Haddam Firefighters Battle Chimney and Structure Fire

Post from Haddam Volunteer Fire Company:

Members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. responded to 32 calls for emergency services in November 2015:

• Fires, Alarms, etc. – 5
• Motor Vehicle Accidents – 6
• Medical – 19
• Other – 2

The detailed report is below:

After a relatively quiet month of activity, on Nov. 30, Haddam Volunteer Fire Company responded to a structure fire at 4:15 a.m. on Killingworth Road. Upon arrival, the ranch-style home was completely engulfed in flames. The homeowner escaped without injury, but was transported to Middlesex Hospital as a precaution. Mutual aid was provided by Killingworth, Chester, Durham, East Haddam, Haddam Neck and Middletown’s South District. The Fire Marshal’s Office and State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit are investigating the cause.

On Nov. 14, Haddam Fire was dispatched to a chimney fire on Morris Hubbard Road. Firefighters used a thermal imaging camera to determine any “hot spots” inside the home. Outside, firefighters used chimney chains to knock down burning creosote in the chimney.

Deer were the cause of two motor vehicle accidents this month, both on Route 9 near Exit 9. In both accidents, one on Nov. 20, and the other on Nov. 21, the drivers and one infant were evaluated on scene by EMS personnel. No injuries were reported. The deer, in both accidents, died immediately on scene.

On Nov. 19, HVFCo. was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident on Candlewood Hill Road. A driver lost control of her vehicle, struck and cracked a utility pole. Airbags were deployed in the crash. Firefighters helped the driver exit her vehicle and Haddam Volunteer Ambulance personnel transported the driver to Middlesex Hospital. Members routed traffic away from the scene until Eversource arrived. On Nov. 6, a driver, heading southbound on Killingworth Road lost control of his vehicle and struck a tree. Firefighters and EMTs removed the driver from his vehicle and transported him to Hartford Hospital via Haddam Volunteer Ambulance Service.

TRAINING
On Nov. 9, Captain Michael Howley from Middletown’s South Fire District spoke to HVFCo. members about firefighting operations near solar panels. He discuss hazards for firefighters and how to safely run a fire operation around these devices.

On Nov. 16, Warren Rogers, field safety supervisor for Eversource Energy, spoke to about 50 members of Haddam, Durham and Killingworth Volunteer Fire Companies about electrical hazards and safety. Firefighters frequently respond to motor vehicle accidents involving car vs. utility pole situations, pole fires and electrical fires in homes.

On Nov. 23, members participated in a SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) exercise. All interior firefighters are required to take quarterly SCBA refreshers to keep their interior firefighting status. During the drill, firefighters crawled down a dark hall, over an obstacle that resembled floor joists in a ceiling, and searched a room. They concluded the drill with a low-profile exercise. Firefighters and members of Haddam Fire’s Junior Division then cleaned SCBA and refilled air tanks.

COMMUNITY SERVICE
On Nov. 1, the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary hosted its 5th Annual Holiday Vendor Fundraiser at Station One. Nineteen vendors attended the event selling candles, cupcakes, crafts, jewelry, kitchen items, decorations and more. Vendors shared 10 percent of their proceeds with the Auxiliary, who will make a one-time donation to the Haddam Fuel Bank. At the same time, the Fire Company hosted an Open House, featuring firehouse/apparatus tours, an information booth and hands-on activities for children and adults.

“The event was a great success and we are thankful to everyone in the community who stopped by to do some shopping and support a good cause,” said Haddam Auxiliary member Elaine Jackson.

the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co.
This month, HVFCo. welcomed back Firefighter Aaron Rigono, who previously served with the company for five and a half years. Aaron also works as paramedic with Hunters Ambulance Service in Middletown.

More information on the activities of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company and ways to get involved can be found on the website.

Photos: Haddam Volunteer Fire Company