Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched for a structure fire on the 3000 block of Stillpond Road.
See story on page 4
Firefighters Battle Hot Temps at Fort Mill Fire
Fort Mill Fire Department responded to a reported house fire on Friendfield Drive.
See story on page 6
East Blackstock Rd.
Commercial Fire
Wellford Rescue 13 and Duncan Car 113 assisted Westview-Fairforest FD with a business fire on East Blackstock Road.
See story on page 9
Historic Flooding in the Lowcountry
Rainfall related to slow-moving Tropical Storm/Hurricane Debby created historic flooding in the Lowcountry Region.
See story on page 17
Fighting EV Fires
SOPpoints to be considered when fighting electric vehicle (EV)fires.
See story on pages 18 & 19
Burton FD K9 “Buzz” Receives Donation of Body Armor
The stab-protective vest was a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
See story on page 23
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CarFire on I-77 CarFire on I-77
On August 25, 2024, at 2308, Flint Hill Fire Department, along with Charlotte Fire Department, responded to a vehicle fire on southbound Interstate 77 nearthe Carowinds Boulevard exit. Multiple 911 calls into Charlotte Fire Alarm and York County Public Safety Communications reported a sedan on fire on I-77 between Westinghouse Boulevard and Carowinds Boulevard with reports of a driverjumping out of the burning vehicle and running from the car. Charlotte Fire Department Engine 20 arrived to find the caron
1 Injured,
1 Displaced by Conway Blaze
the shoulderfully engulfed. CFD Engine 20 and Engine 26 began to extinguish the fire as Flint Hill Engines 1 and 2 arrived. Charlotte Fire transferred command to Flint Hill Captain Cunningham, as Flint Hill firefighters’continued fire suppression efforts to ensure no possibility of a rekindle. Anotification was made to the South Carolina State Highway Patrol in regards to the incident.
- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Simpsonville Assists Clinton
On August 27, 2024, Simpsonville Fire Department sent multiple members to assist Clinton Fire Department on a large commercial structure fire. Members operated on scene formultiple hours through the night to help get the fire undercontrol. - Courtesy of Simpsonville FD
At 2332, Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched fora structure fire on the 3000 block of Stillpond Road in Conway. Aresidence sustained heavy fire damage and one person was transported to the hospital with injuries. One displaced resident was offered assistance from American Red Cross of South Carolina. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation. The City of Conway Fire Department assisted. - Courtesy of Horry County FR
Firefighters Battle Hot Temps at Fort Mill House Fire
On August 4, 2024, at approximately 1757, Fort Mill Fire Department responded to a reported house fire on Friendfield Drive off North Dolbys Bridge Road. The homeownerreported to York County Public Safety Communications that the garage was fully engulfed and had gun powderand gasoline stored in it. Flint Hill, along with Riverview, responded peran automatic mutual aid agreement. Upon arrival of Fort Mill Car1, heavy flames and smoke were showing from the garage of a single-story ranch home. Fort Mill FD Engine 2 made an initial stretch and fire attack of the garage. Flint Hill Engine 1 arrived and began assisting with putting
a second line in operation. Fire spread rapidly to a bonus room above the garage, forcing firefighters to put two additional lines into operation. Indian Land Fire District Engine 2 was requested as additional mutual aid. Due to the high temperatures, Fort Mill EMS sent theirrehab trailerto assist firefighters with hydration. One firefighterwas treated on scene by EMS forheat related injuries. Crews operated on the scene forapproximately three hours before turning the scene overto the Fire Marshal. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation.
- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Simpsonville House Fire
On July 24, 2024, Simpsonville Fire Department C-Shift crews responded to a reported structure fire with possible entrapment. Engine 69 arrived to a single-story house with a working fire. The house was searched by first arriving crews with no victims found. The fire was quickly extinguished and contained to one side of the structure. No injuries were reported.
- Submitted by Lieutenant Patrikis
Heavy Fire on Arrival
On August 15, 2024, Simpsonville A-Shift crews responded to a reported structure fire in the area of Fairview Road. Simpsonville Tower68 arrived to a working fire with heavy fire conditions in the garage. Crews quickly searched the structure and contained the fire to the garage area of the residence. No injuries were reported.
- Courtesy of Simpsonville FD
CarFire in Little River
Recently, Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to the area of Highway 17 and Mini Market Road in Little Riverfora reported vehicle fire. Apassengervehicle sustained heavy fire damage – with extension to nearby trees – before the fire was extinguished. One person was transported to the hospital for evaluation. South Carolina Department of Public Safety was investigating.
- Courtesy of Horry County FR
East Blackstock Rd. Commercial Fire
On August 13, 2024, at 1223, Wellford Rescue 13 and Duncan Car 113, along with several otherautomatic and mutual aid units, were dispatched to respond and assist Westview-Fairforest Fire
Department with a working business fire on East Blackstock Road. Units operated foroverthree hours before clearing the scene. - Courtesy of Duncan FD; photos
by Joshua Hannigan
2 FFs Injured, 4 Civ. Displaced by Columbia 2-Alarmer
Two Columbia-Richland firefighters were injured late August 17, 2024, while fighting a massive two-alarm fire that broke out in a commercial property on West Beltline Boulevard. First shift crews were dispatched to the scene nearWest Beltline and Brookland Circle at around 2340. Upon arrival, they found heavy fire spreading through the interiorand roof of the structure, prompting the call fora second alarm. Minutes latera collapse occurred on one side of the building causing injuries to two of the firefighters. Both
were quickly rescued and taken from the scene by Richland County EMS. Crews continued working on scene forseveral hours to get the fire undercontrol and extinguished. No civilians were injured. Ahome next to the property had to be evacuated due to the fire. Fourpeople were left displaced. The cause of the fire was being investigated by the Richland County Fire Marshal’s Office.
- Courtesy of Columbia FD
Emergency Landing at Grand Strand Airport
Fast Stop of Catering Truck Fire
Columbia-Richland first-shift crews made a quick stop on a vehicle fire nearthe University of South Carolina campus. Firefighters arrived shortly after1540, to find fire spreading through a catering truck. No one was injured but the truck suffered heavy damage. The fire was quickly contained and extinguished. - Courtesy of Columbia-Richland FD
Shortly after1400 on August 3, 2024, A-Battalion of North Myrtle Beach (NMB) Fire Rescue personnel responded to a reported plane making an emergency landing at Grand Strand Airport due to a possible fire onboard. The pilot landed the plane safely and crews were able to quickly extinguish an engine compartment fire. There were no furtherhazards and no injuries reported. Myrtle Beach Airport Fire and the FAAwere notified. NMB Fire personnel cleared with no furtherissues once the scene was turned overto airport fire.
- Courtesy of North Myrtle Beach FR
Flint Hill Works Gold Hill Road DoorPop
On September13, 2024, shortly after1624, Flint Hill Fire Department (FHFD) responded to an MVAwith reported entrapment on Gold Hill Road. FHFD Engine 1 arrived to find a pickup truck and an SUVinvolved in a T-bone collision. The driverof the SUVwas unable to exit. Firefighters from Engine 1 and Service 1 popped the doorutilizing the hydraulic tools and assisted the victim out of the vehicle. Piedmont Medical CenterEMS transported the person to a local hospital forthe treatment of minorinjuries. The scene was also turned overto South Carolina Highway Patrol. - Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Pickup Overturns on I-77 Bridge
On September13, 2024, at 1541, Flint Hill Fire Department responded to a two-carMVAwith reported overturn and entrapment. Flint Hill Engines 1 and 2 arrived at Highway 160 and the Interstate -77 south ramp and found a pickup overturned aftercolliding with a gray sedan. The driverof the pickup self-extricated
priorto FD arrival. Engine 2 used struts to stabilize the vehicle to prevent movement. Piedmont Medical CenterEMS transported one patient to Piedmont Medical CenterRock Hill fortreatment. The scene was turned overto South Carolina Highway Patrol. - Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
6 Injured When Car Plummets off Interstate 95
At 0938 on August 23, 2024, a southbound minivan left Interstate 95 just before Exit 57. The van drove behind a guard rail and plummeted overan embankment crashing head-on on to Bells Highway below the interstate. The van then overturned receiving heavy damage. Fourchildren and two adults from New Jersey, all unrestrained, were injured. One female child and an adult male received life-threatening injuries and an adult female suffered serious injuries. Three othermale children received multiple non-life-threatening injuries. Two Fire-Rescue Ambulances were assigned to the incident. Medic 7 arrived and requested two additional ambulances and two medical helicopters, advising of a total of six patients. Two additional FireRescue ambulances responded. All patients were treated at the scene by FirefighterParamedics. CARE Flight, based in Walterboro, was out of service formaintenance and the second helicopterhad an extended ETA. Medic 1 transported the adult male emergent to the Trauma Centerat MUSC. They picked up the CAREFlight Flight Crew en route to assist with the patient care during the hour-long transport. The adult female was also transported emergent to MUSC. The critically injured child was transported emergent to Shawn Jenkins Children’s Trauma Centerat MUSC in Fire-Rescue Medic 26. The otherchildren were also transported to Shawn Jenkins by Fire-Rescue Medic 9. Westbound traffic on Bells Highway was disrupted for about an houruntil the accident could be cleared. The SC Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. Walterboro Police assisted with traffic control at the busy interchange. - Courtesy of Colleton County FR
Simpsonville MVAinto Building
Recently, Engine 65, Rescue 66, Battalion 65, and the Special Operations trailerresponded to a carthat had crashed into a building. The structural integrity of the building was assessed, and one patient was treated for minorinjuries.
- Courtesy of Simpsonville FD
Duncan and Wellford units assisted Reidville with an MVAon Interstate 85 nearthe 60 milemarkernorthbound. One lane of travel was shut down.
- Courtesy of Duncan Fire Department; photos by Joshua Hannigan
Tree Down on Johnston Hwy.
During Tropical Storm Debby, a tree came down in the roadway on Johnston Highway in Saluda. No injuries were reported. - Submitted by Mark Lybrand
Burton Fire District Handles Debby Emergencies
Between GovernorMcMaster’s declaration of emergency on August 4, 2024, and the closing down of the Beaufort County Emergency Operations Center, the Burton Fire District responded to several emergency calls related to Tropical Storm Debbie which resulted in damages but no injuries. From August 4, the Burton Fire District responded to 45 emergency calls, 20 of which were related to the storm, three of which resulted in damages. On August 5, just past 1800, Burton responded to a report of a tree striking a home on Simmons Family Road. Firefighters arrived and found a large tree that had come down on the roof of a mobile home, but caused only minordamages. Fire crews also located and reported a downed inactive powerline nearby. Also on August 5, just past 2330, Burton responded to an MVAon Shanklin Road involving a vehicle that struck a fallen tree in the roadway. On August 6, just before 1130, Burton fire crews responded to a report of a roof collapsing in a residence on Shanklin Road. Firefighters arrived to a partial ceiling collapse in a bedroom of a mobile home. Crews assisted with adjusting tarps on the roof to coverthe leaking areas, and powerwas secured to the home. While the home was still habitable, fire officials assisted in finding the family, including an infant, a hotel room forthe evening until the heavy weatherhad passed. No injuries were reported. Burton fire officials said that the remaining storm related calls involved wires and trees down.
- Submitted by Burton FD
Flint Hill Hose Handling Training
During the week of July 9, 2024, Flint Hill firefighters traveled to the York County Fire Training Centerto train on various hose operations. Firefighters trained on deploying hose when arriving on a fire scene, properplacement of hose during a fire operation, as well as advancing hose lines through a residential building, with various obstacles firefighters may encounterat an actual fire scene. These
trainings are a crucial part of a firefighterupkeep in skills as well as learning new techniques forefficient and safe firefighting. Due to the extreme heat this week, in orderto ensure firefightersafety, firefighters were permitted to train without full bunkergear.
- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Historic Flooding in the Lowcountry
Rainfall related to slow-moving Tropical Storm/Hurricane Debby created historic flooding in the Lowcountry Region. Waterlevels have not been recorded this high since 1945. Many areas were impassable to vehicle traffic. And many residents did not evacuate priorto the rising waters. Afterwaterbegan entering homes, some began calling 911. Fire-Rescue established a
forward command post and staging area at Fire Station 36 on Augusta Highway. Charleston Fire Department deployed two high watervehicles and crews forthe weekend. The National Guard also assigned high watervehicles to Colleton and Dorchester. The Sheriff’s Office and Fire-Rescue had
small boats on hand when needed. Atotal of 30 people, 26 adults, fourjuveniles, five dogs, one feline and a rabbit were rescued from theirhomes. The animals from Bee City Zoo were also evacuated.
- Courtesy of Colleton County FR
Being Prepared forEVFires
By Matthew Pruitt EVGoat01@gmail.com
Firefighters are no strangers to new technologies. In fact, most of us pride ourselves on being able to improve our tactics and strategies using the most up-to-date, state-ofthe-art equipment. It’s really no different in any other industry. Since the late 90s, car manufacturers around the world have been working tirelessly to bring consumers an engine that is safe, energy efficient, and great for our environment. The internal combustion engine evolution from the Model T, to the Prius and now to fully electric vehicles has created a need in the fire service to be prepared for some of the most dangerous, albeit somewhat low frequency, fires we’ve ever encountered. The infrequency and increased risk of electric vehicle fires makes it impossible to ignore and necessary to train for.
Extinguishing the typical, traditional car fire is pretty straightforward. We pull a bumper line, and go to work. Electric vehicle fires are vastly different, as you will read in this article. Extrication of a patient trapped inside an electric vehicle is delicate, for sure. You have to be extremely careful when cutting on an electric vehicle. The orange cables may be charged if the car’s safety mechanism has failed. Also the top of the battery tray, which is basically the entire floorpan of the car, could be charged. And, in my experience, thermal runaway can begin as soon as an external source - the accident or your extrication equipment - damages the battery, so you have to consider how long it has been since the accident happened. In addition, when fighting EV fires, it seems that the more water we put on them, the longer they burn. That’s true actually because the water only cools the battery cells, and will simply slow down the fire, causing it to last for hours and hours because, when burning, lithium-ion batteries create their own oxygen. Just like a fish is able to “breathe” underwater, so is a lithium-ion battery. You can’t drown either one of them.
lably hot and propagates to the next cell, eventually spreading to all the cells in the module. Even at the point of ignition, there may be no way to know where, exactly, the problem starts.
Also, unlike traditional car fires, when an EVis in thermal runaway, the motor (s) lock down. As you may know, an electric car’s battery weighs at least 1,000 pounds by itself. When added to the regular weight of a car, you’re looking at a paper weight that weighs up to 9,000 pounds. This excessive weight of a car with locked wheels presents a plethora of difficulties, to say the least.
So, what do we do? How do we fight an EVfire? What are the safest and most effective tactics?
After having the opportunity to train on live EVfires in controlled environments, and having responded to multiple EVrelated incidents, we have been able to test some strategies. Some have worked better than others. I’d like to share with you some of the most impactful takeaways from my experiences.
(this is only the latest measurement of an EV fire temp, it could be hotter).
First and foremost, you will need to always make sure to wear your gear when approach-
“The heat of a Li-Ion battery fire is a threat, but an equally dangerous threat is the toxic emissions from the fire”
The heat of a Li-Ion battery fire is a threat, but an equally dangerous threat is the toxic emissions from the fire. You need to be aware that Li-Ion batteries in thermal runaway can give off hydrogen fluoride gas. When we apply water to the gas, it becomes hydrofluoric acid. Hydrofluoric acid is a colorless, odorless liquid that is acutely dangerous. It can damage your eyes, your lungs and your skin. The danger is that hydrofluoric acid is slow burning. You may not have symptoms of exposure for several hours.
Another difference is that getting water to the origin of the fire is nearly impossible. The composition of an electric vehicle battery tray looks something like this: thousands of battery cells are put together in water-tight sets called modules, the modules are placed into a battery tray which is encapsulated in a watertight shell. There are vents in the tray to allow smoke and gases to escape, but the vents will not allow water or foam inside the tray. Think of a battery failure inside the tray like a winddriven fire. One damaged cell gets uncontrol-
ing a wrecked electric vehicle, even if you don’t see fire or smoke. I have witnessed an electric vehicle go from not burning, to fully involved, within minutes. On the other hand, I have also seen this progression take several hours. Time starts the instant that the battery is damaged, not when you learn about the incident. When you respond to an EVemergency, you have to be dispatched, get out of the station and make it to the scene. You may not know the exact timeline, so it’s always best practice to be safe and wear your gear. It is also important to consider how hot an EV fire actually is. An electric vehicle that is in thermal runaway can burn as hot as 2700°F
Now, you’re on scene, have your gear on, and you’re ready to put some water on the fire. What’s best? In my experience, I have found the use of an EVblanket to be vitally important. The EVblanket is designed to limit the oxygen available to the fire, but the burning batteries create their own oxygen so the blanket itself will not extinguish the fire. Before deploying the blanket, you must knock down the fire on the inside of the vehicle just like you would on a traditional car fire. This step immediately begins cooling the car so that it will be less likely to burn through the blanket. Once the car is extinguished, throw the blanket over the vehicle. Make sure to throw the blanket high so that it is not damaged by sharp edges or parts of the vehicle that may be protruding. EV blankets, depending on the brand (Continued on next page)
Being Prepared for EVFires...continued
and type, come in a variety of sizes. Depending on the brand of blanket that your department uses, your team may need to open up the blanket before use to mark the front, rear and center. Some brands of EVblankets have already marked the front and rear of the blanket for you, which would save you a step. Sometimes EV blankets are rectangular, rather than square, which can cause difficulty on scene if you have not previously marked them. Once the blanket is deployed and covering the car, tuck it under the vehicle to keep it from blowing up so that it will continue to limit the oxygen that the fire can use. It is very important to keep the blanket cool. The best way to do that is with the line you used to knock down the fire initially.
I also recommend, and have had great success with, an EVnozzle placed under the car with a second line. Again, you are not trying to put out the fire, you can’t. The fire has to burn itself out. The purpose of the EVnozzle is to cool the battery tray. Cooling the tray will not extinguish the fire, but it will make the scene safer and more manageable. You do not really want to cool the battery too much because it will only prolong the incident. I recommend using an EVnozzle with low gallonage because it cools the battery while still allowing it to burn safely.
from previous page
Using these tactics have been successful for us in the past. I am often asked about the time frame between extinguishing the fire and moving the car from the scene. Although there is no good way to determine with absolute certainty that it is completely safe to move the damaged vehicle, I do have a few tips and tricks that might help. The first, and most obvious, is that there is no visible sign of fire, including no evidence of smoke or off-gassing. Make sure, too, that you no longer hear the sounds of cells popping (sounds like popcorn in the microwave). In addition, it may be helpful to monitor the temperature reduction of the battery using a Thermal Imaging Camera. Although nothing is for certain, in my experience, my crew and I have been able to safely transport a damaged vehicle after a couple of hours. This may seem like a long, drawn-out event, but this method is much quicker than submerging the vehicle into a large, watertight container - a separate method of EVfirefighting that can take several days to weeks before the vehicle is safe and is not necessarily feasi-
ble in a crowded city or on the side of the interstate.
“The fire has to burn itself out. The purpose of the EVnozzle is to cool the battery tray. Cooling the tray will not extinguish the fire, but it will make the scene safer and more manageable.”
Still, if you move too quickly then the threat of reignition is very great due to the stranded energy in the batteries. Stranded energy is when the batteries have not expelled all of their energy. Since the cells are already damaged, stranded energy in them creates a greater threat of reignition. This threat is why it is important that you escort the tow. If the car reignites while being towed, disconnect it from the tow truck so you don’t have two car fires. Knock down the fire and then continue the tow, Make sure to tell the tow yard management that the car you’re leaving with them is an electric vehicle.
Ultimately, the decisions you make on a fire scene belong to you and your department. These suggestions have worked for my department. We have had great successes when dealing with EVincidents using these strategies and tactics. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me at EVGoat01@gmail.com.
Remembering 9/11
Horry County Fire Rescue crews marked the 23rd anniversary of the September11, 2001, World Trade Centerattacks with several public engagement events, including having members of the HCFR family completing 110 flights of stairs in remembrance of those lost, and joining ourpartners at North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue in flying the American flag from ouraerial trucks above a North Myrtle Beach church. - Courtesy of Horry County FR
Newly Promoted Burton Fire Captain Continues the Family Legacy
Burton Fire District Captain Andrew Wright was promoted to his current rank recently, continuing his family’s legacy of service and accomplishment. The ceremony held at the Burton Fire District Pinewood Fire Station, attended by family, friends and coworkers as Andrew Wright was promoted to the rank of Captain.
Andrew’s father, Tony Wright, retired as a volunteer fire Chief, but who returned month’s later to serve again as an Assistant Fire Chief, with Greenup Fire Rescue in Illinois, where all three of his son’s, Andrew, Chris and Tyler, followed in his footsteps as volunteer firefighters.
Andrew briefly left the fire service in 2006 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving four years in aviation ordinance, and deploying to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In 2010, Andrew, who was a Corporal, was honorably discharged
from the Marine Corps and was hired by the Burton Fire District in 2011. In 2013 he was selected as the Burton Fire District’s Firefighter of the Year, and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2021. Andrew also serves as a South Carolina Fire Academy instructor and is a volunteer firefighter with the Sheldon Fire District.
As a Shift Captain Andrew will assist in the supervision, operations, and response of five fire stations and 18 firefighters, and will be responsible for planning and leading shift training.
“Andrew, like his father and brothers, is a dedicated public servant and member of the fire service,” stated Burton Chief Harry Rountree. “Our citizens and communities are fortunate to have men like these, and we are fortunate to have Andrew as a member and leader of our fire district. He continues quite a proud legacy.” - Submitted by Burton FD
FireWire: Applications Open October1 forFOA25-01
Applications for the 25-01 (March 2-7, 2025) cohort of the Fire Officer Academy: The Company Officer are open October 1 at 8 a.m. through October 31 at 12 p.m. midnight.
The Fire Officer Academy (FOA) is an initiative developed by the Officers Section of the South Carolina State Firefighters’Association to further develop leaders in the fire service by employing a blended learning environment so that students have both the knowledge and hands-on experiences necessary to succeed as a company officer with their department.
To date, over 100 company officers from across the state have graduated from the FOA. South Greenville Fire Department Captain Jeremy King is a graduate of FOA24-01.
me to refocus on what truly matters,” Jeremy wrote in his post-program survey.
“After nearly 21 continuous years as a career firefighter, this program helped rekindle those thoughts and desires that were present 25 years ago when I started my fire service journey as a volunteer. It helped
The FOAoffers numerous learning opportunities for students, but arguably the biggest advantage to attending FOAis the network of alumni that touches every corner of South Carolina. A few of the departments represented by FOAalumni include: Greenville City; Columbia; Lexington County; Clemson University Fire & EMS; Irmo; Bluffton Township; City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal; North Charleston; Horry County; McConnells; Lugoff; Bennettsville; Kershaw County; and Jasper County
We are eagerly awaiting the 25-01 class of the Fire Officer Academy: The Company Officer. This is a competitive selection process - be sure to proofread your work before submitting your application. The details matter! Submit your application after October 1 at 8 a.m. through October 31 at midnight.
Early Bird Catches the Firefighters
Fire Prevention Week falls in October, but we are so proud and excited that ourschools start early! Burton Fire District crews visited Beaufort Christian school on Parris Island Gateway to talk about safety, introduce the Friendly Firefighter, and of course, go through the fire truck ... all while having lots of fun! Please make sure yourchild’s class gets a visit from yourlocal fire department this year.
- Courtesy of Burton FD
Burton FD K9 “Buzz” Receives Donation of Body Armor
Burton Fire District K9 “Buzz” has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
Vested Interest in K9s, established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is US made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, has provided over 5707 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to US dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the US.
Vested Interest in K9s, accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $985 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800, weighs an average of four-to-five pounds, and comes with a five-year warranty.
For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA02718. - Courtesy of Burton FD
Community Risk Reduction
Community Risk Reduction is a huge part of what Horry County Fire Rescue does, talking to and educating people about fire and EMS hazards, with the hopes of decreasing the amount of emergencies they run, ultimately keeping the folks to whom we respond safer. Here’s Captain Rice, an investigatorwith HCFR, and his partnerArson Dog Crosby, talking about how they work together and look into the cause of fires, with our Community Safety Traileras the background.
- Courtesy of Horry County FR
Up Close & Personal
Flint Hill Fire Department Station 2 Captain Billy Theobalt during a hose handling training at the York County Fire Training Center on July 9, 2024
Submitted
Fort Mill Fire Department Captain Will Jenkins during a recent house fire in Fort Mill.
Flint Hill Fire Department EngineerJosh Dahnke during a recent vehicle fire on Interstate 77.
2024 Tunnel to Towers Walk
On a rainy Sunday morning, a few of ourpersonnel took the time to participate in the 2024 Tunnel to Towers 5K Walk and Run down in Market Commons along with numerous otherindividuals in this annual event to support the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. Great
work Lieutenant Davidson, EngineerBeltz, EngineerLong, Firefighter1st Class Fedroff and FF/EMTVillalobos forrepresenting ourdepartment!
- Courtesy of North Myrtle Beach FR
Getting New FFs Ready in Myrtle Beach
The Myrtle Beach Fire Department conducted live burn training with theirnew recruits from Class 38. Crews took part in advancing the hoselines to extinguish the fire, vertical ventilation on the roof prop, RIC (Rapid Intervention Crew) operations, and victim removal. Thank you forall of the assistance from C-Shift crews that helped aid in training these new firefighters to get ready to help the community. - Courtesy of Myrtle Beach FD
Annual 9/11 StairClimb
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Greenville Firefighters paid tribute to those who gave theirlives on September11, 2001. Firefighters climbed 2,200 steps, equivalent to the 110 stories of the World Trade Center.
Courtesy of the Greenville City FD
Bluffton Fire Running Team Secures Eighth Victory at Tunnel To Towers Event in Columbia
The Bluffton Township Fire District (BTFD) is proud to announce the Bluffton Fire Running Team’s victory at the 2024 Tunnel To Towers event in Columbia, marking their eighth win over the past decade. Competing alongside more than 2600 participants, the Bluffton team once again brought home the trophy in the firefighting gear division, defending their title as champions.
This year’s winning team includes dedicated Firefighters David Adams, Stephen Arnold, Enrique Baez, Ian Evans, Tim King, and Kate Roos. Though unable to attend, fellow team members Jordan Barrow, Brandon Morgan, Giovanni Scianna, and Alex Elliot remain a vital part of the Bluffton running community, sharing in the pride of this ongoing achievement.
The Tunnel To Towers event is a meaningful tradition for the Bluffton Township Fire District. First held in memory of FDNYfirefighter Stephen Siller, who lost his life on 9/11, the Tunnel To Towers Foundation supports the families of fallen first responders and military personnel. The annual race is a way for Bluffton
firefighters to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, while also raising funds for the foundation’s critical work.
“Being a part of these events brings us together as a team, and as a community,” said Team Captain Dave Adams. “It’s an honor to participate and contribute to such a wonderful organization.”
Since 2014, the Bluffton team has participated in Tunnel To Towers events across Savannah, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Bluffton, solidifying their presence at these important races. While Columbia and Bluffton events feature firefighters, running in full gear, each event underscores the physical and emotional dedication required of first responders.
BTFD’s involvement in Tunnel To Towers goes beyond competition it represents their commitment to supporting families of fallen heroes. “Returning to Columbia each year to defend our title is important, but more than that, it’s about coming together with others who share the same mission,” added Adams. “The race reminds us of the sacrifices made by first
responders and military service members.”
In addition to their success in Columbia, the Bluffton Fire Running Team is excited to encourage local community participation in the upcoming 4th Annual Tunnel to Towers 5K in Bluffton. This event, set for November 17, 2024 at 0830, at Rose Hill Community, gives residents the opportunity to walk, run, or volunteer in support of first responders and veterans. Ninety-five percent of every dollar raised goes directly to support our American heroes.
To sign up or become a sponsor, visit Tunnel to Towers Bluffton 5K Registration.
“We take pride in helping grow our local Bluffton event to rival those held in larger cities,” said Adams. “These races give us a chance to show our support for the Tunnel To Towers Foundation, and we encourage the community to get involved.”
The Bluffton Township Fire District encourages citizens to learn more about the Tunnel To Towers Foundation and support their mission of honoring America’s fallen heroes and helping their families.
CFSI SYMPOSIUM AND DINNER
The 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner is expected to draw over 1,500 fire and emergency services leaders from across the country. Participants will attend seminars, conduct meetings with their members of Congress and network with their colleagues.
The Symposium and Dinner will be held on February 12 and 13, 2025 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC.
At the conclusion of the two-day event, you will join together in the Washington Hilton ballroom to hear national political leaders paying tribute to the dedication and commitment of our nation's firefighters and emergency services personnel.
Individual tickets are $475 and include a seat at the dinner as well as access to all seminars. If you order before 12/1/24, the Early Bird Sale ticket price is $425. If purchasing 10 or more tickets, please see the table level options on our website. Order tickets at https://cfsi .org/annual-symposium-and-dinner/tickets/.
us at update@cfsi.org if you have any questions.National Fire and Emergency Services Awards Applications OPEN; Apply NOW. Award Applications Are Due by October30, 2024.
The four awards include:
Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award. Sponsored by CFSI and Motorola Solutions, the award recognizes leaders at the national level for their contributions in advocating for our nation's fire and emergency services in the areas of public education, prevention, and response.
The Congressional Fire Services is accepting applications for its 2025 national fire service leadership awards. The four awards, which will be presented at the 2025 National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on February 13, 2025, recognize individuals and organizations for leadership in fire and life safety. CFSI will cover the travel costs for the recipients to attend the dinner program. Please contact
CFSI/Masimo Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Awards Program
Sponsored by CFSI and Masimo, the award recognizes fire departments for innovations in the delivery of emergency medical services.
Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education
Sponsored by CFSI and the International Fire Service Training Association, the award honors public safety educators for outstanding achievements in fire safety education.
SenatorPaul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award. Sponsored by CFSI, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, VFIS, and ULFire Safety Research Institute, the award recognizes organizations for implementing programs that address firefighter health and safety, using NFFF's 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives as the award criteria.
Bethel Fire Puts New LadderTruck into Service
On June 29, 2024 Bethel Fire Department held a push-in ceremony fora new 2024 Pierce Velocity Ascendant 100-foot Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower. The afternoon started with an open house to the community offering food trucks, raffles and fire safety demonstrations. MedCenterAir(NC) and Meducare Air(SC) Medevac services flew in to showcase a Bell 407 and EC 135 P2+. The new 2024 Pierce will greatly help the department with fire operations with various new
four-story apartment buildings being built along Lake Wylie. Bethel Fire Department is a combination department comprised of approximately 40 volunteers as well as full-time paid staff and parttime staff. The department provides fire protection to 62 square miles of the northeast cornerof York County, South Carolina, and on the western shores of Lake Wylie. - Submitted by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
