Haddam Fire Responds to Serious Carbon Monoxide Calls

Members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. responded to 60 calls for emergency services in January, up 14 calls from December. The breakdown follows:

Medical emergencies, 26                 

Fires, alarms etc., 15                       

Motor vehicle crashes, 11                       

Marine emergencies, 0                       

Other – wires down, etc., 8                       

The Fire Co. responded to several serious carbon monoxide emergencies. In one situation, the exhaust from a propane fueled hot water heater and furnace did not properly ventilate up the chimney. The result was that an extremely high volume of carbon monoxide entered the basement and first floor of the house. 

The homeowner remained conscious and was able to leave the residence before being overcome. Firefighters used self-contained breathing apparatus, as the environment was unsafe to breathe room air. Large fans were used to evacuate the dangerous gas from the residence and the proper building officials were notified.

Assisting Other Departments

At the request of the East Haddam Volunteer Fire Department, a water tanker was sent to assist with a structure fire late on Jan. 15. Five loads of water was brought to the scene by Haddam Tanker 2-13, in addition to tankers from other towns. The Haddam tanker holds 2,500 gallons of water.

Firefighters assisted the South District Fire Department in Middletown during the overnight of Jan. 22-23. While they were busy fighting a structure fire on Saybrook Road, one engine and crew stood by and assisted with getting their trucks back on line. The temperature at the fire scene was slightly above zero — thus all the hoses etc. were frozen and very difficult to get back into service. During the overnight standby, a full assignment from Haddam responded to a possible house fire on Saybrook Road in Middletown, closer to the Haddam town line. 

Training drills consisted of CPR refresher training, CPR new certification, and a table top scenario based exercise.

Plans are well underway for the open house April 30 from 1-6 p.m. Refreshments will be served, tours of the fire house provided, and a pasta dinner sponsored by the Haddam Junior Volunteer Fire Company will be offered. 

More information on the activities of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. and ways to get involved can be found at HaddamFire.com.