Haddam Fire June 2012 Activity

Members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. responded to 35 calls for emergency services in June. The breakdown of calls is as follows:

Medical Emergencies -      25                  

Fires, alarms etc. -             7                     

Motor Vehicle Crashes -      2

Other -                             1                   

The summer heat has contributed to a number of the medical emergencies that the Fire Company has responded to.  Keeping well hydrated and resting during the hottest part of the day will help the body cope with extremely high heat and humidity.

Members of the Fire Company stood by during the Haddam-Killingworth High School Graduation and provided chaperones during the over-night “Project Graduation” safe party. Firefighters would rather volunteer time in preventing needless motor vehicle crashes following a Graduation rather than responding to the actual emergencies. 

Training drills included a relay pumping drill simulating a propane tank fire, and a refresher with updates on auto extrication.  On June 11th, crews responded to a mock propane tank fire at Station #1.  An attack crew donned full fire gear and self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).  Forming two side-by-side hose teams, Firefighters sprayed copious amounts of water in fog patterns, simulating the water curtain needed to protect them from the tremendous heat generated by a propane leak that has caught fire.  The teams advanced close enough so their officer could direct the closure of the valve, and shutting down the leak of flammable vapors.  Water was supplied by a tanker shuttle, another engine on scene, and an engine filling the tanker from a brook.

On June 18th, members were shown some of the latest techniques in rapid auto extrication using Hurst Tool (Jaws of Life) equipment – then practiced on several cars donated for such purpose.  The Fire Company tries to stay on the cutting edge of extrication.  If any townsperson has an older vehicle that they are considering junking, if they have the title to it and it is able to be flat-bedded or driven, the Fire Company would like it.  Please visit our web-site and send an email. 

Also on the 18th, the Membership Committee held a Recruitment Night.  Prospective applicants were shown a Power-Point presentation of the Fire Service, a video from the CT Fire Academy, and witnessed the extrication drill.  It’s not too late to join the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. and be eligible to take the Firefighter I course being hosted at our Station #1 beginning in late summer.  Please call the main information line (860-345-4945) and leave a message for the Membership Committee.

More information on the activities of the . and ways you can get involved can be found on our website – www.HaddamFire.com.  

Submitted by Bob Norton, Haddam Volunteer Fire Department Public Relations Liasion