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Fire Log
2005
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“That Was The Day That
Was”
January 18, 2000
by Jay Pozark
Tuesday, January 18 dawned cold and clear, continuing a trend with temperatures hovering around zero, and far colder wind chills. The worst cold snap in six years continued to freeze pipes and keep fire departments busy.
The overnight shift had nine runs, mostly water leaks and medical aids. The biggest water leak was a serious main break on the Lynnway between Blossom and Commercial Streets. This forced the closure of the Lynnway in both directions for most of the day, causing commuters havoc as this is the major road into Boston from the North Shore. Around 0630 hours Fire Alarm Operators Leger and Pozark relieved the night shift. It didn't take long for business to pick up. Besides the water leaks, Ladderder #2's aerial was out of service with mechanical problems. An order was in effect to cover them on all Telephone Alarms with a working aerial device. A total of 39 Lynn incidents were handled by the F.A.O. during the dayshift, broken down as follows:
13 Medical Aids 9 Water Leaks 6 Automatic Alarms
4 Motor Vehicle Accidents 1 Public Assist 2 Investigations
1 Inside Gas Leak 1 Automobile Fire 2 Boxes Transmitted
Among the many incidents were:
Engine #1 with Lt. Linehan and C-3 District Chief DeLoury responded to 169 Beacon Hill Avenue to investigate the oil burner. Upon arrival they found children exposed to soot and requested an ambulance from AMR to evaluate them.
A 911 call for a water leak at the Ingalls School. Engine #8 and Ladderder #1 were dispatched and found an extensive flooding condition in the building. An additional Ladderder truck was requested for more salvage covers. Ladderder #2 responded and Tower Ladderder #4 relocated to West Lynn.
A call from Boston Gas Co. reporting an inside gas leak on Bacheller St. They reported they were evacuating the building. Engine #10 and Rescue Co. 1 were dispatched. These companies requested additional help and Tower Ladderder #4 responded.
Simultaneously with this call Atlantic Ambulance Service on-sited an MVA at the intersection of Western Ave. and Washington Streets. Atlantic EMT Peter Judge requested fire department response. Due to multiple active incidents Engine #3 responded alone. Upon Arrival, Engine #3 commanded by Lt. Paul Smith found a special needs van had struck and knocked down a utility pole. Lt. Smith requested Mass Electric because the power was still live and additional ambulances for the injured. He reported at least six patients. C-4 District Chief Gecoy, G-2 EMS Capt. Palin and H-1 the Shift Safety Officer responded on the report of a Multiple Casualty Incident. A total of 5 BLS Ambulances and 1 Ambulance Field Supervisor responded including units from North Shore Ambulance Service in addition to the Atlantic and AMR units. A total of ten patients were triaged, three were transported. However the "best" was yet to come.
At 1242 hours a 911 call was received from Turner Trucking and Salvage Co. on Commercial Street for an inside fire. This location was not far from the Lynnway water break. City Box #671 was transmitted at 1242 hours. Response was Engines #3,7,9; Ladderders #2 and 1, Rescue Co. 1, C-4, & H-1. First arriving Lt. Smith on Engine #3 reported light smoke showing. Employees reported a duct fire. Engine #3 threw their pumper extension Ladderder for access to the roof. Lt. Smith requested the first due Ladderder truck to throw their stick so a handline could be run over it. Chief Gecoy ordered Lt. LeBlanc and Ladder. #1's crew to the roof. Rescue Co. 1 under the command of Capt. McDonald arrived and started the primary search. Engine #3 reported no fire in the duct but some fire around the pipe. Rescue Co. 1 found multiple dropped ceilings and fire in the cockloft space. Fire had just begun to char the roof trusses. Lt. Lynch's crew from Engine #9 stretched a line to the loft area and operated on the fire. Ladder #2 under Lt. Alley worked with the Rescue's crew opening up. Chief Gecoy declared a building fire and ordered Engine #7 lead by Acting Lt. Mulcahy to lay a supply line from the Plug. Engine #7 found it's hydrant frozen. Meanwhile Engine #3 demonstrated their versatility by venting the roof above the fire. Engine #7 located a good hydrant and established the water supply. All companies made quick work of this fire and prevented another truss roof tragedy. All Out was sounded at 1305 Hours holding all companies.
Capping off the day's events a water leak was reported at Neptune Towers West, a high-rise at 160 Neptune Boulevard. Engine #3 and Ladder. #2 responded later requesting C-4 to respond to the scene. This turned out to be a break in the sprinkler system which also knocked out the fire alarm system, leaving the building with little fire protection.
No single event was a major incident but the call volume and simultaneous incidents made it a busy day. As always Lynn's Bravest responded to the call promptly and professionally.
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