City of Tonawanda Fire Department

09/09/2021

From Chief of Department

September 8, 2021

I am very happy to announce that I was notified last week, that our fire department has been chosen as a recipient of an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) in the amount of $106,000. The AFG is an annual grant opportunity for funding for various firefighting equipment. This is available to all fire departments in the US and as such, it is very competitive and not easy to “win.” The application process is very complex, requiring much information including a narrative section that requires very persuasive reasoning as to why you need this particular equipment, how it will improve firefighter safety and operations and, why our city cannot afford to purchase it outright. I want to thank Assistant Chief, Chris Close, for putting in endless hours and much thought and effort in writing for this grant. I also want to thank one of our awesome citizens, Amanda Shepler, for assisting us with this grant application. Amanda, who is a professional and very skilled, “Grant Writer,” also put in many hours of time and effort collaborating with Chief Close to help make sure our application was complete and well written. Amanda did so, offering her services at no charge to the city. This is not the first time Amanda has helped us. She assisted with numerous other grant opportunities including one that provided us with $203,000 for new breathing apparatus and a SAFER grant which provided funding ($359,448!!!) to cover part of the salaries for 2 new firefighters for 3 years. THANK YOU AMANDA! One of Chief Close’s “extra” duties are to keep track over the department’s vast array equipment and to keep me informed about our most critical needs. Several years ago, Chief Close noted our aging fire hose and appliance inventory. A large portion of our hose was 20+ years old as were many nozzles and other related equipment (some of this stuff was acquired in the 1970’s!). We have tried to keep up with these needs, budgeting for as much hose as possible each year, but it has not been enough to maintain our needs at a reliable enough level. We have applied for this grant over the last several years but have been unsuccessful. Thankfully, because of Amanda and Chief Close’s efforts, we will now be able acquire this much needed equipment.

Chief Stuart

07/21/2021

From Chief of Department 7/20/2021
This past Saturday, our region experienced a significant rain fall that resulted in numerous flooding situations. As is often the case, basement and crawl-space flooding occur due to the rainwater backing up into our sewer systems and/or pooling in the lower elevations. This situation no doubt, causes some real property damage and frustration for home and business owners. To help limit damage caused by flooding, the fire department will respond to flooded buildings and put submersible pumps in place to remove the water. Crews will also assess for electrical or other hazards related to the flooding. During Saturday’s rain event, the Tonawanda Fire Department responded to 104 calls for assistance in a 12-hour period. Most of those calls involved flooding but also included EMS and carbon monoxide alarms. I would like to commend all our members who worked very hard to limit the effects of the rainfall during that period. Our B Platoon headed by Assistant Chief, Jim Barber, handled all calls for assistance during the dayshift until 5PM when they were relieved by A Platoon headed by Assistant Chief Pat McNulty. Both our on-duty crews and off-duty and volunteer members worked tirelessly throughout the day and into the night (despite some of them experiencing flooding in their own homes) removing water, checking for hazards, blocking off roadways and handling emergency calls. A special mention goes to Firefighter Dennis Angelo, for his performance in overseeing operations in our Alarm Room at Fire Headquarters. FF. Angelo spent 10 hours straight, taking phone calls, determining priority situations, and assigning crews accordingly. Throughout the day Angelo took time to speak to each caller, gathering information and providing assurance. His efforts also provided some relief for our Public Safety Dispatchers who were inundated with calls for assistance and by the way, did a commendable job as well. I want to thank our Office of Emergency Management Director, Mark Banks, who aided FF Angelo, drafted an IAP, provided up to date information to the Fire Chief and reporting street closing to Erie County Officials. In all, Mark volunteered 5 hours of his time. I also want to thank Ellicott Creek Fire Chief Paul Dusel, who in the middle of the chaos, called us offering to drop off their portable pumps. These additional pumps enabled us to complete 25 basement pump outs. To all our members who took part in the numerous deployments, thank you very much for your hard work and continued dedication to duty.

Chief Stuart

05/25/2021

From Chief of Department May 25, 2021
It is that time of year again that many residents are having campfires in their backyards. So, I just want to remind everyone about the rules regarding this practice so that it can be done safely and legally. In order to regulate the use of fire pits for recreational burning, the fire department uses the Fire Code of New York State as a guide to enforce safe practices. What is the Fire Code?
The fire code establishes regulations at the state level. These regulations relate to structures, processes, premises and safeguards relating to:
- Hazards of fire and explosions arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices.
- Conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare.
- Fire hazards in a structure or on the premises (think fire pits).
- Matters related to construction, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression and alarm systems.
In general, the purpose of the fire code is: “To establish the minimum requirements consistent with nationally recognized good practice for providing a reasonable level of life-safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions.”
As I mentioned above, we use the fire code to regulate the use of fire pits. Section 307 of the Fire Code addresses this issue and it is from there we have derived a list of rules one must abide by in order to use a fire pit. The rules are as follows:
1. Only commercially available fireplaces/pits are to be used. A homemade fire pit constructed of brick may be allowed (see #4 & 5).
2. A screened lid must be in place at all times while burning.
3. Only clean, dry firewood may be burned. Some examples of materials not allowed to be burned in firepits are garbage, paper, plastics, rubber, scrap wood, twigs, leaves, grass or other vegetation.
4. The fireplace/pit must be located no closer than 15 feet from a building or other combustible structure.
5. The fireplace/pit must not have a diameter of more than 3 feet or a height in excess of 2 feet.
6. A fire extinguisher or garden hose must be readily accessible.
7. A responsible adult must constantly supervise the fire. (Unattended fires are not allowed and must be extinguished. Fires should not be left smoldering).
8. Fire must be kept small and within the confines of the fireplace/pit.
9. Burning is not allowed after 11 pm. (This rule is in place for the consideration of neighbors who keep their windows open while sleeping).
10. Fire must be completely extinguished before being left unattended.

Regarding rule # 3 above (requirement for clean dry wood), this is because dry wood burns hotter and gives off less smoke. Some types of wood burn better that other types. Hardwoods such as oak, maple, cherry, apple and ash are the best to use. Other types of wood such as pine and willow that naturally contain more moisture or sap will burn but will also give off much more smoke and not so nice odors. Pressure-treated wood, the kind used for decking and fences, should not be burned as it will give off extra-toxic smoke.
It is important to understand that if you are burning in a firepit, should a neighbor call the fire department to make a complaint because the smoke is bothering them, despite that you might be abiding by all of the rules, the fire department will have no choice but to order that the fire is put out. This is to comply with section 307.2.2 of the code where it states that “burning that will be offensive or objectional due to smoke or odor emissions that make such fires hazardous, shall be prohibited.”
If you have someone in your neighborhood who burns in a firepit (legal or illegal) and are legitimately bothered by the smoke or odor or, if you feel the fire is creating a dangerous situation, you have the right to make a complaint. Do so by calling 9-1-1 and explaining the situation to the dispatcher and that “you wish to make a complaint.” The dispatcher can protect your identity if you fear retribution. The fire department will then come to the scene and investigate the situation.
Other situations that would prohibit the use of a fire pit would be when weather conditions increase the danger of fire spread such as during high winds or extended drought conditions. Many may not realize it but each year between the months of March and May, New York State prohibits any type of open burning. This rule is in effect due to an abundance of post-winter dead/dry vegetation especially in the rural areas. The natural dryness of this vegetation can easily lead to large uncontrollable wildfires occurring.
I would guess that on some evenings, especially when the weather is cool and dry (like we have been experiencing recently), there are hundreds of firepits in use throughout the city at any given time. If you intend to use a firepit or better yet, before you purchase one, my advice is to first ask your neighbors (next door and behind) if they would mind if you were to burn fires in your yard. Many yards in the city are relatively small as compared to larger lots common in nearby towns (Amherst, Wheatfield, Grand Island etc.). In many cases the smaller lots do not provide enough room for the smoke to dissipate before it reaches a neighbor’s property. People who suffer from COPD or allergies can be greatly affected by smoke or smoke odors drifting into their home. It is for that reason the fire code states that burning in a firepit may be deemed illegal. A common situation we encounter involves a fire left smoldering overnight. Please extinguish your fire completely by pouring water on it before you leave it be. Just last November, the Sheridan park Fire District experienced a serious fire to a structure caused when fire from an unattended backyard firepit, spread to the home.
My other advice is to keep the fire small and respect your neighbors. Many times, we are called to investigate a firepit complaint and find a large fire burning with a group people (often drinking) and loud music playing late into the evening. This type of situation will no doubt result in the fire being put out. When we encounter an illegal fire, we typically explain the rules to the resident and issue them a “notice of violation” along with a written list of the rules. If someone continuously violates the rules or refuses to extinguish an illegal fire, our crews will have a Police Officer come to the scene to issue a “Written Summons” with a court date where the responsible party will have to answer to the violation.
If anyone has any questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact me by email or phone.
Chief Stuart

03/22/2021

Yesterday afternoon, City of Tonawanda Fire was dispatched for a house fire on Morgan Street, with a report of people still inside. Once on location crews were updated that a passerby was able to alert residents and assist them out of the structure. Crews then went to work to aggressively attack and extinguish the fire. Thank to all of our mutual aid companies: North Tonawanda Professional Firefighters Local 1333, Brighton Fire, Sheridan Park Fire, Kenmore Fire, Ellwood Fire, Grand Island Fire, and Elliott Creek Fire. Also, thank you to the citizens that alerted the residents. #iaff859 #tonawandaprofessionalfirefighters #tonawandafire #nyspffa

03/09/2021

From Chief of Department March 9 , 2021

Dog Rescued by Firefighters at House Fire.
I would like to commend a group of our firefighters who did an outstanding job last week at a house fire that occurred in our city. Platoon C, under the command of Assistant Chief Joe Briggs, responded to a reported house fire and upon arrival, was met by the distraught homeowner who had just arrived home and informed him that his dog was still inside and that he tried but could not reach him because of the heavy smoke. On-duty Captain Jeff State, and off-duty firefighters Don Page, Dennis Angelo and Nick Haskill quickly donned breathing apparatus and entered the home with a charged hose-line. They rapidly made their way to the second floor where they encountered a bedroom that was well-involved in fire. While two firefighters aggressively attacked the fire, the other two searched for the dog who they could initially hear howling and crying. Very dense smoke conditions made searching very difficult, but eventually they located the kennel cage and lifted the now semi-conscious dog out a window, into the arms of a firefighter Eric Krzeminski, who was on a ladder. Once on the ground, crews administered oxygen using a special mask made designed for pets. A Twin City Ambulance crew headed by Paramedic, Sean Hulsman, continued caring for the dog and after several minutes, it appeared to regain full consciousness and was able to stand up on his own. The dog was then transported to a nearby emergency veterinarian office where it was treated for smoke inhalation and burns. I am told that the dog is doing well.

Chief Stuart

03/05/2021

Photos from WNY Photos's post

01/01/2021

media1.tenor.co

media1.tenor.co

11/26/2020

City of Tonawanda Professional Firefighters

Between November 1 and November 28, 2020 we will be having a fundraiser. We are again partnering with Three Rivers Wreath & Plant Company to offer you fresh and fragrant Balsam Fir Wreaths, Garland, Swags, and Kissing Balls for holiday decorating and gift-giving. Visit our landing page at https://ThreeRiversFundraising.com/fund/ctpff-wreath2020 and enter our group code 3527XH to begin shopping! A portion of all items purchased comes back to the Union and we use that money to support other local organizations. Decorate for the holidays and help support local organizations!!! #l859 #nyspffa#COT #COTPROUD #cityoftonawanda #holidayseason #holidays2020

10/30/2020

From Chief of Department October 30, 2020

This past Wednesday, as they do each year, the Exchange Club of the Tonawanda’s, held a luncheon to honor members from both the Tonawanda and North Tonawanda Fire Departments. Each year I am tasked with identifying one member of our department deserving of this award. This year’s recipient for the award was Captain/Paramedic, Joshua Lapham. Josh was chosen for his energetic attitude, many accomplishments and being involved in many aspects of the department. As a member of our EMS committee, he has performed many jobs that include ordering equipment, scheduling meetings, taking notes, setting agendas and creating our Ambulance RFP committee. He was also instrumental in helping us transition to electronic patient care reporting. In 2019, Josh was solely responsible for our department receiving the EMS Agency of the Year award presented by the Wyoming Erie Regional Emergency Medical Services Council. In 2016 Josh was promoted to the rank of Captain and assigned as our Fire Prevention Officer. In that office he was able to attain National-Level Fire Inspector Certification, something no other department member has been able reach. As the fire inspector, Josh worked hard to ensure the safety of our residents especially those who resided in multi-family apartment buildings. During his time as a Fire Prevention Officer Josh also received training to become a fire scene investigator and joined our Fire Cause and Origin Team. Josh was of great help to me in our efforts to transition to the Lexipol System of Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines as well as helping to create a pre-fire plan database in electronic form. If all this weren’t enough, several years ago I asked Josh to function as our Exposure Control Officer, a necessary component required by the Dept. of Labor to ensure the safety of all our members by creating plans, procedures and engineering controls to protect against communicable diseases. His work in this area has never been so important as it has since the COVID pandemic hit. Josh also serves as our CPR Instructor coordinator making sure that all career and volunteer firefighters receive this vital training as well as that for interested citizens. To this day Josh remains energetic, involved and most of all, constantly motivated to improve all aspects of our fire department. I want to thank Josh for his continued commitment and unending desire to show initiative each day he comes to work and for setting an example to our other members on how to take real “pride and ownership” of our department.

Chief Stuart