Takoma Park House Fire

At approximately 9 PM last night (January 30) MCFRS units were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 100 block of Park Avenue in Takoma Park.  Upon arrival firefighters found fire in the basement, 1st floor and deck of a 2 ½ story Cape Cod style home.

Firefighters immediately engaged in fire suppression activities.  Since the status of the occupants were unknown to first arriving firefighters, search and rescue efforts ensued and during the search in low visibility through heat and smoke a firefighter fell through a hole in the floor.  The firefighter fell through the floor to the basement and self-rescued with no apparent injuries.

The fire was quickly brought under control but significant damage to the home was sustained. At the time of the fire the house was unoccupied as the homeowners were away while the home was undergoing some renovation work.

Cause of the fire was listed as accidental; electrical in nature.  Damage was estimated at a little over $250K total.  A total of over 75 firefighters responded to the fire.

Videos below. Use is permitted with proper attribution to MCFRS.

Update - Takoma Park house fire brief narrative by MCFRS Incident Commander, Battalion Chief Matt Carrigan pic.twitter.com/cMm04nlsmG

January 31, 2016

pic.twitter.com/HrHVkDXaiz

January 31, 2016

EMS Provider of the Month

By: Captain W. Hout
      Fire Station 2 B-Shift

Congratulations to Firefighter Adam Bearne (Takoma Park) for receiving the EMS Provider of the Month Award. Adam earned this recognition for successfully diagnosing and performing the Heimlich Maneuver on a choking victim. 

Adam is pictured receiving the award from Lt. Erin Wirth. 

Blood Drive in Memory of Father – Son Fire Fighters a Success!

By: Battalion Chief Steve Mann

This past Sunday, November 2^nd, a blood drive was held in memory of Fire Fighters Carlos Alfaro,

Sr. and Carlos Alfaro, Jr. at Silver Spring Fire Station #16. 

The family and friends would like to thank Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Dept., Hillandale Volunteer Fire Dept., Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Dept., Takoma Park Lions Club, Giant Food in White Oak, Woodmoor Bakery and INOVA Blood Services staff and all our volunteers for their support and hard work on a successful blood drive. And a heartfelt “thank you” to our amazing donors!

The results of this year’s blood drive:

Registered – 64

Deferred – 10

Collected – 56

56 Units collected = 168 Lives saved!

Fireworks: What You Need to Know and a List of Public Displays

The Fourth of July is right around the corner and Montgomery County Fire Chief Steve Lohr is reminding residents that ALL fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County and that the County will be continuing its

‘zero tolerance’ policy regarding illegal fireworks.

As you prepare to celebrate Independence Day with family picnics, outings to the beach and neighborhood barbecues, take steps to prevent these festivities from turning into tragedies. Each Fourth of July, hundreds of children are permanently disfigured due to burns by fireworks. Here's what you should know:

• Each year, fireworks in the United States cause approximately twelve deaths, 2000 serious eye injuries, and 5000 other injuries (including amputated fingers). 

• Although many people mistakenly believe that sparklers are safe, sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit (nearly hot enough to melt gold)! 

• In Montgomery County, all fireworks are illegal to possess or discharge including gold label sparklers. 

• Snap-and-pop noise makers, snakes, and party poppers are the only exception to this law. 

Maryland's Fireworks Laws:

• Fireworks include any firecracker, skyrocket, or Roman candle. Toy caps are only permitted if the explosive content is under .25 grains and they are designed so the hand cannot come in contact with the cap when in use. 

• In Maryland, private use and possession of fireworks, including sparklers, is illegal and carries a $500 fine. 

• It is against the law to sell fireworks in Maryland, and carries a $1,000 fine. 

• Public fireworks displays require proper permits and insurance. 

Where can I go in Montgomery County to see the fireworks?

The Fire Chief and safety experts agree that the best way to celebrate is to enjoy one of the many free, public fireworks displays in the area on July 4th.  Below is a list of public displays that we are aware of:

Germantown Glory at the Maryland SoccerPlex in the South Germantown Recreational Park, 18041 Central Park Circle, Germantown

Mid-County Sparkles at Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Road, Kensington. Both fireworks displays will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Rockville's Independence Day Celebration is at Montgomery College - Rockville Campus located at 51 Mannakee Street.

Takoma Park 125^th Celebration - Takoma Park Middle School 7611 Piney Branch Rd

City of Gaithersburg Celebration - Montgomery County Fairgrounds located at 16 Chestnut Street in Gaithersburg. 

Town of Poolesville - Poolesville Polo Grounds, 14660 Hughes Rd., Poolesville, Maryland.

Stephen Jones, Sr Day Room Dedicated At Takoma Park Fire Station #2

Recently, the Women and Men of Takoma Park Fire Station #2 dedicated the station day-room to pay tribute to former Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department (TPVFD) member Stephen Jones Sr. who was an active member until his death, from cancer, in 1984.

Assistant Chief Steve Jones and his youngest 

son at the dedication

Mr. Jones joined TPVFD in 1970 and held several administrative positions on the board of directors and was very active with fund raisers for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  He was an active Fire Fighter and driver on all units and received several awards such as Fire Fighter of the Year, training awards, and top responder awards.

In addition, he was co-chairman for the rehab of the fire station in the early 80's and spent countless hours with this project.   Mr. Jones was also a paramedic with the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad since there were only a few medic units in the county at the time.  He was part of group that worked hard to get Advanced Life Support service in the lower part of the county.

His son, Stephen Jones Jr., followed in his Dad’s footsteps and is an Assistant Chief with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue.  He wishes to thank Dan, Tracey, Darrell, and all of the other Women and Men of Station #2 for the dedication of the day-room to his father.

“It truly means a lot and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him” stated Assistant Chief Jones. 

What You Need to Know About Fireworks And List of Public Celebrations

The Fourth of July is right around the corner and Montgomery County Fire Chief Steve Lohr is reminding residents that ALL fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County and that the County will be continuing its ‘zero tolerance’ policy regarding illegal fireworks.

  

In an effort to stress the seriousness posed by the use of dangerous and illegal fireworks, Fire Officials across the region launched a comprehensive effort several years ago to inform and educate the public about illegal fireworks. “The law in Montgomery County is clear and the safest, and smartest, way to enjoy fireworks is at one of the many public displays in the area,” said Fire Chief Lohr.

Here’s what you should know:

The Law:

It is illegal for any person to manufacture, possess, store, offer for sale, sell, discharge, use, burn or explode any fireworks in Montgomery County, Maryland, except that an authorized display may be conducted by a licensed pyrotechnic professional with a permit. Penalties for violations of the law include a fine up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail. All fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and the City of Baltimore. Montgomery County Fire Safety Code: Section 22-70: Fireworks.

What fireworks are legal?

In Montgomery County, ALL fireworks are illegal to possess or discharge including gold label sparklers. Snap-and-pop noise makers, snakes and party poppers are the only exception to this law.

Can I receive fireworks at my home through the mail?

 No. Use of the mail for the transportation of fireworks for use in the State of Maryland is illegal.

Can I have a private fireworks display at my residence with proper permits?

 No. You can not have a private display; however, you can apply to have a public display with proper permits and insurance.

Can I receive fireworks at my residence delivered by a public carrier?

 No. It doesn't matter where the fireworks are purchased or how they are brought into Maryland.  Fireworks are still illegal in Montgomery County.

Where do I report violations involving fireworks?

Residents should call 301-279-8000. Do NOT call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help. Non-emergency 911 calls can delay getting assistance to people with actual emergencies.

Where can I go in Montgomery County to see the fireworks?

The Fire Chief and safety experts agree that the best way to celebrate is to enjoy one of the many free, public fireworks displays in the area on July 4th.  Public fireworks displays, conducted by trained professionals, are the smartest and safest way to view fireworks because they are established under controlled settings and safety regulations and monitored by public safety organizations. Area July 4^th displays include: 

Gaithersburg,

Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut Street, Gaithersburg, Maryland.(301) 258-6350. Gates open at 5 p.m. Walk-in at Chestnut or Dalamar Streets; the Perry Parkway entrance will be closed. Entertainment begins at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks launch at dusk.

Rockville,

Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, Maryland.  Additional parking will be available at Rockville Town Center. Live entertainment begins at 7 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Boyds/Germantown,

Germantown Soccerplex, 18041 Central Park Circle, Boyds, Maryland.(240) 777-6820. Family concert at 7 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

Poolesville

Poolesville Polo Grounds, 14660 Hughes Rd., Poolesville, Maryland. Live music begins at 6 p.m., Fireworks at 9 p.m. Parking is $5 per vehicle. (301) 972-8888.

Kensington/Wheaton,

Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Road, Kensington, Maryland. Entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks show will begin approximately at 9:15 p.m.  Since there will be no on-site parking at the school or at adjacent properties, except for handicapped parking, free shuttle bus service will pick up passengers beginning at 6:15 p.m. at Westfield Wheaton and the Wheaton Metro Station.

Takoma Park,

Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Road, Takoma Park, Maryland. (301) 270-6876. Parade at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Carroll and Ethan Allen Avenues.  Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.  Lastly, while fireworks displays can be exciting they can be extremely stressful and frightening for your pets. Leave your pets at home, be sure they are wearing proper identification so they can be reunited with owners should they get lost or run away and never leave pets in a locked car since vehicles can heat up to dangerous levels in just minutes

Captain Rounds Out 34 Year Career Today With Three Sons

By: Master Firefighter Tim Burns

If you happen to see E702 (Takoma Park) today, don’t be alarmed at its resemblance to a sport-family truckster, as it will be staffed by three generations of a proud firefighting family. 

Captain Mike Grierson rounds out a 34 year career with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue by staffing Engine 702 with his three sons (Michael 30C, Ricky 2C, and Chuckie- soon to be 22c) who all work for the department. Accompanying them will be their Grandfather, MFF Bernie Collins (MCFRS, ret.)

Mike was hired on December 31, 1978 at Station 1 and was promoted to Technician by the Silver Spring Fire Department shortly before firefighters became employees of county government in 1988. His position was then reclassified to the rank of Master Firefighter and he worked in a number of stations in that capacity, including Stations 19 and 16. Additionally during this time frame, Captain Grierson took on responsibilities in the scheduling office, ensuring proper staffing of career personnel throughout the county.

In the late 1980s he was promoted to Sergeant and moved to the Fire Code Enforcement Office. During that time Mike became a paramedic through Montgomery County and was eventually promoted to Captain, a promotion that earned him a transfer to Station 7 in Chevy Chase. 

Since Station 7 was the center of the Hazardous Materials team at the time, Mike added that skill to his considerable repertoire. When the department expanded the HazMat team to Fire Station 28 in Gaithersburg in 2001, Mike was chosen to assist in that endeavor and moved up-county for a few years.

Most Recently, Mike has been serving the department as the Safety Officer on C-Shift. 

As we do with all of our retirees, the MCFRS wishes Captain Grierson success and happiness in retirement and we thank him for his legacy of excellence that is evident in the three sons who now take his place in our department. 

Unit Citations

Yesterday, Fire Chief Bowers stopped by Fire Station #2 (Takoma Park) and Fire Station #15 (Burtonsville) to present personnel with unit citations for life saving actions taken at two fires last year.

Station 2’s crew quickly went into rescue and fire extinguishment mode when responding to a fire on Flower Avenue in Takoma Park. Due to their quick actions, a 15 year old female was rescued.

Likewise, career and volunteer personnel from Station #15 received recognition for their quick actions at a fire on Castle Boulevard that resulted in 17 people being removed/rescued from harms way.

Video and photos are below. Great job by all!

 

Fire Station #2 crew

Fire Station #15