The month of December, 2017 has been one of the busiest and most tragic months for the FDNY in a long time.
The Fifth Alarm in the Bronx on Prospect Ave claiming the lives of 12 people, including 4 or 5 children, being one of the worst fires in decades. With the members of the FDNY working under record cold temperatures and windy conditions.
Of course despite this tragic event, it could have been worse. I'm sure our prayers and sympathy goes out to all of the family members and friends who have suddenly been hit with this overwhelming loss.
Perhaps the last fatal fires with a large life loss to civilians might go back to the LaHoya Social Club on Jerome Ave and 173 St (?). I think the loss of 6 civilians in that fire. Of course just prior to that in 1990 (?) was the Happyland Social Club fire on Southern Blvd and East Tremont Ave. An arson fire in which 87 people died. All of these fires within only a few blocks, or a mile or so of each other.
In addition, I read of another serious fatal fire in Brooklyn last night (12/29) on Patchen St adding to the loss. Both fatal fires listed as 10-41 code 1, indicating the possibility of arson.
In addition to these fires, in one 24 hour period, there were 23 - - 10-75s or all hands fires, 1 second alarm, 2 third alarms, and 1 fourth alarm - city wide.. In addition we read of a train accident and a ferry boat incident.
I have ALWAYS considered the members of the FDNY the BEST. I base that on my decades of chasing fires as a buff throughout the city. They are the best trained and certainly the most experienced in their field.
I also feel the same way about the members of the FDNY/EMS, the Fire Dispatchers, and the NYPD. Together, a group of individuals who are SECOND TO NONE. And I'm pretty sure that anybody who has followed them like I have would agree.
As this year comes to an end, let me also THANK THE MEMBERS HERE who do such a GREAT JOB in posting the jobs, rundowns, the videos and news stories. So many of us throughout the country and even the world follow the FDNY through your postings.
Thanks to FDNY Lt Tommy Bendick for making this all possible. Not only has he given us this site, but indirectly he has made it possible for so many of us to become good friends. Guys that none of us would know of if not for this site. All having the same interest in the FDNY.
The December, 2017 count will conclude in a few days. I wish there was a way of telling how many lives the FDNY rescued and people that are alive today because of them. I've been told that one FDNY company made 8 rescues in just a few weeks.
