This afternoon, Mid-Bergen Mutual Aid requested a Bergenfield engine to respond to Teaneck Fire Headquarters for a cover-up assignment.  The Teaneck FD was battling a
2nd alarm basement fire on North Cumberland Ave.

Engine 745 under the command of Captain Lopez and a crew of four responded along with Chief Kniesler.  Mutual aid units took in one run for an acgtivated fire alarm.  Bergenfield units returned to the borough in just under two hours.

At 1946 hrs, the Bergenfield Fire Department was dispatched on a reported fire at 17 W. Main Street, a 3 story apartment building.  Ladder 742 was first due on scene and Captain Lopez established command and reported nothing showing.  As the Captain and his crew began to investigate they were met by a heavy smoke condition and he transmitted a working fire.  Chief Kniesler arrived on scene and assumed command and Deputy Chief Lodato handled operations.


Engine 744 was the first due engine and Lt. Saito and his crew stretched a 300 foot thief line with an attack line attached. Captain Lopez entered the apartment from the fire escape to search for the seat of the fire and open the door for the engine company. The engine moved in and found a fire in a closet as it was also extending out into the hallway.  They quickly knocked down all visible fire.

Members from engine 743, engine 745 and the RESCUE worked to complete primary and secondary searches of the apartments above and adjoining as well as ventilation.

The New Milford Fire Department responded to the scene as the R.I.C. Team and the 2^nd alarm units went to Alert Firehouse and stood-by.  The 2^nd alarm units were a Dumont engine, Teaneck engine and Englewood ladder.  The Bergenfield Ambulance Corps had two rigs at the scene and set-up rehab for all members.

Chief Kniesler wanted to extend his thanks to the mutual aid companies that responded along with the BVAC, Bergenfield PD and DPW for their assistance as well.  He thought the members did a great job with a quick aggressive attack on the fire.

The officers and members would like to congratulate JF Cote for successfully completing his six month probationary period.  JF Cote is a member of Bergenfield Fire Co. No.2 and is now an active firefighter for the Bergenfield Fire Department.

 Ryan Zadrozna has applied to be a member of Bergenfield Fire Co. No. 2 and the Bergenfield Fire Department.  Ryan has spent the last two years as a member of the Junior Fire Department.  Ryan will be on Probationary status for six months. 

Best of luck for JF and Ryan.

At 1851 hrs, the Bergenfield Fire Department was dispatched to 293 Murray Hill Terr. for a reported smoke condition on the first floor of the six story senior citizen complex. 

Chief Kniesler arrived first and reported a heavy smoke condition in the building and the occupants self evacuating from the building.  Captain Lopez and his ladder crew entered the building and located burnt food and a burnt dish towel in one of the apartments.  Members from all the companies worked to check all the apartments in the wing and remove the smoke. 

One occupant was removed to a local hospital by the BVACfor minor smoke inhalation.  No other civilan injuries were reported.  All units were clear of the scene in just over 60 minutes.

At approximately 1025 hrs, the Bergenfield Fire Department was dispatched on a still alarm for a report of either smoke or a vapor coming from a borough garbage truck in front of 9 Moos Lane.  Lt. Kirsch (P13) was first to arrive on scene and had a vapor coming from the hopper of the truck.  Members donned full ppe and scba and began to investigate.  They found all types of chemicals mixed together and leaking within the hopper and determined that there was no fire.  Lt. Kirsch requested Bergen County Haz Mat to respond to the scene

Once BCHM arrived and suited up they determined that all of the chemicals were harmless and worked on properly disposing of the contents within the hopper.  Bergenfield units were on scene just over 2 hours.

At 1958 hours, Prospect Fire Co. No.1 was dispatched on a still alarm to the Autozone located on New Bridge Road for a reported vehicle into the building.  Deputy Chief Lodato arrived on scene first and reported he had vehicle into a 2 story commercial structure with no injuries to the people in the vehicle or the employees in the store.

He requested the building department to scene to evaluate the building and he had Engine 745 under the command of Lt. Naylis check the vehicle for leaking fluids and securing the battery.  The Rescue under the command of Captain Buehler was on scene and worked on securing the remaining plate glass that was hanging and a danger to pedestrians.

The vehicle was removed by a tow company and the building was turned back over to the Autozone and all units were uo in just over 60 minutes.

At 1523 hrs, the Tenafly police desk requested a ladder truck to respond to their fire headquarters to cover the borough while the fire department worked an attic fire at 253 W. Clinton Avenue. 

The ladder under the command of Lt. Kirsch and a crew of 4 responded on the assignment.  They remained in quarters and took in no runs.  They were back in the borough within an hour.

On Wednesday, April 28th, 2010, Baskin Robbins stores across the country will hold 31 Cent Scoop Night from 5pm-10pm to honor Americas firefighters. Baskin Robbins shops will reduce prices of small ice cream scoops to 31 cents* and create an opportunity for customers to donate to local fire charities. Help your neighborhood raise money for YOUR local fire service organization during Baskin Robbins 31 Cent Scoop Night. For the second year, Baskin Robbins is partnering with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to support America’s firefighters and will donate $100,000 to the cause. Locally, Baskin Robbins is providing an opportunity for firefighters and store owners to come together for an event of fun, smiles and fundraising for local fire service organizations. Come out to see The Bergenfield Fire Department trucks and members who will be on hand at the S. Washington Avenue Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robins Store for this great cause! Read more about the NFFF programs at http://www.firehero.org or by clicking on the link below.

http://www.baskinrobbins.com/Spotlight/31CentScoopNight.aspx

Captain Jason Lanzilotti of the Bergenfield Fire Company No.2 and his wife Tracy were blessed on Monday morning with the birth of their daughter, Gianna Marie Lanzilotti. Gianna was born at the Valley Hospital weighing 5 pounds, 7 ounces and measuring 17 and ¾ inches long. Tracy and Gianna and new big brother Anthony are all doing fine.

On Thursday, April 29, at 1104 hours, the Bergenfield Fire Department was toned out for daytime still alarm for a reported motor vehicle accident with wires down.  Upon arrival, it was discovered that a crane truck being used by a tree removal company had overturned, bringing down numerous electrical wires, dislodging a transformer, pulling an electrical service out of a house, and causing the cab of the vehicle to come to a rest on the roof of a house at 93 Birch Street.

Lieutenant J. Kirsch established command and confirmed that the home in question had been evacuated.  Firefighter/First Responders Marlon Sahai and Robert Byrnes Jr., evaluated a worker with a leg injury until the arrival of BVAC.  Personnel confirmed the neighboring house was unoccupied, and also entered 93 Birch Street to secure the electrical utilities and check the structural stability of the home in the area where it was impacted by the truck.

Because the vehicle shifted several times as a rear outrigger began to bend, FD personnel formulated a plan to secure the truck while waiting for the arrival of Public Service to cut off electricity to the downed power lines.
This plan would not be implemented, as the tow operator arrived on the scene, just as electrical power was cut off, and the tow truck was used to secure the overturned vehicle from moving until a large crane arrived to upright the vehicle.

Ladder truck 742 was placed back in service at 1330 hours and Engine 745 and the remaining personnel were returned to service at 1645 hours after the vehicle was righted, and PSE&G checked the area for any other electrical or gas leak hazards

Firefighter JF Cote of Bergenfield Fire Company No. 2 and his wife Caroline were blessed on Thursday evening with the birth of their son, Ethan Jean Cote.  Ethan was born at the Valley Hospital weighing 7 pounds 12 ounces and he was 20 inches long. Caroline and Ethan are doing fine as is new big brother Hudson.