Attic Fire Requires 2nd Alarm and 3rd Alarm

 
By Firefighter Joe Gallup
August 3, 2010
 

The Oakland Fire Department was dispatched at 8:20 am for a report of smoke coming from a multi-family home on West Oakland Avenue. 1040 Asst. Chief Pat Kellett arrived, confirmed the attic fire and activated NORCON for a second alarm. Soon after 1030 Chief Robert Knapp and 1050 Asst. Chief Curt LeRoy arrived, with Chief Knapp assuming command.

Engine 1031 was first piece on scene. Asst. Chief Pat Kellett lead interior operations and Asst Chief Curt LeRoy had exterior operations. 1031 hit the hydrant and laid out hand lines for an aggressive interior attack. Captain Charlie Kelly, Lt. Mark Romme and FF Brian Kelly were first in and did a great job on the initial fire attack. Ladder 1041 set up ladders on the A and B side of the home for ventilation and emergency egress. 1041 and 1032's crew then secured the utilities in the basement.

The fire broke through the roof during interior fire fighting operations. Wyckoff Ladder 241 arrived on scene and immediately went to work cutting additional vent holes in the roof to relieve the smoke and heat building in the attic. The interior firefighters made their way through heavy smoke and quickly knocked down the fire.

Crews from Franklin Lakes, Midland Park and Mahwah (2nd alarm) relieved the firefighters working inside, searched for hot spots and completed the overhaul.

Waldwick stood by as the fast team and Fair Lawn cascade was also on scene filling bottles.

Ringwood and Pompton lakes (3rd alarm) stood by in Oakland HQ as cover companies.

Oakland First Aid Squad was on scene and controlled re-hab

Oakland Fire Official and Prevention also responded.

All units were released and back in service by 11:00 am.

Thanks to our Mutual Aid Companies, Oakland First Aid Squad and the Oakland Police for their assistance.

 
Units: 1030, 1040, 1050, 1031, 1032, 1041, 1041, 1042, 1044
 
Mutual Aid: Oakland Police, OFAS 801, 802 & 803, Franklin Lakes Engine, 330, Wyckoff 241, 230, 239, 249, Waldwick Fast Team, Mahwah Engine, 150, Midland Park 533, Fair Lawn Cascade, Pompton Lakes Ladder, Ringwood Eng.