Spring 2007 Pump Outs

Spring 2007 Pump Outs

On April 15, 2007 heavy rains struck the state of Connecticut and the Town of Middlebury. The heavy rain persisted from Sunday until late Monday, and continued to taper off on Tuesday. During this time, over 7" of rain fell in Middlebury causing numerous instances of flooding, and a few washouts. Unfortunately, many basements can't contend with this amount of water and were inundated with anywhere from an inch of water to over 3 feet. The first thought on many people's minds were who to call to remove the water. Many called the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department and members were ready to answer the call. Approximately 60 sandbags were filled at the town yard late Sunday night, and distributed around town. On Monday, crews were called in at 9am and were finally released at 11pm. Another crew was brought in Tuesday morning to help a few that had water re-entered their basements and cleanup. Chief Perrotti continued to assist homeowners with a few remaining water troubles on Wednesday.

The Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department is well equipped to handle emergencies such as these with an inventory of 2 Electric Pumps, a 'Trash' Pump (designed for use in unclean water, ie- debris, mud, sticks etc.), a gasoline powered pump and if need be a 'Two-Man' Gasoline Pump capable of pumping up to 750 gpm. Engine 5 and Engine 6 both responded to numerous complaints of water in basements around town. Chief Perrotti and Firefighter Rockhill drove in Car 1 to determine the level of water and what would be needed to complete the task.

However, water was not the only emergency to arise during this Spring Nor'easter. On Monday 3 Medical Calls were answered, a Motor Vehicle Accident, a Fire Alarm (caused by water) reported with smoke, and at 3am Tuesday morning a CO alarm was dispatched with a smell of smoke in the basement. Over the course of the 3 days 27 basements were pumped out by 17 members of the Volunteer Fire Department that took time off from work and their families to help their neighbors in need.

Chief Paul Perrotti hooks up the 4" hard suction hose to the "Two-Man" Pump, which is capable of pumping up to 750gpm. There is also an additional electric pump setup to assist when the water level gets too low for the big pump. This particular house had approximately 3 feet of water.

Chief Perrotti and Firefighter Dave Bunnell prep the pump.

Veteran Firefighter and former Deputy Chief Bob Desmarais, Captain Dave Desmarais, Firefighter and former Chief Ed Bailey, Firefighter Dave Bunnell and Junior Firefighter Captain Brian Shaban watch as Chief Perrotti primes the pump.

Captain Desmarais, Veteran Firefighter Rockhill and Junior Firefighter Shaban hold the hose to prevent it from flailing after the pump is running

The 3 hoses running from the basement flowing water into the woods.

Engine 6 and Engine 5 sit in a flooded driveway while their crews work to pump water from a basement.

While pumping water at one of the houses, a motor vehicle accident on Kelly Rd. was dispatched.

FD-12 was used to transport the patient, as FD-11 was on another medical call at the time. While Engine 3's crew was clearing the area, another medical call was dispatched. FD-11 was returning in town and responded to handle the third call.

A view of the Police cruisers, Engine 3, and traffic. Apprentice Firefighter Sam Montville and Bob Desmarais assist with traffic.

Engine 5 standing-by outside a residence while water is pumped from the basement.

Some of the equipment placed on Engine 5 that was used to relieve Middlebury residents of the water. An extension cord reel, 7 sandbags, several lengths of hose, a squeegee, and a splitter.

Engine 6 and Engine 5 sit outside Fire Headquarters while the members relax for a few minutes for lunch.

Sam looks down at the water in the basement, while Lt. Redway (not pictured) checks on the progress of the pump.

Two Fire Department pumps and hoses supplement the 3 that the homeowner had in place.

Several inches of water in a basement, can easily reach furnaces and other costly appliances.

	Chief Paul Perrotti hooks up the 4" hard suction hose to the "Two-Man" Pump, which is capable of pumping up to 750gpm. There is also an additional electric pump setup to assist when the water level gets too low for the big pump. This particular house had approximately 3 feet of water.
	Chief Perrotti and Firefighter Dave Bunnell prep the pump.

Veteran Firefighter and former Deputy Chief Bob Desmarais, Captain Dave Desmarais, Firefighter and former Chief Ed Bailey, Firefighter Dave Bunnell and Junior Firefighter Captain Brian Shaban watch as Chief Perrotti primes the pump.
Captain Desmarais, Veteran Firefighter Rockhill and Junior Firefighter Shaban hold the hose to prevent it from flailing after the pump is running

	The 3 hoses running from the basement flowing water into the woods.
	Engine 6 and Engine 5 sit in a flooded driveway while their crews work to pump water from a basement.

While pumping water at one of the houses, a motor vehicle accident on Kelly Rd. was dispatched.
FD-12 was used to transport the patient, as FD-11 was on another medical call at the time. While Engine 3's crew was clearing the area, another medical call was dispatched. FD-11 was returning in town and responded to handle the third call.

	A view of the Police cruisers, Engine 3, and traffic. Apprentice Firefighter Sam Montville and Bob Desmarais assist with traffic.
	Engine 5 standing-by outside a residence while water is pumped from the basement.

Some of the equipment placed on Engine 5 that was used to relieve Middlebury residents of the water. An extension cord reel, 7 sandbags, several lengths of hose, a squeegee, and a splitter.
Engine 6 and Engine 5 sit outside Fire Headquarters while the members relax for a few minutes for lunch.

	Sam looks down at the water in the basement, while Lt. Redway (not pictured) checks on the progress of the pump.
	Two Fire Department pumps and hoses supplement the 3 that the homeowner had in place.
	Several inches of water in a basement, can easily reach furnaces and other costly appliances.