In the photo below, a heavy fire condition in a vacant two-story restaurant with an occupied dwelling above greets units as they arrive on the scene in Baldwin, NY, recently. A woman died from injuries suffered in that blaze. In this issue, Captain Robert Cobb and Lieutenant Michael Dugan take a look at the rapid intervention team a team of firefighters that may be described by many departments differently but all have the same meaning: rescue trapped firefighters. What if firefighters had been inside that building in Baldwin and became trapped or lost? Who would come to their assistance? It is one of the most important things we can do to protect each other. As contributing editor Captain John Salka has noted, we train to search and rescue civilians but who rescues us?
In a related topic, the fire service has suffered several multiple-firefighter fatalities recently. We take a look at some of the causes of firefighters deaths and how to prevent them. It certainly seems to be a current and timely topic. See page 50 for this must-read article. These reports may save you or your partner's life.
Speaking of timely articles, Captain John Norman describes the problems with a new type of roof covering that is starting to give firefighters big-time problems. This is the first article of its type and can be found on page 18. Anybody operating at a fire involving a flat roof will certainly want to find out what to expect so they won't be surprised.
Another timely topic, covered by David Fenton on page 98, answers the question we asked on how you or your department would evacuate people who are unable to remove themselves because they are hooked up to monitors and tubes in a nursing home or a hospital. Contributing editor Rich Adams says you can't let the people burn. Find out the answer to a pretty tough question.
Also in this issue we present the second half of the National Run Survey, starting on page 64. It is interesting reading, comparing the statistics from fire departments all across the country. The activity levels in different parts of the country rise and fall. The only constant is that there is always another alarm to respond to. It never stops.
This month, we've really covered the country north, south, east and west. From Wisconsin, contributing editor Robert Burke on page 116 describes the problems and solutions surrounding a major train wreck and fire that affected that area for an extended period of time. From Arizona, we report on page 110 about the fire safety preparations and procedures for Super Bowl XXX. In a continuing series on specialized rescues, we present an article on a serious trench collapse incident in Michigan. And as we go to press, a major wildland fire in Alaska has already consumed over 42,000 acres and destroyed numerous structures.
Fire doesn't know any boundaries. All it does is destroy, kill and maim. Stay safe!
