WNYF - Web Edition

Blackout of 2003

During the blackout, FDNY firefighters did so much than just fight fires. They opened their firehouses to the public and gave water to the thirsty during this hot summer day and night, offered refuge off the street and perhaps most important of all, provided reassurance and comfort to the frightened and the lonely. Photo by FF Chris Landano

The power blackout of August 14, 2003, once again challenged the Fire Department. And, once again, FDNY met that challenge. The obstacles were daunting, to say the least: Electrical systems suddenly failed, trapping New Yorkers in subways underground and in elevator shafts hundreds of feet in the sky. Cellular communications went down. Traffic clogged the streets since traffic lights no longer were working and public transportation systems essentially were paralyzed. The potential for widespread panic and chaos was palpable.

Brooklyn units, led by Deputy Assistant Chief and Brooklyn Deputy Borough Commander Edward Kilduff, responded to a total of 1561 alarms and operated at 357 fires, 1070 emergencies and 109 EMS incidents. During the 26-hour period, there were 25 all-hands fires and two multiple alarms in the borough. Six reserve apparatus were activated, with two arriving first due at working fires. Manpower was held over to provide additional staffing and members were rotated as necessary in many units.

Vehicle traffic in Manhattan was gridlocked. The situation was further complicated by pedestrians flooding the streets after self-evacuating from the now-dark high-rise buildings. The mass of people suffocated vehicle movement as pedestrians attempted to leave Manhattan Island. Battalion-based walking teams were initiated to patrol districts and assist civilians.

Read more about "The Blackout of 2003," in the 1st/2004 issue of WNYF.

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