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  • February 2013

    Operations & Training

    Close Calls: "The Worst Day Of My Life" ? Part 1

    Feb. 1, 2014
    Does any of this sound familiar? A firefighter:• Dies after falling from aerial ladder during training• Dies after falling from a rope• Is killed falling from an elevated aerial...
    Photo by Dennis Walus
    Crews battled a two-alarm fire at a large, two-story townhouse complex in Madison Heights, MI
    Crews battled a two-alarm fire at a large, two-story townhouse complex in Madison Heights, MI
    Crews battled a two-alarm fire at a large, two-story townhouse complex in Madison Heights, MI
    Crews battled a two-alarm fire at a large, two-story townhouse complex in Madison Heights, MI
    Crews battled a two-alarm fire at a large, two-story townhouse complex in Madison Heights, MI
    Operations & Training

    Fire Wire 2/13

    Feb. 1, 2013
    DEC. 20: MERIDEN, CT – At least three people were displaced from their homes after a dryer fire in the basement of a condominium complex.DEC. 24: LAS VEGAS, NV – Damage was estimated...
    The nVision Thermal Imager from Avon Protection
    The nVision Thermal Imager from Avon Protection
    The nVision Thermal Imager from Avon Protection
    The nVision Thermal Imager from Avon Protection
    The nVision Thermal Imager from Avon Protection
    Tech & Comm

    Product Showcase 2/13

    Feb. 1, 2013
    Avon ProtectionThe nVision Thermal Imager from Avon Protection utilizes the latest technology advancements in thermal imaging sensors, providing greater thermal sensitivity, a...
    Streamlight flashlights
    Streamlight flashlights
    Streamlight flashlights
    Streamlight flashlights
    Streamlight flashlights
    Computers & Accessories

    New Products 2/13

    Feb. 1, 2013
    Firefighter FlashlightsSTREAMLIGHT INC. has introduced two intrinsically safe, alkaline battery-powered flashlights, the 3AA ProPolymer HAZ-LO and the 3C ProPolymer HAZ-LO. Both...
    Photo by Ron Jeffers
    UNION CITY, NJ
    UNION CITY, NJ
    UNION CITY, NJ
    UNION CITY, NJ
    UNION CITY, NJ
    Operations & Training

    Hot Shots 2/13

    Feb. 1, 2013
    UNION CITY, NJ, DEC. 3, 2012 – North Hudson Regional firefighters found heavy fire on the top floor of an occupied, four-story, mixed-use building. No smoke alarms were sounding...

    More content from February 2013

    All hybrid and electric vehicles that comply with the new J2990 document will display at least one exterior 'badging' at the rear of the vehicle and possibly one additional badge on each side of the vehicle. The badging must be recognizable as a hybrid or electric vehicle badge by an approaching responder from a distance of 50 feet. The Standards calls for the exterior badging to contain the word 'hybrid', 'electric', 'plug-in hybrid', or a combination of letters such as 'HV', 'EV', 'PHEV' or 'BEV'. In certain cases, the exterior badging can be a unique name or symbol recognizable as a hybrid or electric vehicle identification; i.e. VOLT, LEAF, etc.
    All hybrid and electric vehicles that comply with the new J2990 document will display at least one exterior 'badging' at the rear of the vehicle and possibly one additional badge on each side of the vehicle. The badging must be recognizable as a hybrid or electric vehicle badge by an approaching responder from a distance of 50 feet. The Standards calls for the exterior badging to contain the word 'hybrid', 'electric', 'plug-in hybrid', or a combination of letters such as 'HV', 'EV', 'PHEV' or 'BEV'. In certain cases, the exterior badging can be a unique name or symbol recognizable as a hybrid or electric vehicle identification; i.e. VOLT, LEAF, etc.
    All hybrid and electric vehicles that comply with the new J2990 document will display at least one exterior 'badging' at the rear of the vehicle and possibly one additional badge on each side of the vehicle. The badging must be recognizable as a hybrid or electric vehicle badge by an approaching responder from a distance of 50 feet. The Standards calls for the exterior badging to contain the word 'hybrid', 'electric', 'plug-in hybrid', or a combination of letters such as 'HV', 'EV', 'PHEV' or 'BEV'. In certain cases, the exterior badging can be a unique name or symbol recognizable as a hybrid or electric vehicle identification; i.e. VOLT, LEAF, etc.
    All hybrid and electric vehicles that comply with the new J2990 document will display at least one exterior 'badging' at the rear of the vehicle and possibly one additional badge on each side of the vehicle. The badging must be recognizable as a hybrid or electric vehicle badge by an approaching responder from a distance of 50 feet. The Standards calls for the exterior badging to contain the word 'hybrid', 'electric', 'plug-in hybrid', or a combination of letters such as 'HV', 'EV', 'PHEV' or 'BEV'. In certain cases, the exterior badging can be a unique name or symbol recognizable as a hybrid or electric vehicle identification; i.e. VOLT, LEAF, etc.
    All hybrid and electric vehicles that comply with the new J2990 document will display at least one exterior 'badging' at the rear of the vehicle and possibly one additional badge on each side of the vehicle. The badging must be recognizable as a hybrid or electric vehicle badge by an approaching responder from a distance of 50 feet. The Standards calls for the exterior badging to contain the word 'hybrid', 'electric', 'plug-in hybrid', or a combination of letters such as 'HV', 'EV', 'PHEV' or 'BEV'. In certain cases, the exterior badging can be a unique name or symbol recognizable as a hybrid or electric vehicle identification; i.e. VOLT, LEAF, etc.
    Vehicle Extrication

    University of Extrication: Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Identification - Part 1

    Feb. 1, 2013
    SUBJECT: Hybrid & Electric Vehicle IdentificationTOPIC: Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J2990 DocumentOBJECTIVE: Understand the requirements of the newly published Society...
    Photo by Carl Whitehill/Gettysburg CVB
    Fortherecord 2 13 Dsc 0158 10852781
    Fortherecord 2 13 Dsc 0158 10852781
    Fortherecord 2 13 Dsc 0158 10852781
    Fortherecord 2 13 Dsc 0158 10852781
    Fortherecord 2 13 Dsc 0158 10852781
    Safety & Health

    As Firehouse Sees It: As If the Job Wasn't Dangerous Enough Already!

    Jan. 14, 2013
    Every time we respond to a fire, EMS call or other emergency, you may encounter drivers who try to beat you to the next corner, fail to pull to the right, speed by you on a highway...
    Industrynews 2 13 Pierce 100ye 10852715
    Industrynews 2 13 Pierce 100ye 10852715
    Industrynews 2 13 Pierce 100ye 10852715
    Industrynews 2 13 Pierce 100ye 10852715
    Industrynews 2 13 Pierce 100ye 10852715
    Equipment Mounting & Reels

    Industry News 2/13

    Jan. 14, 2013
    PIERCE MANUFACTURING celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2013. The company Pierce is kicking off its yearlong commemoration by launching a website section located at www.piercemfg...
    Photo courtesy of Waverly FD
    Parts of tank car 83013, burning propane and other debris were scattered over a wide area. One piece of the tank car was propelled 330 feet by the explosion. Noise and blast pressure from the explosion were felt several blocks from the scene.
    Parts of tank car 83013, burning propane and other debris were scattered over a wide area. One piece of the tank car was propelled 330 feet by the explosion. Noise and blast pressure from the explosion were felt several blocks from the scene.
    Parts of tank car 83013, burning propane and other debris were scattered over a wide area. One piece of the tank car was propelled 330 feet by the explosion. Noise and blast pressure from the explosion were felt several blocks from the scene.
    Parts of tank car 83013, burning propane and other debris were scattered over a wide area. One piece of the tank car was propelled 330 feet by the explosion. Noise and blast pressure from the explosion were felt several blocks from the scene.
    Parts of tank car 83013, burning propane and other debris were scattered over a wide area. One piece of the tank car was propelled 330 feet by the explosion. Noise and blast pressure from the explosion were felt several blocks from the scene.
    Rescue

    Tennessee Propane Blast: A Turning Point for Hazmat

    Jan. 11, 2013
    Robert Burke explains how the 1978 explosion in Waverly, TN, changed the way firefighters deal with LPG fires.
    Photo courtesy of University of Cincinnati
    Dr. Kelly Cohen of the University of Cincinnati sees a clear need for unmanned aircraft to help incident commanders identify and predict large-scale incidents.
    Dr. Kelly Cohen of the University of Cincinnati sees a clear need for unmanned aircraft to help incident commanders identify and predict large-scale incidents.
    Dr. Kelly Cohen of the University of Cincinnati sees a clear need for unmanned aircraft to help incident commanders identify and predict large-scale incidents.
    Dr. Kelly Cohen of the University of Cincinnati sees a clear need for unmanned aircraft to help incident commanders identify and predict large-scale incidents.
    Dr. Kelly Cohen of the University of Cincinnati sees a clear need for unmanned aircraft to help incident commanders identify and predict large-scale incidents.
    Careers & Education

    Higher Education: Universities Aid Soaring Technology For Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

    Jan. 11, 2013
    As the fast-moving wildfire advances toward a rocky ridge entangled in bone-dry underbrush, a copse of Ponderosa Pine and a dozen homes, the incident commander looks to his operations...
    Source: National EMS Assessment
    National Ems Assessment Final 10849879
    National Ems Assessment Final 10849879
    National Ems Assessment Final 10849879
    National Ems Assessment Final 10849879
    National Ems Assessment Final 10849879
    EMS

    EMS:Outlook for Fire Service EMS: 2013 and Beyond

    Jan. 7, 2013
    I love FIGHTING fire. Nothing can be more destructive to another’s life in terms of emotion or physical pain. If someone loses their home, they may have insurance, but they will...
    Dennis Compton
    Dennis Compton
    Dennis Compton
    Dennis Compton
    Dennis Compton
    Leadership

    Fire Politics: Sometimes, Reality Trumps Political Rhetoric

    Jan. 7, 2013
    In my January 2013 column, I wrote about three wishes I had for 2013. I actually submitted that column to Firehouse on Nov. 26…and then December happened. A couple of incredible...
    Brad Harvey 1107 10851015
    Brad Harvey 1107 10851015
    Brad Harvey 1107 10851015
    Brad Harvey 1107 10851015
    Brad Harvey 1107 10851015
    Tech & Comm

    Thermal Imaging: "Taking It To the Streets"

    Jan. 7, 2013
    As thermal imaging becomes more mainstream in the fire service, the potential uses of the technology expands on a daily basis. Many firefighters think of a thermal imager as a...
    Photos by Kristi Gagnon/Prescott FD Investigator
    Prescott Fire Department Truck 72 performs roof operations during the early stages of the Whiskey Row fire. Crews were quickly removed from roof operations as command prepared for a defensive operation.
    Prescott Fire Department Truck 72 performs roof operations during the early stages of the Whiskey Row fire. Crews were quickly removed from roof operations as command prepared for a defensive operation.
    Prescott Fire Department Truck 72 performs roof operations during the early stages of the Whiskey Row fire. Crews were quickly removed from roof operations as command prepared for a defensive operation.
    Prescott Fire Department Truck 72 performs roof operations during the early stages of the Whiskey Row fire. Crews were quickly removed from roof operations as command prepared for a defensive operation.
    Prescott Fire Department Truck 72 performs roof operations during the early stages of the Whiskey Row fire. Crews were quickly removed from roof operations as command prepared for a defensive operation.
    Educational Materials

    On The Job Arizona: Fire Destroys Three Businesses On Prescott's Historic Whiskey Row

    Jan. 4, 2013
    On Tuesday, May 8, 2012, a two-alarm fire destroyed three businesses in downtown Prescott, AZ, on the historic Whiskey Row.
    Photo courtesy of Mantua Township Fire District
    Chief Brian Hauss credits his personal protective equipment (PPE) with saving his life: 'If I had not properly donned my turnout gear, I would most likely still be undergoing surgeries and evaluations for my burns. My gear saved my life.'
    Chief Brian Hauss credits his personal protective equipment (PPE) with saving his life: 'If I had not properly donned my turnout gear, I would most likely still be undergoing surgeries and evaluations for my burns. My gear saved my life.'
    Chief Brian Hauss credits his personal protective equipment (PPE) with saving his life: 'If I had not properly donned my turnout gear, I would most likely still be undergoing surgeries and evaluations for my burns. My gear saved my life.'
    Chief Brian Hauss credits his personal protective equipment (PPE) with saving his life: 'If I had not properly donned my turnout gear, I would most likely still be undergoing surgeries and evaluations for my burns. My gear saved my life.'
    Chief Brian Hauss credits his personal protective equipment (PPE) with saving his life: 'If I had not properly donned my turnout gear, I would most likely still be undergoing surgeries and evaluations for my burns. My gear saved my life.'
    Safety & Health

    Close Calls: With Nothing Showing Initially... Part 2

    Jan. 3, 2013
    This is the second of two columns about a close call experienced by members of the Mantua Township Fire District (MTFD) in New Jersey on Feb. 7, 2012 (part one was in the January...
    Barry Furey 10848292
    Barry Furey 10848292
    Barry Furey 10848292
    Barry Furey 10848292
    Barry Furey 10848292
    Tech & Comm

    Emergency Communications: 5 Events Shaping the Future Of Fire Service Communications

    Jan. 3, 2013
    According to some, it was prophesied that 2012 would see the end of civilization. That was not to be, but one truism about last year that cannot be denied is that events of 2012...
    Curtvarone 10848178
    Curtvarone 10848178
    Curtvarone 10848178
    Curtvarone 10848178
    Curtvarone 10848178
    Leadership

    Fire Law: 2012 Cases And Controversies

    Jan. 3, 2013
    When I began to work on this review of fire service cases for 2012, my sense was that it had been a slow year compared with 2010 and 2011. In 2010, we had the landmark reverse...
    Photo from the Collection of Gary E. Frederick
    BALTIMORE, MD, MAY 10, 1962 – A 12-alarm fire raced through huge piles of rags at the S. Shapiro & Sons rag-processing and storage plant. Due to the intensity of the fire, a defensive attack was ordered on arrival. Firefighters were on the scene for 41 days to control hot spots.
    BALTIMORE, MD, MAY 10, 1962 – A 12-alarm fire raced through huge piles of rags at the S. Shapiro & Sons rag-processing and storage plant. Due to the intensity of the fire, a defensive attack was ordered on arrival. Firefighters were on the scene for 41 days to control hot spots.
    BALTIMORE, MD, MAY 10, 1962 – A 12-alarm fire raced through huge piles of rags at the S. Shapiro & Sons rag-processing and storage plant. Due to the intensity of the fire, a defensive attack was ordered on arrival. Firefighters were on the scene for 41 days to control hot spots.
    BALTIMORE, MD, MAY 10, 1962 – A 12-alarm fire raced through huge piles of rags at the S. Shapiro & Sons rag-processing and storage plant. Due to the intensity of the fire, a defensive attack was ordered on arrival. Firefighters were on the scene for 41 days to control hot spots.
    BALTIMORE, MD, MAY 10, 1962 – A 12-alarm fire raced through huge piles of rags at the S. Shapiro & Sons rag-processing and storage plant. Due to the intensity of the fire, a defensive attack was ordered on arrival. Firefighters were on the scene for 41 days to control hot spots.
    Operations & Training

    Rekindles 2/13

    Dec. 17, 2012
    YORK, NE: FEB. 2, 1913 – Firemen arrived to find several homes in flames and fire extending through a door leading into the Baer Furniture Store. Once the firemen were inside ...
    John Salka 10842150
    John Salka 10842150
    John Salka 10842150
    John Salka 10842150
    John Salka 10842150
    Operations & Training

    The Fire Scene: How to Avoid The "Short Stretch"

    Dec. 13, 2012
    If you are an engine company firefighter, you never want to hear or say the most dreaded words in the engine company dictionary – “short stretch.” This column describes exactly...
    Photo by Glen E. Ellman
    You do not receive size-up credit based on how fast you can complete a lap around a building; you get size-up credit for the information you acquire during the lap.
    You do not receive size-up credit based on how fast you can complete a lap around a building; you get size-up credit for the information you acquire during the lap.
    You do not receive size-up credit based on how fast you can complete a lap around a building; you get size-up credit for the information you acquire during the lap.
    You do not receive size-up credit based on how fast you can complete a lap around a building; you get size-up credit for the information you acquire during the lap.
    You do not receive size-up credit based on how fast you can complete a lap around a building; you get size-up credit for the information you acquire during the lap.
    Operations & Training

    How to Nail Your First-Due Strategic Responsibility: Part 4

    Dec. 3, 2012
    Back in July (Firehouse, July 2012) we described box one of our first-due fire officer “Four-Box Strategic Progression.” Our structured and systematic four-box progression has...