news

Police seek arsonist as crews fight FL wildfires
Associated Press (May 13, 2008)

Senate: Let public safety personnel unionize
Associated Press (May 13, 2008)

China quake death toll rises to about 10,000
Associated Press (May 13, 2008)

China quake derailed freight train, which caught fire
Associated Press (May 13, 2008)

Separate KS stove fires kill man, burn boy
The Wichita Eagle, Kan. (May 13, 2008)

WI department responses down slightly last year
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services -- Unrestricted (May 13, 2008)

Two firefighters injured in TX fire
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas (May 12, 2008)

Federal agencies visit tornado-ravaged OK town
Associated Press (May 12, 2008)

Burning FL mobile home starts wildfire
Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News (May 12, 2008)

TN chief must merge paid, volunteer departments
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services -- Unrestricted (May 12, 2008)

Wind-whipped wildfires burn homes on FL coast
Associated Press (May 13, 2008)

Tornadoes rip though Midwest, Southeast; 20 die
United Press International (May 12, 2008)

Death toll from China earthquake expected to rise
Associated Press (May 12, 2008)

FDNY-issued credit cards under scrutiny
NY Post (May 12, 2008)

Australian firefighters save man from burning elevator
Australian Broadcasting Corporation: News Online (May 12, 2008)

Three dead in WI medical copter crash
Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News (May 12, 2008)

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operations

Wildland fire and urban interface: Three things you can do now

The International Association of Fire Chiefs urges fire departments to take a leadership role in ensuring their communities are educated and prepared for the threat of wildland fire.

Nine firefighters killed in SC warehouse fire

Fire swept through a Charleston furniture warehouse, collapsing the building's roof and claiming the lives of nine firefighters.

Evans Center (NY) Fire Company cares for patients in wreck

A two-vehicle accident in the tow of Evans, NY, sent five people to the hospital, but could have been much worse.

From The Jumpseat: Sparking Small Revolutions

Changing the culture of a department can begin at the lowest rung on the ladder. Mark Cotter writes about making innovation infectious.

School Bus Accidents

Firefighters must keep up with the latest extrication techniques and technology in order to deal with incidents involving school buses. FDIC instructor Leigh Hollins emphasizes the importance of this training.

Fireground Command Decisions

Incident commanders are required to make split-second, life-or-death decisions on the fireground, and the quality of those decisions is often determined by how much experience the officer has.

Bread-and-Butter Training Tips: Start Smart

Learning how to train and start smart makes a crucial difference in the quality of our response to incidents, as well as response time. Billy Jack Wenzel writes about getting back to basics.

government

CSB issues report on massive 2006 blast in Danvers, Massachusetts

Chemical Safety Board investigation into CAI explosion concludes lack of company safeguards allowed solvent vapor to accumulate when ink-mixing tank was left heating overnight.

Application period for SAFER grants set to open

Beginning May 27, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, the Department of Homeland Security will begin accepting applications for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants.

Novelty toy lighters are focus of this year's Arson Awareness Week

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) announces the theme for the 2008 Arson Awareness Week: Toylike Lighters--Playing with Fire.

New online self-study courses offered by the National Fire Academy

The U.S. Fire Administration's National Fire Academy announced that two new self-study courses are available through NFA Online.

Eight senior fire officials selected for Harvard program

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) announced the selection of eight senior fire officials to attend Harvard University's Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program.

U.S. Fire Administration releases report on I-35W Bridge Collapse in Minneapolis

The report examines the area's emergency preparedness for, and response to, the August 1, 2007 bridge collapse in Minneapolis, Minnesota that killed 13 people and injured 121 others.

Download the USFA's report on civilian fire injuries in residential buildings

The United States Fire Administration issued Civilian Fire Injuries in Residential Buildings in 2005, which examines the causes and characteristics of civilian fire injuries occurring in residential buildings.

health & safety

NIOSH report warns of improper set-up of aerial ladders with a locking waterway

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends that all fire departments usig aerial ladder trucks with locking waterways immediately take action to reduce the risk of firefighters being struck by unsecured waterways or parts of the waterway.

ISFSI members needed for SAFER grant review

The International Society of Fire Service Instructors is seeking 12 members to represent the instructors as peer grant reviewers for the Staffing for Adequate Emergency Response Grant National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

National Campus Fire Safety Month to be launched on Capitol Hill

The launch of National Campus Fire Safety Month 2008 will take place on September 9 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

NVFC, USFA issue report on health and safety issues for volunteers

The report, Emerging Health and Safety Issues in the Volunteer Fire Service, provides information on initiatives, programs, and strategies for reducing fatalities among volunteer firefighters.

New certifications test fire equipment technicians

The International Code Council and the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors are joining forces to develop new certifications for fire equipment technicians.

Wisconsin adopts latest edition of NFPA 1, Uniform Fire Code

The state of Wisconsin has adopted the most recent edition of NFPA 1, Uniform Fire Code. The adoption became effective on March 1, 2008.

NFPA Standards Council contemplates changes to fireworks standard

In response to findings presented in a new research report from the Fire Protection Research Foundation, the Standards Council of the National Fire Protection Association is considering changes with regard to NFPA's provisions on the retail sale of consumer fireworks.

did you know?

California training exercise doubles as public education event

The Alameda County (CA) Fire Department Reserve Unit used an aquired structure to give a public demonstration as well as to practice valuable fireground skills.

Junior Firefighter Scholarship and Grant Program appliations due May 15

Registration is free and time is running out--submit your application today.

Brooklyn pub crawl benefits wildland firefighter organization

May 3, 2008 will be the second annual Brooklyn Pub Crawl, hosted by a wildland firefighter who makes his home in Brooklyn, New York, during the off-season.

Baskin-Robbins event to benefit National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Baskin-Robbins will be partnering with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation for the second annual 31 Cent Scoop Night, a fun and interactive event on April 30, 2008.

Campus Firewatch Media Project launched

The project provides an opportunity for students to write original material and be published each month throughout the 2008-2009 academic year in Campus Firewatch, the leading national publication on campus fire safety.

NVFC Spring Board Meeting focuses on AFG grants, EMS

Read a wrap-up of the National Volunteer Fire Council's annual Spring Board Meeting in Arlington, Virginia from April 2-6.

New version of interactive computer simulator launched at FDIC 2008

The To Hell and Back series is designed to help change complacent behaviors, raise awareness on the limitations of fire protection gear, and teach basic situational awareness.

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