FYI NFPA release of updated standard

FROM: NFPA releases new edition of NFPA 1600®
Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs

March 19, 2010 – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released the 2010 Edition of NFPA 1600®, Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs. It is available for download at no charge on NFPA’s Web site.
http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files//PDF/NFPA16002010.pdf

The new edition of NFPA 1600 is a completely revised and reorganized version that includes major changes to the technical requirements and definitions. The chapter on Program Elements now contains four different chapters:  Planning, Implementation, Testing and Exercises, and Program Improvement.

“Disasters and emergencies are so unpredictable that organizations must always be prepared to manage them before they occur,” said James M. Shannon, president and CEO of NFPA. “Organizations keep turning to NFPA 1600 because it helps them develop the best possible strategy for dealing with unforeseen issues.”

NFPA 1600 establishes a common, high level set of criteria for disaster and emergency management and business continuity programs to develop, implement, assess, and maintain these programs. The programs address management, planning, prevention, mitigation, implementation, response, recovery, testing and improvement.

The standard began in 1991 when NFPA’s Standards Council established the Disaster Management Committee to develop a preparedness standard that recognized the crucial components of a comprehensive plan to be used by a wide variety of organizations and businesses. The plan was designed to address preparations for, responses to, and recovery from disasters resulting from natural, human or technological events.

Today, NFPA 1600 is one of NFPA’s most widely implemented standards. It is used by and developed for organizations in both the private and public sector.

NFPA 1600 has been adopted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the national preparedness standard. Under the provisions of the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002 (SAFETY Act), DHS has designated NFPA 1600 as a “Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology” (QATT) and certified it as an “Approved Product for Homeland Security.” NFPA 1600, Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs has also been designated for adoption under the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program (PS-Prep).

Printed copies can be ordered through the online catalog.

NFPA has been a worldwide leader in providing fire, electrical, building, and life safety to the public since 1896. The mission of the international nonprofit organization is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

Homewood LODD update from FF Close calls

UPDATE: ILLINOIS FF LODD/FF INJ (THE SECRET LIST)

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 
The following is directly from the Homewood (IL) Fire Department related to the Line of Duty Death of Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Carey and the injuries to Firefighter/Paramedic Karra Koppas. that occurred last evening, Tuesday, March 30, 2010 before 2100 Hours. As you know, the Homewood Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a structure fire at a single-family residence at 17622 Lincoln Avenue in Homewood. First arriving fire crews found a house with visible smoke and flames, and were advised that at least one occupant remained inside the structure. View the the site for full story

Illinois LODD

WGN is reporting - HOMEWOOD, Ill. - One of two firefighters critically injured in a Homewood house fire has died, in a blaze that also claimed the life of an elderly man, officials said this morning. A female firefighter is in critical condition with burns at the University of Chicago Hospital, a spokesman said. The Tuesday evening fire destroyed a house, fueled possibly by a number of oxygen tanks inside the home.

Sun times also has a story - A medical examiner's spokesperson also confirmed the death of firefighter Brian Carey. Carey, 28, was of the 9200 block of South Richmond Street in Evergreen Park and died from injuries sustained at a house fire at the Lincoln Avenue address, the medical examiner's spokesperson said. He was pronounced dead at 10:03 p.m. Tuesday at Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest.

Firefighter Close Calls - Home of The Secret List FF LODD & 1 FF CRITICAL: ILLINOIS (The Secret List)http://www.FirefighterCloseCalls.com/secret.php

Hear the term Lucky Dog

Ok on the lighter side today from the net: Something different 

Woo-hoo!!!!!

from Knuckledraggin my life away by wirecutter

Apparently, dog show judges like to see a little life in the face of the usually bored Bulldog. So in order to get a "questioning look" on their bull dog's faces, handlers molest their dog's nut bags while holding their heads up.
Dude is straight-up tickling that Bulldog's balls WITH feeling! He's doing it like he really means it. I expected the handler to whisper a love sonnet in the Bulldog's ear or lick his fingers before handling.
Makes you wanna be a bulldog, now doesnt it! ;))
My suggestion would be to keep this video away from Charlie, or he might expect the same treatment. nightly. and with a smile. LOOOOL
-Yolo

Rescue from apartment building fire in Milford, Massachusetts

Some pretty good shots, fire went from offensive to defensive with evacuation signal given. Always love it when a pet is also saved as well as the occupants! Not sure but looks as it this may have been a balloon frame construction type,  fire on first floor quickly spreads to the upper areas?

From You Tube site  metrowestvideos A fire destroyed a three-story home at 31 Pine St. in Milford the afternoon of 3/25/10. A tenant, Gary Howe, had to be rescued from the third floor by a ladder truck. Two cats were also safely rescued

And another one here, remember there are more and more video capture devices out there. You are always on camera.

From sparkywfd  Around 1pm, March 25, 2010 firefighters were called to this Pine St. apartment complex for a fire. Upon arrival, heavy smoke was showing and an occupant was hanging out the window on the 3rd floor.
Heavy fire was on the 1st floor rapidly extending to the upper floors. Firefighters made the rescue and attempted an aggressive interior attack but the fire was way ahead of them. Firefighters eventually had to be pulled out and fight the blaze from the exterior.
It took almost 2 hours to bring this 3 alarm fire under control.
Pictures of the rescue at http://www.milfordfirephotos.com 

FYI, Engine 51, from Emergency back in LA

Here is the actual Ward LaFrance Engine #51 used in the 1970s tv show "Emergency". It was brought back to L.A. from Yosemite National Park where it served for many years. It has been returned to Los Angeles and is now at the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum where a full restoration will take place.

The County of Los Angeles Fire Museum is calling all the Emergency TV show fans. We need your help with the details to restore Engine 51. This video provides a tour of outside of the Engine as it is today. Please see part 2 to see the interior and the compartments.  Los Angeles Fire Museum Association

Triangle Shirtwaist Fire Remembered

99 years ago TODAY (March 25 1911) a NYC factory fire resulted in the deaths of 146 workers at Triangle Shirtwaist Company. Presently the building is still occupied by New York University and each year the deceased are remembered in a ceremony at the site. Cornell University has done an outstanding job in documenting the fire.

T R I A N G L E F A C T O R Y F I R E www.ilr.cornell.edu

Online Exhibit from Cornell University's Kheel Center on the Triangle Fire disaster of 1911 - a terrible and unnecessary tragedy involving the death of 146 young people in a New York City sweatshop and the resulting investigations and reforms. ...

Follow up video of that Bemidji Fire the other day

More footage of the fire in the Apartment building In Bemidji MN. Some background music quit jerky with this one, you may want to turn the volume down. (Or up?) Showing FF’s on the roof.

Two LODD’s

Firefighters Bolick and Wright were returning home from fire department mandated training when the vehicle in which they were traveling was involved in a two vehicle collision. Both Bolick and Wright were killed and the cause of the accident is under investigation by the North Carolina State Police. Incident Location: Pending 

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Blowing Rock, NC

from USFA Firefighter Fatalities

Jeremy Bolick of the Blowing Rock Fire Department in Blowing Rock, NC has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2010-03-21

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Blowing Rock, NC

from USFA Firefighter Fatalities

Tommy Wright of the Blowing Rock Fire Department in Blowing Rock, NC has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2010-03-21

Remember that truck?

Remember the story about the Detroit Fire Truck parked on the track and then hit by a train? 

Amtrak Train Hits Detroit Fire Truck - Detroit Local News Story ...

Mar 1, 2010 ... Amtrak Train Hits Detroit Fire Truck. Minor Injuries Reported ... "All I saw was the ladder, the white ladder, hit the train and just swing ..

Here is the train view of the collision

Bemidji Apartment Fire

Evidently there are some building codes in place here. Looks as if the fire was conpartmentized by fire stops extending to the roof line on this apartment buildings in Bemidji MN. Think of what would have happened if the attic space was open the full length of the building, worse if this had happened at night.

The horrible fire at regency apartments in Bemidji, MN. Pray for the people who live there that they will find shelter and deal with the devastations that come with this situation.
"The fire is believed to be one of the worst in Bemidji since a fire destroyed Central Elementary School in 1958. Anderson said the apartment fire appeared to have started on the balcony of a central third-floor apartment, but that was speculation until the investigation was complete. No civilian injuries were reported, but a Bemidji firefighter was treated and released at North Country Regional Hospital." (Quote from Bemidji Pioneer)

Story HERE

Fire displaces Bemidji apartment residents

LODD

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Glasgow, WV

from USFA Firefighter Fatalities

Donald "Donnie" Adkins of the Glasgow Volunteer Fire Department in Glasgow, WV has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2010-03-13

Firefighter Adkins was part of a swift water rescue team working on a mutual aid rescue detail. He and two others were in a boat when the motor struck a piece of submerged material causing the motor to quit and the boat to drift away and capsize. Two team members made it to safety but Firefighter Adkins went missing. The men were attempting a rescue in the Beaver area at the time and had already fought the currents to rescue 11 people in another part of the county. Incident Location: Beaver Creek (@ Violet Lane), Raleigh County (USNG: 17S MB 8683 7856).

LODD

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Beacon Falls, CT

from USFA Firefighter Fatalities

Kevin Swan of the Beacon Hose Co. No. 1 in Beacon Falls, CT has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2010-03-10

At 0508hrs on March 10, 2010, Beacon Hose Co was dispatched to a report of a structure fire. Fire Police Captain Swan signed on the radio network but did not arrive at the station or incident scene. Captain Swan was found unresponsive around 0800hrs inside his pickup truck in his driveway. The nature and cause of fatal injury is under investigation. Incident Location: 20 Susan Street, Beacon Falls, CT 06403 (USNG: 18T XL 6105 8617) 

Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Update

NIOSH has recently released the following Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation Reports:

F2009-26 Sep 11, 2009

Fire fighter/operator suffers sudden cardiac death while operating a fire engine at a structure fire – Louisiana

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200926.html

F2009-12 Apr 15, 2009

Volunteer fire chief dies in motor vehicle incident while responding to a fire alarm – Marylandhttp://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200912.html

F2008-05 Feb 23, 2008

Volunteer captain dies in engine rollover – Colorado

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200805.html

F2009-24 Jul 06, 2009

Fire fighter trainee with an atrial septal aneurysm collapses and dies during debris fire operations – Pennsylvania

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200924.html

F2008-37 Nov 15, 2008

Career fire fighter dies after being trapped in a roof collapse during overhaul of a vacant/abandoned building – Michigan

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200837.html

Video Wednesday

First it’s there and then it’s not, good reminder of taking notice of conditions around you.

Reminder of why knowing building construction and why it is important to you!

This is a video from a recent taxpayer fire at Bronx Box 55-3563. There was a partial roof collapse, followed by a collapse of the front parapet and exterior wall. Operations at this fire were changed from an offense to defensive attack because of heavy fire and concerns about the structural integrity of the building. Prior to the collapse all units were withdrawn and collapse zones were established. Suddenly without warning the front parapet and exterior wall collapsed. There were no injuries as a result of this collapse because collapse zones were established early on and all members remained out of the collapse zone.
COURTESY OF FANNY & FIREFIGHTER CLOSE CALLS.COM
www.firefighterclosecalls.com

 

Note where the Police squad is parked in this video from YouTube from Spring Valley IL

At 10:23 a.m. SVFD got a structure fire. It was a duplex home and was fully involved. Fire originally started out in the garage. Ladd FD, Peru FD, and Depue FD also responded. This is mostly the equipment that responded. Firefighters put out the fire very quickly. Illinois State Fire Marshall was called to the scene to investigate the fire.

Nice On Arrival video clip - Gary Indiana and from MABAS21 GFD crews were dispatched to a reported house fire at 2028 Ohio on 03-08-10, on arrival Engine 12 advised of a working fire in a 25x50 frame house. One line was stretched and an aggressive attack was made. The fire was brought under control within minutes and nobody was injured.

Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association – White Paper on Reckless Conduct

Reckless Conduct Endangers America's Fire Service --Fire Service Reputation Management White Paper Examines Issue
Hagerstown MD, March 10, 2010- Reckless and inappropriate conduct by a small minority of the nation’s fire service is eroding the high moral ground occupied by firefighters says a White Paper sponsored by the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association, (CVVFA) a century-old organization dedicated to enhancing communication and continuing education among the fire service.
The contents of the White Paper represent a distillation of several fire service leadership meetings that identified a series of social, cultural, and ethical issues impacting the fire service nationwide that demand increased awareness.
The White Paper is intended as a wake-up call to the fire service. The detrimental impact from fire service members that engage in unethical, im­moral, inappropriate, criminal, or other activities reflects back not just to these individuals, but to their departments and communities, and to the fire service as a whole.
Recognizing that the actions of a small minority of bad actors can have grievous widespread consequences, the fire service as a whole must be increasingly vigilant in policing itself. Through a combination of enhanced and improved internal controls, increased vigilance, and greater acceptance of personal responsibility perhaps including, but not limited to, abiding by a Code of Ethics, the fire service can ensure that it remains true to its roots and heritage of protecting and serving this great nation.
The Fire Service Reputation Management White Paper clearly identifies these individuals and behaviors in a clear and cogent manner, articulates some excellent solutions, and clamors for a Code of Ethics as the next logical step for our profession. We may never have the op­portunity again, and I urge all fire service leaders to develop, establish, disseminate, abide and enforce a Fire Service Code of Ethics” said Kelvin Cochran, United States Fire Administrator.
Copies of the White Paper are available at  www.cvvfa.org . In the next several weeks the CVVFA will launch www.firefighterbehavior.com a website that will chronicle inappropriate conduct by members of, the fire service. The website will serve to raise awareness of danger to the reputation of the fire service and will advocate for a code of ethics and standards for proper behavior.
The CVVFA wishes to thank Saint Joseph’s University Graduate Public Safety Program and Oklahoma State University’s Fire Protection Publications for their support in developing the White Paper.
Development of this White Paper took place under the sponsorship of the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association, a century-old organization dedicated to enhancing communication and continuing education among the fire service in the mid-Atlantic states. The contents of this White Paper represent a distillation of several fire service leadership meetings that identified a series of social, cultural, and ethical issues impacting the fire service nationwide that demand increased awareness.
https://myfirecompanies.com/down_files.php?file=4383_orig.pdf&org=whitepaper2010highres-Final%20for%20publication%203-8-2010.pdf
Report
http://tinyurl.com/yz8rd7p
“Like every other profession, we in the fire service suffer the embarrassment and damage to our hard earned reputation because of the very few who choose to break the law or rules. While that may be unfair; it is our reality in today’s world of instant, mass communication.
The Fire Service Reputation Management White Paper clearly identifies these individuals and behaviors in a clear and cogent manner, articulates some excellent solutions, and clamors for a Code of Ethics as the next logical step for our profession. We may never have the opportunity again, and I urge all fire service leaders to develop, establish, disseminate, abide and enforce a Fire Service Code of Ethics.”
Kelvin Cochran
United States Fire Administrator

Links of the day – Interesting links on the WEB 3/9/2010

Man dies after crashing into ambulance, 3 vehicles, and attached garage - WNDU-TV

Get a Police Scanner on Your iPhone - iPhone-Codes

Cochran calls for greater firefighter safety at summit - U.S. Fire ...
EMMITSBURG, Md. US Fire Administrator Kelvin Cochran welcomed last year's reduction in LODDs but stressed the need for greater efforts to improve.

A step backwards in Tennessee? -

House Approves Letting Some Rural Firefighters Go Untrained ...

Over some objections, the Tennessee House Monday night voted 65-25 to exempt volunteer firefighters in Grainger and Claiborne counties from training requirements that apply to most other firemen

 

Firefighter Spot - Home of The Best Firefighting Video: FDNY ...
FDNY firefighters went to work on a 2nd Alarm fire in the Bedford Section of the Bronx on Decatur Street. Early reports place, "Heavy fire 1st & 2nd floors into the cockloft. We have 2 – lines stretched, 2 – lines in operation. ...

No excusing domestic terrorism

Dubuque Telegraph Herald - Heaven help our democracy when members of Congress try to explain away acts of domestic terrorism. The ends do not justify the means. ...

Close Calls Caught On Tape From Fire link
Awareness is a firefighter's #1 tool when it comes to saving a life. Check out this collection of close calls and ask yourself what you would have done in these situations.
Watch Close Calls >>

Grant FYI

The AFG workshop schedule is now available. The current list is not yet complete, as more times and dates may be added in the future. In addition, the current dates and locations are subject to change. Be sure to check back often.

The list is searchable by the locations of workshop as well as times and dates. We also recommend that you search for workshops in neighboring States for workshops that may be more convenient.

These free workshops will be held around the country to provide information about the submission of competitive applications under the 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grants program. The workshop lasts about two hours.

Interested representatives from fire departments as well as representatives from non-affiliated EMS organizations are invited to attend the workshops. Information will be presented on program changes, program priorities, eligibility requirements, and the application process. General assistance in writing a competitive narrative for a department's grant application will also be covered. Registration is not necessary.

For more information, visit http://firegrantsupport.com/content/html/afg/Workshops/Workshops.aspx or contact your AFG Regional Representative.

Regional contacts and telephone numbers are available at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/content/html/program/ContactUs.aspx.

LODD

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Skaneateles, NY

from USFA Firefighter Fatalities

Gerard Marcheterre of the Borodino Fire Department in Skaneateles, NY has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2010-03-06

Initial Summary: While riding in a rescue pumper en route to a barn collapse caused by heavy snow in the town of Spafford, Firefighter Marcheterre's breathing became labored. An ambulance met the apparatus at the Spafford Fire Department on Route 41 and transported Firefighter Marcheterre to Cortland Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to an apparent heart attack. Incident Location: 660 Route 41, Homer, NY 13077

LODD

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: West Fork, ME

from USFA Firefighter Fatalities

Brian Rowe of the West Fork Volunteer Fire Department in West Fork, ME has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2010-03-05

Fire Chief Rowe suffered a heart attack and died while en route to a rescue call involving a fatal snowmobile accident. The West Forks Fire and Rescue emergency medical personnel who had been at the snowmobile accident came to Rowe's aid and performed lifesaving measures, but Rowe succumbed to his injury. Incident Location: Interconnecting Snowmobile Trail 87 near Moxie Pond

Good Chicago FD Tribute Video

Good Chicago Fire department tribute video that had been put together, no info along with it This was posted on You Tube 2/15/2010

LODD

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Wilmington, DE

from USFA Firefighter Fatalities

Brian P. Waynant, Sr. of the Wilmington Fire Department in Wilmington, DE has died as the result of an on-duty incident that

occurred on 2010-03-01

Firefighter/Inspector Waynant died after being struck, while on foot, by an Amtrak train. The City of Wilmington is assisting the Delaware State Police and Amtrak Police with the ongoing investigation of the incident. Additional information will be made available by the Delaware State Police which is the lead investigating agency on this case.

Parking is tough in Minneapolis in the winter

I know parking is tough in Minneapolis in the winter, Dir. of Public Works Steve Kotke will declared an Even Side Parking Restriction till April 1st or a big thaw, at a press conference at 19th and Stevens Avenue South. From The Daily Planet News

At a press conference at 19th and Stevens Avenue South, they've summoned a fire truck, and on its first attempt to reach the call at 19th and Stevens, it can't turn down 19th Street from 1st Avenue South.

Nuff Said?

"The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place... and I don´t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently, if you let it. You, me or nobody, is gonna hit as hard as life. But ain't about how hard you hit... It's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward... how much you can take, and keep moving forward. That´s how winning is done. Now, if you know what you worth, go out and get what you worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits. And not pointing fingers saying: You ain´t what you wanna be because of him or her or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain´t you! You´re better than that!" (Rocky Balboa)

Chicago Smoke Explosion

Link from from Firefighter Close Calls

Incredible Video from Chicago Smoke Explosion

Video Courtesy of www.FireVideo.net Find more videos like this on firevideo.net

Tuesday, March 2, 2010  www.FireVideo.net has this video.  This is from last week in Chicago.  This was reported to be a basement fire and happened as a firefighter vented a 2nd story window. Watch and see what happens, just goes to show, they tell you to vent high – But? Watch it at about 1.37  into the video

Update 3/3/2010

Two firefighters will remain hospitalized while two others will be going home later Thursday after they were injured by a backdraft while battling a blaze in a South Side Back of the Yards neighborhood home.
Two firefighters were taken to University of Chicago Hospital and two others were taken to Holy Cross Hospital after suffering injuries about 2:45 p.m. fighting a fire at 4855 S. Paulina St., according to Fire Media Affairs Director Larry Langford.

Detroit truck versa Amtrak

Amtrak train hits fire truck on tracks in Detroit

Several people suffered minor injuries; the ladder truck was hit as the driver tried to move it but stopped on the train tracks

Amtrak Train Hits Detroit Fire Truck - Detroit Local News Story ...

DETROIT -- Authorities say a Chicago-bound Amtrak train with at least 76 people aboard struck a fire truck that was stopped on the tracks in southwest Detroit, causing minor injuries to several people. Monday, March 1, 2010.

Several injured when Amtrak train hits Detroit fire truck

The Associated Press DETROIT — Authorities say a Chicago-bound Amtrak train with at least 76 people aboard has slammed into a fire truck that was stopped on the tracks in southwest Detroit, causing minor injuries to several people.Executive Fire Commissioner James Mack says the ladder truck was hit as the driver tried to move it Monday morning. He says the truck and a police car were there helping ...

Ah Electricity, our friend

Reminder for working around power lines this video should remind you. Think of the tree branch as your ladder, pike pole or whatever.

In case you didn't believe Louie the Lightening Bug when he said "ya gotta stay away from power lines," consider the fate of this gentle tree branch, who apparently never got to watch Saturday morning PSAs, or at least wasn't paying attention if it did. It screams, literally, for about 14 seconds before bursting into flames like a vampire in a tanning booth.