Fire Siren

In response to several questions about the siren alerting system in Clinton I will explain how the system works. There are 2 sirens in the Town of Clinton, 1 on the firehouse and the second 1 is located on West Main Street by the Shell Station. When the Clinton Fire Department is dispatched for a call a tone is sent out via a radio frequency. This tone makes our firefighters pagers beep and sets off the sirens in town. The sirens are on timers and should only work from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm.

The sirens serve several functions, alerting firefighters, alerting the public, and can be used during a state of emergency. Our firefighters carry pagers so some people have asked why do you need the siren to alert your members. Simple pagers do malfunction, members may work outside and not carry the pager, or they may be in a loud environment and can not hear the pager. Alerting the public that the CFD has been dispatched for a call is another reason for the siren. When the public hears the siren they should be alert for firefighters responding to the station as well as fire, police, and EMS apparatus responding to the scene of the call. Last but certainly not least in the event of a serious emergency town officials could use the sirens to alert the public.

Many questions have been asked in regards to the intermittent use of the siren on West Main Street. There were a few factors that came into play causing this siren to be out of service several times over the last several years. One cause was the Hunterdon County Communications Center switched all fire department dispatching to a different frequency and it took a while for the new equipment to be installed. A second factor was the Exit 15 construction when the power was disconnected and the siren was mounted on a new pole. Lastly there was a minor problem with the timer that was fixed recently. For those who ask how we made due when the siren was down the answer is simple, members missed several calls during this time.

The most important thing to remember when you hear the siren blow is that your neighbors are leaving their families, their jobs, school to help out the community. They don't get paid and there is always the chance when that siren blows that a firefighter may not see his or her family again. If anyone has further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to ask, we are always at the firehouse on Monday evenings so feel free to stop by.

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Fire Call Update!

Photos are of units operating Sunday, 9/20/09 at the Hunterdon Developmental Center.

The Clinton Fire Department has been pretty active since my last posting on Wednesday, September 16. Since that day CFD has responded to 8 more calls for help.

Wednesday, 9/16/09 3:28 pm CFD was dispatched to (Fire Box 4501 Level 1) Old Highway 22 for an odor of gas behind the Hair Cutters. Chief 45 arrived in less than a minute followed by Engine 45-2 and quickly determined the source to be a small diesel spill behind the Laundromat. Absorbent was applied and units were back in quarters by 3:41 pm.

Wednesday, 9/16/09 8:29 pm Fire Box 2548 Level 1 was dispatched for the fire alarm at Hunterdon Developmental Center, Cottage 21. This box brings CFD, Quakertown(Engine 91-2), And Pattenburg(Engine 25). Chief 45 and Deputy 45 arrived in 3 minutes and quickly determined the cause of the alarm was accidental and all responding units except Engine 45-2 were cancelled. The Engine crew double checked the building and reset the alarm. All Units were back in quarters at 8:46 pm.

Friday, 9/18/09 8:39 pm CFD was dispatched for Engine 45-1 on automatic mutual aid with Annandale Hose Company for a natural gas odor in a dwelling on Wellington Dr. Engine 45-1 arrived 9 minutes after dispatched and assisted with a gas meter to monitor the house. No readings were found and the gas company was notified. Engine 45-1 returned and was ready for service at 9:16 pm.

Saturday, 9/19/09 2:10 am Fire Box 2548 Level 3 was dispatched for a possible fire in the hospital building at Hunterdon Developmental Center. Units arrived and found there was no fire, but a serious steam leak in the basement. The hospital was evacuated as fire units from Clinton, Quakertown, High Bridge, and Pattenburg worked wit HDC Engineering to shut down the leak. The leak was stopped around 3:30 am and all units were clear of the scene by 4:00am.

Saturday, 9/19/09 5:53 am Engine 45-1 was dispatched with Annandale for an odor of gas at Amerigas on Beaver Ave. in Clinton Township. Units arrived quickly and determined there was no problem, all units were back in service at 6:09 am.

Saturday, 9/19/09 8:39 am Engine 45-1 was dispatched with High Bridge for an alarm at Spruce Run Recreation area. The alarm was quickly determined to be false and CFD was cancelled without responding.

Saturday, 9/19/09 10:17 am Fire Box 2548 Level 1 was dispatched for HDC Cottage 13 for the fire alarm activation. Engine 45-1 assisted by Chief 91, Engine 91-2, Engine 46-1, and Engine 25 found the alarm to be caused by water leaking into the alarm system. The alarm was cleared and the building was turned over to HDC Staff. All FD units returned to service at 10:45 am.

Sunday, 9/20/09 4:43 pm Fire Box 2548 Level 1 was transmitted at HDC for an explosion and fire in a manhole. Chief 45 arrived in 2 minutes and found smoke coming from a manhole near cottage 17. Chief 45 set up command and was notified of multiple fire alarms and a smoke condition in cottage 12. Command requested the call be upgraded to a level 3 and a special call for Tower 46 due to CFD Tower being out of service. Units checked building to building verifying that the alarms were false and that no smoke or Carbon Monoxide was entering the buildings. The smoke condition in cottage 12 was caused by a compressor motor fire which was secured by FD members. Cottage 17 also had smoke condition which was determined to be coming from the manhole fire via conduit. 9 cottages as well as the hospital building were evacuated. HDC Engineering arrived and ensured that power was shut off and opened the manhole. Once units ensured all buildings were safe and there was no further danger all occupants were allowed to return to the buildings and the scene was turned over to HDC Staff. All FD and EMS units were back in service at 8:15 pm.

The following responded and assisted at the scene.

Fire Units: Clinton FD(Chief 45, Engines 45-1, and 45-2, Service 45) Quakertown (Deputy 91, Engine 91-2, Rescue 91) High Bridge (Chief 14, Deputy 14, Ladder 14) Annandale (Chief 46, Tower 46) Pattenburg (Squad 25) Lebanon (Squad 18(FAST))

Station Cover: Glen Gardner (Engine 12-2) and Lebanon (Ladder 18)

EMS: Clinton (Chief 45-5, BLS 4651, BLS 4554, BLS 4553, Rescue 45-5, Service 45-5) High Bridge (BLS 1451) Quakertown (BLS 9152) Flemington (BLS 4955) Bloomsbury (BLS 4352)

Hunterdon County: Deputy Fire Coordinators (Stephens & Rathborne) EMS Coordinator (Buchannon)

NJ Division of Fire Safety: Tim Weiss and Walter Zieser.

How fast does fire spread?

Modern synthetic materials help fire to spread very quickly - much quicker than most people realize.  To this end, fire departments have initiated box alarms to get the needed resources dispatched to the fire even BEFORE the chief gets on scene. (Box alarms: Part 1 & Part 2)

Before you watch the video think about how long you think it would take for your living room to be fully involved with fire.  Now click Play and see how close your guess is.

Does something strike you as odd about this video? The absence of smoke alarms makes this simulated situation very dangerous! Your comments about the video would be appreciated.

How to join the volunteers at Clinton Fire Department

As someone who's been part of the Clinton Fire Department (CFD)  family for over 10 years, I can't speak highly enough about the bonds that are created by being a part of such a fantastic community organization.  I would encourage you to reach out to us if you are interested in becoming a member.  Many of us delay this fantastic experience because we are waiting for the perfect time to start.  The fact is that once you join the CFD family, it becomes part of your life rather than a hobby that you have to make time for.  Helping others is extremely rewarding, exciting and fun.

CFD offers three types of volunteer membership:

1) Active firefighter (over 18 years of age)
Active firefighters make up the bulk of our membership and they are responsible for all the fire-related activities of CFD. All prospective active firefighters must be over 18 years, possess a valid NJ driver’s license and are required to pass a physical exam. Once a physical has been completed recruits begin the New Jersey Firefighter I course which is an exciting introductory program to fire science. All recruits are required to receive a passing grade on the State certified exam which is administered at the end of the program. To remain in good standing, active members must maintain 25% service and participate in not less than 4 monthly meetings and 4 fundraising activities for the previous 12 months.

2) Junior firefighter
Being involved in the community has a very positive influence on young people.  At CFD we are very proud of the large number of Juniors that are currently in our ranks. Junior members are responsible to respond to all fire calls, drills and community days - whenever possible. Upon turning 18, Junior members complete all required steps to become active members. To remain in good standing, Junior members must maintain 25% service and participate in not less than 4 monthly meetings and 4 fundraising activities for the previous 12 months.

3) Associate member
Associate members are valuable support staff to the active firefighters. Associate members are not required to be involved in active firefighting at a scene although in many cases they may provide an essential support function. In addition, associate members assist the department with activities such as fundraisers and department work activities. To remain in good standing, associate members must participate in not less than 4 monthly meetings and 4 fundraising activities for the previous 12 months.

Here’s an overview of the CFD Application Roadmap:

1) Complete an application form
Pick up an application from one of the fire department officers. Monday nights between 6 and 7 we are guaranteed to be at the station (New street across from the Post Office). The application form needs to be completed and all references and fire certifications need to be listed.

2) Complete the driver’s license check form (Active members only)
Driver’s licenses will be checked through the Town of Clinton on behalf of our insurance company.

3) Complete a physical (Not applicable for Associate members)

Every prospective firefighting member must have a medical exam completed. You will be required to complete the N.J. State Relief Form for the physical.

4) Complete a background check (Not applicable for Juniors)
As part of the membership application process all new members are required to complete a full background check.

5) Meet with CFD membership committee
Once you have completed steps 1-4 (above) you will be required to meet with the membership committee.

6) Complete a prescreening (Not applicable for Juniors)
All new candidate members will need to pass a pre-screening urine drug test as a condition of membership. Candidates will be given the necessary paperwork during the membership interview.

As a final note I'd like to point out the obvious - NONE of us get paid, we volunteer our time and service because we want to give back to the community.  A few years ago we had a new junior who was in the process of completing his paperwork who came up to one of the 'older' guys (an ex-chief) one day and asked when we were getting paid.  The ex-chief replied without missing a beat "I don't know young man, I've been here for over forty years and I'm still waiting for my check".  I hope to see you down at the fire house soon joining the ranks of the volunteer fire service - a proud American tradition!

STAY SAFE!

Busy Again After 9 Days With No Calls.

Our members had a nice break going 9 days without any emergency calls. During that time they took care of equipment and the firehouse, did a firework stand by at the Hunterdon Developmental Center, and stood by during the Iron and Steel Run. On Sunday our members responded to a minor 2 car Motor Vehicle Accident(MVA) in Union Township near the Clinton Station Diner. Units were dispatched at 1453 and back in quarters at 1510.

On Tuesday night at 2030, CFD was dispatched to Patrick Drive in Union Township for an odor of something burning in a residence. Deputy Chief 45 arrived on scene at 2038 and took command of the incident. CFD was assisted by an Engine from Quakertown and Pattenburg on this call. A thorough investigation of the residence found a Compact Fluorescent Light(CFL) bulb shorted out and was burning in side the base and was turning black. The bulb was removed and all units were back in quarters and ready for service at 2127.

Just as units returned to quarters at 2127, CFD was dispatched for an audible fire alarm on Leigh St between Lower Center St. and Main St. Deputy Chief 45 and both CFD Engines arrived on scene in less than 1 minute, with Deputy 45 taking command of the incident. Members made entry and found a significant smoke condition in the building. Command upgraded the incident to a level 2, bringing an Engine from Quakertown and Annandale, a Ladder from High Bridge, and FAST from Lebanon Boro. Water supply was established and crews began searching the building, quickly determining the fire was a cooking fire confined to the stove. Level 2 units were cancelled and CFD units operated on scene until 2234.

On Wednesday at 1134, CFD was dispatched to set up a landing zone for a medical helicopter. This was a mutual aid response to assist Annandale while they operated at the scene of a serious MVA on Route 31. Engine 451 responded and stood by at Bundt Park While the helicopter landed a took off with the patient.

Remembering 911