May 11, 2012 - The Fort Wayne Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 4410 Reed Street.  Upon arrival crews found a garage fully engulfed in flames.  Because of the close proximity, the fire did damage two adjacent structures but did not extend into either one.  There were five occupants home at the time of the blaze.  They escaped without injury.  The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

May 11, 2012 - The Fort Wayne Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 11110 Sycamore Hills Drive.  Upon arrival crews found several areas of the roof on fire.  Construction workers had accidentally ignited a tree on fire and the embers ignited the roof area.  The fire was quickly extinguished and did not extend further into the structure.  The homeowner was home at the time of the fire and was able to self-evacuate without injury. 

April 27, 2012 - The Fort Wayne Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 1308 Park Ave. The home's occupant had been outside, saw the smoke coming from the house and called 911.  Upon arrival crews found heavy smoke coming from the rear of the structure.  Crews made an aggressive interior attack on the fire and found high heat and smoke coming from the kitchen and laundry area.    The fire was quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported.  The fire's cause remains under investigation. 

April 26, 2012 - Two people were transported to the hospital after the Fort Wayne Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 7213 Baer Road.  Upon arrival crews found smoke coming from the structure with one resident self-evacuated and another having been pulled to safety by responding FWPD.  The officer was initiating CPR on that victim.  Both occupants were transported to a local hospital; one in fair condition and the other in critical condition. 

FWFD was able to quickly gain entry and extinguish the fire.  Further FWFD search efforts located a dog.  FWFD was able to revive the animal and turn it over to Animal Control in good condition.  Preliminary investigation indicates the fire originated in the kitchen area of the home.  The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.  It is undetermined at this time if there was a working smoke detector. 

The Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD) Administration has relocated to One Main Street, Suite 901,  Fort Wayne, IN  46802.  The new offices are located on the ninth floor of the City County Building, sharing the floor with the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) Administration.  Code Enforcement will be joining the rest of the Administration team on the ninth floor as well.  Arson/Investigations offices will be located on the second floor of the City County Building adjacent to the FWPD Detective Bureau. 

The FWFD will still have a presence at the 307 E. Murray Street location including Vehicle Maintenance, Building Maintenance, Quartermaster, and the Battalion Chief office.  Weights and Measures will also occupy office space at Murray Street.

As the weather warms, citizens are turning their attention to in-home spring cleaning, as well as, outdoor projects and play. The Fort Wayne Fire Department says the risk of injury can be greatly reduced by following simple safety steps inside and outside the home.

• Fire is not the way to get rid of yard waste. Leaf burning and general yard waste burning is not permitted.
• Check play equipment for loose or exposed hardware, broken parts and stability before the children begin playing on outside toys and apparatus.
• When using ladders, check for safe and proper placement. Be aware of any obstructions- overhead wires and tree branches.
• Barbeque gas grills (including gas hoses) and propane tanks should be inspected prior to use.
• Rake before you mow to prevent any stones and loose debris from launching into the air.
• Never operate a mower in your bare feet and avoid wearing loose clothing.
• Use proper eye protection.
• Fill lawn mowers, motorbikes and power saws outside and only when the motor is cool.
• Store gasoline in a cool place away from the house in a detached garage or shed, and always in an approved safety can.
• Dispose of old cans of paint, thinners and accumulated newspapers and magazines. Check local newspapers for times and locations to drop off household hazardous materials.

Spring is a great time to assess your home’s fire prevention tools. Following these simple maintenance and prevention tips can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working.
• Be sure to change the batteries in all detectors annually. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every 10 years.
• Changing weather temperatures can cause windows and doors to stick. Windows should be checked to ensure they can open and close properly in case they are needed as exits.
• Conduct a fire drill. Review and practice your home escape plan.

The Fort Wayne Fire Department encourages you to enjoy the warmer weather. Celebrate spring-safely.

The Fort Wayne Fire Department hosted the 2012 Service Awards ceremony on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at the Northeast Indiana Public Safety Academy. The Honorable Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD) Chief Peter Kelly honored firefighters and other local citizen heroes who have performed in an exemplary manner for the safety of others.

This year’s award ceremony was extraordinary as many of the rescued individuals were in attendance to and helped recognize the 24 award recipients.

FIREFIGHTER MERITORIOUS AWARD

            Firefighter Nate Mills
                        For live-saving actions at the Bowser Street house fire, April 27, 2008
                        *Mills was only recently identified as the fourth firefighter of the crew recognized for the same award in 2009;

            Firefighter Rebekah Freds -
                        For life-saving actions off-duty at a vehicle accident on October 21, 2011;

            Captain Joel Hoffman
                        For life-saving actions at an apartment fire on January 22, 2012;

            Firefighter Michael Heastan
                        For life-saving actions at an apartment fire on January 22, 2012;

            Captain Elbert Starks
                        For life-saving actions at an apartment fire on February 9, 2012;

            Firefighter Tyler Bruce
                        For life-saving actions at an apartment fire on February 9, 2012;

            Firefighter John Gilbert
                        For life-saving actions at an apartment fire on February 9, 2012;

Firefighter Commendation Award

            Firefighter Brian Lawson
                        For life-saving efforts at an apartment fire on January 22, 2012;

            Firefighter Doug Castator
                        For life-saving efforts at an apartment fire on January 22, 2012;

            Firefighter Andrew Bolinger
                        For life-saving efforts at a silo rescue on January 6, 2012;

            Firefighter Rich Dolsen, Jr.
                        For life-saving efforts at a silo rescue on January 6, 2012;

            Firefighter Randy Mee
                        For life-saving efforts at a silo rescue on January 6, 2012;

            Captain Craig Mueller
                        For life-saving efforts at a silo rescue on January 6, 2012;

            Firefighter Patrick Riley
                        For life-saving efforts at a silo rescue on January 6, 2012;

            Firefighter Ryan O’Shaughnessey
                        For life-saving efforts at an apartment fire on February 9, 2012;

 
 FIREFIGHTER COMMUNITY SERVICE

            Captain Dennis Giere
                       Acknowledging his tireless efforts to honor and remember - Law Enforcement Firefighters Memorial of Allen County;

CITIZEN ACTION AWARD FOR VALOR

            Michael Michelson
                        For life-saving actions to evacuate victims overcome by fumes on May 21, 2011;

            Ryan Shatzer
                        For life-saving actions to save a victim of a vehicle accident/fire on February 10, 2012

CITIZEN MERITORIOUS AWARD

        Vicky and Bill Vachon
                 For their quick actions to dial 911 and evacuate their sleeping neighbors from thier buring home July 5, 2011;

            Chad Chaney
                       For quick actions to dial 911, evacuate occupants and extinguish his neighbors house fire on June 4, 2011;           

            Luis and Tracy Hernandez
                        For their quick actions to dial 911 and enable their neighbor to safely evacuate from a house fire in October, 2011;

CORPORATE MERITORIOUS AWARD

           Smith & Buckland Auto Parts
                       In appreciation for the continued dependability, service and dedication to the FWFD.

Are you interested in joining the Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD)?  While the FWFD is NOT currently hiring, it is never too early to learn more about the hiring process.  We are currently updating our website's tab "Career Opportunities".  Valuable information about the hiring process and career information can be found. 

The Fort Wayne Fire Department is anticipating beginning its hiring process later this year. We foresee the application period beginning in late summer/early fall 2012. For those hired, an anticipated Academy Class will begin within the first quarter of 2013.

No applications are being accepted now. You are encouraged to keep checking the website for further/updated information.  If you have further questions, you may call 427.1102 or e-mail "Ask a Firefighter" found at the right side of the home page of this site.   

The Fort Wayne Fire Department Reminds Residents to Stay Warm and Safe During Cold Weather

The Fort Wayne Fire Department wants everyone to stay safe and warm during winter weather and offers the following safety tips on how to best care for yourself and your family when temperatures plummet:

Protect Yourself:
• Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat.
• Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves.
• Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice
and snow.
• If working outside, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.

Protect Yourself at Home:
• Be careful with candles – do not use candles for lighting if the power goes out.  Use flashlights only.
• Use generators correctly –never operate a generator inside your home, including the basement garage or porch. Run the generator as far away from the house as possible and point the exhaust away from open doors and windows to avoid potential carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Install and/or check carbon monoxide detectors.
• Prevent frozen pipes - when the weather is very cold outside, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around water pipes. Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Never attempt to thaw pipes using a blow torch or any open flame device.  Use warm water or a UL-listed device such as a hand-held hair dryer. 
• Keep the thermostat set to a consistent temperature.
• Check smoke alarms once a month by pressing the test button and replace batteries as necessary.
• Don’t forget your pets.  If you can’t bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they can get to unfrozen water.
• If you plan on using an alternate heating source, never use a stove or oven to heat your home. 
• Keep a glass or metal fire screen around the fireplace and never leave a fireplace fire unattended. 
• If using a space heater, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely use the heater.  Place it on a level, hard, nonflammable surface.  Turn the space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep.  Keep children and pets away from your space heater and do not use it to dry wet clothing.

With hopes of saying "thanks", Gary Smith of Whitley County contacted the Fort Wayne Fire Department asking to arrange an opportunity to shake hands with the firefighters who saved his life. 

Smith's ordeal began January 6, when he fell while cleaning an eighty foot silo at the Ag Plus facility at 5480 S. Raber Road and became trapped waist deep in soybeans.  While the fall was not traumatic, the weight of the beans prevented Smith from being pulled to safety.  The Fort Wayne Fire Department's Technical Rescue Team was dispatched to assist the Jefferson Township Fire Department with the rescue.  After more than eight hours, Smith was pulled to safety and transported to a local hospital in stable condition. 

On January 18, Smith and the firefighters that saved his life were reunited at a small reception hosted at IAFF Fort Wayne Firefighters Local 124's Union Hall. With more than 60 friends, family and co-workers attending, Smith got to shake hands with the firefighters involved in the rescue operation.  "Most grain falls don't have a happy ending,"  Smith said.  "The fact that I am here is a miracle.  You guys did a great job."

Deb Smith, Gary's wife, reiterated her and her family's gratefulness for the support, treatment and efforts made to save her husband.  "Not only did you save my husband's life, you saved my best friend.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you did for Gary."

While firefighters from both departments were grateful for the opportunity to meet Smith they insist their life-saving efforts were just part of their jobs. 

Gary Smith says, "I know personally they sure do one heck of a job." 

Gary continues to heal at home.  While still sore, he anxiously awaits approval to return to work. 

Carbon Monoxide safety tips

Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide.

Safety tips

• CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.
• Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds.
• Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.
• If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel.
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
• During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
• A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.
• Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO — only use outside.

Smoke alarms save lives. Studies demonstrate that smoke alarms save more lives than any other fire prevention measure.  Smoke alarms provide the earliest warning of both fire and smoke.  Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.  When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. 

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires, and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, both types of alarms or a combination alarm (photoelectric and ionization) should be installed in homes.
• Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
• Smoke rises; install smoke alarms following manufacturer's instructions high on a wall or on a ceiling. Save manufacturer's instructions for testing and maintenance.
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps”, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
• Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they are 10 year old or sooner if they do not respond properly.
• Be sure the smoke alarm has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Alarms that are hard-wired (and include battery backup) must be installed by a qualified electrician.
• If cooking fumes or steam sets off nuisance alarms, replace the alarm with an alarm that has a "hush" button. A "hush" button will reduce the alarm’s sensitivity for a short period of time.
• An ionization alarm with a hush button or a photoelectric alarm should be used if the alarm is within 20 feet of a cooking appliance.
• Smoke alarms that include a recordable voice announcement in addition to the usual alarm sound, may be helpful in waking children through the use of a familiar voice.
• Smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These devices use strobe lights. Vibration devices can be added to these alarms
• Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.

It's a recipe for serious injury or even death to wear loose clothing (especially hanging sleeves), walk away from a cooking pot on the stove, or leave flammable materials, such as potholders or paper towels, around the stove. More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and more than 20,000 are injured. Cooking is the leading cause of home fire in the U.S. It is also the leading cause of injuries. Following these simple fire safety tips can boost survival rates dramatically.

• Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.
• Never leaving cooking unattended. A serious fire can start in just seconds.
• Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house. Make sure all small appliances are turned off.
• Always wear short, tight-fitting sleeves when cooking.
• Don’t cook if you’re under the influence of alcohol, taking a medication that causes drowsiness, or are fatigued.
• Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
• If an oven fire occurs, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames and heating elements.
• Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup which can ignite.
• Heat oil gradually to avoid burns from spattering grease.
• Always keep a lid nearby when cooking.
• If a fire breaks out while cooking, put a lid on the pan to smother it, or use baking soda or a fire extinguisher. Never throw water on a grease fire.
• Don’t try to move or carry a pan in which there is a hot grease/grease fire. Even though moving the pan is common reaction when a grease fire is discovered, it often results in burns to the carrier and additional fire damage.

So when should you call 911, and when should you try to fight a fire yourself? While fire extinguishers and baking soda can put out small fires when used properly, kitchen fires can spring up quickly and spread even faster. In the event of a fire, never hesitate to call the fire department. You should also be sure to get your family out of the house. Remember safety first: Keep yourself and your family protected, and call 911 for help.

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS - TURKEY FRYERS

Turkey feasts go hand-in-hand with holiday festivities, and turkey fryers have become a popular way to prepare the bird. The increase in turkey fryer usage has also sparked more cooking fires.  As you prepare to host a holiday dinner keep in mind and practice these important safety tips if you plan to use a turkey fryer. 

Hazards

• Many units easily tip over, spilling hot oil from the cooking pot.
• If the cooking pot is over filled with oil, the oil may spill out of the unit when the turkey is lowered into the cooking pot. The hot oil may spill onto the burner or flames causing a fire to engulf the unit.
• Partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause a spillover effect causing a fire. Oil and water do not mix and water may cause oil to spill over causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
• With no thermostat, the unit may potentially overheat the oil to the point of combustion.
• The lid and handles of the cooking pot may get dangerously hot posing severe burns hazards.

Important safety information

• Please read and carefully follow all manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines.
• Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors at a safe distance from buildings and other flammable materials.
• Never use turkey fryers in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or any structure that may catch fire. Do not use the fryer on a wooden deck.
• Make sure the unit is used on a level, stable, non-combustible flat surface to reduce tip hazards.
• Never leave the unit unattended. Keep the fryer in full view at all times as most do not have thermostat controls and may continue to heat the oil until it catches fire.
• If the oil begins to smoke, immediately turn the gas supply off.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer even if it is not in use. The oil in the unit may remain hot for hours after use.
• Do not over fill the fryer to prevent oil spillover when inserting the turkey.
• The sides of the cooking pot, lid and handles become very hot posing a severe burn threat; use well insulated pot holders or oven mitts when touching the pot lid or handles.
• If possible wear goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dried off before inserting turkey into fryer. Avoid marinades that may react with hot oil posing a risk of splatter or fire. Pay special attention to drying the cavity of the turkey as it has the greatest potential for ice and water to accumulate. Remember oil and water do not mix and water causes the oil to spill over causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
• Raise and lower the turkey slowly to reduce oil splatter and avoid burns.
• The National Turkey Federation recommends thawing the turkey in the refrigerator approximately 24 hours for every five pounds in weight.
• Never move the pot or drain the oil from the pot until is has completely cooled.
• If a fire occurs, immediately call 911. Do not attempt to extinguish with water.

It was a record year for the Red Cross during the annual Fort Wayne Battle for Blood held December 12-24.  This year's blood drive collected 1225 units of whole blood, topping the goal of 1,100 and beating the previous record of 1,187.  While we are still waiting for the platelet donation total, the Red Cross reports they were well over that goal of 500 too.

The Battle for Blood is a friendly competition between firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency responders to see who can bring in the most blood donations and votes. For 6 years, fire departments, paramedics and EMS have collected more votes equaling more blood donations in honor of their work.  This year was no different.  Fire/TRAA received 751 votes to Law Enforcement's 736.  While it is always satisfying for fire to beat the police and retain bragging rights, the real winners are the hundreds of patients who received the lifesaving gift – blood. 

The Red Cross wishes to thank each and every one of its supporters and donors.  The unwavering support during the largest blood drive of the year is truly appreciated. 

If you missed this year's Battle for Blood, blood donations are still encouraged.  Please call 1-800-Red-Cross to schedule your donation today. 

In conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15, WOWO radio will hosted the 65th annual citywide Fire Drill. While all schools within Fort Wayne participated in the evacuation drill, one school is designated as the host school acting as a central location for activating the fire alarm.   Students at Jefferson Middle School made the "911" emergency call.  

After recognizing a fire emergency, students will pulled the alarm at Jefferson Middle and evacuated as normal but they experienced special effects simulating a real fire including non-toxic "smoke" and strobe lighting.   Firefighters of the Fort Wayne Fire Department will responded to the "fire".

The remaining schools throughout the city participated in the evacuation portion of the drill only. Each school received its fire alarm notification via the local radio station. Upon hearing the WOWO broadcasted alarm notification, all schools evacuated as normal, performed their accountability requirements ensuring all occupants exited the building, and returned everyone to the building at the conclusion of the evacuation portion of the drill per the onsite person in charge.  

Once again, the WOWO Citywide Fire Drill was successful in helping students not only engage in fire safety dialogue and training, but the drill provides the the students the opportunity to practice.  As they say, the best defense is a good offence.  The WOWO Citywide Fire Drill prepares the students to act if there were a real fire situation. 

On Saturday, October 15, 2011, the Fort Wayne Fire Department hosted an open house at the Survive Alive House and Safety Village (1275 S. Phoenix Parkway). Beginning at noon the public toured the facility while learning valuable fire safety and prevention tips. 

The Survive Alive House is a full-size two-story residential structure situated in a mock town (Safety Village) and is equipped with state of the art special effects to simulate a real house fire. The special effects include flashing strobe lighting to simulate fire burning; a bedroom door equipped with coils inside the door which can heated via pumped in water to simulate a door becoming hot because of fire; sound effects of an actual fire burning and non-toxic "smoke" from a fog machine which permeates a portion of the house. Guests actively engage in this fire prevention program that includes a hands-on approach to fire safety by teaching evacuation procedures and the proper way of calling 911.

Beginning at approximately 2 p.m. the special side by side burn demonstration  dramatically displayed the valuable life-saving capabilities of residential fire sprinkler systems. The demonstration trailer is equipped with two rooms. One room is equipped with sprinklers, the other is not. Both are set ablaze. Guests see first-hand the speed and destruction of fire, but the outcome is dramatically different in the rooms with sprinklers. 

Saturday's events wrapped-up the week long efforts by the Fort Wayne Fire Department recognizing the 89th annual National Fire Safety Week, October 9-15.  Other FWFD fire prevention initiatives this week included "Neighborhood Smoke Alarm Blitzes" and the annual citywide WOWO Fire Drill.

The Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD) promoted two members Monday, September 12, 2011. The swearing-in was held at 10 a.m. at Citizens Square.

Captain Jeff Berning, a sixteen-year veteran with the Fort Wayne Fire Department, was promoted to Battalion Chief. Lieutenant Craig Mueller, a ten-year veteran with the department, was promoted to Captain.

Pictured left to right:  Captain Craig Mueller, Fire Chief Peter X. Kelly and Battalion Chief Jeff Berning.