Truck Rollover Leads to Dangerous Extrication

On February 24, 2010 at 0314 hrs, the Milford Fire Department Emergency Operations Center received a 911 telephone call for a motor vehicle accident involving a tractor trailer that had overturned in the area of 330 Old Gate Lane. Dispatchers immediately sent Engines 1, 5, 6, Tower 1, Rescue 1 and Car 4 to the scene. En-route Dispatchers advised responding units that because of the accident utility wires were down in the road.

On arrival of Battalion Chief Patrick Hayden, it was found that a tractor trailer had been exiting the off ramp of Interstate 95 at Exit 40 and overturned at the bottom of the ramp. During the collision, a utility pole had been snapped causing several high power electrical lines to fall in close proximity of the overturned truck.

Initial crews quickly sized up the scene and made the assessment that possibly two occupants were trapped inside of the overturned truck and that the vehicle had been carrying produce. A Risk Benefit analysis determined to make a rescue of the trapped occupants. This rescue was extremely dangerous because of the energized electrical wires that were all around and on the overturned truck. The driver could be seen from outside of the vehicle and he was trapped inside the wreckage by the dashboard and steering column. It was later verified that there was only one occupant of the vehicle. Utility crews were called to respond immediately to shut off the power and a heavy duty wrecker was summoned to the scene to possibly assist with lifting operations. Because of the need of advanced emergency care a Physician from the New Haven Sponsor Hospital SHARPS team was sent to the scene.

Crews used hydraulic and electrical rescue tools to cut the truck roof and door to gain access to the trapped occupant. Once inside the vehicle, Milford Fire Department Paramedics performed Advanced Life Support procedures including initiating oxygen and intravenous therapy.

During the stabilization of the patient, crews continued cutting, lifting and displacing the dashboard to lift the weight off of the driver’s legs which were pinned beneath. After approximately 30 minutes of work, the occupant was freed and removed to an ambulance which then transported him to Yale New Haven Trauma Center.

Fire department spokesman Capt. Chris Zak said, "The Emergency First Responders who operated at this call performed above and beyond the call of duty. All personnel operated with great skills to make this operation successful. This is truly a “life saving” call, crews RISKED A LOT TO SAVE A LOT and the outcome was saving someone’s life."

Car Carrier Catches Fire on I-95

Milford Fire Department units were dispatched to a reported truck fire on I-95 Northbound in the area of Exit 40 early Monday morning.  Arriving units found a loaded car carrier with fire spreading from the cab area to the vehicles the truck was carrying. 

Hose lines were stretched to the I-95 standpipes on East Town Road to provide water to the units on 95 fighting the fire.  Two Lanes of I-95 along with the Exit 40 off ramp were closed while the fire was brought under control. 

Representatives from the fire marshal's office are investigating the cause of the fire.

Milford Fire Dept. Stresses Winter Fire Safety

The first weeks of 2010 have already seen a large number of fire fatalities caused by space heaters and other forms of home heating throughout the nation. The high cost of home heating fuels and utilities has caused many Americans to search for alternative home heating sources such as wood burning stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces. Heating is one of the leading causes of residential fires.

The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (28%) and deaths (46%) was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding.

Many heating fires can be prevented by following basic safety tips when dealing with any heating equipment:
• Keep or maintain a 3 foot clearance between all heating equipment and anything that can burn.
• Inspect and maintain heating equipment regularly for safety.
• Be sure to have fixed space heaters installed by a qualified technician, according to manufacturer’s instructions or applicable codes. Or, make sure a qualified technician checks to see the unit has been properly installed.
• When buying a new, portable space heater, make sure it has the label showing it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Space heaters should be turned off every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn - including furniture, blankets, curtains, and paper products.
• Choose space heaters that turn off automatically if they tip over.
• Never use a space heater to dry clothing.
• Do not use your oven to heat your home.
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.
• Test smoke alarms monthly.
• Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to avoid risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Wood Burning Stoves and Fireplaces

• Use a metal or glass fireplace screen to keep sparks from hitting nearby carpets or furniture.
• Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly. Wood stoves should have adequate clearance (3 feet) from combustible surfaces and proper floor support and protection.
• Have your chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.
• Don’t use excessive amounts of paper to build fires in fireplaces. It is possible to ignite creosote in the chimney by overbuilding the fire.
• Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel. A spark from the fireplace could easily ignite these materials.
• Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. NEVER close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house.
• If synthetic logs are used, follow the directions on the package. NEVER break a synthetic log apart to quicken the fire or use more than one log at a time. They often burn unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide.
• Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.
• Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.
• Allow fireplace and wood stove ashes to cool before disposing in a metal container.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Each year unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning claims hundreds of lives and sends several thousands of people to the emergency room for treatment.

At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea, and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health, and the concentration and length of exposure.

You can protect yourself and your family by following a few easy steps:

• Install at least one CO alarm with an audible warning signal near sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms. CO alarms measure levels of the gas over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms.
• Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Never use your range or oven to help heat your home and never use a charcoal grill or hibachi in your home or garage.
• Never keep a car running in a garage. Even if the garage door is open, normal circulation will not provide enough fresh air to reliably prevent a dangerous buildup of CO.

Captain Chris Zak said in a prepared statement, "As the cold weather continues to affect us, the Milford Fire Department is concerned that mistakes and improper procedures could lead to disastrous circumstances."

The entire Milford Fire Department wants to wish everyone a Happy and Safe New Year.

For more information, please contact the Milford Fire Department at (203) 878-5991 or visit the US Fire Administration heating safety webpage at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/home_fire_prev/heating/

Firefighters Quickly Knock Down Chimney Fire

On January 8, 2010 at 1336 hrs. the Milford Fire Department Emergency Operations dispatched Engines 3, 4, 7, Tower 1, Rescue 2 and Car 4 to 23 Raycroft Street for a reported chimney fire. When crews arrived they found active fire inside and outside of the house that had extended from a wood burning stove in the basement.

The fire was quickly knocked down and crews spent quite some time overhauling the structure for hidden fire. There were no injuries were reported.

Captain Chris Zak, the department's spokesman, stressed the need for all homeowners to use safety this winter season. "As the cold weather increases and the problems that are occurring with the economy, we are concerned that more homeowners will resort to using alternative methods to heat their house this winter. These types of situations can produce drastic results if proper precautions are not adhered to."

Zak went on to add that, "All homes should have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms and these should be tested on a weekly basis. Batteries for these devices should be changed twice a year, remember – change your clock, change your battery."

Horse Rescue Challenges Firefighters

At 0841 hrs on December 20, 2009, the Milford Emergency Operations Center received a 911 telephone call from 1022 W. River Street requesting assistance for a horse that had fallen to the ground and could not get up. Being such an unusual request, Fire Department units (Engine 1 and Engine 7) were dispatched to see what assistance could be provided. When first due units arrived they were met with a horse that had fallen to the ground and was unable to stand on its own because of the ice and snow from the evening’s storm. Captain Bernie Belgey of Engine 1 had taken a Large Animal Rescue Class last year and working along with Mr. Rich Cranley from Silver Horse Shoe Stables, the two were able to provided much knowledge and the proper techniques to assist the horse. Because of the complexity of this rescue, Battalion Chief Richard Mohr requested Engine 6, Engine 4 as well as the Technical Rescue Unit 234.

Crews used medium pressure rescue lift bags that were placed underneath the horse and inflated to be able to lift the horse enough to allow the horse to stretch its legs. The horse was still lethargic and firefighters continued to support some of the horse’s weight.

Firefighters were able to place lifting straps underneath the horse which were placed to assist the horse being lifted vertically. Firefighter Dave King brought to the scene his personnel boom truck that he uses to do some heavy lifting. This “small crane” was used to lift the horse vertically enough where the horse could begin to walk on its own. After a few minutes, firefighters removed the lifting straps and the horse was led into his barn where a veterinarian will evaluate it for injuries.

Captain Chris Zak, the department's spokesman said, "This rescue was extremely complex and dangerous and was only successful because of the cooperation of and teamwork of everyone involved. All Firefighters and Civilians were able to add to the rescue with information and assistance. At times, Firefighters are only thought of putting out fires but our job entails so much more. The Firefighters of Milford are here to protect the entire population of Milford and also its visitors, even if they walk on four legs and eat carrots."

Sprinkler System Averts Early Morning Apartment Fire

Milford Fire Department units were dispatched to a reported apartment fire on Landsale Ave around 2:30am Tuesday morning. The dispatch center was receiving multiple 911 calls reporting smoke and a possible fire in the building. A 911 call was then received from one of the occupants reporting that they were trapped in their apartment by fire. While attempting to ascertain more information from the caller the connection was lost. Responding units were updated regarding the trapped individuals. Upon arrival, the first due engine companies found the occupants of the apartment hanging out the second floor window of the apartment. Units quickly mobilized to rescue the trapped people from the apartment. The apartment was filled with smoke and the sprinkler system in the apartment had been activated. The sprinklers were able to extinguish the fire prior to fire department arrival on scene. The occupants were safely brought out of the apartment while fire crews checked for any further extension. No injuries were reported but some of the businesses under the apartment did incur some water damage due to the sprinkler activation. The Fire Marshall’s office investigated the fire and it was determined to have been caused by an unattended candle that had ignited combustibles nearby.

Cookies for Soldiers

CALLING ALL COOKIE BAKERS!! HELP NEEDED!!

On Sunday, December 6th, Chief Louis LaVecchia and the Milford Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 944 will be collecting “Cookies for soldiers”. This program is designed to send “cookie” care packages to the men and women of the armed services that are away from home during the Holidays.

Captain Chris Zak, spokesman for the department, said "Last year this program was a huge success and we hope to do even better this year. "

Individuals are asked to bring in the baked cookies to Milford Fire Headquarters, located at 72 New Haven Avenue on Sunday December 5th from 10am to 2pm.

Individuals are also asked to submit names and address of family and friends who are serving overseas.

"During the Holidays it is difficult to be away from home and we would just like to bring a little of Milford to the personnel of the Armed Services and say THANK YOU for the job that you do defending our Country. ", said Zak

Anyone having any questions can contact Pat Hoppes in the Milford Fire Administrative offices at (203) 874-6321 (Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm) or Milford Fire Dispatch at (203) 878-5991.