Mendham Fire Department

Safe Disposal of Oily or Flammable Rags

Mendham Fire Dept — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:54:40 +0000

As the weather improves, many people find themselves doing more around the house, like staining furniture, flooring or other wooden materials with an oil based stain, varnish or sealer. Often we apply these liquids with a rag or cloth, however, some people may not be aware of the risk that improper disposal of these rags may have.

If you have ever used an oil based wood stain, paint or sealer, a polyurethane finish, a varnish or any other finishing product containing high VOC’s or Volatile Organic Compounds, then it was flammable.

Oily rags have a long history of being a source of fire, because people are not aware that they have the ability to spontaneously combust and catch on fire. For a fire to exist, it needs heat, oxygen and fuel. Oily rags that get folded or balled up and tossed on the floor have the danger of going through a process that starts with oxidation. As the oil is drying on the rag, it produces heat, and air gets trapped in the folds or balled up portions. Heat and oxygen are combined in addition to the rag, which is usually made of combustible cloth that can become a source of fuel. Heat, oxygen and fuel are all that is needed to create a fire, which is why if oily rags that are not disposed of properly can create a fire that people are not prepared for.

The easiest and safest way to dispose of flammable oily or solvent soaked rags is to use this method:

Place the rags in an empty metal container that has a tight metal lid such as an empty paint or stain can;
Fill the container with water until the rags are submerged;
Place the metal lid tightly over the water soaked formerly combustible rags
Take the container to your local hazardous waste disposal center or save it until your local community has a hazardous waste pick up day;
Please make sure not to dump solvents or paint or anything else like this down your drain or sewer.

Chiminea & Fire Pit Safety

Mendham Fire Dept — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:15:04 +0000

In recent years, there has been a new concern for the Fire Service – chimineas & fire pits. Fire pits are known to be a great source of warmth and ambiance. But, with the popularity of fire pits increasing, fire safety has become even more important. There are many things you should consider while setting up and using a fire pit or chiminea.

Keep away from flammable material and fluids such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid or vehicles while in use.
Do not use flammable fluids such as gasoline, alcohol, diesel fuel, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid to light or relight fires.
Exercise the same precautions you would with an open fire.
Do not allow children to use the fire pit. Keep children and pets away.
Do not wear flammable or loose fitting clothing such as nylon.
Do not burn trash, leaves, paper, cardboard, or plywood. Avoid using soft wood such as pine or cedar that likely pop and throw sparks. Use of seasoned hardwood is suggested.
Before starting the fire, make sure that the lid will still close to extinguish the fire in case of emergency. Do not overload.
Before you light the fire, check the wind direction.
Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby.

For more information please visit USFA’s Focus on Fire Safety: Summer Fire Safety
Grills, Fire Pits, and Campfires.

Smoking & Fires in the Home

Mendham Fire Dept — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:45:32 +0000

If you smoke, Put It Out. All the Way. Every Time.

Every year, almost 1,000 smokers and non-smokers are killed in home fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials. The U.S. Fire Administration is working to help prevent home fire deaths and injuries caused by smoking materials. Fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials are preventable.

If you smoke or live with someone who smokes, learn the facts. A lit cigarette left alone in a room, or accidentally dropped onto a chair or bed, or hot cigarette ashes or matches tossed away before they are completely out – all can cause a large fire in seconds.

Putting out a cigarette the right way only takes seconds, too. It is up to you to make sure your cigarette is put out, all the way, every time.

One-in-four people killed in home fires is not the smoker whose cigarette caused the fire.

More than one third were children of the smokers.
Twenty-five percent were neighbors or friends of the smokers.

USFA Smoking & Home Fires Campaign

I’m a smoker or live with a smoker… What can I do to make sure our home is safe from fires caused by smoking materials?

The safest place to smoke is outside of the home. Use a sturdy ashtray or a can filled with sand to collect ashes.
Use ashtrays with a wide, stable base that are hard to tip over. If it wobbles, it won’t work.
Ashtrays should be set on something sturdy and hard to ignite, like a table.
Put It Out. All the Way. Every Time. The cigarette really needs to be completely stubbed out in the ashtray.
Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away.
NEVER toss hot cigarette butts or ashes in the trash.
Chairs and sofas catch on fire fast and burn fast. Don’t put ashtrays on them. If people have been smoking in the home, check for cigarettes under cushions.
NEVER smoke while using oxygen or anywhere near an oxygen source, even if the source is turned off. Oxygen makes any fire burn hotter and faster.
If you smoke, use reduced ignition strength cigarettes, commonly referred to as “fire-safe cigarettes.”
If you are drowsy or falling asleep, put it out. Smoking in bed is just plain wrong.
Place working smoke alarms on the ceiling of every level of your home. Get a smoke alarm that can sound fast for both a fire that has flames, and a smoky
fire that has fumes without flames. They are called “Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms.”
Have an escape plan and practice it. Plan two ways to escape from every room. Practice the escape plan at least twice a year.

Fore More information please visit usfa.fema.gov.

MFD In the News: Firefighter Kyle Hastings and sister Kelly featured in the Daily Record’s “Dream Jobs”

Mendham Fire Dept — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:55:04 +0000

As a young child in Mendham, Kyle Hastings was in awe of firefighters and proclaimed he would join their ranks when he grew up.

Whenever a fire alarm sounded, Kyle was immediately at the window, recalls his mother, Donna, owner of the Simply Country gift shop in Mendham. “Every toy had to have a siren on it.”

Kyle even talked his parents into visiting fire stations as far away as Kennebunkport, Maine, during summer vacations.

Kyle’s enthusiasm was contagious, prompting his kid sister, Kelly, to develop a similar childhood passion.

Unlike children who forget an early fondness for a profession, the Hastings siblings stayed true to their dreams.

Last year, those dreams became reality when Kyle, 26, and Kelly, 20, landed rookie jobs at two prestigious fire departments.

Kyle accepted a job as a fireman and paramedic in Landover Hills, Md., with the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, covering a territory about 10 miles from downtown Washington.

Kelly was hired as an emergency medical technician by the New York City Fire Department, for whom she works in the East New York section of Brooklyn.

“I was shocked,” Kelly said, after being selected to enter the FDNY’s Emergency Medical Service Academy from a pool of thousands of applicants. “Working for the FDNY was my dream.”

Although being a firefighter was her initial childhood attraction, “once I realized it was kind of a manly job, I got into the health side of it,” Kelly said.

During training with the FDNY, Kelly surprised a few of her classmates when she expressed the desire to be placed in Brooklyn — with full knowledge she would likely end up in one of the borough’s toughest neighborhoods.

“The people in my academy said, ‘Are you serious? You’re not gonna last out there.’ ”

But Kelly quickly proved any detractors wrong, and has thrived since hitting the streets of East New York last summer in a trademark FDNY red and white ambulance.

In fact, she can’t imagine a job she would enjoy more.

“I love everything about it,” she said. “I like the action, and seeing new faces everyday. The area has so much violence. It’s not uncommon to get some pretty gruesome calls.”

Along with a heavy load of legitimate emergencies, Kelly said she also deals with the problem of economically strapped individuals who try to misuse the ambulance as a free taxi service to doctors’ offices and hospitals.

However, her protocol is to err on the side of caution before refusing anyone an ambulance ride.

Kelly said she believes she brings a fresh perspective to the job, even if she does occasionally get razzed for being a “Jersey girl.”

“Some EMTs are burned out. I like to treat everyone really well.”

About four hours south, Kyle has celebrated his one-year anniversary with Fire/EMS Station 830 in Prince George’s County — and traded his probationary status for designation as a full-fledged firefighter while continuing to also serve as a paramedic.

Working at a fire department ranked as one of the 10 busiest in the nation, Kyle said he loves the nonstop action, with upward of 25 calls per shift.

“It’s 100 percent adrenaline from the time a call comes that there’s a fire working,” Kyle said. “I don’t see any other career where you get that much satisfaction and the feeling of helping people.”

It’s a dangerous job, reinforced just last month when two Prince George’s County firefighters at a neighboring station were severely burned while battling a Riverdale, Md., house fire that was subsequently ruled an arson.

“You want to be there. You want to help out. You want to make it a better outcome,” said Kyle, who was on ambulance duty at the time. “We all take it pretty seriously when a brother firefighter gets hurt.”

Although Kyle’s current position is his first paying job as a firefighter, he already had a wealth of experience as a volunteer firefighter with the Mendham Fire Department, which honored Kyle in February for a decade of service.

Starting as a junior volunteer at the age of 16, Kyle would regularly assist Mendham firefighters with establishing water supplies, operating hydrants, stretching hoses and throwing ground ladders.

Because he was too young to drive, Kyle needed help from his parents to respond to fire calls that would sometimes come in the middle of the night.

“I’d wake them up, and they’d drive me to the firehouse,” Kyle recalled.

Mendham Fire Chief Rich DeNicola, who himself began as a junior volunteer five years ahead of Kyle, considers Kyle an exemplary firefighter and comrade.

“He’s a very respected guy in the fire department, and a pleasure to have around,” DeNicola said.

After turning 18, and having legal clearance to enter a burning structure, Kyle also volunteered with the Humane Engine Company in Morristown, earning high marks from Capt. Jim Schultz of the Morristown Fire Bureau.

“He’s a model firefighter, a guy you would trust your back with,” said Schultz, whose own son — in testament to the close-knit nature of the fraternity of firefighters — works with Kyle as a volunteer firefighter in Prince Georges County. “I like the fact that he’s a friend of my son.”

While continuing to hone his skills as a volunteer firefighter, Kyle worked as an EMT and paramedic for several local emergency squads, and at the Somerset Medical Center, where Kelly was also employed before joining the FDNY.

In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, Kyle traveled to the Gulf Coast to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, assisting with relief efforts that spanned from Biloxi, Miss., to Galveston, Texas.

“We went door to door with medical supplies and food, and helped set people up in trailers,” Kyle said.

Meantime, the bond between Kyle and Kelly grew even stronger, with Kelly eager to follow in her brother’s footsteps.

“He was the brother that picked on me the most growing up,” said Kelly, the lone girl and youngest of the four Hastings children. “But once I got to high school, we became super close.”

Kelly largely credits Kyle for motivating her to forgo the temptations of the Jersey Shore, and spend the summer following her junior year at West Morris Mendham High School taking an accelerated EMT course that allowed her to volunteer with the Mendham First Aid Squad as a senior.

“My friends would always joke that I was ‘the lifesaver,’ ” Kelly said. “When I volunteered, I loved it.”

Along with loving their jobs, the two have acclimated well to their new surroundings, with Kelly having already ditched her car for the subway, confining her driving to the ambulance.

Kyle and his wife, Kym — high school sweethearts who met in a cooking class at West Morris Mendham — are expecting their first child in April, after which, Kyle said, he wants to help Kym realize her goal of operating a day care center.

A career in firefighting and emergency services might not fit the typical career path for children raised in affluent Mendham, admits Kyle, whose brothers, Ryan, 29, and Tyler, 24, are investment bankers.

However, Kyle said that he and his sister have received nothing but support from their mother, Donna, and father, Peter Hastings, owner of P.B. Hastings Carpentry in Mendham.

His mother, in fact, said she believes that Kyle might have started a new family tradition.

“What drew Kelly to this career was seeing her brother loving it so much, and being very fulfilled,” Donna Hastings said. “When she graduated (from the FDNY training academy), it was a very proud day for my husband, myself and their siblings.”

Although the children have left home, Donna Hastings said that she and her husband still listen to the fire scanner. “But the volume is up a lot more when Kyle returns to Mendham,” she added.

Credit: Written by Dave Garey For NJ Press Media. Read this article on dailyrecord.com. Published March 18, 2012.

New Incident Command Vehicle

Mendham Fire Dept — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 14:45:18 +0000

In 2011, the Mendham Fire Department accepted the delivery of a new incident command (IC) vehicle. As with its predecessor; this new Chevrolet Tahoe was purchased with funds donated to the Fire Department and comes equipped with a full complement of radios, lights and other “technical” firefighting equipment.

Unlike other types of fire apparatus, the IC vehicle is strictly a support unit. It provides the department with a quick responsible unit—allowing an officer to respond quickly to a call and begin incident assessment or size up as other members and equipment are responding. It also creates a centralized location at emergency scenes where officers and other leaders can gather to properly attack any situation. Finally, it is caries with it a full complement of radios, providing incident commanders with an easy way to communicate with our mutual-aid departments when responding and while on scene.

Thank You again for your continued support!

For additional information: New Jersey Emergency Vehicles, Manasquan, NJ

Firefighters Bergman and Grassi Celebrate 60 Years of Service

Mendham Fire Dept — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:55:34 +0000

On February 18, 2012 at the 106th Annual Dinner of the Mendham Fire Department two members were honored for their 60 years of active service in the Department.

Willard “Bill” Bergman (pictured, above left) joined the Mendham Independent Hook & Ladder Company in May of 1952, Mendham Hose Company No. 1 in September 1952 and became exempt in 1959. Bill continues to serve as a Warden (fire police).

Joseph Grassi (pictured, above right) joined the Mendham Independent Hook & Ladder Company in June of 1952, Mendham Hose Company No. 1 in August 1952 and became exempt in 1959. When Joe isn’t at his home in Florida, he too continues to serve as a Warden.

Others honored were: Drew Gizzi and Joshua Small – 5 years of service; Thomas Gilligan, David Gizzi and Kyle Hastings – 10 years of service; Michael Orgera and Richard DeNicola – 15 years of service and Kenneth Betz – 35 years of service.

Hall Rental

Mendham Fire Dept — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:30:30 +0000

The firehouse’s “back room” is shared by two organizations, nearly 90 members and is an emergency services facility. As such, we are unable to rent the room out to non-members. If you are looking for a place to host a party or event, please consider the Brookside Community Club or Hoffman Hall.

In Memoriam: Donald Smith

Mendham Fire Dept — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:27:53 +0000

Ex-Chief Donald E. Smith “Smitty,” 81, died peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 at his home in Mendham. Born in Morristown, he lived in Morris Plains before moving to Mendham in 1947. Mr. Smith served in the Army from 1951-1953 during Korea. He was a member of the Mendham Borough Independent Hook and Ladder Company, and the Mendham Borough First Aid Rescue Squad. He was a Past Chief of the Fire Department and was a member of the NJ State Fire Chiefs Association. He also served as a Past Director of the First Aid Rescue Squad. He was an Auto Mechanic and had his own auto repair business in Morris Plains from 1961-1971. Then he worked for the Borough of Mendham for 24 years before retiring in 1995. Don enjoyed NASCAR, sports, boating and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Arlene Cumback Smith of 61 years; two sons, Robert Smith (Susan) and Daniel Smith (Rachel) and three grandchildren, Shane(Hakyong), Brian and Robert. He is also survived by one sister, Joan Tufts.

The Family will hold a Private interment in Hilltop Cemetery. Arrangements were made by the Bailey Funeral Home of Mendham—www.baileyfuneralhomes.com.

Cold Weather Safety

Mendham Fire Dept — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:16:42 +0000

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are working together to remind everyone that home fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season. This is due in part to an increase in cooking and heating fires. Holiday decorations and winter storms that can interrupt electrical service and cause people to turn to alternative heating sources also contribute to the increased risk of fire in winter.

Winter fires can be prevented! The following fire safety tips can help you maintain a fire-safe home this winter season.

Plan ahead for the adversities of the winter season by taking a few simple preventative measures.

Make certain your wood stove and heating system are always properly maintained and ready for extended use.

For wood-burning tips contact your local fireplace dealer.
For maintenance of your heating system contact your service person.
Protect your water pipes from freezing by planning ahead.
Turn off all outside faucets (preferably from an inside shut-off to each faucet). If no inside shut-off is provided, wrap the pipe with approved (UL) heating tape. You may also turn on any inside faucet, letting water drip slightly, allowing for expansion.
Make certain that all vents from the crawl space under the house are closed or sealed to keep out cold air.

Note: Should pipes become frozen do not use torches or other flame-producing equipment.

A hair dryer often will thaw pipes, as will the application of warm water. Pay particular attention to the north and east sides of the house as they are vulnerable to freezing due to prevailing winds.

In the event a broken pipe occurs, plan ahead by locating the main shut-off to the house and be prepared with a proper-fitting wrench.
PLAN AHEAD Broken water pipes need not occur if precautions are taken.

Home Heating Safety

For more please The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) websites.

Rich DeNicola Sworn In as New Chief

Mendham Fire Dept — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:25:59 +0000

The Mendham Borough Fire Department marks its 107th anniversary in 2012, and the year began with the swearing in of Rich DeNicola as our new Fire Chief on January 3rd at the Borough’s annual re-organization meeting.

Chief DeNicola takes over the position from Mike Bruin, who served as Chief in 2010 and 2011. Rich joined the Department in August of 1996 as a junior member and has served as President (2004-2005), Deputy Chief, 1st Assistant Chief, 2nd Assistant Chief as well as chairman of various committees prior to his promotion to Chief. To contact Rich, please click here.

About Mendham Fire Department

Mendham Borough Fire Department proudly protects 5,000 people living in an area of six square miles. We operate out of one station that protects a primarily residential area.

In 2011, The Mendham Fire Department responded to 267 emergency calls averaging about seven minutes response time per call, more than two minutes less than the national average for volunteer fire departments.