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Station 37 establishes Landing Zone
At approx 1820 hours on Tuesday July 27, Station 37 was alerted to secure a landing zone for the aeromedical helicopter as it was requested by the Hillsborough Rescue Squad for a pediatric pedestrian struck. The location for the LZ was the parking lot at the intersection of New Amwell Road and Auten Road. Mini-engine 37-145 and Engine 37-102 responded with Car 37 and 37-C3. 37-C3 (Asst. Chief Paterno) had LZ command and communications with Atlantic Air One who was assigned as the medevac helicopter. Patient care was transferred to the Medevac crew and the patient was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick. Units secured by 1850.
Reported fire for the district
On the morning of July 26, the district was alerted to 1 Frederick Ct in 38's first due for a reported fire within a structure. Upon arrival of 37-C2 (DC Vatter), confirmed it was a fire located in the pool filter system. Confirming no fire within the structure. Stations 36 and 48 were secured and Engines 37-102, 38-104 and Quint 38-118 continued in. Units remained on scene for another 20 minutes and were cleared after further investigation.
Members attend annual Firehouse Conference in Baltimore City
The week of July 19, FF/Medic Buckley, Capt. Bartolucci, Lt. Talorico, DC Vatter and Chief Buckley attended the annual Firehouse Conference in Baltimore City. This year the crews focused on hands on training and took part in a controlled fire attack course on Tuesday and an intense Forcible Entry class and Rope Rescue class on Wednesday. Both days, the crew was pushed to their limits with the evolutions mixed with heat, humidity and heat index close to 110*. We would like to thank Capt Mike Dugan from FDNY Ladder 123 for coordinating the controlled fire attack course, Capt Robert Morris from FDNY Rescue 1 for the forcible entry course and Mike Donahue from Elizabeth, NJ Rescue 1 for the Rope Rescue course.
2 Entrapments w/1 Fatality Keeps Crews Busy
On Sunday July 11th at 0805 hours, Station 37 was requested for an engine to assist Station 36 with a motor vehicle accident w/entrapment on New Centre Rd just west of Roycefield Rd. Crews arrived to find a single vehicle vs telephone pole with one victim entrapped and live wires hanging above the vehicle. Engine 37-102 was requested to handle the landing zone for Northstar medivac, but was later diverted to the scene to help with extrication and patient removal while Engine 36-101 handled the landing zone near the scene. All units were clear by 0945 hrs.
Once again at 2000 hrs, Station 37 was dispatched to Route 206 near the Montgomery Twp. border for the head-on MVC with entrapment and one victim to fly via Northstar medivac. Engine 37-102 and Support 37-151 responded to the scene to standby with a charged hoseline and assist with patient removal while Engine 37-103 handled the landing zone. Unfortunately the driver of one of the vehicles succumbed to their injuries at the scene and Northstar medivac was cancelled. All 37 units cleared the scene by 2130 hrs.
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Early
Morning
Brush
Fire
with
extension
On
Monday
July
5 at
0330
hours,
Station
37
was
dispatched
to a
residence
on
Merritt
Drive
for
the
reported
bush
fire
with
threatened
exposures.
Minutes
later,
the
assignment
was
upgraded
to a
brush
fire
with
extension
to
the
structure
bringing in
the
rest
of
the
district.
Upon
arrival
of
Car
37,
Chief
37-C1
(Buckley)
confirmed
a large
bush
on
fire
in
the
front of
the
residence
with
extension
to
the
2nd
floor
overhanging
deck.
Crews
from
Station
37
were
assisted
by
aerial
operations
performed
by
the
crew
of
Ladder
36-115
to
open
the
decorative wood covering
around
the
front
and
right
side
of
the
deck,
checking
for
extension
and
extinguishing
the
fire. Station
37
responded
with
Engine
37-102,
Truck
37
and
Mini-Pumper
37-145
with
a
total
of
14
personnel. Station
38
and
48
were
secured
quickly into
the
incident and
all
units
were
cleared
by
0445.
Afternoon
Field
Fire
On
Sunday July
4th at 1100
hrs Station
37 was
dispatched
to a brush
fire on
Oxford Place
in 37's
primary.
Asst. Chief
37-C3
(Paterno)
arrived
on-scene
with a
fast-moving
field fire
and
requested
brush trucks
and tankers
from
Stations 36
& 38 to the
scene, along
with the NJ
Forestry
Service.
Units
extinguished
approx. a
1/2 acre of
brush and
grass, and
cleared the
scene by
1200 hrs.
2nd Alarm
House Fire
on July 4th
On Sunday
July 4th at
0220 hrs the
Hillsborough
Fire
District was
dispatched
to a working
house fire
with
possible
entrapment
on Wesley
Rd. in 37's
primary.
Chief 37-C1
(Buckley)
arrived
on-scene,
established
command and
confirmed a
heavily-involved
2.5-story
wood frame
house with
severe
exposure
problems and
negative
entrapment.
Command also
upgraded the
assignment
to a 2nd
alarm on Box
37-03,
bringing in
Station 28
(Millstone
Valley) as a
2nd FAST
team,
Station 42
(Manville)
for an
engine and
truck and
Station 45
(Montgomery
#1) with an
engine.
Station 37
responded
with Engine
37-102,
Truck 37 and
Car 37 with
15
personnel,
and upon
arrival it
was decided
that due to
the heavy
volume of
fire it
would be a
defensive
operation
concentrating
on exposure
protection.
Units
battled the
blaze for
hours,
ultimately
saving the
four
exposures
with just
some
exterior
damage.
Although the
homeowners
safely
escaped from
the
structure,
their two
dogs
unfortunately
perished in
the blaze.
The cause of
the blaze is
under
investigation
by the
Hillsborough
Bureau of
Fire Safety
and the
Somerset
County
Prosecutor's
Office Arson
Investigation
Team. All
units
cleared the
scene by
0900 hrs.
(All
pictures
below
courtesy of
Manny
Nowacki -
Station 38)
Working Car Fire
On Wednesday
June 30th at
0730 hrs
Stations 37
and 36 were
dispatched
to a
reported
vehicle fire
on Dukes
Parkway West
in 37's
primary,
just in from
Route 206.
Asst. Fire
Marshal 66-2
arrived
on-scene
confirming
the working
car fire on
the
shoulder.
Engine
37-103
arrived next
and led-off
with a 1.75"
preconnect
to
extinguish
the fire
while the
crew from
Engine
36-101
arrived and
assisted
with opening
up the
vehicle and
supplementing
Engine
37-103's
tank. The
fire was
extinguished
in about 10
mins and all
crews
cleared the
scene by
0830 hrs.
Jeep
Rollover on
Pierson Dr.
On Thursday
June 24th at
1905 hrs
Station 37
was
dispatched
to Pierson
Dr. for the
reported
overturned
motor
vehicle.
Engine
37-103,
Special
Services
37-151 and
Car 37
arrived to
find an
overturned
Jeep with
negative
entrapment.
All units
stood by
until the
vehicle was
removed from
the scene,
and returned
to service
by 1930 hrs.
Engine on
Fatal Fire
in Manville
On Monday
June 21th at
1150 hrs
Station 37
was
requested
mutual aid
into
Manville
with an
engine to
the scene of
a structure
fire with
entrapment
at 410
Harrison
Ave. Station
37 responded
with Asst.
Chief 37-C3
(Paterno),
Engine
37-103 with four
personnel,
and provided
relief for
crews from
Station 42
(Manville)
at the scene
of the fire.
The elderly
female
entrapment
victim was
rescued by
PD prior to
fire
department
arrival, but
unfortunately
she
succumbed to
her injuries
at the
scene. All
units from
Station 37
were
released
from the
scene by
1230 hrs.
Fallen
Brother
Station 37
members were
informed on
Thursday
morning that
a brother
firefighter
from
Finderne
Station 30
had passed
away.
Firefighter
Craig
Schenck was
involved in
a serious
motorcycle
accident in
Feb 2007
which left
him
paralyzed
along with
other
critical
injuries.
Craig put up
a great
fight
battling
back, making
a great
attempt to
get stronger
and never
gave up.
Unfortunately,
Craig
succumbed to
his injuries
on Thursday
morning in
the Critical
Care Unit at
Somerset
Medical
Center.
Craig died
at the young
age of 25.
Our thoughts
and prayers
go to
Craig's
family and
our brothers
and sisters
at the
Finderne
Fire
Department.
Medical
Emergency
during
Working Fire
assignment
While
responding
to the
basement
fire on
Amwell Road,
the crews
heard 48-C1
(Neshanic
Chief Iden)
arrive on
location and
establish
command,
followed
closely
behind by
36-C2 (Flagtown
D/C DeCicco)
who assumed
operations.
After
operations
called
command
three times
with no
answer,
36-C2
contacted
Somerset
County Comm
and
requested
the first
due BLS unit
expedite for
a possible
heart attack
on scene.
Approx 1
minute
later, C2
upgraded the
request to a
working code
with CPR in
progress.
It was
determined
that Chief
Iden had
suffered a
medical
emergency
and
subsequently
went into
cardiac
arrest.
Medic 682
was
dispatched
to respond
as well.
Updates from
36-C2 were
that CPR was
in progress
and 1 shock
from the
defibrillator
was
delivered.
After 2
minutes, a
second shock
was
delivered to
Chief Iden
and
ultimately
shocked his
heart into a
normal
rhythm.
After 2
additional
ventilations
and a few
chest
compressions,
Chief Iden's
eyes were
open and he
was taking
breaths on
his own with
a strong
pulse. He
was packaged
and placed
in the
ambulance
for
transport.
Based on the
location of
the scene,
he was
transported
to Hunterdon
Medical
Center and
met with
EMS-1 out of
HMC for
immediate
care and
stabilization.
He was
eventually
transferred
via
helicopter
to
Morristown
Memorial
Hospital and
admitted to
the
Intensive
Care Unit.
The brothers
and sisters
of the
Hillsborough
Fire
District and
EMT's from
Hillsborough
EMS did an
outstanding
job in the
immediate
care of
Chief Iden.
On behalf of
Station 37,
we would
like to
extend our
prayers and
thoughts to
Chief Iden
and his
family, as
well as our
brother
firefighters
of Neshanic
Fire Dept.
We wish you
a speedy
recovery
Chief!
Working Electrical
Fire in
Basement
After the
June meeting
had
adjourned,
district
tones were
dropped to
874 Amwell
Road in 48's
primary for
the reported
basement
fire.
Engine
37-103 was
in service
with a full
crew of 6
within 2
minutes,
followed
thereafter
by Tower
37-116 with
another full
crew of 6.
Engine 103
arrived as
the 2nd due
engine and
the crew
assisted
with
ventilation.
Investigation
showed that
there was a
minor fire
involving
the
electrical
panel in the
basement
which caused
a heavy
smoke
condition
throughout
the house.
Additional
units on
scene
included the
Hillsborough
Fire
District,
Finderne
Fire as the
FAST,
Hillsborough
Police,
Hillsborough
OEM, and
Hillsborough
EMS. All
units were
cleared by
2300 hours.
Years of
Service
Honors
At the June
general
membership
meeting,
life member
Robert
McDonnell
Sr. was
recognized
for 45 years
of service
with the
company.
Also,
firefighter
Rollin
Rathbun was
recognized
for 7 years
of service
and now
holds an
exempt
status.
Thank you to
both men for
their
dedication
and service
of the
years.
Reported
Structure
fire
At approx
1850 hours
on Sunday
May 23, the
fire
district was
alerted to 8
Estate Road
in 37's
primary for
the reported
2nd floor
bedroom
fire. Upon
arrival of
Car 37, fire
was
extinguished
prior to
arrival.
Ladder
36-115
arrived and
their crew
did the
initial
search and
investigation.
36-C3 (Flagtown
Asst. Chief
Foelsch)
lead the
crews in and
found a
burned
garbage can
with some
extension to
the carpet
and a nearby
shelving
unit. Other
units on
scene
included
36-C1,
38-C1,
38-C3,
37-145,
48-105 and
EMS 79.
Annual
firefighter
survival
training
During the
weekend of
May 21-23,
Station 37
along with
the rest of
the fire
district
held its
annual
survival
training.
Training was
conducted by
Positive
Impact,
which is
formed by
members of
FDNY Squad
Co. #1 in
Brooklyn.
As usual,
training was
intense but
very
imformative
with
reinforcing
old
techniques
and learning
new ones.
We want to
thank our
brothers
from Squad 1
and Squad
252 in
taking time
out and
coming to
show us a
very
important
and life
saving
portion of
our
profession.
Early
Morning
Basement
Fire
At
approx
0545
hrs
on
Wednesday
May
11,
the
Hillsborough
Fire
District were
dispatched
to
897A
Merritt
Dr.
for
the
reported
basement
fire.
Deputy
Chief
36-2
(DeCicco)
arrived
on
location
within
minutes and
reported
heavy
smoke
showing
from
a
middle-of-the-row
townhouse.
Station
30
(Finderne)
was
then
requested for
the
FAST
team
on
the
working
fire
dispatch.
Quint
36-115
arrived
first
and
led
off
with
a
1.75"
handline
to
the
basement
area
while
Engine
37-102
laid-in
from
the
hydrant
and
stretched
a
backup
line
to
the
top
of
the
stairs.
The
fire
was
quickly
knocked-down
by
interior
crews,
all
searches
were
negative
and
the
fire
was
brought
under
control
in
15
mins.
The
cause
of
the
blaze
is
under
investigation
by
the
Hillsborough Twp
Bureau
of
Fire
Safety,
and
all
units
were
clear
of
the
scene
by
0710
hrs. Deputy
Chief
36-C2
(DeCicco)
had
the
command,
Asst.
Chief
37-C3
(Paterno)
had
Operations,
Asst.
Chief
38-C3
(Murphy)
had
the
interior,
and
Deputy
Chief
37-C2
(Vatter)
had
accountability.
District
Alerted to
standby for
aircraft
emergency
At approx
1145 on
Sunday May
9,
Hillsborough
Fire
District
along with
other fire
and EMS
agencies
throughout
the county,
were
requested to
standby at
their
respective
stations for
an aircraft
in
distress.
Reports from
Somerset
County
Communications
stated that
they were
not sure of
the exact
problem with
the aircraft
but the
pilot
was following
their
protocols
and
releasing
fuel from
the engines
to make a
safe
emergency
landing at
an
appropriate
facility.
Approx 15
members were
on standby
at Station
37 with
visuals of
the plane
circling
around the
county. We
were
notified
that the
plane might
be making an
emergency
landing in
the area.
Fortunately,
the plane
was able to
proceed to
its intended
destination
for a safe
landing back
at Newark
International
Airport and
no units
were
deployed. All
units were
cleared by
1215. For
further
info, click
on the links
below the
photos.
Junior
firefighter
receives
second
reading
At the May
general
membership
meeting,
Andrew
Schaaf read
the Junior
Firefighter
Oath and
officially
joined the
company.
Andrew joins
us as a
junior at
Hillsborough
High
School. We
look forward
to having
him be a
part of the
company and
help us
along.
Junior
Firefighter
Training at
the High
School Day
Care
Station 37
members
along with
the help of
Station 66
(Hillsborough
Bureau of
Fire Safety)
were
requested to
conduct a
fire safety
presentation
to the
morning and
afternoon
classes at
the
Hillsborough
High School
pre-school
program.
Students
were taught
about fire
drills,
meeting
places when
a fire
occurs at
home,
stop-drop-and-roll,
and what
happens when
firefighters
come and
what they
look like.
The students
were then
shown the
tools on
Engine
37-103 and
did some
firefighting
of their own
off 37-145.
All the
students
wore their
official
Junior
firefighter
helmets and
were ready
to fight
fire.
Thanks to
the staff
and the
teachers at
the high
school for
allowing us
to teach
fire safety.
District
Responds for
the
Afternoon
Structure
Fire
On Monday
May 3, at
1437 hours,
Somerset
County
Communications
alerted the
Hillsborough
Fire
District to
103 Robin
Road in 37's
primary for
the reported
structure
fire. 37-C4
(Capt.
Bartolucci)
arrived,
established
command and
advised of a
working fire
with heavy
smoke
showing from
the first
floor
residence of
a condo
complex.
Station 30
Fire
(Finderne)
was
requested
for their
FAST team.
Deputy Chief
37-C2 (Vatter) arrived
shortly
after and
assumed
command
while Chief
36-C1 (Wesolowski) took
operations.
Engine
37-103
arrived
first with a
crew of 4
and
stretched a
primary 1
3/4" attack
line into
the front
door while a
secondary
line was
being
deployed.
The main
bulk of fire
was
contained to
the kitchen
area and all
searches
proved
negative.
Additional
crews
checked the
upstairs
apartment
and basement
areas and
found no
signs of
extension.
Minor ventilation
was needed
in the
basement due
to a mild
smoke
condition.
Further
investigation
showed that
the main
bulk of the
fire was
extinguished
due to the
first-arriving
units
utilizing
Static-x
fire
extinguishing
canisters.
The cause
and origin
is under
investigation
by the
Hillsborough Bureau
of Fire
Safety.
Additional
units on
scene were
Stations
36,37, 38,
48, 30 FAST,
Hillsborough
EMS,
Hillsborough
PD and
Hillsborough
Bureau of
Fire Safety.
Wilson 10-33
Foundation
Memorial
Ride and
Picnic
Sunday May 2
brought
heavy hearts
to the
brothers and
sisters of
the
Hillsborough
Emergency
Services.
Today we
celebrated
the life of
our hero,
Officer
David Wilson
who at this
time last
year was
battling his
fight with
cancer.
Sadly, Dave
lost his
fight on
September
10, 2009 and
one of his
last wishes
was to have
the bike run
go on one
more time.
The Wilson
10-33
Foundation
did another
outstanding
job with the
help of
Station 37
to use their
property.
The music
was great
with
performances
by CC
Coletti and
her band
followed by
a performace
from
Southern
Steel, the
food was
awesome and
everyone had
a great
time. The
ride was
just over 45
minutes with
a passing
tribute to
Dave.
Hillsborough
Police
placed Dave's
car #616 at
the entrance
to the
cemetary
where he is
resting.
Thank you to
all who came
out and
volunteered
to work and
thank you to
all that
came for the
great ride.
37-C1, 37-C2
attend
annual
training
conference
During the
week of
April 20,
Chief
Buckley and
Deputy Chief
Vatter
traveled out
to
Indianapolis
for the
annual FDIC
conference
(Fire Dept
Instructor's
Conference).
During this
time, both
officers
attended
multiple
different
classes and
were able to
bring some
added
knowledge
back to the
company.
We're
looking
forward to
putting that
additional
knowledge
and training
to use.
District
Response for
Condo Deck
Fire
On Monday
April 19,
the
Hillsborough
Fire
District was
dispatched
to the area
of 165
Capricorn
Drive, Apt
12 in 37's
primary for
the reported
deck fire.
Car 37
arrived and
assumed
command.
36-C2
(Deputy
Chief
DeCicco)
advised of
an
extinguished
flower pot
with some
minor
extension to
the
decking.
Mini-Pumper
37-145
arrived and
stretcher a
1" booster
line to wet
down the
area. Further
investigation
showed no
extension to
the
structure.
Stations
38/48 were
cancelled.
Engine
37-103 and
Ladder
36-115 stood
by on
scene. All
units were
secured by
2245.
Brush Rig on
2nd Alarm
Gas Main
fire in
Franklin Twp
On Monday
April 19,
Station 37
was
dispatched
on the
special
alarm into
Franklin
Twp. to
assist with
a brush unit
at the scene
of a 2nd
Alarm+ gas
main fire on
Route 518.
Brush 37-141
responded
with two and
assisted
units
on-scene
with
suppression
and overhaul
of a large
area of
brush that
was on fire
as the
result of a
large gas
main break
and fire.
Station 37
holds annual
Live burn
drill
On Thursday
April 15,
Station 37
held its
annual live
burn drill.
Approx. 20
members
participated
and 3 full
evolutions
were
conducted.
Crews were
split into a
primary
attack crew,
truck
company and
secondary
attack
crew. The
final
evolution
was followed
with an
unusual
situation
that is
rarely
performed.
Retired
Chief Kelly
volunteered
as the
victim with
an apparent
leg injury
on the roof
and the
crews had to
secure his
injury and
place him in
a stokes
basket for
removal.
The crews
experienced
how labor
and
manpower-intensive
this
situation
actually
is. A
special
thanks to
FF/EMT
Steven
Morales from
South
Plainfield
EMS and FF
John
Mocharski
Jr. from
South
Plainfield
FD for
taking
pictures of
the night.
Hillsborough
District for
the Chimney
Fire
On Thursday
April 15 at
approx 1530
hours,
Hillsborough
Fire
District was
alerted to
469 East
Mountain
Road for the
reported
chimney
fire. Car
36 (Chief
Wesolowski)
arrived and
advised of a
heavy smoke
condition
from the
chimney and
surrounding
area.
Ladder
36-115
arrived and
crews
started
initial
search and
suppression.
Fire was
contained to
the flue
area with no
extension.
Smoke was
ventilated
from the
house.
Engine
37-103's
crew was
assigned as
the initial
FAST team
along with 2
members from
Quint
38-118. All
units were
secured by
1620 hours.
New Member
Welcomed to
37
During the
April
Membership
meeting on
Tuesday
April 6, new
member Mike
Nelson was
voted into
the company
as a
Probationary
Firefighter.
Mike comes
to us with
an extensive
firefighting
background
which
includes
being a
career
firefighter
for Madison
Park Fire
Dept in Old
Bridge
Township and
many years
as a
volunteer
firefighter with
New Market
Fire Dept in
Piscataway.
Engine on
MVC w/Pin -
Hamilton Rd.
On Monday
April 5th at
1631 hours,
Stations 37
& 38 were
requested to
the scene of
an MVC
w/vehicle
smoking on
Hamilton Rd.
across from
the old
brick
factory.
First-arriving
PD units
upgraded the
call to
entrapment
w/1 teenage
female
pinned.
Engine
37-103
responded
and stood by
with a
preconnect
line while
the Rescue
Technicians
from Station
79 went to
work to free
the victim.
38-118 and
38-151
arrived
and assisted
with traffic
management
at the
scene. All
FD units
were clear
by 1715 hrs.
Car vs Dump
Truck
On Tuesday
March 30th
at 1109
hours,
Stations 37,
36, 79 EMS
and MICU
682 were
alerted to
the area of
Route 206
and Valley
Road for
reports of a
head-on
collision
with
entrapment.
Patrol units
arrived and
advised no
entrapment.
FD units
continued in
to assist
with
traffic.
Units on
scene
included
Engine
37-103,
Engine
36-101 and
Brush
36-142. All
FD units
were cleared
by 1145.
Box Truck
Fire
While
operating at
the 2nd
Alarm on
Perrine
Pike, a
second box
was
transmitted
at 1118 hrs
for report
of smoke
coming from
the rear
of a box
truck at
Route 206 &
Brooks
Blvd. Car
37 (Chief
Buckley) arrived
and
requested a
full
response
from
Manville FD
(Station
42).
Possible
cause may be
related to
the
hydraulic
system of
the truck.
Overhaul and
extinguishment
was
completed
and all FD
units
cleared by
1215.
2nd Alarm
House Fire
On Monday
March 29 at
1053 hrs,
the
Hillsborough
Fire
District was
alerted to
71 Perrine
Pike in 37's
primary for
a possible
fire in the
laundry room
of a
structure. Somerset
County
Communications
advised
units that
multiple
calls were
coming in
advising a
working
fire. As
Ladder
36-115 went
responding,
Lt 36-C6 (Dizminski)
requested a
second alarm
and a FAST
team to the
scene.
Asst. Chief
37-C3
(Paterno)
arrived and
advised of
heavy smoke
from the
second
floor. 1
line was
stretched from
Ladder 36
and a quick
knockdown in
the second
floor
laundry room and
hallway was
made by the
interior
crews.
Tower Ladder
37-116
arrived and
Captain
37-C4 (Bartolucci)
assumed
fireground
operations.
Ventilation
was
conducted
and no signs
of extension
were found.
Units
on-scene
were Ladder
36-115,
Engine
36-101,
Tower Ladder
37-116, Mini-Pumper
37-145,
Quint
38-118, Special
Services
38-151,
Engine
48-104, Rescue
30-151 and
the
Hillsborough/Somerville
EMS Rehab
Task Force.
Station 45
(Montgomery
#1) and
Station 42
(Manville)
were both
standing by
at their
respective
quarters.
All units
were clear
by 1230.
Head-On MVC
w/Fatality
On Thursday
March 18th
at 1430 hrs
Station 37
was
dispatched
to the Auten
Rd. school
to setup a
landing zone
for
Northstar
Medevac to
fly the
victim of an
MVC. As
Engine
37-103 went
in-service,
Somerset
County
Communications
dispatched
Station 36
as backup to
respond to
the accident
scene on
Auten Rd.
near
Flemming Dr.
Mini-Pumper
37-145
responded to
the accident
scene and
deployed a
preconnect
as the crew
from 36-101
assisted.
Units found
that a
car had
crossed the
median and
crashed
head-on into
a loaded
school bus.
The driver
of the car
was
unfortunately
declared a
fatality,
the
pediatric
passenger of
the car was
flown to a
nearby trauma
center and
two minor
injuries
were
reported on
the school
bus. All FD
units
cleared the
scene by
1545 hrs.
Spring Storm
2010
The storm
continued
its torment
on
Hillsborough
well
throughout
the night
bringing
Station 37
out 5 times
over night
with 3
basement
details in
the morning
as well as a
possible
garage fire
and a heavy
smoke
condition
from a
residence.
Both
incidents
resulted in
nothing
major. The
standby
crews
remained dry
at the
station until
calling it a
day at
approx 1500
hours.
Opening the
Spring
Season
While our
neighboring
companies
were
cleaning up
after Mother
Nature's
mess,
Station 37
was alerted
for a total
of 4
runs Saturday
evening,
including 1
basement
detail, an
unknown type
fire which
was
unfounded, a
request for
the truck
company into
Montgomery
#1's
(station
45) primary
for a
reported
structure
fire then
quickly
cancelled and
ending the
night with a
water
rescue,
vehicle in
the water
with 3
people and 1
dog trapped
in the area
of Sunnymead
Road and
Hamilton
Road. 37-C2
arrived and
established
command
advising a
vehicle
approx 150
feet into
the water.
Station 38
was
requested
for use of
their
swiftwater
rescue team
as well as
79 Rescue.
Brush 37-141
and Car 37
arrived and
assisted.
All 3
occupants
and pet were
safely
removed from
the vehicle
and brought
back to
"dry"
grounds.
Transformer/Pole
Fire
In the
beginning of
this rainy
weekend,
Station 37
was alerted
on Friday
March 13 at
approx
1840hrs to
the area of
Valley Road
and Ditmars
Circle for a
reported
transformer
fire. Car
37 arrived
and
confirmed a
fire at the
top of a
utility
pole. Due
to minimum
staffing, 37-C1
contacted
County
Communications
and
requested
Station 36
be
dispatched
for
assistance.
Engine
37-103
arrived and
stood by as
well as
Brush
36-142,
36-C2 and
36-C3.
PSE&G
arrived a
few short
hours later
and began
work on the
downed wires
and damaged
transformer.
Mini-pumper
37-145
arrived to
relieve the
engine crew
and station
36 was
secured at
approx
2200hours.
FD units
assisted PD
with traffic
and road
blocks due
to their
manpower
shortage as
well. All
FD units
were
available at
approx
2330hours.
MVC with
Rollover
On Thursday
March 11 at
0727 hours,
Stations 37
& 36 fire
and Rescue
79 were
dispatched
to the
intersection
of Amwell
Road/Raider
Blvd, in
front of the
high school,
for the MVC
with an
overturned
vehicle.
Upon arrival
of Car 37,
37-C1
confirmed a
2 car MVC
with 1
overturned
on its roof,
no
entrapment.
EMS attended
to the
passengers,
FD units
secured both
cars and
fluids
leaking.
Units on
scene
included
C37, Engine
37-103,
Support
37-151 and
Engine
36-101.
Units
cleared at
approx 0820
hours.
Head-On MVC
with Fire
On Tuesday,
March 9th at
1710 hrs
Stations 37
and 36 were
dispatched
to Route 206
in front of
Charlie
Brown's for
the reported
head-on MVC
with a
vehicle on
fire. 37-C4
arrived
on-scene
within
minutes
updating the
location to
Route 206
between
Doctor's Way
and Old
Somerville
Rd,
reporting 2
seperate
head-on
MVC's with
multiple
injuries and
a vehicle
smoking.
Engine
37-103's
crew arrived
and
stretched a
preconnect
to
extinguish
the engine
compartment
fire and
tended to
the MVC on
the south
side with
37-151 while
crews from
36-101 and
36-142
tended to
the MVC on
the north
side. All
units
remained
on-scene
until 1815
hrs.
Head-on MVC
with Medevac
On Saturday
March 6, at
approx 1230
hrs, Station
37 was
alerted to
assist
Station 38
with
establishing
a medevac
landing
zone.
Stations 38
fire and 79
Rescue were
currently
operating on
a head-on
MVC with 1
patient
heavily
entrapped on
Woods Road.
Mini-pumper
37-145
signed on
with NJSP
NorthSTAR
already
enroute.
37-C2 (DC
Vatter) was
also
responding
and
established
LZ command
at the
recreational
baseball
fields in
the area of
Amsterdam
Drive and
Gumble Ct.
EMS
extricated
the pt and
transferred
him to the
flight
team. The
patient was
transported
via
NorthSTAR to
Robert Wood
Johnson
University
Hospital in
New
Brunswick.
Large Blaze
at Camp
Dewitt
On
Wednesday,
March 3rd at
1855 hrs the
Hillsborough
Fire
District was
alerted
to 605 Montgomery
Rd. in 48's
primary
for reported
structure fire.
Lt. 48-C6
(Coddington)
arrived on
location
with a
fully-involved
building at
the Girl
Scout Camp
Dewitt.
Units from
throughout
the local
area battled
the blaze
well into
the night
but were
unable to
save the
main
building of
the camp.
Due to the
location of
the fire in
a
non-hydranted
area, a
county
tanker task
force was
called to
assist.
37-103,
37-141,
37-145,
37-151 and
Car-37
responded on
the incident
and cleared
the scene by
0115 hrs.
MVC with
Rollover
On Tuesday,
February 23,
Stations
37/38 Fire
were
dispatched
for a
reported MVC
with 1
vehicle
overturned.
Car 38
arrived and
advised a
single car
overturned
into a ditch
and in a
creek.
Driver was
self-extricated.
EMS 79
arrived for
patient
care.
37-102 stood
by on scene
while the
vehicle was
removed and
secured.
Units
cleared up
about 1400
hours.
Working Fire
on Super
Bowl Sunday
On Sunday,
February 7th
at 1131 hrs
the
Hillsborough
Fire
District was
alerted to
2109
Jamestown
Common in
37's primary
for a
possible
chimney
fire. Deputy
Chief 37-C2
(Vatter)arrived
on location
with light
smoke
showing from
the chimney
enclosure of
a middle of
the row
2-story
townhouse.
Engine
37-102's
crew went
interior to
check for
extension
while Quint
36-115 and
Truck 37-116
laddered the
chimney to
open up the
capping.
38-118's
crew
stretched a
line to the
2nd floor as
crews found
fire in the
chimney box
extending
into the
attic area.
After
extension
overhaul
opening up
the walls on
the 1st and
2nd floors,
all units
cleared the
scene by
1330 hrs.
Engine &
Truck on 3rd
Alarm
On
Wednesday,
January 27th
at 0345 hrs
the Station
37 was
dispatched
to standby
in quarters
while units
from the
western end
of Somerset
County were
fighting a
3rd alarm
house fire
in Station
48's
primary.
Engine
37-102 was
relocated to
Station 48's
quarters
while Truck
37-116 remained
in station
with a
second crew.
All 37 units
were
released by
0515 hrs.
Dryer Fire with
Extension
On Sunday,
January 24th at
0057 hrs the
Hillsborough
Fire District
was dispatched
to 2702 Kent
Place in 37's
primary for a
reported dryer
fire. 36-C3
arrived on-scene
in minutes
reporting a
dryer fire that
was knocked
down. As units
were venting and
checking for
extension they
found visible
fire through the
ceiling area in
the basement and
the front wall.
Units from 36
and 37 remained
on-scene for
another 90 mins
making sure all
fire was
extinguished.
Note: Most
Station 37
members were out
of service due
to our
installation
dinner only
hours before, so
thank you to
Stations 36 & 38
for providing
coverage for us.
2nd Alarm House
Fire
On Thursday,
January 21st at
1725 hrs, the
Hillsborough
Fire District
was alerted to
654 Montgomery
Rd. in 48's
primary for a
reported fire
involving a
house under
construction.
48-C6 arrived on
location to find
an outside fire
that had
extended into
the rear of the
structure.
Engine 37-102,
Truck 37-116,
Mini Pumper
37-145 and
Engine 37-103
all responded on
the call. Due to
the location in
the township, a
tank task force
was called in to
provide water
for fire
department
operations. All
units from 37
cleared the
scene by 1900
hrs.
2010 Fire
Line Officers
For 2010, the
following
members have
been elected to
fire line
positions:
Chief of
Department
- Pat Buckley
Deputy
Chief -
Bruce Vatter
Assistant
Chief -
Jim Paterno
Captain
- Rich
Bartolucci
1st
Lieutenant
- Bill Shaffer
2nd
Lieutenant
- Mike Patton
3rd
Lieutenant
- Brian Talorico
2009 Ends with
544 Calls
For the 2009
year,
Station 37
ended the
year with
544 calls
for service,
holding true
with the
current
downward
trend in
fire-related
calls.
Engine
on New
Year's 2nd
Alarm Fatal
Fire in
Manville
On Friday,
January 1st
at 1821 hrs
Station 37
was
dispatched
to standby
in quarters
with an
engine and
truck
staffed
while
Station 42
Fire
(Manville)
operated at
a house fire
on South
13th Ave.
Within
minutes the
assignment
was upgraded
and Engine
37-102 was
requested to
the scene
for
manpower.
The crew of
6 from the
engine
assisted
units
on-scene
with
overhaul and
extinguishment
of the
remaining
hot spots
before
clearing the
scene by
2000 hrs and
remained on
standby for
Manville
until 2100
hrs.
Although the
brothers
from
Manville did
a great job
in locating
and removing
the occupant
of the
house,
unfortunately
his injuries
were too
severe and
he passed
away shortly
thereafter.
2009 Toy
Drive a Huge
Success
Once again
the members
of Station
37 organized
their annual
holiday toy
drive with
the
Hillsborough
Dept. of
Social
Service to
benefit
children of
families in
need. About
a week or so
before
Christmas
several
members took
the time to
drop off
dozens of
boxes and
bags of new
toys for the
needy
children.
Thank you
everyone for
your
continued
support in
this cause!
|
|
Vendor Fair April 17Th.
2010
Click Here
for forms
Hillsborough Fire Co # 2 Ladies Auxiliary
375
Rt. 206, Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Flea Market and Vendor Fair Info
Flea Market Vendors Wanted for Flea Markets sponsored by
Hillsborough Fire Co. #2 Ladies Auxiliary on Saturday
May 8th & 22nd, June 5th & 19th,
July 10th, August 28th, & September 18th
from 9 to? We are across from TD Bank
and near Charlie Browns. The Flea Markets are held
outside behind the Fire House and the entrance is from
Hamilton Road [turn at Burger King & Charlie Browns].
Parking will be on the grass behind the firehouse and in
the parking lot above Hillsborough Radiology. Please, no
parking in Hillsborough Radiology’s parking area.
Flea Market outside spaces are available for $15 each.
Vendors can just show up that morning and pay then. [To
avoid any confusion there are absolutely no flea market
indoor or outdoor spaces available during the vendor
fairs on April 17th or October 2nd.] For
information, you can call 908-722-0620 or 908-725-4908.
You can also check out the fire company website at
www.HillsboroughFireCo2.com.
Go to About, Membership and then Ladies Auxiliary for
Ladies Auxiliary information.
Sunday October 4Th. 2009
Over sixty members of the
Hillsborough Fire District; Station 37 (Hillsborough #2), Station
38 (Hillsborough #3), Station 36 (Hillsborough #1), Station 48
(Neshanic),
family members and friends, participated as a
F.A.S.T. Team (Firefighters
Aid
Stricken
Tots)
honoring Tatiana Ingraham, in the 20Th. annual Embrace Kids
Foundation HEEL to HEAL Walk, for children with cancer, sickle
cell and blood disorders held at Johnson Park, Piscataway
Township, NJ. After the walk, food and drinks were served and
there were activates for the kids.
On Sunday September 27, 2009 at 1643
hrs Stations 37 and 38 were dispatched to the area of Homestead Rd. and Eger Ln. in 37's
primary for the transformer fire. Minutes later Chief 37 arrived on-scene and upgraded the
assignment to a working structure fire and requested the district along with Station 30
(Finderne) for the FAST team. Arriving units found a deep-seated fire in the
basement of a large historic home that had been converted into half-a-dozen or so
apartments. Due to the balloon frame construction, companies battled the blaze for hours as
it found its way through walls and floors. At the height of the fire a 4th alarm was
struck for additional manpower to the scene. All units cleared the scene by 2130 hrs.
Units involved: Station 37 (Hillsborough #2), Station 38 (Hillsborough #3), Station 36
(Hillsborough #1), Station 48 (Neshanic), Station 30 (Finderne), Station 28 (Millstone
Valley), Station 45 (Montgomery #1), Station 32 (Readington), Station 34 (Green Knoll),
Station 52 (Raritan), Station 42 (Manville), Station 56 (Somerset), Station 57
(Somerville), Station 49 (North Branch), 79 EMS (Hillsborough), 54 EMS (Somerville),
Hillsborough OEM and Hillsborough Division of Fire Safety. Photos from Station 38's site:
Ladies Aux. to hold Venders Fair Oct.10
We invite all Vendors and Crafters to register for the
Hillsborough Vendors Fair on Saturday October 10th. Indoor spaces with 1 chair are
available. The Vendor Fair is sponsored by Hillsborough Fire Co. #2 Ladies Auxiliary to
support our Hillsborough Township Volunteer Firemen. No outdoor spaces are
available for flea market people on this date. We are located on Rt. 206 in Hillsborough,
near Charlie Browns. For information and reservations: Click Here or All Crafters: please contact Chris @
908-359-0123 or 908-369-7839 or chrisberju@verizon.netEmail: dmburman@comcast.net Phone: Call C McCollum at 908-725-4908 or Chris @ 908-359-0123 or 908-369-7839
First annual Kid's Firefighter Olympics
On August 30, 2009 the fire company held the first
annual Kid's Firefighter Olympics. It was well received, with over eighty kids
between the ages of 4 and 8 participating. The Township smoke house was open so the
kids and there parents could learn how to get out of of a burning house. All kids
received a fire helmet and a ribbon for participating. Click one of the following
icons to see a sort video of the event.
View with Windows Media Player (654kb)
View with Quicktime (1.8mb)
Sunday evening structure fire
On Sunday August 23, 2009 at 1815 hrs
Stations 37 and 36 were dispatched to 626 East Brookside Lane in 37's primary for the
possible structure fire. Seconds later, the district tone was dropped upgrading the
assignment to a structure fire with smoke showing. Units arrived on-scene to find a
working kitchen fire in a middle-of-the-row townhouse that was venting out the front
windows and auto-extending to the 2nd floor. 37-102 arrived and stretched the 200'
preconnect through the front door while 37-116 threw a ladder to perform vent work on the
2nd floor and 36-101's crew stretched a backup line. The fire was knocked-down quickly but
crews remained on-scene until approx. 2030 hrs checking for extension and overhauling. The
cause of the fire is under investigation by the Hillsborough Twp Division of Fire Safety.
Units on-scene: 37 (Hillsborough #2), 36 (Hillsborough #1), 38 (Hillsborough #3), 48
(Neshanic), 28 FAST (Millstone Valley), 79-EMS (Hillsborough), 54-EMS (Somerville),
Hillsborough Division of Fire Safety. Photos from Station 38's site:
 
Serious MVC during
rush hour
On Tuesday August 18, 2009 at 1705 hrs
Stations 37 and 36 were dispatched to assist Hillsborough EMS (Rescue-79) at an MVC with
entrapment on Dukes Parkway West just in from Route 206 in 37's primary. 37-C1 arrived
with fire command and advised of a three-vehicle head-on MVC with multiple entrapments.
EMS Command requested three medical helicopters to the scene for the victims as well as
additional FD personnel to assist with the extrications. Northstar medivac landed at Route
206 & Dukes Parkway West and transported both a pediatric and an adult victim, while
Monoc-1 medivac landed at the Dukes Estate Dairy Barn near the accident scene and
transported an adult victim. Car 37 and Engine 36-101 handled the MVC scene while Engines
37-102 and 37-145 handled one landing zone and 37-116 and 37-141 handled the second
landing zone. Manpower from both departments assisted 79-rescue with extrication, patient
care and fire suppression duties. All 37 units cleared the scene by 1830 hrs.
2 storm-related structure
fires for 37
On Tuesday July 28, 2009 at 1745
hrs the Hillsborough Fire District was dispatched to 8 Pierson Dr. in 37's primary for the
reported structure fire as the result of a lightning strike. Arriving crews found a
confirmed strike to the exterior of the residence, and command held units on-scene for
another hour to open up the exterior walls and check for any extension.
On Sunday August 2, 2009 at 1245 hrs the
Hillsborough Fire District was dispatched to the area of Amwell Rd and Willow Rd in 38's
primary for the reported roof on fire as the result of a lightning strike. Arriving crews
found a confirmed strike to a vacant dwelling with a hole in the roof. Crews stretched a
line to the 2nd floor and wet down the area while checking for any extension. All units
cleared the scene by 1430 hrs.
The Fire Company observes Memorial Day 2009
On Saturday May 23 2009 the Fire Company
marched in our local Hillsborough parade, in honor of the fallen men and woman of our
armed forces. Also a wreath was placed at our Memorial site and flag pole in front of the
fire house. We also marched on Monday in the Neshanic Vol. Fire Co. parade and
placed a wreath at there fire house. ( Shown is President Ted McCollum and Sheryl McCollum
of the Ladies Aux. presenting the wreath at Neshanic).
 
2nd Alarm Fire in Montgomery Twp.
On
Wednesday, May 20th at 0005 hrs Station 37 was dispatched for an engine and truck on the
2nd alarm structure fire with possible entrapment on Hampton Ct. in Montgomery Twp. Engine
37-102, Truck 37-116 and Car-37 responded with 14 members. Crews performed ventilation
duties, searches and fire suppression on the "D" quadrant to assist units from
45, 46 and 53. All Station 37 units cleared the scene by 0215 hrs.
Small Structure Fire on Runyon
St.
On
Saturday, May 16th at 2345 hrs Station 37 was dispatched for a smoke condition in the
house at 8 Runyon St in 37's primary. 37-C2 arrived within a minute to find smoke showing
from an exterior wall on the 2nd floor and requested the district to be dispatched .
Engine 37-102, Truck 37-116, Engine 37-103 and Car-37 responded and crews from the
district found a lightning strike to the 2nd floor of the structure which started a small
fire in the wall. Crews opened up the wall area on the 2nd floor to check for extension,
and units cleared by 0100 hrs.
Structure Fire on During Way
On
Thursday, May 7th at 1005 hrs Station 37 was dispatched with the district for a structure
fire at 37 During Way in 37's primary. Twp Fire Marshal 66-1 arrived on-location to find a
working fire in a ground floor apartment of a 2-story condo. Engine 37-102 and Truck
37-116 responded and crews went to work extinguishing a fire kept in check by the
sprinklers. All units were cleared by 1130 hrs.
On
Saturday, April 11th at 0450 hrs Station 37 was dispatched along with the district to a
working structure fire at 324 Homestead Rd. in 37's primary. Engine 37-102, Truck 37-116,
37-103 and Car-37 responded with 15 members. 37-C2 arrived on location with fire showing
from side "A" of a 1-story dwelling. Crews were hindered by holes in the floor
but still made quick work of the fire. All units cleared the scene by 0630 hrs.
On Tuesday,
April 14th at 0930 hrs Station 37 was dispatched along with the district to 38 Starview
Dr. in 36's primary for the structure fire. Units arrived on-location to find a large
2.5-story dwelling heavily involved. Crews attempted a quick interior attack but were soon
evacuated due to fear of collapse. Units from 37 cleared the scene by 1230 hrs.
On Thursday,
April 16th at 1100 hrs Stations 36 & 37 were dispatched to 117 Beekman Ln. in 36's
primary for an unknown type fire. Responding units saw heavy smoke from a distance and
upgraded the assignment to a working fire bringing in the district. Engine 36-101 arrived
to find a working fire in a dump truck in a warehouse building and quickly went to work
knocking down the fire. 37-102's crew arrived to assist with fire suppression and
ventilation duties. Fire damage was basically limited to the vehicle with minor extension
to the building, and all crews were cleared from the scene by 1245 hrs.
3rd Alarm in Montgomery Twp.
On
Sunday, April 15th at 0255 hrs Station 37 was dispatched on a cover assignment to
Station 45's headquarters in Montgomery Twp. while they operated at a commercial structure
fire at 1743 Route 206. Engine 37-102, Truck 37-116 and Car-37 responded with 14 members,
and soon after their arrival at Station 45 were upgraded to respond to the scene. Engine
37-102 caught a hydrant just north of the fire building and supplied Truck 46, which Truck
37-116 setup in front of the building and went to work with their aerial master streams.
All 37 units cleared the scene by 0415 hrs.
Flea Market Vendors Wanted
Flea
Market Vendors Wanted for Flea Markets sponsored by Hillsborough Fire Co. #2 Ladies
Auxiliary on Saturday May 16th & 30th from 9 to? We are across from
Commerce bank and near Charlie Browns. The Flea Markets are held outside behind the Fire
House and the entrance is from Hamilton Road [turn at Burger King & Charlie Browns].
Parking will be on the grass behind the firehouse and in the parking lot above
Hillsborough Radiology, but not in Hillsborough Radiology’s parking area. Our
tentative schedule is June 13th & 27th, July 11th, August 29th,
& September 12th & 26th. Flea Market outside spaces are available for $15 each. Vendors
can just show up that morning and pay then. [To avoid any confusion there are absolutely
no flea market spaces available for April 4th or October 10th. For
information & reservations, you can call 908-722-0620 or 908-725-4908 or click on
(About/Members/Ladies Aux.) at the top of the page.
Click here
for Flea market page
Ed Bertin receives three awards for his over
thirty Years of service on the Hillsborough Twp. Board of Fire Commissioners
Mayor DelCore presenting Ed Bertin the award
from the Township Committee, Pete Biondi presenting him a joint New Jersey senate/assembly
resolution, and Fire Commissioner Ron Berju presenting him with a plaque from the Board of
Fire Commissioners
Busy start to the weekend
Crews from 37 were kept busy this weekend with 14 calls
between Friday morning 11/14 and Sunday night 11/16. Things started off Friday
morning at 0930 hrs with 36 and 37 dispatched to New Centre Rd. near Fisher's curve in
36's primary for the MVC with rollover and possible entrapment. Units arrived to find a
single vehicle overturned with no entrapment. That was followed by a CO alarm,
another MVC with a vehicle smoking, a suspected gas leak in a garden apartment complex, a
chemical odor in a garden apartment complex and two fire alarms.
Saturday 11/15 started early for our members, with 37 handling
a fire alarm in the morning and another mid-afternoon. As members were getting ready to
attend the annual district appreciation dinner, Station 37 was dispatched for a fire alarm
on the border of Manville at a vacant industrial building. Due to limited manpower due to
the dinner, 42 Fire (Manville) was added to the assignment. Approx. one hour later 37 was
requested to staff an engine in quarters and standby while Franklin Twp. was operating at
a structure fire.
The finale for Saturday night occurred at 2200 hrs when the
Hillsborough Fire District was dispatched to 24 Van Bolton Rd. in 36's primary for the
reported structure fire in the master bedroom. PD arrived on scene within minutes to find
heavy smoke showing from the 2nd floor bedroom area of a 2-story house. 1st-arriving chief
officers mounted an aggressive attack on the fire with water cans and were able to knock
down the bulk of the fire prior to apparatus arrival. Engines 37-103 and 36-101 arrived
simultaneously and crews went to work stretching a line to the 2nd floor, opening up the
walls and ceiling and checking for any extension. Station 30 (Finderne) was requested for
their FAST team, as well as 42 Truck (Manville) and 28 Engine (Millstone Valley) to the
scene for manpower in addition to the other Hillsborough units. Fire damage was limited to
a 2nd floor bedroom with heat and smoke damage through the 2nd floor. All units cleared
the scene by 0015 hrs.
3-Alarm Warehouse Fire
On Tuesday, September 30th at 1652 hrs the Hillsborough Fire District
was alerted to the old government depot on Route 206 for the reported large structure
fire. As units were responding, Somerset County Communications updated the address to the
former GSA depot on Mountainview Rd. With a large plume of smoke visible from over a mile
away and a non-hydranted area, the south County Tanker Task Force was activated bring
tankers from southern Somerset County and northern Mercer County to the scene.
Units arrived to find a 100x100 single-story vacant U-shaped warehouse with heavy fire
throughout almost one-half of the building. Command ordered all units to begin a defensive
attack with concentration on exposure control, and operating companies did a great job in
knocking down the bulk of the fire within 30 mins. Site representatives arrived shortly
thereafter and advised command of potential asbestos burning within the warehouse which
escalated the incident to a hazardous materials fire and prompted a special call for the
decontamination unit from Elizabeth Ave. (Station 26). As a result as crews from the
3-alarm blaze were rotated out of the hot zone they were immediately sent to a
decontamination area and then to the rehab sector.
All crews remained on-scene until approx 2300 hrs extinguishing pockets of fire within the
collapse areas and assisting the construction crews with heavy equipment that were
assisting with the operations. The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation.
Companies operating: 36 (Hillsborough #1), 37 (Hillsborough Twp #2), 38 (Hillsborough Twp
#3), 48 (Neshanic), 28 (Millstone Valley), 45 (Montgomery #1), 41 (Little Rocky Hill), 26
(Elizabeth Ave), Pennington (Mercer County 51), Hopewell (Mercer County 52), 79
(Hillsborough EMS), 54 (Somerville EMS), Hillsborough Twp Division of Fire Safety,
Hillsborough Twp OEM, the Red Cross and Hillsborough PD.
Early Evening House Fire
On Wednesday, August 13th @ 1755 hrs the Hillsborough Fire District
was dispatched to 5 Kaler St. in 37's primary for the reported structure fire. 37-C2
(1st Asst. Chief Buckley) arrived within minutes to find a 2.5-story house with the
attached garage and two vehicles on fire. An aggressive attack by district firefighters
limited damage to both the vehicles, as well as the exterior of the attached garage and
its roof/attic. Crews remained on the scene for the next two hours opening up the front
walls and checking for any further extension into the house. All crews cleared the scene
by 20:30 hrs, and the cause is under investigation. Companies on-scene: 37 (Hillsborough
#2), 36 (Hillsborough #1), 38 (Hillsborough #3), 48 (Neshanic), 30 FAST (Finderne), 79 EMS
(Hillsborough), Hillsborough PD and Hillsborough Division of Fire Safety.
  
  
(Clockwise from upper left: photos 1, 3, 5 & 6 by Joel E. Davis.
photos 2 & 4 by Lt. 37-C5)
Ex-Chief John Stanczak still active after 60 years!
Click here for story
Station 37 Car Wash Benefit
On Sunday, July 13th the members of Station 37 held a car wash to
benefit the upcoming wetdown for the new 37-102. Almost two dozen members and friends of
our company worked in 90-degree weather washing vehicles from 11am - 3pm and helped raise
over $800 for the wetdown. Thank you to everyone who dedicated their Sunday to helping us,
as well as though who came out and supported us.
  
July starts with some action...
On Sunday, July 6th at 1335 hrs Station 37 was dispatched to Route
206 near the old Packards Market for the motor vehicle fire. Engine 37-102 arrived within
minutes to find a fully-involved vehicle with no exposures. Crews extinguished the blaze
quickly and returned to service by 1410 hrs.
On Friday, July 11th at 2110 hrs Stations 37 and 38 were dispatched
to 5 Abby Ct in 38's first-due for the fire on the outside of the structure. Arriving PD
units found a fire involving the outside electrical components and siding attached to the
house. The crew from 37-102 stretched a line to the front door and assisted with forcing
entry while crews from 38 checked the interior for extension.
On Saturday, July 12th at 0855 hrs Station 37 was dispatched
along with Station 79 EMS to Petrocks Restaurants and Liquors on Amwell Rd. for the
vehicle into the building with possible fire. Arriving PD units held the fire in check
with extinguishers, and the crew from 37-102 arrived to stretch a line and wet down the
engine compartment. All units cleared the scene by 0945 hrs.
A Long 24 hours for the 37 volunteers...
On Sunday night, June 8th at approx 2100 hours
the Hillsborough Fire District (Stations 36, 37, 38 and 48) were dispatched to 240
Township Line Rd. in 38's primary for a reported fully-involved barn fire. 37-C1 responded
within seconds to find a large column of smoke visible from about a mile out and
immediately requested the tanker task force due to limited hydrants in that rural area of
the township near the Montgomery Twp. border. As units arrived on-scene they were
confronted with a large barn (approx 300 x 50) fully-involved with roof collapse and
severe exposure problems to another barn of equal size. 1st-arriving engine 37-102 took a
position between the involved barn and the exposure and deployed two 1.75" CAFS
attack lines to begin exposure protection, while crews from 38-118 and 36-115 began fire
suppression duties. It was later found that the barn contained over 5000 bales of hay
which contributed to the intense fire load. A water supply fill-site was setup near the
entrance to the farm on Township Line Rd, while two separate staging areas were maintained
for incoming apparatus at locations near the scene. At the height of the blaze a 4th alarm
level was reached with 18 fire companies on-scene or standing-by from 3 different
counties. Due to high temperatures and humidity, 9 firefighters were transported to
Somerset Medical Center with heat-related injuries. All units eventually cleared the scene
by 0430 hrs. Thank you to all the companies who assisted us with this fire:
Somerset County units: 21 (Bradley Gardens), 24
(Country Hills), 28 (Millstone Valley), 30 (Finderne), 32 (Readington), 35 (Griggstown),
36 (Hillsborough #1), 37 (Hillsborough #2), 38 (Hillsborough #3), 41 (Little Rocky Hill),
42 (Manville), 45 (Montgomery #1), 46 (Montgomery #2), 48 (Neshanic), 57 (Somerville), 47
EMS (Montgomery), 54 EMS (Somerville), 74 EMS (Branchburg), 79 EMS (Hillsborough),
Hillsborough Fire Safety, Somerset County Mutual Aid Coordinators, Hillsborough Twp. OEM.
Mercer County units: 51 (Pennington), 52
(Hopewell)
Hunterdon County units: 21 (Raritan Twp), 49 EMS
(Flemington-Raritan)
Dispatch Audio
|
|
(Picture courtesy
of the Hillsborough Beacon) |
(Picture courtesy of the
Courier News) |
Monday, June 9th provided little relief for
the weary volunteers. After a CO alarm earlier in the morning, crews from 37 & 36 were
dispatched to Route 206 & Amwell Rd. for a motor vehicle accident with entrapment. PD
& EMS units arrived on-scene with one entrapped and CPR in progress. Crews from 37
& 36 stood by with a charged line and assisted EMS, but unfortunately the accident
proved fatal for the victim. An hour later crews handled a fire alarm on Ilene Ct and then
spent most of the afternoon at the scene of the previous night's blaze continuing to
extinguish fire buried under mounds of hay. After a couple hour break, units were
dispatched to 4 calls in a matter of an hour or two, which included a massive evacuation
of the 3 Claremont Towers on Auten Rd & Eves Dr. due to a power outage in the
buildings. Standby companies from 28 (Millstone Valley) and 42 (Manville) were released by
2200 hrs, and all units finally cleared the towers by 2345 hours.
2nd Alarm on Capricorn Drive
On Wednesday, May 28th at 1755 hrs Stations
37 & 36 were dispatched to 146 Capricorn Drive Apt #1 in 37's primary for a reported
structure fire. Asst. Chief Folsch (36-C3) arrived on-scene about a minute afterwards to
find fire showing from the 2nd floor of a 2-story garden apartment building and requested
the 2nd alarm bringing the Hillsborough Fire District along with a FAST team from Station
30 (Finderne). Crews from 37-103 and 36-101 arrived simultaneously and ran two lines to
the second floor while the crews of 37-116 and 38-118 threw ladders to the 2nd floor and
did some minor vent work up on the roof. The fire was quickly knocked and all searches
proved negative, with fire damage limited to the kitchen and smoke/heat/water damage
throughout a good portion of the apartment. Asst. Chief DeCicco (36-C2) had the command
while Asst. Chief Folsch (36-C3) had operations. Companies on-scene: 37 (Hillsborough #1),
36 (Hillsborough #1), 38 (Hillsborough #3), 48 (Neshanic), 30 FAST (Finderne), 79
(Hillsborough EMS), Hillsborough Fire Safety and Hillsborough PD. All units cleared the
scene by 20:10 hours.
2 Fly-outs and a Cover Assignment
On Sunday, April 6th at 1805 hrs Station 37
was dispatched to setup a landing zone for medivac for the victim of a bicycle/car MVC.
37-145 and 37-103 responded and stood by at the helipad behind 574 Auten Rd. for Northstar
medivac. The patient was loaded and flow to the nearest trauma center, and all units
cleared by 1840 hrs.
On Thursday, April 10th at 1615 hrs Stations
36 & 37 were dispatched to setup a landing zone for medivac for the victim of a
motorcycle accident on New Centre Rd in 36's primary. 37-145 and 37-103 responded and
assisted units from 36 & EMS 79 in getting the patient to the landing zone in a field
across from the accident scene. All units cleared the scene by 1705 hrs.
On Sunday, April 13th at 0318 hrs Station 37
was requested for the cover assignment while units from Franklin District-1 were battling
a 2-alarm house fire on Amwell Rd. near Van Cleef Dr. Crews staffed an engine and ladder
in quarters and were released by 0415 hrs.
On Monday, March 3rd at 1409 hrs Stations 37
& 36 were dispatched to the Veterans Industrial Park at 152 Route 206 for the fire
alarm activation. Hillsborough Fire Safety Units 66-1 & 66-2, in the area, quickly
called on-location with smoke showing from the sprinkler room with a working fire. The
assignment was upgraded to a district alarm, bringing in Stations 38 & 48 to the
scene. The fire was held in check by the sprinkler system, and extinguished shortly after
while crews from 36 checked the roof sector. Units were called back to the scene at 1600
hrs for the rekindle fire in the ceiling area of the fire room, and units made quick work
of opening up the remaining voids in the room and extinguishing the smoldering debris. All
units cleared the scene by 1715 hrs.
On Wednesday, February 7th at 14:15 hrs
Stations 37 & 36 were dispatched to the intersection of Roycefield Rd. & Dukes
Parkway West for the reporting MVC with entrapment. Arriving units from EMS-79
(Hillsborough) found a two-vehicle MVC with 5 people trapped. Crews from 36 & 37
assisted with extrication efforts and fire suppression as well as setting up a landing
zone at the nearby fire academy for medivac. All victims were extricated with 2 being
airlifted to Morristown Trauma Center and the remaining 3 by ground to Robert Wood Johnson
Trauma. All units cleared the scene by 15:30 hrs.
3rd Alarm on Oxford
Place
On Sunday, February 4th at 21:30 hrs (and
approx 8:30 left in the 4th quarter of Super Bowl XLII), Stations 37 & 38 were
dispatched to 96 Oxford Place in 37's primary for a reported structure fire. PD arrived
on-scene in minutes advising a working fire, and the Hillsborough Fire District was
subsequently dispatched bringing Stations 36, 37, 38 and 48 along with Finderne (Station
30) for the FAST team. 37-C3 arrived shortly after advising fire through the roof of a
large 2.5-story woodframe dwelling. Engine 37-103 arrived and stretched a 1.75" line
through the front door, while a 1.75" backup line was stretched from Quint 36 and
Quint 38 worked from the driveway to put a knock on the heavy fire in the attic and roof
area. Interior crews made quick work of knocking-down the fire in the attic area from
inside, and crews worked for the next two hours opening up the ceilings and walls to check
for hidden fire and hotspots. All units cleared the scene by 00:30 hrs, and the cause is
under investigation by the Hillsborough Division of Fire Safety. Companies on-scene:
Hillsborough #2 (Station 37), Hillsborough #3 (Station 38), Hillsborough #1 (Station 36),
Neshanic (Station 48), Finderne FAST (Station 30), Manville (Station 42), Millstone Valley
(Station 28), Montgomery #1 (Station 45), Somerset FAST (Station 56), Hillsborough EMS
(Station 79), Hillsborough PD and Hillsborough Fire Safety Units 66-1 and 66-2.
Station 37 closes out
the year with 599 calls
For the year of 2007, Station 37 responded
to 599 calls, up almost 50 calls from the previous year but over 50 calls shy of the
record. Thank you to all of our members "100% volunteer" who dedicated
their time to protecting the residents of Hillsborough Township.
The final touches are being
applied to the new 37-102, including striping and gold leaf work. The engine is on track
for a February delivery date to our station after the telescopic light tower and remote
deck gun is installed at the local service dealer.
Truck requested on
Raritan 2nd alarm
On Thursday, November 29th at 2350 hrs,
Station 37 was requested for a truck company to respond mutual aid into Raritan for the
structure fire at 7 Canal St. Truck 37-116 and Support Unit 37-151 responded with 11
personnel and were assigned upon arrival to vent the roof of the 2.5-story house located
in the middle of the block. Crews proceeded to throw ladders to the C-side of the
structure and open up 2 holes in the roof, then assisted in overhaul operations. Units
returned to service at 0200 hrs.
Engine and Truck on
Franklin 5th Alarm
On Friday, November 23rd at 1035 hrs Station
37 was requested for an engine and truck to respond for a cover assignment at Station 28
(Millstone Valley) in Franklin Twp. As Engine 37-102, Truck 37-116 and Support Unit 37-151
were enroute, units were diverted to handle a fire alarm activation on Pierce St. in
Franklin District 1's area. Units were then able to return to Station 28 and standby, but
were special-called to the fire on Gallop Lane which eventually reached 5 alarms. Crews
from 37 assisted units on-scene with overhaul and fire suppression, and cleared the scene
by 1400 hrs.
On Saturday, November 3rd at 1800 hrs, units
from 37 were dispatched to the area of 528 Andria Ave. for a report of a fire. Units
arrived on-scene to find fire showing on a 2nd floor porch with no extension to the
interior. Engine 37-103 arrived an stretched a preconnected line to quickly knock down the
fire. All units cleared the scene by 1845 hrs.
The New 37-102 is
almost completed
The new engine 37-102 is almost completed
and committee members along with District Commissioners will be traveling to Wisconsin in
late November for the final inspection. The new engine will hopefully see service starting
sometime in March or April of 2008. Pictures
from our final inspection trip to the Seagrave facility. Specs on the new engine
include:
Seagrave Marauder II Stainless Steel
154-inch. Extended Split-Tilt Chasis
Seating for 8 personnel with packs
8-inch raised roof
Caterpillar C-13 525-hp diesel engine
Allison 4000 EVS automatic transmission
Whelen LED lighting package
Rear-view camera
Waterous CS 2000 gpm pump with Eclipse 4-outlet CAFS
885-gallon water tank
Twin 50-gallon foam tanks
Onan 15kw hydraulic generator
Stainless steel body with full-depth rescue styles compartments and rear ladder storage
Federal Q2B Mechanical Siren
Powercall 6-Baker Electronic Siren
Extended front bumper with piping for trash line and front 5-inch intake
One trapped on Amwell
Rd.
On
Friday, September 28th at 0930 hrs Station 37 were dispatched to the area of Amwell Rd.
& Marshall Rd. for the motor vehicle accident with entrapment. EMS Command requested
medivac to fly for the victim, and personnel from 37 established a landing zone in a
nearby field. Medivac was subsequently cancelled and the patient was transported by ground
to a local trauma center. Additional crews from 37 assisted EMS personnel on the scene.
Nighttime 2nd Alarm on
Starview Dr.
On
Wednesday, September 19th at 0149 hrs Stations 36 & 48 were dispatched to 17 Starview
Dr. in 36's primary for a reported electrical fire in the structure. Hillsborough PD
arrived within minutes to find the back of the house engulfed, and responding units
upgraded the assignment to a district response bringing in crews from Stations 37, 38 and
30 (Finderne) for the FAST team. Arriving firefighters mounted a great attack on the
blaze, knocking down the bulk of the fire within minutes. Firefighters from Station 37,
manning Engine 37-103, Tower 37-116 and Tactical Support Unit 37-151 assisted crews
on-scene with extensive overhaul and air bottled filling. Units from 37 cleared the scene
by 0515 hrs. Units on-scene were: 36 (Hillsborough #1), 48 (Neshanic), 37 (Hillsborough
#2), 38 (Hillsborough #3), 30 FAST (Finderne), 79 Rescue (Hillsborough EMS), Hillsborough
PD and Hillsborough Fire Safety.
Electrical Fire at
Reckitt & Benckiser
On
Friday, August 24th at 1042 hrs Stations 37 & 38 were dispatched to 799 Route 206 for
an electrical fire in the building in 37's primary. Daytime crews from 37 & 38 arrived
to find an electrical fire in the processing area with heavy smoke throughout the large
industrial building. Command requested additinoal assistance from 36 Fire for ventilation,
and all units eventually cleared the scene by 1200 hrs.
2nd Alarm on
Bloomingdale Dr.
On
Friday, August 17th at 1817 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were dispatched to 36-34 Bloomingdale
Dr. for a reported structure fire in 37's primary. Crews, who were already answered
numerous other storm-related calls in the area, arrived to find a 2-story townhouse with
fire showing through the roof. Crews made an aggressive attack and held the fire to the
single unit. Units on-scene were: 37 (Hillsborough #2), 36 (Hillsborough #1), 38
(Hillsborough #3), 48 (Neshanic), 79 Rescue (Hillsborough EMS), Hillsborough PD and
Hillsborough Fire Safety.
Recent MVC's and
Vehicle Fire Keeps Crews Busy
On
Thursday, July 12th at 1543 hrs Stations 37 & 38 were dispatched to the intersection
of Homestead Rd & Stryker Ln in 37's primary for the report overturned vehicle. Crews
arrived to find a single vehicle off the roadway and overturned into the trees with no
entrapment. Units were cleared from the scene within 30 mins.
On
Monday, July 16th at 1234 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were dispatched to the Days Inn on
Route 206 in 37's primary for a working vehicle fire next to the structure with possible
extension. Due to our tower ladder being out of service for repairs, Station 42 (Manville)
was requested to the scene as well. Crews from Engine 37-103 and Reserve Engine 37-102
were on the scene in minutes and knocked down the fire with no extension to the structure.
All units were cleared by 1315 hrs.
On
Wednesday, July 18th at 0805 hrs Stations 36 & 37 were dispatched to the area of New
Centre Rd near Fisher's Curve in 36's primary for an overturned vehicle with possible
entrapment. Units arrived on-scene to find a single vehicle overturned with no entrapment.
Units cleared the scene by 0840 hrs.
On
Monday, July 23rd at 1120 hrs Stations 37 & 38 were dispatched to Raider Blvd &
Stryker Ln in 37's primary for an overturned vehicle. Crews arrived to find a single
vehicle overturned on the median with no entrapment. Units secured the battery and handled
fluid control, clearing the scene by 1230 hrs.
On
Monday, July 23rd at 1834 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were dispatched to the area of Rt 206
& Dukes Parkway West for the MVC with entrapment. Crews from 36 found the MVC to
actual be on New Centre Rd at Fisher's Curve in their primary, with one victim entrapped.
As Engine-37-103 was approaching the scene they came upon a single-vehicle MVC on Dukes
Parkway West involving a Hillsborough PD vehicle. Units cleared the scene of both MVC's by
1930 hrs.
On
Tuesday, July 31st at 1518 hrs Stations 36 & 37 were dispatched to New Centre Rd at
Fisher's Curve in 36's primary for an MVC with entrapment. Crews arrived on-scene to find
a 3-vehicle MVC with 3 patients entrapped in 2 vehicles. Northstar Medivac was requested
to fly one of the victims, and a landing zone was established in a field near the
intersection of Auten & New Centre Rds. Extrication assistance was also requested from
Station 54 EMS (Somerville). Units cleared the scene by 1630 hrs.
Ex-Chief Bob Wiecenski, Wife passes
In loving memory of Maria Wiecenski, wife of Ex-Chief Bob
Wiecenski, and a member of the Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Company No.2 Ladies Aux.,who
passed away recently from cancer, An education fund has been set up for their son
Bobby, 18 and daughter Becky, 9 . If you would like to make a contribution in memory
of Maria, please make your check payable to: Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Company No.2
(H.T.V.F.C.#2)
The fire
company will then forward all monies to the College Access 529 Fund which has been set-up
in the names of Robert Charles Wiecenski and Rebecca Chalee Wiecenski.
Any questions
can be directed to Chief Carl Rawles.
Thank you for
your love and support of the Wiecenski family.
Vehicle Fire at the
Day's Inn
On Monday, July 16th at 12:33, Stations 37
and 36 were dispatched to the Day's Inn on Route 206 in 37's primary for the working
vehicle fire with exposure to the building. Responding Asst. Chief LaPlaca (37-C2)
upgraded the assignment, requesting Station 42 (Manville) to the scene as well. Crews
quickly extinguished the blaze with no damage to the building. All units cleared the scene
by 13:15 hrs.
Working Fire on Dukes
Parkway East
On Friday, July 13th at 03:25, Station 37
was dispatched to Bothers Woodworking on Dukes Parkway East for the activated water flow
alarm. As crews were arriving at the station, Hillsborough PD arrived on-scene with fire
visible through the windows. Station 42 (Manville) was requested along with township
Stations 36 (Hillsborough #1), 38 (Hillsborough #3) and 30 FAST (Finderne). Crews arrived,
stretched a preconnect and forced entry to the building to find a fire in the warehouse
area that was held by the sprinkler system. The blaze was quickly extinguished and all
units cleared the scene by 05:00. The cause of the blaze is under investigation by the
Hillsborough Bureau of Fire Safety.
Something you don't
hear every day
On Monday, July 9th at 11:58, Stations 37
and 36 were alerted to the area of Brooks Blvd. and Nottingham Way in 37's primary for the
Hillsborough Police car possibly on fire. Before any FD units could get on the road PD had
already extinguished the blaze and cancelled all units. All in all that is not something
that we regularly get dispatched to!
One Pinned on Camplain
Rd.
On Monday, July 9th at 09:46, Stations 37
and 36 were alerted along with Station 79 Rescue (Hillsborough EMS) for the car vs tree
with vehicle smoking and possible entrapment in front of 2256 Camplain Rd in 37's primary.
Units arrived on-scene to find a single vehicle off the roadway into a tree with one
person trapped. Fire units stood by while 79 Rescue performed the extrication. All units
cleared the scene by 10:15.
Ladies Aux. Member
Passes
On Monday, July 1st, Ladies Aux. member
Maria Wiecenski (wife of former chief Bob Wiecenski) passed away after a battle with
serious illness. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Wiecenski family at this
difficult time. Members from all the township fire companies attended the viewings and
funeral on Thursday and Friday. Thank you to the members of Station 42 (Manville) for
providing coverage for our units while we were attending services.
Recent MVC's keep
firefighters busy
On Saturday, June 2nd at 1620 hrs Station 37
was dispatched to the intersection of Rt. 206 and Raider Blvd. for an MVC with fire.
Engine 37-103 arrived to find a tow-truck off the roadway, into a telephone pole with
wires down and on fire. Station 38 (Hillsborough #3) was requested to the scene to
approach from the south end of Rt. 206 and to aid with fire suppression. After PSE&G
arrived and killed power to the wires and transformers above, crews extinguished the
remaining fire. All units cleared the scene by 1850 hrs.
On Tuesday, May 29th at 1305 hrs Stations 37
and 36 were alerted to the intersection of Rt. 206 and Valley Rd. for the MVC with
entrapment. Crews setup a landing zone for Medivac to fly out the entrapped victim. Units
cleared the scene by 1400 hrs.
On Thursday, May 24th at 0045 hrs Station 37
was requested along with Station 79 (Hillsborough EMS) to the intersection of Amwell Rd.
and Marshall Rd. for the t-bone MVC with entrapment. Crews from Engine 37-103 and Support
Unit 37-151 assisted 79 members with fire suppression duties, fluid control and lighting.
3rd Alarm Fire at
Klein's Metals
Stations 37 and 36 were dispatched on
Wednesday, May 23rd at 1505 hrs to 2156 Camplain Rd. in 37's primary for a working fire in
the scrap yard. 36-C2 (Weslowski) arrived in a little over a minute to find heavy smoke
and fire showing from a huge metal scrap pile in the rear of the yard. The incident was
quickly upgraded to a second alarm and eventually reached a 3rd alarm equivalent. With
heavy smoke visible from 10+ miles from the scene, units from around the area were
requested to the scene and for covers. Heavy machinery was brought in after the fire was
knocked to pull the pile apart, and thanks to Station 48 (Neshanic) for the use of their
CAFS system in completing the extinguishment. Units eventually cleared the scene by 1945
hrs. Units operating: Station 37 (Hillsborough #2), Station 36 (Hillsborough #1), Station
38 (Hillsborough #3), Station 48 (Neshanic), Station 42 (Manville), Station 28 (Millstone
Valley), Station 79 (Hillsborough EMS), Station 30 (Finderne), Station 45 (Montgomery #1),
Hillsborough PD, Manville PD and the Hillsborough Division of Fire Safety.
MVC with Overturned
Dump Truck
On Friday, May 4th at 1141 hrs Stations 37
and 36 were alerted to the area of 71 Old Camplain Rd. in 37's primary for an overturned
dump truck with entrapment, wires down and possibly on fire. Units from both stations were
attending a ceremony at an assisted living facility on Auten Rd. and quickly departed for
the incident. Crews arrived to find a overturned dump truck with no entrapment but wires
down and a fluid leak. Crews cleared the scene by 1230 hrs.
Mutual Aid to
Montgomery Twp
On Monday, April 23rd at 0900 hrs Station 37
was requested mutual aid into Montgomery Twp for a cover assignment at Station 45
(Montgomery #1) while crews from Station 45 (Montgomery #1), Station 46 (Montgomery #2),
Station 53 (Rocky Hill) and Mercer County Station 52 (Hopewell) battled a working house
fire at 15 Wessex Ln. Engine 37-102 responded on the assignment and was cleared within an
hour.
Firefighters from Station 37 were busy with
numerous calls for assistance during the Nor'easter of 2007 on Sunday April 15th and
Monday April 16th. Handling requests for vehicles in the water, basement water hazards and
other various assignments, units provided four crews for coverage out of the firehouse for
both days. Crews also are providing manpower and apparatus to Station 42 (Manville) for
standby coverage and pumping assistance during their time of need.
Triple-Fatal 3rd Alarm
in Manville
On Monday March 12th at 23:45 hrs Station 37
was requested mutual aid into Manville for the reported full-involved structure fire with
entrapment on South 5th Ave. just off Camplain Rd. Tower 37-116, Engine 37-102 and Support
Unit 37-151 responded to the scene with 15 people. First-arriving personnel from Manville
found a fully-involved 2.5-story duplex with people trapped on the 2nd floor with imminent
flashover conditions along with a injured man and neighbors giving CPR to a small child in
the yard. Command immediately requested a 2nd alarm to the scene from Stations 37
(Hillsborough #2) and 30 (Finderne), eventually striking the 3rd alarm requesting Stations
26 (Elizabeth Ave), 28 (Millstone Valley) and 57 (Somerville) to the scene as well.
Crews from 37 assisted units on-scene with fire suppression, ladder operations, searches
and overhaul. Sadly, the bodies of a mother and her two children were found in the
structure. Units from 37 cleared the scene by 02:30 hrs. More information and pictures
from the tragic fire can be found here.
Also see: (Video).
Year-End Stats for
Station 37
Station 37 ended the 2006 year with a total
of 540 calls, 111 calls less then the previous year which totaled 651. The 540
calls totaled 2240 man hours, plus 15 drills throughout the year totaled 580 man hours. Of
the 540 incidents. 82 were 2nd-due assignments or mutual aid to surrounding jurisdictions,
and the remaining 458 were 1st-due assignments for Station 37. More statistics can be
found here.
Click on
picture below for pictures of the 2006 Olympics
On Saturday December 9th at 18:48 hrs
Stations 36 & 37 were dispatched to 188 Beekman Ln. in 36's primary for a reporting
structure fire. Arriving units were confronted with a large 2.5-story house with heavy
fire throughout the 2nd floor and roof area. A 2nd alarm was requested to the scene
bringing Station 38 (Hillsborough #3), Station 48 (Neshanic) and Station 45 (Montgomery
Twp. #1), along with a FAST team from Station 30 (Finderne). Additional units were
requested from covers from Manville and Montgomery Twp. All units cleared the scene by
23:00 hrs. The cause of the blaze is under investigation by the Hillsborough Twp. Bureau
of Fire Safety.
On November 30th at 00:55 hrs Stations 37
& 36 were dispatched to Marshall Rd. & Merritt Dr. in 37's primary for the MVA
with vehicle smoking and a person trapped. Units arrived on-scene to find a utility van
into the rear of a flatbed truck with heavy entrapment. Northstar Medivac was requested to
fly for the patient but self-cancelled due to weather conditions. Units assisted 79-Rescue
(Hillsborough EMS) with a charged hoseline during extrication. All units cleared the scene
by 02:00 hrs.
Pile of Railroad Ties
on Fire
On October 30th at 22:20 hrs Stations 37
& 36 were dispatched to 152 Route 206, the DLA complex in 37's primary, for the
reported large file visible in the area. 37-C3 arrived on-scene within a minute to find a
large pile of railroad ties on fire with train cars as exposures. Units from 37, 36, and
38 operated on scene for approx 3 hours to extinguish the fire.
2nd Alarm Scrap Yard
Fire
On October 28th at approx 2100 hrs, Stations
37 & 36 were dispatched to Camplain Rd. near the Manville border in 37's primary for
the unknown type fire at a scrap metal yard. Units from 37 arrived on-scene with heavy
fire showing from a large pile of scrap metal in the rear of the structure. Command
requested units to the scene from Station 38 (Hillsborough #3), Station 48 (Neshanic),
Station 42 (Manville) and Station 30 (Finderne) for the FAST team. Units remained on-scene
until 03:30 hrs extinguishing the blaze.
 
On Monday, September
18th at 0354 hrs, Stations 37, 36 & 38 were dispatched to Triangle Rd. & Farm Rd.
in 37's primary for the motor vehicle accident with reported entrapment and a vehicle on
fire. Moments later Within a minute PD units arrived on-scene of the accident, correcting
the location to Route 206 & Triangle Rd. and confirming the fully-involved auto fire
with no entrapment. Engine 37-103 arrived first with a crew of 5 which began the fire
attack, assisted by crews from Support Unit 37-151 and Engine 36-101. Additional apparatus
from Stations 36 & 38 were diverted to the Lowe's parking lot of the adjacent shopping
center to establish a landing zone for Northstar Medivac, which was later moved to land
behind Station 37's firehouse. One victim was airlifted to the local trauma center with
serious injuries, and all fire units cleared the scene by 0510 hrs.
Afternoon
2-alarm House Fire
On Sunday, September
17th at 1745 hrs, Hillsborough Twp. Stations 36, 37, 38 and 48 were dispatched to River
Rd. and Carroll Dr. in 36's primary for the reported structure fire with flames through
the roof. Units on the scene with heavy fire venting from sides A, B and D of 1.5-story
wood frame dwelling and began a quick blitz attack from the exterior. Once the heavy fire
was knocked down crews moved interior with (3) 1.75" hand lines and a 2.5" hand
line. and had the bulk of the fire knocked down by 1830 hrs. Units continued to operate on
the scene for the next several hours opening up the walls and roof to check for hidden
pockets of fire. Crews from Station 42 who were standing by at Station 37 handled another
run in 37's primary while units were out on this job. Fire damage was severe throughout
the whole house, and the cause of the blaze is under investigation by the Hillsborough
Twp. Bureau of Fire Safety as well as the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office
Investigation Team. Units on-scene: Hillsborough #1 (Station 36), Hillsborough #2 (Station
37), Hillsborough #3 (Station 38), Neshanic (Station 48), Finderne FAST Team (Station 30),
Montgomery Twp. #1 (Station 45), Hillsborough EMS (Station 79), Hillsborough PD,
Hillsborough Twp. Bureau of Fire Safety and Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. Units on
stand-by: Manville (Station 42), Millstone Valley (Station 28), Readington (Station 32)
and Raritan (Station 52).
On Tuesday, August 29th
at 0720 hrs, Stations 37 & 38 were dispatched to Amwell Rd. & Amsterdam Dr. in
38's primary for the motor vehicle accident with entrapment. Moments later EMS on-scene
requested a Medivac helicopter for one patient who was unconscious, but was later
cancelled. The patient was extricated with serious injuries and was transported by ground
to the local trauma center. All 37 units cleared the scene by 0745 hrs.
Cover
Assignment to Franklin Twp.
On Friday, August 11th
at 1650 hrs Station 37 was requested for an engine on the 2nd alarm assignment for cover
at Station 28 (Millstone Valley - Franklin Twp. Dist. 1). A full crew with Engine 37-103
stood by for about an hour or so while Franklin units battled a house fire on Nepote
Place.
Structure
Fire on Clawson Ave.
On Thursday, August
10th at 0850 hrs all Hillsborough Fire District stations (Station 36, 37, 38 and 48) were
requested to 765 Clawson Ave. in 36's primary for the reported fire on the outside of the
structure. Fire units arrived to find fire showing from the outside of a private dwelling.
Units from 36 and 37 contained the fire spread to the outside of the structure, and
command held units for another hour or so opening up and checking for extension. All 37
units cleared the scene by approx 1000 hrs.
2nd
Alarm on Wallace Blvd.
On Saturday, July 15th
at 0403 hrs, Stations 37 & 36 were dispatched to 27 Wallace Blvd. in 37's primary for
the reported microwave on fire that had possibly extended to the kitchen. Lt. 36-C5
(Grote) arrived on-scene first, confirming a working fire and requesting a 2nd Alarm
assignment. 1st-arriving Engine 37-103 stretched a 1.75" hose line to the rear of the
structure and began a quick knockdown in the kitchen while crews from Tower 37-116 and
Engine 36-101 went to work venting the structure and checking for extension. The fire was
extinguished within minutes, with fire damage confined to the kitchen area. All units
cleared the scene by 0600 hrs. Units on the assignment: Station 37 (Hillsborough #2),
Station 36 (Hillsborough #1), Station 38 (Hillsborough #3), Station 30 FAST (Finderne),
Station 48 (Neshanic), Station 45 (Montgomery #1), Station 79 EMS (Hillsborough Rescue)
and the Hillsborough Bureau of Fire Safety.
37-116 -
Yet another win at Budd Lake
On Saturday, June 24th,
Tower 37-116 traveled to Budd Lake, Morris County for a parade/competition. The truck took
home the Best Appearing Aerial Platform trophy from this state-sanctioned event.
Live
Burn Drill + Working Fire in 38's primary
On Wednesday,
June 20th, members of Station 37 and Station 42 (Manville) participated in a live burn
practical evolution at the Somerset County Emergency Services Training Academy in
Hillsborough, NJ. At 1915 hrs while units were just starting their drill, Stations 38 and
37 were alerted to 11 Hunt Club Rd. in 38's primary for a fully-involved shed fire with
extension to the woods surrounding. Engine 37-102 & Mini-Pumper 37-145 responded from
the training academy and assisted the units from 38 in fire suppression. All 37 units were
cleared from the scene by 2030 hrs.
37-116 -
Another win at Carteret
On Saturday, June 17th,
Tower 37-116 made the trip to Carteret for their Anniversary parade/competition. The truck
took home two awards from the competition, Best Appearing Aerial and Company Furthest
Traveled.
37-116
wins at East Brunswick
On Saturday, June 3rd,
Tower 37-116 ventured out of the county to East Brunswick Twp. for the Old Bridge Vol.
Fire Co. 100th Anniversary Parade and competition. Teaming up with members from Station 36
(Hillsborough #1), Station 30 (Finderne) and Station 27 (East Franklin), the crew from
Somerset County took home six awards in total:
Station 37 - 1st
Place - Best Appearing Aerial Platform
Station 36 - 2nd
Place - Best Appearing Tanker - 3500 Gal. and over
Station 30 - 1st
Place - Best Pierce
Station 30 - 1st
Place - Best Snorkel
Station 30 - 1st
Place - Best Heavy Rescue
Station 30 - 2nd
Place - Best Appearing Company Overall
Mutual
Aid to Montgomery x 2
On Tuesday, May 30th at
2200 hrs Station 37 was requested for a ladder to respond along with Montgomery Twp.
Stations 45, 46 and 53 to 1009 Primrose Ct. in the Pike Run development for a structure
fire. Tower 37-116 responded with a full crew to the scene. Units from Station 45 arrived
on location within a few minutes to find fire in a basement area of a condo building.
37-116 went on location as the second-arriving ladder company but was returned to service
thanks to the quick knockdown by Montgomery Twp. firefighters.
On Thursday, June 1st
at 2010 hrs Station 37 was requested for a ladder to respond to 600 Blue Spring Rd. (near
the border of Princeton Twp) for building fire with flames through the roof. Why would we
be getting called that far south? While responding Montgomery Twp. Ladder 45 went
out-of-service due to a mechanical problem and Princeton Ladder 62 was tied-up with
another run. So, Command then requested 37's ladder to respond to the scene. Because of
heavy storms in the area and manpower standing by at quarters, the ladder was out the door
in about a minute with a full crew. Tower 37-116 arrived on location in about 15 minutes
as the 3rd-arriving ladder company and assisted with overhaul and manpower staging.
Accident
Streak Continues in Hillsborough
This streak of
accidents that have been occurring lately in Station 37's primary has continued over the
past two weeks:
On Tuesday May
15th at 0750 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were called to an accident on Dukes Parkway West
just off Route 206. Units from Station 79 EMS (Hillsborough Rescue) arrived to find a
small Honda that crashed head-on into a utility vehicle with one female entrapped in the
wreckage. Northstar Medivac was requested to fly but later cancelled due to weather
conditions. Crews from Stations 37 & 36 stood by at the scene and assisted with the
landing zone setup while the extrication crew from Station 79 took care of patient access.
All units cleared the scene by 0900 hrs.
On Friday May 19th at
1340 hrs Stations 37, 36 and 38 were requested to the area of 224 Chandler Ct. in 37's
primary for a vehicle into the building with a gas leak. Crews were on the scene for a
short period of time and cleared within an hour.
Just a few hours later
crews from all three stations were again alerted to Camplain Rd. & Sunnymeade Rd. in
37's primary for a two-vehicle accident with entrapment. Crews stood by for fire
suppression while the extrication team from Station 79 EMS took care of getting the
patient out.
On Monday May 22nd at
1057 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were dispatched to Dukes Parkway West & Roycefield Rd.
for a car into the bridge with rollover. Crews from both stations stood by for fluid
control until the vehicle was uprighted.
On Wednesday May 23rd
at 0715 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were dispatched to Route 206 & Doctors Way in 37's
primary for the reported serious accident with entrapment. First-arriving crews from
Station 79 EMS (Hillsborough Rescue) requested Northstar Medivac to fly for the victim
that was entrapped with serious lower body trauma. A landing zone was setup at Station
37's firehouse on Route 206, but the chopper was later cancelled. All crews cleared the
scene by 0745 hrs.
Just about five hours
later at 1230 hrs Stations 37 & 3y were again alerted to Dukes Parkway West &
Roycefield Rd. for the accident with an overturned SUV. Crews from 37 & 36 stood by at
the scene for fire suppression until the vehicle was uprighted.
Kitchen
Fire in 38's primary
On Thursday May 18th at 1347 hrs Stations 38
& 37 were dispatched to 10 Galaxy Ct. in 38's primary for the reported oven fire.
Hillsborough Fire Marshal 66-1 (Weniger) arrived with nothing evident from the front of
the structure, but on a 360 of the house found smoke coming from the rear windows. With
this Station 37 was re-alerted for the ladder truck, along with a FAST team from Station
28 (Millstone Valley). First-arriving units from Station 38 stretched a line thru the
front door and quickly contained the fire while crews from Engine 37-103 assisted. Ladder
37-116 responded but was cancelled while enroute. All units cleared the scene by 1500 hrs.
Back-to-Back
Pin Jobs w/Fatality
The early hours of Sunday April 30th proved
to be sleepless for the members of Station 37. Things started around 0230 hrs for a gas
leak/odor in a house on Oxford Place. Just after units cleared that scene and were
cleaning up at the firehouse, tones dropped again, this time to assist Station 79 Rescue
with a motor vehicle accident with entrapment on Millstone River Rd. near Claremont Dr.
Engine 37-103 and Tactical Support Unit 37-151 operated at the scene for several hours,
standing by while crews from 79-Rescue worked to extricate the driver of a single-vehicle
accident with a utility pole. After a few hours of sleep once returned from the call,
members were again alerted at 0815 hrs to assist 79-Rescue once again, this time with
another motor vehicle accident with entrapment at Dukes Parkway West and Royce field Rd.
Engine 37-103 and Tactical Support Unit 37-151 with 10 personnel stood by at the scene
while 79-Rescue extricated the driver of a t-bone accident at the location. All units
cleared the scene by 09:30 hrs. |
