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November 18, 2008

 

TO:  All Members

 

FROM:  Mike Staples, President

 

SUBJECT:  Budget Cuts

 

I understand that the Fire Chief has expressed an interest in the members of the department providing recommendations for cost cutting measures.  Local 2800 is totally opposed to any member recommending cost reduction measures for a variety of reasons.  While everyone is aware of the economic downturn and its implications everywhere, the reality of the impact in Arlington is far less than in surrounding jurisdictions (or almost anywhere in the country for that matter).  As one County Board member said to me recently, they do need to look at some programs that are nice to do.  The services the Fire Department offers are essential services!  There are other areas that the county can address before they implicate the Fire Department.

 

The first point to be made is no one even knows what the shortfall for FY 2009 is.  They will know more factually in January.  So why are we exploring significant changes that would inevitably lead to the degradation of our ability to provide essential services before we actually know the depth of the problem?  Our position is there are budgetary resources such as the FY 2008 carryover, OPEB contributions, other agencies providing less critical services and a variety of programs such as replacing toilets with waterless systems that could easily be put on hold until the next budget starts in July.  The Arlington County Fire Department is a bare bones department with no “fat”.   It is apparent to us that the County Manager has little respect for the services we provide and the people who give so much of themselves.  However, the financial situation is simply not so dire that it needs to compromise public safety.  If they find that the budget shortfall is insurmountable and extreme measures need to be taken, they need to close a firehouse.  That is our position.  They can’t justify that and the citizens (rightfully) would not stand for it. Nickel and diming our organization is demoralizing and asking you to participate in dismantling all we have achieved over the last ten years is wrong.

 

This situation brings to mind when a former County Manager stated that all departments were going to be “flattened”.  Our Chief at the time (Chief Plaugher) took the tact that he was going to be proactive and volunteer to be the first to be flattened in exchange for us being left alone in the future.  The Fire Department did go first.  We were flattened (we lost Lieutenants and Station Commanders) that turned out to be extremely detrimental to our people and the organization.  As it turns out, the majority of the other departments never were “flattened” and the County Manager continued his assault on the Fire Department in ensuing years.  The union has worked with the Fire Chief and the County Board to get that structure back for more than ten years.  Finally, we just restored much of what was lost.  Now, here we go again.  If you are told developing these recommendations is a pro-active measure, I’m calling it asking you to cut your own throats.

 

All I hear about lately is gloom and doom reports concerning the future of the department.  I have heard from countless people who have been lead to believe they are going to be facing another pay cut or elimination of their position.  The overwhelming negativity has to stop.  The approach being taken by the county is demoralizing and counter-productive.  An honest evaluation of all services provided countywide needs to be done.  When they insist public safety needs to take reductions and place that burden on all of you, self-preservation tends to kick in. In other words, operations personnel can recognize staff cuts such as in prevention or training and vice-versa.  Fire operations personnel can envision cuts in EMS and vice-versa.  It becomes a very divisive, unnecessary process.

 

We oppose everyone sending in recommendations like this as a matter of practice because similar experiences in the past have resulted in the misrepresentation of your desires. Does the fact that one individual suggests something substantiate the desire of the organization?  Human Resources invoked a similar ploy towards the end of the 1990’s when they wanted to move us to a defined contribution retirement system.  They held “focus groups” to determine what the employees wanted.  They already had an agenda and they knew they could get at least a couple people to say what they wanted, thus they could construe it as the desire of the workforce.  The committee they used to move employees into pay-for-performance was very similar.  They mandated that process by virtue of a manipulated poll of employees with leading questions that would get them the results that they wanted.  Lastly, we have steadfastly opposed BLS units.  When Chief Plaugher was here, one person told him he would ride on a BLS unit.  From that day forward BLS units became the preference of the members of the department in his eyes.  If everyone puts together recommendations to cut costs, I guarantee you I know what will happen.  Some of them will be adopted and you will all be told it was done because that is what you asked for.  The reality will be 90% - 99% of you will probably be left saying “that is not what I submitted”.   Do not fall into this trap.  When asked about the budget, very respectfully respond that it is a tough financial time and that non-essential services should be evaluated.

 

Are times really that tough in Arlington? The County Manager is currently in Scotland and the Fire Chief in Israel (both on business).  Look for the announcement for our union meeting at the beginning of next month.  Try to come so we can discuss this at greater length.  We are willing to make some concessions, but only stopgap measures that are non-personnel costs that will be returned on July 1, 2009.  We will collectively discuss this at the meeting.

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What's New at IAFF 2800

License Plate Bill Posted On: Nov 13, 2008 (22:03:04) SB 809 Special license plates; members and supporters of the International Association of Fire Fighters.  Linda T. Puller Summary as introduced:Special license plates; members and supporters of the International Association of Fire Fighters Read More...

Help Needed With Signs Posted On: Oct 18, 2008 (21:08:01) We have available several 4' X 8' large yellow and black IAFF Firefighters for Obama signs to be placed in prominant places along highways or busy roads.  Does anyone have or know someone who has private property visible from a busy road that would allow us to put one of these signs up? Secondly, we have the smaller signs like the ones we put up in the median strips that you can have for your yards or windows in the case of high rises.  Again, these are the yellow and black IAFF signs.  If you can help us by taking any of these signs (we will help put up the big 4' X 8' signs just give us the location), please contact myself, Mike Gowen or Bobby Beer.

Latest Memo From County Manager To Employees Updated On: Oct 10, 2008 (08:57:00)   MEMORANDUM    Date:         October 8, 2008 To:             Arlington County Employees From:        Ron Carlee, County Manager Subject:    Budget Update    As the nation Read More...

Memo From President Staples Updated On: Sep 26, 2008 (16:55:00) Arlington Professional Firefighters And Paramedics Association, Incorporated Local 2800, I.A.F.F. P.O. Box 101150 Arlington, Va Read More...

49th IAFF Convention RESOLUTIONS Updated On: Sep 17, 2008 (08:49:00) OUTLINE of the IAFF 49th Convention Resolutions (For detailed information, please go here but you need your IAFF User ID and Password) Resolution No. 1...AdoptedBudget Adjustment for InflationResolution No. 2...Adopted RevisedSecondary EmploymentResolution No. 3...Adopted RevisedArticle XV, Section 1, Misconduct and PenaltiesResolution No. 4 Read More...

Carlee Acknowledges Issues, But Says Firefighters Are Compensated Fairly Updated On: Oct 28, 2008 (15:47:00) by SCOTT McCAFFREY, Staff Writer (Created: Monday, September 15, 2008 5:28 AM EDT) County Manager Ron Carlee on Sept. 13 responded forcefully to complaints by county firefighters that they were being short-changed when it comes to pay and benefits Read More...

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What's New Around Arlington                                                             

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Tragic Early Morning Accident on I-66

November 17, 2008.

At 0217 units were dispatched for an accident on East I-66 near Washington Blvd. On arrival crews found a two car accident with four people trapped. Once both cars were stabilized, Truck 106 and Rescue 104 went to work on extricating the patients from one of the vehicles. The roof of this vehicle needed to be removed to gain access to all of the patients. Once all the victims were removed from the first vehicle, the crew from T106 went to work on the driver of the other car. It was reported from one of the EMS supervisors that there was a total of 5 red tag patients. Units cleared almost three hours later.

As reported from the Associated Press this morning, police say a teenager traveling the wrong way on I-66 crashed head-on into another car, killing two women. Va State Police say charges are pending against the 17-year-old driver from Fairfax County. Authorities believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Police say the teen was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-66 near Washington Boulevard about 2:15 a.m. when his vehicle hit a Toyota Corolla. Police say two female passengers in the Corolla were killed. The male driver is hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The teen driver and his passenger, also a 17-year-old male, are hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Units on the call: Engine 102 & 106, Medic 101, 102, 104, 106 & 401, Rescue 104, Truck 106, Battalion 112 & 111, EMS 112 & 111, and Safety 114.

Photo courtesy of nbc4.com

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Cut Job on Arlington Blvd

November 12, 2008.

At 1209 hours Engine 101, Medic 101 and Rescue Squad 104 were dispatched to Arlington Blvd and S. Irving Street for a MVC. Engine and Medic 101 arrived to find a three car MVC with what ended up being five patients total for transport. Captain Herrera (E101) set up command while the crews went to work. It was determined that the roof from one car needed to be removed and another car needed the driver side door to be forced open. Tower 104 was added to the assignment along with other EMS transport units. Rescue 104 arrived and began to take the roof of the one car while Engine 101?s driver forced the driver side door of the other car. Out of the 5 patients, two had femur fractures and the other three had a mix of other injuries. All units were back in-service by 1426 hours.

 

Command: Captain Herrera (E101)

Units on scene: Engine 101, Rescue 104, Tower 104, Medic 101, 106, 108 & 110, Ambulance 428, EMS111 & 112, Safety 114, and Battalion 112.

 

 

Check out the Photo Gallery for more pics on accident!!!

 

Post and pictures from FF Yost.

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Door Pop on the Pike

 

November 12, 2008.

 

At 1853 hours Engine and Medic 101 were dispatched for a Medic Local in the first due. While en route, a MVC assignment came out on Columbia Pike. This MVC was in the direct line of travel for the Medical Local therefore E101 and M101 took the MVC. Units arrived right after dispatch to find a two car MVC with two people still in the car. Captain Herrera (E101) set up command while the crews went to work yet again. The door of one car needed to be popped so Rescue Squad 109 was added to the assignment as well as Medic 104. The crews worked together to get both patients ready for transport. The driver of the other car signed off. All units were back in-service by 2032 hours.

 

Command: Captain Herrera (E101)

Units on scene: Engine 101, Rescue 109, Medic 101& 104

 

 

 

Post and pictures from FF Yost

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Car Fire On the Pike

November 7, 2008.

Just as rush hour was beginning to subside, Engine 101 was dispatched to Columbia Pike and Quebec for a car fire. E101 arrived on scene and found a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Van with the engine compartment fully involved.  E101's crew stretched the front 150ft. 1-3/4" bumper line.  Fire was quickly extinguished,  however the crew could not gain entry to rear of van so Rescue 109 was placed on the call to help with forcible entry.  After gaining entry E101's crew cooled down the rear compartment to make sure there was no extension.  Fire does not appear to be suspicious in nature at this time.

Photos by FF Griffith.

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Members Run Marine Corp Marathon

Here are the results for the ACFD personnel that ran the marathon, great job everyone:

Luke Ryan                     3:08:19

Jamie Matthews            3:28:56

Matt Herrera                  3:47:52

Jesus Escobedo          3:50:01

Kevin Riordan               4:17:45

Dan Fitch                       4:21:32

Jay Lin                           4:23:28

Jerry Hanson                4:32:08

Matt Dreher                   4:43:11

Nina Leonard                4:48:37

Ray Gorham                 5:08:26

Jake Johnson               5:09:43

Ben O'Bryant                5:09:43

Jenny Slade                  6:28:46

*****     *****

           Gina Johnson   5:09 43   Jake's Wife                             

            Gerry Fitch       6:10:37    Fitch's Mom (71 years old!!!!)

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Unfortunate Trench Rescue

October 28, 2008.

At 1446 hrs today, units were dispatched to 860 N. Greenbrier St. for a man trapped in a trench buried in dirt chest high and having trouble breathing. E102 arrived quickly, established command and began rescue efforts. Due to the TRT units drilling for the day, Fairfax's TRT units were special called. Unfortunately, rescue efforts eventually turned into a recovery, Rescue 104 was added to the assignment to help with the recovery and Arlington and Fairfax worked side by side for almost three hours in the trench to remove victim.

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Vehicle Into A Building

October 28, 2008.

Engine 101, 109, 107 and 105, Truck 105, Rescue 109, Medic 101, Battalion 111 and EMS 111  were dispatched for an overturned vehicle into a house at 4216 4th St. S. Upon arrival E101 found a single vehicle on its side that had come to rest next to the house. All occupants of the vehicle had self-extricated and were unharmed. No structural damage had occurred to the house. Units went ready 20 minutes later.

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Head-On Collision on the Pike

September 29, 2008.

At 1926 hrs crews were picking up from a call in Crystal City when ECC dispatched Engine 101 and Medic 101 to Columbia Pike and S. Barton St for multiple calls of an accident with injury. Dispatch soon relayed to responding crews that the accident was head-on. E101 arrived on scene soon after to find two cars that had struck each other head on, with one car also striking a tree. It was quickly determined that there were multiple patients and due to the severity and location of the accident E101's Captain took command and requested additional resources. Due to the mechanism of injury, all three patients were transported to area hospitals.

Photo by RE161 Driver - Pike and Barton

At 0524 hrs, E101 and M102 responded to Arlington Blvd and Manchester for a car accident. Once on scene crews found a two vehicle accident sitting in the middle of the intersection. Crews assessed both patients and transported one patient to the hospital. Once all hazards were taken care of units cleared within 20 minutes.

Arlington Blvd and Manchester

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Arlington County Sees A Little Action

September 24, 2008.

At 0926 hrs units were dispatched to Arlington Blvd and Park Dr. for an accident with injury with possible entrapment. Engine102 arrived on the scene to find a T-bone accident involving two cars and advised that there was no entrapment. The driver of vehicle #1 was out of her vehicle laying on the ground while the driver of car #2 was still in her vehicle. Both patients were collared, back-boarded and treated for their injuries.

As the night began to wind down, the County became eventful with an alleged murder, suicide and police officer shot on I-395. According to 9-News, "Arlington police say an Alexandria police officer has been shot during a traffic stop, and a suspect in the shooting has been found dead. It happened around 8 p.m. Tuesday on northbound Interstate 395 at Glebe Road in Arlington County. Detective Crystal Nosal of the Arlington police department says the suspect fled and police later found him dead inside his vehicle near the 14th Street bridge. The officer and a trainee officer he was supervising stopped a motorist who had been driving erratically. Police say when they approached the vehicle, the training supervisor was shot. Nosal says the officer was wearing a bullet-resistant vest, and is healthy despite suffering "deep tissue wounds." The officer was being treated at Inova Fairfax Hospital." Arlington crews responded to the suspect, the cop, and later to a victim who was allegedly known to the suspect.

As if the night wasn't bizarre enough at 0156 hrs units responded to 2300 24th Rd S for the structure fire. Lines were put in service from the stairwell as a small fire was found in the dryer area, and was quickly extinguished and found to have had no extension into the building. Smoke conditions were clear so crews were able to pack up within an hour of being on scene.

At 0446 hrs Engine 101 was dispatched for an outside fire. As they were pulling up on the scene, a nice orange glow could be scene coming down the street. Upon arrival crews found a tree house/shed fully involved behind 819 S. Barton St. E101 requested additional units for water supply & the removal of the fence. E101 pulled the 200' 1-3/4" preconnect and started to extinguish the fire in the tree house/shed, the adjacent shed, the gasoline powered lawn equipment and the stockpile of wood fire. Engine 109 took water supply for E101 and pulled the 300' 1-3/4" preconnect to facilitate a coordinated attack on the fire. Rescue 109 removed the fence other debris to help extinguish the rest of the fire. After overhaul, the scene was turned over to the Fire Marshals. Units cleared two hours later.

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Busy Day For ACFD As Area Remembers 9-11 Victims

September 11, 2008.

As people across the country remembered the victims of the 9-11 attacks, the first memorial dedicated to those victims was honored and open to the public today. 20,000 people were expected to attend resulting in additional units placed on stand-by in the area.

As the morning progressed, at 0950 hrs units were dispatched to 26th St. N and Old Dominion Dr for the MVA with entrapment. When Rescue 104 arrived on the scene they were advised by E108 (who initially had command) that there was one person trapped in the vehicle and that R104 would have the extrication group.  R104 assessed the vehicle and determined that the doors on the drivers side needed to be removed. After the vehicle was stabilized the crew from R104 began removing the doors on the drivers side. Upon further evaluation the decision was made to remove the roof as well. Tower 106 was given the assignment to start working on the passenger side of the vehicle to remove the roof. R104 would make the necessary cuts on the drivers side. Once the drivers side doors and the roof were removed the patient was immobilized and removed by the medic unit and transferred to a local hospital.

As if one car accident wasn't enough, at 1406 hrs. units responded to S. Glebe Rd and Walter Reed for the accident with injury with reports of people trapped. Once units were on scene, it was determined that no one was trapped and crews secured the vehicles and assisted with the care of the two patients.

The night became eventful with multiple fires in neighboring jurisdictions resulting in numerous companies being transferred to fill-in other stations. According to local news stations, approximately one hundred emergency workers responded to put out the flames from a four-story hotel under construction that eventually went to three alarms. "At one point, the fire burned so wildly, it ignited a nearby apartment building. Those flames were quickly put out." (myfoxdc.com). Also, with the help of the wind, burning embers were spread throughout the neighborhood threatening homes and igniting any brush that lay in its path. Thankfully, there are no injuries and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Photo courtesy of myfoxdc.com

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Room & Contents Fire For South Side

September 3, 2008.

At 2108 hrs units were dispatched to box 79-10 for the house fire. First arriving engine, Engine 109, arrived at 1347 S. Columbus St. to find a one-story, single family rambler with nothing showing from side Alpha or Bravo. E109's personnel pulled the 200', 1-3/4" preconnect to the front door. After the front window on side alpha was broken out by E101, thick black smoke billowed out. Rescue 109's crew forced entry to the front door so that the hose line could be advanced inside the structure to the seat of the fire. E101's crew pulled a backup line behind E109, while E107's crew was asked to clear the basement. The fire was extinguished within 10 minutes and a primary search was completed by R109, which was negative. Overhaul was begun in conjunction with a secondary search, which was also negative. Crews were able to clear soon afterwards.

Units on the call: E109, 101, 107, 410, T410, 203, R109, M109, B111, SA114, and EMS111

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Crews Run Deadly MVA On 395

August 31, 2008.

At 0201 hrs crews were awakened and dispatched for the motor vehicle accident on I395 prior to the 14th St. Bridge. Upon arrival, a transport crew on its way back to Children's Hospital that came upon the accident was already assessing several of the seven male patients. First arriving units from ACFD found an SUV on its side with 5 patients, 3 walking and 2 unconscious. Truck 105 and Rescue 109 proceeded to stabilize the vehicle and ensured there were no additional occupants in or around the car. Engines 105, 101 & 161 assisted establishing a safe work area and also assisted the medics with patient care.

Units on the call: E105 & 101, RE161, R109, T105, M105, 101, & 109, B111, EMS111 & 112, SA114.

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Small Fire At Shift Change

August 26, 2008.

As crews began relieving the shift from yesterday, ECC dispatched a structure fire at 3336 Wilson Blvd. Within minutes units were on scene of a three story motel, and quickly reported a working fire in one of the motel rooms. The crew from Rescue 104 placed a ground ladder to the balcony/walkway adjacent to the fire unit, where white smoke was observed to be issuing from around the door of the corner room. Tower 104 arrived at the unit and also announced a working fire. Rescue 104 reported to the top floor and joined the tower crew, as well as assisted E102's crew with stretching the initial hose line. E101's crew stretched a back-up line to the third floor and once the hose line for E101 was charged, crews made entry into the fire unit and primary search was done and  was negative. The room was heavily charged with smoke with low to zero visibility. The fire appeared to be contained to the bed and to items in the immediate vicinity. The fire was extinguished rapidly and units remaining on the scene assist with smoke removal and air monitoring.

Units on the call: E102, 101, 103 & 108, TW104, T105, R104, M104, B111 &112, EMS112, SA114

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ACFD Units Respond To Multiple Alarm Fire In Fairfax

August 25, 2008.

At 1642 hrs. Engines 107, 109 and Rescue 109 were among the first of multiple units from Arlington to be dispatched to 3705 S. George Mason Drive for the high-rise fire. As first arriving units made their way up to the fire floor, they found smoke on multiple floors in the hallway therefore requesting another alarm. A truck company from Fairfax County was able to determine that the fire was on the 23rd floor and contained to the balcony. The fire was then quickly extinguished, however, due to the amount of smoke the fire had generated and some extension into the exterior wall crews had to check the floors above for fire. Because of the amount of work that was needed to be done, the size of the building and type of occupancy, command requested another alarm.

On the first alarm, E109 took the third due assignment and controlled the elevators for the ascending fire companies. E109 also worked with the vent group and T408 driver w/ PPV fans in the Adam and Charlie stairwells expelling the light smoke through the Baker stairwell roof opening. R109 staged on the 21st floor and provided RIT.

On the second alarm, Engine 102 was assigned to report to the 25th floor to check for extension. The crew checked an apartment on the 25th floor for extention then went to the 25th floor lobby for another assignment.  They were told by command to check each floor from the 25th down to the 1st floor with T203 and all was negative. 

Units from Arlington were able to clear a few hours later.

Units on the call:

First alarm - E410, 107, 109 & 428, T408, TW203, R109, M410, EMS405 & 404,  B404 & 212, Deputy Fire Chief of Operations, (T410, A428 & 410 added on to call)

Second alarm - E102, 408 & 206, M206, L&A 207, EMS402, BC111,

Specialed - E101 & 203, T208

Third alarm - E106, 401, 418, 203 & 208, TW405, A408, EMS406, B405

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Recruit Class 66

August 18, 2008. Today was the first day of class for Recruit Class 66. We would like to welcome our 25 newest members to our department and wish them the best of luck during their training.

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A-Shift Runs Mutual Aid Into Bailey's For House Fire

August 2, 2008.

At 1557, units from Arlington responded to 5901 Columbia Pike for the house fire. Arlington was able to assist Fairfax by providing manpower and equipment. E107 arrived fourth due and was RIT.

Units on scene: Engines 410, 408, 428, 107, 109, 102, Truck 410 & 408, EMS 404 & 405, Battalion 212. (Not all units are listed)

Video by FF Ennesser.

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B-Shift Runs Deadly Apt Fire

July 28, 2008.

At 0444 hrs. Battalion 111 arrived to a high-rise, residential structure with a report of an apartment fire in room #711. Engine 410 and Truck 410 were already on scene for an alarm sounding on the 7th floor. Initially it was called in with no evidence of smoke or fire. When E410 and T410 arrived on the 7th floor they observed smoke in the hallway; they then filled the box for a high-rise fire. The two companies searched and found the source to be in room #711. They also found an elderly femle in the bedroom that was declared a DOA. Battlaion 111 established command at the Buggy on Side A. Dispatched companies arrived within minutes, took their assigned positions and carried out their assignments. There was no extension of the fire and no one was displaced. E410 and T410 remained at the scene for salvage and overhaul and to assist the FM's office.

Units on the call: E410, 101, 109, 102, R109, T410, TW104, M101 & 410, B111, EMS111, SA114.

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B-Shift Runs Small Fire In Ballston Metro

July 25, 2008.

At 1009 hrs today, units were dispatched to 4230 Fairfax Drive (Ballston Metro) for the report of a fire in the tunnel. It appeared that there was a rubbish/brush fire inside of an enclosure that housed third rail power cables. The location of the fire was on the outbound track bed at the west end of the platform. Power was confirmed down before operations commenced on the trackbed. Engine 102 stretched a 1-3/4" line from a platform riser and extinguished the fire. Rescue 104 placed WASADs on either end of the operation area. E103 supplied the station standpipe and assisted with extinguishment. B112 (Blankenship) had command and B111 (Liebold) had platform division. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries. The incident was turned over to Metro officials once the fire was extinguished. Units were able to clear at 1108 hrs.

Units on the call: E102, 103, 108 & 110, TW104, T410, R104, M110, B112 & 111, EMS 112 and SA114.

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Another Working Fire For C-Shift

July 5, 2008.

At 1958 hrs units were dispatched for the structure fire at 734 N. George Mason Dr. A passerby had called in to ECC saying he had seen smoke showing from the roof of a house. E102 arrived to a 1-1/2 story, single family house with smoke showing. Its crew pulled the 200' and began to investigate. T106 reported smoke pushing from the roof and after removal of a vent fan found fire in the knee-wall space. Once E102 was able to gain access to the fire, they were able to put a quick knock on the fire. E108 was able to get water to E102 and its crew backed up E102. E103, with the help of E428, was able to establish secondary water and perform their assigned tasks. Command asked for additional units for RIT and more staffing. Units were able to clear a few hours later.

Units on the call: E102, 103, 108 & 428, T106 & TW104, R104, M102 & M110, B112 & 111, EMS112, SA114. Additional units: R418 (RIT), E106 & 110.

 

 

Above photos courtesy of FF/Paramedic Burgess

More photos of the fire in the Photo Gallery courtesy of B112.

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July Begins With Several Boxes and a Fire (and of course, the usual EMS calls)

July 2, 2008.

Yesterday morning began with the usual housework needing to be done, the planning of essential drills that would occupy the rest of the day, and of course running of various Fire/EMS calls. Then at 0859 hrs. as some crews sat listening intently to the Fire Chief, a box alarm was put out at 2 S. Rotary Rd for the report of smoke in the Metro Tunnel. Crews swiftly made their way towards the Pentagon Metro and took their assignments. RE161 arriving first made their way into the tunnel only to find a light haze coming from a smoking light in the vent tower. The assignment was then reduced to 1-and-1. Units were able to clear 30 min later.

Just as crews were sitting down for lunch another box went out at 1205 hrs, this time for the report of fire in the walls. The first alarm assignment (E102, 103, 110 & 101, TW104, T106, R104, M102, B112 & 111, EMS 112, SA114) made their way towards 1130 N. Randolph St. and most units were there within 3 min of being dispatched. The first arriving units found light smoke emanating from the roof and eaves of a two-story, middle of the row townhouse. E102's crew pulled the 300' preconnect while E103's crew backed them up with the 200' preconnect and the driver helped to establish primary water supply. E110 was able to secure its own water source and its crew deployed a leader line to side Charlie where they were able to get another line in service. E101's crew set up RIT.

R104 split its crew and an x-ray team was established and was instructed to search the first floor and if available secure utilities. R104 proceeded to top floor and conducted a primary search of all floors down from the top. Both R104 and X-ray team reported negative results of its search and was able to secure the power. Hearing radio reports by other units with smoke conditions in the exposure to side charlie, R104's entire crew relocated to that structure to conduct search operations. Both R104 and X-ray team reported negative results of the primary search and was able to secure the power. R104 returned to top floor of charlie exposure and proceeded to hook ceilings and walls along with some personnel from T106. Smoke conditions became moderate with little heat. Via the use of a thermal imaging camera, heat was detected at the common wall ceiling area of the fire unit and exposure charlie.  TW104 had already started venting the roof on Side A, and working with part of T106's crew began opening up the roof on side C and along the ridge line. Working in conjunction with the engine, the crews were finally able to put out the bulk of the fire. Because of the temperatures outside and the complexity of locating the fire, command had a second alarm dispatched and later requested an additional 2 engines and truck. Units were able to clear the scene almost 4 hours later.

As the night wound down, south side units were once again out on the streets for a box alarm. At 2036 hrs. E101, 109, 102 & 107, R109, T410 & 105, M101, B111 & 112, EMS 111, SA114 responded to 911 S. Buchanan St for the report of heavy smoke on the third floor. Unfortunately, the unmistakeable odor of burnt food was waiting for the crews in the hallway. The assignment was quickly put to 1-and-1 and R109 helped to ventilate the buildling. All in all, it was another productive day for Arlington's finest!

  

Photos by FF Reeves and FF C. Gough

More pictures of the fire can be seen in the Photo Gallery!

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