Main Street Fire Tops January Fire Dept. Report

The responded to 121 emergency calls during the month of January, and detailed several notable incidents in the monthly Fire Focus.

Jan: 3: Firefighters responded to a report of a on Cook Ave. On arrival, fire units found a single-car accident, where the vehicle hit the side of a building and a large hole was created in the foundation wall. Fire personnel secured the affected exterior wall with structural support. The building official was called to examine the damage. No further action was needed.
 
Jan. 20: Fire Department personnel were dispatched to in a second-floor apartment on Main St.  First arriving units found smoke filling up the first floor businesses, and the tenants on the second floor evacuating. Further investigation revealed burning rags in the rear of one of the first-floor businesses.  The small fire was quickly extinguished and the building was ventilated.  The occupants were allowed back in their apartments.
 
Jan. 22: Firefighters responded to a fire alarm activation at a building on Main St.  On arrival, fire units found a smoke condition in the stairwell between the second and third floors. Fire crews searched the building for the source and determined that unattended cooking in one apartment was the cause. The building was ventilated and the occupants were allowed to return.
 
Jan. 29: Fire personnel responded to a report of a structural problem with a porch at a residence on Kensington Rd.  Arriving firefighters found a porch roof sagging due to the weight of the snow. The porch was temporarily secured by supporting the structural members with dimensional lumber. The homeowner was advised to contact a contractor for more permanent repairs.
 
During the month, fire personnel assisted on 46 medical calls.
 
In the report, the Fire Prevention Bureau advised residents that severe winter storms can increase the risk of fires and hazards in and around the home. Severe winter weather can cause loss of power, loss of heat, frozen pipes, gas leaks and carbon monoxide issues. See the PDF accompanying this article for the United States Fire Administration winter storm fire safety fact sheet to help identify potential hazards and reduce danger. For specific questions or concerns, contact fire headquarters at 973-593-3021 and the on-duty firefighters will assist you.