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OCT/NOV., 2016
LIGHTNING STRIKE SUSPECTED AS CAUSE OF HENRICO HOUSE FIRE
HENRICO FIRE
Henrico, VA - As thunderstorms moved through Henrico County on the afternoon of September 28th, firefighters received a call for a possible house fire in the 900 block of Jamerson Place, near Twin Hickory Elementry School. Upon arrival, personnel discovered smoke coming from the back of a two-story home and immediately began firefighting efforts. - See full story on page 18
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October/November, 2016
WEST VIRGINIA
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1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
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Firefighters Respond to Working House Fire Berkeley Springs, WV - On Monday, September 12th, Morgan County 911 received reports of a structure fire in the Pious Ridge area. At 4:59 P.M., units were dispatched out on Box 1-5 to 180 James Brice Way. Berkeley Springs responded shorty JUMP TO FILE# after dispatch. Ser- 091516100 geant-1 from Berkeley Springs quickly requested the Working Fire assignment, as a column of black smoke was visible from the Warm Springs Middle School, located over four miles from the scene. Washington County Engine 5-2 was the first arriving unit that evening to find a single-story modular home with fire showing from the roof area. Engine 5-2 confirmed that they had a working fire to dispatch and quickly deployed two handlines to make an aggressive attack on the fire. Hancock was able to make a good knock-down within 15-to-20 minutes of their arrival on the scene. The home sustained heavy fire damage, which was contained to the roof and attic area of the home, along with heavy smoke damage to the rest of the house. The residents were home at the time of the fire, but the family was able to safely evacuate the structure and call 911. No injuries were reported and the family is currently receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. Fire crews were on the scene for nearly two-and-a-half hours after the fire was knocked down, conducting overhaul operations. The home was believed to be a total loss due to the damage to the ceiling and roof area of the house. Damages were estimated to be around $85,000. The cause of the fire is currently undetermined and under investigation. Units responding to the call included Morgan County crews from Berkeley Springs Fire Co. 1, Great Cacapon Fire Co. 2, South Morgan Fire Co. 3, Berkeley Springs EMS Co. 7 and Berkeley County Sheriff Reserves. Berkeley Springs Fire received out-ofcounty assistance from Allegany County, MD's Little Orleans Fire Co. 43, Washington County, MD's Hancock Fire Co. 5, Clear Spring Fire Co. 4, Washington County Air Unit-25 and Rehab Unit-255, as well as Fulton County, PA's Needmore Fire Co.55.
Firefighters from the Tri-State area respond to the working fire in the Pious Ridge area.
BERKELEY SPRINGS VFD
The house sustained heavy fire and smoke damage, estimated at around $85,000.
JOHN BORELLI
- WILLIAM KING
JOHN BORELLI
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
October/November, 2016
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October/November, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
WEST VIRGINIA
Broken Hydrants Hamper Firefighters in Kearneysville Kearneysville, WV - On the morning of Friday, October 14th, Berkeley County 911 dispatched units out from Baker Heights Fire Department, Veterans Affairs Fire Department and Berkeley County Medic-98 at 2:40 JUMP TO FILE # A.M. for a structure 101616102 fire. Berkeley County 911 had reports of a fully involved structure at 3521 Charles Town Road. Call takers reported hearing an audible smoke alarm in the background on one of the calls. Assistant Chief-80 requested additional units on the call with the reports given by dispatch. V.A. Engine-82 was the firstdue unit and confirmed a working fire. Engine-82 reported a singlestory rancher with fire showing on side "Charlie". Firefighters worked diligently under heavy fire conditions which were already through the roof. Their efforts were hampered by water supply issues caused by damaged hydrants at the location, delaying efforts as crews fighting the blaze were running out
of water. Interior operations had to be suspended for a brief period until a dependable water supply was established. Once water supply was established, crews went back to work, re-entering the structure to battle the blaze. Once inside, crews were able to make headway on the fire as they worked to bring it under control. Firefighters were then forced to evacuate the structure again after the supply line was damaged by a tractor trailer severing the line. Crews worked to quickly re-establish water supply as the fire began to grow again. Firefighters were able to get back to work once the water was re-established, finally getting a knock on the fire. Firefighters worked for over an hour battling the morning blaze, which destroyed the residence. Three occupants were home at the time of the fire but were able to escape the flames. One female occupant was evaluated by Medic 98-8’s crew on the scene and then transported to Berkeley Medical Center for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported from the incident. The American Red Cross was called in to assist the
Crews from V.A. Center and Baker Heights arrive to find heavy fire showing.
displaced family. The cause of the blaze has not yet been determined and is currently under investigation. Fire crews were on the scene for over five hours. Baker Heights
Fire Co. 60 responded out, with assistance from Veterans Affairs Medical Center Fire Co. 80, Air National Guard 167th, Shepherdstown Fire Co. 3, South Berkeley
EPWFIRES
Fire Co. 20, Bedington Fire Co. 40 and Berkeley County Emergency Ambulance Authority Co. 98. - WILLIAM KING
B.S.V.F.C.
Crews arrived to find a single vehicle that struck a utility pole, with the driver unconscious and still inside the vehicle.
Berkeley Springs Responds to Fatal Accident Berkeley Springs, WV - During the early morning hours of Saturday, October 4th, Morgan County 911 received reports of a serious accident on Martinsburg Road. Crews out of Berkeley Springs Fire Company-1 and Morgan County EMS Company7 were dispatched out at 5:13 A.M. to the area of Hill Billy Heaven in the 3300 block of Martinsburg Road. Morgan County 911 had reports of a single-vehicle crash involving a power pole that snapped in half with electrical lines down in the area. The Morgan County Sheriff Department was the first to arrive shortly after dispatch to find a Chevy Cobalt that left the roadway and
struck a utility pole, snapping it in JUMP TO FILE #101616100
two places. The driver was still in the vehicle and unconscious, with a severe hemorrhage from the head. Morgan Medic 7-1 arrived and confirmed dispatch, requesting availability on aviation, which was down due to dense fog in the area. Captain-1 arrived on Rescue Squad-1 shortly after Morgan Medic-7 and assumed Martinsburg Road Command. Firefighters and Paramedics worked quickly to re-
move the patient from the wreckage. Morgan Medic 7-1 transported the patient as Priority-1 to War Memorial Hospital in Berkeley Springs, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Fire Department personnel remained on the scene for about one hour after removal of the patient until all hazards were able to be removed. The roadway remained closed until approximately 7:00 A.M. The cause of the accident has not been released and is currently under investigation by the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department. - WILLIAM KING
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
October/November, 2016
PAGE 5
WEST VIRGINIA
ZACHARY SIPE
BSVFC
Berkeley Springs Volunteer Fire Company responds out to Priority1 entrapment.
Berkeley Springs Wagon-13 and Rescue Squad-1 arrive to find a working fire with entrapment in this trailer.
Burn Patient Succumbs to Injuries
Patient Flown to Innova Fairfax Hospital After MVC at Johns Hopkins Bayview Berkeley Springs, WV - On Friday, September 16th, emergency crews in Morgan County were alerted for a two-vehicle-accident at 4:41 P.M. on Box 1-43. Units from Berkeley Springs Company-1 and Morgan County EMS Co. 7 responded out for a reported accident with injuries at the intersection of Martinsburg Road and Fairfax Street. Morgan County EMS Chief-7 arrived shortly after dispatch to find two vehicles, with one occupant still in the vehicle. After a quick evaluation, Chief-7 reported that he had two patients; one unresponsive in the vehicle needing a door pop. Berkeley Springs Engine-12 and Rescue Squad-1 arrived shortly after Morgan Chief-7 and confirmed one entrapment. Firefighters off Engine-12 and Squad-1 went to work beginning extrication operations as dispatch worked on starting additional resources, including aviation to the scene. Berkeley Springs Emergency Crews from Companies 1 and 7 worked together, caring for the non-trapped patient while working to conduct a rapid extrication of the trapped patient. Command reported extrication complete nearly 11 minutes after their arrival on the scene. Morgan County EMS handled transport of both patients involved in the accident. One was trans-
JUMP TO FILE #091716103 ported by Medic 7-4 to War Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. The second patient who was entrapped was transported by Medic 7-6 to the landing zone set up by Great Cacapon Engine 2-1 at the Warm Springs Middle School. Upon arrival of Health Net-8 out of Martinsburg, care was quickly transferred over to the flight paramedic and the patient was flown out to Innova Fairfax Hospital. The accident is currently under investigation by the Morgan County Sheriff’s office. A cause for the incident has not yet been released. The condition of the first patient at War Memorial was not known. The second patient who was airlifted out to Innova Fairfax by Health Net-8 unfortunately later succumbed to her injuries. Emergency crews from Berkeley Springs Fire Co. 1 and Morgan EMS Medic-7 worked together to rapidly extricate and treat both patients, with additional assistance from Health Net-8, Great Cacapon Fire Co. 2, the Morgan County Sheriff’s office and Morgan County Sheriff Reserve Units.
Berkeley Springs, WV - On the night of Tuesday, September 13th, Morgan County 911 received reports of a mobile home fire near Berkeley Springs. Emergency crews were quickly dispatched out on Box 1-55 to 103 Treetop Lane around 10:15 P.M. Morgan County 911 received the call reporting one occupant possibly still in the trailer which was on fire. The Berkeley Springs Fire Chief was the first to arrive, finding a camping trailer on fire and quickly confirmed one occupant still inside. Wagon-13 and Rescue Squad-1 arrived shortly after the chief and worked together to initiate rescue efforts. Crews were able to quickly find the patient and pull him from the burning trailer. Once the patient was pulled from the trailer, crews were able to focus on getting the fire under control while firefighters and rescue crews worked to revive the patient. Upon removal of the trapped
JUMP TO FILE #091716100 occupant, firefighters were able to conduct an aggressive attack, gaining quick control of the fire. Fire crews were able to get a knock down of the fire within 20-to-30 minutes after the initial dispatch. Once the fire was knocked, crews stayed on-scene conducting overhaul operations for nearly one hour before scaling the incident back. The patient rescued from the trailer was transported as Priority-1 in cardiac arrest by Berkeley Springs Medic-7, with assistance of firefighters from Berkeley Springs Fire. Crews performed CPR and were able to regain a pulse prior to their arrival at War Memorial. The patient was stabilized and then flown out by Life Net-81 from Hagerstown to Johns Hopkins Bayview in Baltimore, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The cause of the blaze is not currently known and is under investigation by the West Virginia State Police Fire Marshal’s office and Morgan County Sheriff’s Department. No other injuries were reported during the incident. Berkeley Springs Fire Co. 1 and Morgan County Medic-7 responded out, with assistance from Great Cacapon Fire Co. 2, Washington County’s Hancock Fire Co. 5, Washington County’s Hancock EMS Co. 59, Washington County’s Clear Spring Fire Co. 4, Allegany County’s Little Orleans Fire Co. 43, Fulton County’s Nevermore Fire Co. 55 and Life Net-81, based at Hagerstown Regional Airport. Other assistance was rendered by the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department, Morgan County SO Deputy Reserves, West Virginia State DNR and West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s office. - WILLIAM KING
- WILLIAM KING
Visit us on web
www.1rbn.com Patient being flown out to Johns Hopkins Bayview by Life Net-81.
BERKELEY SPRINGS FIRE
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October/November, 2016
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1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
In memory of those who gave all 1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty
Pennsylvania: Charles E. Horan, 61 Rank: Safety Officer Incident Date: September 19, 2016 Death Date: September 21, 2016 Fire Department: North Belle Vernon Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: While preparing to leave home for a response call to assist law enforcement gain access to the roof of a building, Fire Safety Officer Horan tripped and fell, suffering a severe injury. Safety Officer Horan was treated by fellow responders and transported to the hospital where, despite all efforts, he succumbed to his injuries several days later. Delaware: Christopher M. Leach, 41 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: September 24, 2016 Death Date: September 24, 2016 Fire Department: Wilmington Fire Department Initial Summary: In the early morning hours of September 24th, Wilmington firefighters were dispatched to a burning brick row home on the 1900 block of Lakeview Road. Soon after arrival, believing that there were still residents trapped in the home, firefighters entered the structure. While searching the interior, several firefighters fell through a collapsing floor killing two of them: Lieutenant Christopher M. Leach, 41, and Senior Firefighter Jerry W. Fickes, 51. Two other firefighters were critically injured but reported to be in stable condition. The family in the home at the time of the fire, including six children, managed to escape through the back of the residence. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. Investigation into the fatal fire continues by local, state, and federal authorities. Delaware: Jerry W. Fickes, 51 Rank: Senior Firefighter Incident Date: September 24, 2016 Death Date: September 24, 2016 Fire Department: Wilmington Fire Department Initial Summary: In the early morning hours of September 24th, Wilmington firefighters were dispatched to a burning brick row home on the 1900 block of Lakeview Road. Soon after arrival, believ-
ing that there were still residents trapped in the home, firefighters entered the structure. While searching the interior, several firefighters fell through a collapsing floor killing two of them: Lieutenant Christopher M. Leach, 41, and Senior Firefighter Jerry W. Fickes, 51. Two other firefighters were critically injured but reported to be in stable condition. The family in the home at the time of the fire, including six children, managed to escape through the back of the residence. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. Investigation into the fatal fire continues by local, state, and federal authorities. Missouri: Sean McMullin, 46 Rank: Firefighter/Paramedic Incident Date: September 24, 2016 Death Date: September 24, 2016 Fire Department: West County EMS & Fire Protection District Initial Summary: Firefighter/Paramedic Sean McMullin was found unresponsive while on-duty at West County EMS & Fire Protection District Station 2. Fellow responders initiated lifesaving efforts, but were unsuccessful. The nature and cause of McMullin's fatal injury have not been reported.
New York: Michael J. Fahy, 44 Rank: Battalion Chief Incident Date: September 27, 2016 Death Date: September 27, 2016 Fire Department: Fire Department City of New York Initial Summary: Battalion Chief Michael J. Fahy was struck and killed by debris when a 2-story private residence under investigation for an illicit drug manufacturing operation exploded. Firefighters had first responded to a report of a gas smell at the location and found the drug lab, notifying police, but the house exploded before the situation could be fully assessed and mitigated. The fatal incident remains under investigation by authorities.
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
October/November, 2016
PAGE 7
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Mayor Presents CPR Save Challenge Coin to DC FEMS Personnel Washington, DC - Kenny Miles is alive today and it's because someone learned Hands On Hearts CPR the night before. That someone is Danette Purvis and on October 19th, she and JUMP TO FILE# others were hon- 102416115 ored by Mayor Muriel Bowser for their lifesaving actions. This saga began when Devon Smith, a young intern with Serve DC - The Mayor's Office on Volunterism, requested Hands On Hearts training at the school he attends. FEMS Hands On Hearts trainers Lucky Arevalo, Shelia Henderson and Robin Green set up shop at the Bennett Institute on October 6th. Among those who learned the procedure that night was Miss Purvis. The very next day, a man inside the Connecticut Avenue office building she was working at collapsed in cardiac arrest. Remembering her class from the night before, Miss Purvis got the patient on his back and began chest compressions to the beat of row-row-row your boat. Fellow employees Debbie Goodma n and Erik Johnson pitched in, assisting with the strenuous process as another individual, Mark Warner, raced to retrieve an automatic electronic defibrillator (AED). Metropolitan Police Officer Andy Pham arrived on the scene and applied the AED, while security officer Lemont Redfield provided a clear and fast route for Fire and EMS personnel to reach the patient. They say it takes a village, and this team effort brought a pulse back to a man who may very well have died. The Mayor presented the CPR Save challenge coin to all
DC FIRE AND EMS
Mayor Muriel Bowser presented CPR Save Challenge Coins to all those who participated in the chain of survival.
those who participated in this chain of survival. DC FEMS personnel also honored for their role were EMS Captain Michael Baker, Lieutenant Damien Green, Sargent John Schunk, Paramedic Jasper Sterling, Firefighter/Paramedic Jordan Wiley and Firefighter/EMT's Gary Sampson, Duane Poe, Joseph Speakes, William Harris, James Goldsmith, Woodrow Price and Anthony Lett. This was the second event that week in which individuals were honored for a CPR save. On Monday, October 17th, a smaller ceremony was held at the quarters of Engine-13 for those who revived a retired Air Force General suffering a heart attack in a bus crossing the 14th Street Bridge. Among those presented with the CPR Save Coin by Chief Gregory Dean for resuscitating the general were National Park Service Ranger Jenny Anzelmo-Sarles, along with DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services members
DID YOU K NOW
?
When English chemist John Walker used a stick to stir a pot containing antimony sulfide, potassium chlorate and sulfur in 1826, some of the mixture stuck to the end of the stick. When he tried to scrape the lump from the stick, it quickly and easily caught fire. This led to the birth of friction matches!
Lieutenant Jonathan Johnson, EMS Captain Brent Panek, Firefighter Paramedic Brian Shannon and Firefighter/EMT's Jason Siegel, Kenneth Baylor, Rudolph Blyther and James Seavey.
DC FIRE AND EMS
Kenny Miles, who went into cardiac arrest and collapsed on October 7th, was saved thanks to Danette Purvis, who attended a Hands On Hearts CPR class the night before Kenny's incident.
It was one-year-ago that Mayor Bowser challenged their agency to implement a community Hands On Hearts training program. Since that time, DCFEMS have trained over 10,000 on how
to do so and urge every District resident to also learn Hands on Hearts CPR. - DC FIRE AND EMS
DC FIRE AND EMS
DCFEMS Needed at Multiple Incidents Washington, DC - Recent incidents in the District during the end of October included a working fire in Southeast and the retrieval of an individual from the C&O canal in Georgetown. JUMP TO FILE# The fire took 102416114 place on Tuesday, October 18th, in a two-story duplex apartment building at 2803 Q Street SE. Units were dispatched at 4:59 P.M. and encountered smoke com-
ing from the roof of the occupied building upon arrival. Flames were found both on the roof and in the attic, the apparent result of repair work done earlier in the day. The blaze was controlled after extensive opening up of the involved area and there were no injuries. On Thursday night, October 20th, a water rescue assignment was dispatched for a reported person in the C&O Canal, near Wisconsin Avenue NW. DCFEMS arrived to find an adult female in the water. Rescue personnel entered the canal wearing their water
rescue suits and were able to remove the uncooperative individual and turn her over to the police. She was transported by an EMS unit for further evaluation. Later that same evening, a box alarm was dispatched to 2330 Good Hope Road SE for smoke reported in a high-rise apartment building. Firefighters traced the smoke to a small fire in the wall of a third-floor laundry room and it was quickly extinguished. - DC FIRE AND EMS
PAGE 8
October/November, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
DELAWARE
Letter to the Editor:
Wilmington Firefighters Jerry Fickes (left) and Christopher Leach.
WILMINGTON FD
Two Wilmington Firefighters Die in Tragic House Fire Wilmington, DE - The Wilmington Fire Department responded to 1927 Lakeview Road for reports of a structure fire during the early morning hours of September 24th. The fire was reported at 2:54 A.M. and upon arrival, firefighters found flames shooting from the windows and doorways in a neighborhood of brick rowhouses. Wilmington FD Battalion Chief James Jobes reported that firefighters were working on the first-floor of the structure when it collapsed, trapping them in the basement. Among those trapped were 41-year-old Lt. Christopher
JUMP TO FILE #092616118 Leach and 51-year-old Senior Firefighter Jerry Fickes. Tragically, both men died in the fire. Four other firefighters were also injured after the collapse, including Ardythe Hope and Brad Speakman, who were both transported to Crozer-Chester Medical Center located in PA, where they were listed in critical, but stable condition. The two other injured firefighters included Terrance Tate and John Cawthray. Both were
transported to Christiana Hospital and discharged the same day. The residents of the home, including one woman and her five children, were able to escape safely prior to firefighters' arrival. The State Fire Marshal's office and ATF were investigating the cause and origin of the blaze. Lt. Christopher Leach was a 14-year veteran, while Senior Firefighter Jerry Fickes was a 13year veteran. Both men are survived by their children and families. - LINDSEY PALMER
Clayton Fire Company Hosts Open House Clayton, DE - On the first Monday of each October, the Clayton Fire Company hosts its annual open house at the fire station. This year was no JUMP TO FILE# different, hosting 101016112 their open house on a perfect Monday evening that fell on October 3rd. "It was one of our biggest," stated company President Robert Faulkner. On display was equipment from surrounding fire companies, inside displays on safety with their partnership with Chesapeake Utilities and Sharp Energy, the state fire school and the state fire marshal's office. The company handed out fire prevention material and of course, the kids' favorite red plastic fire helmets. Refreshments were provided by the Clayton Ladies Auxiliary.
As we get ready to head back into the home heating season, now would be an appropriate time to review the destruction that fire has had on Delawareans and their homes this year so far. Unfortunately the year started with a devastating fire in Wilmington that took the lives of two young children, critically injured their mother and displaced other family members. The cause of the fire has been attributed to items stored too close to a space heater. Through the rest of the winter, three large residential fires in Sussex County caused close to three million dollars of damage. Multiple fire companies responded to each of these fires, and required other fire companies to cover for those working at the fire locations. One of the fires, in Selbyville, destroyed one home and damaged two others. Spring and summer have seen major residential fires in Magnolia, Middletown and Brookland Terrace. These fires displaced at least ten families and caused over $1.3 million in damages. One firefighter was burned at the Brookland Terrace fire, and was hospitalized. Ryan Bradford, a resident of the Paris Villa neighborhood near Magnolia died from smoke inhalation. Fortunately we are always able to change and improve on the ways to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our prized possessions. Messages about the useful life of smoke alarms will be presented during this year’s Fire Prevention Week, October 9 through 15. The recently released Operational and Administrative Analysis of the Dover Fire Department from the Center for Public Safety Management includes the recommendation
On Call ON THE BOOK SHELF Jr
KEVIN WILSON
"We want to thank the citizens who took the time to come out and support our event," stated fire prevention chairman Asst. Chief John
Pridemore. "Without them, this would not be a success."
- KEVIN WILSON
by John Malecky
On Call By Allen B. Locklier,
Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800522-8528 E-mail:support@firep o l i c e - e m s . c - o m www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $19.99 This is a soft cover book measuring six inches by nine inches and has 229 pages. It is a compilation of memoirs of a paramedic firefighter who served a career in the Clark County, Nevada Fire Department whose headquarters is in Las Vegas. During his ca-
JUMP TO FILE #091216157 that the City of Dover adopt the residential fire sprinkler requirements of the 2015 edition of the International Code Council (ICC) International Fie Code. The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office has developed and published an excellent educational brochure on residential fire sprinklers titled “Benefits of Home Fire Sprinklers”. The brochure is available on the website www.statefiremarshal.delaware.g-ov. The Delaware Fire Sprinkler Coalition actively supports these educational efforts and provides additional information through the Fire Sprinkler Initiative website www.firesprinklerinitiative.org. Delawareans and those moving to Delaware must be more active and proactive with regards to home fire safety. Within eight months of this year, we have suffered injury, death and multimillion dollar damages. Also, as Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company Chief Brain Martin expressed in May, volunteer fire company staffing is an ongoing and ever increasing problem. The means to protect ourselves are already provided. We must pay more attention to our personal environments, properly maintain protection devices, and now, request and install residential fire sprinklers in new homes. There is no excuse to expose anyone in Delaware to the dangers and devastation of fire. Thank you, - PAUL W. EICHLER CHAIRMAN DELAWARE FIRE SPRINKLER COALITION
reer he served as a firefighter, paramedic and arson investigator, so the 57 chapters in the book reflect on memories of all three duties and as you can imagine the stories are short! Not all of the stories are “in the field” shall we say as some of them take place in the station and other places. I believe it is helpful to explain a little about Clark County and the fire department. The county itself is the largest in the state of Nevada and is the size of the state of New Jersey which is 7790 square miles. One of its jurisdiction is protection of the Las Vegas strip so alarms on that strip receive a dual response from the county and the city. They also cover the largest part of Las Vegas Valley which is 293 square miles and to three resort townships. They maintain 29 career and 13 volunteer stations the latter being in rural areas. In any event this book is a good read!
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
October/November, 2016
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5-5-5 Firefighter Fitness Part II: The “How” By now you have had enough time to come up with some “whys”. But in case you haven’t, just take a look around during your next shift change or ride in the rig; those are your “whys”. In my last article, I promised you a “how to”; well, JUMP TO FILE# sort of anyway… 072016125 See, the “how” in fitness can be even more complicated than the “why” and because we are firefighters, we tend to make that “how” even more complicated than it needs to be, right?! So maybe this time around we will spend some more time focusing on the “how not’s” rather than the “how to’s,” which surprisingly, may actually be a bit harder. First and foremost, there is no quick and easy fix. If you want to make this work, if you want to do it for yourself, for your family and for your crew, you better plan to be in it for the long haul. Sure, a 28-daychallenge will work, especially one that provides you with what meals to eat, what you should drink and how you need to work out. It’ll work even more so for someone who has been primarily sedentary. But what happens on day 29??? You either re-up your “challenge,” attempt to create on your own the same magic that just occurred, or
it’s back to life as you knew it before. No matter what you see on TV or read in a trade magazine, there is no quick fix, and that’s the hardest pill to swallow. Of course there is still a huge market of products, promising rapid results and ultimate changes. There are even some geared specifically to emergency services personnel. They might look pretty and flashy, or claim to “simulate” real-life training conditions, but here’s a tip; you don’t need them! Do they help? Sure, especially to the person whose just starting out. But over time, what happens to these gimmick products? They end up in a pile on the floor, in the corner, not getting used. Mrs. Pip will tell you that I too, have fallen victim to the next greatest fitness craze, but I call it research so it’s ok; right?? And please, let’s not forget about the thousands of training “styles” that are out there. You can pick from pretty much anything; Fire Fit, Cop Fit, EMS Fit, X Fit, Jump Fit, Box Fit, Planet Fit, You're Fit, I’m Fit, or Whatever Else Fit. Regardless of which you choose, you’re at least picking to be fit, right?! You see, that’s part of the “how” that 555 Fitness focuses on: YOU. It all starts with you and your commitment to bettering yourself, both physically and mentally. The current wave of negativity sweeping through the fire service is
the “look at me” phenomenon, which is allowing the “haters” to take control. These individuals tend to speak from their recliners and say that the only reason we are working out is to look good physically, even when year-after-year, the leading killer of firefighters is still from cardiac related incidents. Remember, you are never just working out. You are training for life, your life, and for those who you respond with, those who are waiting for you at home, and those who you swore to protect. So, where’s the best place to start you may ask? Chances are if you’re still reading this article, you already know the answer to that question. You start by getting up. You start by moving around. YOU are the “how.” Even with the examples I gave above, it’s all you. Every one of them will work for you, but YOU need to make them work and here’s a pro tip; it’s not going to happen overnight. I’m sorry, but fast results, they don’t just come. It’s just like respect within a firehouse; it’s earned. Each and every day that I train, I’m earning my results. Now I’ve told you about the “why” and I’ve told you about the “how.” Next time, I’ll start to talk more about the “how to’s” of fitness in the firehouse. Till then, Train Hard Do Work Stay Safe. - ROBERT "PIP" PIPARO
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October/November, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
VIRGINIA
HENRICO FIRE
Accidental Bedroom Fire Quickly Extinguished Henrico, VA – Around 4:10 A.M. on August 31st, Henrico County Division of Fire units were dispatched for the report of a mattress on fire in the 4900 block of Darrowby Road, near Francistown Road. Units arrived JUMP TO FILE # to find flames com- 091216148 ing from a secondstory bedroom window. Firefighters immediately went inside to extinguish the fire, as well as to search for victims. Both occupants and their dog were found
outdoors and the fire was discovered to be contained to one bedroom. The blaze was quickly contained, although fire personnel spent quite some time checking for hidden fire and fire extension. The incident was under control in less than 20 minutes from arrival. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental in nature. One occupant received minor injuries, but was treated on-scene and did not require transport to the hospital. The occupants were displaced and the Red Cross would be assisting with their needs. - TAYLOR GOODMAN
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
FRANK ROBINSON
Franconia, VA - Franconia Fire Department once ran this 1962 American La France 750/500. The unit is now privately owned.
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
October/November, 2016
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October/November, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES
VIRGINIA
INK INK
1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS
WDCPHOTO/BILL CLARE
Members of both volunteer and career departments salute as the Color Guard passes by.
Loudoun County Holds 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Staatsburg, NY - This tattoo is worn proudly by Staatsburg Fire District Chief Shawn Bell.
Would you like your emergency services related tattoo featured here? Contact Lindsey at Lindsey@1strespondernews.com
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Leesburg, VA - On a warm Sunday night, the people of Leesburg got together to remember 9/11, a date that will forever be etched in the residents of Loudoun County's minds as JUMP TO FILE# they look back and 092016109 remember when members of both career and volunteer departments were requested to respond to the Pentagon to help with fire and and rescue operations. Some units were sent to Fairfax County to man the empty stations before being sent to the Pentagon later on. As members of the Combined Leesburg Police and the Loudoun County Sheriff's Department's Honor Guard presented the colors, a silence fell over the gathering that took place on the lawn of Leesburg Town Hall. One could hear a pin drop as the flag was presented. A local Girl Scout Troop recited the Pledge of Allegiance which was followed up by Kimberly Sweiff of Loudoun County High School singing the Star Spangled Banner. David Butler, the Mayor of Leesburg, spoke about those who gave their lives that fateful day. Pastor Jim Wisher of the United Methodist Church lit a candle of hope and the service ended with the sounds of bag pipers. - WILLIAM CLARE
WDCPHOTO/BILL CLARE
Mayor David Butler of Leesburg speaks at the ceremony.
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October/November, 2016
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VIRGINIA
HENRICO FIRE
Blaze Damages Home in Glen Allen Glen Allen, VA – At 2:30 P.M. on October 24th, Henrico firefighters were dispatched for the report of a house fire in the 11200 block of Old Washington Highway. The first firefighters arrived within five minutes to find members of the Henrico Recreation and Parks Department on the scene, using a garden hose in an attempt to control the fire. These members from the Recreation and Parks De-
JUMP TO FILE #102616100 partment happened to be driving by when they noticed the fire and wanted to help suppress it prior to fire department arrival. The fire was located in the rear of a two-story home. No one was home at the time of the blaze, so firefighters forced their way into
the home with a hose line. The fire was located in the rear corner of the home and quickly knocked down with the water from the first arriving fire engine. No injuries were reported and the fire marshal was on the scene to determine the cause and origin. It is unknown if the occupants would be displaced as a result of the blaze. - TAYLOR GOODMAN
JUSTIN IDE
Crozet Tackles Massive Vehicle Blaze Crozet, VA - No injuries were reported after units were dispatched for a massive vehicle fire on August 30th, located on I-64 westbound. Engine-58 from Crozet knocked the fire down with a deluge of water and the incident was soon placed under control. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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October/November, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
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October/November, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
VIRGINIA
PROVIDED
HENRICO FIRE
Lightning Strike Suspected as Cause of Henrico House Fire Henrico, VA – As thunderstorms moved through Henrico County on the afternoon of September 28th, firefighters received a call for a possible house fire in the 900 block of Jamerson Place, near Twin Hickory Elementry School. Upon arrival, personnel discovered smoke coming from the back of a two-story home and immediately began firefighting efforts.
JUMP TO FILE #092916114 Firefighters worked to access the fire from both the interior and exterior, as fire was hidden in the rear walls of the home. After removing siding and sheetrock, the seat of the fire was located and quickly extinguished. A search of the home revealed
The East Rutherford Fire Department in New Jersey has put the American flag with the thin blue line on all of their fire apparatus. East Rutherford Fire Department and East Rutherford Engine Co # 2 support our brothers and sisters in blue.
that no one was inside at the time of the blaze. It is suspected that a lightning strike near the back of the house was the cause of the fire. Henrico Fire would like to remind everyone that working smoke alarms save lives! Always clean your alarms routinely and ensure that the batteries are changed every six months. - TAYLOR GOODMAN
PROVIDED
HENRICO FIRE
Fire Damages Apartment in Henrico’s East End
Henrico, VA – At 12:15 P.M. on September 28th, the Henrico County Division of Fire received a report for an apartment fire in the 4400 block of Foxfire Lane, near Nine Mile Road in the county’s east-end. The fire engine arrived in less than five minutes to find a heavy volume of smoke coming from the rear of a two-story apartment complex. Firefighters immediately began a search of the apartment to check for potential victims. No one was inside, but one dog was located and turned over to the Henrico Police Animal Protection unit for safe keeping. The fire was brought under control with hose lines from the fire arriving units. There was significant damage done to the rear of the building and the occupants would be displaced until repairs could be done. The Fire Marshal is currently investigating the cause and origin of the blaze.
East Rutherford, NJ - Paterson Ave. in East Rutherford has been painted with a thin blue line, where the town is showing support for police officers.
To all of the 1st Responder News supporters, let's keep this Pro-Police trend going! Upload pictures showing your support for police to www.1rbn.com, or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
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October/November, 2016
MARYLAND
Two Town Houses Heavily Damaged by Accidental Fire Maugansville, MD - On Sunday, September 25th, crews from Washington County, MD and Franklin County, PA were dispatched out for a structure fire in Maugansville. Washington County 911 took reports of JUMP TO FILE# a townhouse fire in 100116101 Seneca Ridge. Fire and EMS crews on Box 13-1 were dispatched to 18245 Roy Croft Drive at 2:54 P.M. for a house fire. Fire crews were quick to respond, seeing a large column of black smoke emanating from the area. Paramedic-759 from Community Rescue was on the scene directly after dispatch, reporting heavy smoke showing. Firefighters were faced with a set of three-story attached town
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houses with heavy fire conditions. Engine 13-1 from Maugansville arrived on the scene and immediately requested the Safety Assignment started. Chief Grinder of Maugansville Fire Co. 13 arrived to find heavy fire spreading across the roof, involving two of the attached town houses and threatening a third. Chief Grinder assumed Roy Croft Command as crews went to work battling the blaze. Firefighters deployed multiple hand lines to battle the blaze as crews worked to establish a good water supply for Quint-27 to prepare for Ladder Pipe Operations on the "Alpha" side. Firefighters conducted an interior attack as well as an exterior while they worked to establish Quint-27’s water supply. Once ready, Command called for the buildings to be evacuated at 3:11 P.M. so that Quint-27 could conduct Ladder Pipe Operations. Once Quint-27 established Ladder Pipe Operations, crews were able to quickly gain control, knocking down the flames that had engulfed the roof within minutes. Once knocked, crews were able to re-enter both buildings and resume interior operations. Crews worked together and were able to stop the fire from destroying all of the town homes that were attached to each other. Firefighters worked to gain control of the blaze until 3:30 P.M., at which time Command reported that they had a bulk of the fire knocked down. All units were held at the scene for overhaul operations. Over 80 firefighters and other first responders responded to the fire. Command was finally able to downgrade the incident, releasing units from the scene around 5:30 P.M., once it was deemed that the fire was out. Command held units from Maugansville, Greencastle and Longmeadow to assist State Fire Marshals on the scene until around 6:30 P.M., at which time remaining units began clearing the scene. The afternoon blaze caused damage to three town house units. The fire was found to be caused by an overheated dryer vent. The overheated vent caused other material around the vent to catch fire, which quickly spread up the structure, into the attic area, and across the roof. Two-out-of-three residences received heavy fire damage while the third was lucky enough to only sustain some minor smoke and water damage. The fire caused approximately $400,000 in damages and displaced several residents, who were being assisted by the American Red Cross. No residents were injured that afternoon, but two firefighters were treated and transported to Meritus Medical Center for minor injuries sustained while fighting the blaze. Maugansville Fire Co. 13 responded with crews from Longmeadow Fire Co. 27, Halfway Fire & EMS Co. 26, Greencastle Fire Co. 3, Williamsport Fire Co. 2,
Western Enterprise HFD Station-4, Leitersburg Fire Co. 9, Funkstown Fire Co. 10, Smithsburg Fire Co. 7, Community Rescue Service Co. 75, Washington County Special Operations-20, Washington
County Air Unit-25, Washington County Emergency Rehab Unit255, Washington County DES, Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Safety Officers 201 and 202, Washington County Fire Po-
WCVFRA-PT: C.J. RINEHART
lice, Hagerstown City Police Auxiliary, the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s office and the American Red Cross.. - WILLIAM KING
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1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
MARYLAND
APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
CHARLES LEWIS
Two-Alarm Fire Destroys Bridal Shop
WCVFRA-PT: C.J. RINEHART
Hancock, MD - Great Cacapon Truck-2 operates the ladder pipe at a house fire on August 25th.
Fells Point, MD - At 8:00 P.M. on Sunday, September 4th, Baltimore City Fire Communications alerted companies in the southeast section of the city for the report of a building fire in the 1700 block of Eastern Ave., located in the Fells Point section of the city. Truck-3 arrived and reported heavy smoke coming from floors two and three of a three-story commercial building, occupied as a bridal shop. Upon entering, crews found heavy fire and Command requested a Working Fire dispatch, followed by a second-alarm. Crews worked for over two hours to bring the fire under control. One firefighter was transported to the hospital due to heat exhaustion, where he was treated and released shortly after. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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October/November, 2016
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October/November, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
MARYLAND
Heroes Fighting Cancer Holds 1st Annual Firefighters Combat Challenge Funkstown, MD - On Sunday, September 11th, many first responders spent their day remembering what happened 15-years-ago. As the sun rose, several members of a group were preparing for not only a day of remembrance, but also for camaraderie and friendly competition in the rear of Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company, located in Washington County. A non-profit group, known as "Heroes Fighting Cancer," were preparing for their 1st Annual Firefighters Combat Challenge. An obstacle course was developed to put firefighters to the test! The Heroes Fighting Cancer group was established in 2015. The non-profit organization raises funds to give back to area First Responders and military families in anyway they can, to help them and their families. Last year, their first fundraiser was the 1st Annual Toy Drive, where they collected hundreds of toys, which were then distributed out to First Responder and military families throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland. They helped 17 families and 44 kids last Christmas with the help of several fire companies supporting their cause. The event focused on cancer prevention, as each participant in the Combat Challenge received a new Nomex Hood. These hoods are specially made to protect firefighters heads, faces, necks and ears from the heat while fighting fires. An ongoing issue is that not all firefighters are able to have two hoods available to them, so that when one hood is being cleaned, they can still have a second one available for use. President Shifflett stated that this is just one of many things they hope to do for area first responders in order to help keep them safe from cancer. Carcinogens build up in the hoods when they are not washed regularly which are then absorbed through the skin, increasing firefighters' chances of getting cancer by. A total of 21 participants took part in the competition, which consisted of several obstacles. Everyone worked in teams-of-two, combining the time of completion between both team members to determine the winners. Each participant had to dawn a full set of bunker gear, with air packs weighing around 60-pounds, for the course. Each of the certified firefighters also had to hook into their air packs and breathe air in. Once they were geared up, they reported to the starting line, ready to face the course. The first obstacle each group would face would be the 50-pound hose-load carry, up a four-story scaffolding they had set up for the course. Once at the top of the scaffolding, the next obstacle was a hose hoist, where they manually hoisted a 50-pound hose-roll by hand to the top of the scaffolding. The next obstacle was the Keiser Sled, which consists of a device used by the firefighter, hitting a block with a sledge hammer to move the block five-feet from one end of the sled to the other. Next up after the Keiser Sled, participants walked a serpentine, alternating
JUMP TO FILE #091416103 around the cones on the course to a charged one-and-three-quarter inch fire hose, which they used to hit a target with a blast of water. The final and most exhausting part of the course was the fireman drag. Participants, who were already nearing exhaustion, had to drag a 175-pound dummy 100-feet to the finish line. All 21 participants successfully completed the course. The first one to brave the course was Deputy Fire Chief Jamie Drawbaugh, who played a major part in everyone else's success as well. Like a drill sergeant, you could see Deputy Chief Drawbaugh’s passion as he was there for every single participant, coaching them along. He could be heard screaming at the top of his lungs “Don’t Quit Now," as he encouraged them all to continue. Five firefighters from the Volunteer Fire Department of Halfway came out that and also participated. Drawbaugh stated how proud he was of his firefighters, as well as all other participants who never gave up and made it through the entire course. Along with the crew from Halfway, firefighters from Waynesboro Fire Co.2, Blue Ridge Fire & Rescue Co.4, Franklin Station 4 from Chambersburg, Funkstown Fire Co.10, Boonsboro Fire Co.6 and Potomac Valley Fire Co.11 came out to take part. Along with those active firefighters, they were also joined by retired firefighter Ryan Evans from Independent Juniors, out of Hagerstown, a Navy Captain from Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Fire Prevention Queen Sierra Nichol Smallwood and a civilian, Erin Bent, who had no background in the fire service but decided to take the challenge. Ryan Evans is a 52-year-old retired firefighter form Independent Juniors, who suffered from cardiac arrest in June of 2015, wanted to prove that he still had what it takes. Miss Bent is a 36-year-old, who used to live in Hagerstown and just wanted to see what the course would be like. Ryan was able to complete the full course at his own pace, while Erin was also able to get through it with some help from the encouraging firefighters, rooting her on. Several firefighters followed her through the course, helping her during some of the more difficult parts of the course, but 90% of it was all her and her courage to continue and not quit. Every firefighter there made sure she knew how proud they were to see her complete the course. The 1st Place winners were Kyle O’Ney and Kenny Martin of Halfway Fire, both coming in with a combined time of five-minutesand-nine-seconds. The 2nd Place team consisted of Matt Hoover of Waynesboro Fire and Chris Mowen of Blue Ridge Summit Fire, with a time just nine-seconds behind O’Ney and Martin. The 1st Place winners in the Juniors Division were Dakota Goshorn of Franklin Station-
HEROES FIGHTING CANCER
Sixteen-of-21 participants pause by Tower-26 for a photo to commemorate the 1st Annual Heroes FIghting Cancer Combat Challenge on the 15th anniversary of 9/11.
WCVFRA-PT: A.MADSEN
Firefighters gather and cheer on Erin Bent, the 36-year-old civilian who just wanted to see what the challenge was all about!
4 and Avery Deemer. Deputy Chief Drawbaugh made the comment that everyone was a winner. Everyone had fun and showed great comradery while competing against each other and also remembering those who were lost 15-years-ago that day. The Heroes Fighting Cancer group is already beginning to plan for next year’s Combat Challenge and have already launched their Toy Drive for this Christmas. They have scheduled next year’s Combat Challenge for September 16th, 2017 at Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company. Heroes Fighting Cancer received assistance at the event from Funkstown Fire Co.10, Halfway Fire Co.26, Community Rescue Co.75, Washington County Air Unit Co.25, Washington County Rehab-255 and Life Net-81. If interested in any of the Heroes Fighting Cancer events, you can follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Herosfighti-ngcancer/ - WILLIAM KING
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October/November, 2016
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The Human Factors, A Contributing Factor in Firefighter Injury and Death, Part II STAYING SAFE
Chief Henry Campbell
This article first appeared when I first started writing this column, Staying Safe, 15-years ago. I repeated it six-years ago with slight modification, and feel it still holds true today as a leading cause of firefighter injury and death. It can serve as a refresher for senior firefighters and as a safety lesson for newer firefighters. Lack of concentration is when the mind wanders and we stop paying attention to the tasks at hand. This is usually when unsafe acts resulting in injury can occur. If injury should occur, the individual generally doesn’t have a plausible explanation, due to the lack of concentration. Many of us respond to motor vehicle crashes where one or more of the drivers have no idea as to what may have caused the crash. Why not? Because they were not concentrating on their driving. They were busy talking or texting on their cell phone, eating, applying makeup, shaving, or whatever else. Unfortunately the most important task, that of driving, is getting the least attention. The same holds true in emergency services. Lose your concentration with the task at hand and you increase your risk of injury or death. Be aware of your surroundings and what is going on and remain alert and focused to the task at hand, prepared for all consequences. When you have been operating under difficult circumstances, extreme weather conditions, or any other reason that might impair your concentration for a long period of time, notify your officer and obtain relief. There are two types of fatigue, which are physical and mental. Both can lead to injury and/or death if there is no intervention and rest. Poor judgment is like guessing, and there is no room for guessing at the emergency scene. Evaluate the task that has to be performed and if you are not sure as to what to do in order to handle or mitigate a situation, or how to perform a specific task, stop and seek help. Do not look at emergency incidents or individual tasks through “rose colored glasses," because the situation may not be as simple or safe as it appears. Expect the unexpected by being prepared for all eventualities! Whether the incident commander or individual firefighter, always ask yourself “what will happen when I do this?” For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, and you must be prepared for it. Be truthful and think what the worse possible scenario is. Can the ladder fall? Will the rope break? Is the roof unsafe? Has the floor burned through?, Can we make an offensive attack? Will the car roll? What
will happen when I force this door or break this window? What risks are involved? Can I achieve my desired goal? When we ask our self “what will happen when I do this?” we must evaluate the end result and the risks involved. If the risks are too great for the task to be completed safely, we must eliminate or reduce the risks as much as possible in order to increase the margin of safety. This may require changing the strategy or task being deployed and if so, go ahead and do it. Remember, there is more than one way to skin a cat. I am fully aware that risk is a constant companion in our business, but risks can be reduced, if not eliminated altogether, to make for a safer work environment. Risk a lot to save a lot, risk little to save little! Contributing to the Human Factor as a cause for unsafe acts with the increased potential for injury and death is lack of training or insufficient training. All personnel at the emergency scene may not have the same level of training and experience, and therefore should not be expected to perform at the same level. Company officers and IC’s should be aware of individual FF/EMT’s experience and training, and assign tasks accordingly. The emergency scene can be good learning ground for inexperienced personnel, where they can observe and assist in performing tasks and assignments under direct supervision. If direct supervision cannot be provided, they should not be assigned any task beyond their level of training. In today’s real world where staffing levels or daytime response may not provide sufficient on-scene personnel, the tendency may be to use the inexperienced FF/EMT to perform unsupervised tasks beyond their level of training. Avoid doing this. You may have to reassign individual tasks, or wait until a more experienced FF/EMT becomes available. Additional skills required to operate specialized pieces of equipment should be learned on the training grounds or back in the station, not at the emergency scene. Untrained FF/EMT’s operating power equipment that they have not been certified to use could prove disastrous in more ways than one. Training and experience are the backbone of any safe operation, and it is equally important for each FF/EMT to be aware of their qualifications and experience. The FF/EMT should also know their limitations, recognizing what is beyond their training and experience, and not be embarrassed or ashamed to inform their officer when those circumstances arise. Remember, in the beginning you don’t have to be able to do everything! Learning and gaining experience takes time and if you maintain a proper attitude toward safety, you will have a lifetime of learning. To be continued next month. Till next time, stay safe and God Bless!
MARYLAND
CHESTERTOWN VFC
Fire Showing from Motel in Chestertown Chestertown, MD - Shortly after 11:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 3rd, the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company and mutual aid companies were dispatched to a commercial building fire at the Driftwood Inn, located in the 600 block of Washington Avenue. Members of the Chestertown Police Department, while on routine patrol, discovered the fire and raised the alarm. Shortly thereafter, Command-6 arrived and reported one unit fully involved with fire. The first engine from Chestertown, Engine 6-7, responded and was short-staffed with just three personnel, including a driver and two firefighters. The desired staffing is a minimum of four. After arrival, Engine 6-7 used the closest water hydrant to drop a fiveinch supply hose up to fire scene. At that point, staffing on the engine dropped to two, as one firefighter stayed at the hydrant to make the connection and charge water once the engine was ready for it. As the engine pulled to the front
JUMP TO FILE #090816109 of the fire building, the incident commander directed a two-and-ahalf inch attack hose be placed into service. The one remaining firefighter proceeded to make a swift and aggressive exterior attack, which darkened the fire substantially. With the arrival of the hydrant firefighter and additional incoming personnel and equipment, entry into the structure was made. Additional hose lines were placed in service and crews proceeded to the roof to begin making ventilation cuts to ensure that the fire had not penetrated the roof. Performing roof cuts, known as vertical ventilation, also helps relieve heat and smoke trapped within the structure. With the assistance of mutual aid companies, the fire was quickly contained and declared under-control. Unfortunately, the unit where the fire originated was completely
destroyed. The units on either side also sustained heat, smoke and water damage. Because of the situation, the electric and water was turned off to the entire motel. The water was secured because there was damage to the plumbing. As a result of the fire and severed utilities, approximately 40 people were displaced. Delmarva Power was requested to cut electric service. The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office was notified to conduct an origin and cause investigation. Personnel operated on this incident for approximately four hours. There were no injuries reported. Units on the call included Engine-6, Engine-67, Engine-68, Engine-5, Engine-72, Queen Anne's Engine-55, Tower-6, Truck-7, Queen Anne's Tower/Ladder-5, Rescue-6, Ambulance-8, Ambulance81, Utility-81 with Support Trailer-8, Kent County EMS and Command-6. - JAMES RUSSUM
FLASHBACK
If you have photos you would like to see in our “FLASHBACK” feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
PROVIDED BY SHANE SHIFFLETT
Williamsport, MD- Williamsport firefighters take a moment during a training fire in the early 1990's.
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MARYLAND
PATCH OF THE MONTH
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the month “feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
CHARLIE LEWIS
Units Respond to Dwelling Fire in Golden Ring
Golden Ring, MD - At approximately 9:40 P.M. on Saturday, September 3rd, Baltimore County Fire Dispatch alerted crews in the third battalion for a dwelling fire in the 6500 block of Hazlewood Ave. in Baltimore County. Units arrived to find heavy smoke showing from a one-and-a-half story, singlefamily dwelling. Crews had difficulty accessing the fire, most of which was in the walls of the dwelling. Command then ordered the Working Fire dispatch, as well as two additional engines. The fire was brought under control within 90 minutes after dispatch and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
EUGENE WEBER JR.
The Allegheny and Garrett Counties' Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association is located in Frostburg, MD.
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MARYLAND
House Fire Displaces Family of Six in Cascade Smithsburg, MD - On the evening of Saturday, September 24th, Washington County dispatched units on Box 7-6 for a structure fire on Military Road, in Cascade. Washington County had reports of fire coming from the rook of a structure in the area of the GT Handi Mart on Military Road. Blue Ridge Summit Ambulance-47 was the first unit to arrive and confirmed that JUMP TO FILE# 092816102 crews had a working fire. Chief Fishack of Smithsburg Company-7 immediately requested the Safety Assignment started. Firefighters from Blue Ridge Summit Engine-42 arrived shortly after Ambulance-47 to find heavy smoke coming from the residence at 25226 Military Road with fire showing. Engine-42’s crew initiated an aggressive interior attack as units on the box were beginning to come into the area. Smithsburg Engine-71 arrived on the scene with Chief Fishack assuming Military Road Command. Chief-7 reported that fire had vented through the roof and he had crews working an interior operation. Firefighters worked to battle the blaze for over 30 minutes before gaining control. Command reported the fire contained at 7:29 P.M. Command advised that crews would be committed for a while with an extensive overhaul. Command was able to begin releasing a majority of the units around 8:30 P.M. that evening while Smithsburg Fire remained on the scene with the Maryland State Fire Marshals and the American Red Cross. Final crews were able to clear the scene just after 11:30 P.M. that night. Approximately 55 fire and EMS personnel responded out to the incident. No one was home at the time of the blaze, which is currently under investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office. The American Red Cross was called in to assist the family of six who were displaced by the blaze. No one was injured during the incident. The family advised that they were grateful for a neighbor who forced entry, allowing the family dog to escape the blaze without injuries prior to the arrival of the fire department. Fire and EMS units from four counties in both MD and PA responded to the scene, including Smithsburg Fire Co. 7, Blue Ridge Summit Fire & EMS Co. 4, Wolfsville Fire Co. 21, Waynesboro Fire Co. 2, Fountaindale Fire Co. 3, Raven Rock Fire Co. 19, Thurmont Engine Co. 10, Emmitsburg Fire Co. 6, Frederick County Special Operations-50, Smithsburg EMS Co. 79, Waynesboro EMS Co. 2, Washington County Air Unit-25, Emergency Rehab Unit255 and WCVFRA Safety 101Troy Loyd. - WILLIAM KING
Crews conduct overhaul operations after the blaze is knocked.
WCVFRA-PT: CHARLES WILSON
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
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BOB LONG
MARYLAND
ROCK HALL VFC
Yacht Fire in Rock Hall Destroys Boat Rock Hall, MD - Shortly after 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, August 31st, the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched as Mutual Aid to the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company for a reported boat fire. The confirmed location was Osprey Point Marina on Rock Hall Avenue. Units from Rock Hall VFC arrived to find a large yacht fully involved with fire, located at the end of a long dock, approximately 1000-feet from the shoreline. A supply hose was carried onshore from the Rock Hall engine, down to the dock and over to the fire. Handlines were then added to begin extinguishing the fire. When Chestertown VFC arrived, they added an additional handline to the arrangement. With the boat still floating, it created an unstable situation, so crews concentrated on darkening the fire. Because of catastrophic damage done to the boat, diesel fuel was leaking. Once the largest part of the fire was extinguished, crews switched to firefighting foam in order to limit the hazards posed by the fuel. More than 100gallons of foam was employed. In order to contain the additional hazard of diesel fuel floating on the water, specially designed “booms” were deployed. These “booms” completely encircled the incident and contained the fuel to
JUMP TO FILE #090816110 an area surrounding the dock and the vessel. This enabled environmental clean-up contractors the ability to remove the contaminated water/diesel fuel mixture. Crews worked the incident for just over four hours and there were no injuries reported. The situation was turned over to the Maryland Department of the Environment for spill clean-up. A marine salvage company was summoned to execute the recovery and removal of the sunken, destroyed hulk. Organizations who participated included Rock Hall VFC, Chestertown VFC, Betterton VFC, Kent County EMS (career), Church Hill VFC, Crumpton VFC, Galena VFC (Boat 3), Kent and Queen Annes Rescue Squad (Boat 8 and one ambulance), Kent Island VFC (Boat 1), United Communities – Romancoke / Queen Annes County (Boat 9), Annapolis Fire Department (Arundel Fire Boat 35), Bowleys Quarters / Baltimore County (Marine 219), the United States Coast Guard, Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office. - JAMES RUSSUM
What Does a Trash Bag Mean to You? Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh
Let's think about what happens when we get a call for a house or apartment. The alarm comes in and we board our bright shiny fire apparatus, we make it through the traffic to the location, we connect to the hydrant, do a search and then work on suppression, then overhaul. But something may be missing. Where is the client in this equation? Are they on the other side of the barrier tape? Are they dressed? Who is there for the unfortunate person? I know the answer is the Red Cross, but who is there for them until they show up? We know that when the call is over, if we have a bad call, we can get help through the crisis team. The client is standing there, watching their life go into ruins. Do you have someone to put a blanket around them? Who takes
them to a safe place so their trauma is reduced? So many times we may not understand what our client is going through in the hour or so until the Red Cross shows up, if someone called for them. Fire is a thief, but worse than a thief. The thief comes into the house and steals the television, or computer or something that THEY think is valuable. Fire comes in a destroys everything, things that are worth money and things that are worth memories. Many of us have not experienced what a client really goes. Let's put on a new set of glasses. Your house is on fire. You may have been pulled out of the house or gotten out before it got too bad. You hear the crash of windows and see the roof cut open. You are standing watching things being destroyed by the fire. You may be in your pajamas, because during fire prevention you were told to get out fast. After the fire, you see that they are bringing out your sofa, television, computer, etc. You are given a trash bag, the same ones that are used in the fire station. You are told to gather all your pos-
sessions and put them in the bag and that you will only be able to go back into the house once, before it is razed or you are not allowed entry. You may or may not be able to use your car. Oh wait, your phone and all the phone numbers and insurance policies were burned in the fire, or stored on the computer, that is laying on the front lawn. Let us put ourselves in their place. How would we want to be treated or worked with during the fire? During our time of crisis? How many of your needs from Maslow's hierarchy of needs are being met? Maybe your department can teach your crews how to work with the clients. Maybe your department can do a drill with the Red Cross, where your people are put into a shelter, as a client. Go to another town during a big fire. Do not buff the job. Observe. Watch the people. Watch the emotions. Find out how you can truly help your neighbor, the client, the victim. Stay Safe, Didymus McHugh
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1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
October/November, 2016
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