Upper Saddle River July 29, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 5 Firefighters use ‘FIT bombs’ to contain blaze The Upper Saddle River Fire Department’s use of two “FIT bombs” is being credited with the swift containment of a July 16 fire at a Glen Carl Road residence. This was the department’s first use of the devises, which were purchased only recently. At approximately 11:12 p.m. on that date, the Upper Saddle River Fire Department and Saddle River Valley Rescue Squad were dispatched to a reported structure fire. Upper Saddle River Fire Chief Erik Vierheilig and Assistant Chief Joseph Raymond were at the firehouse wrapping up from a previous fire call and arrived on scene almost immediately. They confirmed a car – a vintage Corvette - fully engulfed in flames inside the three car attached garage. Command was immediately established and a second alarm assignment was activated to request a tower ladder from Ramsey, an engine and tanker from Saddle River, and engine from Montvale, and a FAST team from Mahwah. Fire officials confirmed that all the occupants of the house were no longer inside the structure. While waiting for the arrival of fire units, the assistant chief deployed two FIT bombs, which are designed to minimize damage to the structure and hold the fire in check. Upon arrival of the first engine, the crews quickly stretched two lines to the garage and extinguished the fire. The blaze was contained in the garage. The fire was deemed under control shortly thereafter, followed by salvage and overhaul. Chief Vierheilig praised the response of all the emergency services personnel. He explained the FIT 5 bombs were purchased last year and are kept in Car 1230, Car 1240, and Engine 1232. Describing the “bombs” to Upper Saddle River Mayor Kenneth Gabbert and the borough council, Vierheilig said, “These units are tossed into a fire and are designed to knock the fire down by releasing a powder to interrupt the fire triangle, thus knocking down flame and heat. This device has proved to be extremely valuable for it prevented the fire from advancing to the rest of the house. The two units were used prior to the arrival of the first due fire engine. Once on scene, lines were pulled off and the fire was extinguished within minutes.” Assistant Chief Dougherty acknowledged that the fire had potential to cause extensive damage, but was halted before it could spread to the living area. The Ramsey ladder truck was not needed due to the rapid extinguishment and minor overhaul. Paul Banach Construction, LLC Home Remodeling Waldwick • 201-689-0765 • Windows • Doors • Garage Doors • • Finish Carpentry • Crown Moldings, Cabinetry, Walk-In-Closets, etc... • Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations • Take advantage of the Energy Tax Credit in 2009 www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits Speak to your tax advisor to ascertain if you qualify, as these credits will make a project more economical for you! Over 20 yrs. exp. • Senior Citizen Discount • Ref available upon request All work performed by owner • Free Estimates ������������������ ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������� HARDING WINE&SPIRIT Liberty Creek or... Finally it’s time for outside parties and barbecues. Are you really going to let your brother-in-law Ralph bring his homemade wine in the plastic milk jug again? We are here to save you money and stop the loss of friends. The Beat is t Clock g! Chardonnay, Merlot, Tax...he 7-22-09....Mike....from Janine in Tick Bu y N Cabernet Sauvignon, ow! PaulBanach2x2(7-22-09) White Zinfandel 2x2” $ HUGE WINE SELECTION Beer • Super Premium Spirits Party Planning • Gift Baskets Free Parking • Ice • Soda WE DELIVER 305 E. Ridgewood Ave Ridgewood, NJ DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED 201-445-7122 Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, White Zinfandel & Moscato Barefoot Wines $ 5 9 .99 1.5 liter .19 1.5 liter We’re just doing our job! No rain checks issued. Not responsible for typographical errors.