Deja Vu in Metuchen

On Sunday December 20, 2008 at approximately 8:00am, District 4 was called for Ladder 627 to respond into Metuchen for the working structure fire. This was exactly to the day and almost to the hour one year ago when we were requested to assist at a strip mall fire only about 2 blocks away.

On arrival, Chief 628 directed Ladder 627 to the side C of the structure to set up and assist for roof operations. The crew of 5 under the command of Lt. Scarpa went right to work sending 2 members up the stick to ventilate the roof from the tip. Due to the heavy damage caused by the fire and the weather conditions all work was performed from the tip of the ladder. Once the 2 separate vent holes were cut, the crew then assisted in the overhaul operations. Towards the end of the operations in Metuchen, District 1 was dispatched to a fire in a restaurant which quikly went to a 2nd alarm. Ladder 627 went back in service from Metuchen in order to be available if needed at the 2nd alarm in District 1. That fire was placed under control with the need of Ladder 627. All units were back in service by 12:00 hrs.