Home
About Lynn FD
Box 41 News
History
Photos
Links
Fire Log
2005
|
“Two Alarms on City Box
512”
by Jay Pozark
On Thursday, January 9, 1956, the Fire Alarm Office struck Box 512, Washington the corner of Lloyd, at 1005 hours. This Box was struck for a telephone alarm for 220 Washington Street. A call had been received from a woman at 220A Washington Street, the building in the rear of 220 Washington. Her husband had noticed smoke coming from the building and told her to notify the fire department as he went to warn the occupants of the burning house.
First arriving companies found a very heavy smoke condition in a large 2 1/2 story multi-family house. Nearly a dozen people had fled the building but there were reports of several people still inside. A second alarm was struck at 1010 hours.
The thick smoke made the use of breathing apparatus a necessity. The Rescue Company, wearing All Service masks, and members of Ladder Companies #2 and #3 wearing Scott Air-Pacs, began a search of the building. The Rescue located and removed a woman with a broken hip on a mattress. On the first floor an elderly woman was found, also two elderly sisters on the second floor. These women were removed by the rear door and rushed to the hospital after being overcome. They were treated for smoke inhalation.
With reports of more people still missing, the search continued. During the search, one of the Rescue Company’s All Service masks failed. Ventilation was being performed, an aerial and ground ladders had been thrown, and windows on floors #1 and #2 were taken out. The fire contiued to produce heavy smoke. District Chief Frederick Fay was taken to the back of the Rescue and given oxygen. Six Firemen were overcome. Along with Chief Fay they were: Lt. Sylvester Whelan, Firemen John Foley, George Mancinelli, Richard Biagiotti and Chief of Department Joseph Scanon Sr. Captain Gilroy and Lt. Marr were also treated for smoke inhalation. All were treated at the scene. As it would turn out, the missing persons were not at home at the time of’ the fire.
One of the occupants, a 67year old woman who had left the building, was convalescing from a recent illness. She was taken to a nearby home and treated for shock and smoke inhalation.
The Lynn Chapter of the American Red Cross assisted the victims with clothes and housing. Chief Scanlon reported the cause of the fire as an explosion of coal gas in the cellar.
The Rescue Company used 5 All Service Masks, 4 for 25 minutes and 1 that failed. (the canister on Mask #4 was replaced) Scott tanks were exchanged, 1 issued to Ladder #2 and 3 to Ladder #3. The Rescue returned from the fire at II 33 hours, being absent from quarters for I hour and 28 minutes. No recall time was listed. A rare unit commendation was made by District Chief Natolie to the members of Engine #6 and the Rescue Company for their actions at this fire.
|
