Evesham Fire-Rescue recently received a helmet from our ‘sister department’ Dorset Fire-Rescue (Dorset, England is one of Evesham Township’s official “Twin Cities”) in the United Kingdom along with some other items.  These items are on display at our Main Street Station.  A friendship that was forged just prior to our department’s 100th anniversary in 1998 continues to be maintained by Chief Lowden and Chief Fire Officer Darran Gunter of the Dorset Fire & Rescue Service.  The two speak regularly about issues that face our departments and the fire service as a whole.  In response to this gift, Chief Lowden has sent an EFD helmet to Dorset Fire & Rescue Service to be displayed in their department as well.  As you can see, two very different styles of protective equipment are worn by Evesham firefighters! 

Tuesday, August 14, 2012  Chief Ted Lowden was recently elected to the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Volunteer and Combination Officers Section, Board of Directors.  On Thursday, August 2nd, 1st Vice President Hank Clemmensen swore in the newly-elected board members at the annual IAFC conference held in Denver, CO. Chief Ted Lowden and Chief Timothy S. Wall were sworn in for 3-year terms to 2015 and Chief Mike Vaughn was sworn in for a 1-year term to 2013.

The IAFC-VCOS mission is to provide chief officers who manage volunteers within a volunteer or combination Fire, Rescue or EMS delivery system with information, education, services and representation to enhance their professionalism.  The Volunteer & Combination Officers Section was formed in 1994 as the “Volunteer Chief Officers Section.” The name was later changed to the “Volunteer & Combination Officers Section” to further accentuate the significant trend of the growth of combination fire departments.  Evesham Fire-Rescue wishes Chief Lowden success in this new position and know that he will represent combination fire departments and Evesham Fire-Rescue well.

Thursday, August 9, 2012  On Wednesday, August 8th, the second session of Evesham Fire-Rescue's 3-day Kids Safety Camp began.  The staff and campers were excited to have a visit from the Burlington County Times who published an article in today's paper which can be accessed by clicking HERE. Day 1 covered fire department operations, EMS/first aid, firefighting gear, firetruck rides.  Day 2 covered water/drowning safety, animal safety, fire extinguishers, the 911 system and police operations.  Day 3 concludes tomorrow with a full day of bike safety which includes each child being issues a bike helmet and culminating in a neighborhood bike ride. The graduation ceremony will be held at 230pm with students and parents in attendance.

Friday, July 27, 2012  The International Association of Fire Chiefs' (IAFC) Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) awarded Evesham Fire-Rescue Deputy Chief Stephen Addezio one of two $1500 scholarships for the annual IAFC Fire-Rescue International Conference.  Fire-Rescue International is a conference for international fire service leaders.  During this conference, leaders network and attend classes to learn from each other the latest trends in fire service leadership.  The process leading to Chief Addezio being selected was quite competitive and evaluated many candidates.  The scholarship will afford D/C Addezio the opportunity to attend Fire-Rescue International 2012 at no expense to himself or Evesham Fire-Rescue.

Chief Addezio currently oversees the volunteer EMS division at Evesham Fire-Rescue.  Attendance at this conference will allow Chief Addezio to gain valuable knowledge and study trends Fire and EMS which can be applied at Evesham Fire-Rescue for better service delivery.  Please join us in congratulating Chief Addezio on his achievement!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012  We recently have updated our Twitter feed and have made an effort to become more familiar with the site.  If you've "Liked" us on Facebook, "Follow" us on Twitter!  On our Twitter feed, you will find important updates regarding current and ongoing events such as incidents that Evesham Fire-Rescue responds to and important information during times needing increased preparedness.  General household safety tips will be posted from time to time and may or may not be available on Facebook.  Check it out!

Saturday, July 14, 2012 15:25 Shortly before 3:30 pm on Saturday, July 14th, EFD responded to the unit block of Heritage Road after the homeowner called 9-1-1 reporting a fire in the home.  Deputy Chief 2210 arrived and found smoke showing from the eves of the home and a fire condition showing in the rear of the house from the second floor and roof area.  Engine 2211, Rescue 2218, and Ladder 2235 responded in and stretched a handline into the home.  Crews opened a wall and ceiling on the second floor, located the fire, and extinguished it making a quick knockdown.  With the heat index hovering around the 100° mark, temperatures made this fire even more taxing on our crews.  No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation by Evesham Fire-Rescue's Fire Marshal's Office.

Thursday, July 12, 2012  The recent warm trends with lack of rain have caused mulch, grass and brush to become extremely dry. When warm weather couples with the low humidity, conditions become prime for fires either as a result of nature or as a result of human interaction.  Things such as intentionally set fires or accidentally set fires, as seen with discarded smoking materials, home fire pits, or simply mowing the lawn and natural causes such as lightning and spontaneous combustion all cause fires--fires which can rapidly spread.

The attached picture shows a fire which threatened a home this week--while the landscaping crew was present and mowing the backyard.  A rock strike, lack of spark arrestor on the lawnmower or discarded smoking materials could have caused this fire. The landscaper tried to extinguish the fire with the homeowner's garden hose but it was turned off.  Fortunately, the fire department responded and prevented spread of the fire to the home.  Crews have responded to more than two dozen "brush fire" calls in the past week.

EMS crews continue to be kept busy with the warm weather. In addition to the "usual" calls for service, crews have seen an increased number of calls at local sporting events due to the heat and also an increased number of calls with the elderly and diabetic populations--two groups who have a tough time with weather extremes.  

Evesham Fire-Rescue urges you to remain vigilant about your health, take it easy and consult your physician or 911 if necessary.  When it comes to fire safety, please don't toss those cigarette butts on the ground or use your outside fireplace until conditions improve.  

It's been a hot and busy week for Evesham Fire-Rescue. On Sunday July 1st, crews were dispatched around 0100 hours to the 500 block of North Elmwood Road for a dwelling fire. First arriving units found the front porch involved in fire. It was quickly extinguished and the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Evesham Fire Marshal.

Monday and Tuesday was busier than normal with the weather increasing the call volume for emergency medical services runs.

Wednesday July 4th ushered in an entire day of Independence Day festivities beginning with the Mayor's Cup 5k in the morning. A record number of people participated in the race, some of whom required medical attention. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported. The parade was well-attended and the biggest one yet with residents lining Main Street to see the action. The evening culminated with the fireworks at which also proved to be a record crowd.  The display was spectacular and no serious injuries were reported

As crews were leaving the fireworks, they were dispatched to the area of Harness Drive and Evesboro-Medford road for an unknown type fire. Crews arrived to find a shed well-involved in fire. The fire caused several propane tanks to vent and increase the intensity of the fire. The fire was quickly extinguished and the propane tanks cooled. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Evesham Fire Marshal and Evesham Police Department.

In the first four days of July, crews have handled more than 65 fire and EMS runs. The balance of the week and weekend is predicted to be very hot, so please stay hydrated when participating in outdoor activities.