Hot Shots 9/20

WATERBURY, CT, JULY 13—The Waterbury Fire Department was dispatched to a working fire at a three-story apartment building that housed 12 units as well as a grocery store on the ground level. Initial reports pegged the fire as starting in the rear of the structure on the third floor from a scooter. A second alarm was sounded six minutes after the first. The fire quickly escalated to a third alarm and soon extended to a 2½-story wood frame on the B exposure. In total, seven engines and three trucks were required to battle the blaze. Forty-seven firefighters were on scene, included via mutual aid from the Cheshire Fire Department, Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department and Watertown Fire Department. The fire took the life of a 67-year-old man who was found on the third floor.

Photo by Keith Muratori

Ken Morris 5 30 20 Los Angeles Strip Mall Two Alarm Pic 1

HUNTINGTON PARK, CA, MAY 30—Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighters from Battalions 3, 7, 9, 13 and 20 were dispatched to a reported commercial building fire. Companies arrived to find a strip mall with a well-established fire within the façade of the building. Shortly after firefighters forced entry, gained roof access and checked for extension, heavy fire and smoke began to vent through the roof, and the façade of the building collapsed. A second alarm was requested. Ultimately, 37 units and at least 50 firefighters were on scene. Companies utilized master streams from aerials and from the ground while they engaged in defensive firefighting operations.

Photo by Ken Morris

Dave Dubowski 7 4 20 St Louis Vacant Brick Bldg Pic 7

ST. LOUIS, JULY 4—Members of the 1st Battalion of the St. Louis Fire Department arrived on scene to find a vacant, two-story brick building fully involved. Two aerial streams and two handlines were used to protect the exposure and to bring the blaze under control. Eight apparatus and 50 firefighters responded to the fire, which was attributed to fireworks. In total, the department responded to 14 structure fires on Independence Day.

Photo by Dave Dubowski

Zackery Newton 7 15 20 San Antonio Two Story Pic 1

SAN ANTONIO, JULY 15—The San Antonio Fire Department battled hydrant issues and a 106 degree F heat index when they responded to a well-involved two-story dwelling. To permit rotation of firefighters because of the high heat, 20 units were called to the scene. One resident suffered burns and was transported to the hospital.

Photo by Zackery Newton