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Firefighting

Bristol Firefighter Dies Suddenly Off-Duty: 'Words Can't Describe How Much He'll Be Missed' Bristol Firefighter Dies Suddenly Off-Duty: 'Words Can't Describe How Much He'll Be Missed'
Bristol Firefighter Dies Suddenly Off-Duty: 'Words Can't Describe How Much He'll Be Missed' The Bristol Fire Department is mourning the sudden loss of one of its own. Fire equipment technician Jason “Jay” Kelly, who served the department for more than 20 years, died unexpectedly while off duty, the department announced. "Words cannot describe how much he is going to be missed, as a huge part of BFD for over 2 decades," Bristol firefighters posted on Facebook. "Jay was known and loved by many, and respected for his expertise throughout the fire service and beyond. We are proud to have called him our brother and our friend." Kelly also served the Rocky Hill Fire Department, wher…
Decorated NYC Firefighter Killed In Hit-Run Motorcycle Crash Decorated NYC Firefighter Killed In Hit-Run Motorcycle Crash
Decorated NYC Firefighter Killed In Hit-Run Motorcycle Crash A decorated FDNY firefighter was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Manhattan. Matthew Goicochea, 31, was riding his motorcycle on the FDR Drive around 3:45 a.m. Thursday, July 25 when he collided with another vehicle and fell onto the roadway, according to police. A second vehicle then struck him before fleeing the scene. Goicochea was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No arrests had been made as of Thursday evening. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or online. Goicochea joined the department in September 2022 …
Video Shows Troopers Carry Woman Out Of Burning NY Apartment Amid Shooting Chaos Video Shows Troopers Carry Woman Out Of Burning NY Apartment Amid Shooting Chaos
Video Shows Troopers Carry Woman Out Of Burning NY Apartment Amid Shooting Chaos As fireworks lit up the sky above Albany’s Empire State Plaza, chaos erupted blocks away — and newly released bodycam footage reveals the harrowing moments when troopers sprinted toward the danger. The dramatic video, released Wednesday, July 9, by New York State Police, captures troopers charging into smoke-filled buildings and navigating flaming debris after a teenager was shot and a fire broke out during post-fireworks pandemonium near Madison Avenue and Swan Street. It all unfolded around 10 p.m. Friday July 4, when gunshots rang out near 337 Madison Avenue, just as crowds were dispersi…
Police ID Retired Officer, Marines As Man Who Died In Fire: 'We Will Miss Him Immensely' Police ID Retired Officer, Marines As Man Who Died In Fire: 'We Will Miss Him Immensely'
Police ID Retired Officer, Marines As Man Who Died In Fire: 'We Will Miss Him Immensely' A respected veteran, longtime police officer, father, and grandfather died in a house fire that tore through his home on Washington Avenue in Revere earlier this week, officials said. Richard Serino, 77, was killed when flames engulfed part of his multi-family home on Tuesday, June 17, authorities said.  Serino was a retired Revere police officer with decades on the force. He served in the Marines before joining the police department.  “This is a very sad day for the Revere Fire Department and the City of Revere,” Acting Revere Fire Chief James E. Cullen. “Mr. Serino was beloved …
Animals Rescued After Fire Erupts At CT Emergency Veterinary Clinic Animals Rescued After Fire Erupts At CT Emergency Veterinary Clinic
Animals Rescued After Fire Erupts At CT Emergency Veterinary Clinic Authorities sprang into action when a fire broke out over the weekend at a veterinarian clinic, forcing vets to perform emergency treatment in the parking lot.  A dryer fire was reported in the laundry room at the Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine, located at 4 Devine St. in North Haven, around 9:15 p.m. Sunday, June 1, firefighters said. Emergency crews acted quickly to contain the blaze to that area. As toxic smoke filled the building, firefighters and staff evacuated sick animals to safety. One dog, dropped off earlier that evening, suffered a heart emergency and had to be tr…
PA Fire Chief Dies During Wildland Fire Training PA Fire Chief Dies During Wildland Fire Training
PA Fire Chief Dies During Wildland Fire Training A longtime Dauphin County fire chief died while mentoring fellow wildland firefighters in Cumberland County, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced on Friday, May 30. David Warfel, the current chief of the Carsonville Volunteer Fire Company and a beloved figure in Upper Dauphin County’s firefighting community, collapsed Thursday, May 29 at the DCNR’s Wildland Fire Academy hosted at Shippensburg University. Warfel was instructing and mentoring wildland firefighters during the training session when he passed away, DCNR officials said. He also served as th…
CT Deputy Fire Chief On Paid Leave Amid Arson Investigation: Report CT Deputy Fire Chief On Paid Leave Amid Arson Investigation: Report
CT Deputy Fire Chief On Paid Leave Amid Arson Investigation: Report A Connecticut firefighter with nearly two decades of experience was placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into several "fire-related incidents," authorities said.  East Lyme Fire Department Deputy Chief Erik Quinn was placed on leave beginning Monday, May 5, officials confirmed. East Lyme First Selectman Daniel Cunningham, who informed news outlets about the probe on Tuesday, did not provide specific details about the investigation. A request for additional information was not immediately returned. However, WFSB reported that authorities are investigat…
9/11 Responder, Retired Greenwich Firefighter Has Big Plans After Winning $500K In CT Lottery 9/11 Responder, Retired Greenwich Firefighter Has Big Plans After Winning $500K In CT Lottery
9/11 Responder, Retired Greenwich Firefighter Has Big Plans After Winning $500K In CT Lottery A retired firefighter and 9/11 responder plans to take a well-earned vacation with his wife after landing a $500,000 jackpot playing the CT Lottery.  Patrick Gordiski struck it rich playing the '$500,000 CA$HWORD' game, which challenges players to complete crossword-style puzzles. Fittingly, it was the letter V, the final piece in spelling "victory," that clinched him the grand prize. He bought the ticket at Byram Smoke Shop on Mill Street in Greenwich. The store will get a $5,000 bonus for the sale.  Gordiski was a member of the Greenwich Fire Department for nearl…
Navy Sailor Gets 50 Years For Killing Wife, Setting CT Home On Fire With Baby Inside Navy Sailor Gets 50 Years For Killing Wife, Setting CT Home On Fire With Baby Inside
Navy Sailor Gets 50 Years For Killing Wife, Setting CT Home On Fire With Baby Inside A New London Navy sailor who admitted to starting the fire that killed his wife and nearly killed his 13-month-old baby was ordered to spend 50 years in prison, authorities said.  George Dodson, 26, was sentenced to half a century behind bars for the brutal murder of his wife, 23-year-old Shelby Dodson, during a horrifying attack in 2022, the Division of Criminal Justice said on Wednesday, April 30. He pleaded guilty to murder, arson, and risk of injury to a minor earlier this year in New London Superior Court. New London police and firefighters responded to a 911 call in July 202…
Bonfire Left Burning Sparked 15,000-Acre NJ Wildfire, 19-Year-Old Man Charged: Prosecutor Bonfire Left Burning Sparked 15,000-Acre NJ Wildfire, 19-Year-Old Man Charged: Prosecutor
Bonfire Left Burning Sparked 15,000-Acre NJ Wildfire, 19-Year-Old Man Charged: Prosecutor A 19-year-old New Jersey man has been charged with setting the massive wildfire that scorched 15,000 acres and destroyed a commercial building this week, officials announced. Joseph Kling, of Ocean Township (Waretown), was charged with Aggravated Arson and Arson in connection with the Tuesday, April 22 blaze, according to a joint statement from Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, NJ DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette, and Ocean Township Police Chief Michal Rogalski. The fire was first spotted at 9:45 a.m. by the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower, which reported seeing smoke near Jones Roa…
NJ Wildfire Explodes To 12,500 Acres: Latest From Forest Fire Service NJ Wildfire Explodes To 12,500 Acres: Latest From Forest Fire Service
NJ Wildfire Explodes To 12,500 Acres: Latest From Forest Fire Service An otherwise idyllic spring day along the New Jersey coast was darkened by thick plumes of smoke as a massive wildfire scorched through 12,500 acres — threatening homes, destroying property, and leaving thousands without power Wednesday, April 23. 🚨 A massive wildfire, dubbed the Jones Road Wildfire, is tearing through 1,200 acres in Barnegat Township’s Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, Ocean County, NJ, as of April 22, 2025, with 0% containment. Mandatory evacuations are underway for Wells Mills Road from Bryant… pic.twitter.com/61nPv8YRcH — Laszlo Varga (@LaszloRealtor) April 2…
Quick-Thinking Son Rescues Family From Smoke-Filled CT House Fire Quick-Thinking Son Rescues Family From Smoke-Filled CT House Fire
Quick-Thinking Son Rescues Family From Smoke-Filled CT House Fire A quick-thinking son helped his family escape an overnight house fire in Hamden, Connecticut, that could have turned deadly, according to authorities. Firefighters were called to a residence on Troiano Road in Hamden at approximately 11:30 p.m. Monday, April 2. A family of four lived at the home. Their son detected smoke early and managed to lead everyone out of the smoke-filled home to safety without injuries, Hamden firefighters said. The extent of the damage has not been determined, but the blaze displaced the family. The American Red Cross is assisting them. Hamden fire officials are …
Southwest Flight’s Engine Catches Fire In Midair Southwest Flight’s Engine Catches Fire In Midair
Southwest Flight’s Engine Catches Fire In Midair A Southwest Airlines flight was forced to return to a Texas airport shortly after takeoff when its engine caught fire, prompting an emergency evacuation. The Boeing 737, which was en route to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, had to turn back to Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport at approximately 11:45 a.m. local time Thursday, April 17, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said. Upon landing, firefighters swiftly extinguished the blaze, along with a small grass fire that had ignited near the runway, according to authorities. No injuries were reported among the 134 passengers on board.&nbs…
Arsonist Sets PA Governor Josh Shapiro’s Residence On Fire Arsonist Sets PA Governor Josh Shapiro’s Residence On Fire
Arsonist Sets PA Governor Josh Shapiro’s Residence On Fire Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were forced to evacuate their residence as an arsonist set the governor’s residence ablaze while they slept overnight.  The blaze broke out at 2 a.m. on Sunday, April 13, in North Front Street in the city of Harrisburg in Dauphin County. Pennsylvania State Police said in a statement they has confirmed that the fire was a deliberate act of arson. The alleged arsonist has since been identified and arrested, click here to read our full report.  The Shapiro family was located in a different part of the mansion and was safely evacuated…
8-Year-Old Girl, Mom Killed in Devastating CT House Fire 8-Year-Old Girl, Mom Killed in Devastating CT House Fire
8-Year-Old Girl, Mom Killed in Devastating CT House Fire An 8-year-old girl and her mother were killed in an early morning fire at their Connecticut home, authorities said.  The fire broke out just before 1 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, at a home on Otis Street in Norwich, officials said. Three families made up the seven people living at that address, Norwich firefighters said.  A tenant on the third floor was the first to spot the flames, and they ran, horrified, trying to wake up everyone else in the building. They called 911 as well, helping fire crews get there just 10 minutes after they spotted the fire.  Authorities did n…
Funeral Set For Hero 'Cat Man,' Volunteer Police, Fireman Killed In Sanctuary Blaze Funeral Set For Hero 'Cat Man,' Volunteer Police, Fireman Killed In Sanctuary Blaze
Funeral Set For Hero 'Cat Man,' Volunteer Police, Fireman Killed In Sanctuary Blaze Funeral services are set for Christopher Arsenault, whose devotion to his feline friends right up until the very end has earned him admiration around the world. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, at Fairchild Sons Funeral Home in Manhasset, according to his obituary. The service will be open to close friends and family only, but plans are underway for a larger public memorial in the near future. Lovingly known as "The Cat Man," Arsenault, 65, was killed early Monday, March 31, when a fire tore through his Medford home, which also served as the longtime headqu…
Wildfires Threaten Wealthy Part Of The Hamptons: Here's The Latest On Long Island Wildfires Threaten Wealthy Part Of The Hamptons: Here's The Latest On Long Island
Wildfires Threaten Wealthy Part Of The Hamptons: Here's The Latest On Long Island A massive wildfire that erupted Saturday afternoon, March 8 at the edge of the Hamptons has burned through over two miles of land, destroyed two structures, and sent one firefighter to the hospital, officials said. The fire, which started around 1 p.m. in Center Moriches, spread rapidly due to 35 mph winds, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said at a Saturday evening news conference. The flames quickly moved to East Moriches, Eastport, and then Westhampton, igniting a massive blaze just north of Gabreski Airport, he said. On Saturday, all eastbound lanes of Sunrise Highway were closed bet…
Two-Alarm House Fire Ravages Danbury Home (PHOTOS) Two-Alarm House Fire Ravages Danbury Home (PHOTOS)
Two-Alarm House Fire Ravages Danbury Home (Photos) Firefighters in Connecticut had to contend with frigid conditions when a fire broke out in a Danbury home on a snowy Thursday afternoon, Feb. 6. A house fire in Danbury reached a second alarm and drew multiple fire companies to the scene, the Danbury Fire Department said. Crews responded to the blaze on Hoyt Street at 4:30 p.m., according to Deputy Chief Bernie Meehan, who immediately called for a second alarm upon arrival.  A total of seven career fire companies and three volunteer companies battled the flames.  The Thursday afternoon fire in Danbury. Danbury Fire Depar…
New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed
New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed The number of confirmed deaths from six separate wildfires in the Los Angeles area has climbed to 16. The situation remains dire, with at least another 16 people still reported missing, and authorities anticipate that this number may increase as the search continues. The wildfires have destroyed 40,000 acres -- more than twice the size of Manhattan and almost the size of Washington, DC, while The creating apocalyptic scenes that seem straight from a horror movie. More than 12,000 structures have been destroyed. A red flag warnings for dangerous fire conditions through Wednesday, Jan.…
32-Year-Old Former Child Star Among Those Killed In LA Wildfires 32-Year-Old Former Child Star Among Those Killed In LA Wildfires
32-Year-Old Former Child Star Among Those Killed In LA Wildfires A former child star and motivational speaker is among the victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, his family has confirmed. Click here for a new, updated story - Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed Rory Sykes, 32, an Australian who gained media attention as a boy for sharing his experiences living with disabilities, died on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at his family’s estate in Malibu, his mother, Shelley Sykes, announced in a post on X. “It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful son @Rorysykes to the Malibu fires yeste…
15 Left Homeless After Fire Guts Hartford Home Days Before Christmas 15 Left Homeless After Fire Guts Hartford Home Days Before Christmas
15 Left Homeless After Fire Guts Hartford Home Days Before Christmas A late-night fire tore through a Connecticut home this week, sending one person to the hospital and displacing 15 people, authorities said.  Hartford firefighters received a 911 call around 4:40 a.m. about the blaze at a multi-family home at 62 Adams Street in the Upper Albany neighborhood.  Flames engulfed the home's first floor when crews arrived, but they were to battle them back and get the fire under control. No firefighters were injured in the incident.  Hartford firefighters extinguished a fire at 62 Adams Street just after 4:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 23. Pa…
Firefighter Hurt Battling Weekend Blaze In Simsbury Firefighter Hurt Battling Weekend Blaze In Simsbury
Firefighter Hurt Battling Weekend Blaze In Simsbury A Connecticut firefighter was injured battling a weekend blaze in Hartford County, authorities said. ' The fire was reported at 730 Hopmeadow St. in Simbury on Saturday evening, Dec. 14. Officials didn't say when the blaze began.  Crews arrived to find the home engulfed in fire and flames licking through the first-floor windows. The Simsbury Fire Department said firefighters pushed their way into the conflagration but were forced to retreat as the blaze pushed forward.  Simsbury Fire Department Simbury immediately called for assistance and crews from Avon, Canton, Blo…
Stunning Photos Show Loaded Car Carrier Ablaze On I-95 In Westbrook Stunning Photos Show Loaded Car Carrier Ablaze On I-95 In Westbrook
Stunning Photos Show Loaded Car Carrier Ablaze On I-95 In Westbrook A loaded car carrier caught fire bringing traffic to a halt in the northbound lanes of I-95 in Westbrook Wednesday morning, Dec. 11, according to Connecticut State Police. Troopers from Troop F responded to the highway under the I-95 overpass near Exit 65 and Route 153 in Westbrook, forcing the closure of the highway. The flames spread to vehicles on the carrier but were quickly extinguished by firefighters, officials said. For safety, I-95 was shut down while fire crews worked at the scene. A heavy-duty wrecker was dispatched to remove the damaged vehicle, police said. The Clinton Vo…
Blaze Engulfs 2 Boats At CT Dock, Threatens To Destroy Several Others Blaze Engulfs 2 Boats At CT Dock, Threatens To Destroy Several Others
Blaze Engulfs 2 Boats At CT Dock, Threatens To Destroy Several Others A late-night blaze at a Connecticut boat club badly damaged two boats and threatened several others before firefighters had the flames under control, authorities said.  Firefighters were called to the South Norwalk Boat Club just before 11 p.m. to the dock at 17 Mack Street to find a 40-foot boat engulfed in flames, officials said. Intense winds spread the fire to another vessel of similar size, putting nearby boats at risk of catching fire. Firefighters from Norwalk, Noroton, and Stamford tackled the blaze using three engines, two ladder trucks, and three fire boats. The fas…
Boat Fire Sends Up Smoke At CT Marina Boat Fire Sends Up Smoke At CT Marina
Boat Fire Sends Up Smoke At CT Marina Firefighters raced to a Connecticut marina after a blaze began inside a boat. The fire began in Middlesex County on Monday, Nov. 25 just before 12:30 p.m., when a boat was seen on fire at a marina in Old Saybrook, according to the Old Saybrook Fire Department. The boat had been on land while being stored for the off-season, firefighters said. The department's fireboat quickly responded to the scene and began fighting the blaze. A video of the incident was posted on the department's Facebook page.  At 12:20 the Old Saybrook Fire Dept was dispatched to a report of a boat on f…
Fuel Truck Fire Shuts Down I-91, Hazmat Crews Called to Scene Fuel Truck Fire Shuts Down I-91, Hazmat Crews Called to Scene
Fuel Truck Fire Shuts Down I-91, Hazmat Crews Called to Scene A tractor-trailer carrying 7,500 gallons of fuel erupted into flames on I-91, prompting a massive emergency response and full highway closures. State troopers rushed to the scene around 7:42 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, in the northbound lane near exit 24 in Wethersfield to find the truck’s cab fully engulfed in flames. The driver managed to escape unharmed, State Police said.  Wethersfield and Rocky Hill firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, while troopers shut down all lanes of I-91 northbound and southbound in the area, as well as connecting traffic from Route 3. Fire crews …
Fire, Explosion Destroys 125-Year-Old Historic CT Golf Club Fire, Explosion Destroys 125-Year-Old Historic CT Golf Club
Fire, Explosion Destroys 125-Year-Old Historic CT Golf Club A late-night fire that caused an explosion at a Connecticut golf course in Fairfield County is under investigation, authorities said.  The fire was reported late Friday night, Nov. 15, at  Highland Golf Club in Shelton, the fire department there said.  The call came in around 11:30 p.m. and firefighters could see a "large orange glow" from a far distance as they made their way to the 261 Wooster St. 125-year-old golf course.  Several propane tanks were boiling when firefighters arrived, and despite efforts to cool them down, one exploded and sent shrapnel flying hu…
Major Brush Fire In NY Spreads Smoke Into CT Major Brush Fire In NY Spreads Smoke Into CT
Major Brush Fire In NY Spreads Smoke Into CT A major brush fire over at least a dozen acres in the Hudson Valley produced smoke that spread across the New York border into Connecticut. The blaze broke out at around 12:05 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 in Putnam County in the area of Route 301 and East Boyds Road in the town of Kent and was finally contained late in the day on Sunday, Oct. 27. While responding, crews observed a large fire on the mountain and immediately requested mutual aid from neighboring departments, according to the Kent Fire Department.  Responding crews located the large brushfire of approximately 5 to 6 acres…
Wethersfield Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash ID'd: 'Words Can't Express Magnitude Of This Loss' Wethersfield Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash ID'd: 'Words Can't Express Magnitude Of This Loss'
Wethersfield Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash ID'd: 'Words Can't Express Magnitude Of This Loss' A Connecticut firefighter who was killed when the ATV he was on rolled over while battling a blaze has been identified as a grandfather and former member of the Hartford Fire Department.  Robert "Sharky" Sharkevich Sr., age 66, was working as a member of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department on Tuesday, Oct. 22, fighting a brush fire that had spread to more than 90 acres on Lamentation Mountain in Berlin, Meriden Police said.  Sharkevich and three other firefighters were in Meriden on the southern edge of the blaze, riding a firefighting ATV that flipped around 5:30 p.m.…
(UPDATE) Wethersfield Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash While Fighting Brush Fire In Berlin (UPDATE) Wethersfield Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash While Fighting Brush Fire In Berlin
(Update) Wethersfield Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash While Fighting Brush Fire In Berlin Update: Authorities have identified the man killed battling the blaze as a 66-year-old retired Hartford firefighter. Click here for more information on him and the crash.  Original: A Connecticut firefighter was killed in an ATV crash while fighting a brush fire in Hartford County on Tuesday, Oct. 22, authorities said.  The Wethersfield firefighter was riding on a firefighting ATV that crashed around 5:30 p.m. in Berlin, where crews are battling a brush fire that has spread to 90 acres on Lamentation Mountain.  The firefighter, whose name has not been released, was on the s…
'Trusted Mentor, Loyal Friend': Community Grapples With Firefighter's Death 'Trusted Mentor, Loyal Friend': Community Grapples With Firefighter's Death
'Trusted Mentor, Loyal Friend': Community Grapples With Firefighter's Death A Connecticut community is preparing to bury one of its heroes after the longtime Fairfield County firefighter died earlier this week.  John "JB" Pyrek-Bennett, of Monroe, was just 55 when he died on Monday, Oct. 14, surrounded by his family at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport, his obituary said. His wife of 29 years and three children survive him. Bennett spent his life giving back to his community, his family said. He served as assistant chief of the Glenbrook Fire Department in Stamford and was a lifetime member of the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department.…