Fire Buffs promote the general welfare of the fire and rescue service and protect its heritage and history. Famous Fire Buffs through the years include New York Fire Surgeon Harry Archer, Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler, New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and - legend has it - President George Washington.

Wednesday, November 05, 2014

SOUTH EMERSON - 2014


On Nov. 4, 2014, a mother trying to save her daughter died in a house fire along with the child, family members told NBC News4. Mary Barkes rushed back into the burning home after calling 911. The father managed to rescue another daughter from the blaze in the 1100-block of South Emerson St. by climbing a ladder.

Friday, October 24, 2014

CHOPPER DRILL

Photo: dcmilitary.com
Firefighters from Arlington County and Fort Myer participate in drill with Black Hawk helicopter on Jan. 19, 2012.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

PENTAGON - 1972

 


On May 19, 1972, the Weather Underground terrorist group planted a bomb in a women’s lavatory in the Air Force wing of  the Pentagon to mark the 82nd anniversary of the birth of Vienamese communist leader Ho Chi Minh. The act was in retaliation for the aerial bombardment of Hanoi during the Vietnam War. The Weather Underground also bombed the U.S. Capitol on March 1, 1971. There were no serious inuries in either crime.

U.S. CAPITOL - 1930


On Jan. 3, 1930, fire broke out at the U.S. Capitol.
 
Flames were confined to the attic studio of resident artist Carl Moberly.

"The fire illuminated the cold night sky," according to the House of Representatives website. "More than 27 fire crews from around the region responded."
 
Damage, however, was limited.

Moberly was rescued by a member of the Capitol staff and revived by a Navy physician

The blaze followed an electrical fire at the White House on Christmas Eve 1929.


Wednesday, April 30, 2014

FAIRFAX & UTAH

 
Clarendon's Truck 74 was on the first alarm assignment

 
Stream from portable monitor atop church visible to far right of Truck 74

Photos: Falls Church Volunteer Fire Dept.

Truck 76 from Falls Church and Tower 28 from Seven Corners

Fire erupted on the top floors of a high-rise under construction at Fairfax Drive and North Utah Street in Ballston on a chilly Sunday afternoon in late 1986 or early 1987 - and the was ample fuel for a spectacular blaze.

"
The fire involved wood formings holding freshly poured concrete. Additionally, propane cylinders in place as warming devices for the concrete fueled the fire," according to the Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department website.

Cylinders exploded and at least one went airborne like a rocket. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries. Crews remains on the scene into the night dampening the debris. Some feared sections of the fresh concrete would give way early on.

C-C-C-COLD DAY


Photo: Falls Church Volunteer Fire Dept.
Ice weighs down power lines during salvage and overhaul operations at  house fire in January 1982