LFD News – 2010            2009  |  2008  |  2007  |  2006  |  2003-2005

 

 

 

Lancaster Fire Department takes delivery of 2010 Sutphen Monarch Custom Rescue Pumper



Lancaster Engine 1 features a Sutphen custom chassis with 435HP ISM Cummins, 10" raised roof and seating for 8. The Apparatus also has a HALE 1750 GPM QMAX pump, Foam Logix 2.1 system, 3 speed lays and deck gun. The generator is a Smart Power 15KW. The tank holds 750 gallons of water and 30 gallons of Foam. Stainless steel body, ROM roll up doors, LED compartment lighting, PAC tool mounting system and rear ladder chute complete this vehicle. Engine 1 is equipped with a full compliment of Holmatro rescue equipment.


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Lancaster Fire Department takes first place at Erie County Fair
August 13, 2010



Lancaster Fire Department was awarded first place for Cadence Units, Fire Department Class A with Bells and Drums during the Firefighters Day Parade at the Erie County Fair.


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Lancaster Fire Department offers home fire extinguisher guidance
August 5, 2010 - Lancaster Bee

A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives, but portable extinguishers have limitations, according to the Lancaster Fire Department.

Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out safely, said Assistant Fire Chief Scott M. Kuhlmey. He offers the following safety tips:

Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; the fire department has been called or is being called; and the room is not filled with smoke.

To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS: Pull the pin. Aim low, at the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle.

Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out.

Install fire extinguishers close to an exit and keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled. If the room fills with smoke, leave immediately. Never turn your back on a fire.

Know when to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape. Every household should have a home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms.


 

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Lancaster
Fire Department: Do not re-enter burning building

June 10, 2010 – Lancaster Bee

 

One of the greatest hazards to life that exists in a building fire of any magnitude is the lack of sufficient oxygen, according to the Lancaster Fire Department. That is why the department reminds residents that once they escape a fire and find fresh air, they should remain outside the building. 

 

Oxygen not only is essential for human life, but also is key to supporting the life of the fire, according to Assistant Fire Chief Scott M. Kuhlmey. Most fire fatalities are caused by death from smoke inhalation, or death by suffocation, he added.

 

“When fire and humans compete for the limited amount of oxygen within a burning building, fire always wins,” he said.

 

The dangers of oxygen displacement in a burning building, as well as other hazards including the presence of toxic gases, the fire itself, the risk of explosion, building collapse and electrocution, make re-entering a burning structure a dangerous, if not deadly, proposition.

 

After leaving a burning building, residents are encouraged to go to a safe place far enough away from the building in case of collapse or explosion and perform a head count of those who were in the building with you. If someone is missing, it is important to tell arriving firefighters. Tell them who and how many people are missing and where they were last seen.

 

It also is important to realize that once you have made your way out of a burning building, you may already be suffering the effects of lack of oxygen. Seek medical care if you or any others who escaped from the burning building are injured. Keep in mind that the symptoms of lack of oxygen and/or exposure to toxic gases can closely resemble those of alcohol intoxication. Get anyone who exhibits symptoms immediate medical attention. One of the major effects of a lack of oxygen is the impairment of judgment. The possible lack of oxygen on the way out of the burning building may impair one’s ability to think clearly and rationally. Even if you are not personally affected, others who escaped with you may display an impairment of judgment.

 

It is important to prevent others from re-entering. Seek shelter from the elements in a safe neighboring building especially in the cold, rain and extreme heat.

 

Burning buildings contain many hazards, such as,

 

  • Fire that can cause fatal or severe burn injuries.

 

  • Intense heat that is hot enough to melt copper coins or aluminum pans.

 

  • Flashover, where everything in a room becomes instantly engulfed in flames.

 

  • Low levels of oxygen, causing difficulties in breathing or unconsciousness.

 

  • Toxic gases such as carbon monoxide that can cause unconsciousness and death.

 

  • Exploding gas mains, propane tanks and small-arms ammunition that can cause severe injuries.

 

  • Ceilings, walls, stairways and porches that can collapse, preventing escape.

 

  • Electrical lines that can become exposed and fall from outside connections to the ground outside the building and may result in electric shock or death.

 

 

 

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Chaplain Albert Rinow celebrates 60 years of Service with the LFD

June 1, 2010

 

Members of the Lancaster Fire Department gathered to recognize Firefighter Albert Rinow for 60 years of service.  Rinow who joined in June 1950 currently serves as Chaplain of the department.  He is the senior member of the Citizens Hose Company and remains an active member.

 

Photo: Grandson and firefighter Marc Rinow (left), Albert Rinow (middle), Son and Lieutenant Dan Rinow (right)

 

 

 

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Village of Lancaster firefighters have busy week

May 6, 2010 – Lancaster Bee

 

A truck is fully engulfed in flames Friday on St. Mary’s Street in the Village of Lancaster. The Lancaster Fire Department was kept on alert this week as three fires in the span of a week destroyed a garage and two trucks and damaged an apartment.

 

On Monday, April 26, firefighters were called to a garage fire on Brady Avenue. Upon arrival, the fire chief reported a truck on fire inside the structure. The fire was contained with minimal damage, according to First Assistant Fire Chief Scott M. Kuhlmey.

 

Late in the afternoon Friday, firefighters responded to a truck fire on St. Mary’s Street in the Village of Lancaster. The vehicle was fully engulfed in flames at the time of the initial call. Firefighters extinguished the blaze with no damage to nearby properties, Kuhlmey said.

 

On Sunday evening, the fire department was dispatched to a residential structure fire on Central Avenue. Arriving crews were confronted with smoke coming from the second floor. Firefighters located and put out the fire in a bedroom in one of the upstairs apartments. Fire, smoke and water damage was confined and did not extend to the other three apartments, Kuhlmey said. No injuries were reported.

 

 

 

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Lancaster Firefighters respond to truck fire

St. Mary’s Street: April 30, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

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LFD installs 2010 officers

 

The Lancaster Fire Department held its installation of officers dinner on Saturday.  The program commenced with welcoming words from Firefighter Norman Piotrowski and an invocation by Chaplain Albert Rinow.

 

2010 officers include Chief James N. Robinson, First Assistant Chief Scott M. Kuhlmey, Second Assistant Chief James Schaefer, Third Assistant Chief Joseph M. Ligammare, President Eric Feldmann, Vice President Stephen Stribing, Secretary Douglas E. Lahnen, Treasurer Norman Piotrowski, Records Officer Carl Adolf, Chaplain Albert Rinow, Sergeant at Arms William Huff, and Executive Board Secretary Brandie Hadden

 

Mayor William Cansdale installed all newly elected officers.  This was followed by John A. Robinson Jr. who installed his son James as the 47th Fire Chief of the Lancaster Fire Department.

 

Past Chief John Burke reflected on his term as Chief and thanked everyone for their support.  Burke's comments were followed by an awards presentation to the top ten emergency responders for 2009.  They included Firefighters Nicholas Wetzler, Joseph Graham, Spencer Repka, Rick Robinson, Robert Heimbueger, James F. Volpe, Matthew Kennedy, Douglas Lahnen, Jeffrey Darcy, and David Kozlowski.

 

Buffalo Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Lombardo offered his congratulatory comments.  He also remarked on the rich tradition and 136-year history of the Lancaster Fire Department and progress of the fire service since that time.

 

The program concluded with a benediction.

 

 

PHOTO COURTESY MIKE VANDERLAAN, ERIE COUNTY FIRE WIRE

Picture, listed left to right

 

Vice President Steven Stribing, President Eric Feldmann, Chaplain Albert Rinow, Records Officer Carl Adolf, Chief James N. Robinson, Treasurer Norman Piotrowski, First Assistant Chief Scott M. Kuhlmey, Secretary Douglas E. Lahnen, Second Assistant Chief James Schaefer, Executive Board Secretary Brandie Hadden, Third Assistant Chief Joseph M. Ligammare, Sergeant at Arms William Huff.

 

 

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Lancaster Fire Department elects new leaders

April 19, 2010

 

The Lancaster Fire Department held its annual election of Department Officer’s on Monday, April 19. 

 

Firematic Officers include Fire Chief James N. Robinson, First Assistant Chief Scott M. Kuhlmey, Second Assistant Chief James Schaefer, and Third Assistant Chief Joseph Ligammare.

 

Administrative Officers include President Eric Feldmann, Vice President Steven Stribing, Secretary Douglas Lahnen, Treasurer Norman Piotrowski, Sergeant at Arms William Huff, Chaplain Albert Rinow, and Records Officer Carl Adolf.

 

An installation of officer’s ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 24.

 

 

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Lancaster Fire Department offers more appliance fire safety tips

April 15, 2010 – Lancaster Bee

 

Many homes have a multitude of electrical appliances ranging from small kitchen items, such as toasters and microwaves, to major appliances like clothes dryers and dishwashers. While appliances make our lives much easier, they also pose significant risks including fire if not maintained properly.

 

In last week’s Bee, the Lancaster Fire Department focused on clothes dryer, washer, oven range and microwave oven fire safety. This week, it takes a closer look at extension cords and electrical system fire safety. To avoid the potential risk of fire, the Lancaster Fire Department suggests checking the following to ensure appliances don’t put anyone at risk.

 

Stop fire before it starts

 

·         If an appliance has a three-prong plug, never force it into a two-prong outlet or extension cord.

·         Use extension cords wisely, and don’t overload them.

·         Regularly check extension cords to make sure the plastic is not worn away or coming apart at the ends.

·         Never use an extension cord as permanent wiring.

·         Instead of a simple extension cord, get a laboratory-tested extension cord with built-in circuit breakers.

·         Check wiring on a regular basis. Look for outlets that don’t work, light switches that are hot to the touch, and lights that flicker. This could mean something is wrong and should be checked by an electrician.

 

Extension cords

 

When it comes to appliance safety, one of the most commonly used and misused items is the extension cord, Assistant Fire Chief Scott M. Kuhlmey stated. Extension cords pose several risks:

 

·         Connections may not be secure.

·         Don’t overload extension cords or wall sockets.

·         Power fluctuations may damage the appliance.

·         Poor connections can cause sparks that may start a fire.

·         Never force a three-prong cord into a two-slot outlet.

·         To reduce the risk of fire from extension cords:

·         Use electrical extension cords wisely and don’t overload them.

·         Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords.

·         Replace or repair loose or frayed cords.

·         Avoid running extension cords across doorways, through ceilings or under carpets.

·         Don’t plug extension cords into other extension cords.

·         Don’t use extension cords in place of permanent wiring.

 

Electrical system safety

 

·         Replace worn, old or damaged appliance cords right away.

·         If power goes out a lot or the lights in the home flicker, smell bad or make noise, have an electrician come to inspect wiring.

·         The electrical outlet in the bathroom should have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). This is a tool that protects you from a dangerous shock when water and electricity come together. An electrician can install a GFCI for you.

·         All electrical outlets and switches should be covered by “face plates.”

·         Inspect electrical cords to make sure they are in good condition.

·         Don’t tie or knot cords.

·         Don’t let furniture sit on cords.

 

 

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Lancaster Fire Department offers appliance fire safety tips

April 8, 2010 – Lancaster Bee

 

Many homes have a multitude of electrical appliances ranging from small kitchen items such as toasters and microwaves to major appliances like clothes dryers and dishwashers. While appliances make our lives much easier, they also pose significant risks including fire if not maintained properly, according to the Village of Lancaster Fire Department.

 

Appliance fire safety is a matter of keeping appliances in good working order, as well as using them as they were intended, according to Assistant Fire Chief Scott M. Kuhlmey. To avoid the potential risk of fire, the Lancaster Fire Department suggests checking the following to ensure appliances don’t cause risks of fire.

 

Stop an appliance fire before it starts

 

·         Immediately fix appliances or lamps that sputter or spark.

·         Keep appliances away from wet areas, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, basement and garage.

·         If an appliance has a three-prong plug, never force it into a two-prong outlet or extension cord.

·         Check your wiring on a regular basis. Look for outlets that don’t work, light switches that are hot to the touch, and lights that flicker. This could mean something is wrong and should be checked by an electrician.

·         Keep clothes, curtains, and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all heaters.

 

Clothes dryer fire safety tips

 

·         Clean the lint filter before or after each use.

·         Have a dryer installed and serviced by a professional.

·         Do not operate the dryer without a lint filter. Clean the lint filter before or after each use. Remove accumulated lint around the drum.

·         Rigid or flexible metal venting materials should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.

·         Make sure the air exhaust bent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating.

·         Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.

·         Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a professional to ensure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.

·         Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.

·         Do not leave a dryer running if you leave home or when you go to bed.

·         Never dry items that have come in contact with flammable substances, such as cooking oil, gasoline, paint thinner, or alcohol.

·         Keep the dryer area clear of things that can burn, such as boxes or clothing.

 

Washer fire safety tips

 

·         Avoid overloading a washing machine.

·         Washing machines should be properly grounded.

·         Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.

 

Oven ranges

 

·         Keep burners, the stove top, and oven clean and free of grease and other flammable debris.

·         Never leave flammable items such as hot pads or towels near burners.

·         Don’t leave food cooking unattended.

·         Never spray aerosols near a flame.

·         Always turn pot handles inward to avoid the possibility of knocking a pot off the stove.

·         Never wear clothing with long, loose sleeves while cooking.

·         Periodically inspect electrical cords and gas connections for wear and damage.

 

Microwave ovens

·         Never operate a unit with a door that is bent, warped, or otherwise damaged in a way that prevents it from closing firmly.

·         Don’t stand directly in front of the microwave while it is operating.

·         Avoid overheating liquids; they may super-heat and erupt, causing severe burns.

·         Never operate an empty oven.

·         Keep the inside of the oven, the door, and all seals clean and free of debris.

·         Never use metal pans and utensils in the unit as arcing will occur.

·         Periodically check for microwave leakage with an FDA-approved testing device.

 

Most importantly, be prepared for a fire.

 

“One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to have a working smoke alarm that alerts you to a fire,” Kuhlmey said. “A smoke alarm greatly reduces your chances of dying in a fire.”

 

He also said that making and practicing a home fire escape plan and setting a meeting place outside is important, as well as making sure every family members knows at least two escape routes from their bedrooms.

 

 

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Village of Lancaster firefighters attend training at National Fire Academy

March 25, 2010 – Lancaster Bee

 

 

Nine members of the Lancaster Fire Department attended the annual state weekend training program offered at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md.

 

Chief John Burke, Assistant Chiefs Scott Kuhlmey and James Schaefer, Capts. Joe Ligammare, Jeffrey Moore and Kevin Herzog, Lt. Matthew Reitmeier and firefighters Bill Huff and Doug Lahnen participated in the two-day program Saturday and Sunday.

 

“The program offered members an opportunity to grow professionally through a quality educational experience and increased their knowledge and skills to provide a safe and effective response to the Lancaster community,” Kuhlmey said.

 

Members of the Lancaster Fire Department focused their training on fire behavior, fire prevention, leadership,

 

 

Lancaster Fire Department members William Huff, left, Matthew Reitmeier, Joe Ligammare, James Schaefer, Doug Lahnen, Jeffrey Moore, Kevin Herzog and Scott M. Kuhlmey attend training at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md. Missing from the photo is John Burke.

managing change and structural collapse. These courses strengthened the department through education, personal networking and a shared collegial experience, Kuhlmey said. Members collectively logged 126 hours of training.

 

The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control sponsored the two-day program in cooperation with the National Fire Academy. The NFA hosts the program and provides the instruction, course materials and lodging at no cost to participants.

 

Also, 13 members of the Lancaster Fire Department attended a three-hour seminar on flashover and back draft sponsored by the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs on March 10. This training included procedures and tactics to be employed during dangerous situations, along with a review of case histories and preplanning considerations. The training was presented by firefighter Robert LaGrow of FDNY and Michael Healy of the Rockland County Fire Training Center. Village firefighters logged 39 hours of training.

 

 

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Lancaster Fire Department personnel complete training

March 11, 2010 – Lancaster Bee

 

One hundred twenty-two members of the Lancaster Fire Department recently completed annual safety training logging a total of 976 hours.

 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the New York Department of Labor Public Employee Safety Health Bureau requires eight hours of annual safety training for all firefighters.  Topics included general hazard recognition, fire station safety, response safety, fire scene safety, protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus, tool and equipment safety and recent developments in fire safety.

 

In addition, Capt. Jeff Moore and Lt. Mark Moore completed a course on basic structural collapse operations.

 

 

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Carbon monoxide detector law will save lives

February 25, 2010 – Lancaster Bee

 

 

It’s a device that could save your life as readily as a smoke detector could, but this item alerts you to what is known as the silent killer – carbon monoxide.

 

Monday marked the first day “Amanda’s Law” took affect.  It requires carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in all homes throughout the state.  Previously, the state required CO alarms only in newly constructed homes and upon a home’s sale.

 

The law was named for Amanda Hansen of West Seneca, who perished in January 2009 after being overcome by carbon monoxide during a sleepover at a friend’s house.

 

Scott M. Kuhlmey, assistant fire chief of the Lancaster Fire Department, explains why CO is known as the silent killer.

 

“You cannot see it, smell it, or taste it,” he said.

 

Specifically, the new law requires CO alarms be installed in all new and existing one and two-family dwellings, multifamily dwellings and rentals having a fuel-burning appliance, system or attached garage.  The requirements differ for new and existing residences and also on when the buildings were built.

 

At a minimum, if there is a CO source in the home, then you are required to have one carbon monoxide alarm installed on the lowest story having a sleeping area. Additional requirements apply to homes constructed on or after January 1, 2008.

 

Kuhlmey described the symptoms of CO poisoning as flu-like, including headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and confusion. Prolonged exposure can result in vomiting, blackouts, and, eventually, brain damage and death. The amount of CO inhaled and how long you are exposed to it determines the effect, he added.

 

If your CO alarm sounds, stay calm.  If anyone in the house feels ill or experience flu-like symptoms of headache, nausea, or dizziness immediately evacuate the house and have someone call 9.1.1. 

 

“Failure to get out immediately may result in prolonged exposure, worsening effects from the CO,” Kuhlmey said.  “The best initial treatment for CO exposure is fresh air.”

 

Now that the new rule has taken effect, purchase a CO detector now if you haven’t already done so.  If you rent a home or apartment, remind your landlord of the new provision.

 

This new law will ensure that CO detectors become just as commonplace as smoke detectors, and this will save more lives.  The passage oif the law also is increasing awareness of this issue, ensuring that information about the problem is not as invisible as the problem itself.

 

 

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Heavy Rescue Truck For Sale

 

The Lancaster Fire Department has a 1990 GMC Saulsbury Heavy Rescue Truck available for sale.

 

Caterpillar diesel, Allison automatic, air brakes, 20kw pto driven generator, (4) kwik raze 1500w quartz lights, (4) 500w flush mount quartz lights, (4) hannay electric rewind reels w/200' of 10/4, (1) Hannay 1500 series rewind reel w/150' of 3/8 air line, command desk/bench seat with storage, interior roll up doors, 160 amp alternator, walk-on roof, dual heated mirrors, tinted window glass, tow eyes, front & rear a/c, 12&120v lighting systems in box, warning lights and lightbar.  13,207 miles

 

 

Reduced! Asking $50,000 

 

Click here for purchasing information.

 

 

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January 24, 2010
Kitchen Fire, Lancaster Towers, 1 Pleasant Avenue West

Lancaster firefighters responded this evening to the report of a kitchen fire in a 4th floor apartment.  An occupant was able to extinguish the fire which originated on the top of a stove.  The fire department assisted with ventilation of smoke from the 4th and 5th floor.  Several occupants were evaluated.  The fire department checked the apartment with a thermal imaging camera verifying no fire extension to the building.

 

 

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January 16, 2010
Chimney Fire, 30 Waltham Drive

Lancaster firefighters responded this morning to the report of a chimney fire at 30 Waltham Drive.  On arrival crews were presented with flames coming from the chimney of the single family home.  The fire was extinguished with minor extension to the residence.

 

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Lancaster Fire Department
P.O. Box 15  |  Lancaster, New York 14086
info@lancasterfd.org

Station # 1
5423 Broadway
Lancaster, NY 14086
Phone: 716.683.1901  |  Fax: 716.683.1903

Station # 2
24 West Drullard Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086
Phone: 716.683.2602

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