Clarksburg Volunteer Fire Company Fire News

The Essence of Christmas

2010-12-20T17:13:00.000-08:00

Sunday,December 19,2010 - Picture taken by Rob Goodell
Yesterday, the Clarksburg Volunteer Fire Company carried out their Annual Santa Run.

February 19th of this year when the Clarksburg Volunteer Fire Company was awarded $161,650 for personal protective equipment

2010-12-02T06:15:00.000-08:00

Just as many smaller fire protection organizations across the country, Clarksburg Volunteer Fire Company (CVFC) has always struggled with keeping their head above water when it comes to equipment upgrades for its 35 member company. While never compromising on the safety of their personnel, new personal protective equipment has always been a piecemeal purchase of what was needed versus what was wanted.

That all changed on February 19th of this year when the Clarksburg Volunteer Fire Company was awarded $161,650 for personal protective equipment via a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG).

With this grant the Fire Company solicited bids for 30 complete sets of new turn-out gear and fifteen (15) Scott 75 SCBA along with two (2) "RIT" packs.

Purchased from Bergeron Protective Equipment of Epsom, NH, each member of the company has been able to upgrade to cutting edge PPE including personalized G-Xtreme coats and pants, Titan Gloves, Globe Boots, Stanfield Hoods, Cairns Helmets, Survivor LED flashlights and an American Firewear bag to keep it all in.

Additionally from Fire Tech & Safety of Springfield, MA, the fire company has been able to upgrade their complete inventory of SCBAs to Scott 4500s which increases the commonality between CVFC and surrounding mutual aid departments..

Purchased separately the company has even been able to procure a mobile 4500psi air supply booster system enabling them to fill not only their own bottles but those of surrounding mutual aid departments.

According to Chief Carlyle “Chip” Chesbro, “Not only is this grant important from the safety side of fire fighting but it also brought with it a feeling of comradery with all the fire fighters feeling apart of something special. In the history of the fire company it was impossible to purchase this many sets of gear and SCBA at once, so everyone always had NFPA approved gear but not always the same gear and with this grant we were able to bring unity to the fire company”

Hot Stuff

2010-07-05T02:30:00.000-07:00

All photo's taken by Rob Godell
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The town's two Girls Scout Troops, 40127 and 40557, completed their requirements for first aid and "Hot Stuff" badges recently with the help of Fire Chief Carlyle C. "Chip" Chesbro Jr. and his daughter, firefighter and emergency medical technician Krystal Chesbro.

Application Period for National Fire Academy Opens April 15

2010-04-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

The application period for the first semester of FY2011 at the National Fire Academy (NFA) will be open from April 15 to June 15. NFA courses and course-materials are free, and transportation and lodging for students who represent career or volunteer fire departments, rescue squads, or state/local governments attending on-campus courses are currently provided as part of funding under the student stipend reimbursement program. The first semester includes classes that begin October 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011. Learn more and apply at www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa.

Short Range Fire Weather:

2010-04-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE CIRCULATION:

DISCUSSION...
THERE IS AN ELEVATED RISK FOR FIRE SPREAD ACROSS MOST OF MASSACHUSETTS
THIS AFTERNOON AND THROUGH WEDNESDAY. MINIMUM AFTERNOON RELATIVE
HUMIDITIES WILL DROP TO BETWEEN 20 AND 30 PERCENT COMBINED WITH POTENTIAL
DRY SOUTHERLY WIND GUSTS TO 25 MPH. THESE CONDITIONS WILL CAUSE VERY LOW
FUEL MOISTURES IN ALL DEAD OR DORMANT LIGHT SURFACE FUELS AND RESULT IN AN
ELEVATED RISK OF ACTIVE AND/OR DANGEROUS FIRE BEHAVIOR.

EASTERN FRANKLIN, HAMPSHIRE, HAMDEN COUNTIES COULD SEE RELATIVE
HUMIDITIES DROP BELOW 20% DURING THE AFTERNOON PERIODS CAUSING RAPID
DRYING IN LIGHT SURFACE FUELS AND LEADING TO POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS
FIRE BEHAVIOR.

OUTLOOK...WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY...

DRY AND UNSEASONABLY WARM WEATHER WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THURSDAY. THE
HIGHEST TEMPERATURES WILL GENERALLY BE IN THE INTERIOR WITH COOLER
TEMPERATURES ALONG THE IMMEDIATE SOUTH COAST. THE HIGHEST CONCERN
FOR FIRE SPREAD WILL BE ON WEDNESDAY WHEN HIGHS REACH INTO THE 80S
AND WIND GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH ARE FORECAST. MINIMUM RELATIVE HUMIDITIES
WILL DROP BETWEEN 20 AND 30 PERCENT. INCREASING CHANCES OF RAIN
FRIDAY INTO THE WEEKEND.

Savoy Memorial Day Fire Truck Parade

2009-05-28T05:10:00.000-07:00

Savoy Memorial Day Fire Truck Parade Slide Show

2009 National EMS Memorial Bike Ride

2009-05-01T05:16:00.000-07:00

2009 National EMS Memorial Bike Ride (NEMSMBR)
Team “ Charles”
The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, Inc. honors Emergency Medical Services personnel by organizing and implementing long distance cycling events that memorialize and celebrate the lives of those who serve every day, those who have become sick or injured while performing their duties, and those who have died in the line of duty.

Starting Wednesday, May 20th , Charles Spirydowski will be taking part in the NEMSMBR on behalf of the Southern Berkshire Ambulance. His bike ride continues on Thursday, May 21st and Friday, May 22nd, which will complete his 200 miles of the 600-mile ride.

For more information, please contact Charles at C.Spirydowski @ Verizon.net or mail support (a straight contribution) to Southern Berkshire Ambulance, 31 Lewis Ave., Great Barrington, MA 01230

Checks should be made out to the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride. Please write the name of Charles Spirydowski on the memo line.

Interesting Web Links:
Muddy Angels National EMS Memorial Bike Ride – www.muddyangels.com
National EMS Memorial –www.nemsms.org

Muddy Angels

A little history:
The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride is a National ride to honor the lives of EMS heroes. The ride was established in 2001 and began in Boston, MA and ended in Roanoke, VA, the current home of the EMS National Memorial. Today the ride begins in New York City, NY, or Lexington, KY and concludes seven days & 600 miles later in Roanoke, VA.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

72nd Roll Call Banquet

2008-11-02T07:58:00.000-08:00

Past Chief Harry Chesbro presents Fire Chief Chip Chesbro with a pin for 25 Years of Service. Photo Taken by Paul Vallone

Saturday,November 1,2008 The Clarksburg Volunteer Fire Company held its 72nd Annual Roll Call Banquet. Guest attended were:

Area Departments;
Adams Fire Department - Chief Steve Brown, Assistant Chief P.J. Goyette
Cheshire Fire Department - Assistant Chief Fran Gwozdz,filling for Fire Chief Tom Francesconi - Mike Biagini, Jr.
North Adams Fire - Steve Meranti
Readsboro Fire - Chief Carl Marchegiani, Captain Adam Codogni
Stamford Fire - Chief Paul Ethier, Deputy Chief Bob Costine
Williamstown Fire - Chief Craig Pedercini, Assistant Chief Mike Noyes
Berkshire County - Fire Coordinator Butch Garrity
MASS.DCR - Fire Warden District 12 Larry Ray, Patrolman Margaret Carnevale
Town of Clarksburg - Administrator Mike Canales
Clarksburg Police - Chief Mike Williams
North Adams Ambulance - John Meaney

Inactive Members:
Fred Perry
Al Brooks
Phil Fosser
Walter O'Dell
Neville Toye
Paul Blanquart
Mike Daigneault

Past Chiefs:
Harry Chesbro
Howard Chesbro
Joe Moran

Honorary Members:
Ed McGowan
John Tietgens

The Pins of Years of Service

From Left to Right: Mike Rivers 10 yrs,Don Boudreau 10 yrs,Chip Chesbro 25 yrs,Krystal Chesbro 5 yrs,Kie Chesbro 40 yrs,Kevin Blanchard 30 yrs, Steve Meranti 15 yrs.

Keith Bush given a pin for 15 yrs of service.

Keeping the Family Tradition:

Fire Company Group Shot

FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING

2008-09-06T08:56:00.001-07:00

/O.CON.KALY.FA.A.0012.000000T0000Z-080907T1200Z/ /00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/ NORTHERN LITCHFIELD-SOUTHERN LITCHFIELD-NORTHERN BERKSHIRE- SOUTHERN BERKSHIRE-WESTERN GREENE-EASTERN GREENE-WESTERN COLUMBIA- EASTERN COLUMBIA-WESTERN ULSTER-EASTERN ULSTER-WESTERN DUTCHESS- EASTERN DUTCHESS-WESTERN WINDHAM-EASTERN WINDHAM- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...TORRINGTON...OAKVILLE...NEW MILFORD... TERRYVILLE...PITTSFIELD...NORTH ADAMS...GREAT BARRINGTON...LEE... LENOX...HOUSATONIC...HUNTER...TANNERSVILLE...WINDHAM...CATSKILL... COXSACKIE...ATHENS...CAIRO...JEFFERSON HEIGHTS...HUDSON... CHATHAM...SUNDOWN...ELLENVILLE...WOODSTOCK...WEST HURLEY... KERHONKSON...NAPANOCH...PHOENICIA...KINGSTON...NEW PALTZ... POUGHKEEPSIE...BEACON...ARLINGTON...PAWLING...DOVER PLAINS... MILLBROOK...PINE PLAINS...AMENIA...MILLERTON...JACKSONVILLE... NEWFANE...BRATTLEBORO...WEST BRATTLEBORO...BELLOWS FALLS 1140 AM EDT SAT SEP 6 2008

...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING...

THE FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR

* PORTIONS OF NORTHWESTERN CONNECTICUT...WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS... EAST CENTRAL NEW YORK AND SOUTHERN VERMONT...INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS...IN NORTHWESTERN CONNECTICUT...NORTHERN LITCHFIELD AND SOUTHERN LITCHFIELD. IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS... NORTHERN BERKSHIRE AND SOUTHERN BERKSHIRE. IN EAST CENTRAL NEW YORK...EASTERN COLUMBIA...EASTERN DUTCHESS...EASTERN GREENE... EASTERN ULSTER...WESTERN COLUMBIA...WESTERN DUTCHESS...WESTERN GREENE AND WESTERN ULSTER. IN SOUTHERN VERMONT...EASTERN WINDHAM AND WESTERN WINDHAM.

* THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING

* TROPICAL STORM HANNA CONTINUES TO MOVE NORTHEAST ALONG THE EAST COAST AND WILL SPREAD HEAVY RAIN INTO THE WATCH AREA THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT. THE HEAVIEST RAINFALL WILL LIKELY OCCUR LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND INTO EARLY SUNDAY MORNING. BY THE TIME THE RAIN ENDS ON SUNDAY...THREE TO SEVEN INCHES OF RAIN ARE EXPECTED IN THE WATCH AREA.

* FLOODING COULD BE ENHANCED BY THE UPSLOPE FLOW ALONG THE HIGHER TERRAIN...ESPECIALLY THE EASTERN SLOPES OF THE CATSKILLS...BERKSHIRES...SOUTHERN GREENS AND LITCHFIELD HILLS. ALSO POTENTIAL FLOODING MAY INCREASE WHERE THERE ARE LARGE PAVED AREAS SUCH AS PARKING LOTS IN BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS. RIVERS THAT ARE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE INCLUDE THE HOUSATONIC RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES...RIVERS IN SOUTHEASTERN VERMONT...AND TRIBUTARIES TO THE HUDSON RIVER IN SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK. TIDAL FLOODING MAY OCCUR ON THE HUDSON RIVER SOUTH OF ALBANY.

YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS FROM YOUR NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING DEVELOP.

The big winner

2008-08-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

TheTranscript.com
Article Launched: 08/13/2008 09:42:45 AM EDT

Wednesday, August 13
Jim Bua, left, gets tickets to a Fenway Park game between the Red Sox and Yankees from Clarksburg firefighter Don Boudreau. Bua, of Monroe, won the raffle, which raised about $4,600 for the Clarksburg Fire Company. The money will be used for equipment, primarily dress uniforms, one of which Boudreau is proudly wearing in the photo.

2008 Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week:

2008-06-18T02:58:00.001-07:00

2008 Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week:
Committed to Long-Term Results
June 22-28, 2008

Committed to Long-Term Results encourages long-term investments by chiefs and firefighters to enhance their health and safety. The ultimate goal is to institute a strong culture of health and safety within the fire/EMS service.

This year’s theme reflects the need for organizational action that supports and encourages a safety culture. Recommended activities and materials will incorporate three key areas where standard operating procedures, policies and initiatives—along with the training and enforcement that support them—can limit fire/EMS personnel’s risk of injury or death:

Fully implement NFPA 1500, especially sections addressing PPE:
Provide compliant PPE.
Train and enforce use of PPE, including respiratory protection.
Fully implement the Wellness-Fitness Initiative:
Provide annual medical and physical evaluations.
Provide equipment and time for exercise.
Provide nutrition information.
Initiate an emergency vehicle policy, to include:
Always buckle up.
Always stop at red lights and stop signs.
Always drive at speed limits and defensively.

Focusing on these 2008 key safety areas from Sunday to Saturday provides maximum flexibility, allowing for all duty shifts—both career and volunteer—to participate in your department’s selected exercises at some point during Safety Week.
To be notified of Safety Week activities, subscribe to the email list today.

Sponsored by IAFC, IAFF and IAFC's Safety, Health and Survival Section

The Fire Company Remembers Their Decease Members

2008-05-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, May 18, 2008 The Clarksburg Volunteer Fire Company's Flag Committee placed firefighter flags and grave markers for past Chiefs and firefighter flags for past Members of the Fire Company. For the upcoming Memorial Day Holiday weekend.

Red Flag Warning / Fire Weather Watch

2008-04-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
THURSDAY EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN ALBANY HAS ISSUED A FIRE WEATHER
WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
THURSDAY EVENING FOR ALL OF EAST CENTRAL NEW YORK AND ADJACENT WESTERN
NEW ENGLAND.

A COLD FRONT WILL PASS ACROSS THE REGION LATE WEDNESDAY WITH
LIMITED SHOWER ACTIVITY. IN THE WAKE OF THIS FRONT...DRIER AIR AND
INCREASED NORTHERLY WINDS WILL DEVELOP THURSDAY AFTERNOON. WITH AVERAGE
RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES BETWEEN 15 AND 25 PERCENT AND WIND GUSTS
IN EXCESS OF 20 MPH THURSDAY AFTERNOON...THE POTENTIAL FOR FIRE
WEATHER CONDITIONS WILL INCREASE.

A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE FORECAST TO OCCUR. LISTEN FOR LATER FORECASTS AND POSSIBLE
RED FLAG WARNINGS.
BGM

Early end called to burning season

2008-04-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

By Amy Carr, Berkshire Eagle Staff
Article Last Updated: 04/21/2008 04:28:33 AM EDT

Officials have declared an early end to burning season, following a series of brush fires, one of which scorched more than 200 acres over the weekend.
The largest blaze began Saturday at 122 Silver St. in Lanesborough when burning yard waste coupled with dry, windy conditions caused a brush fire that evolved into a forest fire that stretched almost two miles.

The incident sparked the decision to halt burning season, which officially ends April 30.

"Until we get rain, there will be no more burning," said Lanesborough Fire Chief Charles Durfee, who worked with more than 120 firefighters from three states to battle the blaze, which was 80 percent contained last night. "This is the biggest brush fire we've had in over 20 years. A Department of Conservation and Recreation guy told me yesterday that 375 acres were burned in the whole state yesterday, and 200 of them were in Lanesborough."

Four brush fires in Pittsfield Saturday have prompted the city to stop issuing burning permits. The fire department said yesterday the ban will persist on a day-to-day basis until weather conditions improve.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is

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asking local municipalities across the commonwealth to stop issuing open burning permits immediately. Burning season typically extends until the end of April, but this year, warm, dry and moderately windy weather, coupled with dry forest fuel, has resulted in a high fire danger throughout the state.
The DCR also is urging residents to be extremely careful with cigarette smoking and disposal of cigarettes, campfires, and cooking over fires of any sort, which can lead to brush fires.

Yesterday, small brush fires were reported in Pittsfield and Adams, while New York crews worked to battle a 3,000-acre brush fire in Minnewaska State Park on the Shawangunk Ridge in Ulster County.

According to the DCR, 189 fires throughout Massachusetts burned more than 375 acres Saturday, some threatening nearby private homes and property.

Durfee said Lanesborough residents were fortunate to have winds blowing north over the weekend.

"It was a huge blessing to have the wind blowing up hill," he said yesterday, standing outside the Silver Street residence. "You can see a house nearby this one and the wind took it right up the hill into open space."

Maragret Carnevale, DCR district fire patrolman for Berkshire County, said brush fires in open space can be beneficial.

"Fire is a tool they use across the U.S. to clean up different areas," she said. "(The Lanesborough) area will be greener. The underbrush will be knocked down and add to the soil so big trees can be healthier. So, it's not all a bad thing."

To reach Amy Carr: acarr@berkshireeagle.com, (413) 496-6233.

2007 Santa Run Slide Show

2008-01-03T04:53:00.000-08:00

Click view the Slide Show of 2007 Santa Run

A Season for Sharing in Fire Safety

2007-12-11T14:43:00.000-08:00

Each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 people, injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires
Christmas Tree Fire Hazards - Movie segments demonstrating how fast a live Christmas tree can become fully engulfed in flames. Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.

Selecting a Tree for the Holiday
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.

Caring for Your Tree
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

Disposing of Your Tree
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or woodburning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Holiday Lights
Maintain Your Holiday Lights
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended

Holiday Decorations
Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace
It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion.

Artificial Christmas Trees
If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Candle Care
Avoid Using Lit Candles
If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches.
Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.

NVFC Launches National Firefighter Health Week

2007-08-04T03:58:00.000-07:00

As part of its ongoing effort to promote and strengthen the health and safety of firefighters and EMS personnel nationwide, the NVFC is launching the inaugural National Firefighter Health Week from August 13-17. The NVFC encourages all fire and emergency personnel, their departments, and their families to focus on health and wellness during this week.

Each of the five days of National Firefighter Health Week spotlights a different health issue of particular concern for emergency responders. These are:

Monday: Behavioral Health
Tuesday: Cancer
Wednesday: Heart-Health
Thursday: Nutrition
Friday: Lifestyle
Stay tuned to the Heart-Healthy Firefighter web site at www.healthy-firefighter.org for more information about National Firefighter Health Week. Also be on the lookout at your department for a special issue of The Pulse newsletter that focuses on the important daily health topics of the week.