*The Heights Hoseline* - News and Updates from the WHVFC
Merry Christmas To All, and To All a Goodnight! - 12/25/2016
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us here at the WHVFC. Have a safe Holiday Season!
Small Quake Rocks Lakes Region, No Injuries - 12/23/2016
BELKNAP COUNTY — A small earthquake was detected Thursday morning along Lake Winnipesaukee, federal officials have confirmed.
The 1.7-magnitude quake was about five miles northwest of the lake, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). It was less than a mile from what’s known as Loon Cove. The quake occurred at 1:41 a.m. and was registered at a depth of 4.2 miles according to the USGS. Earthquakes of less than 2.5 magnitude are generally not regarded as significant enough to lead to destruction of property, but they can be felt by residents. The USGS website contained no listings of residents who reported that they had felt the tremor. The link to the USGS report on this earthquake is at: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us10007m4e#origin |
Engine 11 Takes In Serious Mutual Aid Fire - 12/22/2016
Late Thursday Evening, Engine 11-12, staffed by the live-ins, responded mutual aid to the neighboring town New Preston for a reported structure fire with entrapment. This fire brought in help from numerous surrounding towns and resulted with two fatalities. For the full story, please visit our incidents page!
Brutally Cold Temps Make Their Way Into NH - 12/16/2016
Brutally cold temperatures and a sub-zero wind chill made for crippling conditions Friday across New Hampshire.
Frigid wind chills ranged from 20 to 35 below zero in the morning as winds gusted over 30 mph at times. Wind chill warnings and advisories were posted for most of the state through Friday morning, but were dropped by afternoon. Stay Warm out there folks! Stay inside and avoid heading out into the cold unless absolutley necesary. Keep bundled up if you have to venture out, frostbite can onset very quickly. |
Winter Weather Warning for New Hampshire! - 12/11/2016
BELKNAP COUNTY — The National Weather Service has issued both “winter storm watch” and “hazardous weather outlook” notices for New Hampshire this morning warning residents that up to 8 inches of snow is coming to the state tonight and tomorrow. The alerts were issued on Dec. 11, 2016, and cover the entire state, including Hillsborough, Merrimack, and Rockingham counties.
No cancellations or delays have been announced for local schools in Patch communities. UNH in Durham has announced at 10 a.m. delayed opening for Monday. Expect hazardous types of snowfall including possibly heavy snow late tonight and into Monday morning with accumulations ranging from the single digits along the Seacoast to half a foot or more inland. |
Happy Thanksgiving from the WHVFC! - 11/24/2016
Wishing you a safe and happy holiday! Enjoy your Thanksgiving bird!
CFR Welcomes Long Anticipated Heavy Rescue - 11/22/2016
Tonight firefighters on the apparatus committee over at Washington Heights Crash-Fire-Rescue accepted delivery of the long anticipated Heavy Rescue from Pierce Manufacturing in Wisconsin. The new rig features a walk through rescue box, 20KW Onan generator, Command light tower, a Detroit Diesel DD16 motor, Whelen emergency and scene lighting, a TNT extrication tool setup, as well as on on board compressor. This apparatus will run as Rescue 1-12 out of Station 1 at the airport. Good luck with the new Rescue guys!
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History of Squad Concept in the WHVFC - 11/18/2016
The squad company of the Washington Heights Volunteer Fire Company was born in 1984 when an old Engine was re-equipped and repurposed to run as a rescue engine. The original rig carried rescue tools for car accidents and equipment to start a rope rescue and water rescue.
At the time, the city only had one heavy rescue quartered downtown at Headquarters. "Squad 1-12 was running out of Station 2 on the opposite side of town. Two rigs had been ordered from S&S on Ford C cab and chassis for use by the newly formed squad company. and in 1985, the city accepted the two new rigs from S&S.
The two rigs were lettered as Squad 1-12 and Squad 1-12A, similar to the Chicago Fire Department's Squad Concept. Squad 1-12 was a box style rescue truck, while Squad 1-12A was a 55FT Snorkel. These two rigs ran side by side to many rescue calls until the department opted to return to a rescue engine style squad in 2011.
These two rigs still serve the department out of their original firehouse as Air/Light 1-12 and Special Service Unit 1-12. More information on these repurposed units can be found in the apparatus section.
At the time, the city only had one heavy rescue quartered downtown at Headquarters. "Squad 1-12 was running out of Station 2 on the opposite side of town. Two rigs had been ordered from S&S on Ford C cab and chassis for use by the newly formed squad company. and in 1985, the city accepted the two new rigs from S&S.
The two rigs were lettered as Squad 1-12 and Squad 1-12A, similar to the Chicago Fire Department's Squad Concept. Squad 1-12 was a box style rescue truck, while Squad 1-12A was a 55FT Snorkel. These two rigs ran side by side to many rescue calls until the department opted to return to a rescue engine style squad in 2011.
These two rigs still serve the department out of their original firehouse as Air/Light 1-12 and Special Service Unit 1-12. More information on these repurposed units can be found in the apparatus section.
Crash-Fire-Rescue Paramedics Deliver Baby Boy - 11/09/2016
During the overnight hours, Medic Engine 1-12, Fox II, and Battalion 5 were alerted for an aircraft requesting an emergency landing for a passenger in labor. Units arrived to find an imminent delivery, so crews prepared to deliver the child.
We would like to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence on the birth of their healthy baby boy, Zachary! |
Firefighters Help Fight Breast Cancer - 09/23/2016
The Washington Heights Volunteer Fire Company is selling t-shirts in honor of breast cancer awareness month. The money raised from the shirts will be donated to the New Hampshire Breast Cancer Coalition, which provides financial support to those battling the disease in New Hampshire.
Over the years, the Washington Heights Volunteer Fire Company has donated more than $50,000 to this organizations and say this is their way to help the community outside of putting out those fires.
“Basically the foundation of what the fire department does is help those that need help,” said Heights Fire Chief John Morris. “So this is just one way we can do it when there’s not a fire and there’s not something or emergency going on, but a lot of people still have issues everyday. So it’s important for us to try to help with this.”
T-shirts can be purchased at Fire Company 1 (Department HQ), near the Downtown Square.
Over the years, the Washington Heights Volunteer Fire Company has donated more than $50,000 to this organizations and say this is their way to help the community outside of putting out those fires.
“Basically the foundation of what the fire department does is help those that need help,” said Heights Fire Chief John Morris. “So this is just one way we can do it when there’s not a fire and there’s not something or emergency going on, but a lot of people still have issues everyday. So it’s important for us to try to help with this.”
T-shirts can be purchased at Fire Company 1 (Department HQ), near the Downtown Square.
Happy First Day of Fall from the WHVFC!! - 09/22/2016
The WHVFC Welcomes New Mutual Aid Partners - 08/27/2016
This morning chief officers from both the Washington Heights Volunteer Fire Company and Brick Borough Area United Fire and Rescue met to discuss and layout a new mutual aid contact. This plan and system of pre-planning resources allows for a faster response of units during times of need and major emergencies, working to better the citizens and visitors of our city. In return, Washington Heights is agreeing to send Brick Borough apparatus in their time of need as well. The following reflects today's meeting.
From Brick Borough Area United Fire & Rescue:
*Station coverage/scene standby as needed*
Engine 3-4
Tower 3-2
To Brick Borough Area United Fire & Rescue:
*Station coverage/scene standby as needed*
Tactical Unit 2-12
Tower Ladder 2-12
Hazmat 1-12/Hazmat 2-12
Foam 1-12
Closest, available Engine Company
From Brick Borough Area United Fire & Rescue:
*Station coverage/scene standby as needed*
Engine 3-4
Tower 3-2
To Brick Borough Area United Fire & Rescue:
*Station coverage/scene standby as needed*
Tactical Unit 2-12
Tower Ladder 2-12
Hazmat 1-12/Hazmat 2-12
Foam 1-12
Closest, available Engine Company
University Fire Department Takes Shape - 08/06/2016
A well kept secret has finally been let out. By the end of the month, Saint Christopher's University will officially have their own fire department on campus. After many years of failed budget requests, enough donations have been raised and this dream has become a reality.
A 1989 Mack CF/Pierce engine was bought used from another local department and is currently being refurbished by Pierce Manufacturing in Wisconsin. Equipment has been purchased, donated, and acquired and will be put into service on the engine as soon as it returns, which should be sometime next week. The rig will go into service as Engine 11-12, and will be the only Washington Heights rig without one of the traditional red and white color schemes.
The department will be using an old building that has been retrofitted to accommodate firefighters for the live-in program, which will now be run out of Station 11. The remodeled building includes a kitchen, bunk room, day room, training room, tool room, EMS room, offices, and live in spaces.
We will keep you updated as this exciting new asset to the WHVFC unfolds.
A 1989 Mack CF/Pierce engine was bought used from another local department and is currently being refurbished by Pierce Manufacturing in Wisconsin. Equipment has been purchased, donated, and acquired and will be put into service on the engine as soon as it returns, which should be sometime next week. The rig will go into service as Engine 11-12, and will be the only Washington Heights rig without one of the traditional red and white color schemes.
The department will be using an old building that has been retrofitted to accommodate firefighters for the live-in program, which will now be run out of Station 11. The remodeled building includes a kitchen, bunk room, day room, training room, tool room, EMS room, offices, and live in spaces.
We will keep you updated as this exciting new asset to the WHVFC unfolds.
WHCFR Conducts Foam Training With New Hires - 07/18/2016
The two new hires, Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan and Firefighter/Paramedic Olson, for the Washington Heights Regional Airport and Washington Heights Crash-Fire-Rescue went out today with Medic Engine 112 and Fox I to familiarize themselves with the foam systems on an old, unused runway. They went over proportions, patterns, application methods, uses, and different types of foams for each rig. Good work guys!
Chiefs Meet to Discuss Annexation - 07/18/2016
Fire Chiefs from the Parker Hose Company of Union and Washington Heights Volunteer Fire Company met today to discuss the possibility of the WHVFC taking over the the Parker Hose Company's responses and management until their department be either restructured or dissolved.. Due to the recent plummet in volunteer activity and response, the leadership of Parker Hose approached Washington Heights in order to continue serving their community.
The Parker Hose Company is an independent, non-profit entity that is not funded by the Town of Union, unlike Unions other fire company, The Strand, on the other side of town. The chiefs met behind closed doors and not many details have been released, but the Parker Hose Chief stated afterwards "I believe after these meetings, there will be a positive outcome for us all.". We will keep you informed as this situation evolves.
The Parker Hose Company is an independent, non-profit entity that is not funded by the Town of Union, unlike Unions other fire company, The Strand, on the other side of town. The chiefs met behind closed doors and not many details have been released, but the Parker Hose Chief stated afterwards "I believe after these meetings, there will be a positive outcome for us all.". We will keep you informed as this situation evolves.
First Heat Wave Of the Year - 07/07/2016
As the heat bears down on us all, including high humidity, the Washington Heights Volunteer Fire Company would like to remind everyone to stay safe and hydrated.
If you must work outside, take breaks often and drink plenty of water, Heat Stroke can occur, leading to brain damage or death. Symptoms include nausea, weakness, warm, dry, flush skin, headache, and alteres mental status. Cooling stations will be open throughout the town until further notice. |
Happy Fourth From Washington Heights! - 07/04/2016
Happy Independence day from the Washington Heights Volunteer Fire Company. Get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather and weekend. Be sure practice safe boating, be careful with fire works, and drink responsibly! Don't take it personally, but we don't want to see you!
WHVFC Chiefs Look Into Hiring Career Staff - 06/29/2016
The call volume continues to rise for all ten of Washington Height's Fire Stations, and to be proactive and help out our dedicated volunteers, the chief officers have began looking into the idea of hiring career personnel to supplement Heights' Volunteers.
This new concept would have three personnel on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at two of the department's stations. These firefighters would also be certified as Emergency Medical Technicians and would first respond any medical emergency in their stations first due. Initially, the stations with career staff would only cover the busiest areas, but as time goes on and more funds are available, their coverage would expand and they would staff more stations.
These firefighters would also not be assigned to a dedicated rig as of yet, they would take the most appropriate piece of apparatus or more than one of the type of call warrants it, for example, a forestry unit and an engine for a brush fire. As time goes on and staffing increases, they would be assigned to a rig (I.E. Engine, Truck, or TAC)
This is a very new concept and the volunteers have been very open to the concept. We will keep you updated as time goes and this program advances.
This new concept would have three personnel on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at two of the department's stations. These firefighters would also be certified as Emergency Medical Technicians and would first respond any medical emergency in their stations first due. Initially, the stations with career staff would only cover the busiest areas, but as time goes on and more funds are available, their coverage would expand and they would staff more stations.
These firefighters would also not be assigned to a dedicated rig as of yet, they would take the most appropriate piece of apparatus or more than one of the type of call warrants it, for example, a forestry unit and an engine for a brush fire. As time goes on and staffing increases, they would be assigned to a rig (I.E. Engine, Truck, or TAC)
This is a very new concept and the volunteers have been very open to the concept. We will keep you updated as time goes and this program advances.
Hose Wagons Make Appearance in WH, Again! - 06/06/2016
For the longest time, Washington Heights Fire ran two Hose Wagons. They were set up as structural pumpers, carrying hand tools, SCBA, attack lines, in addition to multiple seating positions as firefighters. about 5 years ago, the city replaced them with two standard frontline engines, eliminating the Hose Wagons from The Heights.
Due to the recent industrial boom and some planning from the Office of Emergency Management, it was decided to again purchase hose wagons in the event of a large fire or failure of the city's hydrant system. The apparatus could lay their hose and draft from Moon Lit Lake and supply the units fighting the blaze, essentially creating its own water main.
The new Hose Wagons, dubbed Wagon 1-12 and Wagon 2-12, are much different than their predecessors. The are built on two-man Seagrave Marauder II cabs with low hose beds. The hose bed carries 3000FT of 5" LDH supply hose, among other sized hose lays. They carry ground ladders, SCBA, hand tools, and other equipment to act as a structural engine if needed, however, it will not be their normal task like the previous apparatus.
These rigs boast 2250 gallon per minute Hale Pumps with 40 gallons of Class A foam and 300 gallons of water on board. This rigs will continue to be a vital asset to the City of Washington Heights for many years to come, and a huge thanks to the committee that designed these apparatus!
Due to the recent industrial boom and some planning from the Office of Emergency Management, it was decided to again purchase hose wagons in the event of a large fire or failure of the city's hydrant system. The apparatus could lay their hose and draft from Moon Lit Lake and supply the units fighting the blaze, essentially creating its own water main.
The new Hose Wagons, dubbed Wagon 1-12 and Wagon 2-12, are much different than their predecessors. The are built on two-man Seagrave Marauder II cabs with low hose beds. The hose bed carries 3000FT of 5" LDH supply hose, among other sized hose lays. They carry ground ladders, SCBA, hand tools, and other equipment to act as a structural engine if needed, however, it will not be their normal task like the previous apparatus.
These rigs boast 2250 gallon per minute Hale Pumps with 40 gallons of Class A foam and 300 gallons of water on board. This rigs will continue to be a vital asset to the City of Washington Heights for many years to come, and a huge thanks to the committee that designed these apparatus!
Where have I been? Busy! - 06/02/2016
Although I feel like I post this too often, I'm still here guys! I'm working multiple jobs and my hours are all over the place. I still have time for Lego, as I just finalized a lot of updates on here tonight. Thank you to everyone who has stuck with me since day 1, you guys are the best. I'll hopefully be keeping up with things around here for the rest of the year, but we shall see what the rest of the year brings!
Anyways, I don't usually build many side projects and just stick to Washington Heights, but I built a model of my department's second out Engine-Tank, a 1989 Simon-Duplex Vanguard/Young, 1750/1000/60. Enjoy! |