FIT Fireground Reports

Ara's Device Prevents Spread of Flames to Abandoned Home and Aids in Occupant Search

Centereach, NY
September 2009

When Fire Chief Joseph Losquadro of the Centereach Fire Department arrived on scene of a garage fire in an abandoned house, flames were beginning to spread quickly from the garage to engulf the main house. With his Fire Interruption Technology device at hand, Chief Losquadro was able to prevent the spread of flames until the first due engine arrived on scene.

Bystanders informed Chief Losquadro that people were around the abandoned house not too long before the fire started. Chief Losquadro deployed Ara's unit in the garage to bring down temperature, prevent spread of flames, and enable occupant search.

“By deploying the [Fire Interruption Technology] device, my first engine was able to perform a search immediately, if there had been victims they would have been found and removed”, said Chief Losquadro. “[Ara's device] slowed the progress of the fire significantly; when my first due engine arrived there was just some interior work, instead of a complete surround and drown.”

The department used an estimated 1000 gallons of water to overhaul the fire, most damage was contained to the garage and no one was injured.

The Centereach Fire Department has 4 Fire Interruption Technology units. The department originally equipped with Fire Interruption Technology about a year ago to supplement conventional resources, and to provide a fast and flexible option when short handed or when fire is quickly spreading.

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