A number of new classes are being presented at FDIC 2007, including never before seen Big Room Sessions. Among them are the following:
New classroom sessions:
Basements and Cellars, Attics and Cocklofts
Deputy Assistant Chief (Ret.) John Norman, Fire Department of New York
This class describes some of the most common problems involved in these most difficult of fires, including lack of access and ventilation, potentially high life hazards, and limited hose stream application points. Early recognition of the problems and having a set of procedures in place are keys to dealing with these fires. Topics include definitions of basements vs. cellars, difficulties, fire attack options, attics vs. cocklofts, gaining access, and peaked roof ventilation.
Return to Fireground Priorities
Battalion Chief (Ret.) John W. Mittendorf, Los Angeles City (CA) Fire Department; and Captain Bill Gustin, Miami-Dade (FL) Fire Rescue
This class focuses on the reasons we have forgotten the basics and don’t use them anymore. Topics include line selection, nozzle selection, line placement, water supply, ventilation; the reasons two-in/two-out and RIT teams have not improved the fireground; how to breathe without breathing apparatus; ladders; and other “old-time” priorities such as “Put the fire out, stupid.”
New Big Room sessions:
Reading Smoke: The Sequel
David Dodson, Lead Instructor, Response Solutions, Eastlake, CO
This class takes the Art of Reading Smoke class to a new level as it shows how the basic reading smoke concept can work to predict fire events. Learn the updated approach to reading smoke and apply it to videotaped incidents.
Pride and Ownership: The Love for the Job
Chief Rick Lasky, Lewisville (TX) Fire Department
A “pull-no-punches” assessment of the level of “passion” in today’s fire service and a myriad of ways to “reignite” the love for the job on every level¿from chiefs on down. A summoning of men and women with honor and integrity to measure up to the job and to exude pride and ownership.
Bruno and Friends
The wisdom and wit continue. Chief (Ret.) Alan Brunacini brings his 50 years of fire service experience to the table¿the firehouse kitchen table–and introduces you to a few of his closest friends. As always, a unique perspective and a fire service event that you can only see at FDIC.
The Cases for and Against Live-Fire Training
Deputy Chief (Ret.) Ted Nee, Albuquerque (NM) Fire Department; and Firefighter Dominic Colletti, Humane Fire Company, Royersford, PA
This class examines the pro and cons of live fire training. The case against uses USFA and NFPA reports on training fatalities and case studies to show that the risks of injury and death during live-fire training may outweigh any benefits and offers less risky but effective training alternatives. The case for explains how effective and dynamic live fire training can be safely and effective conducted.
Controlling Fire and Smoke in Large Structures
Moderator: Deputy Chief John “Skip” Coleman, Toledo (OH) Fire Department; Panel: Daniel Madrzykowski and Stephen Kerber, National Institute of Standards and Technology; Battalion Chief Jerry Tracy, Fire Department of New York; District Chief Pete Van Dorpe, Chicago (IL) Fire Department; and Captain Peter McBride, Ottawa Fire Services
This panel will discuss the research conducted on controlling the movement of smoke and heat in high-rises with the use of positive-pressure ventilation. Chicago and FDNY will share their experiences of difficult high-rise fires and NIST will present findings of investigations and computer modeling programs from some of those incidents. These episodes brought about the incentive to embark in this research project that is focused on enhancing the efficiency of fire operations, increased safety for firefighters, and survival and evacuation of civilians.