pnbsppdiv stylebackground whitefont size2The DeWitt Fire District is remindingnbspresidents that all residential brush burning is prohibited during the statersquos historically high fire risk period from March 15 to May 15.fontdivdiv stylebackground whitefont size2Several factors enable wildfires to start easily and spread quickly at this time including the lack of green vegetation the abundance of available fuels such as dry grass and leaves warm temperatures and wind.fontdivdiv stylebackground whitefont size2Open burning is the largest single cause of wildfires in New York State. Data from DECrsquos Forest Protection Division show that debris burning accounted for about 40 percent of wildfires between 1986 and 2006 — more than twice the next most-cited source. From 2000 to 2007 New Yorks fire departments responded to an average of 2600 wildfires each year during the period of March 15 through May 15. For more information visit the NYS DEC website fonta hrefhttpwww.dec.ny.govpress58544.htmlfont color800080 size2httpwww.dec.ny.govpress58544.htmlfontafont size2.fontdivpnbspp

pCongratulations to 4 of the newest DeWitt candidates that graduated the Firefighter 1 academy in Fayetteville.nbsp Firefighters Glen LeComte Carrissa Jones Courtney Stewart and Gregg Feal completed the 2 month academy consisting of FF1 Haz-Mat awareness Firefighter Survival and FAST. Also FF LeComte was tied for valedictorian of the class.nbsp Welcome aboard candidates and we look forward to working with you.p

pnbsppdiv stylemargin 0in 0in 0ptThis year saw the resurrection of the Annual Turkey Bowl in the Town of DeWitt.nbspThe DeWitt Fire team squared off against the East Syracuse Black Sheep at 10 am on November 22 at the Jamesville-DeWitt High School.nbspFor many years the DeWitt Fire and DeWitt Police personnel held the annual fund-raiser to support the J-D SADD Chapter.nbspThis year the Black Sheep of ESFD took up the challenge to benefit the Francis House and the Autism Society of Central New York.divdiv stylemargin 0in 0in 0ptAs the teams took the field what seemed to be an uneven match-up quickly became a formidable competition.nbspThe teams approached the final seconds of regulation with the score all tied-up and the Black Sheep making a drive.nbspBill McGarrity picked off ESFD QB Matt Parkerrsquos pass and ran it back 80 yards for the winning touchdown as the final seconds ticked off the game clock securing the win for DeWitt.div

Just after 1500 hours today Fayetteville Fire along with Ambulance and Medics were alerted for a difficulty breathing to a patient on the roof of a 3 story building at 100 Limestone Plaza. While enroute Fayetteville requested DeWitt Tower Ladder 3 to help remove the patient from the roof. Upon the arrival of TL-3 the patient was being treated by Fayetteville paramedics that had gained access to the roof. The tower was raised with the stokes attached the crews from the 20-Truck and 14-Truck packaged the patient and then he was lowered via the tower to the waiting Fayetteville Ambulance.While returning from that alarm DeWitt Car-1 came across a vehicle fire at the corner of E.Genesee St and McClennen Dr. Fayetteville was activated and the 20-Truck responded the crew from DeWitt Truck assisted and extinguished the engine compartment fire with the assistance of the Fayetteville crew.

pAt 1700 hours on Tuesday evening during shift change DeWitt crews were notified for a motor vehicle collision with injuries at Lyndon Corners. Engines 8 and 1 responded to findnbsp8 cars and a loaded cow trailer involved in the crash. Crews evaluated the situation and found 6 patients that needed to be treated and transported. DeWitt Rescue-7 and Squad-8 also responded and assistance was requested from Fayetteville Engine-7. All the patients were treated and turned over to 3 waiting RuralMetro ambulances. A Cornell vet that was stuck in the traffic stopped to render assistance to the two injured cows . Crews were back in service inside of an hour. Chief Cardinali had the quotLyndon Corners Commandquotp

pAt 1328 hours on Sunday Station 14 was alerted for a motor vehicle crash with possible injuries at the intersection of Jamesville Rd and Stonecrest Dr.nbsp Engine-8 responded with a crew of 4 and the incident was upgraded to definite injuries and reported the car was into a house and a nurse on the scene requesting ALS.nbsp Paramedic Engine-8 arrived within 3 minutes of dispatch and found a sedan that had gone through a wooden fence and into the corner of the house. 1 patient was removed from the vehicle and immobilized prior to being turned over to RuralMetro. Crews assessed the house and found no structural damage. Crews returned to service in 25 minutes. Lt. McGarrity had the quotJamesville Rd Commandquot.nbsp The patient succumbed to her injuries a few days laterp

pAt 0722 hours on Saturday crews were completing shift change when the station was alerted for a reported trailer fire at 6120 Rock Cut Rd in the Jamesville District. Engine-8 and Truck-3 responded and were the first arriving companies to find light smoke coming from the rear of the home. Truck-3 forced the door for the engine crew then completed a search and outside vent. Engine-8 suppressed a fire in the kitchen. Crews from Fayetteville Engine-5 and Jamesville Engine-5 assisted with overhaul. Companies picked up and assisted loading 800 feet of Supply line. Companies were back in service in 63 minutes. Jamesville Car-1 had the Rock Cut Rd Command. All occupants made it out safely but were transported to a local hospital by RuralMetro for evaluation. The occupant stated that the fire was started by children playing with the stove and catching a toy on fire and putting it in the drawer.p

pAs the night shift already had a few calls in at 1911 hrs Onondaga County Communications alerted DeWitt for a reported vehicle fire in front of 6811 Woodchuck Hill Rd. Engine-8 arrived within minutes to find a rear engine compartment and back seat of a 1971 VW Beatle well involved in flames.nbsp The fire was quickly extinguished and the company was back in service in 35 minutes.p

pAt 1932 Hours DeWitt Truck-3 and several mutual aide companies were dispatched to a reported fire in the area of Brooklea Dr and Limestone Plaza in the Fayetteville Fire District crews were out on training so Engine-8 responded in place of Truck-3. Police arrived and reported a fully involved house on Feeder St behind the Town of Manlius municipal building. Fayetteville Engines 7 amp 5 arrived and confirmed the police report and transmitted a SIGNAL 99 and outside operations. First arriving companies dropped their initial water on the fire trying to make a hit then had to wait for a water supply operation to be established as Feeder St was a non-hydranted dirt road that runs along the old Erie Canal. Engine-8 arrived and backed down Feeder St and finished anbsp split lay of supply line and laid it out to a waiting Manlius Engine that was drafting. Fayetteville Engine-7 got a draft out of the canal supplied by their Eng-5 and DeWitt Eng-8. Once water supply was established the fire was knocked down inside of 10 minutes using a master stream and a blitz fire. Companies were back in service in about 2 hours. Fayetteville Car-1 Chief Hildreth had the quotFeeder St Commandquotp

pAfter a colder and longer than normal winter New Yorkers arenrsquot waiting for Memorial Day theyrsquore firing up their grills now. According to the Propane Education amp Research Council PERC cooking on outdoor grills has become as mainstream as cooking on the stove top. ldquoIf something tastes good baked fried or sauteacuteed it probably tastes even better grilledrdquo said Steven Raichlen host of Primal Grill on PBS and author of The Barbecue Bible. ldquoYou can cook a meal the whole family loves quickly and with little clean up which is great for busy families during the week.rdquo And propane is the barbecuing fuel of choice according to a 2008nbspsurvey from About.com of more than 700 respondents. Furthermore it is environmentally friendly. The Environmental Protection Agency recognizes propane as a clean-burning gas that releases 105 times less carbon monoxide than charcoal. The New York Propane Gas Association reminds everyone even the most seasoned outdoor cooks to beef up on safety first. ldquoItrsquos great that so many Americans have incorporated grilling into their everyday lives so as the warm weather arrives we like to remind people about the importance of gas grill safetyrdquo says Barbara Roach executive director of the New York Propane Gas Association. ldquoBy following some basic precautions grill owners can ensure that each cookout is safe and enjoyablerdquo she adds.ppTo reduce any risk of an unwanted fire or burns from propane consumers should routinely follow some key tips for the safe operation and maintenance of their grillsnbsp Ventilation bull When lighting a grill keep the top open until you are sure that it is lit.nbspnbsp bull Keep the grill in a well-ventilated area.Recommended clearances are at least ten feet away from the housemdashand at least three feet away from trees and shrubs.nbspnbsp bull Be sure to set the grill on a non-flammable surface like concrete or asphalt. bull Never use a grill indoors or in any unventilated space. This is both a fire and carbon monoxide poisoning hazard.nbspnbsp bull Always use and store propane cylinders outdoors in an upright position. Never store propane cylinders indoors.nbspnbsp bull After filling or exchanging a cylinder take it home immediately. While transporting the cylinder keep your vehicle ventilated and the valve closed or capped. Never transport your propane cylinder in the trunk of your vehicle.nbspnbsp bull Never use store or transport propane cylinders near high temperatures. New York Propane Gas Association Gas Grill Safety Page 2 Firing Up The Grill Safelynbspnbsp bull Never use matches or lighters to check for leaks. Never use starter fluid with propane grills.nbspnbsp bull Before you grill check all fittings to ensure that there are no propane leaks. When the grill is cold turn on the cylinder valve or gas and spray the connections with a leak-detection solution a 5050 mixture of water and liquid soap to check for tightness. If bubbles appear then you have leaks so tighten the connections where the bubbling occurs.nbspnbsp bull Never pour an accelerant such as lighter fluid or gasoline on the grill.nbspnbsp bull Keep all flammable materials away from the grill. If you detect a leak immediately turn off gas and do not attempt to light the grill again until the leak is fixed.nbspnbsp bull If the grill does not ignite within ten seconds turn off the gas keep the lid open and wait five minutes before trying again.nbspnbsp bull When refilling the cylinder always have the supplier check for dents damage rust and leaks.nbspnbsp bull Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder.nbspnbsp bullnbspTrim excess fat and drain off excess marinade or oil from meats replace greasy lava rock or ceramic briquettes and keep the grill clean to minimize flare-ups.nbspnbsp bull Regularly check the tubes that lead into the burner for blockage from insects or food grease.nbspnbsp bull Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear blockage pushing it through to the main part of the burner. General Safety Tipsnbspnbsp bull Designate the grilling area a ldquoNo Play Zonerdquo keeping kids and pets away from the equipment.nbspnbsp bull Always have one person in charge of the fire at all times. Never leave a hot grill unattended.nbspnbsp bull When your grill is not in use cover the disconnected hose-end fittings with plastic bags or protective caps to keep them clean.nbspnbsp bull Always follow grill manufacturerrsquos instructions and keep written materials on hand.nbspnbsp bull Never attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. See a propane gas dealer or a qualified appliance repair person. Be sure to locate your model number and the manufacturerrsquos consumer inquiry phone number and write them on the front page of your manual.nbspnbsp bull If you smell gas and you are able to safely turn off the cylinder valve turning it to the right clockwise. Immediately leave the area and call 911 or your local fire department. Before you use the grill again have a qualified service technician inspect your cylinder.ppPropane is a safe clean versatile and highly efficient fuel that can be used for other outdoor products to help extend the summer season. In recent years propane has become more than just an energy source for outdoor grills. Did you know that it is also the fuel of choice for other consumer friendly products such as pool and patio heaters and mosquito magnets For more information on the value and uses of propane visit www.nypropane.com. About the New York Propane Gas Association NYPGA NYPGA is a trade organization providing services that communicate educate and promote the propane industry in New York. The association formed in 1948 offers training peer networking opportunities and assistance with legislative issues that contribute to operating a safe and successful industry.p

pThe DeWitt Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners has begun to post the minutes of their meetings on a hrefhttpwww.dewittfire.orgwww.dewittfire.orga in order to make their proceedings more available to the public.nbsp These documents can be found by clicking on the quotDOWNLOADSquot tab along the left side of the home page.nbsp The Board of Commissioners meets at the fire station on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 630 pm and meetings are open to the public.p

pFirefighters from DeWitt will be playing in a power soccer game against the local team to raise money for the team and the Muscular Distrophy Association.nbsp The firefighter will play in manual wheelchairs while the kids use there suped up power wheelchairs to compete.ppGame Date Friday May 15 2009ppGame Time 1800 hours 6 pmppGame Location Jamesville-DeWitt High School Gymnasium 6845 Edinger Drnbsp Fayetteville NY 13066ppDonation5 at the doorppYour support at the event would be greatly appreciated by the Power Soccer team the J-D Teachers and the DeWitt Firefightersp

pAs the day shift crews were coming on duty the 911 center alerted Fayetteville Manlius DeWitt and Kirkville for a report of a chimney fire at 5701 Townsend Road.nbsp The structure located on the Gridley Farm isnbspinnbspone of the few non hydranted areas of the district.nbsp Fayetteville Car-1 Chief Hildrethnbsparrived to find a fire in the flue and cap area of the chimney of a 2 story wood frame residential structure.nbsp Engine 7 arrived with a crew of 5 and began suppression efforts at the firebox and clean out the chimney.nbsp DeWitt Engine 8 took the roof assignment.nbsp Crews found a large amount of creosote burning in the chimney.nbsp Crews worked for 90 minutes clearing the chimney and opening up walls to check for extention.nbsp Manlius Truck 2 and Kirkville Engine 3 also arrived and operated on the scene.br nbspp

pThis afternoon Fayetteville and neighboring departments were alerted for a reported structure fire on Hoag Lane.nbsp Fayetteville Car-1 Hildreth arrived to find heavy smoke showing and transmitted a signal 99 working fire.nbsp Fayetteville crews knocked down the fire while the crew from DeWitt Truck-3 went to the roof and performed vertical ventilation and stretched the back-up line.nbsp Crews were back inservice in under 2 hours. Fayetteville Car-1 Hildreth had the Hoag Ln Commandp

pnbspEverynbspAutumn we turn our clocks back for Daylight Savings Time.nbspThis is also a good time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.nbspThe peak time for fire deaths in the home are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most families are sleeping.nbspSmoke detector is a simple inexpensive and effective way to reduce fire deaths in the home.nbspYoung children and senior citizens are most at risk and a properly functioning some detector can give them the extra seconds to get out safely.pdiv stylemargin 0in 0in 0ptnbspRemember to change your batteries when you change your clocksdivdiv stylemargin 0in 0in 0ptnbspdivdiv stylemargin 0in 0in 0ptFore more information visit this website a hrefhttpwww.usfa.dhs.govcitizensfocussmokealarms.shtmfont color800080www.usfa.dhs.govcitizensfocussmokealarms.shtmfontadiv