Honoring Our Community Heroes A Special Section Brought To You By The Calmar Courier | October 11, 2016
October is Fire Prevention Awareness Month FEATURING: CALMAR, FORT ATKINSON, LAWLER, OSSIAN, PROTIVIN, ST. LUCAS AND WAUCOMA
Firefighters, we salute you for your courage, dedication and commitment.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
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Calmar Courier - Fire Prevention
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Calmar Fire Department Members of the Calmar Fire Department pictured include (front row, l-r):Wayne Wiest, Corey Meyer, Linus Sabelka, Chad Schissel, Aaron Brincks, Pete Meyer, Mike Wilder, Mike Euans, Jeremy Weiss and Isaac Phillips; back row:Tom Ward, Jamie Haas, Bill Klimesh,Troy Lensing, Dalton Smith, Kory Hageman, Keith Frana, Eric Moore, Logan Breitsprecher and Reed Upton. Not pictured: Tim Vondersitt, TJ Schissel, Casey Wiltgen, Dave Klimesh, Troy Hageman, Kevin Rawson and Andrew Voigt. Photo by Michael Hohenbrink
About Fire Prevention Week Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began Oct. 8 but continued into and did most of its damage on Oct. 9, 1871.
city on fire. Chances are you’ve heard some version of this story yourself; people have been blaming the Great Chicago Fire on the cow and Mrs. O’Leary for more than 130 years. But recent research by Chicago historian Robert Cromie has helped to debunk this version of events.
Commemorating A Conflagration
Like any good story, the “case of the cow” has some truth to it. The great fire almost certainly started near the barn where Mrs. O’Leary kept her five milking cows. But there is no proof that O’Leary was in the barn when the
According to popular legend, the fire broke out after a cow - belonging to Mrs. Catherine O’Leary - kicked over a lamp, setting first the barn, then the whole
The ‘Moo’ myth
fire broke out - or that a jumpy cow sparked the blaze. Mrs. O’Leary herself swore that she’d been in bed early that night, and that the cows were also tucked in for the evening. But if a cow wasn’t to blame for the huge fire, what was? Over the years, journalists and historians have offered plenty of theories. Some blamed the blaze on a couple of neighborhood boys who were near the barn sneaking cigarettes. Others believed that a neighbor of the O’Learys may have started the fire. Some people have speculated that a fiery meteorite may have fallen to earth on
Hageman Builders Lentz Financial 113 Main St., Calmar (563) 562-4094
2243 Co. Rd B32, Calmar (563) 380-2148
Oct. 8, starting several fires that day - in Michigan and Wisconsin, as well as in Chicago.
The biggest blaze that week While the Great Chicago Fire was the best-known blaze to start during this fiery two-day stretch, it wasn’t the biggest. That distinction goes to the Peshtigo Fire, the most devastating forest fire in American history. The fire, which also occurred Oct. 8, 1871, and roared through northeast Wisconsin, burning down 16 towns, killing 1,152 people and scorching 1.2 million acres before it ended.
Historical accounts of the fire say that the blaze began when several railroad workers clearing land for tracks unintentionally started a brush fire. Before long, the fast-moving flames were whipping through the area “like a tornado,” some survivors said. It was the small town of Peshtigo, Wis. that suffered the worst damage. Within an hour, the entire town had been destroyed.
Nine decades of fire prevention Those who survived the Chicago and Peshtigo fires never forgot ABOUT to page 4
Becker Hardware Five Star Auto Detailing 704 W. Clark St., Calmar (563) 419-2585
101 W Main St., Ossian (563) 532-9120
Ed’s Body Shop Inc. 106 S Main St., Spillville (563) 562-3067
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
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Calmar Courier - Fire Prevention
Lawler Fire Department Members of the Lawler Fire Department pictured include (front row, l-r): Russell Pleggenkuhle, Nick Njus, James Mincks, Chad Gruenberg (1st Assistant), Jeremy Maklenburg (2nd Assistant); back row: Paul Rosenbaum, Jeremy Humpal (Training Officer), Eric Fibikar (Chief), Jack Orvis (Secretary), Jeremy Scheidel and Frank Wilson. Not present: Chris Carolan, Larry Hruska, Ron Leibold, Jake Leibold, Joe Raymond, Keith Rosonke, Clyde Throndson, Seth Wegman and Andrew Kennedy. Photo by Michael Hohenbrink
Five Ways To Increase Home Fire Safety An average of seven Americans die each week as a result of house fires. Most fires occur in residential buildings between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when occupants are most likely to be asleep. Your first line of defense is fire preparedness. Here are five things you can do to increase your chance of survival in a fire: • Install smoke alarms on every story of your home and outside sleeping areas. Be sure to test them monthly, clean them every six months and replace batteries in spring and fall. Having working fire alarms can cut your chance of dying in a fire in half! • Have a fire escape plan for your family and practice it. A small fire can spread rapidly — you may only
Howard’s Tire & Repair 125 Bridge St., Spillville (563) 562-3880
have minutes or seconds to escape. When going over the details of your escape plan, check windows and doors to ensure all open easily. Know your local emergency number (911). Never stop to gather belongings or reenter a home after safely outside. • When renovating, consider using fire-rated, noncombustible products. Your choice of insulation, for example, can be vital. Stone wool insulation, like that produced by Roxul, resists temperatures up to approximately 2,150 F. When directly exposed to fire, it will not off-gas, contribute to toxic smoke or promote flames. Fire-resistant building materials can give you extra time to escape when seconds count. • Purchase a multi-use fire ladder for each bedroom in your home and
Don Rausch & Son Construction Inc. 2678 118th St., Fort Atkinson (563) 534-7356
practice using it. A fire ladder may be your only escape option if flames block critical exits. • Place fire extinguishers on every level of your home, especially in high-risk areas like the kitchen, near fireplaces and in the garage. Use only for small, contained fires that are not spreading rapidly. Know how to operate your extinguisher before an emergency occurs using the PASS method: Pull pin, Aim low, Squeeze lever and Sweep from side to side. The safest option is always to evacuate your home and call for help. Fire prevention measures are a serious matter in every home. Find out how to keep your home and family safe at nfpa.org or improve your fire safety knowledge by visiting the Roxul website.
Marv Smith Electric, Plumbing & Heating 2660 150th St., Fort Atkinson, (563) 534-7012
Fast Facts About Home Fires • Half of home fire deaths re2,745 deaths, 11,825 civilian sult from fires reported beinjuries and $6.8 billion in ditween 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. rect damage. when most people are asleep. • On average, seven people die Only one in five home fires in U.S. home fires per day. was reported during these • Cooking equipment is the hours. leading cause of home fire • One quarter of home fire injuries, followed by heating deaths were caused by fires equipment. that started in the bedroom. • Smoking materials are the Another quarter resulted leading cause of home fire deaths. from fires in the living room, • Most fatal fires kill one or family room or den. two people. In 2014, 15 home • Three out of five home fire fires killed five or more peodeaths happen from fires in ple resulting in a total of 88 homes with no smoke alarms deaths. or no working smoke alarms. • In 2014, U.S. fire depart- • During 2009-2013, roughly ments responded to an estione of every 335 households mated 367,500 home struchad a reported home fire per ture fires. These fires caused year. Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2016
Insurance Associates of Lawler Inc. Vrzak Insurance 402 E Grove St., Lawler (563) 238-5131
402 E Grove St., Lawler (563) 238-5131
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Calmar Courier - Fire Prevention
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Fort Atkinson Fire Department Members of the Fort Atkinson Fire Department pictured include (front row, l-r): Scott Schmitt, Paul Herold, Darin Einwalter, Jay Schwamman (2nd Asst. Chief), Keith Herold (Asst. Chief), Ron Franzen (Fire Chief), Joe Skretta and Scott Sindelar. Not pictured: Andy Herold, Alvin Herold, Sammy Kuhn, Tony Vondersitt, Jamie Neuzil, Dan Dietzenbach, Dave Nienhaus, Ryan Dietzenbach, Bob Glass, Don Boyer, Laure Rausch, Natalie Schneiter and Judy Ott. Photo by Annette Kriener
ABOUT FIRE PREVENTION CONT. what they’d been through; both blazes produced countless tales of bravery and heroism. But the fires also changed the way that firefighters and public officials thought about fire safety. On the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the Fire Marshals Association of North America (today known as the International Fire Marshals Association), decided that the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire should henceforth be observed not with festivities, but in a way that would keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention. The commemoration grew incrementally official over the years.
In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, and since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which Oct. 9 falls. According to the National Archives and Records Administration’s Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925. Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2016
Fast Facts About Cooking Fires U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 162,400 cooking-related fires between 2009-2013, resulting in 430 civilian deaths, 5,400 civilian injuries and $1.1 billion in direct damage. • Two of every five home fires started in the kitchen. • Unattended cooking was a factor in one-third of reported home cooking fires. • Two-thirds of home cooking fires started with ignition of food or other cooking materials. • Ranges accounted for three of every five (61 percent) home cooking fire incidents. Ovens accounted for 13 percent. • Children under five face a higher risk of non-fire burns associated with cooking and hot food and
Heying Lumber Buchheit Appliance 120 Main St., Calmar (563) 562-3623
201 W. Main St., Calmar 563-562-3583
Calmar Courier 110 N. Maryville St., Calmar (563) 562-3488
Did You Know?
drinks than of being hurt in a cooking fire. • Children under five accounted for 30 percent of the 4,300 microwave oven scald burns seen in hospital emergency rooms during 2014. • Clothing was the item first ignited in less than 1 percent of home cooking fires, but these incidents accounted for 18 percent of the cooking fire deaths. • More than half of people injured in home fires involving cooking equipment were hurt while attempting to fight the fire themselves. • Frying is the leading activity associated with cooking fires. Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2016
According to the National Fire Protection Association, 92 percent of all civilian structure fire deaths in 2011, the most recent year for which statistics are available, resulted from home structure fires. Not surprisingly, kitchens are the leading area of origin for home structure fires. Forty-two percent of such fires, which peak during the dinner hours between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., began in the kitchen. A nd while smoke alar ms may not prevent fires, they can prevent deaths stemming from home structure fires. Three out of five reported home deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or homes with smoke alarms that were not in operation.
Klimesh Motors
Thank you to the
207 W. Main St., Calmar 563-562-3241
their lives on
Firemen who put the line for us. We honor your service and commitment.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
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Calmar Courier - Fire Prevention
Ossian Fire Department Members of the Ossian Fire Department pictured include (front row, l-r): Dale Beckman,Terry Franzen, Noah Kuboushek, Lisa Anderson, Mitchell Holthaus, CJ Doerring, Chad Bohr and Nate Bohr; back row: Denis Holien (Chief), Art Uhlenhake, Kevin Bohling, Marcus Wenthold, Bill Green, Mel Elsbernd, Justin Bohr, Cody Grant and Lenny Imoehl. Not pictured: Jeramy Monroe and Don Musselman. Photo by Michael Hohenbrink
Preparing Your Fireplace Or Stove For The Season Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves not only can be beautiful focal points within a home, but they also provide an additional source of heat and can be used to keep rooms or entire homes comfortable without the need for additional and potentially costly heating sources. Just like more modern home heating systems, stoves and fireplaces need to be maintained, and that maintenance includes readying them before winter when they are used more heavily. Ensuring a fireplace or stove is in good working order helps to guarantee efficiency of use and safety during the winter months. Open-flame heating sources carry with them certain risks. The National Fire Protection Association states that, between 20092013, American fire departments responded to 56,000 home structure fires that involved heating equipment. The NFPA notes that the leading factor contributing to home-heating fires is a failure to keep things clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment. The following are a handful of ways to stay safe as you get ready for another cozy season around the fire. • Start with the chimney. Begin by having your chimney thorough-
ly cleaned and inspected. Creosote can build up inside of the chimney. Creosote is highly flammable and becomes more difficult and expensive to clean the longer it builds up inside your flue lining. In addition, animals may have created nests inside of the chimney since the last time the fireplace was used. A professional chimney sweep should be hired in this situation. He or she will be able to effectively clean the chimney in a manner that is the least messy and disruptive to residents. • Install or check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Operational alarms are essential to preventing injury or death resulting from smoke or carbon monoxide inhalation. Such detectors are inexpensive safeguards that should be installed on every floor of the house. Batteries should be replaced every six months, and the alarms themselves should be changed every five to 10 years. • Inspect the chimney from outdoors as well. Inspect the mortar around any bricks in the chimney and surrounding areas for cracks. If left unaddressed, these can cause dangerous fires. If there are serious cracks, a professional may need to make repairs or the chimney may need to be replaced. You also can
Prepare fireplaces, chimneys and heating stoves for another season of regular use. have the chimney capped with a screen to keep animals and debris from entering. • Inspect the damper. A damper is a valve or plate that stops or regulates the flow of air inside a chimney. It should be checked prior to the first use of a stove or fireplace so homeowners can be certain it opens and closes smoothly. • Clear out flammable items. Move flammable items away from the front of a fireplace or stove. Be sure curtains or other home furnish-
ings are far enough away that they will not catch fire from any errant sparks or flames. • Order wood now. Be sure there is plenty of wood for the season. Ask a wood supplier to estimate just how much will be needed, and double-check that the wood will arrive in time for the start of the season. By preparing for fireplace and wood stove use now, homeowners can ensure their winters are comfortable and safe.
Plan Your Escape Your ability to get out depends on advance warning from smoke alarms and advance planning. In 2014, there were an estimated 367,500 reported home structure fires and 2,745 associated civilian deaths in the United States. Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once the alarm sounds. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2016
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Calmar Courier - Fire Prevention
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Protivin Fire Department Members of the Protivin Fire Department pictured include (front row, l-r): Darren Pecinovsky, Martin Ahrndt, Eric Shimek, Jeff Meyer, Cory Ellingson, Tim Beckman, Greg Shimek and Dean Hubka (1st Lieutenant); back row: Nate Gillen, Dan Vrba, Brian Jestrab, A.J. Straw (1st Assistant Chief), Chris Shimek (2nd Lieutenant), Nate Mracek, Brad Moudry (Chief), Ken Humpal (1st Captain) and Mike Panos (2nd Assistant Chief). Not pictured: Dean Dietzenbach (2nd Captain), Casey Sebastian and Jason Hrdlicka. Photo by Michael Hohenbrink
Employ Simple Fire Prevention Measures To Maximize Safety Did you know that, according to the National Fire Protection Association, most people have a false sense of security regarding house fires, believing that they would have approximately six minutes to evacuate their home in the event of a fire? In reality, smoke and fire spread rapidly and can overcome occupants in less than three minutes. When a fire occurs, there’s no question that time is critical. The good news is there are several important steps you can take to maximize your escape time. With the following measures in place, you’ll create critical protection for what matters most –– your home and family. 1. Install smoke alarms. You should have one in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. For the best protection, make sure all smoke alarms are interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 2. Inspect and clean smoke alarms monthly. Replace batteries in spring and fall. To clean the alarm, open the cover and gently vacuum the interior.
Novak Insurance Agency 101 Church St., Spillville (563) 562-4800
3. Prepare and practice a fire escape plan. Draw a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of every room — especially sleeping areas. Discuss the escape routes with every member of your household, and agree on a meeting place outside your home in case of emergency. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year. 4. Select building materials that provide passive fire protection. Passive fire protection is part of the core of the building and helps control fire by limiting its spread. One very effective form of passive fire protection is the installation of insulation. When adding or upgrading insulation, look for products made from naturally fire-resistant, inorganic materials. A favorite among builders, contractors and homeowners is a stone wool insulation called Roxul Safe ‘n’ Sound, which offers fire resistance up to 2,150°F. Its melting point is higher than the temperature of a typical house fire, which means it will stay in place longer to provide passive fire protection when every second counts, allowing more time for safe evacuation and for first responders to arrive. File photo
Festina Livestock Equipment 1234 236th Ave., Fort Atkinson (563) 534-7143
South Winn. Insurance Schluter-Balik Funeral Homes 202 Washington St., Calmar (563) 562-3393
105 Maryville St., Calmar (563) 562-3142
State Bank 102 Main St., Calmar (563) 562-3442
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
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Calmar Courier - Fire Prevention
St. Lucas Fire Department Members of the St. Lucas Fire Department pictured include (front row, l-r): Chad Wurzer, Loren Franzen,Andy Schmitt, Sam Schmitt and Randy Hageman; back row:Adam Schmitt, Jason Steinlage, Jerry Steinlage and Ben Schmitt. Not pictured: Kurt Huinker, Mike Baumler, Brad Smith and Nick Busta. Photo by Michael Hohenbrink
File photo
Winco Farm Supply 203 Main St., Calmar (563) 562-3253
Bodensteiner Implement Einck’s Service 1229 Highway 150, Festina 563-534-7218
2203 State Hwy 9, Decorah (563) 382-2961
Riha Auto Sales Neal’s Auto Body 2377 Co Rd B32, Festina, (563) 534-7143
99 11th Ave, Fort Atkinson (563) 534-7147
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Calmar Courier - Fire Prevention
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Waucoma Fire Department Members of the Waucoma Fire Department pictured include (front row, l-r): Mike Kime, Scott Kime, Dennis Wenthold, Brad Wickham and Cody Mosher; back row: Roger Kramer, Marvin Schmitt, Chief Jamie DeSloover, Carl Kriener, John Kruse, Steve Baumler, Justin Haught, Mike Hoey, Craig Friedman, Ben Schmitt and Greg Balk. Submitted Photo
Firefighting - A Rewarding Career Firefighting can be a rewarding career and exciting opportunity to serve one’s community. Firefighters protect homes and businesses when fires unexpectedly break out, saving millions of dollars in potential property loss. These invaluable workers also make emergency medical calls and may help preserve lives until paramedics or other medical services can respond. The United States Department of Labor reports that there are more than 300,000 professional firefighters across the country. More than 90 percent of all those firefighters are employed by local governments. Despite the risk involved in firefighting, many find it to be
a very satisfying career. The requirements to become a firefighter vary depending on the locality, but people willing to put in the time and effort to become a firefighter can likely find a department that will give them a chance. The application process to become a firefighter can be competitive, and the training is physically demanding. The following are a few tips for men and women mulling a career as a firefighter. • Meet the basic requirements. Confirm the schooling and age requirements for the job. Depending on where they apply, firefighters may need to have high school diplomas or some college credits. Age requirements are common as well, as many departments man-
date that applicants are at least 18 or 21 upon submitting their applications. • Refrain from drug use and illegal activity. Firefighters must be physically fit and undergo a criminal background checks and drug screenings. • Undergo CPR and EMT training. Firefighters may be called upon in emergency medical situations. As a result, many firefighters are required to have an Emergency Medical Technician, or EMT, license. Even if a license is not a requirement, it is helpful to have and may increase your odds of being hired. • Take fire technology courses. According to FireRescue1, a resource that features the most cur-
rent news and analysis from some of the top experts in fire service, taking a semester of building construction and fire behavior can be helpful. Such coursework can educate prospective firefighters about how buildings are built and may make them more attractive candidates. • Speak to current firefighters. Visit a local firehouse to speak to current firefighters. Ask questions of the firefighters and get their impressions on training and testing. They may offer some job leads, and some may even offer some first-hand advice from their time in the field. • Become a volunteer firefighter. Volunteer as a firefighter while enrolled in training or while study-
ing. This can provide you with a pretty accurate idea of what the job entails. Gaining hands-on experience prior to applying for a permanent position — or even if the decision is made to keep volunteering — can be quite handy. • Take the tests. Firefighting tests vary depending on the agency, but many include a written examination, oral interview and physical aptitude/agility exam. A person may not pass the first time around, but he or she will gain experience and understand which areas to work on for future examinations. Becoming a firefighter takes commitment, physical and emotional strength and a willingness to help one’s community.