Saturday, June 26, 2010 - The Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 would like to thank all who attended, sponsored and supported the 12th Annual Summerbrew Block Party. Details and photos to follow. A special thanks to the members of the Seaside Park Vol. Fire Co. for their assistance, as well as the crew from the East Dover Vol. Fire Co. (and Lt. from Toms River Co. 2) for providing a standby suppression crew to cover the town during the event. We look forward to seeing you next year!

Thursday, June 24, 2010 - Several small fires kept Stations 53 and 28 busy during the week leading up to Summerbrew 2010. The fires were quickly controlled due to quick response by both stations, and minimal damage was incurred by the homeowners.

Saturday, June 12, 2010 - Several members ventured down to Sea Pirate Campground in West Creek, New Jersey to compete in the 8th annual Chili Cook-off. Island Heights brought home 1st Place for Best Firehouse Chili, 2nd Place for People's Choice, and 3rd Place for Best Decorated Booth.

Photos: Janice Fagan

Friday, May 28, 2010 - Just prior to 1400 hours, Station 53 was alerted with Toms River companies for a boat fire near Shelter Cove located in the East Dover section of Toms River. First arriving units encountered a well-involved boat fire which had come to rest near a bulkhead exposing several houses and docked boats. Engine 5311 was second arriving and advanced a back-up line to assist the crew from Station 28. Units quickly knocked the fire and cleared the scene in under an hour.

Photos courtesy: YouTube user theviperpit2006

Monday, May 24, 2010 - The Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company congratulates Firefighter Tim Paar and Firefighter Tyler Yetman on their successful completion of basic firefighter level 1 training. A special congratulations to Firefighter Paar for also being presented with Milan 'Spike' Baron Award for the top recruit in the class (based upon a combination of academic, physical fitness and practical evolution performance). Nearly a dozen members attended the ceremony to support the recruits and congratulate them on a job well done.

Sunday, May 9, 2010 - Just prior to 1800 hours, Stations 28 and 53 were alerted to a structure fire on Anthony Avenue in the Gilford Park section of Toms River. Chief 2800 arrived with fire showing from the Bravo side of a single-story dwelling. Engine 5301 was the first arriving engine, secured their own hydrant and advanced a line to the side entrance of the house. The fire was contained to the rear laundry/utility room with minor extension to adjacent rooms. The engine and ladder from Station 28 advanced a back-up line and performed searches and ventilation of the structure. Engine 5311 assisted with overhaul and the investigators. Units operated for about an hour before clearing the fireground.

Friday, April 9, 2010 - At 1830 hours, Engines 5301 and 5311, Utility 5304 and Chief 5300 traveled to the Ocean County Fire/EMS Training Academy to experience the flashover simulator. The simulator is a tool in which smoke and fire behavior and development, ventilation effects, and water application effects can be witnessed on a live fire. Firefighters experienced fire development from ignition to full compartment flashover, as well as identified indicators that a flashover will be occurring. Special thanks to the Ocean County Fire Instructors who ran the simulator.

 

Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - Shortly after 1500 hours, Station 53 was alerted with the Toms River Township Fire Department for a general alarm house fire on Brookville Road. First arriving units went on scene with smoke and fire from the second floor of a single-family dwelling. Engine 5311 and Chief 5300 responded on the call, assisting with extinguishment and overhaul. Island Heights units operated for over an hour before returning to quarters.

Photos: tr2fd.com

Friday, April 2, 2010 - Just before 2000 hours, Station 53 was alerted with the Toms River Township Fire Department to three structures on fire at the corner of Brand Road and Tilton Street. Silverton Chief 2900 went on scene with three structures heavily involved, as well as power lines down, a flooding condition and the presence of a large quantity of flammable liquids. Chief 5300, Engine 5301 and Engine 5311 responded on the call within minutes. Upon arrival, Engine 5301 worked with crews from Station 28 to perform an aggressive interior attack on the two-story house on Brand Road, while Chief 5300 and Engine 5311 worked with crews from Stations 29 and 30 to extinguish the house and garage fronting Tilton Street. Units from Island Heights operated on the scene for approximately two hours before returning to quarters. Seaside Park Engine 4521 covered Island Heights until crews returned.

Photos: Toms River Township Fire Department

Saturday, March 20, 2010 - After a week postponed due to heavy rain, Island Heights firefighters polished and prepared the 1928 Ahrens Fox for participation in the annual Seaside Heights St. Patrick's Day Parade. Members suited up in full dress uniform (with festive green ties) and traveled over the bridge to take part in the enjoyable annual tradition. Special thanks to the Seaside Park Volunteer Fire Company and Barooo Surf Shop for their accomodations.

Friday, March 19, 2010 - At 1900 hours, Engine 5301, Utility 5304 and Chief 5300 traveled to the Toms River Township Fire Academy for hands-on rapid intervention training. Firefighters were deployed over a number of evolutions into zero visibility conditions in full personal protective equipment to locate, assess, assist and remove a downed firefighter. Crews practiced calling the MAYDAY, restoring compromised self-contained breathing apparatus using the RIT Pack, firefighter removal skills and techniques, communications, raising ladders and various other firefighting and rescue skills. Special thanks to the Toms River Township Fire Department for the use of the Academy as well as the donations to the RIT Pack.

Saturday, March 6, 2010 - The Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company assisted with a standby for the Seaside Heights Polar Bear Plunge. A joint effort amongst various local fire companies and squads provided rescuers to the thousands of participants. Thankfully, a good time was had by all and everybody went home safe.

Saturday, February 20, 2010 - The Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company and invited guests celebrated their annual installation dinner at Jimmy C's Comedy Club in downtown Toms River on Saturday evening. Festivities included swearing in of officers, gifts and awards, a video of incidents and events of 2009, and stand-up comedy acts by two very funny comics. The IHVFC would like to thank Jimmy C's for yet another very enjoyable night.

 

Friday, February 19, 2010 - The members of the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary extend their deepest condolences to the Gabriel family following the passing of Dick Gabriel. Dick was son of Ex-Chief Al Gabriel and Ladies Auxiliary Life Member Shirley Gabriel, brother of Ex-Chief Brian Gabriel and Ladies Auxiliary Member Wendie Gabriel, Uncle of Firefighter Dustin Gabriel and father of Fire Explorer Richard Gabriel. The Gabriel family is in our thoughts and prayers and Dick will surely be missed.

Monday, February 8, 2010 - Slightly prior to 2300 hours, Station 53 was alerted with the East Dover Fire Company for a working trailer fire in the Oak Grove Trailer Park on Route 37 in Toms River. Within minutes, Engines 5311 and 5301 and Chief 5300 were on the road with units from Station 28. First arriving units went on scene with heavy fire from a single trailer unit. Engine 5311 and Chief 5300 went to work assisting with extinguishing the fire and checking for extension, while Engine 5301 stood by with a secondary water supply. After a quick aggressive attack, the fire was under control within minutes. Island Heights units cleared the fireground in just over an hour.

Saturday, February 6, 2010 - A blizzard that began in the evening hours on Friday resulted in nearly two feet of snow in the Island Heights area by its conclusion nearly 24 hours later. Throughout the storm, members prepared apparatus for the elements and assisted throughout town plowing, shoveling and ensuring access and egress for civilians and emergency vehicles alike. Luckily, no major incidents occurred in Island Heights throughout the duration of the blizzard. Station 53 would especially like to thank the Island Heights Department of Public Works for maintaining excellent clearance for fire apparatus both at the firehouse and throughout the town.

Friday, January 8, 2010 - The members of Station 53 kicked off the new year utilizing the subfreezing temperatures to train in ice rescue operations. Members suited up in ice rescue suits and performed live ice rescue evolutions in the frozen-over Toms River. As emphasized every year, the IHVFC urges everyone to use caution on the roads and water during the winter season!

Friday, January 1, 2010 - The Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 wishes all a very Happy and SAFE New Year. As with every new year, the members and officers of the IHVFC will work hard to institute changes and improvements to the company, while keeping with the traditions and goals upon which the organization was founded. Anyone interested in joining the IHVFC as a firefighter, auxiliary or associate member, or fire explorer is welcome to contact any member or stop by the station. Please continue to visit our website for the latest news and upcoming events! As always, we appreciate the endless support of our neighbors and community.