Reminder–If you didn’t hear

FEMA, FCC Announce Nationwide Test Of The Emergency Alert System

Link HERE -Nationwide Test

Similar to local Emergency Alert System Tests, this Test is Scheduled to Take Place on

November 9, 2011  WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The nationwide test will occur on Wednesday, November 9 at 2 p.m. eastern standard time and may last up to three and a half minutes. The EAS is a national alert and warning system established to enable the President of the United States to address the American public during emergencies.  NOAA's National Weather Service, governors and state and local emergency authorities also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts.

Similar to local EAS tests that are already conducted frequently, the nationwide test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline video service providers across all states and the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

On November 9, the public will hear a message indicating that "This is a test." The audio message will be the same for both radio and television. Under the FCC's rules, radio and television broadcasters, cable operators, satellite digital audio radio service providers, direct broadcast satellite service providers and wireline video service providers are required to receive and transmit presidential EAS messages to the public. A national test will help the federal partners and EAS participants determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers nationally and regionally. The rest of the release HERE

LODD

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Fairfax, VA

Horace "Chris" C. Pendergrass of the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department in Fairfax, VA has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-10-22

Initial Summary:  
Firefighter Pendergrass was discovered deceased in bed by fellow firefighters at shift change, having passed away during the night in his sleep from a cause still to be determined. Incident Location: Station #41, 9610 Hampton Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039-2813

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Atlanta, GA

Harold Gregory Gibson of the Fulton County Fire Rescue in Atlanta, GA has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 1993-06-19

Initial Summary:  
Firefighter Gibson contracted Hepatitis C after coming in contact with blood while treating a patient injured in a traffic accident in 1993. Due to medical complications related to Hepatitis, Firefighter Gibson left the fire department in 1998 and passed away in July, 2011.

Future of auto extrication?

Would, could, should this type of machine be used for auto extrication,

building collapse? Could be the future of rescue tools?

Raytheon-Sarcos Prototype Power Loader

from MAKE Magazine by Sean Michael Ragan

It rolls on tracks instead of walking, but this ditch-witch style tracked chassis retrofit with a pair of giant waldos is pretty much the power loader from Aliens. This video showing it in action is a great news segment from Ed Yeates of Utah’s KSL-TV, right up to the point where they start talking about the system as an “equalizer” opening up jobs to women “that might’ve otherwise been closed just based on strength issues.”

Last time I checked, guys, there aren’t a lot of men running around out there who can wave 200-lb steel I-beams around with one arm, either. Still, in all, an extremely cool toy developed by Raytheon-Sarcos (Wikipedia), the same folks who produced the XOS-series powered exoskeletons we’ve featured here before. [via Gizmodo]

LODD

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Cape May, NJ

Andrew "Andy" K. Boyt of the Cape May Fire Department in Cape May, NJ has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-10-03

Initial Summary:  
A few hours after working a twenty-four hour shift, Lieutenant Boyt's personal vehicle was observed parked on the side of a local road. Boyt was inside of the vehicle, slumped over the steering wheel. Police, EMS and medics responded, found Boyt unresponsive and started CPR. He was immediately transported to Cape Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Lieutenant Boyt had responded to fire calls within 24 hours prior to his passing. The cause of his death is still under investigation.

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Hagatna, GU

Vince Cruz of the Guahan (Guam) Fire Department in Hagatna, GU has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-09-28

Initial Summary:  
Firefighter Cruz passed away while onduty from a cause still to be determined. Cruz, posthumously promoted to Fire Lieutenant, was reported by authorities to have responded to a number of emergency calls the fire department answered the previous night. 

LODD reports

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Whiteriver, AZ

Deon "Dino" Jason Classay of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fort Apache Agency in Whiteriver, AZ has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-06-23

Initial Summary:  
The lightning caused Diamond Fire was reported to Show Low Dispatch on 06/23/2011 at approximately 1200hrs local time. The location of the fire was confirmed by a helicopter to be north of the Black River on Fort Apache, approximately 2.5 miles northeast of Ten of Diamonds Ranch. The Fort Apache Helitack and Fort Apache Hotshots were dispatched as Initial Attack resources and were flown to a helispot located on a ridge top on Paddy Butte near the fire start. Terrain in the area is steep and rocky with a dense woodlands fuel type. Following completion of a handline around the approximately 35 acre fire all resources hiked back up to the helispot (spike camp). As resources returned to helispot, the Incident Commander determined that one firefighter was not accounted for and initiated a search to locate the missing firefighter. The firefighter was in possession of a handheld radio and attempts to contact him throughout the evening were not successful. After several sweeps of the area, law enforcement from local, county and state agencies were requested to assist with the search efforts. Search efforts continued throughout the night until the missing firefighter was found deceased at 0618hrs. Incident Location: Vicinity of Paddy Butte, AZ (USNG: 12S XC 292 230) 

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Stone Lake, WI

Ronald Dwane Ruprecht of the Stone Lake Fire Department in Stone Lake, WI has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-06-10

Initial Summary:  
Lieutenant Ruprecht responded to a false alarm call at approximately 1200hrs. The following morning, he was found by family members having passed away during the night. 

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Salisbury, MA

Timothy Oliveira of the Salisbury Fire Rescue in Salisbury, MA has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-07-29

Initial Summary:  
Lieutenant Oliveira passed away from injuries sustained when the fire department vehicle he was working under fell off of a jack and struck him. Incident Location: 37 Lafayette RD, Salisbury, MA (USNG: 19T CH 4783 4537) 

LODD notices

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Asheville, NC

Jeffrey Scott Bowen of the Asheville Fire Department in Asheville, NC has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-07-28

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Baytown, TX

Gaston Gagne of the Baytown Fire Department in Baytown, TX has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-07-25

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Waterloo, IN

Travis Lee Miller of the Waterloo - Grant Township Fire Department in Waterloo, IN has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-07-19

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Valley Forge, PA

John Lackovic of the Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company in Valley Forge, PA has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-07-11

Four LODD’s to post

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Lake City, FL

Brett Fulton of the Suwannee Forestry Center, Florida Division of Forestry in Lake City, FL has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-06-20

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Lake City, FL

Josh Burch of the Suwannee Forestry Center, Florida Division of Forestry in Lake City, FL has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-06-20 :

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Du Quoin, IL

Corey Shaw of the Du Quoin Fire Department in Du Quoin, IL has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-06-17

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Muncie, IN

Scott Davis of the Muncie Fire Department in Muncie, IN has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-06-15

LODD Notices

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Wenatchee, WA

Garet Rasmussen of the Chelan County Fire District 1 in Wenatchee, WA has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-06-12

Initial Summary:  
Shortly after returning home from a motor vehicle accident response, Battalion Chief Rasmussen passed away from a cause still to be reported. Incident Location: Pending

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: San Francisco, CA

Vincent A. Perez of the San Francisco Fire Department in San Francisco, CA has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-06-02

Initial Summary:  
Lieutenant Perez and Firefighter/Paramedic Valerio passed away from injuries sustained while operating at a house fire in the Diamond Heights district of San Francisco. Incident Location: 133 Berkeley Way (USNG: 10SEG49407706)

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: San Francisco, CA

Anthony M. Valerio of the San Francisco Fire Department in San Francisco, CA has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-06-02

Initial Summary:  
Firefighter/Paramedic Valerio and Lieutenant Perez passed away from injuries sustained while operating at a house fire in the Diamond Heights district of San Francisco. Incident Location: 133 Berkeley Way (USNG: 10SEG49407706)

Embarrassing to say the least!!!!!

Mo. Fire Trucks Collide, Five Firefighters Injured
Platte County firefighters were headed to a house fire when the wreck occurred at an intersection early Monday morning.

 

PLATTE CITY, Mo., May 9 (UPI) -- Five firefighters were seriously injured in the head-on collision of two firetrucks in a rural area of Missouri's Platte County, authorities said. Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2011/05/09/Missouri-firetrucks-collide-five-injured/UPI-90791304961653/#ixzz1Lt8R2T2F Video at this link too!

LODD

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Olive Branch, MS

Charles Foster of the Barton Volunteer Fire Department in Olive Branch, MS has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-04-25

Initial Summary:  
Firefighter Foster passed away in the hospital from a heart attack he had suffered several days earlier while working debris removal related to severe weather incidents in the region. Incident Location: Hwy 309, south of Deer Creek RD (USNG: 16S BD 544 684)

FF’s reactions to the death of Bin Laden

Remember your grand kids may have been born after 9-11 should have some sort or explanation of this event.

Video: FDNY firefighters react to bin Laden's death ‎
FireRescue1 - 2 hours ago

"Osama Bin Laden was responsible for killing 343 members of the FDNY on Sept. 11, 2001. Tonight, in firehouses throughout the city, our members are grateful ...

http://youtu.be/m-gVaawCRJk

Video: Obama Praises Military for Bin Laden Operation

The Associated Press

Firefighters on bin Laden death: "Good riddance"‎ - CBS News
Obama: Al-Qaida head bin Laden dead‎ - Argus Press

Fire Fighters Issue Statement on the Death of Osama bin Laden

Another Good prior to arrival video

A little old but I had not seen this. Good prior to arrival video of this single family home. Good tactics and strategy video. Deck gun put into operation, that’s what it’s for. No tenable victims, probably not. Save the exposures, save what's left.

LODD

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Neon, KY

from USFA Firefighter Fatalities

Michael C. Webb of the Neon Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department in Neon, KY has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-04-26

Initial Summary:
Fire Captain Webb passed away from an apparent heart attack at his home shortly after responding to an all-terrain vehicle accident in a mountainous area. Incident Location: Millstone, KY (USNG: 17S LB 44 14)

Email Link

Had a comment on email notification --- Hey ­my very first comment on your site. I have been reading your blog for a while and thought I would completely pop in and drop a friendly note. It is great stuff indeed. I also wanted to ask..is there a way to subscribe to your site via email?

Thee is a link on the right side that lets you ener your email to suscribe via email for this site.



 

Restaurant Building Fires Report

New report From USFA and FEMA  - Where does your NFIRS information go, here is one example.

Restaurant Building Fires Emmitsburg, MD – The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) United States Fire Administration (USFA) issued a special report today examining the characteristics of restaurant building fires. The report, Restaurant Building Fires, was developed by USFA's National Fire Data Center and is based on 2007 to 2009 data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS).

Apr 12: This new report from USFA examines the characteristics of restaurant building fires from 2007 to 2009, during which an estimated 5,900 fires occurred annually causing $172 million in property loss.

According to the report:

• An estimated 5,900 restaurant building fires occur annually in the United States, resulting in an estimated average of 75 injuries and $172 million in property loss.
• The leading cause of all restaurant building fires is cooking at 59 percent and nearly all of these cooking fires (91 percent) are small, confined fires with limited damage.
• While cooking is the leading cause of all restaurant building fires as well as the smaller, confined restaurant building fires, electrical malfunction is the leading cause of the larger, nonconfined restaurant building fires.
• Nonconfined restaurant building fires most often start in cooking areas and kitchens (41 percent).
• Deep fryers (9 percent), ranges (7 percent), and miscellaneous kitchen and cooking equipment (5 percent) are the leading types of equipment involved in ignition in nonconfined restaurant building fires.
• Smoke alarms were reported as present in 44 percent of nonconfined restaurant building fires. In addition, full or partial automatic extinguishment systems, mainly sprinklers, were present in 47 percent of nonconfined restaurant building fires.

Download HERE

• Restaurant Building Fires (PDF, 829 Kb)

LODD–Two

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Becker, MS

Jacob Anthony Carter of the Becker-Athens Volunteer Fire Department in Becker, MS has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-04-17

Initial Summary:  
While responding to a mutual aid fire call, Firefighter Carter suffered multiple traumatic injuries when his 2002 Ford Explorer ran off the road, overturned and struck a tree. Firefighter Carter passed away at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. Investigation into the accident continues. Incident Location: McCullen Road and Fowlke

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Eastland, TX

Gregory Mack Simmons of the Eastland Volunteer Fire Department in Eastland, TX has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-04-15

Initial Summary:  
While seeking safety from an area being overrun by flames during wildland firefighting operations, Firefighter Simmons passed away from blunt force trauma consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Reports indicate that while he and other firefighters were trying to escape the fire, Simmons exited his apparatus and ran into or near a smoke obscured roadway and was struck by an unknown vehicle. Investigation into the fatal incident continues by local and state authorities. Incident Location: County Road 323, Carbon/Eastland, TX (USNG: 14S NA 21 70) 

AFG Funding

From  FDNN site - On Monday, February 1st, the Obama Administration released its Fiscal Year 2011 budget proposal, detailing requested funding levels for programs and offices in the federal budget.
The approximately $3.8 trillion budget includes $45.6 billion for homeland security spending.  Although the proposal increases funding in some areas, it contains significant cuts to firefighter grant programs.  
The budget includes $305 million for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.  Although an increase from the $170 million contained in last year's budget proposal, the figure falls short of the $390 million appropriated by Congress for the current fiscal year.  The grant program, which received approximately $3.1 billion in requests in Fiscal Year 2009, provides funding for critical equipment, training, and apparatus directly to local fire departments.  It also provides grants for fire prevention and safety programs and firefighter health and safety research. Full Story HERE

LODD

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Tar Heel, NC

David Hunsinger, Jr. of the Tar Heel Rural Volunteer Fire Department in Tar Heel, NC has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-04-07

Initial Summary:  
Firefighter Hunsinger, while responding to a brush fire call in his personal vehicle, was involved in a collision and passed away from injuries sustained from the accident. 

Odd Fire News today

Firefighters To Extinguish Blazes With 'Harry Potter' Wand
MyFox Los Angeles
(NewsCore) - BOSTON -- Scientists have invented a way of controlling fires using a wand that puts out flames by zapping them with electricity, a physicist said Sunday. The Harry Potter-style device could enable firefighters to quell flames without ...
See all stories on this topic »

Future Firefighters Could Fight Fire With Blasts of Flame-Bending Electricity
Popular Science
But fundamentally, we're still fighting fires the old fashioned way: point hose/bucket/pressurized container and drench. But a team of Harvard researchers envisions a day when firefighters will snuff out flames not with a physical suppressant but with ...
See all stories on this topic »

A fire truck that suppresses fires without water
By Bill
A new design for a fire truck for suppressing wildland fires, using sand.
Wildfire Today - http://wildfiretoday.com/

Boat like nothing we've seen
Quad City Times
"We've had fires during floods, and we had no way of getting water to property on the river. "It's just a matter of time before something like that happens again. There's an opportunity for disaster." The fire department currently uses flat-bottom john ...
See all stories on this topic »

Top 10 Actors Who Died in Fires
By JFrater
The 84-year-old Patrick, who played Vaughn Leland in the hit soap Dallas, was found dead by firefighters, with the body of his dog Josh on the floor next to him. It took more than 50 firefighters 30 minutes to put out the fire, ...
Listverse - http://listverse.com/

LODD

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Lee, FL

James Von Roden of the Lee Community Volunteer Fire Department in Lee, FL has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-03-12

Initial Summary:  
Captain Von Roden was responding to the fire station for an outdoor fire call when he collapsed from a cause still under investigation. Captain Von Roden was transported to a local hospital where he passed away from his injury. Incident Location: 9782 Southeast River Road, Madison County

Wake and Mass Information for Retired Chicago Battalion Chief Raymond Hoff. Please click link for details:

CITY OF CHICAGO MEMORIAL
SERVICES FOR RETIRED BATTALION CHIEF
RAYMOND C. HOFF

OF BATTALION 4 WILL BE
HELD ON MARCH 26, 2011 AT HOLY FAMILY
CHURCH, 1080 W. ROOSEVELT ROAD
WAKE (AT CHURCH)
0900 HOURS TO 1100 HOURS
FOLLOWED BY A MASS AT 1100 HOURS
UNIFORM MEMBERS
WALK‐THRU AT 1030 HOURS

LODD

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Westport, KY

Chris Stock of the Westport Volunteer Fire Department in Westport, KY has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-02-24

Initial Summary:  
Several hours after participating in a training exercise related to wildland fire incidents, Fire Chief Stock passed away from a heart attack he suffered while at his residence. 

LODD

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Toomsuba, MS

Larry Gressett, Sr. of the Toomsuba Volunteer Fire Department in Toomsuba, MS has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-02-17

Initial Summary:  
Firefighter Gressett responded to a scene of an accident at a local lake. A man had been in a boat with his grandson when he fell into the water. On arrival, a couple of the firefighters, including Firefighter Gressett, went into the water to rescue the man. Firefighter Gressett's body cramped up and he drowned.

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Garden City Park, NY

Thomas V. Regan of the Garden City Park Fire Department in Garden City Park, NY has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-01-26

Initial Summary:  
Firefighter Regan passed away from an injury he suffered from a fall while responding to a carbon-monoxide alarm during an ice storm in late January

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Frankfort, KY

Donald R. Lam of the Kentucky Division of Forestry in Frankfort, KY has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2010-09-07

Initial Summary:  
Firefighter Lam passed away from injuries sustained while engaged in fire suppression activities for the Scotts Chapel Road Fire, a 12-acre wildfire that occurred in Livingston County, Kentucky, in September, 2010. Firefighter Lam was clearing a fire break for containment at the base of a bluff when a burning snag broke loose on top and rolled downhill over a small bluff and struck Lam from behind. Firefighter Lam was knocked out and sustained a serious head injury that left him unconscious, a fractured hip, bruises, and 2nd degree leg burns on his calves. Incident Location: Scotts Chapel Road, Livingston County, KY (USNG: USNG: 16S CG 79 13)

LODD Notices

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Guntown, MS

Joshua Wilkes of the Unity Fire Department in Guntown, MS has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-02-13 

Initial Summary:  
Upon leaving the scene of an outdoor fire and while returning to quarters, Firefighter Wilkes and another firefighter stopped at a convenience store to fill their apparatus with fuel. After entering the inside of the convenience store, Firefighter Wilkes suffered a medical emergency and passed away. The nature and cause of Firefighter Wilkes' injury is still to be determined. Incident Location: Woco-Saltillo, 189 Mobile ST, Saltillo, MS 38866 (USNG: 16S CD 4416 0537) 

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Kadena, DC

Derek Kozorosky of the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron in Kadena, DC has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-02-11

Initial Summary:  
Airman First Class Kozorosky passed away at the Camp Lester Naval Hospital following a vehicle mishap. Details for the fatal incident are pending a full investigation by authorities. Incident Location: Kadena Air Base, Japan (MGRS: 52R CQ 7626 1429) 

Funny!

All over the Blog-o-sphere, a series  on a satirical look at volunteer firefighting. Is this the next Rescue Me? Worth a watch-

WARNING: ADULT content

http://www.youtube.com/user/justonmckinney

justonmckinney  A comedy series about a volunteer fire department in Effingwoods NH. In this episode Ben (Juston McKinney) and Smitty (Gary Valentine) respond to a fire call. This episode co-stars Lenny Clarke (Rescue Me).

Episodes One and Two

LODD

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Smithfield, NC

from USFA Firefighter Fatalities

Richard "Ricky" Leo Barbour of the Wilson's Mills Fire and Rescue in Smithfield, NC has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-01-29

Initial Summary:  
Chief Barbour responded to a woods fire on 01/29/2011. The following day (within 24 hours), Barbour experienced chest pains and was transported to WakeMed in Raleigh, NC. Chief Barbour was treated at the hospital but never recovered from his injury and passed away just before midnight on 02/04/2011. Incident Location: Lakewood Road, Smithfield, NC. (USNG: 17S QV 28 31)  

Another Resource rewind - Abandoned Buildings

This has been out for a while. This information is available for you to read and use if it is related to your area of response. The Abandoned Building Project Toolbox from interFIRE

Abandoned Building Project Toolbox - interFIRE, A site dedicated ...

Links from Inter Fire’s Web site

Presentations
Background Paper- PDF, Word
Evaluation Field Manual- PDF, Word, Board Up Specifications
Evaluation Form- PDF

Background Materials
Building Evaluation- PowerPoint
Building Evaluation Lesson Plan- PDF, Word
Building Security- PowerPoint, PDF, Word
Community Group Talk- PowerPoint, PDF, Word
Community Group Leader- PowerPoint, PDF, Word
Fire Department Operations- PowerPoint, PDF, Word

Speakers Notes
Building Evaluation- PDF
Building Security- PDF
Community Group Talk- PDF
Community Group Leader- PDF
Fire Department Operations- PDF

Support Materials
Abandoned Building Support- PDF
Firefighter Fatality Investigation Report 2005-09- PDF
Houston NIOSH Report- PDF
NIOSH Report Worcester- PDF
US Park Service Preservation Brief- PDF
Sample Floor Plan- PDF
Worcester Task Force Report- PDF

Online Presentation- Vacant and Abandoned Properties
Media Produced by The Public Safety Education Network

More

Watch This Presentation - Public Safety Education Network

USFA

• Coffee Break Training: Abandoned Buildings (PDF, 178 Kb)

• Abandoned Building Project Toolbox

LODD Notices

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Avon, IL

Daniel C. Dare of the Avon Fire Protection District in Avon, IL has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-02-01

Initial Summary:  
Firefighter Dare passed away from an apparent heart attack after responding to an EMS call for a sick child. Department members and other emergency services providers in the area were confronted by extreme weather conditions during the response, which was eventually canceled when the child's reported illness moderated. Firefighter Dare's vehicle had become stuck in the snow during the response and was extricated with the assistance of another department member. Upon returning home, Dare became ill in his driveway and his wife attempted to drive him to the department for assistance. She also became stuck in the snow and was assisted by the same firefighter who earlier had helped Firefighter Dare extricate his vehicle. Upon arrival at the fire station, Avon fire-rescue personnel were waiting and performed CPR on Firefighter Dare for over 30 minutes. Due to the weather and road conditions, additional help could not reach the community and, according to reports, by 0100hrs, responders were told by medical control to stop their resuscitation efforts. Incident Location: 73 170th ST, Avon, IL 61415 (USNG: 15T YF 1439 0110) 

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Indianapolis, IN

Steven F. Auch of the Indianapolis Fire Department in Indianapolis, IN has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-02-01

Initial Summary:  
Within several hours of finishing a duty shift at the department that included response to emergency incidents, Battalion Chief Auch passed away at home from a cause still to be determined. 

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Augusta, GA

Antonio E. Jones of the Augusta Fire Department in Augusta, GA has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-01-29

Initial Summary:  
Firefighter Jones became ill while on duty at his duty station and requested to leave in order to see his personal family physician. While enroute to the physician's office he collapsed at the wheel of his personal vehicle causing a minor accident. Firefighters responding to the accident immediately began advanced life support and continued treatment to the ER where Firefighter Jones passed away from a cause still to be determined. Incident Location: 3400 block of Wrightsboro Road (USNG: 17S MT 0012 0372).

Rewind–Art of Reading Smoke

Those of you that haven’t seen, taken the course or even aware of it. This is must take class to take, video below is recent fire that shows a good example of what the class can provide you in the way of knowing the conditions that surround the fire scene. Learn when to commit! This stuff is basic fire science use it. Are you part of the solution or part of the problem?

LINKS:

Art of Reading Smoke PowerPoint Art of Reading Smoke PowerPoint. Share · Tweet. Tuesday, April 27, 2010 Thanks to Dave Dodson for providing this download to FirefighterCloseCalls.com

Art of Reading Smoke - Fire Training On Youtube 2 min - Jun 20, 2007 - Uploaded by FireEngineering. Dave Dodson shows how us how to "read" the smoke that fire fighters encounter on the fire scene. From Fire Engineering.

Dave Dodson - Reading Smoke 10 min - Sep 17, 2009 - Uploaded by CTBS2010
Firefighter Life Safety

Dave Dotsons Web Site: Response Solutions - Your home for "Reading Smoke" & Firefighter ... The ART of Reading Smoke is a new decision-making approach to rapid size-up at structural fires. This course was developed and refined by Dave Dodson www.readingsmoke.com/

Springfield, VA on Fire

LODD (3)

USFA Firefighter Fatalities

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Parkton, NC James Walters, Sr. of the Parkton Volunteer Fire Department in Parkton, NC has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-01-29

Initial Summary:  
Assistant Chief Walters collapsed while doing paperwork at the fire station. Fire department personnel immediately performed CPR. He was transported to the Cape Fear Valley Medical Center where he passed away from an apparent heart attack.

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: West Memphis, AR David Eason of the West Memphis Fire Department in West Memphis, AR has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-01-26

Initial Summary:  
During a training exercise at the Arkansas Fire Academy in East Camden, Arkansas, Firefighter Recruit Eason went into cardiac arrest while performing a hose trace evolution. Paramedics were on-site and immediately performed CPR and advanced life support. However, Firefighter Recruit Eason passed away at the hospital approximately 30 minutes later. Cause of death is under investigation. 

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Dixon, MO Leslie "Les" Clark of the Dixon Rural Fire Protection District in Dixon, MO has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-01-20

Initial Summary:  
Captain Clark passed away after suffering a medical emergency while responding to a reported structure fire. Captain Clark was operating a tanker when he advised a crew member that he felt as if he might pass out, and then lost consciousness. The other firefighter reached over and applied the air brake to stop the vehicle. He and firefighters from the apparatus following the tanker removed Captain Clark and began CPR. Ground and Air ambulances were summoned to the scene and treatment continued. Captain Clark, however, did not survive his injury and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Maries County Coroner.

LODD

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Towson, MD

Mark G. Falkenhan of the Baltimore County Fire Department - Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company in Towson, MD has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-01-19

Initial Summary:  
Incident Description: Firefighter Falkenhan died from injuries sustained when he became caught and trapped by rapidly progressing fire conditions in a multi-story residential apartment building. Firefighter Falkenhan called a mayday about 20 minutes into the call. He was on the third floor, searching for fire victims. His partner was able to escape through a window on the third floor. Firefighters found Falkenhan near the balcony and delivered him to paramedics, who administered advanced life support measures and transported him to St. Joseph Medical Center. Fire crews rescued two civilians who critically injured. An adult female was transported to the Johns Hopkins Bayview Burn Center, and an adult male was transported to Sinai Hospital. The fire was contained by firefighters to a single garden-apartment building. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by authorities. Incident Location: Dowling Circle, Towson Crossing apartments

LODD’s

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Brooklyn, NY

William Henry Quick of the Fire Department City of New York in Brooklyn, NY has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2001-09-11

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Chicago, IL

Patrick Hannon of the Chicago Fire Department in Chicago, IL has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-01-15

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Sandown, NH

Harold Frey of the Sandown Fire and Rescue Department in Sandown, NH has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-01-16

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Downs, KS

Jim Duane Niles of the Downs Fire Department in Downs, KS has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-01-13

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Downs, KS

Jim Duane Niles of the Downs Fire Department in Downs, KS has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-01-13

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Quincy, CA

William (Bill) Floyd Hopman of the Quincy Volunteer Fire Department in Quincy, CA has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-01-10

New USFA Report

USFA Releases Attic Fires in Residential Buildings Report

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) issued a special report today examining the characteristics of Attic Fires in Residential Buildings. Developed by USFA's National Fire Data Center, the report is based on 2006 to 2008 data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS).

According to the report:

• An estimated 10,000 attic fires in residential buildings occur annually in the United States, resulting in an
• estimated average of 30 deaths, 125 injuries, and $477 million in property damage.
• The leading cause of all attic fires is electrical malfunction (43 percent).
• The most common heat source is electrical arcing (37 percent).
• Almost all residential building attic fires are nonconfined (99 percent) and a third of all residential building attic fires spread to involve the entire building.
• Ninety percent of residential attic fires occur in one- and two-family residential buildings.
• Residential building attic fires are most prevalent in December (12 percent) and January (11 percent) and peak between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m.

Yet another LODD

Just posted the last two here is another one from USFA

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Blasdell, NY

Jarrett Eleam of the Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company in Blasdell, NY has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2010-01-10

Lieutenant Eleam fell ill during routine SCBA training at the firehouse. Eleam was treated and taken to Mercy Hospital by the fire company's EMS unit. After being admitted to the hospital, Lieutenant Eleam's condition rapidly deteriorated and he passed away from a cause still to be determined. Incident Location: 4307 S Park AVE, Blasdell, NY 14219-2837 (USNG: 17T PH 7800 3865) 

LODD Notices

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Brooklyn, NY

Roy Chelsen of the Fire Department City of New York in Brooklyn, NY has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2001-09-11 Firefighter Chelsen passed away from bone-marrow cancer resulting from his response to the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11th, 2001. 

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Kansas City, MO

Richard Paul of the Kansas City Fire Department in Kansas City, MO has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-01-07 Firefighter Paul suffered a medical emergency while walking on a treadmill during a heart stress test, a portion of the annual fire department physical examination. Firefighter Paul was treated by emergency personnel and transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injury and passed away.

And so it Starts for 2011–No seat belt?

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Shapleigh, ME

David Remington, Sr. of the Shapleigh Fire Department in Shapleigh, ME has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-01-03

Initial Summary:  
Driver/Operator Remington was responding to a motor vehicle accident call on Owls Nest Road when for a cause still under investigation he lost control of his personally owned vehicle, a 2005 Chevrolet pickup truck, and crashed off of the roadway striking at tree. Remington was ejected from the vehicle and passed away from his injuries at the accident scene. Incident Location: Vicinity of 176 Shapleigh Corner Road

http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/news/fullstory/newsid/125575

2010 LODD’s

Statistics according to the USFA: USFA LODD's

51 were Volunteer, 25 were career, 1 was full time wildland, and 1 was paid-call.
18 were at the station, 17 were at a fire, 16 were responding to a call, 6 were training, 4 were at non-fire calls, 1 was returning from a call and 1 was categorized other.
Nature of Fatal Injury: 43 Heart Attack, 20 Trauma, 5 Other, 4 Asphyxiation, 2 CVA, 1 Crushed, 1 Burns,  1 Heat Exhaustion, 1 Unknown.

Age of Firefighter When the Fatal Injury Was Sustained:

2 - Under 21,

5 - 21 to 25,

4 - 26 to 30,

10 - 31 to 40,

14 - 41 to 50,

20 - 51 to 60,

23 - 61 and Over

Firefighter Fatalities by State by Location of Fire Service Organization:
3 Arkansas
2 Arizona
3 California
4 Connecticut
1 Delaware
1 Georgia
1 Iowa
1 Idaho
7 Illinois
3 Indiana
5 Kansas
2 Kentucky
2 Massachusetts
1 Maine
2 Missouri
1 Mississippi
3 North Carolina
1 New Jersey
8 New York
8 Ohio
1 Oklahoma
7 Pennsylvania
2 South Carolina
2 Texas
3 Virginia
1 Vermont
1 Washington
1 Wisconsin
1 West Virginia

Lets see if 2011 can be even safer!