Offical Captain Dinosaur Run Blog for OFD

On Tuesday AM at about 0325 hours Owego Fire and Rescue was toned out for a suspected structure fire phoned in by the occupant on Delphine Street in the Village. It was reported to be on the back porch. The weather was bitter cold with temperatures fluctuating around 11F and gusty winds which drove the wind chill to well below 0F. Upon arrival we found a fully involved two story plus low attic wood frame structure with most of the visible fire in the rear on the second floor. The house had been well insulated and there were apparent add-ons and improvements including drop ceilings. The department response was quite rapid with units on the scene within a few minutes. Engines 801, 803, 804, Tower 841, Heavy Rescue 851, Squad 831, Fire Police 853 and Fly Car 852, along with 4 chiefs all were on the fire ground. Emergency Support Services rounded out the response. Even in the middle of the early morning and very cold conditions there were about 35 Owego Firefighters on the scene. Additional support was called via mutual aid from Campville, Newark Valley, Weltonville, and Tioga Center (standing by in OFD Station two for coverage). The Tioga County Fire Investigation Team was special called.

The fire was fought with 1 3/4" handlines which were deployed to each of the floors at both the front and rear. The wood frame house had a small attic area which ran the length and width of the structure. With strong winds gusting at times it acted like a blow torch pushing the flames along and across the entire attic where they became entrenched in the angles of the roof eaves.

After assuring all occupants (and pets) were safely out of the building, our attack consisted of three prongs which were 1) aggressively venting the roof, and 2) and 3) approaching the fire on the second floor rear and first floor rear where it had extended.

Building construction and remodeling plays a role in eventual control of these incidents and this was true to form with stubborn outbreaks continuing to pop up for the first 1 1/2 hours. The fire was under control in about two hours and units left the scene at about 0700 hours with all being put back in service by 1015 hours.

Some interesting occurrences were the severe ice conditions not only on the street and yard but inside the dwelling as well. The first floor floor joists were burned enough to require 4X4 post bracing from floor to ceiling where sagging signaled a potential collapse. Hose lines froze, even when left with a trickle flow and had to be thawed at the station. There was one minor injury when a firefighter received a lacerated lip which was stitched at the hospital and he returned to the fireground. Escaping natural gas from a broken supply line on the second floor rear contributed to recurring fire in a tight corner which was handled when the supply was shut off at the service entrance. At another second floor location, the heat melted a joint in the water supply and added to the water accumulation on the floor.

It was a very difficult fire due to a combination of conditions, but with the training and teamwork from inside our department as well as the same from the mutual aid units, we handled the situation well and the most important thing -- WE ALL WENT HOME SAFELY!

It is always a privilege to have the opportunity to work with all of you. Good Job under tough conditions. Captain Dinosaur

Before noon on Sunday,13 December 2009 Owego Fire and Rescue was dispatched to an MVA in the Narrows which is that portion of RT 17/86 just West of Owego Exit 64. It is a stretch of road about 1/2 mile in length with a near vertical mountainous wall on one side and within 200 feet on the opposite side is the Susquehanna River. The highway occupies the space between the two. It is an area often cited as a danger zone when the weather changes and is just above freezing. Yesterday was no exception, with a rainy, sleet combination falling for about twenty minutes prior to the call. The wet surfaces quickly froze into a solid sheet of smooth ice. The approaches to the Narrows from the East and West were mainly wet so no advanced warning was available of the imprending danger ahead. Simultaneously, reports were received of another accident at Exit 65.

Dispatched from Owego Central Station were Engine 804 (primary response for Rt 17/86), Engine 801, Heavy Rescue 851, Squad 833 and Fire Police 853. Emergency Support Services operated out of Central Station. There were multiple calls reporting several accidents including a jack-knifed tractor trailer but the locations were inexact and spread along a 3 mile corridor from the Narrows to the Hiawatha Bridge Exit 65. Owego Chief 872 went in the direction of Exit 65 (East) while the other units went past Exit 64 (West). An MVA at 65 off ramp initially requiring extrication was at that location.

801,804,851 and 833 were directed to the Narrows where traffic was blocking all westbound lanes for about 1/2 mile by a tractor trailer who was initially headed eastbound, skidded across the deep grassy median and blocked the opposite side. The roadway so so slick, once vehicles stopped they would slide toward the guardrail and pedestrian movement ws limited by the same ice underfoot. A NYS Dot salt truck eventually threaded it's way through the maze to allow some limited movement and reshuffling of vehicles.

The scene as it unfolded was initially chaotic. From the truck jackknifed and working west for 300 yards were about 13 vehicles either off the road on either shoulder; many of them with impact damages or still in the roadway on the eastbound side. Include in the mix was a NYS Police vehicle with severe rear end damage.

Owego Fire and Rescue was confronted with one driver having a heart attack who was rapidly stabilized and transported from the scene by 833. Another driver was off the road and trapped in his car requiring hydraulic extrication. And at this point Nichols FD and Tioga Center FD were dispatched for ambulances and an additional rescue and they approached the event eastbound.

Because the roadway was clogged and impassible going west, we off loaded the power tools and put them in a pickup truck with two firefighters, crossed the grass median and went west on the eastbound side. The road was closed to all traffic so there was little risk in this evolution. Additional manpower from the engines was sent on foot to assist. Walking was safest while walking in the median grass.

The extrication was performed, the patient packaged and a double chain of stationary personnel passed the backboarded patient up the slope to the ambulance.

A total of 4 people including two State Troopers were transported to the hospital from the Narrows incident.

A total of about 35 Owego Fire individuals participated in the calls. The initial frustration of being blocked by heavy traffic and hindered by extremely icy roads was overcome by patience, good training, teamwork and multi department cooperation. The last units called in service at about 1530 hours. We all went home safe. An excellent job to all who worked the calls. It is a privledge to work with you! Thanks, Captain Dinosaur

On Tuesday AM 11-17-09 Owego Fire and Rescue was toned out to a working structure fire located on East Avenue near the North Avenue Intersection at about 0440 hours. The weather was warm (above freezing), little breeze, and with no precipitation. At the time of dispatch 872 requested a FAST Team from Campville and manpower from Weltonville. We were immediately confronted with a two story wood framed house of older, balloon construction, completely engulfed in flame on the number one side (front). Flames were blowing out the first floor windows, second floor windows and the rooms were involved with heavy fire.The five occupants from two apartments had all evacuated the building safely and were in a single group across the street in the Ward and Van Scoy parking lot accompanied by Owego Police. There were two exposures, one on each side of the fire building, which consisted of single family, 2 1/2 story, wood frame residences.

Responding were 803 which responded past the fire and took a hydrant, 801 which also went just past the fire and Tower 841 which stopped at the front of the building. 804 crossed North avenue and laid a second 4" supply line from a different hydrant. Fire Police 853, ESS and Squad 831 filled out the OFD assignments. Newark Valley was also mutual aided for manpower.

Just as OFD was setting up a rapid attack with 1 3/4" and 2 1/2" lines, the power lines shorted out, burned off the building and fell into the street between 803 and 801. The live lines were immediately isolated by cones and New York State Electric and Gas was called for assistance.

Although there were a number of obstacles, the fire was confined to the areas involved on arrival, although with extensive damage. The one story room at the number 3 side (rear) of the structure was undamaged by fire.

Among the issues confronting the firefighters were a single access to the second floor from a wooden exterior staircase, holes burned through the first and second floors which severely limited interior operations and the roof being seriously weakened. With all these issues and no threat to life the initial operations were focused on exterior attack methods. The two exposures were protected and relatively undamaged with some vinyl siding melting slightly on one of the buildings.

About 30 Owego firefighters responded along with an additional 15 from mutual aid companies. The fire was confined in about an hour and was under control about a half hour later. All units were back in service by 1030 hours.Whenever we are confronted with a heavy damage fire, we all feel somewhat frustrated in not being more successful, but given the conditions on arrival it was a good stop. There were no injuries and everyone went home.

A good job to all who were involved. Captain Dinosaur

At about 1430 hours on Monday a tractor trailer carrying a sealed container swerved into the median while driving 17 eastbound and overturned. 17 is a limited access highway with two lanes in each direction separated by a wide earth median. The weather was warm and dry and the roadway clear. The initial dispatch brought Heavy Rescue 851 followed by Engine 804. Squad 831 was simultaneously responding along with Fire Police Van 853. While enroute, Chief 872 called for mutual aid from Campville for an additional heavy rescue and 303 responded. First arriving units found the vehicle with its drivers side on the roadway. Heavy entrapment occurred when the operator's leg was pinned outside the door and on the ground by the weight of the truck cab.

Owego Fire Command requested the medivac helicopter and that was landed on the highway just east of our operations. Hose lines were stretched and charged for potential fire suppression. Several tactical operations where in place simultaneously with the Emergency Squad personnel in charge of the patient. Access to the cab was first done by removing the lower windshield. Three different opening were cut into the vehicle roof using reciprocal saws and hydraulic cutters. One location was adjacent to the driver's seat, the second behind the drivers seat and the third from the rear of the cab. A winch hoist was erected above the driver using the passenger door opening and tension was applied to his seat. Then saws cut through the seat supports.

While this was being performed, on the other side of the vehicle (undercarriage) air bags were placed under the tractor unit in an attempt to lift the pressure from his leg. The air bags and cribbing wedges did not provide enough lifting strength so plan B and C were initiated. Plan B---A large triple rear axle wrecker with a high capacity boom was passing on the highway. OFD had the wrecker placed so a pair of lifting cables could be lowered from the boom and secured to the cab. When it was safe and with vehicle stabilization in place, the tractor was lifted just enough to free the leg, and the squad had a backboard in position. The driver was quickly removed through the openings carved in the roof and airlifted to the trauma center. (Plan C was not needed but consisted of calling mutual aid from Tioga Center Fire to the scene with heavier duty air bags.) They arrived just prior to the wrecker lifting the unit.

Keeping us safe were the Owego Fire Police and the NYS Troopers. All traffic was shut down on the entire eastbound side. ESS arrived on the scene for assisting rehab with hydration. About 50 firefighters from three departments were working the rescue and the roadway was opened after about three hours.

A number of firefighters from Campville and Owego were recent participants in the advanced extrication course in September at Whitney Point. The skills from that extrication training were well applied today and provided for a fast extrication (about one hour). This was a complex and intricate scene. Both rescue units were practically stripped of tools and gear. The interaction between the three departments was absolutely seamless and in actuality there was just a single cohesive team of firefighters.

Training is the foundation for all successful operations. We do this, as do our companion departments and it was really obvious today. Well Done and a great job by all. It is a privilege to work with you. Stay Safe. Captain Dinosaur

At 0745 hours on Monday 21 September, 2009, Owego Fire and Rescue was called to the scene of a two car head-on collision on 434 East of the Court Street Bridge at the village line. The weather was clear and dry with no precipitation and sunny, warm conditions. Each car had a single occupant. Responding were Engine 804, Heavy Rescue 851, Squads 831 and 832 and Fire Police 853. Emergency Support Services were functioning at station two when we returned to service at 0915 hours. Law enforcement included Owego PD, NY State Police, and the Tioga County Sheriffs.

The driver of the Eastbound vehicle was ejected from her vehicle because the severity of the impact detached the base of the B-post from the rocker panel. Consequently, the belt was sheared and the outboard seatbelt mount appeared to have pulled free. The floor pan was split 2/3rds of its width from the driver's side toward the passenger side. Air bags did deploy. She was unconscious with head and body trauma. The helicopter was unavailable and transport was done by Owego Squad 831.

The second driver was aware and alert but in pain. Her air bags also were triggered. The engine was running on our arrival and the key did not work as a shut off. Hydraulic rescue tools were utilized to perform two separate functions, First the cutters were employed to severe the hood hinges near the firewall on each side and then the hood was peeled forward, exposing the latching mechanism which was then cut. This allowed the entire sheet to be removed in 45 seconds. The battery cables were cut and the engine stopped. Next both the spreader and cutter were used to cut the Nader pin on the latch side and then the spreaders exposed the hinges, the cutter cleanly detached them and the door removed in about two minutes. This created ample space for the patient to be removed from the vehicle with minimal movement and little delay.

A protective hose line was pulled, charged and manned with SCBA.

Lesson learned: The Eastbound vehicle brand has a reputation of being one of structural integrity and passenger safety. Unfortunately, this was not enough as the force of the impact overrode the structural integrity. As a general rule, no matter what kind of vehicle is purchased, you can only be as safe as your driving judgments.

We often discuss how training impacts our efficiency and safety. Today was no different. BUT--- yesterday and the day before, 9 experienced rescue trained Owego firefighters attend an advanced extrication techniques program. The hands-on experiences were complex and challenging, but the end result was a more effective and confident team. Today, team members applied some of the new approaches. The end result was a faster, safer extrication process.

You are an incredible group of dedicated volunteers and it is a privilege to work with you. Captain Dinosaur

Candor Fire responded to a fire off Straits Corners Road at about 0700 hours on Tuesday,1 September 2009. Initial reports came over as a barn fire but that was later changed to a two story high metal truck garage of two bays attached to a metal horse barn. Upon arrival Candor requested mutual aid from Spencer and Weltonville.

The weather was clear with some early morning fog, warming into the mid 70s and little breeze. The buildings were totally involved but the horses were able to get out without injury. At about 0715 hours Owego was toned out for mutual aid to Candor to standby by in the Candor station but that was immediately upgraded to a request for a full crew to operate at the scene. Engine 804 responded with a crew of 6 and at the scene divided into two three man units. The first unit worked a hose line in the collapsed horse barn while the second crew opened a "window" vent hole in the rear of the garage structure. Air packs were employed as well a hand and powered cutting tools. A thermal imager was used at the rear of the garage to identify hot spots along the exterior wall. This call was very labor intensive and fatiguing. Due to the construction of the buildings all work was done outside the collapse zones.

Also on scene was Owego Squad 831 where they assisted in vital signs and rehab and the Tioga County Fire Investigation Team. As the fire started to come under control, Owego 804 was released from the scene and re-deployed to the Candor station to provide additional coverage to their territory. Also available on stand by was a Dryden tanker.

Everyone went home safe, the team work was seamless and highly integrated among the various departments; sharing tools, personnel and assignments.

Owego Fire was back in service by 1315 hours.

Good job, good coordination, and great team work.

Captain Dinosaur

At 0230 hours on Monday, 17 August, 2009 Owego Fire and Rescue was dispatched as mutual aid for Weltonville. The tone-out stated there was a hay bale fire.(See attached photo) Many of us thought what would require a mutual aid request for some hay bales? The weather was in the med 60's with no precipitation and mild shifting breezes which made sure smoke was in your face, at least some of the time. The Weltonville size-up stated there were approximately 120 round hay bales on fire and in close proximity to a barn filled with cows.

First arriving was Weltonville Engine 1402 with 4 firefighters and immediately after them was Owego Engine 804 with six firefighters. Octane 803 was next with two more. The initial attack led off with three 1 3/4" lines protecting the exposures as well as on the bales.

With the magnitude and density of combustible mater ia,l Type A foam was used by Weltonville to try and penetrate the piles of bales but eventually the entire mass had to be spread out in a field and wetted. This was accomplished by the farmers using skid steers to pick up each bale and transport it away from the pile. Hand lines and a deluge gun were used to extinguish the unpackaged hay.

Because of the labor intensive work on the part of the firefighters and the large amount of water required, supplemental mutual aid was requested by Weltonville from Candor, Newark Valley, and Campville. A tanker shuttle was established to support the working pumper (1402) and manpower from all the departments worked in shifts. Approximately 70 firefighters and EMTs participated. The bales were all removed by about 8 AM and extinguished in another 1 1/2 hours. The Town of Candor brought a large excavator to the pasture site and loaded the wet hay for disposal onto dump trucks. The smell of the fire was evident downwind for miles.

Each bale was estimated to weigh 800 lbs dry and extreme caution was exercised by the hand line crews at the bale pile so they were not positioned in a dangerous position if the stacks shifted or rolled. It is estimated that 120,000 lbs of material was removed.

The water shuttle was extremely effective and easily supported the hand lines and a deluge gun, all without flow interruption. This continued over a 7 hour period. It was well coordinated and when a temporary problem arose with a mechanical malfunction, another pumper moved in to take over the fill station.

Weltonville established a rehab site along with squad support from Campville and Owego. Because of the rapidly rising temperatures as the sun rose, shelter tents were erected and a water mist fan was operated. Beverages and food were available throughout the call.

Owego had all units back in service by 1100 hours.

The bottom line: And this is what it is all about-- No one was injured, we all went home. No animals were injured, no farm machinery or buildings were damaged and the farm family was able to continue their daily livelihood. Super great work by all involved. Training again and again pays off always. It is a privilege to work with you all. The teamwork is impressive. Captain Dinosaur

On August 5, 2009 Owego Fire and Rescue was dispatched to a possible structure fire and entrapment at 0530 hours. The first chief on the scene within 2 minutes reported a 2 1/2 story wood frame building at 168 Temple Street showing heavy fire blowing out the second floor front(side A) windows and heavy smoke conditions. The weather was warm in the 60s with little breeze, and no precipitation. The fire building was extremely close to other houses immediately adjacent. There was no extension beyond the original building.

Engine 801 was the first apparatus on the scene followed almost immediately by Engines 803 and 804 and Tower Ladder 841,all within 4 minutes.

801 led off with two 1 3/4" hand lines to the second floor front. 804 took a hydrant 150' from the fire and laid in a 4" supply line. 803 went past the fire and took a hydrant 50' from the structure and set up another 4" supply line. Tower Ladder 841 vented the roof which was over a partial height attic. Concurrently, it was determined there was no one left in the building.

Crews (2 three man) attacked the fire in the bedroom from the second floor hall and knocked down the main body of flame within 15 minutes and then extinguished the rest in another 20 minutes.

OFD Squad with 831 established a rehab site for all involved firefighters. Fire Police with 853 controlled access to the scene and Emergency Support Services aided with rehydration and food. About 50 OFD firefighters were on the scene. There were no firefighter injuries and one minor civilian injury.

Campville was called on mutual aid to supply a R.I.T. and Newark Valley responded for manpower. The Tioga County Fire Investigation Team was present along with the County Coordinator.

A few observations: The aggressive and coordinated attack was successful and performed very professionally. The continued training both on the department was well as county level continues to pay off with safe, efficient performance. The integration with other departments is seamless.

Firefighting is far more complex than years ago, with both greater dangers and more sophisticated gear. Excellent job, excellent teamwork and safe operation. Captain Dinosaur.

On Saturday afternoon about 1415 hours Owego Fire and Rescue was dispatched for a water rescue. The day was sunny and clear with temperatures in the 80s and a gentle breeze. The Susquehanna River was slightly elevated due to recent storms, but the current was not unusual. The original alarm stated a man and his dog were adrift in the river in a powerless 16' outboard motorboat. It was reported he launched from the Apalachin boat access area at the Millennium bridge had no paddle. Shortly after, Owego requested Campville be dispatched and had them put in at the boat launch site at the bridge. Concurrently, Owego dispatched their water-rescue team along with the two boat trailer. They responded to the Hickories Park along with Heavy Rescue 851and Squad 831. There were about 15 firefighters from Owego responding. The plan was for Owego to search Eastward and meet up with Campville who searched Westward.

The adrift boat and crew (one man,one dog) were found just east of Hiawatha Island by the Campville airboat. They passed off the tow to Owego and the three boats all proceeded to the Hickories where the boats were removed from the water and the call was terminated at about 1615. There were no injuries and everyone went home safe. It was an excellent opportunity to train and check out the equipment. We all learn from each of these incidents.Capt Dinosaur

On Saturday afternoon Owego Fire and Rescue was dispatched to a structure fire on East Beecher Hill Road at 1730 hours. The weather was hot at about 75 degrees F, with moderate humidity, sunny skies, and some wind gusts. Approaching firefighters reported a header of black smoke and an initial size-up stated a stand alone garage was involved in fire with surrounding brush involved. The building was about 15' X 20' and stacked full with vehicle parts and mechanical items. The immediate area around the building had much scrap metal, parts and tires.

Responding were Engine 803 (tanker),Engine 804, Engine 801, Heavy Rescue 851, Brush Trucks 842 and 845, Squad 831, Fire Police, and Emergency Support Services. Approximately 30 firefighters were on scene. Because of the rural location, Newark Valley and Candor were requested for tankers on mutual aid. 3- 1 3/4" lines were deployed and the fire was knocked down in about 1/2 hour. Approximately 6000 gallons of water was discharged. 804 supplied type A penetrant foam from the on-board system to combat the fire in the tires and the densely packed garage. About 1/2 acre of brush around the structure also burned. During the initial stages of the attack, two small explosions were heard with no injuries reported. No re-kindle occurred. We all went home safe. The units were reloaded, cleaned and put back in full service by 2000 hours.

The entire event was professionally executed and you were all on your "A game". The constant emphasis on training and safety is quite evident. Likewise, the efficiency of your entire operation was obvious and I am pleased to work with you all. Captain Dinosaur

At Noon on Tuesday, 14 April, Owego Fire and Rescue was dispatched for mutual aid to support Campville Fire and Apalachin Fire. The call originally identified a boat with 13 passengers aboard, aground in the Susquehanna River. The temperature was in the high 40s with little wind, no precipitation, and cloudy skies. While the initial reports located the boat at the Millennium Bridge between Campville and Apalachin, and then near Hickories Park in Owego, it eventually was found West of Owego lodged on the rocks at Squaw Island which is downstream from the mouth of Owego Creek and about 8 miles from the original location. The water in the river was flowing briskly and the river was slightly elevated due to recent precipitation. The boat was on a bird watching expedition.

Upon locating the pontoon craft from a local non-profit conservation group, Owego Fire and Rescue had their flat bottom boat approach and off load some of the passengers and ferry them to a landing site about 400 yards back upstream. In all, it took 3 trips to bring all the bird watchers to land. A list of those rescued was accomplished and then rechecked to confirm no one was missing. They were all transported with life jackets.

Once ashore, all individuals were screened for medical problems and there were none. A small bus was dispatched to the scene to provide shelter and warmth. Emergency Support Services were on hand to provide food and warm beverages. The group was held for a short period to assure no one had a delayed reaction to the experience and were then transported to their starting point.

With the passengers unloaded, the pontoon craft with the assistance of Owego Fire's boat and crew, was freed from the obstacle and returned unaided to it's launch site. There were 15 firefighters and officers present along with 842 brush truck and trailered boats 844 and 845 plus Squad 831and Medic Car 852.

All units were back in quarters by 1400 hours and by 1430 were returned to service. There were no injuries. We all went home safe and the bird watchers had a favorable perspective of our community. Good job to all. Capt Dinosaur

At about 2030 hrs (8:30PM) Owego Fire and Rescue was notified the Campville Fire Department was responding to a structure fire on Day Hollow Road and was placed on standby. Shortly after that 371 Campville Chief/ Incident Commander requested Owego Tanker/Pumper 803 respond to the scene and participate in a water shuttle operation, and for Engine 801 to help establish an off scene tanker fill site. Then he requested Owego squad 831 respond to aid in medical/rehabilitation activities. A few minutes later Engine 804 was asked to respond with the FAST team. FAST is the term describing a group of firefighters who act solely in a rescue role for FFs who are operating inside the structure. FAST members have special training and equipment to perform this specialized task. Owego Fire Police rounded out the assignment from OFD.

Apalachin Fire Department was also dispatched mutual aid to the scene and the Tioga County Fire Investigation team responded shortly after that.

The weather was rainy, with temperatures in the high 30s with little wind. There was almost no residual snow remaining on the ground. The structure was an older 2 story house of wood frame construction without nearby exposures. Campville attacked the fire interiorly with 1 3/4" hand lines and vented the roof above the fire. Campville Engine 303 drafted from a portable tank set up on the shoulder of the road and tankers shuttled to that spot. Campville Aerial Ladder 341 was located in front of the building and provided access to the roof.

There were about 50 firefighters on the scene from the 3 departments and the coordination was efficient and effective. We all went home safe. Good Work- Capt Dinosaur

On February 28, at 0030 (12:30AM) Owego Fire and Rescue was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident on the Montrose Turnpike, about 50 yards south of the Strong Road intersection. First arriving were OFD Chief Officers and reported a car head-on into a tree just off the road shoulder on the right side. That was followed up by a more comprehensive size-up stating two trapped individuals requiring extrication. Responding first was Heavy Rescue 851 with a crew of 4, followed by Engine 804 with a 6 man crew. Enroute, 804 divided up assignments and placed a charged attack line in service immediately with an SCBA crew. Other members assisted the extrication teams.The OFD Emergency Squad answered with two ALS ambulances. Also responding were OFD Fire Police and then Emergency Support Services. Mutual Aid was used and Southside Fire Department responded with additional extrication support. The helicopter was requested for air evacuation but was not able to fly.

The weather was light snow, low winds and temperatures in the teens. The snow increased in intensity as the call progressed.

Arriving firefighters were confronted with a full size SUV that deviated right from the road on a slight curve and impacted a very large tree. After the initial contact with the tree the vehicle bounced back about 20 feet and rested perpendicular to the road and facing uphill on a medium slope.The front end of the vehicle sustained extremely heavy damage with the "crush zone" forced back about 2 feet from where the bumper would have been. The right front tire was forced back into the passenger compartment and occupied the floor space under the glove compartment.The force of the collision embedded the front license plate into the tree where it remained after the vehicle rebounded. 851 established a work zone with tarp near the vehicle and the required tools were located and returned to that spot (about 15 feet from the vehicle where they were easily accessible yet not in the direct path of operations). Scene lighting was provided by 851's light towers. As extrication was evolving, vehicle stabilization was effected by using shoring and heavy wooden chocks. Both front doors were removed and the passenger compartment enlarged by hydraulic rescue tools. The driver was removed first and work continued on the passenger side. Two rams were placed either side of the second person and rolled the dash up enough to free his legs. The Southside FD supplied and helped operate a manual heavy lift construction jack which was used horizontally to spread the distance between the A and B pillars. The second patient was removed and also treated by the OFD Emergency Squad.

Also working at the scene were the Tioga County Sheriff's Department and Owego PD. Due to the severity of the accident, a scene evaluation was performed which included a detailed system of measurements.

A critique was held on the scene after FD operations were scaled back. All units were back in service by 0440 hours and approximately 27 Owego Firefighters responded. The complexity of the rescue was able to be handled efficiently due to ongoing training and cooperation between mutual aid departments. This was a very difficult rescue operation which challenged all involved and was met with professional competence. It is an honor to be able to work with you all, Capt Dinosaur

At about 2130 hours on Tuesday, Feb 10 Owego Fire and Rescue was dispatched to what was initially reported by the homeowner as a possible detached garage/structure fire. The weather was clear and dry with temperatures just above freezing- which was downright balmy compared to our prior calls for the past month. There was significant snow and ice coverage on the ground. Initially, Engine 804, Tanker/Engine 803 (which operates as an engine when not operating as a water supply), Heavy Rescue 851 along with Squad 832 were dispatched. Early- on Incident Command requested mutual aid from the Candor FD which responded with two tankers. The homeowner re-called the 911 dispatch center to report what was a possible garage fire was indeed a fully involved structure and contents. Engine 804 pulled into an adjacent driveway and led off with two 1 3/4" hand lines. Water supply was well established with a three tanker shuttle and off- loaded to 804 via a 4" supply line. The fire darkened down quickly and was under control in about 1/2 hour with units remaining on the scene for about two hours for mop up assuring no rekindle. The Tioga County Fire Investigation Team responded along with Owego and Candor. About 25 Owego FFs and EMS personnel were on the scene. Emergency Support Services and Fire Police rounded out the alarm assignment. The fire was contained to the building of origin. Our constant emphasis on safety was evident with the fact that EVERYONE WENT HOME. Vehicles were back in service about 4 hours after the call was received. Good Work, Capt Dinosaur

2/05/09 Mutual Aid Structure Fire
On Thursday Morning 5 Feb at about 0715 hours Owego Fire and Rescue was dispatched to Newark Valley for a structure fire on Sherry Lipe Road. This was a mutual aid response. Newark Valley responded first and had an effective water supply system established very early on in the blaze. Owego responded with its new 2000 gallon tanker 803 and participated in a tanker shuttle along with Berkshire, Weltonville, Newark Valley, West Corners and others. Owego Engine 804 responded when Newark Valley requested a full response and operated from the front of the building. The construction was 2 1/2 story wood frame balloon construction with additions. The house was originally built about 1840 +/- and had plank inner walls and retro applied insulation. One portion of the roof was of metal ribbed construction while the balance was shingles. The fire appeared to have started at the rear of the residence and spread quickly throughout. Initially, an interior attack was used, but when the Newark Valley chief felt there were structural issues, the attack was switched to defensive. When the structural issue resolved the interior approach resumed. The weather was bitterly cold with temperatures in the single digits and the wind chill below zero. There was a fairly constant brisk wind condition, moderate snow depth and ice coating lines and equipment. New York State Electric and Gas neutralized the power to the structure and the Town of Newark Valley sanded the road surfaces. NVFD supplied hot beverages and food at the scene and rehab was staffed by Berkshire EMS and Owego FD Emergency Squad. Of special note, the chief asked the NV School District to supply a bus for shelter for FFs to rewarm and rehab. This worked very well and the use of a handicapped type vehicle allowed for extra space inside. About 8 departments worked at the fire and Owego Fire and Rescue was back in service at 1600. The integration between departments was seamless with combined teams working well. The departments came from both Broome and Tioga counties and many FFs were well acquainted with each other and had actually trained together either in the NYS sponsored courses and/or local training activities. Lessons learned were the use of the short wheelbase handicapped bus for rehab was effective and the continued training on the company and regional levels enhance effectively. Hot food and beverage were essential to rehabbing. Great job in a very challenging situation. Capt Dinosaur

On Saturday 24 January, 2009 Owego Fire and Rescue was dispatched to a call on Route 96 just past Metros Restaurant. The temperature was in the low single digits with a slight breeze at the 1530 hours (3:30PM) call. There was no precipitation and the day was sunny. The notification to the alarm center came from a motorist who reported smoke completely across the highway and coming from an old, large farmhouse. The initial dispatch was followed by a response of 803, 801, 804, Fire Police 853 and chief 874 with approximately 12 FFs and line officers. Another 5 firefighters arrived on the scene POV. The first line officer in fly car 852 reported an apparent chimney fire and a second line officer gained entry to the house and was met by the owners who reported they were aware they had a chimney fire but did not require any assistance. They had dampered the fire in the wood stove and were going out to dinner and would deal with it when they returned.

OFD at that time laddered the roof and put an interior team inside to TI (thermal image) the walls surrounding the enclosed chimney and found the temperature at normal room levels. This activity was not to the homeowner's liking. He did inform us he had cleaned the chimney that very morning.

Tarps were laid over the rugs from the firebox and cleanout to the exit. Next the interior FFs emptied the recently refilled woodstove and cleaned out the firebox of coals and ashes. A mirror was used to inspect the flue and fire was seen along the chimney lining, but with some obstructions.

(ALL THIS LED US TO BELIEVE IT WAS A SIMPLE, ROUTINE CALL)!!

Our protocol is to lower weights into the chimney and dislodge the debris and remove creosote fuel from the fire. We did this several times and the fire continued to burn, even with the introduction of dry chemical type powder dropped down from the top and then from a pressurized dry chemical powder extinguisher from below taking advantage of the natural draft. A second TI inspection was performed and again the heat never rose above the rooms ambient temperatures. And the fire continued to burn. Next a water mist from pressurized water extinguishers was introduced from above and then below. The water was premixed with type A penetrating foam and this too did not extinguish the flames. When the weights were removed from the chimney--and the weight we use is a window sash weight about 8" long and 2" in diameter composed of solid cast iron-- was glowing solid red hot as was the connected chain. The weight looked like an ingot about to be forged. A 1 3/4" line was left uncharged from 804 but deployed to the roof team.

The time on scene was now over an hour and Emergency Support Services was dispatched with hot coffee and cracker packages. The bitter cold was forcing us to re-evaluate our pattern of deployment and Owego Fire Police suggested we remove all apparatus from the roadway and into the long adjacent driveway. This was done, the roadway was opened in each direction and the Fire Police were relieved from standing on the highway.

2 1/2 hours after the call was received, the persistent stroking of the chimney flue paid off and the last vestiges of fire and smoke were removed. A final TI was performed without any indications of fire spread.

In a post event critique we had some self assessment suggestions to improve our functions. 1) We need to improve our initial size-up communications and the new radios will support that. 2) Rotating crews, especially off the roof would improve safety, 3) Even in the rural setting, we may have been able to use the Tower Ladder for safer access to the chimney and avoid working on a roof ladder above the snow and icy conditions on the shingles. Most importantly, had we left the homeowner to his initial plan, we probably would have been back two hours later with a full blown structure fire. Fortunately that is not the way we work. Bottom line, Everyone went home safe, the house was saved with no loss apparent, and the homeowner was pleased and expressed gratitude to our persistence. Capt Dinosaur

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