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    1. Operations & Training

    Hot Shots 2/20

    Feb. 1, 2020
    Firehouse highlights some spectacular photos from recent fires around the country.
    Photo by Andrew Kutz
    Feb 20 Hot Shots Pic 1 5e0f8d0242da1

    READING, PA, NOV. 22—When Ladder 1 of the Reading, PA, Fire Department arrived on scene at a three-story dwelling, fire was showing through the rear of the first floor. Crews forced entry and removed a victim. A second alarm was struck. Ladder crews worked to remove window bars while rescue and engine crews conducted searches, which proved negative. Mutual aid was provided by: the Greenfield Township Volunteer Fire Company; Township of Spring Fire & Rescue; and West Reading Fire Department.

    Photo by Andrew Kutz

    Photo by Dave Kempter
    Feb 20 Hot Shots Pic 3 jpg

    PEEKSKILL, NY, DEC. 8—First-due units of the Peekskill Fire Department arrived at a four-story apartment complex that was under construction to find it well-involved. Low hydrant pressure triggered a call for a tanker operation. At least 150 firefighters battled the blaze. After about 90 minutes, the building collapsed in on itself.

    Photo by Dave Kempter

    Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
    Feb 20 Hot Shots Pic 4
    NEW YORK CITY, NOV. 8—FDNY Battalion 58 transmitted a second alarm on arrival for heavy fire in a pallet warehouse in Brooklyn. Units switched to a defensive attack from offensive operations because of below-freezing temperatures and strong winds amid a large volume of fire. Units had to gain entry by cutting through many pieces of fence. At least 150 firefighters and 20 pieces of fire apparatus, including three tower ladders, responded to the incident. Here, Tower Ladder 159 waits for water into their master stream.

    Photo by Lloyd Mitchell

    Photo by Chief Gordon J. Nord, Jr., Lyons, IL, Fire Department
    Feb 20 Hot Shots Pic 2
    BELLWOOD, IL, DEC. 8—The Bellwood Fire Department arrived on scene at a two-story, mixed-use occupancy to find heavy fire conditions on the commercial first floor and heavy smoke with fire extending on the second floor (apartments). Occupants were fleeing via the Alpha side stairs. Crews conducted a coordinated attack on the fire and an aggressive primary search of the second floor. The primary search was negative, and crews were pushed out by rapidly deteriorating conditions. Ultimately, the incident escalated to a third alarm. In total, 46 personnel staffing six engines and four trucks were required on scene. Assisting departments included: the Broadview Fire Department; Franklin Park Fire Department; Hillside Fire Department; Leyden Fire Protection District; Maywood Fire Department; Melrose Park Fire Department; Schiller Park Fire Department; Stone Park Fire Department; and Westchester Fire Department. There were no civilian injuries; one firefighter was injured and released from the hospital the same night.

    Photo by Gordon J. Nord, Jr.

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