Denver firefighters respond to a blaze near 39th Avenue and Clay Street in Sunnyside. April 13, 2024.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
An explosion rocked Stephen Dunne’s Saturday morning.
“I was working, minding my own business, about to start watching the golf, then I heard a loud explosion,” he said. “I stepped outside and it was a raging propane tank fire, just shooting up. And then it went from that to the entire backyard.”
Dunne’s wife had taken the car, which otherwise would be parked right in the center of the blaze. He called 911, then fled his rented Sunnyside accessory dwelling unit near 39th Avenue and Clay Street, joining a growing crowd of neighbors gathering to see the commotion. The smoke plume could be seen across the city.
Stephen Dunne watches as a Denver firefighter climbs atop his rented ADU, near 39th Avenue and Clay Street, as they put out a blaze that spread from a nearby yard. April 13, 2024.Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
Denver firefighters respond to a blaze near 39th Avenue and Clay Street in Sunnyside. April 13, 2024.Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
Dunne said the fire started in a yard next to his, though his home eventually caught fire, too. Denver firefighters arrived a few minutes after he called 911 at 11:45. They’d spend the next hour pouring water over nearby structures and punching holes in his roof to ensure no more damage was done.
Denver Fire public information officer JD Chism said nine structures were impacted, though six of them were “outbuildings,” like sheds or garages. No civilians were hurt, though he said a firefighter did need to be treated for smoke inhalation. Chism said about 75 firefighters were on site for this “two-alarm” emergency, and that the blaze’s cause is still being investigated.
Dunne said he was grateful firefighters showed up so quickly and that nobody was hurt.
“It was not a calm situation,” he said.
Note: This story was updated once Denver Fire had more information to share. We originally reported that two habitable structures were impacted; that went up to three after DFD’s update.
Smoke rising from a Sunnysie backyard can be seen from 6th Avenue near Barnum Park, April 13, 2024.Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
Neighbors gather to watch as Denver firefighters respond to a blaze near 39th Avenue and Clay Street in Sunnyside. April 13, 2024.Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
The fire happened six months after Denise Surina moved into apartment 312 in the Kennedy Ridge Apartments in Southeast Denver. She lived there with her two cats and two dogs, her late husband’s belongings and her many artworks. There was just one staircase in the building. The only other exits from her place were the windows.
Her downstairs neighbors, in apartment 212, often smoked behind flags hung for privacy. One night, as they often did, they put out their cigarettes in flower planters, according to a Denver Fire Department investigation. A couple of hours later, the planters ignited. The flags caught fire.
Flames climbed up the balcony to Surina’s porch. She woke to the noise of crackling fire.
“I ran out to the living room and saw a ball of fire on my balcony,” she said.
The apartment complex at Dartmouth Avenue and Havana Street in Denver’s Kennedy neighborhood where Denise Surina once lived, and had to jump out of a window during a fire in 2012. April 9, 2024.Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
She tried to escape through the door, but the hallway was filled with smoke, and she couldn’t reach the single staircase in her building.
Black smoke engulfed her. She slammed the door, hit the ground, and crawled, as fire burned along the ceiling.
Finally, she made it to her bedroom. She looked out the window, and the firefighters were not there. A couple of neighbors were beneath her window, holding a comforter. First, she threw her two dogs, Skipper and Jimo, out the window. They survived the fall.
She wasn’t ready to jump herself, even as her neighbors begged her to do so. She hoped firefighters would rescue her, but they were on the other side of the building battling flames. She wanted to stay until they could rescue the cats. But they didn’t come.
Denise Surina in the back yard of the home she shares with her mother in Denver’s Hampden neighborhood. April 9, 2024.Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
“I waited as long as possible, but then I turned around and lowered myself,” she recalled. “I was hanging from my fingertips and dropped down so they caught me in the blanket. I injured my right knee. I tore my meniscus.”
Eventually, the firefighters saved the cats. Other neighbors were injured escaping the building. Surina was taken to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.
Nobody died. But death isn’t the only harm caused by a home fire, she said. She wouldn’t wish what she’s suffered on anybody.
Homes like the one she lived in, that burned, are legal to build now. Lawmakers are currently proposing cities across Colorado allow single-stair buildings to go even higher and will discuss the issue in committee on Wednesday.
“When I saw they were going to build more, it was just horrifying to me,” she said. “Because you know, there’s no way out. It’s pretty scary.”
Fires happen. But the single-stair buildings lawmakers are debating are well-tested structures.
Tall single-stair buildings are popular throughout Europe and Seattle. They fall outside of International Building Code rules that limit such buildings to three stories high.
The newer builds boast fire sprinklers, alarms and other technologies to prevent fires. They incorporate technology that removes smoke from stairwells in case evacuation is needed. And those stairwells are placed close to apartment entries for easy access.
Proponents, like affordable housing developer Peter LiFari and architect Sean Jursnick, argue single-stair buildings are a safe, smart solution to the lack of housing for working people. These buildings would give smaller developers a chance to contribute to the city’s affordable housing shortage.
Architect Sean Jursnick and developer Peter LiFari stand in front of a huge apartment project and a small single-stair apartment building on Downing Street in Capitol Hill. March 6, 2024.Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
“We could have gentle-touch density that would add charm to the neighborhood character instead,” YIMBY Denver member Luchia Brown testified at the Statehouse.
Rep. Alex Valdez, one of the bill’s cosponsors, told lawmakers a statewide building code model would speed up the construction of needed housing in cities across Colorado. The lack of affordable housing requires an urgent response, and this is one of several solutions lawmakers are considering in this session.
David Pardo, an AirBnB property manager and former wildland firefighter, argued at the Statehouse that single-family homes on the border of cities and wildlands, where working people live, are much more dangerous than single-stair buildings in urban areas.
“When we fail to build family-friendly dwellings in well-protected cities, families without significant resources end up in these types of homes, and our wildland firefighters will end up paying the price for that development with their lives,” said Pardo.
Single-stair apartment buildings are nothing new in Denver. Capitol Hill is full of such homes. The city’s current zoning code allows them to be built up to three stories high — the same height as Surina’s former apartment.
The new law would allow builders to add just two more stories of housing. The five stories could be built from the ground up or on top of ground-floor retail, creating a building with up to six stories.
Multiple urban fire departments, including Denver’s, have been arguing against changing the rules.
Sure, there are fire prevention technologies that reduce the risk of fires implemented since the ban on single-stair multi-family construction above three stories was enacted. But in the case of a fire, more access points, firefighters argue, are always better and minimize injury.
It’s safer for residents to be able to exit themselves without waiting for firefighters. In a mass shooting, having one exit could be deadly.
“In our industry, we say the building and fire codes are written with the blood of people’s lives,” said Elizabeth Fire Chief Kara Brzezinski. “We take the development code process very seriously.”
Proponents say the fears, expressed by firefighters, are overblown, conservative and undermine a fix on a much more urgent crisis: the lack of affordable housing that’s led to rampant homelessness.
Single-stair advocates point to studies that indicate cities with single-staircase apartments have fewer fire deaths than Denver.
“In Spain and Italy, for example, one or two units are often on each of eight or even 12 floors,” Pardo said. “Both of those countries have one-third the rate of fire deaths per capita that we have here in the United States. South Korea and Switzerland have no height limit on single-stair buildings, and their fire death rates are one-half and one-fifth that of the United States respectively.”
Death isn’t the only bad outcome from an apartment fire that lawmakers should be weighing, Surina said.
Three weeks after the fire a company doing the cleaning gave her and her daughter hazmat suits so they could go into the apartment and retrieve their belongings. Doing so was against the law, but Surina was grateful for the chance.
Many of her belongings had already been looted. They couldn’t salvage any of Surina’s husband’s things, but she did manage to retrieve some of her art.
“Your life is completely changed,” she said. “Because you have nothing. You’re starting from nothing.”
Surina’s mom, who had watched the fire consume the building, lived across the street. Surina moved in and has been living there since.
Eventually, she declared bankruptcy, as did the people in the apartment below hers. She tried to sue, along with one of her neighbors, taking legal action against the landlords because fire alarms didn’t go off.
After her neighbor passed away, Surina dropped the case.
For more than a decade, she was scared of tall buildings, but slowly she’s recovering from a trauma she doesn’t want others to experience.
“I’m finally getting human again,” she said.
Denise Surina in front of the home she shares with her mother in Denver’s Hampden neighborhood. April 9, 2024.Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
Colorado Public Radio’s Andrew Kenney contributed reporting to this story.
In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:
GLOUCESTER
Sunday, March 24
6:23 p.m.: Fireworks were reported on Macomber Road.
4:13 p.m.: A crash with property damage only was reported at Market Basket on Gloucester Crossing Road.
3:30 p.m.: A resident came into the police station lobby to report identity theft. The resident explained someone used his Social Security number to create an account under his name. The account showed a balance of $1.01. Police said the resident contacted the company to report the fraudulent activity and the company canceled the account. The residentreported a separate incident in October 2023 in which someone tried to initiate a purchase using his credit card and the transaction was denied, and that reported that recently, his email was logged in from Vietnam, but his account has since been secured.
Noon: A person reported the theft of approximately $100 in cash and a check that had been placed in the car’s visor after she went to Addison Gilbert Hospital on Washington Street and parked at the nearby Seacoast Nursing Home. She parked at 10 a.m. and noticed the money was missing around 10:50 a.m. on March 21. The bank put an immediate stop on the check to keep it from being cashed.
11:32 a.m.: Police were called to help the Fire Department make entry into a residence on Sayward Street due to a person who fell and was home alone. The person refused medical treatment.
10:27 a.m.: A caller from a vacant lot on Main Street reported someone was spitting on him. The indiviuals were separated and police cleared the scene.
10:17 a.m.: A caller from Granite Street reported a carbon monoxide detector had activated. The caller was advised to step outside and the Fire Department was dispatched.
8:15 a.m.: A resident reported someone tried to get into her shed. Police saw the shed door had a piece broken off and the door handle was found on the ground nearby. Police said it did not appear anyone got into the shed because the door was frozen shut due to the rain and falling temperatures overnight.
Saturday, March 23
Crashes with property damage only: at 11:36 a.m. on Blackburn Circle with a person reportedly taken to the hospital; at 9:03 p.m. on Grant Circle, Washington Street and Ashland Place.
Disturbances were reported on Poplar Street at 12:38 p.m. and Sayward Street at 2:26 p.m.
11:11 a.m.: Smoke alarms were reported sounding at 264 Main St. Gloucester Fire Department was dispatched.
11 a.m.: Police on Friday, March 22, learned a man had two fully extraditable warrants issued in Texas against him and that he might be living in Gloucester at his parents’ house. The offenses included making terroristic threats against a police officer/judge and multiple warrants out of Collin County, Texas. On Saturday, the Collin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the warrant service was active and fully extraditable. Police requested a warrant against the man on a charge of being a fugitive from justice. The 36-year-old was arrested at a residence on Essex Avenue on a straight arrest warrant Monday, March 25, by a detective, a deputy from the U.S. Marshals Service and a trooper from the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section. The man was placed into custody without incident and taken to the Rockport Police Department for booking. He was later taken to court.
ROCKPORT
Sunday, March 31
Traffic stops were conducted on Broadway at 6:33 and 6:56 p.m. Both drivers were given verbal warnings.
9:58 a.m.: After an alarm was reported, the Fire Department was dispatched to a Beach Street address.
9:52 a.m.: A police wellness check made at a Main Street address.
7:58 a.m.: After a report was received at High Street address, a verbal warning was issued.
Saturday March 30
6:42 p.m.: A noise complaint was made at a Sandy Bay Terrace address.
Medical alarms were activated on Curtis Street at 12:03 p.m. and High Street Court at 6:06 p.m. Both later proved to be false.
5:38 p.m.: A report was made about lost and found property at a Granite Street address.
2:08 p.m.: A report was made about road conditions on Main Street.
1:26 p.m.: A motor vehicle crash was reported on Blue Gate Lane.
12:09 p.m.: After a well-being check at a South Street address, an ambulance transport was conducted.
12:04 p.m.: A report was made about a neighbor dispute on Granite Street.
12:04 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Thatcher Road, a verbal warning was issued.
9:19 a.m.: After an alarm was reported, the Fire Department was dispatched to a Beach Street address.
8:08 a.m.: A medical emergency ambulance transport was conducted at a Main Street address.
Friday, March 29
Medical emergencies: Ambulance transport to a hospital was made from South Street at 1:56 a.m. and Sandy bay Terrace at 3:38 a.m. while services were provided at a Rowe Avenue address at 7:22 p.m.
2:13 p.m.: A motor vehicle crash was reported on Railroad Avenue.
7:14 a.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Thatcher Road, a verbal warning was issued.
ESSEX
Sunday, March 31
Citizens were assisted on John Wise Avenue at 11:04 a.m. and 8:31 p.m., and Main Street at 11:04 a.m.
8:11 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported at a Water Street address.
Disturbances were reported on Choate Street at 7:08 p.m. and Western Avenue at 7:46 p.m.
Ambulance transport was refused by an individual who fell at a Western Avenue address at 11:02 a.m. and a patient who suffered a diabetic episode at a Main Street address at 4:52 p.m.
4:23 p.m.: A motor vehicle crash on Lebaron Road was reported.
10:27 a.m.: A report was made after a police investigation was conducted at a John Wise Avenue address.
Saturday, March 30
7:07 p.m.: A report was made after a motor vehicle complaint at a Martin Street address.
9:04 a.m.: A welfare check was conducted at a Main Street address.
8:54 a.m.: Assistance was provided during a community policing call at a Shepard Memorial Drive address.
7:57 a.m.: After a report of a fall at a Southern Avenue address, a patient refused a medical ambulance transport.
MANCHESTER
Sunday March 31
Traffic stops were conducted at the intersection of the northbound lanes of Route 128 and School Street at 12:41 a.m. and 1:12 a.m., when written warnings were issued, and on the northbound lanes of Route 128 at 6:09 p.m. when a verbal warning was given.
12:13 a.m.: Suspicious activity at White Beach was reported.
Friday, March 29
2:54 p.m.: Community policing was provided at a Lincoln Street address.
Traffic stops were made on at the intersection of Route 128 and School Street at 1:59 a.m., when no action was taken, and on the northbound lanes of Route 128 at 2:40 p.m., when a verbal warning was issued.
Citizens were assisted on Central Street at 9:28 a.m. and 2:15 a.m.
1:59 a.m.: After a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Route 128 and School Street, no action was taken.
In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:
ROCKPORT
Monday, March 18
1:22 p.m.: The Fire Department was dispatched to a Pigeon Hill Street address to conduct an investigation after a report of smoke.
When it was determined the smoke was emanating from the Lanesville section of Gloucester, the Gloucester Fire Department was notified about the situation, said Rockport Fire Chief Mark Wonson.
Medical alarms were reported at addresses on Arens Road at 8:45 a.m. and Mt. Pleasant Street at 1:21 p.m. Both later proved to be false.
12:31 p.m.: A medical emergency ambulance transport was conducted from a Gap Head Road address.
MANCHESTER
Monday, March 18
5:58 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported at a Harold Street address.
5:28 p.m.: A report was made about an alleged fraud/scam at a Raymond Street address.
Lost and found property was reported on Central Street at 10 a.m. and 5:24 p.m.
Traffic stops were conducted at the intersection of Pine Street and Greenbrier Road at 11:34 a.m. and on Pine Street at 11:56 a.m. Both drivers were issued a written warning.
9:03 a.m.: A police investigation was conducted at a Lincoln Street address.
8:53 a.m.: An animal complaint was made at a Rockwood Heights Road address.
GLOUCESTER
Sunday, March 10
9:54 p.m.: A crash with property damage only in the vicinity of 51 Main St. resulted in the arrest of a 27-year-old Gloucester woman on charges of driving under the influence of liquor and using an electronic device while driving, first offense. The crash report said the driver of a 2022 Jeep called police to say she had struck a parked Toyota on Main Street while texting on her cell phone. Police arrived and were flagged down by the driver. The resident failed several field sobriety tests and a portable breath test showed she had a blood alcohol content above the legal limit of 0.08%, the report said. She was arrested and police had the vehicle towed. Her license was seized and she was issued a notice that her license was suspended. The driver was described as cooperative during the incident.
2:47 p.m.: Police took a report of prescription medication stolen from a Main Street residence.
1:37 p.m.: A caller reported two young girls vandalizing property in in Clark Cemetery on Centennial Avenue. The girls were picked up by their parents.
12:34 p.m.: A vehicle theft was reported on Taylor Street, along with at least three car breaks. While the officer was responding to the initial address, he was stopped by neighbors saying their cars had been broken into overnight, rummaged through, but nothing was missing from them. One woman told police when she came out in the morning to her vehicle in her driveway, she noticed her glove box had been rummaged through and she found items on the seat floor and floor mat, though nothing appeared missing. Another neighbor said his vehicle had been broken into and rummaged through overnight. The resident of Staten Street said when he came out in the morning, he noticed his passenger side door was cracked open, the glove box had been gone through and the visors were down. Nothing appeared missing and the car break was not caught on surveillance camera. Both said their vehicles had been unlocked overnight. Another woman on Taylor Street said she had parkedin her driveway around 8 p.m. and locked her car. She noted that there was a spare key fob in the center console, but its key was dead. Around 8 a.m., her brother contacted her thinking she was out because her vehicle was not in her driveway, the report said. When she came out to check, her vehicle was gone. Yet another neighbor told police his vehicle had been broken into and his glove box rummaged through. He told police his vehicle had been unlocked and nothing was missing. The stolen vehicle was entered into the National Crime Information Center database and police put out a broadcast to be on the lookout for the vehicle.
11:56 p.m.: A crash with property damage only was reported on Fuller Street.
11:31 a.m.: Police responded to a report of an assault at the Cape Ann YMCA on Gloucester Crossing Road. A caller reported being assaulted during a pickup game and punches were thrown. The case was under investigation and an officer was to review surveillance video at a later date.
10:16 a.m.: A city ordinance violation was reported on Thatcher Road. A caller reported a refrigerator had been left for the trash in front of the home with the door still attached — the violation .
8:50 a.m.: A caller to 911 told police he was trying to dock his boat at Gloucester Marine Railways but there appeared to be two people there engaged in drug activity inside a black sedan on the lot. Police were dispatched but were unable to locate the vehicle in question.
8:40 a.m.: A Mason Street resident reported damage to his front windshield and hood. Police found the windshield had been broken and multiple construction bricks were located on the ground around the vehicle. The resident said he did not have any suspects in mind. After further inspection, it appeared the neighbor’s chimney was damaged and missing several bricks. The night had been extremely windy and it appeared the chimney could have been damaged by the wind, the report said. Police spoke with the neighbor, who was understanding and spoke with the resident with the damaged vehicle and police said the pair would work to come up with a resolution.
TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed new standards for fire departments around safety. This 608-page first draft was discussed by local fire rescue squads at Hudson Valley Community College to educate each other on the potential changes.
Rick French representing North Greenbush explained that some proposed rules have already been covered by local departments such as smoke detectors in living quarters. “We’re trying to educate anybody that has a stake and help them to make informed comments on it.”
Fire officials worry how some updated health protections, such as replacing old or damaged equipment, will affect smaller departments. “It would impose significant financial equipment training restrictions, or requirements, on fire departments across the country,” stated Association Secretary for the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY), John D’Alessandro.
FASNY has been reporting a decrease in active firefighters for decades and worries these standards could make this issue worse. Former Cheif, Art Hunsinger, said one rule would even require resources for a new position.
“Tracking things that now they want on paper on a daily basis. You’d almost have to hire someone to do that full-time.”
The Rensselaer County Director of Public Safety said they have already given some feedback to OSHA and the group agrees some of their proposed guidance may be too strict. “Until this process is completely over and we see the actual completed standard, that’s when we’ll have to figure it out,” stated Jay Wilson.
Presenters expect OSHA’s new rules to be implementable in another two to five years. The public comment period is open until May 6, 2024.
In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:
GLOUCESTER
Friday, Feb. 23
9:11 p.m.: A Poplar Street resident reported a male called her with specific personal information, demanded money be sent via Cash App and threatened to show up and ambush the house. The caller believed it may be a friend playing a prank but was unsure. The caller was advised to lock her doors and call 911 if anyone shows up and to call back with any further information.
8:57 p.m.: Police planned to file a complaint against a 23-year-old Gloucester resident with two counts of assault and battery and threatening to commit a crime and breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony. This after dispatch reported an assault involving a man making threats of having a knife running away. Police spoke to a resident who said a man broke into the apartment. Another man said the person came in through the screen door and began to punch him. The attacker reportedly hit a woman sitting next to him on the couch. The person who was attacked said the man stated he was going to stab him. The victim was able to use his foot to create distance before the man fled. Those in the apartment said they did not need medical attention. The attacker was said to be wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, a blue mask, black pants and black shoes. Police searched for the man, who was known to those who were attacked, but were unable to find him.
4:18 p.m.: A Prospect Street resident told police he had returned to his apartment after 10 days away and saw blankets on his bed that did not belong to him, a package of Gambler cigarette filter tubes and bag labeled “APP Sampler” containing miscellaneous electronics that can be checked out of the library, the report said. The resident said his doors were locked when he left and when he returned. He said a Dell Laptop, a 10-inch Samsung tablet and a can of powdered Gatorade were stolen. Neighbors described two men who were seen in the building who might have broken into the apartment. Police planned to view surveillance footage to see if someone had entered the apartment during the resident’s absence. Police were not able to speak with the two men because they were believed to be homeless. A copy of the report was forwarded to detectives for follow up.
3:02 p.m.: A disturbance was reported on Burhan Street.
1:42 p.m.: Debris in the roadway was reported on Staten and Perkins streets.
11:11 a.m.: Police took a report of a larceny at Sheedy Park on Pleasant Street.
10:46 a.m.: Peace was restored after a report of stolen property on Pearl Street. A resident of the housing complex said that on Feb. 22 she was supposed to have a package with a knife set costing $89.99 and a blanket costing $49 delivered via FedEx, which told her the package had been delivered to the foyer. Police told her to contact the company from which she ordered the goods and submit a claim through FedEx.
10:05 a.m.: Officers responded to a report of an assault at the Subway restaurant on Railroad Avenue.
8 a.m.: Police responded to a parking complaint at City Hall on Dale Avenue.
3:32 a.m.: Police could not locate suspicious activity reported on Pleasant Street.
ROCKPORT
Friday, March 1
3:48 a.m.: Mini beat conducted on Main Street.
Building and area checks conducted throughout town throughout the morning.
Thursday, Feb. 29
Traffic stops were made on Mount Pleasant Street at 6:18 a.m., Granite Street at 9:58 a.m.. and Thatcher Road at 6:48 and 11:09 a.m. and 7:48 p.m.. Officers issued three written warnings and two verbal warnings.
5:52 p.m.: A person on Alpine Court was spoken to about a report received by police.
Medical emergencies: Individuals were taken to a hospital by ambulance from Jerden’s Lane at 11:41 a.m., Parker Street at 12:57 p.m., and Pigeon Hill Street at 5:33 p.m.
Assistance was given to other agencies by police on Main Street at 3:12 and 4:25 p.m.
Wellness checks: Calls were made by police to residents all over town at 9:47 a.m. and an officer visited Granite Street at 2:04 p.m.
Mini beats: Officers walked Main Street at 3:11 and 3:49 a.m.; Broadway at 7:02 a.m.; South Street and Jerden’s Lane at 7:11 a.m.; Curtis Street at 9:50 a.m.; Jerden’s Lane at 7:11, 8:51 and 11:14 a.m.; and Railroad Avenue and Main Street at 11:30 a.m.
Public Works notified of bad road conditions all over town at 12:08 and 2:36 a.m.
Wednesday, Feb.28
Mini beats were conducted on Main Street at 6:33 a.m., Jerden’s Lane at 7:10 and 8:41 a.m., Broadway at 6:21 p.m., Main Street and Railroad Avenue at 6:58 and 9:10 p.m., and Railroad Avenue at 11:10 p.m.
Traffic stops were conducted on School Street at 6:25 a.m., Thatcher Road at 6:56 a.m., T Wharf at 6:01 p.m., Broadway at 7:11 p.m., and Thatcher Road at South Street at 9:33 p.m. Officers issued verbal warnings to the five drivers.
7:03 p.m.: A person was taken to a hospital by ambulance from King Street.
Assistance was given to individuals on Greystone Lane at 8:10 a.m. and Main Street at 3:09 p.m.
1:51 p.m.: A party on Sandy Bay Terrace was spoken to about noise after a complaint was lodged.
10:24 a.m.: Police wellness check calls were to made to residents all over town.
9:34 a.m.: A driver was given a verbal warning for operating a vehicle erratically on Main Street.
In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:
ROCKPORT
Tuesday, Feb. 27
11:32 p.m.: A medical emergency ambulance transport was refused at a Marmion Way address.
Citizens were assisted on Story Street at 12:43 p.m. and at the intersection of Granite Street and Breakwater Avenue at 9:52 p.m.
5:48 p.m.: Lost and found property was reported at a Main Street address.
Traffic stops were conducted on Thatcher Road at 7:11 a.m., Broadway at 9:50 a.m., Mt. Pleasant Street at 6:41 and 10:43 a.m., Cleaves Street at 11:15 a.m., Granite Street at 1:17 p.m. and Dock Square at 1:45 p.m. Officers issued four verbal warnings, two written warnings and a civil infraction.
12:03 a.m.: After a medical alarm was reported, services were rendered at a Millbrook Park address.
Monday, Feb. 26
Medical emergencies: Individuals were taken by ambulance to a hospital from Main Street at 6:27 p.m. and Lattof Farm Circle at 9:05 p.m.
4:50 p.m.: A report was made about alleged larceny/forgery/fraud at a Smith Road address.
Traffic stops were conducted on Broadway at 6:25 a.m., Mt. Pleasant St. at 2:05 p.m., and Thatcher Road at 2:27 p.m. Officers issued a verbal warning and two written warnings, respectively.
10:08 a.m.: A police wellness check was conducted at a Main Street address.
10:01 a.m.: An individual was assisted on Phillips Avenue.
9:27 a.m.: The Fire Department was dispatched to a Granite Street address for a chimney fire. The fire was extinguished within minutes after firefighters arrived on the scene.
6:52 a.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Broadway, a verbal warning was issued.
Sunday, Feb. 25
5:45 p.m.: A report was made about lost and found property at a Granite Street address.
2:10 p.m.: After a report of an odor at a Thatcher Road address, the Fire Department was dispatched.
8:43 a.m.: A fire alarm was reported at a Marmion Way address. It later was determined to be a false alarm.
7:12 a.m.: After an alarm was reported, the Fire Department provided assistance at a Main Street address.
ESSEX
Tuesday, Feb. 27
Animal complaints were lodged on Apple Street at 11:26 a.m. and Haskell Court at 4:52 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 26
11:58 p.m.: A noise complaint was made at a Grove Street address.
11:33 p.m.: A welfare check was conducted at Belcher Street address.
8:04 p.m.: A utility request was made at an Essex Reach Road address.
Citizens were assisted on John Wise Avenue at 11:38 a.m. and 3:41, 4:35 and 4:46 p.m.
2:49 p.m.: Police conducted a community policing call at a Story Street address.
12:38 p.m.: A police investigation was conducted at a John Wise Avenue address.
12:17 p.m.: A traffic hazard was reported on John Wise Avenue.
Sunday, Feb. 25
9:46 p.m.: A medical ambulance transport was conducted at a Lebaron Road address.
4:20 p.m.: A person was reported missing from a Lufkin Street address.
3:20 p.m.: A report of a fire at a Southern Avenue address later proved to be a false alarm.
2:44 p.m.: Erratic operation of a motor vehicle on John Wise Avenue was reported.
12:47 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported on John Wise Avenue.
MANCHESTER
Tuesday, Feb. 27
11:13 p.m.: A welfare check was conducted at an Old Essex Road address.
6:51 p.m.: The Fire Department was dispatched to a Proctor Street address.
2:50 p.m.: A disabled motor vehicle was reported at the intersection of Route 128 and School Street.
1:51 p.m.: A traffic hazard was reported near the intersection of Route 128 and School Street.
Monday, Feb. 26
9:38 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported on Filias Circle.
Complaints were lodged about animals on Alpine Road at 2:23 p.m., Raymond Street at 5:03 p.m., Beach Street at 6:13 p.m. and at White Beach at 6:25 p.m.
Lost and found property reported on Central Street at 5:24 and 5:45 p.m.
Verbal warnings were given to drivers during traffic stops at the intersection of School and Vine Streets at 11:21 a.m., at the intersection of Lincoln and Vine Streets at 11:35 a.m., on Summer Street at 12:32 p.m. and on Beach Street at 5:13 p.m.
12:44 a.m.: A welfare check was made at a Summer Street address.
Sunday, Feb. 25
8:16 p.m.: Officers participated in a community policing event.
12:44 p.m.: Police provided assistant to a citizen on Summer Street.
Friday, Feb. 23
3:10 p.m.: A complaint was made about an animal on Beach Street.
10:26 a.m.: Police assisted a citizen on Central Street.
A burst hydrogen peroxide line at the Chiquita Canyon landfill injured one person Friday evening, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
It wasn’t immediately clear if there was any resulting damage at the Castaic facility, but hazardous-material teams from the Fire Department were continuing to clean up as of shortly before 10 p.m., according to agency spokesperson Craig Little.
Firefighters initially responded to reports of an explosion at the landfill at 7 p.m. Friday, but Little said it was soon determined there was no explosion or fire. The issue was a mechanical failure of a small high-pressure hose during normal operations.
One landfill employee was taken to a hospital after the hose burst, Little said, but the extent of that person’s injuries were unknown.
He said no one else was injured in the incident.
Little said the burst hose didn’t appear to be related to any cleanup for a fire burning inside the landfill.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday ordered Chiquita Canyon to take immediate steps to protect the environment and human health, saying the smoldering facility poses an imminent danger to nearby communities due to hazardous liquid waste and noxious odors.
Scorching temperatures within the dump have increased and expanded since as early as May 2022, when a heat-generating chemical reaction is estimated to have started deep in the landfill. The reaction has caused pressure to build within the 639-acre facility at times, forcing contaminated, piping-hot water to burst onto the surface.
Federal environmental regulators have said this polluted water has contained cancer-causing benzene above federal standards. Officials and residents have also raised concerns that toxic fumes are drifting from the landfill to nearby communities and that polluted water has been discharged into nearby waterways.
Waste Connections Inc., the landfill operator, is trying to slow and eventually stop the chemical reaction by removing excess gases and liquid, according to landfill officials.
L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents communities surrounding Chiquita Canyon, said continued incidents at the landfill like Friday’s “clearly signal that a major change in management and leadership is needed immediately.”
“I have lost faith that the ongoing issues with the landfill will ever be resolved unless those long overdue changes are made,” she said in a statement.
Sunshine Canyon in Sylmar, the only landfill larger than Chiquita Canyon in L.A. County, is dealing with a different environmental crisis: Water intrusion has fueled bacteria growth. The situation has brought months of putrid odors to surrounding communities.
This is a developing story. Times staff writer Tony Briscoe contributed to this report.
An Amazon delivery truck was hanging delicately in the “soft soil” of a hill, threatening to fall on a home below, as firefighters worked to secure the vehicle Monday night, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Around 8 p.m. Monday, amid Southern California’s continuing stormy weather, the truck became “precariously perched” on West Rose Hill Drive, just upslope from Huntington Drive, in the Northeast Los Angeles neighborhood of Montecito Heights, officials said.
Video from KTLA-TV showed the Fire Department working to secure the delivery truck in place so it would not fall on a home below. According to the news outlet, the department planned to tow the truck Tuesday morning.
Video taken from above shows packages still lying in the truck.
It was not immediately clear how the truck became stuck on the hill. No injuries were reported.
The outlet reports that the fire was sparked early Saturday morning. Around 7:30 a.m., the Houston Fire Department took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to notify the public about the incident.
At the time, the department informed the public that the fire resulted in two casualties.
“@HoustonFire is on scene at 218 Heaney performing extinguishment efforts after receiving reports of a house on fire. Unfortunately, two civilian fatalities were reported. No FF injuries reported. Please avoid the area due to heavy emergency traffic. @FireChiefofHFD,” the tweet reads.
@HoustonFire is on scene at 218 Heaney performing extinguishment efforts after receiving reports of a house on fire. Unfortunately, two civilian fatalities were reported. No FF injuries reported. Please avoid the area due to heavy emergency traffic. @FireChiefofHFD
Later that morning, Houston Mayor John Whitmire took to Facebook to share more information about the casualties. Whitmire revealed that a mother had rescued two of her children from the fire. However, she passed away while trying to save her infant son.
“ Please extend a prayer today for a local family. The mother rescued two of her children from a house fire but died while trying to save her baby boy. We are working to make sure this family has the support they need in their time of grief. I thank our first responders for their work assisting with the investigation,” the Mayor wrote.
Furthermore, Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña confirmed the mayor’s report with additional sentiments and photos shared via X.
“House fire resulted in tragic death of young mother & infant son as she reentered the home in attempt to rescue her child from the flames Our prayers & condolences to the family…@HoustonFire… crew reported heavy fire conditions on arrival. Cause&Origin investigation is ongoing,” he wrote.
House fire resulted in tragic death of young mother & infant son as she reentered the home in attempt to rescue her child from the flames
According to ABC 13 Houston, the mother who passed away in the fire has been identified as 31-year-old Giovanna Cabrera. Additionally, her infant son has been identified as 1-year-old Gabriel.
The outlet adds that the siblings saved from the fire are nine and six years old.
“She tried her best to get out,” Cabrera’s sister reportedly told the outlet. “My sister was a hero because she took them out, and nothing happened to them.”
KHOU reports that a neighbor, Savannah Hernandez, heard the eldest siblings crying for help after escaping the fire.
“I heard banging on the door and kids crying for help,” she reportedly explained. “They are little kids, and you just never know what could happen. They were barefooted.”
Chief Samuel Peña has since informed the public of his recommendation when experiencing a house fire.
“This is tragic,” he reportedly said. “And again, the recommendation once you’re outside, stay outside. How do you tell that to a mother whose child is inside the home?”
What Will Happen To The Family Moving Forward?
According to KHOU, authorities believe the fire was sparked “somewhere in a wall.” Then, it quickly engulfed the home.
Since the incident, a GoFundMe campaign has been created in memory of Giovanna and Gabriel. As of Monday, February 5, the campaign has raised over $23,000 out of a $35,000 goal.
The funds will reportedly be used to assist Cabrera’s surviving children and parents.
According to PEOPLE, the siblings are now living with their father.
A security guard sits at Houston Street and Eighth Street on Jan. 13, 2024, after Houston Street was opened following cleanup from the explosion in the Sandman Signature Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas. Twenty-one people were injured in the explosion.
Bob Booth
Special to the Star-Telegram
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Full Coverage: Fort Worth Hotel Explosion
Find the latest stories on the Sandman hotel explosion in downtown Fort Worth.
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The Fort Worth Fire Department has stepped back from leading the investigation into the Jan. 8 explosion at the Sandman Signature Hotel and turned control of the property over to the hotel’s owner, Northland Properties, officials said.
The fire department investigated the criminal and public safety aspects of the explosion on behalf of the city. The initial investigation “revealed no indication of a criminal nexus or a recurring public safety concern,” fire officials said in a letter Wednesday to interested parties including the defendants and plaintiffs in lawsuits related to the explosion.
Fort Worth Fire Department spokesperson Craig Trojacek told the Star-Telegram on Saturday that the department’s investigation isn’t complete. It’s stepping back so other parties can conduct investigations needed for the multiple civil lawsuits connected with the explosion, which authorities have said was linked to a natural gas leak believed to have started in or near the basement.
“It’s going to be a collaborative effort,” Trojacek said of the ongoing investigation.
“Investigators with the Fort Worth Fire Department Arson and Bomb Division will continue monitoring the progress of the investigation, including all site examinations, as an interested party,” the letter says.
The investigation into the exact origin and cause of the blast is expected to be complicated and lengthy. If at any point anything is uncovered to indicate the explosion was caused by or involved “criminal intent,” the fire department will take the investigation back over, according to Trojacek.
The fire department’s letter states that the other parties should coordinate their investigations and reach agreements on issues including access to the site and handling of evidence, “affording an opportunity for all to investigate the incident and to protect their respective interests.”
On Thursday, Northland Properties filed a court document indicating the hotel owner has reached an agreement with natural gas supplier Atmos in regard to preserving evidence at the scene of the explosion. The Rule 11 agreement has been filed in every lawsuit in which Northland and Atmos are parties, including a suit in which Atmos has sought to place the blame on the hotel owner.
The document states that Northland and Atmos anticipate working with other parties, including the attorneys for injured employees and guests who are suing, to agree on plans for a joint investigation.
According to the terms of the Rule 11 agreement, Northland won’t take any action or permit any entity under its control to do anything “that would alter, modify, or destroy any condition or item currently existing in the basement area of the building” without giving Atmos written notice three business days in advance.
Atmos agreed not to take any action to “alter, modify, or destroy” the gas line “that runs along 8th Street between Houston and Throckmorton Streets and the supply line branching off that line to supply gas to the Hotel” without providing Northland with written notice three business days in advance.
Atmos representatives can participate in investigations of the hotel’s first floor and basement conducted by Northland or “any representative or expert for any other party in the lawsuits in which this Rule 11 Agreement is filed.”
Atmos won’t be allowed to access the hotel except for the reasons mentioned in the agreement, written permission by Northland or by court order.
Northland representatives can participate in Atmos’ investigation of its hotel gas supply line.
The final stipulation of the agreement is that “Atmos Energy shall withdraw or nonsuit its currently pending request for injunctive relief in this case,” according to the document.
Atmos Energy wrapped up its initial investigation into the explosion on Jan. 12 and said it found no evidence that its lines or equipment caused the blast. In spite of those findings, Atmos has been named as a defendant in at least nine lawsuits filed on behalf of 33 plaintiffs. The hotel owners’ insurance company has also made several claims against Atmos related to the explosion, according to the lawsuit Atmos filed against Northland.
According to Atmos, someone at the Sandman hotel called the gas company to report a leak about 11 minutes before the blast. The Atmos representative told the caller to evacuate the building, but there’s no evidence the hotel staff tried to follow those instructions, the company’s lawsuit against Northland Properties states. Atmos argues that the leak originated inside the building, for which the property owner is responsible.
The lawsuit filed in Tarrant County asked the court to declare that Atmos holds no liability for the explosion. As part of the agreement, Atmos withdrew its request for the court to stop the fire department from releasing control of the scene to Northland.
In another one of the lawsuits, a Dallas County judge on Jan. 12 signed a temporary restraining order preventing cleanup of debris at the Sandman Signature Hotel to preserve evidence due to a lawsuit from José Mira, an employee of the basement-level Musume restaurant who was injured in the explosion.
The restraining order was originally granted for one week, but was later extended. It expired on Friday.
Related stories from Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Harriet Ramos covers crime and other breaking news for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Two people jumped from a sixth-floor apartment in a bid to save themselves from the smoke and flames that consumed a Brooklyn residential building on Monday, according to FDNY officials.
The fire ignited in the Rockaway Parkway apartment building near Winthrop St. in Brownsville around 2 p.m., sending more than 60 firefighters and paramedics rushing to the scene, FDNY Department Chief Jim Carney told reporters at the scene.
Four people were rushed to the Hospital after some or all of them jumped from a sixth floor window to the sidewalk below after a fire broke out inside their apartment at 165 Rockaway Parkway in Brooklyn on Monday August 14, 2023. (Theodore Parisienne/for New York Daily News)
Rescuers arrived to find two occupants of the burning unit had braved the more than 50-foot plunge from the apartment’s sixth-floor window to the street moments before they arrived, and paramedics immediately began treating both victims. They were rushed to area hospitals in critical condition, Carney said.
Smoke-eaters managed to keep the fire contained to the apartment where it ignited and paramedics treated two other occupants, including one who was rushed to a hospital in critical condition, according to the chief.
The fourth survivor did not require additional treatment, Carney said.
A fence is pictured broken after a fire in an apartment building on Rockaway Parkway in Brooklyn on Monday. (Theodore Parisienne/for New York Daily News)
He noted that firefighters arrived on the scene five minutes after the initial 911 call was processed, and stated that the two jumpers may have escaped the blaze with milder injuries if they had waited for rescue.
“They took it into their own hands,” said Carney. “It would have been better probably if they did not do that, but … they got out.”
Four people were rushed to the Hospital after some or all of them jumped from a sixth floor window to the sidewalk below after a fire broke out inside their apartment at 165 Rockaway Parkway in Brooklyn on Monday August 14, 2023. (Theodore Parisienne/for New York Daily News)
The intensity of Monday’s fire raised suspicions among firefighters, according to Carney, though details were not immediately provided.
The fire marshal will investigate and determine the cause of the blaze, Carney said.
On Thursday, a massive fire broke out at Bhagirath Palace electronic market in Old Delhi. According to the officials, about 40 fire tenders were present on the spot as firefighting operation was underway.
“The situation is not very good as of now. 40 fire tenders are present at the spot. The fire will be brought under control by morning. No casualties have been reported so far. A major part of the building has been damaged,” Atul Garg, Delhi Fire Service Director, said on Thursday.
The situation is not very good as of now. 40 fire tenders are present at the spot. The fire will be brought under control by morning. No casualties have been reported so far. A major part of the building has been damaged: Atul Garg, Delhi Fire Service Director https://t.co/BcU4Qd9wUTpic.twitter.com/yroJhxLzo6
Former Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said, “Efforts are being put in to douse the fire. Fire officials and Police are at the site. Fire has not been brought under control so far. Two floors have been damaged. No casualty has been reported. The reason for the fire is not known yet.”
According to the fire department, a call about the blaze was received at 9.19 pm and 30 fire tenders were pressed into action.
Preliminary inquiry has suggested that the fire started at a shop and spread to adjacent shops in the market.
A federal jury finds City of New York recklessly failed to pay FDNY EMTs and paramedics pre-shift and post-shift overtime pay
Press Release –
updated: Oct 28, 2019
NEW YORK, October 28, 2019 (Newswire.com)
– A federal jury returned a unanimous verdict in favor of the plaintiffs, 2,519 EMTs and Paramedics employed by the City of New York, in an action brought pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Following the close of evidence, the jury unanimously found that the City suffered or permitted EMTs and Paramedics to work before and after their shifts without paying them and that the City’s failure to do so was done in reckless disregard of the law. Oren Barzilay, the President of AFSCME Local 2507, Uniformed EMTs, Paramedics & Fire Inspectors, remarked: “After deliberating for less than two hours, the jury returned a verdict telling the City it must pay its first responders for the work they perform before and after their scheduled shifts – all of which is captured in CityTime. The jury did justice.”
The law firm of McGillivary Steele Elkin LLP represented the plaintiffs in a three-week trial in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York before the Honorable Judge Vernon S. Broderick. The plaintiffs demonstrated through the testimony of numerous EMTs and Paramedics, and FDNY Supervisors, that they began working at the EMS stations up to 15 minutes prior to the start of their shifts when they, among other things, prepared their medical and protective equipment to ensure that they were ready and able to put their ambulances in service as quickly as possible. The jury further found that the plaintiffs worked after the end of their shift, for up to 15 minutes, exchanging vital medical equipment and information with the next tour of EMTs and Paramedics and safely storing any other personal medical or protective equipment they had used during their shift.
In addition, the jury found that because the EMTs and Paramedics performed these activities while scanned into the City’s electronic timekeeping system, CityTime, the backpay damages could be computed directly from the number of minutes that the City had recorded, but not paid.
Finally, the jury further found that in failing to pay the EMTs and Paramedics for this work, the City of New York willfully violated the law, entitling the EMTs and Paramedics to full recovery under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Following the verdict, Molly Elkin, the plaintiffs’ lead trial counsel, said: “Unlike the City, the jury had the backs of the FDNY EMTs and Paramedics. The EMTs and Paramedics answer thousands of calls every day, risking their lives. They should not be working for free.” Although the precise amount owed will be determined at a later date, the backpay alone for the work performed by the plaintiff EMTs and Paramedics will be in the millions.
Chaz Perry, et al. v. City of New York and New York Fire Department, Case No. 1:13-cv-01015 (SDNY)
Sam Barnes of New Zealand presents $1,000.00, with an ongoing yearly commitment from a portion of the proceeds of his company to be awarded in support of this cause.
Press Release –
updated: Sep 4, 2019
AUCKLAND, New Zealand, September 4, 2019 (Newswire.com)
– According to the Burn Support Group Charitable Trust, Inc., burn survivors can be faced with many losses – their usual physical appearance, sometimes their home, income, and perhaps they are also grieving the loss of a family member or colleague involved in a fire.
A multiple grief situation is not uncommon. This is often experienced whilst also enduring a long hospitalization period.
The multiple emotions felt by burn survivors and the need for care on many levels was the reason that founder Delwyn Tait felt there was a very real need to not only augment hospital care for burns survivors but also, particularly, support survivors and their families throughout the rehabilitative phase of a burn injury.
Their mission is noble and New Zealand Authorized Distributor of OmniShield Brand products, Sam Barnes, decided to join up and help make a difference. “It’s what OmniShield is all about. Protecting the world … one family at a time. Our local company represents the product because we know it’s the finest solution for home safety in the world,” said Sam. “This group touched both my wife and I, so it just made sense to team up and share.”
Chris Roberts, President of the OmniShield Brand and GHS Companies added, “When Sam called us, we knew it was a great idea. We’re already supporters of the Phoenix Society of Burn Survivors in the United States, and we knew this organization had ties. We felt confident the money would be used appropriately. As a global supplier, we’re proud of the job Sam is doing. He and his wife, Victoria, have been doing an excellent job of introducing our technology to the families of New Zealand.”
For more information on OmniShield, visit www.homesafenetwork.com
The President’s Award is sponsored by OmniShield and presented by the National Association of State Fire Marshals. The 2019 Award was given to Paul D. Martin, Deputy State Fire Administrator for the New York State Fire Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services in Annapolis, MD.
Press Release –
updated: Aug 1, 2019
ANNAPOLIS, Md., August 1, 2019 (Newswire.com)
– Omnishield, a Home Safe Network and the sponsor of The National Association of Fire Marshals President’s Award joined with NASFM to announce the 2019 Recipient during the opening ceremonies of their annual conference. This year’s recipient is Paul D. Martin, Deputy State Fire Administrator for the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Chief Martin has served the state of New York for 29 years and has also served as the President of The Center for Campus Fire Safety. “I am honored and thankful that this organization has allowed me to be a part of it over the years,” said Deputy Martin in his humble acceptance speech. He thanked NASFM and the sponsor and was visibly moved by the recognition of a job well done.
The National Association of State Fire Marshals gathered in Annapolis, Maryland on July 22-25, 2019 at the Westin Hotel for the conference. Individual membership in NASFM is reserved primarily for State Fire Marshals or the equivalent position in a state and their top deputies. These are the individuals for whom NASFM carries out its mission of protecting life, property and the environment from fire and related hazards.
“In addition to our philanthropic giving to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, The Phoenix Society, The Shriners Hospitals and many of the fire service organizations, we’re honored to continue our long-standing support of NASFM and their President’s Award. NASFM’s leadership selects the winner from their ranks, giving credit where credit is due. They inform us of the recipient, and we customize the award. We are extremely proud to assist and allow NASFM to recognize their leaders,” said Chris Roberts, President of GHS and the OmniShield Brand.
For more information about the NASFM President’s Award or OmniShield contact Chris Roberts at croberts@ghscompanies.com or send inquiries via www.homesafenetwork.com.
MINOT, N.D., June 4, 2019 (Newswire.com)
– MacQueen Emergency, a Pierce fire apparatus dealer, recently opened a new service facility in Minot, North Dakota, to meet the growing needs of new and existing customers. The facility, MacQueen’s fifth in the Midwest, strengthens MacQueen’s local service and support of customers in the region.
The facility, located at 7195 19th Ave NW, Burlington, ND 58722, will provide fire departments with a complete service offering including body, pump and electrical system repairs, maintenance, pump testing and more. The lead technician will be Karter Lesmann. Karter is well known among North Dakota fire departments for his reliable service capabilities and currently serves as the chief of Burlington Fire Department.
“I’m excited to be a part of the MacQueen team and to continue to support the fire service in North Dakota. Having a local service center, combined with dealer support that MacQueen offers, is something this region has been missing,” says Karter.
In addition to service, MacQueen is the authorized Pierce Manufacturing Inc. dealer in North Dakota. Scott Berge, firefighter at West Fargo Fire Department, is the local experienced sales representative for the area.
MacQueen offers a wide range of heavy equipment to the North Dakota region, including a TRUVAC hydro excavation rental fleet. The new location will serve as a regional service center for this fleet in the oil, gas and utility markets.
The combination of service offerings will add great value to the North Dakota region. MacQueen plans to continue adding experienced technicians and sales staff to meet the current and future needs of its customers.
About MacQueen Group
The MacQueen Group offers a mix of municipal, fire and safe dig equipment including street sweepers, sewer cleaners, refuse trucks, snow removal equipment, fire trucks and vacuum excavators. MacQueen has seven locations in the Upper Midwest with its headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota. In addition to sales, Macqueen offers quality support by offering a large parts inventory, local service centers, mobile service capabilities and specialized operator training.
Contact: Allie Keller – Director of Marketing Phone: 651-523-1139 Email: allie.keller@macqueengroup.com
COPPELL, Texas, May 6, 2019 (Newswire.com)
– Hundreds of leaders from the international fire service gathered for the CRR Leadership Conference in Reno, NV. The Community Risk Reduction Leadership seminars were designed to educate fire and safety leadership on demonstrating the need for CRR programs, educating the benefits of implementing a program and training leadership to conduct analysis and develop and implement CRR in their departments.
Chris Roberts, President of GHS Companies and Brands stated, “As a brand, OmniShield is known for being the Rolls Royce of early warning residential fire protection. No other home network provides the features and benefits of our product. Because we understand upgrading our safety requires effort and expense, we’re always proud to assist the fire service and their leadership in their mission to improve. This conference is especially gratifying because of the alignment with our brand’s noble mission. The impact made by a conference like this is unquantifiable for the lives and property saved. Let’s face it, when it comes to protecting our communities, our families and our lives, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
OmniShield was proud to sponsor “The Role of Home Fire Sprinklers in CRR.” This session was led by Lorraine Carli, Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy, NFPA. If you have a home fire today, you are more likely to die than you were in 1980. Home fires burn fast. In less than two minutes a fire can become deadly. The way homes are built today and the contents in them are creating dangerous fire scenarios for occupants and first responders. Polyurethane foam-filled furniture and other synthetic objects such as carpet and electronics burn fast and produce billowing, poisonous smoke. Unprotected lightweight materials, such as engineered floor systems, along with open construction designs fail sooner in a fire compared to older dimensional lumber systems. Airtight construction and energy-conserving building materials such as double glazed (vinyl) windows, synthetic insulation materials and foam sheathing can make for faster-spreading fires. Home fire sprinklers, in conjunction with early warning alarms, are the proven technology that can prevent a fire from becoming deadly and are a critical component of a community risk reduction program.
Gail Minger, President of the Michael H. Minger Foundation, provided an inspirational keynote address, sharing some of the significant work of the Michael H. Minger Foundation and the challenges of changing the culture about the reality and devastation of fire. The Foundation works closely with programs that deal with access and functional needs in our campus communities and raises awareness of how to better serve this demographic.
In addition, the OmniShield team attended sessions pertaining to the future requirements for new “smart” smoke alarms. UL collaborated with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop the first Standard on smoke alarms (UL 217) which was first published in 1976. Participants learned how research has enhanced technology that can recognize different fire and smoke characteristics created by changes in home design, building techniques and modern furnishings and how this new technology will be incorporated in new smoke alarms that are expected to be in the market place no later than 2020.
Media Contact: Chris Roberts Phone: 972-393-5500 Email: croberts@ghscompanies.com
DALLAS, October 5, 2018 (Newswire.com)
– Hailey Adair, of Ohio, is a recipient of the Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund 2018 Scholarship. Hailey’s mother, Charlotte Adair, was a firefighter for the Richfield Township Fire Department who lost her life in the line of duty. Faced with adversity in such a crucial time of her life, Hailey has been able to pick herself up and continue to succeed in both academics and athletics. Hailey’s mother would be proud of the young lady Hailey has become. Every year since 2000, the makers of OmniShield Home Safe Network have donated as a Partner Program of the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation in Emmitsburg, MD. The money is donated from proceeds of the sales of OmniShield Home Safe Networks.
“Our global network of authorized dealers have been committed to this cause for 18 years. We became a Partner Program as soon as we decided to pursue this endeavor because we wanted to ensure we were giving to those most deserving individuals,” states Chris Roberts, President of the OmniShield Brand. “We’ve provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships, donations and funding to the fire service and the children and spouses of our Nation’s heroes,” he continued. For more information or an application, visit the Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund website at www.fallenheroes.org or contact the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation.
Faced with adversity in such a crucial time of her life, Hailey has been able to pick herself up and continue to succeed in both academics and athletics. Hailey’s mother would be proud of the young lady Hailey has become.
Chris Roberts, President, OmniShield Brand
Pictured with Hailey are Ohio Distributors, Doug Mauch and Jason & Tara Wolbers
DALLAS, October 5, 2018 (Newswire.com)
– Meaghan Austin, of Pennsylvania, is a recipient of the Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund 2018 Scholarship. Meaghan’s Step-Father, Keith Rankin, lost his life in the line of duty while serving the Lancaster Township Volunteer Fire Department. Meaghan is a responsible young lady that exhibits humor, leadership, and commitment. Meaghan is always willing to lend a hand to others. Meaghan honors her stepfather through humor and by embracing life with passion. Meaghan’s stepfather would be proud of the young lady that she has become.
Every year since 2000, the makers of OmniShield Home Safe Network have donated as a Partner Program of the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation in Emmitsburg, MD. The money is donated from proceeds of the sales of OmniShield Home Safe Networks.
Meaghan’s Step-Father, Keith Rankin, lost his life in the line of duty while serving the Lancaster Township Volunteer Fire Department.
Chris Roberts, President, OmniShield Brand
“Our global network of authorized dealers have been committed to this cause for 18 years. We became a Partner Program as soon as we decided to pursue this endeavor because we wanted to ensure we were giving to those most deserving individuals,” states Chris Roberts, President of the OmniShield Brand. “We’ve provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships, donations and funding to the fire service and the children and spouses of our Nation’s heroes,” he continued. For more information or an application, visit the Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund website at www.fallenheroes.org or contact the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation.
Pictured with Meaghan is Pennsylvania Distributor, Tim Hollinger, and Lancaster Township Assistant Fire Chief Glenn Usdin.
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