Senator Gillibrand Calls For Boost In Federal Funding For New York Fire Departments

On May 15, 2024, during a press conference, United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced a push to provide a boost in federal funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program in the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations bill. This would provide funding for New York State local fire companies to purchase equipment and emergency vehicles, along with addressing staffing shortages. Many New York State fire departments are relying on outdated equipment, and are dealing with staff shortages. According to the press conference, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program offers many types of grants. One is an assistance to firefighters grant, that assists New York State fire departments, so they then are able to acquire new emergency vehicles, protective gear, and equipment.
WNBF-AM 1290/FM 92.1 Binghamton

PHOTOS: Officials say Freeville house fire posed risk to nearby homes

Multiple fire crews responded to an overnight house fire in Freeville. Shortly after midnight, several departments responded to the two-story structure engulfed in flames. Firefighters say nearby homes were also at risk of damage. Dozens of firefighters remained on the scene until the area was cleared at 3:40. There’s been no cause determined.
WHCU-FM 97.7/AM 870 Ithaca

Fire Breaks Out At Mattituck Home

PHOTO: A fire broke out in an attached garage at a home in Mattituck Wednesday night, officials said. According to the Mattituck Fire Department, the fire was reported at 9:43 p.m. at the home, located on Westview Drive. One person was home at the time and no injuries were reported, police said. The Mattituck Fire Department responded to the fire; the Cutchogue and Jamesport Fire Departments were also on scene to assist, and the Southold Fire Department covered any other calls for the MFD.
North Fork Patch

$350M program to help increase fire safety in upstate airports

A new $350M grant program was announced Wednesday to help upstate New York airports dispose of firefighting foam that has polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in it. The grant also looks to decontaminate equipment and transition to alternative foams to protect New York water supplies and boost public health and firefighter safety. “Over the last few years, we have taken aggressive steps on the sustainability front at our airport to ensure we’re doing our part to protect our environment,” said Phil Calderone, CEO at Albany International Airport. “The successful disposal and replacement of airport firefighting foam containing PFAs is an important step in protecting our brave first responders, community, and environment for generations. I commend Senate Majority Leader Schumer for his steadfast leadership on this important issue and look forward to our continued partnership as we work towards our sustainability goals at ALB.”
WTEN-TV ABC 10 Albany

NYC Fire Museum closes indefinitely, citing ‘structural integrity’ of building

The New York City Fire Museum in Manhattan is closed indefinitely after an emergency evacuation Saturday due to concerns about its structural safety, according to its website. “This decision comes after an emergency evacuation on Saturday, May 11, following crane operations on Spring Street that led to concerns about the structural integrity of the building,” the notice on their website reads. “The safety of our visitors and staff is our utmost priority, and this closure is a precautionary measure while we await clearance.” The museum’s Executive Director Patti Murphy told the Daily News that on Saturday morning, employees heard a loud bang and felt the building vibrate. Its collection of around 10,000 firefighting memorabilia didn’t appear damaged, the Daily News reported.
Gothamist

After more than 2 years of advocacy, FDNY Commissioner celebrates Congressional passage of lithium-ion battery regulation

FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh is celebrating the successful Congressional passage of lithium-ion battery regulation, achieved through collaborative advocacy efforts with local, state, and federal partners. “This bill is the first step in what must be a long-term, nationwide conversation,” Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said. “Technologies like these are evolving rapidly, and public safety agencies must be part of those conversations. We need to work together, share information and ideas.” H.R. 1797, also known as the “Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act,” would require the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue a consumer product safety standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used commonly in micro mobility devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters, to protect against fire risk.
City of New York Fire Department

Syracuse firefighters respond to fire at vacant building

Around 4:50 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, Syracuse firefighters were called to a fire at a vacant building at 400 Erie Boulevard West. Firefighters found a small fire on the first floor of the building, which was quickly put out, Syracuse Fire Department said. Crews searched the building and did not find any other fires. No victims were found inside. SFD is still looking into the cause of the fire.
WSYR-TV ABC 9 Syracuse