April 2013

Photo by Ron Jeffers
More than 55 fire units from five counties responded to a stubborn fire in a large warehouse. The fire burned for a record 57 days before being totally extinguished.
More than 55 fire units from five counties responded to a stubborn fire in a large warehouse. The fire burned for a record 57 days before being totally extinguished.
More than 55 fire units from five counties responded to a stubborn fire in a large warehouse. The fire burned for a record 57 days before being totally extinguished.
More than 55 fire units from five counties responded to a stubborn fire in a large warehouse. The fire burned for a record 57 days before being totally extinguished.
More than 55 fire units from five counties responded to a stubborn fire in a large warehouse. The fire burned for a record 57 days before being totally extinguished.
Operations & Training

On The Job: New Jersey

April 26, 2013
ELIZABETH FIRE DEPARTMENTChief: Thomas McNamaraPersonnel: 267 career firefightersStations: 7Apparatus: 7 engines, 3 ladders, 1 heavy rescue, 3 ambulancesPopulation: 125,000Area...
Photo courtesy of Durham BCERT
The Durham, NC, Fire and Police departments often work together at hazardous materials incidents.
The Durham, NC, Fire and Police departments often work together at hazardous materials incidents.
The Durham, NC, Fire and Police departments often work together at hazardous materials incidents.
The Durham, NC, Fire and Police departments often work together at hazardous materials incidents.
The Durham, NC, Fire and Police departments often work together at hazardous materials incidents.
Rescue

Hazmat Response In the 'Research Triangle'

April 14, 2013
Robert Burke highlights the efforts by Durham, NC's Biological-Chemical Emergency Response Team.
Valor Awards

Firehouse Heroism and Community Service Awards: Unit Citations

April 1, 2013
Austin, TX, FDEngine 2, C Shift; Quint 1On Nov. 12, 2012 at 1:30 A.M., Engine 2, C Shift, arrived at the scene of a heavily involved house fire. Conditions were ideal for flashover...
Valor Awards

Firehouse Heroism and Community Service Awards: Community Service Awards

April 1, 2013
Special RecognitionCaptain Rachel DavinoCaptain Dawn HochsprungCaptain Anne Marie MurphyCaptain Lauren RousseauCaptain Mary SherlachCaptain Victoria SotoSandy Hook Elementary ...
Valor Awards

Firehouse Heroism and Community Service Awards: $100 Winners

April 1, 2013
Firehouse presents the latest Heroism and Community Service Award $100 winners.

More content from April 2013

Valor Awards

Firehouse Heroism and Community Service Awards: Top Winners

April 1, 2013
We are pleased to announce the newest honorees in our Firehouse® Magazine Heroism & Community Service Awards program and take pride in highlighting the bravery of these outstanding...
Photo by Chris E. Mickal
Firefighters in New Orleans, LA, battle a four-alarm fire that destroyed a pair of vacant two-story, wood-constructed dwellings. One of the homes totally collapsed.
Firefighters in New Orleans, LA, battle a four-alarm fire that destroyed a pair of vacant two-story, wood-constructed dwellings. One of the homes totally collapsed.
Firefighters in New Orleans, LA, battle a four-alarm fire that destroyed a pair of vacant two-story, wood-constructed dwellings. One of the homes totally collapsed.
Firefighters in New Orleans, LA, battle a four-alarm fire that destroyed a pair of vacant two-story, wood-constructed dwellings. One of the homes totally collapsed.
Firefighters in New Orleans, LA, battle a four-alarm fire that destroyed a pair of vacant two-story, wood-constructed dwellings. One of the homes totally collapsed.
Operations & Training

Buildings On Fire: Reading the Building: The Importance of the Size-Up

April 1, 2013
Chris Naum shares how you can predict a building's performance when it is attacked by fire.
BullEx Training Structures and Centers
BullEx Training Structures and Centers
BullEx Training Structures and Centers
BullEx Training Structures and Centers
BullEx Training Structures and Centers
Tech & Comm

Product Showcase 4/13

April 1, 2013
Training PropsBullExBullEx Training Structures and Centers utilize proven technology and years of experience to make each department’s training objectives a reality. The Training...
Photo courtesy of the author
Responders found this small general-aviation aircraft fuselage tangled in terrain. Scene access may be a major challenge for responders when dealing with accidents involving general-aviation aircraft.
Responders found this small general-aviation aircraft fuselage tangled in terrain. Scene access may be a major challenge for responders when dealing with accidents involving general-aviation aircraft.
Responders found this small general-aviation aircraft fuselage tangled in terrain. Scene access may be a major challenge for responders when dealing with accidents involving general-aviation aircraft.
Responders found this small general-aviation aircraft fuselage tangled in terrain. Scene access may be a major challenge for responders when dealing with accidents involving general-aviation aircraft.
Responders found this small general-aviation aircraft fuselage tangled in terrain. Scene access may be a major challenge for responders when dealing with accidents involving general-aviation aircraft.
Rescue

Aircraft Firefighting: Dangers to Responders At General-Aviation Accidents

April 1, 2013
Chief Todd Bane addresses the technical challenges departments face when they respond to aircraft incidents in their community.
JOSEPH T. BERRY is a retired lieutenant of FDNY Ladder 42.
JOSEPH T. BERRY is a retired lieutenant of FDNY Ladder 42.
JOSEPH T. BERRY is a retired lieutenant of FDNY Ladder 42.
JOSEPH T. BERRY is a retired lieutenant of FDNY Ladder 42.
JOSEPH T. BERRY is a retired lieutenant of FDNY Ladder 42.
Educational Materials

Guest Commentary: "People Reported Trapped!"

April 1, 2013
Responding to structural fires, we sometimes hear the generic phrase “People reported trapped.” Firefighters’ adrenalin starts pumping, hearts beat faster and blood pressure increases...
Va Camp 10894514
Va Camp 10894514
Va Camp 10894514
Va Camp 10894514
Va Camp 10894514
Leadership

Fire Politics: The Healing Power of Camp

April 1, 2013
Lexi Holmes is a bright, curious and fun-loving little girl, just like many other young girls. She loves to read and would like to turn her playroom into a library. She pours ...
Photos by Bryan T. Smith
How familiar are you with the attack lines on your engine? The more knowledge you have of the attack lines on your engine, the better prepared you will be to deploy the appropriate line.
How familiar are you with the attack lines on your engine? The more knowledge you have of the attack lines on your engine, the better prepared you will be to deploy the appropriate line.
How familiar are you with the attack lines on your engine? The more knowledge you have of the attack lines on your engine, the better prepared you will be to deploy the appropriate line.
How familiar are you with the attack lines on your engine? The more knowledge you have of the attack lines on your engine, the better prepared you will be to deploy the appropriate line.
How familiar are you with the attack lines on your engine? The more knowledge you have of the attack lines on your engine, the better prepared you will be to deploy the appropriate line.
Operations & Training

Firefighter Training: The 4 Phases Of the Stretch

April 1, 2013
It has been said a thousand times, but it still rings true – the most important life-saving tactic performed at the scene of a fire is stretching and operating an attack line ...
DUPONT and LION Turnout Gear
DUPONT and LION Turnout Gear
DUPONT and LION Turnout Gear
DUPONT and LION Turnout Gear
DUPONT and LION Turnout Gear
Mapping & Pre-Fire Planning

New Products 4/13

April 1, 2013
Turnout GearDUPONT and LION have collaborated on a new offering for firefighters: turnout gear with advanced blends of DuPont Kevlar filament and DuPont Nomex and Kevlar staple...
Photos courtesy of Westfield FD
Firefighter Stephen Makos: 'We advanced a dry line up the stairs to the second floor, where we found access to the attic stairwell. When we opened the door, we encountered thick smoke with no visibility. Captain Boutin called for water and we continued to advance to the top of the stairs. At the top, we were met with high heat and no visibility.'
Firefighter Stephen Makos: 'We advanced a dry line up the stairs to the second floor, where we found access to the attic stairwell. When we opened the door, we encountered thick smoke with no visibility. Captain Boutin called for water and we continued to advance to the top of the stairs. At the top, we were met with high heat and no visibility.'
Firefighter Stephen Makos: 'We advanced a dry line up the stairs to the second floor, where we found access to the attic stairwell. When we opened the door, we encountered thick smoke with no visibility. Captain Boutin called for water and we continued to advance to the top of the stairs. At the top, we were met with high heat and no visibility.'
Firefighter Stephen Makos: 'We advanced a dry line up the stairs to the second floor, where we found access to the attic stairwell. When we opened the door, we encountered thick smoke with no visibility. Captain Boutin called for water and we continued to advance to the top of the stairs. At the top, we were met with high heat and no visibility.'
Firefighter Stephen Makos: 'We advanced a dry line up the stairs to the second floor, where we found access to the attic stairwell. When we opened the door, we encountered thick smoke with no visibility. Captain Boutin called for water and we continued to advance to the top of the stairs. At the top, we were met with high heat and no visibility.'
Safety & Health

Close Calls: Firefighter Trapped in Marijuana-Grow "Fortress" - Part 2

April 1, 2013
This is the second column about a close call involving the Westfield, MA, Fire Department (WFD). During a March 30, 2012, fire in a single-family-dwelling, Captain Rebecca Boutin...
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation proposes that every emergency response unit conduct an After Action Review following every response.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation proposes that every emergency response unit conduct an After Action Review following every response.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation proposes that every emergency response unit conduct an After Action Review following every response.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation proposes that every emergency response unit conduct an After Action Review following every response.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation proposes that every emergency response unit conduct an After Action Review following every response.
Safety & Health

As Firehouse Sees It: Saving Lives and Staying Safe At the Same Time

April 1, 2013
In this issue, we are proud to present our annual Firehouse® Magazine Heroism and Community Service Awards. Starting in the 1970s, we have been paying tribute to “the bravest ...
Feb. 25: Deltona, FL
Feb. 25: Deltona, FL
Feb. 25: Deltona, FL
Feb. 25: Deltona, FL
Feb. 25: Deltona, FL
Operations & Training

Fire Wire 4/13

April 1, 2013
FEB. 25: DELTONA, FL – Bystanders noticed an SUV smoking next to the gas pumps and quickly pushed the vehicle away from the gas pumps while off going City of Deltona Engineer/...
Photo by Paul Snodgrass
The National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, MD, will be the site of the new National Professional Development Symposium (NPDS).
The National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, MD, will be the site of the new National Professional Development Symposium (NPDS).
The National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, MD, will be the site of the new National Professional Development Symposium (NPDS).
The National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, MD, will be the site of the new National Professional Development Symposium (NPDS).
The National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, MD, will be the site of the new National Professional Development Symposium (NPDS).
Careers & Education

Higher Education Briefs: FESHE and TRADE Conferences Merge

April 1, 2013
The U.S. Fire Administration, which for more than a decade has hosted the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Professional Development Conference and the Training...
Ps Portrait 10892509
Ps Portrait 10892509
Ps Portrait 10892509
Ps Portrait 10892509
Ps Portrait 10892509
Careers & Education

Training & Education: The Trend to Combine Certifications for Credits

April 1, 2013
As one fire science college professor points out, “I wouldn’t want a Harvard graduate on my fireground, nor would I want a rookie firefighter doing my department’s budget.”
Safety & Health

Rekindles 4/13

April 1, 2013
COLON, PANAMA: APRIL 2, 1913 – As more than 100 American employees of the Canal Commission were attending a performance in the Star Picture Theatre, a fire broke out in the projection...
Bradharvey 10888833
Bradharvey 10888833
Bradharvey 10888833
Bradharvey 10888833
Bradharvey 10888833
Tech & Comm

Thermal Imaging: How Thermal Imaging Helps The Incident Commander

April 1, 2013
The job of an incident commander can be trying. Coordinating a scene full of firefighters, apparatus and other resources, often from multiple agencies, while performing a multitude...
Photos by Ron Moore
Extrication 4 13 2012 08 24 13 10887956
Extrication 4 13 2012 08 24 13 10887956
Extrication 4 13 2012 08 24 13 10887956
Extrication 4 13 2012 08 24 13 10887956
Extrication 4 13 2012 08 24 13 10887956
Vehicle Extrication

University of Extrication: Lockable Hood Feature in New-Model Van

April 1, 2013
Ron Moore provides an overview of the hood lock features on the Ford Transit Connect Utility Van.
Photos by Timothy R. Szymanski/LVFR
This is a photo I took of firefighters setting up at the scene of a three-alarm tire fire.
This is a photo I took of firefighters setting up at the scene of a three-alarm tire fire.
This is a photo I took of firefighters setting up at the scene of a three-alarm tire fire.
This is a photo I took of firefighters setting up at the scene of a three-alarm tire fire.
This is a photo I took of firefighters setting up at the scene of a three-alarm tire fire.
Community Risk

Fire Service PIO: Tips for Taking Photos at Incident Scenes

April 1, 2013
Of course, you’ve heard the expression, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” For me, it means can write a media release about an incident, but a photo shows what I cannot put...
Photo courtesy of RP Flight Systems
Gene Robinson of RP Flight Systems demonstrates a Spectra unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Africa. The Spectra line is designed to be deployed to scenes of natural disasters, primarily for search and recovery.
Gene Robinson of RP Flight Systems demonstrates a Spectra unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Africa. The Spectra line is designed to be deployed to scenes of natural disasters, primarily for search and recovery.
Gene Robinson of RP Flight Systems demonstrates a Spectra unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Africa. The Spectra line is designed to be deployed to scenes of natural disasters, primarily for search and recovery.
Gene Robinson of RP Flight Systems demonstrates a Spectra unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Africa. The Spectra line is designed to be deployed to scenes of natural disasters, primarily for search and recovery.
Gene Robinson of RP Flight Systems demonstrates a Spectra unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Africa. The Spectra line is designed to be deployed to scenes of natural disasters, primarily for search and recovery.
Careers & Education

Higher Education: Universities Eye the Future: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Aiding Fire-Rescue Operations

April 1, 2013
University researchers are providing a futuristic view of what is on the horizon for fire departments nationwide – the ability to manage incidents with the use of unmanned aerial...
Dennis Compton 10884897
Dennis Compton 10884897
Dennis Compton 10884897
Dennis Compton 10884897
Dennis Compton 10884897
Leadership

Fire Politics: A Political Reality: It's All About Relationships

April 1, 2013
There is plenty for a fire chief and his or her executive team to do just running the fire department on a day-to-day basis. Dealing with the challenges that accompany the management...
Community Risk

Speak Up: Tactical Vs. Strategic Decision-Making on Arrival

April 1, 2013
I have been using elements of Chief Mark Emery’s series “How to Nail Your First-Due Responsibility” to reinforce the importance of distinguishing between tactical and strategic...
John Salka 10880418
John Salka 10880418
John Salka 10880418
John Salka 10880418
John Salka 10880418
Apparatus

The Fire Scene: What's On That Rig? Be Sure You Know

April 1, 2013
John Salka says firefighters need to know what is being carried on the apparatus.
The St. Pete Beach, FL, Fire Department has taken delivery of an E-ONE Sidestacker 78-foot aerial
The St. Pete Beach, FL, Fire Department has taken delivery of an E-ONE Sidestacker 78-foot aerial
The St. Pete Beach, FL, Fire Department has taken delivery of an E-ONE Sidestacker 78-foot aerial
The St. Pete Beach, FL, Fire Department has taken delivery of an E-ONE Sidestacker 78-foot aerial
The St. Pete Beach, FL, Fire Department has taken delivery of an E-ONE Sidestacker 78-foot aerial
Ambulance

New Deliveries 4/13

April 1, 2013
THE ST. PETE BEACH, FL, FIRE DEPARTMENT has taken delivery of an E-ONE Sidestacker 78-foot aerial built on an E-ONE Cyclone II chassis. Components include a 450-hp Cummins ISL...
EMS

EMS: What Could Happen If We Look the Other Way

April 1, 2013
I have been writing for Firehouse® Magazine for 15-plus years and I would put this column among the most important I have ever written. The reason it is important is because I...