Close calls at a 2&2

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(FDNY Batt. 2 shares what did and could have happened at a recent fire.)

Thursday had a 2 and 2 fire in basement of this art/ antique store. This is the former quarters of Ladder 9 on Elizabeth Street. Stretched a precautionary line for fire in some plywood caused by a torch operator working on installing an elevator in an old hose tower. Anyway, charged the line to wash down. Found out later as we were taking up that the Engine 55 Lieutenant fell 5 feet down the elevator shaft into the pit. The Ladder 20 Lt' saw it happen and was about to transmit a May Day when the E55 Lt. stood up and climbed out of the pit. There was heavy smoke at the time. The first two units didn't transmit a 10-75 on arrival because the owner of the store tried to downplay the fire so we wouldn't use water.

E55 Lt. was taken to Bellevue for a check up. He is on Med Leave.

Ladder 20 aerial malfunction on arrival. Fortunately didn't need it at this fire.

Some of the art in the store.

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Something like this almost happened in Poughkeepsie a few years ago in a high rise down by the river.... The RIP if anyone is familiar. Firefighters had a heavy smoke condition on the upper floors 15 or 17? Elevators doors were open, and a friend of mine almost took a ride.... top floor to bottom floor.... and not in a good way!

A speedy recovery to the BOSS OF 55 ENGINE!!!!!!!

Edited June 28, 2009 by x134