7/19/10

CFD Photo of the Week

CFD assisted by Quakertown responded on this stubborn van fire in June of 2009. The van was well involved on arrival and magnesium and a gasoline leak made the fire difficult to extinguish.

7/12/10

CFD Photo of the Week

Downtown Clinton during the devastating fire in 1891. Firefighters and equipment from Flemington and Phillipsburg came to the towns aid. The Clinton Fire Department was formed in 1892 as a result of this fire.

6/21/10

5/31/10

Photo Of The Week


Lieutenant Trevor Dysart during overhaul at a structure fire in August of 1999. Trevor is now a career firefighter in Charleston, West Virginia.





5/28/10

CFD Car Fire Training 5-24-10

On Monday CFD drilled at the Hunterdon County Emergency Services Training Center. The drill was on car fires. A car was aquired to burn for this training session. The battery was removed and the fuel tank was drained and opened up to avoid the possiblity of explosion. Training Cneter Staff burned hay in the car to simulate a vehicle fire. CFD members practiced different techniques and gained valuable experience in safely handling vehicle fires. Today vehicles are especially dangerous to fire and rescue personell. Gas pistons, air bags, hybrid vehicles, and other features can injure firefighters if not handled properly.












More images are available on our Clinton Fire Department Facebook page.

5/26/10

CFD Activity April 2010

04/01/10 @ 1:07 pm - Fire Box 2549 Level 1 - Interstate 78 West in Union Township for the car fire. Chief 45 and Engine 45-2 responded and found a smoldering fire in the engine compartment of a passenger car. Members extinguished the fire and returned to service at 1:37 pm.

04/02/10 @ 2:45 pm - Fire Box 4601 Level 1 - Dispatched for possible helicopter landing for an incident in Clinton Township. The helicopter was cancelled and all units returned to service at 1:10 pm.

04/03/10 @ 7:38 am - Fire Box 2546 Level 4 - Pittstown Road @ Cooks Cross Road for a natural gas leak. Chief 45, Tower 45, Chief 91, and Engine 91-2 responded to find an Elizabethtown Gas regulator had failed and was venting gas into the atmosphere. Elizabethtown gas responded and secured the leak, all units returned to service at 9:19 am.

04/05/10 @ 8:18 am - Fire Box 4601 Level 4 - Amerigas on Beaver Avenue in Clinton Township. Engine 45-1 responded mutual aid on this box. The cause of the odor was a controlled release of gas by Amerigas employees. All units returned to service at 8:30 am.

04/05/10 @ 5:14 pm - Fire Box 4505 Level 1 - Interstate 78 West in the Town of Clinton for the MVA. Chief 45 and Engine 45-1 responded. Members controlled a small fluid spill and assisted EMS. All units returned to service at 5:40 pm.

04/10/10 @ 3:31 pm - Fire Box 4505 Level 1 - Interstate 78 West in the Town of Clinton for the MVA. Deputy 45 and Engine 45-1 responded and assisted EMS and blocked traffic to protect the responders on scene. All units returned to service at 4:16 pm.

04/13/10 @ 3:35 pm - Fire Box 9102 Level 2 - Pittstown Road in Franklin Township for smoke coming from a dwelling. Chief 45, Tower 45, and Engine 45-1 responded mutual aid on this box. Upon investigation the smoke was unfounded and all units returned to service at 4:01 pm.

04/16/10 @ 12:44 pm - Fire Box 4506 Level 1 - Clinton Public School for the fire alarm activation. Car 45-2 and Ladder 14 responded on this box. Investigation determined a problem with the system caused the alarm. All units returned to service at 1:23 pm.

04/17/10 @ 8:35 pm - Fire Box 4503 Level 1 - Leigh Street south of Mitchell Lane for wires burning. Chief 45 and Engine 45-2 responded and blocked traffic until CPD relieved CFD. All units returned to service at 9:47 pm.

04/20/10 @ 7:55 am - Special Call - Engine 45-1 to cover station 91(QFC) while they operated at a structure fire in Kingwood Township. They Engine failed to crew up and 14 Fire took the assignment.

04/21/10 @ 2:04 pm - Fire Box 2545 Level 4 - North Slope in Union Township for a chlorine explosion. Deputy 45, Engine 45-2 and Engine 91-2 responded to find and explosion had occurred in the pool pump room. County Haz-mat was requested to respond. The pool company also responded. The building was vented and the scene turned over to haz-mat and the pool company.

04/22/10 @ 10:56 am - Fire Box 4607 Level 1 - West Street in Annandale for a fire alarm activation. 45 Fire was cancelled before responding.

04/22/10 @ 10:39 pm - Fire Box 4503 Level 1 - Old Orchard Court for a fire alarm activation. Deputy 45, Engine 45-2, and Tower 45 responded. Investigation found no problem and all units returned to service at 10:58 pm.

04/23/10 @ 11:38 am - Fire Box 4508 Level 1 - Holiday Inn for the fire alarm. Engine 45-2 responded and found painters set off the alarm by accident. Engine 45-2 returned to service at 11:52 am.

04/24/10 @ 10:03 pm - Fire Box 2514 Level 2 - Anderson Road in Union Township for the garage fire. Tower 45 responded mutual aid with 14 Fire(HBFD). Tower 45 assisted with fire suppression and overhaul and returned to service at 12:14 am.

04/27/10 @ 4:31 pm - Fire Box 9106 Level 1 - Pittstown Road in Franklin Township for the MVA. Engine 45-2 responded mutual aid with 91 fire on the box. All units returned to service at 4:58 pm.

04/29/10 @ 9:56 am - Fire Box 4501 Level 4 - East Main Street Town of Clinton for the odor of natural gas. Investigation found no gas leak and odor dissipated. All units returned for service at 10:21 am.

04/29/10 @ 6:18 pm - Fire Box 9106 Level 1 - Hampton Inn in Franklin Township for the fire alarm. Chief 45, Tower 45, and Engine 45-1 responded mutual aid on this box with 91 Fire(QFC). Investigation found a dirty smoke detector in the laundry room. All units returned to service at 6:44 pm.

04/29/10 @ 7:17 pm - Fire Box 4503 Level 1 - Country Club Drive in the Town of Clinton for the fire alarm. Chief 45, and Engine 45-2 responded and found the alarm was caused by burnt food. Smoke was cleared from the residence and all units returned to service at 7:40 pm.

04/30/10 @ 7:26 am - Fire Box 2549 Level 1 - Interstate 78 West in Union Township for the MVA. Cancelled by EMS on scene at 7:34 am.

5/20/10

Structure fire - Alexandria Twp (Foxwood Lane)

On the 17th of May, Clinton Fire Department's Tower (45-69) responded to a structure fire in Alexandria Township.  The full story is available on the NJ.com site.  

Below are some images of our Tower at work.  Good job to all our firefighters for assisting our mutual aid departments.




More images are available on our Clinton Fire Department Facebook page.

5/19/10

CFD Biography - Chief Steve Higgins



Name: Steve Higgins (Fire Chief)
Age: 37
Family: Wife - Sharon
Children: Kearsten & Tom

About Steve:

Steve was born and raised in Clinton and attended Clinton Public School. Steve is a 1990 graduate of North Hunterdon where he played baseball. After High School Steve worked several jobs until he began working for Maintenance Solutions 14 years ago. Steve does many jobs for Maintenance Solutions but specializes in drywall and painting.

Steve's Fire Service Career:

Steve is a third generation Clinton Firefighter. His Father and Grandfather served CFD for many years. Steve spent many days helping out at pancake breakfasts and other fund raising events way before he was old enough to be a member. In 1991 Steve officially joined the CFD family. Steve has been a Lieutenant, Captain, and Deputy Chief until being elected Chief of Department on April 5, 2010. Steve's son Tom recently became a 4th generation member of the department when he joined as a Junior Firefighter.

5/17/10

5/12/10

CFD Activity for March 2010

03/01/10 @ 11:00 pm - Fire Box 2549 Level 1 - Interstate 78 East in Union Township just prior to Exit 15 for the MVA with a fuel spill. Deputy 45, Engine 451 and Engine 452 responded and found 100 gallons of diesel fuel leaking from a tractor trailer involved in the accident. Members contained the spill and Hunterdon County Hazmat responded to assist. All units returned to service at 12:12 am.



03/03/10 @ 8:00 am - Fire Box 4505 Level 1 - Interstate 78 East in the Town of Clinton for the reported car fire. Engine 451 responded but was cancelled by NJ State Police due to the car being disabled and not on fire. Engine 451 was back in quarters at 8: 21 am.



03/03/10 @ 3:46 pm - Fire Box 1401 Level 2 - Stillwell Road in High Bridge for smoke in a dwelling. Tower 45 is assigned mutual aid on this box. Tower 45 was cancelled prior to arrival by command and returned to quarters at 4:01 pm.



03/04/10 @ 2:32 am - Fire Box 4621 Level 1 - North Hunterdon High School for the fire alarm. All units held in station due to possible false alarm and were cancelled at 2:50 am by Chief 46(AHCO). This is a mutual aid assignment for CFD.



03/04/10 @ 3:30 pm - Fire Box 4505 Level 1 - Interstate 78 West in the Town of Clinton for the reported truck fire. Engine 451 arrived to find a truck that had a brake fire put out prior to CFD arrival. Members ensured the fire was out and returned to service at 3:52 pm.



03/06/10 @ 7:21 pm - Fire Box 2548 Level 1 - Hunterdon Developmental Center for the fire alarm activation. Chief 45, Engine 451 and Squad 91(QFC) responded and found the cause to be careless cooking. Smoke was cleared from the building and the alarm was reset. All units returned to service at 8:07 pm.



03/10/10 @ 4:16 pm - Fire Box 2503 Level 1 - Conrail train tracks in Union Township for the brush fire. Engine 451 responded mutual aid with 25 Fire(Pattenburg). Members assisted extinguishing fires along the tracks and returned to service at 5:59 pm.



03/10/10 @ 9:17 pm - Fire Box 4505 Level 1 - Interstate 78 West in the Town of Clinton for the MVA car overturned. Deputy 45, Engine 451 and Engine 452 responded and assisted EMS at the scene. All units were back in quarters at 9:56 pm.



03/11/10 @ 3:11 am - Fire Box 9106 Level 3 - Hampton Inn in Franklin Township. Initial call was Level 1 fire alarm, however upgraded to Level due to smoke throughout the building on arrival. Deputy 45, Tower 45, and Engine 451 responded mutual aid on this box and assisted in searching the building. Tower 45 crew found burned HVAC unit on the roof. The building was ventilated and all units returned to service at 4:13 am.



03/13/10 @ 6:00 am - Fire Box 4501 Level 1 - Stand by at station for possible flooding. Members stood by and monitored the situation until 12:00 pm. Members also assist 91 Fire(QFC) with a pump detail.



03/13/10 @ 9:40 am - Fire Box 9101 Level 1 - Sidney Road in Franklin Township for power lines down. Deputy 45 and Tower 45 responded on this mutual aid assignment and returned to service at 10:22 am.



03/14/10 @ 7:25 am - Fire Box 4502 Level 1 - Water Street in the Town of Clinton for the pump detail. Deputy 45 and Service 45 handled the assignment and cleared at 9:15 am.



03/14/10 @ 2:07 pm - Fire Box 4502 Level 1 - Hillcrest Park in the Town of Clinton for the pump detail. Deputy 45 and Service 45 handled the assignment and cleared at 3:39 pm.



03/14/10 @ 8:32 pm - Fire Box 4501 Level 1 - Main Street in the Town of Clinton for the fire alarm. Investigation determined a leaking washing machine caused the alarm to activate. All units returned to service at 9:52 pm.



03/15/10 @ 8:30 am - Fire Box 4502 Level 1 - Halstead Street in the Town of Clinton for the pump detail. Service 45 handled the assignment and cleared at 10:00 am.



03/16/10 @ 8:30 am - Special Call - Bound Brook in Somerset County to assist with pumping basements. Service 45 assisted as part of a Hunterdon County task force and returned to service at 5:00 pm.



03/16/10 @ 12:19 pm - Fire Box 4601 Level 4 - Interstate 78 East in Clinton Township for the gasoline leak. 46 Fire(AHCO) handled the call without assistance and CFD cancelled at 12:32 pm.



03/16/10 @ 2:30 pm - Fire Box 9106 Level 1 - Route 513 near Walmart in Franklin Township for the MVA. CFD unable to field a crew, 91 Fire handled the call.



03/17/10 @ 10:48 am - Fire Box 2504 Level 4 - Frontage Road in Union Township for the Natural gas leak. Engine 451 responded mutual aid with 25 Fire(PVFC) and assisted in checking the building with gas meter. Engine 451 released and returned to service at 12:34 pm.



03/17/10 @ 1:26 pm - Fire Box 9178 Level 1 - Interstate 78 East in Franklin Township for the MVA. Engine 451 assisted 91 fire at the scene and returned to service at 2:52 pm.



03/17/10 @ 10:47 pm - Fire Box 2548 Level 1 - Edna Mahon Correctional Facility for the MVA. Cancelled prior to arrival at 10:51 pm.



03/19/10 @ 2:02 pm - Fire Box 2548 Level 1 - Pittstown Road at HDC in Union Township for the MVA. Engine 451 responded and assisted EMS. Engine 451 returned to service @ 2:36 pm.



03/20/10 @ 3:39 pm - Fire Box 4504 Level 1 - Shammy Shine Car Wash in the Town of Clinton for the fire alarm. Chief 45, Tower 45 and Engine 452 responded and investigated. A bad detector was found in the attic and all units cleared at 4:12 pm.



03/20/10 @ 7:37 pm - Fire Box 9106 Level 1 - Hampton Inn in Franklin Township for the fire alarm. Chief 45, Tower 45, and Engine 451 responded mutual aid on this box. Investigation determined the alarm was accidental and all units cleared at 7:58 pm.



03/24/10 @ 2:45 pm - Fire Box 2547 Level 1 - Country Arch Care Center in Union Township for the fire alarm. CFD and QFC responded and investigated the alarm. Faulty detector was the cause and all units cleared at 3:06 pm.



03/25/10 @ 4:05 pm - Fire Box 2549 Level 1 - Interstate 78 East in Union Township for the MVA. Cancelled by State Police prior to arrival at 4:11 pm.



03/27/10 @ 2:21 am - Fire Box 2549 Level 1 - Interstate 78 West in Union Township for the MVA. Engine 451 responded and controlled a fuel spill and stood by until cars were removed. All nits returned to service at 3:30 am.



03/28/10 @ 11:55 am - Fire Box 4601 Level 2 - Shackamaxon Drive in Clinton Township for the oven fire. Chief 45 and Tower 45 responded mutual aid on this box. The fire was out on arrival and all units returned to service at 12:21 am.



03/29/10 @ 12:45 pm - Fire Box 4601 Level 2 - Regional Road in Clinton Township for the furnace fire. Tower 45 responded mutual aid on this box. The fire was out on arrival and Tower 45 returned to service @ 1:04 pm.

5/10/10

CFD Photo of the Week

This 1991 photo is some of CFD's Ex-Chiefs. From left to right: William Wintermute, James Colognato, Tom Whiteley, Steve Clancy, George (Butch) Runyon, Arthur Kraeuter.

4/29/10

CFD Activity for February 2010

Call activity for the Clinton Fire Department for February 2010.

02/02/10 @ 2:36 pm - Fire Box 4508 Level 4 - Holiday Inn of Clinton for the Natural Gas Leak. Engine 45-1, Ladder 14(HBFD), and Engine 46-1(AHCO) responded. Investigation found the gas service was leaking on the exterior of the building. The gas was secured and the building was ventilated and checked for gas. All units were ready for service at 3:44 pm.

02/03/10 @ 9:35 am - Fire Box 9106 Level 1 - Interstate 78 in Franklin Township for a possible car fire. CFD was dispatched with 91 Fire(QFC). Deputy 91 cancelled all units the call was unfounded at 9:40 am.

02/04/10 @ 10:06 am - Fire Box 4601 Level 2 - Dartmouth Ct, Clinton Township Smoke in a dwelling. Tower 45 responded mutual aid on this assignment. Investigation determined the smoke was caused by a faulty surge protector. Tower 45 returned to service at 10:44 am.

02/06/10 @ 6:04 am - Fire Box 4601 Level 4 - Interstate 78 in Clinton Township for fuel spill from an MVA. Engine 45-1 responded to assist 46 Fire. Engine 45-1 returned to service at 6:47 am.

02/06/10 @ 7:11 pm - Fire Box 2548 Level 1 - Edna Mahon Prison for the Medivac landing. Engine 45-1 and Captain 45-1 responded. All units returned to service at 10:20 pm.

02/08/10 @ 9:34 am - Fire Box 2545 Level 1 - Panorama Pl, Union Township, for the fire alarm. Engine 45-1 and Chief 45 responded. Chief 45 arrived and determined the cause of the alarm was careless cooking and no further action was needed. All units returned to service at 9:45 am.

02/08/10 @ 4:22 pm - Fire Box 2546 Level 1 - Pittstown Rd @ Race St for the MVA. Engine 45-1, Chief 45, and Squad 91(QFC) responded on the box. Chief 45 arrived and determined Engine 45-1 could handle the call and Squad 91 was returned at 4:31 pm. All Clinton units cleared at 4:40 pm.

02/09/10 @ 9:00 am - Fire Box 2546 Level 1 - Race St, Union Township, for the CO alarm. Tower 45, Engine 91-2, and Deputy 91 responded and found high CO readings in the residence. The cause was determined to be a leak in the wood stove chimney. The fire place was emptied and the residence was ventilated. All units returned to service at 9:52 am.

02/11/10 @ 9:25 am - Fire Box 2549 Level 1 - Interstate 78, Union Township, for the MVA. Engine 45-1 and Chief 45 responded. CFD members assisted EMS and checked for fluid spills. All units returned to service at 9:58 am.

02/16/10 @ 4:56 pm - Fire Box 1401 Level 2 - West Main St, High Bridge, for the chimney fire. Tower 45 is assigned mutual aid to HBFD on this box. Chief 14 arrived quickly and determined 14 Fire units would handle. Tower 45 returned to service at 5:01 pm.

02/17/10 @ 11:29 am - Fire Box 4501 Level 4 - Agway, Town of Clinton, for an odor of propane. Engine 45-2 and Chief 45 responded and investigated. No odor or problem found. All units returned to service at 11:43 am.

02/18/10 @ 6:06 am - Fire Box 2549 Level 1 - Interstate 78, Union Township, for the tractor trailer fire. Engine 45-1 and Chief 45 responded. The fire was out on arrival and State Police were on scene. All units returned to quarters at 6:20 am.

02/18/10 @ 12:04 pm - Fire Box 2548 Level 1 - Hunterdon Developmental Center for the Fire alarm. Engine 45-1 and Engine 91-2(QFC) responded. Investigation found a patient pulled the alarm, there was no fire. All units returned to quarters at 12:30 pm.

02/22/10 @ 11:25 am - Fire Box 2546 Level 1 - Behind Country Arch Care Center for the smoke investigation. Tower 45 and Brush 91(QFC) responded. The source of the smoke was an open burn and there was no problem. All units returned to quarters at 11:54 am.

02/22/10 @ 5:10 pm - Fire Box 4503 Level 2 - Leigh St, Town of Clinton, for the chimney fire. Engine 45-2, Tower 45, Deputy 45, Ladder 14(HBFD), Engine 46-1(AHCO), Engine 91-2(QFC), and Squad 18(FAST) responded on this box. Deputy 45 had command and determined the situation was under control and cancelled all mutual aid units at 5:19 pm. All units were clear at 6:00 pm.

02/26/10 @ 10:08 am - Fire Box 4502 Level 4 - North Branch of the County Library for the natural gas leak. Engine 45-1, Engine 45-2, Chief 45, Captain 45-1 responded. Captain 45-1 arrived first and found an active leak behind the library where a snow plow struck the meter. Captain 45-1 took command. A safe area was established and evacuations were initiated. A 2nd alarm was requested bringing Ladder 14(HBFD), Engine 46-1(AHCO), and Engine 91-2. Chief 45 had operations and determined the leak could not be stopped until Elizabethtown Gas arrived. Elizabethtown Gas arrived at 10:30 am and shut off the gas at 10:37 am. The library was checked for gas and the scene was turned over to the gas company. All units returned to service at 11:03 am.

4/22/10

CFD Officers and Executives 2010

Elections for Chief, Assistant Chief and Executives were held at our annual meeting on Monday the 5th of April. Our thanks go out to Chief Scott Wintermute who is taking a well deserved rest after leading the department as chief for 4 years.  At the April elections, Deputy Chief Steve Higgins was unanimously elected to the position of Chief and he will be assisted by Deputy Chief Walt Dorf.  The line officers for 2010 are Jeff Hedden - Captain, Jim Querry - Captain, Tim Vanselous - Lieutenant and Mike Burtnick - Engineer.  The department also voted on the Executive committee members and they are Jerry Malecki - President, Quintus Joubert - Vice President, Bill Wintermute - Treasurer, Matt Brown - Secretary, Tim Langston - Trustee, Scott Wintermute - Trustee and Rick Dux - Trustee.  

We would like to congratulate these members and wish them all the best as they lead the department during this year!

4/21/10

Hoops challenge - Fire vs. Rescue

On the 9th of April the Clinton Fire Department took on the Clinton First Aid and Rescue Squad in an epic battle for basketball supremacy.  The event was sponsored by the Clinton Emergency Services Foundation and all proceeds benefited the Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad and the Clinton Fire Department.  At the sound of the final buzzer the Clinton Fire Department managed to edge out the squad by a respectable score of 41-32.  We'd like to thank everyone that joined us for this wonderful community event and we look forward to more social events like this in the near future.


Shoots and scores!


The final score is in!

Chief Higgins (middle) and Deputy Chief Dorf (right) receive the trophy

The 2010 CFD Dream Team
Photos courtesy: Rick Dux

4/19/10

Photo of the week

Captain Walter Dorf and Firefighter Mchael Iglesias making a rescue on the cliff behind the Red Mill Museum. Captain Dorf is now Deputy Chief and Firefighter Iglesias has moved to Myrtle Beach, SC where he is now a career firefighter.

4/12/10

CFD Biography - Ex-Chief Scott Wintermute

In a new feature on the CFD Blog will will introduce you to our Clinton Fire Department members. We will feature a different member each month. This month I will tell a little about myself.

Name: Scott Wintermute (Ex-fire chief, Trustee)

Family: Wife - Mary Lynn

Children: Jaeden (6) and Russell (2)

Parents: Bill and Judy

Sister: Sue



About Me:
I was born and raised in Clinton and attended Clinton Public School. After graduating from Clinton Public my family moved to Franklin Township and I attended North Hunterdon High School. I graduated from North Hunterdon in 1988 and attended NJIT. I left NJIT in 1989 and worked for Vollers Excavating in North Branch. In 1991 I was hired at Public Service Electric & Gas. I currently work in PSE&G's Gas System Operations Center in Newark.



My wife and I were married in 1996 and live in Clinton Township near the Town of Clinton border. In 2005 we adopted our daughter, Jaeden, from Chongqing, China and in January of this year we adopted our son, Russell, from Hohhot, China. We enjoy traveling, especially camping.


My Fire Service Career:
I come from a CFD family. My father and two uncles are members of the CFD and all three served as Chiefs. I spent a lot of time at the firehouse as a child and often helped out at Pancake Breakfasts and other fund raisers. As a teenager I got together with some friends who were interested in joining the fire department and we pushed the Chief and other Officers to start a Junior Firefighter program. In 1987 the program was finally implemented. Myself and 3 others joined the Clinton Fire Department in April of 1987 as the first Junior Firefighters in the department. I turned 18 in October of 1987 and became an Active Firefighter in November. Since then I have held the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, Chief (2006-2010), and currently serve as a Trustee of the Clinton Fire Department. In addition to my fire service I have also served 5 years on the Clinton First Aid and Rescue Squad.

2/23/10

CFD Activity for January 2010

First off I want to apologize for the lack of activity on the Blog but sometimes real life interferes so please forgive me. 2010 has started out to be a busy year not only for the CFD but for me personally. My wife, daughter, and I traveled to China on January 20 to adopt our son Russell. We returned home on February 5 and have taken some time to settle in. Russell is 22 months and is keeping us all rather busy.

In January the CFD had our monthly meeting, 3 drills, 1 mandatory class, and we assisted at the Annual Clinton Yuletide Bonfire. We also responded to 22 calls during the month. A summary of those calls follows.:

01/06/10 @ 7:25 pm - Fire Box 4508 Level 1 - Holiday Inn of Clinton for the fire alarm activation. Investigation determined that prior work on the sprinkler system had caused a false activation. The following units responded: Chief 45, Deputy 45, Engine 452, Tower 45, Engine 461, and Ladder 14. Fire Marshal 45 was notified of the situation. All units were ready for service at 8:02 pm.

01/07/10 @ 5:52 am - Fire Box 4508 Level 1 - Holiday Inn of Clinton for the fire alarm activation. Investigation determined alarm cause to be the same problem as previous call. Fire Marshal 45 was on scene and would ensure problem is repaired. Units responding: Engine 452, Engine 461, Ladder 14 and Deputy 14. All units were ready for service at 6:25 am.

01/10/10 @ 5:35 pm - Fire Box 4503 Level 2 - Leigh Street in the Town of Clinton for smoke in a dwelling. Units responding on the box were: Chief 45, Deputy 45, Engine 452, Tower 45, ladder 14, Engine 461, Engine 912, and Squad 18(FAST). Chief 45 and Deputy 45 arrived and determined the cause of the smoke to be a faulty oil burner. All 14, 46, 91, and 18 fire units were cancelled prior to arrival. Engine 452 and Tower 45 shut down the unit and vented the smoke from the dwelling. All units were ready for service at 6:04 pm.

01/12/10 @ 8:29 am - Fire Box 2546 Level 1 - Hunterdon Developmental Center(HDC) Cottage 16 for the fire alarm. Deputy 45, Engine 451, and Engine 912 responded. Investigation determined the cause to be burnt food. All units were ready for service at 8:51 am.
01/12/10 @ 11:36 am - Fire Box 4601 Level 4 - Jumping Brook Place in Clinton Township for the Carbon Monoxide(CO) alarm. Engine 451 responds mutual aid to AHCO(46) on this box. Captain 46 cancelled Engine 451 at 11:38 am.

01/13/10 @ 4:15 pm - Fire Box 4601 Level 4 - Grayrock Rd for the odor of gas in the residence. Engine 451 is assigned mutual aid to this box. Engine 451 assisted with the investigation and was ready for service at 4:45 pm.

01/14/10 @ 7:23 am - Fire Box 4503 Level 4 - Alexandra Way for the odor of gas in the residence. Deputy 45 and Engine 452 responded and found no gas in the residence. There were numerous gas odor calls on this day and the source was later found to be axle grease that leaked on Route 31. All units were ready for service at 7:47 am.
01/14/10 @ 2:23 pm - Fire Box 4504 Level 2 - Lakeview Avenue in the Town of Clinton for the kitchen fire. Deputy 45 arrived in 4 minutes and took command and advised he had smoke showing from the dwelling. Engine 451 with Lieutenant 452 arrived and stretched a line and made an aggressive interior attack on the fire. The fire started on the stove due to unattended cooking and spread to the cabinets and walls. The fire was contained to the kitchen with heat, smoke and water damage to other parts of the house. One occupant was injured and was treated and transported by the Clinton Rescue Squad. The following units responded on the box: Engine 451, Engine 452, Tower 45, Engine 461, Engine 912, Ladder 14, Squad 18(FAST). Chief 46, Chief 14, and Deputy 91 also assisted at the incident. All units were ready for service at 4:51 pm.

01/17/10 @ 10:46 am - Fire Box 4623 Level 1 - Clinton Township Police Headquarters for the odor of smoke in the building. Engine 451 was special called to assist first alarm companies search for the source. The source was found to be from a shorted electric device in the basement and Engine 451 was ready for service at 11:44 am.
01/17/10 @ 1:03 pm - Fire Box 4501 Level 2 - Center Street in the Town of Clinton for the oven fire. Chief 45 arrived in 1 minute and found fire coming from the range top. Engine 452 and Tower 45 arrived and removed the stove from the dwelling with no fire extension to the building. The fire was extinguished once the stove was outside. The following units responded on the box: Chief 45, Deputy 45, Engine 452, Tower 45, Engine 461, Engine 912, Ladder 14, and Squad 18(FAST). All units were ready for service at 1:31 pm.
01/17/10 @ 5:39 pm - Fire Box 4621 Level 1 - Immaculate Conception School for the fire alarm. Engine 451 responds mutual aid on this box and assisted searching for the source of the alarm. The source was determined to be a power problem in the area, no fire. Engine 451 was ready for service at 6:21 pm.

01/19/10 @ 6:03 am - Fire Box 4506 Level 1 - Clinton Public School for the fire alarm. The source of the alarm was due to prior work on the heating system. Responding units: Engine 451, Engine 452, and Ladder 14. All units were ready for service at 6:47 am.

01/20/10 @ 6:29 am - Fire Box 4506 Level 1 - Clinton Public School for the fire alarm. There was no fire the alarm was caused by a problem with the heater. Responding units: Chief 45, Engine 452, and Ladder 14. All units were returned to service at 6:55 am.

01/21/10 @ 11:18 am - Fire Box 2545 Level 4 - Cross Way in Union Township for the CO alarm. Engine 451 investigated and found CO in the condo unit. The source was traced to carpet cleaners leaving the door open and their truck running. The unit was ventilated and Engine 451 returned to service at 11:52 am.

01/25/10 @ 5:49 am - Fire Box 4504 Level 1 - Lingert Avenue in the Town of Clinton for the wire sparking on a pole. Chief 45, Captain 451, and Engine 452 responded. JCP&L arrived and all units returned to service at 7:17 am.
01/25/10 @ 8:17 am - Fire Box 2546 Level 1 - HDC Cottage 14 for the fire alarm activation. No fire on investigation, the alarm was caused by a water leak. Tower 45 and Engine 912 responded and all returned to service at 8:53 am.

01/26/10 @ 11:39 am - Fire Box 4621 Level 1 - North Hunterdon High School for the bomb scare. Engine 451 responded and stood by with 46 Fire units while police investigated. Engine 451 was released and returned to service at 1:51 pm.

01/27/10 @ 8:38 pm - Fire Box 4601 Level 4 - Beaver Avenue in Clinton Township for the car leaking gas. Engine 451 is assigned to this box and was cancelled while responding by Engine 461. Engine 451 was back in quarters at 8:55 pm.

01/28/10 @ 7:03 am - Fire Box 4505 Level 1 - Interstate 78 East for multiple MVA's. CFD units assisted State Police blocking traffic until dispatched to another location at 7:56 am.
01/28/10 @ 7:56 am - Fire Box 2545 Level 1 - Route 173 and Bank Street in Union Township for the MVA. Captain 451 and Engine 451 responded and assisted Clinton Rescue with patient care. All units returned to service at 8:14 am.

01/29/10 @ 6:33 am - Fire Box 4506 Level 1 - Clinton Public School for the fire alarm. Captain 451, Engine 452, and Ladder 14 investigated the alarm and determined there is a problem with a heater. All units returned to service at 6:51 am.
01/29/10 @ 8:00 pm - Fire Box 4601 Level 2 - Riverbend Road in Clinton Township for the chimney fire. Engine 451 was cancelled prior to arrival and returned to service at 8:10 pm.

2/9/10

Safety tips - Driving in snow and ice

With the imminent arrival of yet another snow storm we wanted to share these snow and ice driving tips with you:

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it. Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination. If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared (TIPS), and that you know how to handle road conditions.

It's helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you're familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner's manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

Driving safely on icy roads

1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.
5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
6. Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
8. Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
9.Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid...

1. Take your foot off the accelerator.
2. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
3. If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
4. If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
5. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid...

1. Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
2. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck...

1. Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
2. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
3. Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
4. Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
5. Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
6. Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.
7. More Tips

Sources: National Safety Council, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Washington State Government Information & Services

1/19/10

Kitchen fire in Clinton, NJ

Here is a news article about the recent kitchen fire on Lakeview Avenue in Clinton.  Great job to all who responded!


Express-Times Photo - BILL ADAMS

1/11/10

CFD Responses 11/19 - 12/31

Apologies for the delay in updating our response data. Hope everyone had a safe holiday season and are enjoying the new year. Following is an update of our calls since November 18, see previous posts for other activities during this period.


11/19/09 @ 9:59 am - Fire Box 9106 Level 1 - South Ridge Church for the fire alarm activation. Tower 45 responded mutual aid with QFC(91) to investigate. A smoke condition was found in the building due to an electrical appliance malfunction. Smoke was cleared from the building and all units returned to quarters at 1045 am.


11/20/09 @ 7:33 pm - Fire Box 4503 Level 1 - Leigh St @ Country Club Dr for the pole and wire fire. Chief 45 and Engine 452 responded and with Clinton PD assistance closed the road and notified JCP&L. JCP&L finally showed and released the fire units at 10:59 pm.


11/21/09 @ 9:07 pm - Fire Box 2548 Level 1 - Hunterdon Developmental Center(HDC) for the fire alarm. Chief 45, Engine 452, and QFC Engine 912 responded to investigate and found alarm was caused by water leaking into a smoke detector. All units were cleared at 9:30 pm.


11/29/09 @11:01 am - Fire Box 4501 Level 1 - A&P parking lot for the smoking car. Engine 451 responded with Captain 451 and investigated. Found a car with minor oil leak and owner was going to repair it. All units cleared at 11:15 am.


12/03/09 @ 5:41 am - Fire Box 1401 Level 2 - Washington Ave, High Bridge Boro for wires burning on outside of residence. Tower 45 and Chief 45 responded mutual aid with HBFD as part of the structure fire assignment. HBFD arrived in minutes and handled the situation quickly and cancelled the remainder of the assignment. All units were back in quarters at 6:01 am.


12/03/09 @ 11:47 pm - Fire Box 4501 Level 1 - The Red Mill for the fire alarm activation. Chief 45, Deputy 45, Engine 452 and Tower 45 responded and made entry into the building to investigate. Found alarm was caused due to power problems, system was secured and turned over to key holder who responded. All units were back in quarters at 12:33 am 12/04/09.


12/07/09 @ 10:20 am - Fire Box 4601 Level 1 Special Call - Center St, Clinton Township for an electrical problem in building with smoke in several offices. Engine 451 was requested by AHCO(46) to assist at the scene. Engine 451 responded and assisted in securing the situation and returned to service @ 11:50 am.


12/08/09 @ 10:34 am - Cover Assignment - Engine 451 to cover QFC(91) while they operated at a structure fire in Raritan Township.


12/08/09 @ 10:55 am - Fire Box 2548 Level 1 - HDC for the fire alarm activation. Engine 451 and Engine 912 responded and determined there was no problem and cleared all units at 11:07 am.


12/08/09 @ 11:09 am - Cover Assignment - Engine 451 was diverted from QFC to cover Raritan Township Fire Company(21). THe cover assignment was completed at 1:00 pm.


12/08/09 @ 11:24 am - Fire Box 2118 Level 1 - Route 202 in Raritan Township for the MVA. Engine 451 responded from the cover assignment and handled the call for RTFC(21). Engine 451 was back at the cover assignment at 11:54 am.


12/10/09 @ 11:56 am - Fire Box 4501 Level 3 - Main St, Clinton for an electrical fire in a business. Chief 45, Engine 451, Ladder 14, Engine 461, Engine 912, and Squad 18(FAST) responded on the first alarm. Units found a light smoke condition on the second floor and a charred outlet. Power to the building was secured and members checked for fire extension and found none. Fire Marshal 45 was notified and all units were cleared by 12:52 pm.


12/12/09 @ 3:43 am - Fire Box 2548 Level 1 - HDC for the fire alarm activation. Captain 452, Engine 451 assisted by QFC(91) found a water leak caused the alarm. The water was secured and the facility took care of the building. All units were back in quarters at 0436.


12/13/09 @ 5:48 am - Fire Box 4601 Level 1 - Spruce Drive in Clinton Township for the fire alarm. Engine 451 requested on the mutual aid assignment with AHCO(46). Cancelled at dispatch, 46 Fire handled the incident.


12/13/09 - Fire Box 4505 Level 1 - Interstate 78 EB for an MVA. Engine 451 responded and investigated. No FD action was needed and Engine 451 reutrned to quarters.


12/14/09 @ 11:08 am - Fire Box 4508 Level 1 - Holiday Inn for the fire alarm. CFD as well as AHCO(E-461) and HBFD(L-14) are assigned to this box. Chief 45 responded and arrived at 11:12 am. Chief 45 investigated and determined the alarm activation was false and cancelled all responding units. All units were back in service at 11:21 am.


12/17/09 @ 1:31 pm - Fire Box 4505 Level 1 - Interstate 78 WB for the MVA. Chief 45 and Engine 451 responded. A small fluid spill was the only hazard and absorbent was applied. Al units were back in quarters at 1:50 pm.


12/20/09 @ 4:23 pm - Fire Box 4501 Level 2 - Investor Savings Bank in the Town of Clinton for heavy black smoke from the chimney. Units assigned to this box were CFD, AHCO(E-461), HBFD(L-14), QFC(E-912), LFC(FAST). Chief 45 arrived at 4:24 pm and investigated. The problem was found to be a faulty boiler and the assignment was held to Engine 452 only. Access was made and the boiler shut down. All units were back in quarters at 5:16 pm.


12/20/09 @ 10:39 pm - Fire Box 2549 Level 1 - Interstate 78 WB at Exit 13 for the MVA. Engine 451 arrived at 10:47 pm and assisted EMS. Engine 451 stood by until the cars were removed and returned to quarters at 11:45 pm.


12/21/09 @ 7:00 am - Fire Box 4502 Level 1 - Route 31 SB at Georges Place for the MVA. CFD units cancelled at 7:05 no need for fire apparatus.


12/21/09 @ 3:18 pm - Fire Box 9106 Level 1 - Route 513 near Walmart for the MVA. Engine 452 responded but was cancelled before arrival. This was a mutual aid assignment with QFC(91). Engine 452 was ready for service at 3:25 pm.


12/21/09 @ 5:02 pm - Fire Box 4501 Level 4 - Main Street for the odor of gas. Deputy 45 and Engine 451 responded and found the cause to be axle grease leaked from a car. All units back in quarters at 5:35 pm.


12/23/09 @ 8:18 pm - Fire Box 1403 Level 2 - Pleasant Rd in High Bridge Boro for the Chimney Fire. Tower 45 is part of the first alarm mutual aid with HBFD. Tower 45 crew assisted HBFD and other departments extinguish the fire that was contained in the chimney. All CFD units were back in quarters at 9:06 pm.


12/26/09 @ 7:31 pm - Fire Box 9106 Level 1 - TJ Maxx for an electrical fire in the parking lot. CFD responds mutual aid with QFC on this box. CFD secured the area around the electrical box. QFC units search for and found breakers and shut down the parking lot lights that were arcing. The fire went out and CFD was released by command. All units were back in quarters at 7:56 pm.


12/27/09 @ 10:10 am - Fire Box 2545 Level 1 - Overlook Drive in Union Township for the dumpster fire. Chief 45 arrived at 10:12 am and found a working dumpster fire. Engine 451 arrived and extinguished the fire. The cause was determined to be fire place ashes disposed of in the dumpster. All units were back in quarters at 10:40 am.


12/27/09 @ 11:12 pm - Fire Box 1401 Level 2 - Mill St High Bridge Boro for smoke in the basement. Tower 45 is on the first alarm to assist HBFD(14). Chief 14 arrived and found a furnace malfunction was the cause and 14 Fire handled the call, all mutual adi was cancelled. CFD units were back in service at 11:18 pm.


12/30/09 @ 5:02 pm - Fire Box 4601 Level 2 - Surrey Ct in Clinton Township for the oven fire. Chief 45 and Tower 45 responded mutual aid with AHCO(46). CFD was cancelled by 46 Fire as the fire was out on arrival and they would handle the call. CFD was back in quarters at 5:10 pm.


12/31/09 @ 8:06 am - Fire Box 2548 Level 1 - HDC Cottage 8 for the fire alarm. Engine 451 and Tower 45 responded and arrived at 8:15 am. QFC Engine 912 held at station due to snow and ice conditions. CFD units investigated and determined the alarm was caused by a power issue and cancelled all units. CFD units were back in quarters at 8:29 am.