Fire Buffs promote the general welfare of the fire and rescue service and protect its heritage and history. Famous Fire Buffs through the years include New York Fire Surgeon Harry Archer, Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler, New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and - legend has it - President George Washington.


Monday, June 30, 2008

BURIED IN COAL


On Aug. 14, 1897, Paterson firefighters rescued workers trapped by 1,200 tons of coal that slid out of a storage bin at the Edison Electric and Illuminating Co. 

The falling coal also crushed the plant's steam pipes and plunged Paterson  into darkness.


The shovelers ``were caught in the rush, but it came gradually at first, and no one was injured by it,'' according to The New York Times.

``No one could get out, and a dozen men were pinned in the coal, but they were quickly gotten out by the firemen who were summoned,'' the Times said.