The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Haddam Volunteer Fire saw 3 blazes, 5 accidents
HADDAM — Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. crews responded to a total of 43 incidents in June, including a bridge crash, truck fire and rollover.
In all, the station worked on three fire, five motor vehicle accidents, 23 medical incidents and 12 other events, according to HVFC Facebook page.
Haddam Fire and Chester Hose Co. were dispatched to a vehicle fire on Route 9 South near Exit 8 June 1, where firefighters encountered a fully involved fire inside a pickup truck. The driver of the vehicle smelled smoke and pulled to the side of the road where the fire ensued. The driver and his passenger safely exited the vehicle, according to the post.
Crews closed Route 9 South until firefighters extinguished the flames. At that point, one lane was reopened. Due to the extensive damage, the Haddam Fire Marshal was not able to determine the cause of ignition and the fire is ruled as undetermined, according to officials.
HVFC and Connecticut State Police were dispatched to Higganum Center at the intersection of Saybrook Road (Route 154) and Killingworth Road (Route 81) June 15. A driver, heading northbound on Killingworth Road, failed to stop at the intersection and crashed an unregistered vehicle into the Candlewood Brook bridge, according to fire officials. A passenger was evaluated on scene and refused additional medical treatment. The driver of the vehicle was taken to Middlesex Hospital by Haddam Volunteer Ambulance Service with minor injuries, the post continued.
HVFC responded to another motor vehicle accident on Route 9 South between exits 8 and 9 June 17. The vehicle’s operator swerved off the left side of the road and became entangled a wire guard rail. She struck 26 metal posts before coming to a complete stop, fire officials said. The driver was evaluated on scene by HVAS and refused additional medical treatment.
Crews was dispatched to a one-car rollover on Killingworth Road near Squabble Hollow Lane June 24. A driver, heading northbound on Route 81, struck a guardrail, which launched her vehicle about 60 feet forward. The vehicle flipped over upon impact with a large tree, the Facebook post said. Haddam Volunteer Ambulance Service was first on scene and found the driver of the vehicle had removed herself from the wreck. The patient was evaluated on scene and transported to Hartford Hospital with injuries, officials said.
Mutual aid
HVFC assisted firefighters from Durham, Portland, Middletown and Middletown South District with a drowning at Miller’s Pond State Park June 16.
The company’s Tanker 2-13 was requested as part of a task force to Mt. Parnassus Road in East Haddam for a structure fire June 28.
Drills and training
Drills this month included ladder safety and training, water drafting and a tanker water shuttle, and apparatus checks.
Membership
This month, HVFC welcomed probationary members Patrick DesJardins and Andrew Allen to the company.
The station has openings for the role of firefighter, fire police, emergency medical service and junior division member (ages 14 to 17). Prior experience is not required and all training is provided. For information, email membership@haddamfire.org.