Today at approximately 0650 hours the Upper Saddle River Fire Department was requested on State Route 17 North to assist with a motor vehicle crash involving a vehicle off the roadway leaking fluid.  Chief Vierheilig along with Rescue 1242 and Engine 1232 responded.  While on scene it was determined that a small amount of fluid had entered a nearby storm drain prior to FD arrival.  Mahwah Fire Co. 2 Haz-Mat Team was requested to assist in the clean up of the fluid.

On Saturday February 21, at 7:17 pm, the USRFD was dispatched along with USRPD and USRVAC to a rollover at the intersection of Lake St and East Saddle River Rd. Chief Vierheilig (IC), Asst Chief Rauch (Ops), Rescue 1242 (OIC FF Bertollo), and Engine 1231 (OIC FF Levine) responded. Units arrived on scene to find a small box truck on its side with a fluid spill and the driver self extricated. Crews immediately contained the spill and secured the vehicle. The truck was uprighted by the heavy wrecker and all involved vehicles removed from the scene shortly thereafter and all units returned. Great job by all working in poor weather conditions to safely operate on the scene.

Fire Chief Safety Tip of the Month from Chief Erik Vierheilig

Beginning this month, I will bring you monthly safety tips as they relate to the season. This month we feature carbon monoxide safety tips. The USRFD responds to many carbon monoxide calls throughout the year, but the call volume increases in the winter months. Although the popularity of carbon monoxide (CO) alarms has been growing in recent years, it cannot be assumed that everyone is familiar with the hazards of carbon monoxide poisoning in the home.

Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles or generators running in an attached garage can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

Did you know?…

The dangers of CO exposure depend on a number of variables, including the victim’s health and activity level. Infants, pregnant women, and people with physical conditions that limit their body’s ability to use oxygen (i.e. emphysema, asthma, heart disease) can be more severely affected by lower concentrations of CO than healthy adults would be. A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a longer period of time or by a large amount of CO over a shorter amount of time.

Its extremely important to stress the importance of not only installing carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home but to also ensure that they are operational and tested monthly. If a detector activates, call 9-1-1 immediately and evacuate the home to await the arrival of the fire department to check the home with our meters.

Should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at 1230@usrfd.org . Thank you and be safe.

Today, the USRFD was dispatched to two calls, both to the same building on Park Way. The first came in during the afternoon for a reported heavy amount of water flowing from a sprinkler pipe above a parking area ceiling. Chief Vierheilig (IC) , Asst Chief Rauch (Ops) and Engine 1231 (OIC FF Roberts) responded and crews shut down the sprinkler system. At about 7:30pm, the FD was dispatched back to the building for another fire alarm activation. Crews checked the building to find the cause was from an alarm malfunction. Great job by the USRFD volunteers!

Kidde recalls 5 million disposable extinguishers. Be sure to check to see if your home extinguisher is listed.

http://www.fireapparatusmagazine.com/apnews/2015/02/12/kidde-recalling-nearly-5m-disposable-fire-extinguishers.html

Throwback to 1984: Chief Lou Manke with Firefighters Pat Fallone and Greg Rodgers getting ready to transport Santa prior to the annual borough tree lighting ceremony.

At tonight’s maintenance drill, as members checked the trucks and equipment, Firefighter Nico Brusco prepared a delicious meal for the members. Tonight, we launched our digital maintenance form using the apparatus iPads as this is the first step in our mission to go paperless at the USRFD.

At 4:24am, the USRFD was dispatched to a reported power line down and tree across the roadway on Hidden Glen. Chief Vierheilig (IC), Asst Chief Rauch (Ops) and Engine 1232 (OIC Capt Sklar) responded, as well as USRPD units and a crew from the DPW. The tree was removed and fire units closed the road until Orange and Rockland arrived to shut power down and make the repair. Once clear, all units returned to HQ.

With more snow expected later this week please don’t forget to clear a 3′ radius around your neighborhood fire hydrant. It takes 3 minutes for you to clear it now. And when seconds count during an emergency, those 3 minutes could make a difference. Help us help you. Clear those hydrants!

During the annual installation of officers dinner, three members received the Chiefs award from Chief Erik Vierheilig. From left to right; Junior Greg Pink, Firefighter Bob Hyman, Chief Vierheilig, and Firefighter Greg Andrews. Congrats to all for going above and beyond.