An investigation into a 2023 crash involving a Columbus (OH) fire truck has concluded that a firefighter was responsible for the chain of collisions that killed a pickup truck driver.

According to the report, firefighters were answering a call when dispatchers told them they were not needed and to return to the station, WBNS reports. That’s when they attempted to cross multiple lanes on I-270 near Hamilton Road to reach an emergency turnaround.

As the apparatus moved left, a sedan merged into the fire truck’s path, causing an initial collision. Moments later, while the fire truck was pulling to the far-right lane, a collision with a pickup truck occurred, killing its driver. The firefighter driving the truck served a brief sentence for involuntary manslaughter.

The investigative report found there was “nothing to necessitate” using the emergency turnaround and that driving to the next exit would have been safer.

The review also raised concerns about the internal handling of the case by Fire Chief Jeffrey Happ.

The investigation outlined four recommendations, including removing the fire department’s accident review committee from disciplinary decisions and retraining all chiefs to receive due-process training.

Columbus Public Safety Director Kate Bashadi told WBNS disciplinary charges against the chief are expected to be filed.

The post OH Chief Faces Discipline Over Fire Truck Crash That Took Out Two Vehicles and Killed Man appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

Angelina Berube
The Eagle-Tribune, North Andover, Mass.
(TNS)

NORTH ANDOVER — In a perfect world, the North Andover Fire Department’s new brush firefighting truck will never leave the station.

But the massive new Ford F-550 made its debut in the Santa Parade riding down Main Street Saturday, offering a glimpse to residents who lined the street the upgrades which the department has made to fight brush fires to better serve the community and help neighboring towns in the process.

Brush fires peak in April. Massachusetts and the Merrimack Valley had an “anomaly year” for brush fires last year as a drought kicked off a very dry season in April 2024 and firefighting efforts continued through November, Acting fire Chief Graham Rowe said.

Last November, fire crews worked to contain a 150-acre brush fire at Sharpners Pond Road to keep the flames from the aggressive fire from spreading. The Massachusetts Air National Guard and crews from several Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine departments, as well as state agencies, helped to secure the fire. The same month a Middleton brush fire burned for weeks.

The department’s previous truck was sufficient to handle the fires, but the Ford F-350 was carrying minimal amounts of water and running out of water quickly as the brush fires were so expansive last year.

The experience responding to its own brush fires and aiding neighboring departments allowed North Andover firefighters to see what worked and didn’t when trying to contain the brush fires. They saw local departments which had larger apparatuses to go off road when fighting these brush fires, taking crews farther into the woods to get the fires under control.

Lt. Neil Patnaude said the focus was to also have its own “one-size-fits-all” truck capable of off-roading while carrying a significant amount of weight, both from water and equipment, which the department’s previous setup had lacked.

“We were able to identify a specific need and capitalize on available resources to build a truck that was capable off-road and able to assist moving personnel and crew deep into the woods,” Patnaude said.

With the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds, the brush truck cost $140,000. There was no financial impact to North Andover taxpayers. Costs were additionally lowered by capitalizing on borrowed equipment last year and hiring different companies to build it.

Rowe and Chief John Weir secured an emergency services grant through ARPA prior to last year’s brush fires as the department worked to upgrade infrastructure and equipment, with town officials’ approval. Rowe said with the numerous brush fires, the timing was right to use the funds to improve firefighting against brush fires with a truck able to go off road.

“We had the availability through ARPA funding to increase our ability to get out there and fight the brush fires,” Rowe said. “We were able to upgrade our equipment and are now able to better serve the community and neighboring communities in the mutual aid system like they did for us.”

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation donated a larger water tank and hose reel at no cost to North Andover Fire Department since they were state assets re-purposed for brush fires. Watts Water Technologies in North Andover is also helping with the truck’s valves.

The truck isn’t an ordinary pickup as it was customized with big, wide tires for ground clearance to go through the woods, over stumps and around rocks. Even with the customization, the truck retained its factory weight ratings.

Acting Deputy fire Chief Jeff Crosby was in charge of the truck’s emergency outfitting with li

The Chicago (IL) Fire Department battled a church fire on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 2025.

Video by Tim Olk.

The post Chicago (IL) FD Battles Church Fire Thanksgiving Day appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

The Chicago (IL) Fire Department Engine Company 107 battled an attached garage fire Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025.

As the initial companies worked to extinguish the garage, fire quickly spread through the walls and into the cockloft. The fire spread the entire length of the building to the south. Companies went defensive and worked for several hours to bring the blaze under control.

There were companies also working the interior and the roof was opened early on.

Photos and video by Tim Olk.