Southingtin, Ct House Fire 12/26/24

⚠️2nd Alarm Structure Fire with MAYDAY.

Early this morning, just hours after Christmas, two of our members came dangerously close to not making it home to their families. With members disoriented in rapidly deteriorating conditions, a MAYDAY was issued within 10 minutes of the initial alarm, and it was only due to the exceptional training, quick thinking, and sheer luck that we’re able to share this update rather than a much more tragic one. We’re happy to report all occupants escaped unharmed.

ZERO additional resources on scene to rescue our members, just initial arriving staffed companies (Seven personnel from Truck 1, Squad 5, Car 4). Engine 31 is only staffed weekdays during the day.

During one of the busiest fire seasons in recent memory, the Town of Southington is proposing significant cuts to our fire operations in an effort to save on overtime costs, driven largely by vacancies due to on-the-job injuries and several upcoming retirements. Among the cuts being considered are the closure of a fire station, relocation of apparatus, and reductions in shift staffing. These changes would directly impact our ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, putting both our community and our personnel at greater risk. It's crucial that we stand united in advocating for the resources and support needed to maintain the level of service and safety that our community deserves."

These threats are unconscionable to your safety and our members.

As always, thank you to our mutual aid towns (7 total) for bailing us out.
 
That was much longer then I was expecting but there were some very good comments read. I go back to my previous statement, staffing of 7 (min of 6), except M-F dayshift when it's 10 (min 9), is a ridiculously low amount for a city of 45,000. Also keep in mind one of those paid on shift is the Battalion Chief, so take them out of the equation. The City paid for a study on their fire department and the study stated there should be 4 man career units at 3 stations 24/7. The study also pointed out that one of the biggest issues that will impede the fire department is politics. One of the reiterated comments from the citizens during the meeting was if your house catches on fire, make sure it's on dayshift.
 
The City I am most familiar with in my area, Wilkes-Barre City, has the same exact population as Southington and runs with a staffing level of 13 FF, 2 Paramedics and a Battalion Chief. This encompasses 3 Engine companies, 1 Truck company, 2 ALS Ambulances and a Battalion Chief. Although not NFPA compliant as well, they have more staffing and paid fire departments that border them that can be there in minutes. Every working fire has a dedicated RIT from Kingston Forty Fort (1 Ofc/4 FF), which is just across the river, sent to augment the staffing. Wilkes-Barre City is also reciprocal sending a RIT to Kingston.
 
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The sad part of the meeting last night is when the Chief admitted when the 2 members issued a Mayday, if they were unable to self extricate, there was NO ONE available outside to initiate a rescue. WTF?
 
Just let me add, here in Norwich (Ct), a FAST CO is always assigned once the working fire is declared.
Usually, it is the manned Mohegan Sun Tribal FD that responds.
If the dispatchers are receiving numerous calls before units arrive, they may notify the Mohegan Sun FD and they will respond to the incident, cancelling them if not needed.

In watching that video that "patrickfd" provided in reply # 5, the woman who told her and her husband's story of a fire they had and being alive today thanks to the members of the Southington FD was very impressive.
That is located at the 34 to 38-minute mark.
 
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