VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS: THANK YOU

(UPDATE: added this am: 2/29/12 below "how local fire co. reports details of the call/response)

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS respond rapidly to our neighbors home 2/29/12
NO ONE HOME!

At 9pm I hear local sirens go off followed by 2 or 3 other department dispatches.

For those from other countries; here in eastern USA, I live in the country (not city). There are volunteer fire departments, 2 or more for each township. The local dept. is dispatched. A decision is made if the fire requires additional back-up by local departments


Tonight the fire next door: All firefighters worked fluidly, meticulously gaining control of the fire-
                                                                            within what seemed to be a 3/4 hour period; one and 1/2 hours? The passing of time; how difficult to count time during tragedy.

   Organized. Calmly and expediently everyone appeared to know their task. Without hesitation, men high up on a roof, chainsaw into the attic several places. Not one person is idle; there is no chaos. Fortunately no one was home. We have to wait a day or so to find out what caused the fire. Thankful it was contained and did not catch trees and spread to our home.

I have included photos that captured the reflection off the Firefighter's suits. Look how many there are just outside the home (3 photo from top). Of course these are very large homes, unlike mine (smiles), so had it spread the fire would have been humongous!

There are a dozen or more men inside the house while others break windows for access...what a mess is left!

DID YOU KNOW? = have all your fire alarms connected as ''one'' so that if one goes off ALL GO OFF. 

Possible Fire at our House: We could have perished. Our alarm went off in the basement one night.
I ''happened'' to have gotten up to get something down stairs which I never NEVER do!! I heard a funny noise emanating from the basement; opening the door to the basement I could clearly hear the fire alarm and could smell smoke. Our heater was about to catch on fire! Since that time I have had all our fire alarms connected as one.

Know your house; can you hear from anywhere in your home all alarms, particularly if you are asleep?   ****Have an escape ladder and a plan for each person on ''how to escape." and where you will meet after exiting the house! Be sure everyone agrees to never go back to the house NO MATTER WHAT unless cleared by the fire department. NOTE: if you use batteries check them every 6 months/1 year depending on what you are using.

THANK YOU TO ALL FIREFIGHTERS; YOUR HARD WORK AND FAITHFULNESS TO YOUR COMMUNITY/NEIGHBORHOOD IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!
please be careful: I have worked on a Burn Unit directly with the victims and their families; BE SAFE.
                              -------------------------------------UPDATE--------------------------------------------

By Glen Moore Fire Company
February 29, 2012
At 9:03pm on Tuesday, Stations 48, 49, 69, and 47 were dispatched on Pennswood Drive for a House Fire. Chief 48 arrived on location to find heavy fire on the second floor with extension into the 3rd floor. Engine 48-1 arrived just behind the Chief and proceeded to deploy a 1 3/4 line to the second floor to attack the fire. Engine 48-5 arrived next to establish water supply operations. Chief 48 established Pennswood Command with Deputy 48 handling Operations and Asst 49A taking Safety. Engine 49 provided a second line into service and went to the 3rd floor to check for extension and provide additional fire suppression to the 3rd floor. Ladder 69 handled the roof operations and Station 47 handled the RIT team assignment and laddering the to the 2nd floor. A tanker task force was called due to being in a non-hydrant area bringing tankers and equipment from Stations 73, 33, 34, and Air Light 46, in addition to a Medic 93. The fire was brought under control in less than an hour. Crews worked for over 3 hours with the extensive salvage and overhaul operations. Special thanks to Atglen and Sadsburyville Fire Companies for providing stand by coverage.
Units:	Engine 48-1, Engine 48-5, Engine 49, Rescue 48, Squad 48, Utility 49, Tac 48, Traffic 49, Command 48
Mutual Aid:	Stations 69, 47, 73, 33, 34, Air 46, 89, Medic 93, Fire Marshals, PSP ________________________________________________________