With the coming of the new year, we are also bringing you something else that is new. A new Webmaster. Dennis Espindola, Sr. of the 911 Fire, Police, Medical Web Site fame took FireReport Newsletter "under his wing" about six months ago and created the web site we currently have. The time has come for him to move on and take another department or organization under his wing. We would like to extend an extra special "Thank You" to Dennis for all the work he’s done.
The main point of this is to ask you all to bear with me as I take over as Webmaster. I am new to this, and Dennis will still be there to answer questions for me, but I will be maintaining the web site from now on. So, Pardon Our Dust, and Excuse the "boo-boo’s" (as I’m sure there will be one or two!!) The newsletter content will not be changing, and the 911 Site will still be a Sponsor of ours. The only thing that will change is the wearing of the hats. I will now be Editor and Webmaster, along with writer, composer, etc. Anyone have a hat rack???
Lets discuss what happens to our emotional juices when the alarm sounds. For intended training objectives, I will recount one or two of my own learning experiences as a Captain with the Los Angeles City Fire Department. I reported to Fire Station 52 as the company officer for a twelve hour shift. I was hired back to fill a shortage in staffing. After barely getting through the fire station doorway, I place my turnout gear on the fire engine as the alarm sounds. Right away, the juices begin to flow as I listen for the type of emergency and its reported address. In a matter of moments we’re responding, and, as I look to the direction we’re heading, I know right away we have a working fire of some kind. Heavy black smoke is spiraling upward in the distance. I can feel the emotions in my body gearing up, it’s that insecure, uncertain feeling of not quite knowing what you’re up against until you get there. I start thinking is there a life hazard at this fire, is it exposing other structures, what about water supply is it close by? Many thoughts are passing through my conscious mind as we weave in and out of traffic; it’s rush hour heavy.
As we approach the reported street of the structure fire, I see a hydrant at the corner. However, the engineer and I both know we have a potential problem, it will mean laying a supply line across a busy street and many cars are sure to run over the 2 ½" line. The Engineer informs me there is another hydrant east of the fire at the next corner, so I disregard taking the chance of exposing the supply line to heavy traffic and possible damage. Stay tuned as the plot now begins to thicken.
LAFD standards and experience tell me when you see fire in front of you; lay a supply line from the closest hydrant directly to the fire. It’s common knowledge that reverse hose lays may take longer. Mistake number one, I pass up a good hydrant. Now were heading down the street to the fire, and oh-boy, there it is, a two-story apartment duplex at the end of a very long driveway. Fire is burning with a vengeance; it looks like a blow torch pointing out the second floor apartment front window. The neighbors inform me the occupants are still at work, I rest a little easier, as the extent of this fire would dim any hope of survival if someone was trapped inside.
Our initial attack requires completing a reverse 2 ½" supply line hose lay from the fire to the next closest hydrant. My two firefighters have already pulled two 150’ long 1 ½" hose line’s pre-connected to a 2 ½" to 1 ½" wye assembly and they start down the long driveway. I radio Fire Dispatch to hold the first alarm assignment for this fire. In the meantime, conditions are quickly deteriorating at the incident.
I’m wishing I was somewhere else.
Oh s _ _ _! The radiated heat of this fire is severely exposing a next door apartment. In fact, the windows on an adjacent second floor unit shatters and now the window coverings are burning. I’m still looking at a limp 2 ½" supply line extending to the street and out of sight. My God, I’m thinking this fire is getting away from us. Remember, this was a reverse hose lay from the fire to the next hydrant. Mistake #2, I should have sent a firefighter with the engineer to help him get setup. It seems as if my life is passing before me, as I wish and pray to see water start filling our limp hose lines. To make matters worse, I can hear the B/C and Heavy Task Force 27 coming down the street. What will they think when they see this fiasco?
Stop for a moment, how do you think my blood pressure is holding up under all this unexpected stress and excitement? You’re right, not very good. My heart beat feels like a race car with a stuck accelerator careening sideways down the track and about to hit a guard rail. Forgive the dramatics overkill, as this was not my shinning hour. I bet you veterans figured out what probably happened to our reverse hose-lay. Yes, that hydrant down the street, where the engineer didn’t expect to find a car blocking our water supply. Passing the first hydrant delayed getting water on the fire, and that allowed exposure fire damage. Lesson 101, never assume anything until you have all the facts before you. When you don’t follow standard procedure, you’re apt to make matters worse.
Next story of fact, I’m a rookie Captain on Engine 227, a busy fire station in downtown Hollywood. This fire station is where you get lot’s of experience in a variety of emergencies. On this particular day, the alarm sounds for the eighth or ninth time, it’s a reported structure fire in an area known for multiple storied apartments. In this station alone a first alarm structure fire delivers the response of a Battalion Chief, a heavy duty Task Force, composed of three engines, a ladder truck and one squad/salvage unit. That’s a total of six pieces from this station. Overall the full first alarm response in this area will consist of 5 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Squad, and a B/C. That’s a total of about 35 firefighters It makes quite a sensation responding down world famous Hollywood Boulevard with lights flashing, horns and sirens blasting away. It wasn’t out of the ordinary for crowds along the way to be cheering and waving as we paraded by in close formation. It provided a little electricity on our way to any emergency. Back to the apartment fire response.
We arrive at the address and nothing is showing from the front of this huge multi-story complex. Could this be a false alarm? As the roving or pickup engine it’s standard procedure for E-227 to take the backside of this building complex. As I get to the alley leading to the rear, I see smoke and fire coming out of a rear third floor apartment unit. The first group of firefighters 15 or more are approaching the reported fire floor up the interior stairs. These are fearless Gladiator’s armed with 2-1/2 gallon portable water tanks; axes, pike poles, hose packs, and breathing apparatus. As they force open the door to the unit, they’re greeted with a rather "hot" fire. A fire obviously beyond the capability of their two 2-1/2 gallon portable extinguishers. In absolute desperation, a resourceful truckee grabs the apartment house line and it doesn’t quite reach the front door. Now what we have here is several macho veterans with long faces, embarrassed, and wishing for a miracle to happen. And in comes Flash Gordon so to speak, it’s me, the rookie E-227 Captain and crew coming in the fire escape door with a loaded 1 ½" hose line ready to do battle with the Fire Dragon. Instantly, I’m greeted as a lost long friend, if you will, the hero of the moment, and all I did was follow standard procedure. The moral to this true story is again; never assume anything until the facts are on the table.
In closing, I don’t want firefighters getting killed or injured while directing traffic at the scene of traffic incidents. On freeways and highway’s we know drivers are traveling at high speed, and we don’t know if they’re under the influence. You don’t take your eye’s off approaching cars; are they slowing down for you? After the ‘92 L. A. Riots, a firefighter directing traffic in front of Fire Station 66, was chased onto the curb by a driver who deliberately tried to run him down. That’s it for now, see you next time, happy holidays, and please be careful...
About the Writer. Jerry Smith is a retired L. A. City Fire Captain and California State OES Fire-Rescue Assistant Chief who retired in 1987. After 36 years, he continues to keep very active in fire-rescue service affairs with his Inter Consulting Systems firm. He also writes for the USA 9-1-1 Magazine and the American Fire Journal. If you wish, you can contact Jerry by e-mail at <jerryfire@earthlink.net Jerry is very busy managing the Internet Emergency Grapevine message forum for 1,075+ members. Drop by The Emergency Grapevine and register yourself, it’s free. A big thanks to the November issue of Wildland Firefighter Magazine for the great plug about the Emergency Grapevine on Page 35.
We’re offering you (and another person of your choice) the chance to join Flirting With Disaster as they "ride-along" with two of America’s greatest fire/rescue departments.
Nope, not LA or FDNY. We’re talkin’ two great vacation departments— Key West, Florida and Sun Valley, Idaho. Here’s the chance for you to win a spot on FWD’s (Flirting With Disaster) "Away Team", as they shoot segments for the series Beyond The Yellow Tape.
We’ll be flying you and your friend (or S.O. not significant other, it’s station officer) via Southwest Airlines to Fort Lauderdale or Boise, where you’ll meet up with the production crew and travel to the host department by Hummer. It’s a 4-day junket that you’ll never forget, because you’ll be visiting the best jobs of North America’s greatest job.
Production will be taking place in late January (Florida) and early February (Idaho) with specific dates to be announced. So wax up the skis (water or snow) and hit the tanning salon.
To enter, just email your name, department and daytime phone number to bravest@webtv.net and indicate your preference (Key West or Sun Valley) in the subject header. Entries are governed by local regulations and restrictions, and are subject to change based on availability of special airfare. One entry per email address, please.
Winners and alternates will be chosen by random selection and announced on Christmas morning, December 25, 1997 on RealityRadio, FireTV and World’s Bravest.Com.
Thanks and enter soon. . .
Flirting With Disaster (FireTV)
Note: This package has no cash value, Travel and accommodations are provided in return for promotional consideration.
"During the evening of the 27th of November a dry lightning storm hit NSW and started 92 Bush fires. To be confirmed by air surveillance on 28th of November.
A 600 Ha fire about 100km south of Sydney, Wollongong, entrapped a bush fire crew, they under went entrapment procedure, they are all well, however they were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation. That fire is currently occupying 125 firefighters.
A second fire 195kms south west of Sydney in the southern highlands nearest major town Goulburn is currently being fought by 65 Bush fire crews from the Rural fire service.
In the North West suburbs of Sydney, Glenorie a stage 3 bushfire is being contained by aircraft and Bushfire crews from Hornsby and Baulkham Hills.
Two State Tactical Assistance Response Groups remain on immediate deployment status."
And here's the report we got yesterday:
The NSW Government has implemented the State Bush fire plan on Tuesday 2nd of Dec mid afternoon.
This is part of the state's Disaster plan. It is now illegal to light a fire in the open in NSW and the state is on stage two alert. We have two task forces from Victoria and Two task forces from
Queensland currently working in NSW.
The weather conditions are hampering night operations with high humidity making back burning and trail making difficult. B-met are indicating extreme fire weather again on Saturday the 6th of
December.
Sutherland. A number of fires occurred in this area on Tuesday the second of December. A fire front moving from the west being fanned by high winds and low humidity left the holdsworty Firing range and impacted on ridge top developments to the east of the range. The houses mainly two story brick and tile with swimming pools in the back yards and large glass areas overlooking the sandstone valleys with large gum trees. At the height of operations over 130 fire units were deployed to the
fires. Thousands of people were evacuated from the area as 60m flame fronts rolled through the valleys. 12 houses were lost to fire and a number damaged. The Army fire service stopped fire operations to protect it's base and deployed its units to the civilian emergency, leaving the base to be
evacuated as it to was threatened by fire. Currently there is a task force from Victoria based at Sutherland.
Blue Mountains
Jamison Valley Fire continues to burn in an east direction and is not threatening any properties. Extreme weather could drive this fire into the outer western suburbs of Sydney.
Bell
To the east of Lithgow the town was under threat from the Lithgow fire however it has been spared.
Clarence.
To the east of Lithgow. Extensive property protection was undertaken on the 2nd of December, the village is not safe.
Lithgow.
A town of 15,000 people on Tuesday had fires on three sides, again extensive property protection was undertaken by local fire fighters some sheds and out building were lost however no houses.
2 Firefighters died early Tuesday afternoon the police and coroner are making enquires.
Piliga Scrub
The fire in the Piliga scrub is now burning on 200kms of front with fire storms common. A 250km control line is being constructed with the assistance of Queensland fire fighters.
This looks like a long hot dry summer and the million dollar question is: will the 60,000 NSW fire fighters be able to keep the state safe? or will all the fires reach the Great Eastern Fire Break (Pacific Ocean)?"
As weather experts debate the effects of El Nino on North American weather patterns, the "B" shift members of St. Louis Squad-2 don’t really give a darn. Winter is on them, and the simple fact of the matter is it’s getting cold.
Cold weather makes America’s most dangerous occupation even more hazardous. Statistics show that most serious fires occur during the Winter months, when homes and businesses are sealed tight, and supplemental sources of heat are being used. Granted, a few areas of North America are "temperate" and experience consistent weather patterns throughout the year. But unless you’re a firefighter in Key West, McAllen (TX) or Phoenix, chances are you’ve already noticed that hot, muggy days have been replaced by cold, windy nights. And fighting fires in below freezing weather isn’t fun. This year, Winter came early, and with vengeance to the Prairie Midwest. So much so that President Clinton has designated areas hit by early Winter Storms as disaster areas. With temperatures hitting the single digits, and wind chills exceeding minus 40 below, serious fires have caused millions in damage, and claimed a number of lives. Fighting fires in cold weather is part of everyday life for firefighters in the upper Midwest. This constant exposure to Mother Nature’s brutal side has made one thing clear. The cold takes it toll - on personnel and equipment.
During the next few weeks, as the days grow shorter, the Arctic cold will dip well into the continental US. And even though we know it’s likely to happen, Old Man Winter takes those of us in the lower-48 by surprise every time.
-But It’s A Dry Cold, Chief-
Try telling that to firefighters in Indianapolis, who are accustomed to relatively stable Winter weather. Last year by mid-December, they were operating in the coldest air to hit the area since 1887. Just South of Indy, in Bargersville, Indiana, the town experienced 12 consecutive days of sub-zero weather. Years of training and experience hadn’t prepared these Johnson County volunteers for this type of firefighting. This season, fire departments throughout the central Midwest, are preparing for the same cold, with one major difference. Many have developed a contingency plan - one that stresses "firefighter safety". Generally speaking, North of the Mason-Dixon line, departments are better prepared for the hardships of cold weather. But when the alarm sounds, and the thermometer is stuck at zero, neither a firefighter’s training or protective gear can block out the effects of the biting cold.
-Using Common Sense-
Once on the fireground, firefighter safety becomes a primary consideration for command.
While Engine Company members concern themselves with fighting the fire inside the structure, Support Company members are busy fighting the elements, working on icy surfaces and ladders. Firefighting in cold weather still requires getting water to handlines and master streams. It’s one of the most difficult tasks in Winter firefighting. In icy temperatures, leading off from a frozen hydrant or pond may waste valuable minutes. That’s why it’s important to pre-plan wintertime water supply operations. In Porter County, Indiana, members of Center Fire & Rescue rely on large diameter supply lines and tanker shuttles to provide adequate water. Planning officers know that it’s difficult enough to secure water under ideal situations.
But when the weather turns cold, the job becomes much more difficult. So they’re pre-planned for the worse case scenario, matching mutual aid companies with their own resources to get the job done. Mutual Aid also plays a vital role during "working" assignments, especially when one factors in firefighter rehab.
-Important Cold Weather Tips-
Fighting fires in cold weather isn’t only uncomfortable for front line personnel, it’s damaging to equipment as well. Here are some tips from departments around the country, that may prove useful during cold weather incidents in your area:
- (1) Avoid coming up DRY, by initiating a hydrant "Pump-Out" plan. . .
- (2) Apparatus maintenance is crucial! Make sure that tire chains or other traction devices are available for all first-in units. . .
- (3) Develop a "contingency plan" with the authority or agency responsible for road maintenance and service. . .
- (4) Develop SOP’s regarding "dry-pump" vs. "wet-pump" operations. Things to consider are response time, pump design and normal ambient temperature in the station. . .
- (5) Carry a supply of salt, sand or oil-dry to enhance footing and reduce the possibility of falls. . .
- (6) During heavy snowfalls, apparatus may be forced to operate "away" from the fire building.
- (7) Extra lengths of attack line should be added to pre-connects to compensate for the additional stretch. . .
- (8) Following knockdown, when handlines are in standby, partially opened control valves will allow water to flow and prevent freezing. . .
- (9) Make sure that all waterways for monitors or deck pipes are dry, to avoid any freezing or clogging effects resulting from ice or slush. . .
- (10) Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the cold weather use of SCBA. Don’t allow water to seep into regulators or emission valves. . .
- (11) And finally, ensure that extra turnout gear is available, especially gloves. It’s recommended that personnel wear layered clothing, rather than bulky articles.
By the way, wasn’t the 4th of July picnic just a few weeks ago?
Your comments are welcome. Feedback to: info@firetv.com
One in six children under the age of 12 are poisoned in this country each year. Poisonings most often occur when a toxic substance is removed from the original container and subsequently mistaken by children for an edible substance such as candy or food.
"Education is the key to prevention" said Gary Ludwig, Chief Paramedic and EMS Bureau Chief. The St. Louis Fire Department hopes to reach at least 5,000 children and 250 parents with this important information.
To schedule such an educational opportunity at your school, parent group or organization, call 314/645-9160.
IMPORTANT DECEMBER MEETINGS IN WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA --WASHINGTON November 20, 1997 -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s a summit meeting for Eastern United States on public/private partnership for mitigation will be held in Wilmington, N.C. on December 8-10, 1997.
Private and public sector representatives interested in attending this summit should contact the Summit Hotline at 1-800-811-6587 or check the FEMA website. Immediately following the FEMA summit, The Contingency Planning Association of the Carolinas (CPAC) will sponsor a symposium in business contingency planning on December 11, 1997 at the Hilton at University Place in Charlotte NC. The symposium will be held between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Featured speakers are FEMA White House liaison Mr. George Haddow, FEMA Region Four Director Mr. John Copenhaver, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Director of Emergency Management Mr. Wayne Broome and Strohl Systems Inc. VP Ms. Pat Moore.
The day long seminar, which is open to the public, will open with Mr. Haddow who will address the role of the Federal Government in disasters and FEMA’s objectives. Mr. Copenhaver will address FEMA’s emphasis on disaster resistant communities and how communities can plan now to limit the impact of disastrous events. Mr. Broome will help attendees understand how local business and industry can access local and Federal resources to reduce the impact of an interruption in normal business functions.
Ms. Moore, a nationally known speaker in business contingency planning will present an afternoon long contingency planning and recovery seminar. Her presentation will cover basic and advanced contingency planning and disaster recovery techniques. She will also demonstrate how the average business or service organization can begin or improve their emergency plans.
As the past several years have proven, unexpected events can interrupt the routine processes that allow businesses or communities to operate normally. A flood, tornado or major accident can impact an entire community while an equipment or power failure can shut a production line or manufacturing facility. These events can be enormously expensive and have long term impact on corporations and communities unless proper plans are in place to limit the losses and aid the recovery.
This symposium will help businesses of any size address the issue of how to continue business ad reduce losses when affected by a technological or community wide event that disrupts normal business operations.
A registration fee of forty dollars per attendee for this one day conference includes all events, continental breakfast, buffet lunch, refreshments and program handouts.
Drawings for door prizes will be held throughout the day. Attendees who complete the day long symposium will receive a completion certificate.
Pre-registration for the symposium is required. To register or for more information, contact Mr. Jim Brandon, Belk Store Services, 357-1064 ext. 4582 or e-mail.
CPAC is a ten year old non-profit organization of contingency planning professionals and from business, industry, government and the academic community throughout North and South Carolina.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Office of Emergency Information & Media Affairs --- Washington, D.C., Information Available 24 hours a day ... on the World Wide Web: http://www.fema.gov AND ... FEMA is also co-sponsor of Storm97... via fax-on-demand: phone in the U.S.A. (202) 646-FEMA (646-3362)... via digital audio for broadcasters & print: contact eipa@fema.gov, and listen to the FEMA Radio Network on the FEMA Website using RealAudio
SECOND CONFERENCE ON FIRE EFFECTS ON RARE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES AND HABITATS
MARCH 22-25, 1998 @ COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO
The International Association of Wildland Fire is organizing a second conference to explore the relationships between wildland fire and rare and endangered species and habitats (the first was held in 1995). The goal of the conference (and its resulting publication) is to increase the knowledge and documentation of the specific interactions between wildfire and rare and endangered species and habitats, and hence in the specific management actions that can be implemented in the maintenance of rare and endangered species. Prescribed fire management, fire suppression and fire exclusion effects on rare species and habitats are also of concern and papers on these topics are encouraged.
Location and venue: The Coeur d’Alene Resort is located on beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho. The Resort boasts over 26,500 square feet of meeting and exhibit space and a variety of guest rooms, from deluxe to economy, an indoor recreation center, a new European Spa, and choice of three restaurants on site. The resort is within walking distance of lovely downtown Coeur d’Alene, a shopping and dining paradise.
For more information contact: Maria Greenlee, IAWF, PO Box 328, Fairfield, WA 99012; Phone (509) 283-2397; Fax (509) 283-2264; email
PHOTOS WANTED--The firehouse.org is looking for your fire photos for our web site. People who submit their photos will have a page of the photos and a description of the fire department, event, etc. If you already have a webpage of photos, let us know we’d like to hyperlink up. Please visit our site for details…
· Program #1: "Great American Ladder Companies"
Part-1: Tractor-Drawn Aerials
For years they served as the mainstay of any department’s roster, today only a few cities continue to maintain them in their fleet. Ride with SFFD from the tillerman’s point of view, through the streets of San Francisco. Back a Simon/LTI TDA into one of Baltimore’s ancient fire stations. And ride shotgun with the Atlanta Fire Department.
Part-2: Rear-Mounted Aerials
Ever since the Ottawa Fire Department introduced a Metz aerial on a c.1960’s Mack C Chassis, the rear mounted aerial has become the predominant ladder company rig.
Follow its progression from the American LaFrance Ladder Chief - to LTI’s manufacture of a 150 foot, 6-section ladder for the Moscow Fire Brigade.
Part-3: Ladder Towers
Chicago’s first use of a Snorkel in the late 1950’s marked the introduction of bucket trucks or ladder towers into the American fire service. Today ladder towers play an important role in rescue and elevated fire attack. Incredible footage of the Bronto Skylift and a 202ft Simon Snorkel.
Part-4: Quints
The quintuple combination apparatus was used in a few communities, but it didn’t gain notoriety until the St. Louis Fire Department embraced the flexible response concept in the late 1980’s. Exclusive footage from St. Louis-to-Baltimore and dozens of towns in between.
"Exterme Firefighting Machines" is produced by Flirting With Disaster, the nation’s largest producer of fire service video. To order the series please contact FireTV by email at firetv@webtv.net or phone (800) 607-1789.
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST--Companies or individuals are invited to provide information on products or services suitable for:
- Fire Operations Management (ICS based)
- Fire Administrative Management Vehicle Tracking Systems Fire Tracking Systems (FLIR or similar)
- Fire Modeling Systems
- GIS and GPS Satellite Navigation Systems
- Weather Tracking and Forecasting Systems
- Fire Control related applications and management tools
- The Sutherland Rural Fire Service (NSW Australia), is conducting an Operational Systems Needs Analysis for the purpose of creating an Operational Systems Implementation Plan that will serve the Service into the next millennium.
Further information on the analysis and projected outcomes is available at our project web. Any organization who supplies suitable products is asked to forward relevant information for evaluation to the Project Management Consultants: Don Cameron, Advanced Technology Solutions, 20 Trefusis Avenue, MUDGEE NSW 2850, AUSTRALIA, E-mail: ems1@ozemail.com.au, Mobile: 0412 445017
Haz-Mat Pre/Post Medical Screenings—HELP!!-- We are in the process of developing medical procedures for pre/post entry screening for our HazMat Techs when using fully encapsulated level A or B suits. I really do not wish to reinvent the wheel. If you have any procedure or SOG's in place please drop me an E-Mail. If by chance you have them on disk, I would be happy to trade disk's or attach them in ASCI Text files to your mail. Thank's All !!!
Rich Gaun - VTCHIEF33@AOL.COM
GOT A WEB SITE??--Send us your URL, and we may add it to our Friends of FireReport Newsletter page! Just e-mail us at firereport@texoma.net. It’s that easy!!
