Winter Storm Makes a Busy Day for Platoon 3 and Volunteers
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP- Friday, March 16 produced rain, wind, and sleet causing horrible road condition which created a busy for Platoon 3. From the beginning of the shift, Platoon 3 started the day off with a fire alarm at Eckerd Pharmacy in the Foxmoore Shopping Center followed by a 2nd alarm at The Pond Road Middle School caused from a pull station. After clearing from both calls, multiple Motor Vehicle Accidents were dispatched on The New Jersey Turnpike and Route 130 in the township. After clearing up from the New Jersey Turnpike, Engine 40 was dispatched to go Mutual Aid to Allentown Borough for a reported chimney fire. Seconds later after dispatch, the Hope Fire Company (Allentown Station 82-1) was dispatched for a second call on the New Jersey Turnpike for a MVA with rollover which made Engine 40 the first due engine on scene for the chimney fire which upon investigation was only a fire place burning which caused dark smoke to show from the chimney. Discussion between a few volunteers and the Deputy Chief made the decision to talk with the Captain about a volunteer standby at the fire house was made and within an hour the volunteers were dispatched to report to the fire house for a winter storm standby. The volunteers were able to man Engine 401 for most of the night and while Platoon 3 was settling down to have dinner, another MVA was dispatched for EMS to respond for reported neck pain. The volunteer crew on Engine 401 and Deputy 40 allowed the crew for Engine 40 to stay in house and eat their meal and responded with Rescue 140-10 to assist EMS on scene. Volunteers remained at the fire house until the early hours of Saturday, March 17 when the winter storm past through.
After the parking lot and aprons were plowed, with in minutes everything was covered with an inch of sleet and ice.
