Senor Panchos fire

[xlonghillfd]

I heard through the grapevine that Senor Panchos in Monroe is on fire as Im writing this thread. Does anyone know anything about the fire?

[stealth]

XLHFD,Just saw a quick peice on the news. They showed Stepney's Tower w/smoke coming thru the roof. Looks like no Nachos for a while.

[DanTCFD]

(Monroe-WTNH, Feb. 20, 2003 10:00 PM) _ Flames tear through a popular Monroe restaurant, disrupting almost the entire downtown area.

Fire broke out at Senor Panchos in Monroe late this afternoon forcing customers and workers to get out.

Watch the story with News Channel 8's Jodi Latina
The fire also shut down a portion of Main Street causing chaos and traffic problems for hours.

The fire started just before the dinner rush, and at 10 p.m. firefighters were still on the scene trying to put it out.

"It's heartbreaking, it is really heartbreaking to see all this hard work and effort. And this restaurant is loved by so many people in Monroe."

Senor Panchos at the border of Route 25 in Monroe is no more.

"We saw the smoke coming out of the dining room window and we saw that, the firemen they were complaining and it was all gone," says Annie Admes.

She owns the popular Mexican restaurant and was inside when the fire ignited. Hours after the wait staff escaped, the fire was still ablaze.

"A lot of hidden voids, a number of ceilings inside and by the time that we made headway on it it already gained access to the attic space," says Chief Chris Doyle.

At that point crews pulled out and the flames took over. It is still unclear how the fire started.

"There wasn't anything on in the kitchen for a matter of fact. The guys kept saying there was smoke coming out of the barn," says Admes.

"It breaks my heart to see it just go down like this, in just three hours, you know. I wish they could have safe it."

This family owned Cantina was one of three in Connecticut. A business that customers would like to see survive.

"Margaritas are very good," says Bo Perini.
Jodi Latina:"They won't be doing those for a while."
Perini:"Not for a while. From the looks of it, they will be needing a new building too."

"As long as everybody is safe and nothing happened, we can rebuild," says Admes.

[DanTCFD]

After talking to some guys at TCFD, some questions were raised as to who should have performed RIT. Not bashing anyone on scene, or any commanders, just wondering. From what I heard, people believe that because Long Hill sent M/A for the actual fire (204 drowning it), Trumbull Center should have been called as RIT so that Long Hill was not sending too much manpower from their district.
Just wondering if you guys agree/disagree, I want to hear your thoughts...

[xlonghillfd]

Me being a total outsider on this (but having knowledge of the operations of the area), it probably could be up in the air as to who RIT could have been. Long Hill SOGs state that if 204 is called out of district, it will be accompanied by a Long Hill Engine (it might be 202 but that was written before the 2 new Marions were there). So even if Monroe just called for 204, they wouldve gotten 204 and 206 anyways. But then again, 204 is Long Hills RIT truck, so if it was called on to do something else besides be RIT, then was 206 equipped to handle the RIT task? Im sure they could have taken RIT equipment of the ladder, but who knows if 204 was going to need that equip... i never got a chance to see what Long Hill had done as far as RIT. We were still in the growth phase when I left.

Also from what I hear, RIT wasnt much of a factor since there wasnt much interior firefighting.

[xlonghillfd]

204 is Longhills main RIT with Rescue 200 as the backup. I always thought it should be 202 but It was Operations decision.

[DanTCFD]

204 is Longhills main RIT with Rescue 200 as the backup.

Because of that, shouldn't 104 have been dispatched as RIT since Longhill's RIT truck was being used to fight the fire? Just wondering, definitely not bashing anyone. thanks for the responses so far guys.
~DAN

[xlonghillfd]

Originally posted by drkblram
The better question should be, should 101 have been sent to standby LH station 1 or 2? [/B]

I dont think thats necessary. Long Hill definetely has the trucks and manpower to be ok even with those 2 trucks out. Station 1 still has rescue 200 and maybe 201 (havent been in sta. 1 since July). Station 2 still has 205 and 203. If anything, they would M/A out 104 if it was needed at a call. But the stations still wouldve been able to function.

I also agree with what else u said drkblam... the truck doesnt make the RIT, its the tools and the crew.. if the stick was needed for operations, what does the rest of the crew do... they couldve still been RIT with all the tools off the truck.

[DanTCFD]

you guys are right, but I thank you for the reponses and I am glad we got in the discussion because I definitely learned some stuff.
All in all it's too bad the restaurant burned, it was liked by many, just hope they rebuild it.

[xlonghillfd]

I'll miss their fish tacos...

[xlonghillfd]

I remember that... JP said that it was Long Hills RIT truck, then he showed 109 and said that was TCs RIT truck...

[3satellite]

First off 204 is the RIT truck because we carry alot more equipment on that truck to do alot more things than any other truck in our dept. After that 200 becomes our Rit back up wich i dont agree with because we shouldn' take up our rescue to sit on a scene and watch a fire it should be 202. 202 has all the equipment and then some that 200 has except a full equipment of hurst equipment. Its alot easier to replace an engine than a rescue. Xlonghill you still large and in charge? haha just messing with you. It's been pretty quiet from the tc boys lately. 203 is off the air in quarters at station 2

[TCFD4TRUCK]

under new dispatch policy's if lh goes for m/a then tc goes for rit-- but the ic at the fire told lh4 he wanted lh ladder thats why 204 went

[TCFD4TRUCK]

the normal policy is if any town calls for m/a and rit the closest district goes m/a and the next district would be rit. at the senor panchos fire 206 went for m/a if just any rit was called the policy says tc goes. its just like our in town policy. the reason 204 went was becuz the ic in monroe wanted lh ladder

[DanTCFD]

Now I am going to ask.
What special equipment does an RIT truck that a regular truck does not have?
lol Eckertt has come to back me up.

[TCFD4TRUCK]

104 is rit for us rite now-- 204 would have never of went becuz it was dispatched for rit--not firefighting so there would still be 2 ladders in town

[xlonghillfd]

All of that equipment including the partner saw is on 204,202, and 200. Im not totally positive, maybe greg will back me up on it, but Longhill bought special rope bags for RIT. That is the only thing that I can think of thats on 204 thats not on 200 and 202.

[DanTCFD]

On 103 and 102 (and I am sure on 104 too) is our RIT rope. It is 200 ft I believe, and has a double knot every 20 feet.
Two questions:
What does TIC stand for?
and
Which saw is the partner saw?

[DanTCFD]

As for now, I guess that rope bag is considered our RIT bag until we get these new ones you are talking about, because I was told right now they dont come off the truck except for RIT and do not get used in a fire except for RIT. They said if you need a rope use another one!
I like the diet sprite cans!!
Right now 102 and 103 would be better suited considering the TIC has been taken off of 104 and there is one on 102 and one on 103.
However, I do not believe 102 and 103 have rotary saws, just big ol' chain saws.

[TCFD12]

Originally posted by drkblram
and I believe TC's diet sprite cans, er, I mean 102 and 103 :) (altough I could be wrong about them).

Hey! Watch your step probie! The "diet sprite" cans as you call them are certainly just as equiped to do RIT as 104, with the exception of the saws. Hope to get some upgraded saws this budget year.

Hey at least our first out engine isn't 20 years old!! LOL!!:p

[TCFD12]

I know your only joking, don't worry.

[FFSkull]

First off...who are you to disagree with a chief?
Second...probies or "blue hats" as you call them have absolutely NO place on an RIT truck or RIT crew. If RIT is needed, it calls for specially trained individuals. Even if the probie does not go in the building for RIT purposes, the probie will be left alone and unattended to. It is just better to leave the probie back at the station.

[ChiefReason]

Posted by FFSkull: First off...who are you to disagree with a chief?
Second...probies or "blue hats" as you call them have absolutely NO place on an RIT truck or RIT crew. If RIT is needed, it calls for specially trained individuals. Even if the probie does not go in the building for RIT purposes, the probie will be left alone and unattended to. It is just better to leave the probie back at the station.
FFSkull:
I have noticed a disturbing pattern with your posts in that they seem to follow posts by drkblram that are often critical of his posts. I also notice by your low post count that you have only recently found this new sport.
I would like to remind you that at the bottom of this page, there is a statement by the webteam that states that they will not tolerate attacks of a personal nature on other users and if you divulge personal information, you could lose your posting privileges that could include a permanent ban. Your posts are dangerously close.
You have taken drkblram's statements out of context. You have chosen only those passages that promote your argument. You have no right to jump on him as you have. You want to jump on someone? Jump on me. I have 22 years in and 14 as chief. I am interested in what you can tell me about firefighting tactics and command and especially about RIT operations. Why don't probies or "blue hats have a place on a RIT team? Where is that written in an OSHA standard or NIOSH or NFPA for that matter? I need to read that. Second; why would you leave a probie at the station house? And how will that enhance their ability with RIT? Did I miss something in class? And last; please define "specially trained". If they are trained in RIT evolutions, is that special?
And for my last point; please don't come in here with that crappy "I am going to bust juniors and probies" for sport and not expect it back in kind.
Lose the attitude and be productive. What you are doing serves of no educational value whatsoever. Ripping on someone is easy.
Find a new sport. Find a new object of your disaffection. drkblram or no one else, for that matter, deserves to be blasted for making an effort to learn.
I have editted this post to include my apologies for crossing the state boundaries(Thank you, Steamer). I have enormous respect for the brothers and sisters in the CT/MA part of the country. But I believe that civility has no boundaries and many of us in these forums and across this great nation of ours would like to see civility and respect for one and other return to our lives and these forums.
Off my soapbox and am returning to the Lincoln State.
Fight the good fight!
Take care and stay safe.
CR

[THTruckie]

FF SKull
Let me ask you a question, can you tell me and everyone else on this forum, who you are refering to as "Blue Hats"? In my department everyone that is not an officer is called a blue hat, so your telling me that a RIT truck should have all officers assigned to truck?
And as far as probies go, if they have the training and they are assigned to that company that is acting as the RIT unit, then they should be treated like any other firefighter on that company regardless of how many years, months or days that person might have the job.


Hey for any of you trumbull guys, any word on rebuilding of Senor Panchos any time soon?

Stay safe out there

[Steamer]

originally posted by FFSkull:It is just better to leave the probie back at the station. How are these folks supposed to get any experience from the Station? What changes after they complete their probabtion time that makes them qualified? Or are they still considered unqualified, only now left at the Station because they are inexperienced?

CR-
Interesting observation, Brother. Sounds like somebody's got a bug up their bunkers, and making it personal.

btw -- I apologize to my CT Brothers for jumping into their thread. :o

[TCFD4TRUCK]

in trumbull we have four different color helmets. chiefs are white, interior firefighters have either black or yellow and non fire I/probies wear blue.... if a blue hat is trained in rit dont sit him/her at the station-- just becuz they cant go interior dousnt mean they cant throw ladders, set up equipment, etc. its they only way they will learn..... also with senor panchos-- it has been torn down and they are planning on rebuilding asap..

[xlonghillfd]

Originally posted by TCFD4TRUCK
in trumbull we have four different color helmets. chiefs are white, interior firefighters have either black or yellow and non fire I/probies wear blue....

you forgot that officers (Captains and LTs) wear Red.

Dont let it happen again!!!

j/k

[canman2]

FF-SKULL, I'M SORRY YOU GOT TOSSED OFF THESE FORUMS,
I WILL SAY I AGREE WITH YOU, I KNOW YOU AND I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT YOU ARE A VERY GOOD AGGRESIVE FF..
THE PROBLEM WITH THESE POST'S IS THIER FOR ALL THESE SO CALLED FF, WHO ARE NOTHING MORE THAN OVERWEIGHT, SCANNER LISTENING,STEMWACKERS.
WHO COULDN'T MAKE IT ON A PRO DEPT.
IT'S TOO BAD THE WHOLE COUNTRY WASN'T UNIONIZED...
STAY-SAFE MY UNION BROTHER...

[FFSonny]

Canman2, thank you for sticking up for the Union Brothers. I agree with you totally.
I have been reading the posts of many people for several months, but this is the first time I have submitted one.
It seems that everyone has their opinion. It also seems that everyone is allowed to have an opinion...everyone except FFSkull.
That hardly seems fair.
All real firefighters know that picking on each other is a big part of firehouse life. They also know that, as a family, we disagree alot. We should all be allowed to voice our opinions. If some are too sensitive to handle it, maybe they should put their blue lights away and find something else to do with their free time.
The fire service is too serious of a business to have hypersensitive participants.
Stay safe, be well and God Bless the IAFF.

[ChiefReason]

Hello, canman2 and FFSonny:
Hey, good. While I have you both here, I would like to straighten out a point that both of you raise in your posts.
This isn't about union. It isn't about non-union. It IS about a "brother" who was stalking another through these forums and personally attacking him. Your union wants to back FFSkull for that, that's fine. But don't make this out to be what it's not.
Ignorance and arrogance are not protected by any union that I know of.
The fact that you stick by your man is commendable.
But I favor the underdog and those picked on by bullies.
TC & SS.
CR

[CaptainGonzo]

There was this character from Tora Bora who uses others to fight his battles...

Maybe he's traded in the camo miltary garb for turnouts....... :rolleyes:

NEWSFLASH!!!!!
This is not a career vs. volunteer issue. It's a case of someone who got tossed off the forums for personal attacks and now has enlisted a few others to fight his battles for him.

FYI, I am a 21 year member of the IAFF

[Adze39]

Originally posted by Captain Gonzo
FYI, I am a 21 year member of the IAFF

And a Captain! ;)

[TCFD4TRUCK]

thank you for making the aggressive remarks about us overwieght, scanner whacking vollies who could never be a career or pro as you say dept.... um lets see just because you in a career dept dousnt mean your a pro. and i see lots of overweight stemmers in the paid dept's too and on top of that some paid dept's in the area have companies that are slower then some volly trucks or departments. so i dont know who u r, thinking your king **** because u r in a union. if most paid guys are like you i never want to be on a paid dept. shame on you for being an *******.. and by the way ff skull was making personal attacks and i really dont think thats tolerated in your silly union

[JimBlanchfield]

In the words of Rodney King, a famous American spokesperson:

"Can't we all just get along?"

[xlonghillfd]

Its amazing that we can go from talking about tactics on a restaurant fire to vollie vs union. It seems like this happens in all the threads and no offense to the Career guys but you seem to start it. Something doesnt click because you wont realize that vollie will never be like career because we arent there 24-7. Vollies make it work even though they do it a different way then an engine company with 3 guys that spend every shift together. I wouldnt be surprised if this thread gets locked. Its another "you do this wrong" discussion. Every career dept in CT has a vollie dept close by.. and some day either may need that outside mutual aid... grow up CT...

[Adze39]

Originally posted by xlonghillfd
Every career dept in CT has a vollie dept close by

And most have members that volunteer in the surrounding towns...