dispatch transmissions was the excited sound of the dispatchers voice. When the alarm was finally transmitted - Station 3228, for a reported gas fire at 55 Oriental Street, at Broad Street, and after the transmission was completed, the dispatcher came back with, "There is a possible explosion at the reported address."

Engine 9 arrived on the scene and reported a light smoke condition. Immediately after this transmission, Battalion Chief 3, Joe Straile, reported on the scene and advised of an explosion in a unit within a row of 2-story attached apartments. He also reported a strong odor of gas and requested Public Service Gas to respond. Upon his investigation it was found that indeed there was a gas explosion in the vacant unit causing a small fire in the second floor of the apartment. A signal 11 was then sounded.

The blast caused the windows of the unit to blow out along with a section of the roof to be heavily damaged. The fire was contained to the second floor.

JUNE 22 - From Deputy Chief Tom Reiss
I got an e-mail from Chief Reiss and he related the following: The rigs for Engines 26 and 27 have not been assigned as yet as they are waiting for some company numbers to be put on them first. "We are going to Florida on 6/23 to do the final inspection on the E-One rescue. If all goes well the unit is expected to be shipped to the dealer on the week of the 29th. Tool mounting, graphics and radio will take a while longer so it will probably not be delivered to us for another month or so." Tom advised that they are continuing to work on pumper specs so that in the event the department gets the Capital Budget money it's been promised, the specs will be ready. Specs are also being drawn up for a new Special Services utility truck and a 15-passenger van. On the night of June 20, the captain of Engine 26 took ill after fighting a fire, so he was driven to UMDNJ in the rig. As they arrived at the hospital, a hose in the engine burst spraying fluid on the exhaust, which ignited. The fire was quickly extinguished, but a large fluid spill occurred on the driveway. The rig was towed to the shops, where it is being examined to determine the extent of the damage. The Orange Fire Chief, Marty Demarzo, 50, died June 7 after having routine surgery. During the wake and funeral, the NFD stood by in Orange with a Signal 9 task force (two engines, one truck, a battalion chief). Tom remarked, "Probably the first time Newark has been in Orange for as long as I can remember."

JUNE 13 - From Deputy Chief Tom Reiss
Chief Reiss sent me an updated apparatus roster, which I hope to be able to put up on the site soon. Tom advised that Engine 5's 1995 E-One pumper was reassigned to Engine 26, and the American LaFrance loaner pumper that was purchased will be assigned to Engine 27. Once again, the NFD has loaned a ladder truck to the West Orange FD for use while their regular truck is out of service.

JUNE 9 - From Frank Martucci
Frank reported a working fire involving the third floor of a 2-1/2-story frame dwelling, at 186 Highland Avenue, between Bloomfield and 2nd Avenues. The fire was declared suspicious and the Arson Squad was requested to respond to the scene.

JUNE 1 - From Deputy Chief Tom Reiss
Chief Reiss reported that Truck 1's rig has returned to service after being serviced to give a smoother ride. Truck 5 will also be sent out to have the same work done. Work on the new rescue is progressing and the department expects delivery by the end of June. Tom also advised that they may be getting some Capital Budget money for the purchase of two or three new pumpers. Tom was kind enough to send along some photos of the new rescue under construction.

May 27 - From Frank Martucci
Box 4344 was transmitted for a fire at 234 Seymour Avenue, between West Runyon Street and Hawthorne Avenue. Units arrived and found the top floor of a 2-1/2-story frame dwelling fully involved, with extension to a similar exposure. A second alarm was necessary to bring the fire under control.

MAY 23 - Photos and story by Rob Munson >> http://redvideo.50megs.com/
At approximately 04:46 hours, a tip come over the radio reporting the box was being transmitted for a house fire on 14th Avenue. First arriving units found heavy fire showing from the second and third floors of a large, occupied, 3-story frame tenement at 461 14th Avenue, between Speedway Avenue and Oak Street.

Interior lines were advanced as heavy fire and smoke pushed from the building. Command transmitted the second alarm a few minutes into the incident. First- in companies removed an elderly female victim from the second floor. She was turned over to EMS with non-life-threatening injuries.

By 05:11 hours, command placed the fire under control with all companies working to overhaul. Aggressive interior "Newark" firefighting equals a fast stop.

MAY 21 - Information and photos from Battalion Chief Greg Sereico
On Thursday, five fire captains were promoted to the rank of battalion chief at a ceremony in the Newark City Council chambers. "It is always a pleasure to promote deserving members of our Fire Department to positions of higher leadership," said Mayor Cory Booker. "These are men who have defined heroism and courage in our neighborhoods and streets, saving the lives and property of our residents, inspiring their colleagues with their professionalism, compassion, and commitment to community. They work miracles on a daily basis. Now, as they step up to higher positions and greater responsibility, I ask them to work new miracles in our City's continuing transformation."

The five members who recited the oath of office were (L-R): Arthur M. Mauriello, Rufus L. Jackson, Gregory Sereico, Anthony Castelluccio, and Richard A. Gail. Their assignments are as follows: Castellucio to Battalion 6 Tour 3; Mauriello and Gail to the Fire & Life Safety Division; Sereico to Special Operations, and Jackson to the Training Division. They will also cover field vacancies that are the result of sick leaves, vacations, etc.

Battalion Chief John Sicnignano was on hand to present Battalion Chief Gregory Sereico with a new helmet frontpiece denoting his new rank.

A tip o' the ol' NFH high-eagle leather to

THE new battalion chiefs!

HERE'S wishing you all the very best in

YOUR new rank!

MAY 16 - Information and photo from Captain Greg Sereico
On Saturday, at 15:00 hours, the Newark Fire/Police hockey team played the Paterson Fire/Police hockey team in their annual benefit game at the New Jersey Devils arena practice rink. The Newark team, led by Captain Jeff Burke (Truck 7/Tour 3) scored five goals in the 7 to 2 win over Paterson. Proceeds from the benefit will go to the relatives of Newark and Paterson firefighters suffering from medical ailments. After the game, a huge barbecue was held in the parking lot of the arena, and a grand time was had by all.

MAY  3 - Info from Frank Martucci, Deputy Chief Tom Reiss, and Rob Munson - Photos provided by Rob Munson and Drew Brennan
At 13:27 hours, a full assignment, consisting of Engines 14, 5, 10 and 12, Trucks 5 and 4, Battalion 5, Deputy 1 and Rescue 1, was turned out on Box 2236, for numerous reports of a fire at 2 West Kinney Street, at Broad Street. Two minutes later, arriving units found heavy fire venting from the windows of a fifth-floor apartment in a fully occupied, six-story brick, 50-by-105-foot apartment building.

Numerous occupants were exiting the building via fire escapes and many could be seen in upper floor windows. There were immediate reports of people still being inside the burning structure. A Signal 11 was ordered by Deputy 1, Deputy Chief Smith, who was still en route. This brought Battalion 4 to the scene as Incident Safety Officer, and Truck 7 as the FAST unit. The first alarm engine companies went to work stretching two, 1-3/4-inch lines to Apartments 5D, which was the point of origin, and 5C, and two more lines were stretched above the fire on the sixth floor.

Truck companies went to work making rescues via ladders, opening the roof, and making a preliminary search on the fire floor, along with the rescue company. Several victims that had been found on the sixth floor were taken down to the street and turned over to EMS.

Shortly after his arrival, Deputy Chief Smith ordered second and third alarms to be struck for the growing blaze. The second alarm was answered by Engines 6, 7, 27, and 11, and Truck 1, and the third brought Engines 18, 16, and 19, and Truck 8 to the scene. Even though an aggressive interior attack quickly knocked down the main body of fire on the fifth floor, the flames had already made their way to the sixth floor and cockloft via the walls and vertical structural arteries.

As Newark’s Bravest worked feverishly to stop the further spread of the fire, conditions quickly deteriorated as the cockloft became well involved, pushing heavy smoke from all sides of the building. With all of the building’s occupants having been safely evacuated, Chief Smith ordered all firefighters to drop down to the fourth floor and attempt to darken the fire down from that point. Despite their best efforts, the top floor and cockloft became fully involved, prompting the full evacuation of all firefighters from the building.

A defensive operation was started using five deck guns and seven elevated master streams. A perimeter was established around the building as huge chunks of debris fell to the sidewalks from the upper portions of the building. Additional special calls brought Trucks 10, 6, 11 to the scene. With the city’s fire protection resources being heavily taxed, mutual aid was called in from eight communities, including Belleville, East Orange, Elizabeth, Hillside, Irvington, and Jersey City. Eventually, an engine and truck from East Orange, as well as the same from Irvington, were special-called to the fire scene and operated. While only three alarms were struck for the blaze, special calls resulted in close to a four-alarm assignment working at the scene.

The fire was declared under control at 18:30 hours, but companies remained at the scene throughout the night on fire watch, with the last fire units clearing the scene at 13:00 the next afternoon. While the blaze was confined to the building of origin, the adjoining C Exposure, at 1011 Broad Street, suffered substantial water damage, as well as damage from falling bricks. Three firefighters sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital, where they were treated and released. Battalion Chief Kevin Killeen was treated for exhaustion, Firefighter Tashan Brown suffered a shoulder injury, and Firefighter Ivan Hernandez was treated for facial injuries.

The cause of the fire was attributed to Debra White, 51, who reportedly set fire to a pillow on the bed in Apartment 5D after having an argument with her 77-year-old boyfriend, Freddie Bryant. The argument seemed to center around grocery money. Assistant Essex County Prosecutor Jeffrey Cartwright stated, “It started with a match, one single match held to a pillow.” He continued, “She was apparently increasingly frustrated with what she perceived to be Mr. Bryant failing to live up to his domestic responsibilities.” White had apparently given Bryant a certain amount of money with which to buy groceries, but “she didn’t feel that he had spent all of the money on groceries for her.” It is unknown if Bryant was in the bed when White set it ablaze, but he sustained severe smoke inhalation and was admitted to University Hospital in critical condition.

Three other occupants were also removed to the hospital. Sarina Nieves, 21, who lived in Apartment 5C, said she heard popping sounds coming from the next-door apartment. There was a loud boom, and from her window she could see glass falling to the fire escape, followed by flames pouring out of the window. She grabbed her son, her keys, and her cell phone, and ran down the stairs to the street. There, she saw White near the entrance to the building, smoking a cigarette, and Bryant was across West Kinney Street, leaning against a vacant post office building. During the course of the blaze, Arson Squad and County Prosecutor’s detectives interviewed the building’s residents.

As a result of information gathered from these interviews, investigators felt there were some “issues” with White and she became a suspect. Interviews with Bryant at the hospital later confirmed their suspicions and she was arrested, being charged with attempted murder, aggravated arson, and causing widespread damage and injury. She pleaded not guilty to the charges. Immediately following the blaze, an inspection made by city engineers deemed the upper portion of structure to be unsafe, and the demolition of the two top floors was started the next day. Further inspections revealed the building to be beyond repair and it was slated for total demolition.

On a historic note, the building at 2 West Kinney Street was constructed between 1901 and 1911, and was known as “The Elberon,” a fancy apartment building of the era. In later decades the building became the “Hotel Belmont,” which was basically a transient hotel, and also used as a welfare recipient occupancy.

APRIL 30 - From Frank Martucci - Photos and additional information provided by Rob Munson
Shortly before 13:00 hours, Box 4465 was transmitted for a structure fire in the 500 block of South 16th Street, near 15th Avenue. A large loom-up was visible to companies rolling in, and Deputy 1 struck a second alarm on arrival, reporting a working fire involving three, 2-1/2-story frame dwellings, at 509 South 16th Street, between 15th and 16th Avenues. Heavy fire engulfed the rear of the original fire building at #509, and had extended to the similar exposures on either side at #507 and #511.

An aggressive interior attack was begun on the fire, which was located on all three floors of all three buildings. Two additional engines, Engine 5 and 14, were special called to the fire. Within 15 minutes, Newark's Blazebeaters had the main body of fire knocked down and started overhauling. At this point, smoke was seen coming from a frame dwelling at 503 South 15th Street, between 15th and 16th Avenues, and a Signal 9 was requested to check it. Firefighters found that flying embers had started a fire in the roofline, and quickly brought it under control. At the height of activity, there were only seven engines and five trucks left in service.

The rear porch of the main fire building eventually collapsed, resulting in no injuries to firefighters. However, a firefighter was injured when he fell through a hole in the floor. He was quickly removed from the building and transported to the hospital via EMS. The Arson Squad was requested at the scene to investigate the blaze.

APRIL 24 - From Frank Martucci
Frank reported a working fire in the basement of 684 Summer Avenue, between Bryant and Elliott Streets.

APRIL 21 - From Frank Martucci
Box 2521 was transmitted for a working fire in a mixed-occupancy, two-story brick commercial building, at 57 Victoria Street, between Frelinghuysen Avenue and Empire Street. The Arson Squad was requested to respond to the scene to investigate.

APRIL 20 - From Frank Martucci - Photos and additional information provided by Rob Munson & Gary McIver
At 22:18 hours, during a severe thunderstorm, Box 5427 was transmitted for a reported factory fire at 116 Delancey Street, at Adams Street. On arrival, Engine 14 reported a working fire. They found heavy smoke showing from a two-story brick factory, with bricked over windows, measuring approximately 100-by-100 feet.

Upon his arrival, Deputy Chief Smith found heavy fire and smoke issuing from the second floor of the building, reportedly used as a paper recycling plant, and transmitted a second alarm shortly after. As the fire took full possession of the second floor, and blew through the roof, an emergency evacuation was ordered and a third alarm was struck.

Exterior streams were put into operation and a collapse zone was established. The building became fully involved, resulting in several interior collapses. As the flames were brought under control, emergency demolition teams were called to the scene. A series of fire watches were established through the night to darken down hot spots and prevent flare-ups.

The fire was reportedly caused by lightning, which struck a flag pole that rose up above the building. The force of the strike blew a hole in the second-floor wall, which, in turn, showered the street with bricks and debris, some of which shattered the windows of a van parked opposite the building.

The fire building occupied the addresses of 114-18 Delancey Street and 324-28 Adams Street, which was constructed between 1901 and 1911, and was initially occupied by the Wiener Barnet Co., saddlery hardware manufacturer.

]

APRIL 15 - From Frank Martucci
Frank reported that Box 1493 was struck for a working fire in a 2-1/2-story frame dwelling, at 16 South 12th Street, between West Market Street and Gould Avenue.

APRIL 15 - From Deputy Chief Tom Reiss
Chief Reiss reported that Engine 5's former rig is scheduled to be reassigned to Engine 26 after some refurbishment is completed. On April 16, the City Council will go through the formality of voting on the purchase of the loaner engine from American LaFrance (see February 23 NFD News). Tom advises the rig will go back to Campbell Supply for some work, including changing the electronic hose gates over to manual ones. There is also a good possibility that the silver upper body will be repainted red. Since the rig is foam-equipped, it's planned for it to be assigned to Engine 27, whose former rig will be placed in reserve as a spare. Tom also reported that the final inspection of the new E-One rescue is scheduled for mid-May, with delivery expected in June. The new rig will be very similar to the present one in service, except for a dual rear axle, and different paint job. On April 8, Mike Pizio, from Absolute Fire Protection, reported that the prints for the rig were completed on December 19. Programming for the body was completed and the fabrication is in the process of being done. The start of the body-welded began April 8. It is scheduled to be pre-wired April 30, painted on May 7, and body loaded on May 14. Tom has sent along some photos of the new rescue in the works.

APRIL 14 - From Deputy Chief Tom Reiss
A ceremony was held at Newark City Hall for the unveiling of the three, new American LaFrance pumpers recently placed in service. The ceremony was attended by several city dignitaries, including Mayor Booker, as well as members of the fire department, led by Director Dave Giordano.

Speaking of the new engines, Fire Director Dave Giordano stated, "The city has never
had coverage like this in the past."

APRIL 7 - From Frank Martucci
Box 1434 was transmitted for a working fire in a vacant two-story frame dwelling, with a former grocery store on the first floor, at 175 South 10th Street, at 11th Avenue. Arriving units found heavy fire showing on the second floor and through the roof. At the height of the blaze, a partial collapse occurred on the second floor. The Arson Squad was requested to respond to the scene, as well as the city's emergency demolition team.

APRIL 7 - From Captain Greg Sereico - Photos provided by Gary MacIver - Additional info and photo from Deputy Chief Tom Reiss
At 07:03 hours,  Fire Dispatch transmitted Station 1448 for a reported fire located at 491 South 17th Street, between 14th and 15th Avenues. They also reported that there might be children trapped in the dwelling. Special Ops 1, on his way to work, reported heavy smoke in the area.

Engine 11, upon their arrival, reported a working fire in a 2-1/2-story frame dwelling, with fire on all floors. A Signal 11 was immediately transmitted. Based on the initial report of children being trapped, two firefighters entered the building to perform a primary search, despite the great headway the fire had already gained. Lines were being stretched, but none had entered the building as yet.

Without warning, the rear second floor collapsed, pushing fire and smoke toward the front of the building where the two men were searching. Reportedly, the sudden rush of air also closed pushed the front door closed. Groping through the heavy smoke, the two men made their way to the front windows, only to find they were barred, preventing their escape.

Rescuers immediately went to work cutting the bars as a line was played on the two men to protect them from the advancing and intensifying fire. There were some tense moments, but both men were successfully rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment of burns.

An aggressive interior attack was started on the blaze, but due to the instability of the building, Deputy Chief Rydzewski ordered all firefighters out of the building. An additional Signal 9 was special-called, bringing two more engines and another truck to the scene. After the heavy fire was knocked down by exterior streams, the members continued with their interior attack. It was discovered that all occupants had fled from the building prior to the arrival of the fire department.

There was some extension to Exposure B, at #489, and Exposure D, at #493, but damage was minimal. Three members were transported to local hospitals for the treatment of injuries sustained battling the blaze. None of the injuries were serious.

APRIL 4 - From Frank Martucci
Box 5433 was transmitted for a fire in a three-story dwelling at Adams and Warwick Streets, which was the result of an explosion. There was one civilian injury, and the Arson squad was requested to the scene to investigate.

APRIL 1 - From Frank Martucci
Frank reported two working fires in the city. The first was a house fire at 684 Summer Avenue, between Bryant and Elliott Streets. Later, Box 2128 was struck for a fire on the third-floor of an occupied, three-story brick multiple dwelling, at 47 Halsey Street, between new and Bleecker Streets.

APRIL 1 - From Captain Greg Sereico
Greg has supplied us with a line drawing of the proposed Decon/Rehab truck, which still has to go out on bid. He promises to keep us updated on its progress. Thanks, Cap!