Fire Service Today

Ambulance Committee Plans ROP Meeting

The Technical Committee for Automotive Ambulances has made plans to have their ROP meeting in Dallas, TX at the Dallas Shareton North on Feb 8-10, 2011.  The committee has over 1,700 Public Proposals to act on and make any committee proposals to the published draft.  NFPA committee meetings are open to the public and have the opportunity to have some participation in the standards development process.  For more details please contact NFPA staff liaison Larry Stewart.

PPE Symposium May 2-4, 2011 Charlotte, NC

Want to learn more about the personal protective clothing you order and wear, how to properly maintain, and other important topics related to ppe. The 2nd PPE Symposium is being held on May 2-4, 2011 in Charlotte, NC. For more information go to www.fireppesymposium.com.

 
Steven Sawyer

Field Emergency Medical Services Bill Introduced to the US House of Representatives

On December 17^th, 2010 the Advocates for EMS have introduced a bill to the House that is hoped to bring many of the issues that the EMS community faces on a daily basis to the forefront. The official name of the bill is “The Field EMS Quality, Innovation, and Cost Effectiveness Improvement Act of 2010.” This bi-partisan bill was introduced by Representative Tim Walz (D-MN) and Representative Sue Myrick(R-NC). Some of these issues include preparedness, standards, education, financing, research, the designation of a lead federal agency, and safety. While there are many other issues that this legislation addresses, these are just some of the bigger or more prominent issues. It is not likely that they will undertake this legislation in this session but rather be held until the new session begins business in early 2011. While there is a lot of work to be done, one can argue that this certainly going to bring these issue front and center in the coming year. So keep your ears and eyes open for any new developments with this legislation and in the EMS community in general as there are many more things to be happening in the coming year.

Ken Holland

A wild and fiery 2011 shapes up

 
 In spite of a quiet 2010 for wildland fire, with the fewest acres burned since 1998, the winter season rolling into 2011 promises to be hectic, at least for fire fighters and residents in places like Texas, Florida, and many southern and southeastern states. Long-term drought conditions throughout the region and the seasonal frost in Florida make for dry vegetation ready for any ignition to spark a flame.

The good news is, there's a lot going on at NFPA and throughout the nation that will help make all of us safer from wildfire. You may have heard that there are now more than 600 neighborhoods participating in the Firewise Communities/USA recognition program. These sites feature residents who work with fire experts to assess risk, create plans, and work on wildfire safety projects. Their numbers are growing and there are now hundreds of communities who've been active for five or more years.

One of NFPA's most important wildfire safety standards, NFPA 1144, is currently in cycle, with a Proposals meeting happening this spring and your opportunity to comment on changes this summer and fall. Talk to the NFPA staff liaison about this if you want to know more (Ryan, you can thank me later!)

Finally, NFPA's Firewise program is going strong, with ever more support from its federal and state funding partners, and greater resources within NFPA's Wildland Fire Operations Division. Look for more about the Division's strategic plan to expand NFPA's role in wildfire safety both at home and internationally. Or email the Division Director if you have questions (Dave, you can thank me later, too). All of us at NFPA hope that all of you will take some time during 2011 to be involved in wildfire safety efforts, whether locally or globally.

--Michele

 

'Tis The Season... For Chimney Fires!

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the cold weather.  It’s a great time of year to enjoy the warmth of the fireplace as we spend time with close family and friends and ring in the holidays.  However, before you light up those fireplaces there are a few things you should consider.  Did you know that chimney fires accounted for approximately 26,000 residential fires per year between 2005 and 2007?  This equates to an annual property loss of approximately $118 million, and results in an average of 10 fatalities each year.    

So how does this…

 

 

Result in this…

 

 

From this…

 

This is the view inside of a poorly maintained chimney.  The buildup on the inside walls of the chimney is a byproduct of incomplete combustion of wood products, known as creosote.  Creosote is a flammable, brownish- black, tarlike substance that builds up over time and can begin to choke off the chimney.  So how can you avoid the buildup of creosote in your chimney?  Well, unless you don’t plan on using your fireplace, you can’t!  However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  The hazards posed by the excessive buildup of creosote in your chimney can be mitigated through annual inspection and maintenance of your chimney and fireplace.  NFPA 211, Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances, 2006 Edition, states that “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year”.  In addition, having a certified chimney sweep clean and inspect your chimney provides the added benefit of identifying any other potential maintenance issues that may be present and could pose a fire hazard. 

As your making your holiday “To Do” list this year, don’t forget to add “Call the Chimney Sweep” to the top of list.  Have a safe and happy holiday season. 

NFPA 211

Ryan Depew

rdepew@nfpa.org

Remembering the Worcester Six

December 3 was the anniversary of the Worcester,MA, Cold Storage Warehouse fire. On that night in 1999, a homeless couple sought shelter from the cold inside a vacant, six story, cold storage warehouse and lit a fire to stay warm. That fire extended to the structure, which was a series of cork insulated rooms in a maze like setting, designed to provide refrigerated storage. When the Worcester Fire Department arrived, they mounted an interior attack and conducted a search to ensure the couple were accounted for. In a tragic turn of events, six Worcester firefighters perished when they could not find their way to safety as the fire consumed the structure.

I remember that night well. I responded as part of a team from the  Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts to assist with staging and logistics. Once on scene, the grim reality of the loss of the six was apparent by the somber look on everyone’s face. Area departments had sent crews and apparatus and the beginning of a recovery operation that would last nearly a week was underway.Hundreds of firefighters, fire officers and chief officers from across the region stood by the rubble pile with our brethren from Worcester during that painful time.

 

On this  anniversary, two thoughts remain with me. First, on that awful night there was courage and leadership shown by District Chief Mike MacNamee. He stood in the door of the building and would not let anyone enter, and absorbed the frustration, anger, and grief his firefighters vented at him, wanting to enter and search for their lost brothers. Mike saved many lives that night and has shared his story with the fire service in the hopes of saving many more. Listen to Mike share his story;  

Ret. District Chief MacNamee reflects of the night six Worcester Firefighters perished in the Worcester Cold Storage Fire.

via kwillette.typepad.com

 

  

Second, the fire service is a service like no other. During this dark time, dozens of fire departments from the region and beyond sent apparatus and crews to staff the Worcester Fire Department for many days, allowing its members to recover and mourn. One hundred thousand fire department personnel attended  the memorial service, where President Clinton and Senator Edward Kennedy spoke. I will never forget that service and the compassion shown by the President and our Senator.

 

Courageous leadership and willingness to help one another are the hallmark of the fire service.We here at NFPA will  never forget the Worcester 6 and their sacrifice.

Visit Worcester Six Memorial Site to learn more about Firefighters Paul A Brotherton, Timothy P. Jackson, Jeremiah M. Lucey, James F. “Jay” Lyons III, Joseph T. McGuirk and Lt. Thomas E. Spencer.

kwillette@nfpa.org