New York Volunteer Firefighters Housewatch Page

08/03/2026

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On Aug. 2, 1978, six FDNY firefighters made the Supreme Sacrifice while battling a fire at a Waldbaum's supermarket in Brooklyn. It remains one of the deadliest fires in the Department's history.

Twenty members were operating on the roof when the supermarket's center section suddenly collapsed, sending 12 firefighters into the flames below.

We honor the memory of:

• Lt. James E. Cutillo, Battalion 33
• Firefighter Charles S. Bouton, Ladder 156
• Firefighter Harold F. Hastings, Battalion 42
• Firefighter James P. McManus, Ladder 153
• Firefighter William O'Connor, Ladder 156
• Firefighter George S. Rice, Ladder 153

Forty-eight years later, we continue to remember their courage, their sacrifice and their commitment to protecting New Yorkers. We will never forget them.

07/30/2026

Courtesy of

This morning, West Metro crews were conducting high-angle rescue training in a steep, rocky area near Morrison, west of C-470, when Firefighter/Paramedic Jarrod Leonard fell approximately 50 feet.
Jarrod sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
Jarrod has served the West Metro community for more than 23 years and is one of our technical rescue instructors, helping train firefighters in the specialized skills needed to perform rescues in some of the most challenging environments.
Jarrod remains in critical condition and is receiving ongoing treatment and evaluations.

07/18/2026

Nearly 900 wildfires burn across Canada, forcing evacuations

Nearly 900 wildfires burn across Canada, with smoke spreading acros...

07/14/2026

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The Kansas City Fire Department has acquired a Mobile Command Unit from Frontline Communications, designed to improve multi-agency coordination during large-scale events and emergencies.

Read: firehouse.com/55390565

07/14/2026

Courtesy of

UPDATE — FIRE CAUSE: FDNY Fire Marshals have determined the cause of a 3-alarm fire on June 19 at a church on Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn to be incendiary. The investigation is ongoing.

07/08/2026

Courtesy of news4sanantonio.com

Woman arrested after she stole a downtown ambulance

SAN ANTONIO — A woman was taken into custody after she apparently stole an ambulance downtown while medics were treating a patient in the back.

The incident happened around 10:56 a.m. Wednesday morning in the 100 block of South St. Mary’s Street. According to SAPD, a medic unit was stopped on a call when a woman entered the unoccupied driver’s seat and drove off without authorization.

The San Antonio Fire Department said the ambulance was stopped after about 20 minutes. SAPD’s Eagle helicopter was requested to keep surveillance on the vehicle before the suspect stopped and was apprehended.

Officials said the two medics and the elderly male patient were not injured. The patient was transferred to another ambulance for continued transport.

(A woman stole an ambulance downtown while medics treated a patient in the back. SAPD helicopter tracked it for 20 minutes before she was arrested.) (SBG San Antonio)

06/29/2026

Courtesy of nydailynews.com

FDNY EMS medic assaulted in Bronx after rock thrown at his ambulance

FDNY EMS medic assaulted in Bronx after rock thrown at his ambulance

A 37-year-old FDNY emergency medical technician was attacked in the Bronx early Thursday after a rock was hurled at his ambulance, police said.

The EMS member was in his marked ambulance approaching the corner of Morris Ave. and McClellan St. in the Concourse section of the Bronx at 6:45 a.m. when someone threw a rock at its passenger-side window, cops said.

The EMT stopped the vehicle and approached the rock hurler, who then jumped the medic, repeatedly punching him in his head and body.

Responding police officers took the attacker into custody.

EMS rushed the EMT to Lincoln Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries.

Charges against the suspect were pending Thursday.

A local deli worker identified the attacker as a troublemaking homeless person whom he said had stolen items in the past from the store.

He said he saw the end of the attack, and watched the beginning of it on the deli’s surveillance video.

"When I come in (at) 7-something, I saw the guy was on the ground,” the deli worker said. “I saw the video when I come inside the store, and the guy, he jumped the paramedic.”

He said local merchants were glad the man was arrested.

"He needed help,” the deli worker said. “This person like that is a danger to the street.”

(37-year-old FDNY emergency medical technician was attacked after a rock was hurled at his ambulance at the corner of Morris Ave. and McClellan St. in the Bronx.) (Julian Roberts-Grmela / New York Daily News)

06/29/2026

Courtesy of

Last night, we learned that three wildland firefighters—serving with the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service—lost their lives on Saturday, June 27, while responding jointly to the Knowles and Gore fires along the Colorado-Utah border.

Additionally, two wildland firefighters were injured in the line of duty and have been transported to a hospital.

This is terrible news and a reminder of what our first responders risk every time they go out to prevent devastation and protect Americans from natural disasters.

Our immediate focus is on supporting their families, friends, and fellow crewmates during this incredibly difficult time.

The USDA and Interior family mourns with them and offers our unwavering support for the loved ones left behind.

We are continuing to pray for their families and loved ones. May God bring them peace during this time.

Their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Additional details will be shared as they become available.

06/25/2026

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Multiple Agencies Respond to County Structure Fire

WDTV reported that several emergency crews from Harrison County responded to a house fire in Laurel Valley Tuesday evening.

According to Harrison County 911, crews were alerted to a call regarding a structure fire in Laurel Valley, on Riverwood Road, at approximately 5:22 P.M., upon arrival crews were met with a fully involved house.

No injuries were reported, and no further information has been provided at this time. WBOY reported that a man, his son and multiple dogs safely left the home.

Crews from the West Milford Volunteer Fire Department, Lost Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Mount Clare Volunteer Fire Department, Jane Lew Volunteer Fire Department, Nutter Fort Volunteer Fire Department, Stonewood Volunteer Fire Department, and Harrison County EMS responded to the scene.

06/23/2026

Courtesy of

Utah: Sheriff statement for the Cottonwood Fire tonight:

“We are kindly asking everyone to stay completely clear of all roads leading toward the Cottonwood Fire and across the B mountain area tonight.
This fire is growing rapidly. It is critical that we keep these roadways fully open so incoming emergency personnel, heavy apparatus, and large excavation equipment can get up into the fire zone safely and quickly.

Please give our first responders the room they need to work, avoid parking on road shoulders to watch the fire, and urge your neighbors to do the same. Thank you for your cooperation and support.“

Thanks to the subscriber who shared the nighttime view of the fire.