We are proud to present our eighth annual Volunteer Run Survey, which begins on page 56. Whether rural or suburban, in the North, South, East or West, the demands on volunteer fire departments and their members are increasing. Local, state and federal mandated training, maintenance and a wide variety of other demands — not the least of which are emergency calls — continue to wreak havoc with volunteer membership. Gerry Naylis, Bergenfield, NJ, ex-chief and New Jersey State Fire Commission member, details a plan that has begun to be implemented in New Jersey to retain volunteers. See page 76 for details.
Because nearly 70 percent of the nation’s fire service provides some type of EMS, many readers have asked us to provide additional information on the EMS side of emergency response. In future articles we will provide not only the rescue and fire tactics needed but will provide a brief guide to the medical side of the specific emergency for first responders. This way you can provide the best of care to your customers.
On page 40, Fred Endrikat provides a clear, concise look at confined space rescue in a very understandable manner. Many rescuers become victims. Following the proper procedures is critically important. All responders should review this material. It could save your life.
On page 48, we take a look at the St. Petersburg, FL, Fire Department dive rescue team. Whether a dive team is working in a flood situation (see Firefronts on page 32) or assisting in the deep, dark waters off Long Island, NY at the TWA Flight 800 crash site, each dive operation has its own inherent dangers.
On page 80, we offer a detailed report on several recent oil and gasoline incidents — one out in the middle of a rural area, another in a congested industrial area and requiring extensive mutual aid. Speaking of mutual aid, extensive wildland fires in the West are making this years fire season the worst since 1969. At press time, 11 fires were burning on 212,612 acres in five western states. More than 9,800 personnel were assigned to the fires. This year, 86,547 fires burned 5,805,959 acres. This compares to the five-year average of 57,821 fires and 2,031,216 acres burned annually. A detailed report will appear next month in our 20th anniversary issue.
