Croton Fire 12/11/12 - Additional Info

[Remember585 815]

Just some additions / corrections to the IA.

Date: 12/11/2012

Time: 1323hrs (1:23pm)

Incident Type: Residential Structure Fire

District: Croton Fire District

Location: 96 S Mt. Airy Rd (Between Glengary Rd and Georgia Ln)

Units on Scene:

Croton FD: 2081, 2082, E118, E119, E120, T10, R18

Ossining FD: 2331, 2334, TL42, U51

Montrose VAFD: 2571, 2574, E225

Buchanan FD: 2551, U12

Croton EMS: 55B2

Cortlandt EMS: 88B2

Ossining EMS: 74A1, 36M1

WCDES Units: Battalion 10, C&O Zone 4

Other: Croton PD, NYSP, Croton Water Department, Con Edison

Units on Standby:

Montrose FD: 2273, E121

Yorktown FD: L51

13:23 - Croton Full Department Response for Reported Structure Fire. 2081 responding.

13:24 - 2082 responding.

13:25 - 2081 on location, heavy fire showing from a 1.5 story wood-frame structure, 10-75.

13:27 - Ossining FAST, Buchanan Cascade, Croton, Cortlandt and 36M1 EMS units dispatched along with Battalion 10.

13:29 - Command reports 1.5 story wood-frame dwelling, heavy fire in basement and first floor, all occupants are out of the house.

13:40 - Bat 10 reports heavy fire conditions, 4 L/S/O, requesting E225 from Montrose VA to the scene.

13:46 - TL42 from Ossining to the scene.

13:49 - Bat 10 reports heavy fire conditions, now has 5 L/S/O.

13:50 - Con Ed Electric on scene, killing main. Bat 10 reports unit operating from exterior.

13:55 - Interior operations resuming.

14:17 - 88B2 to Phelps with one for possible smoke inhalation (civilian).

14:34 - Bat 10 reports all visible fire knocked down, probable will hold per Command.

14:45 - Bat 10 reports fire is under control.

15:07 - Ossining FAST & U12 released.

15:35 - TL42 released.

16:01 - E225 released.

16:19 - All Croton units in service, Command terminated.

On arrival, we had heavy fire coming out of the D-side basement windows, the C-side entrance to the basement and fire showing on the first floor. Crews mounted an aggressive interior attack along with a brief exterior attack, using handlines in the basement, first floor and attic as well as the exterior. We pulled the men back briefly to hit it from outside and regroup, then pushed on with coordinated roof ventilation.

The occupants of the home included two elderly parties that were assisted from the home by other family members and a work crew at a neighboring house. I give credit to these guys for getting everyone out of the house, as this fire took off with great intensity and speed.

The report from the occupants and C&O indicate candles in the basement fell and created a fire involving the bed, books, and other combustibles in the room. The gentleman in the basement ran upstairs and got everyone out of the house. (Thank God).

I'd also like to point out the understated usefulness of our Mutual Aid Coordinators - not just ours (Battalion 10). As the IC I was able to worry only about my units on scene, and anything I needed relayed to 60 Control or any apparatus requests, all I had to do was have Battalion 10 handle it. I know a lot of Chiefs and Incident Commanders feel the need to try and do everything, but this way worked SOOOO MUCH BETTER than other times where I tried to juggle both task.

If you have a fire in this county and don't have the luxury of an Aide, take advantage of the MACs (Battalions). That's what they're there for - not to run your call but to help you manage it.

On behalf of the Croton Fire Department, I'd like to thank our Mutual Aid partners from Ossining, Montrose VA and Buchanan for their assistance on scene, as well as the coverage units from Montrose and Yorktown. Also, thanks to Croton, Cortlandt and Ossining EMS for being there.

Lastly, thanks to the men of the CFD that were there today. You guys always make me proud.

Thanks.

Chief John Munson

Croton FD

Edited December 12, 2012 by Remember585

[fireboyny 61]

Very well said. Thank you for your input.

[FF1 172]

Seems like you got it right Chief. Kudos for putting saftey before pride and ego by pulling out to regroup. That gets lost in the fire service today. Two thumbs up for what seemed like a safe and efficent opperation.