Gas Leak: 13 Alarm Explosion & Fire in 1967
Attached is an outstanding account on what started as a “gas leak”….
Once again it’s another reminder of the “gas leak” and what it CAN (and has!) become for us as firefighters.
REMINDER: When turning out for a reported gas leak, follow your FD policy (initial alarm response, levels of staging, size up, levels of operations, additional apparatus staging, area/neighborhood size up, equipment, use of law enforcement etc), Take the run very seriously and even if you don’t initially find anything-keep looking…multiple meters, check every crack and crevice, respond the gas company to assist etc…after all, we were called because someone smelled something. Don’t blow it off.
There is no rush to leave or return to quarters-do a thorough and professional check so that when you do return, you (and the occupants) are confident that the problem was determined and solved.
On January 13, 1967 a gas explosion at 0530 hours occurred in the South Jamaica section of Queens, New York. Although the blast and ensuing blaze demolished nine houses and badly damaged eight others plus garages and shops, hundreds of persons were evacuated without a single casualty. Only two NYPD policemen and an FDNY Firefighter suffered minor injuries. I remember this incident as a 12 year old kid living on Long Island at the time….but I wasn’t allowed to ride my bike to the scene. Dammit.
Thanks to FDNY DC Jay Jonas for this excellent report!
Attached is an outstanding account on what started as a "gas leak".... Once again it's another reminder of the "gas leak" and what it CAN (and has!) become for us as firefighters. REMINDER: When turning out for a reported gas leak, follow your FD policy (initial alarm response, levels of…
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