Chautauqua County Fire Wire - Trippyweb.com

02/11/2026

01/30/2026

01/24/2026

As we head into a winter storm this weekend, imagine similar conditions for our volunteer firefighters battling the January 1961 Colonnade Fire at Chautauqua Institution.

That morning, temperatures were reported as low as –12°F, with a steady westerly wind and snow-covered roads. What began as a fire in a third-floor apartment quickly escalated beyond the capacity of our local department. Frozen hydrants, delayed notification, and command challenges compounded the situation in the earliest moments of the incident. The Chief at the time, Norman Becker, was away for the weekend. As First Asst. Chief Spencer Shaw responded to the siren around 5:44 AM, he was not yet aware he’d be in charge of the incident.

Despite those obstacles, firefighters adapted. 65 years ago, this was the largest mutual aid system ever mobilized in the state at the time. The incident involved 29 fire departments, 44 firefighting vehicles, and over 300 firefighters. Water supply became one of the greatest challenges. With limited hydrants due to freezing, crews broke through ice on Chautauqua Lake and pumped water uphill, using 15 portable pumps, six relays, and four miles of 2½-inch hose.

Rescue efforts were complicated and heartbreaking. While all residents initially escaped, they discovered Adda Wright re-entered the building to retrieve something from her apartment, and rescue became the primary objective. She perished in the fire, a loss deeply felt by firefighters and the winter Chautauqua community.

As the fire spread across the massive structure and much of it remained beyond reach, due to the impervious tile roof and limited aerial access, assistance arrived from across the county. Dunkirk Fire Chief Don Loeb, and driver Anthony Pokoj, responded with a 75-foot aerial ladder truck, traveling miles along Lake Erie in sub-zero conditions to provide critical interior access. As firefighters worked the scene, a medical unit, comprised of responders from Bemus Point, Maple Springs and Westfield, monitored firefighters suffering from frostbite, smoke inhalation, and exhaustion.

Seven hours into the incident, equipment was finally released. Architect E.B. Green’s fire-resistant design helped prevent total collapse. What remained was not only a standing building, but a turning point in fire service history. Lessons learned that day led Chief Loeb and county coordinators to develop a more sophisticated mutual aid and incident management plan. Their model would later be used as a prototype for other counties across New York State into the 1960s and 70s.

As winter weather approaches this weekend, we remember this legacy and honor the volunteer firefighters who answered the call then, and those who continue to do so today.

01/16/2026

The City of Dunkirk Fire Department would like to recognize and congratulate Firefighter James ‘Duece’ Stern. He is working his last shift today before retiring after 36 years of service to the City of Dunkirk Fire Department, the last 25 of which as a career firefighter. Duece, enjoy your well deserved retirement! 🎉

01/12/2026

Key Lock Boxes Save Time 🔑

Key lock boxes allow the fire department to quickly and safely access your building during alarms or emergencies—without forcing entry. When seconds matter, having a lock box can reduce damage, speed response, and help us protect lives and property. Consider installing one to add an extra layer of safety for your home or business.

12/18/2025

📡 System Status: Green

The feed is holding steady. We are currently broadcasting live audio for Chautauqua County with DVR enabled (pause/rewind live radio).

If you haven't checked it out yet, click the link to see what the setup looks like.

Link: https://youtube.com/live/OmuM86N1LL8?si=Yg9avZOjkKXnyLzO

12/18/2025

Become a Deputy Sheriff

Applications are now being accepted for the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Academy. Deadline to apply is February 2nd, 2026.

The Sheriff's Academy 2026 Pre-Screen Application is currently open. All who have applied prior to February 1st will be considered for our next Academy Session.

Pre Screen Application: https://sunyjcc.na1.documents.adobe.com/public/esignWidget?wid=CBFCIBAA3AAABLblqZhAiT9q543QhzJSzBScGPBnNq2tV3N2fGn9APNAsa3xh25MPQGcWOwHNcYQHimACp74%2A

Other link for General Information: https://www.sunyjcc.edu/programs/partnerships/sheriff-academy

12/17/2025

🌙 Night Shift: Feed is Live

Keeping the Chautauqua County scanner running for the late crowd.

Tip: DVR is on—you can rewind the stream right now if you missed a call.

Support the Stream: If you value the service, a quick scan of the QR code helps keep the equipment running. ☕

👇 Listen Live: https://youtube.com/live/OmuM86N1LL8?si=Yg9avZOjkKXnyLzO

12/17/2025