Somerset Fire and Elizabeth Ave fire were dispatched to a car fire in front of the Econo-Lodge hotel at 1830 Easton Ave. Engine 562 arrived and found a passenger vehicle on fire in the parking lot. Engine 562, Rescue 56 and Engine 261 extinguished the fire without incident. The crews remained on the scene for approximately 30 minutes.
Somerset diver’s responded to a car in the water near Amwell Road. After searching for the vehicle, it was discovered in the Delaware and Raritan Canal near the historic Rockingham site in the Kingston section of Franklin Township. The vehicle which was presumed stolen, was retrieved with the help of Somerset diver’s.
Station 56 and the Somerville Rescue Squad hosted a three day trench rescue training class by Rescue Products International. Trench rescue Awareness was the topic for all responders Friday night. Saturday and Sunday the class was split into two groups. The first group was for members that have not had previous training. This group received the trench rescue operations certification. The second group consisted of members that have operations level training. The second group worked on more technical scenarios such as deep trenches and “L” trenches. This training earned them the trench technician certification. Congratulations to all the members from both organizations that participated in this extensive and demanding training.
Fire District No. 1 was dispatched to a fire alarm activation at a electronics reclamation facility on Apgar Drive. During the response the incident was upgraded to a reported fire involving a piece of machinery inside the building. Car 26 immediately upgraded the response to a second alarm. The first arriving units found a fire in a plastic compacting machine. A lithium battery was inadvertently left inside one of the items being compacted which shorted and started the large mass of plastic on fire. The fire was partially controlled by the building occupants. Engine 561 and FM8 units stretched a hose line into the building to complete extinguishment. Extensive ventilation was needed to clear the building of the remaining smoke. Units operated on the scene for approximately two hours. The cause of the fire was investigated by the Franklin Township Fire Prevention Department.
Stations 56 and 26 were dispatched to a MVC overturned with entrapment on Cottontail Lane near Weston Canal Road. Rescue 56 and E261 Arrived on the scene to find a 2 vehicle MVC involving a delivery truck and a single passinger vehicle. Upon the arrival of the first fire units it was determined by medical personnel on the scene that the driver of the passinger vehicle was pronounced at the scene. Car 56, Car 562, SO 56 and E562 were returning from a SCUBA drill out of town and responded to the scene.
Somerset Fire and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Dive Unit trained together at Donaldson Park. The teams from both units worked together and used this valuable opportunity to home their skills and familiarize themselves with each others operation and equipment. Somerset Fire and the Prosecutor’s team work together often and used this time to further our relationship.
Station 56 and The South Bound Brook Fire Department (Sta.55) attended a joint drill on boat operations and water rescue at Donaldson Park. The drill allowed our members to work closely with the members of Station 55 and familiarize themselves with each others equipment, boats and water rescue operations. Once again a great training opportunity to work with our neighboring departments.
Stations 56 and 28 were dispatched to a single vehicle MVC on Blackwell’s Mills Road near Canal Road. Rescue 56, Car 56, SO56 E562 responded with Engine 441, Car 44 Car 28 and Squad 28. Somerset members extricated one person who was heavily entrapped. The driver suffered serious non life-threatening injuries. The victim was transported to the hospital by RWJ medics and BLS. This complicated extrication took approximately 40 minutes to perform. Great work by all who responded.
Somerset Fire & Rescue Co. No.1 divers were requested into the city of New Brunswick to assist them with the recovery of a vehicle that plunged onto the Raritan River along Rt. 18. Car 56, Car 562, Special Ops 56 with Marine Units 2 and 3, Van 56 and Rescue 56 responded. Somerset divers assisted with occupant removal and rigging for the tow truck to remove the vehicle. This incident is still under investigation.
Our deepest condolences to all affected by this tragedy.
Members of Somerset Fire & Rescue practiced some more advanced vehicle extrication techniques during this drill. This training concentrated on extrication of vehicles in unusual positions. This drill required the use of advanced stabilization to make the vehicles safe for patient removal. The members focused on scene safety and crew communication as a part of this very successful drill.
