USFA Coffee Break Training: BC Fire Extinguishing Agents-Dry Chemical


In this Coffee Break Training, the student will learn to explain Class BC dry-chemical agents’ use, application, and extinguishing methods.

Download this training PDF HERE

Coffee Break Training provides an overview of fire protection topics and does not include all details, requirements or exceptions to the topics that are described. Always refer to nationally recognized design and installation codes and standards, the product manufacturer, or listing details for specific information.   

Please share this Coffee Break Training segment and others with your peers. Previous Coffee Breaks may be found on the USFA website.

Updated Information:

Self-Assessment Exams
The Coffee Break Training quarterly self-assessment exams are currently unavailable. A message will be sent to this list when they are back online.

National Fire Academy Open Enrollment
The student application period for National Fire Academy second semester classes (April 1 to September 30, 2012) is now open. The application period closes December 15, 2011. 

The National Fire Academy offers several new courses this year: 

Hot Topics Research in Emergency Medical Services (R139). 

Students in this six-day course will research emerging issues in EMS to identify, promote, and embrace system or service improvements. The course is structured around how to make persuasive justifications through effective data collection and presentation using a wide variety of research methods. Students will construct a program proposal or progress report for presentation. 

Electrical Aspects of Fire Investigation (R255). 

This six-day course helps investigators properly and effectively electrical systems and related component to determine their role in fires. Topics include a basic explanation of electricity, electrical circuits and distribution systems, electrical faults and failures, and how NFPA 70, National Electrical Code applies to fire investigations. Students will learn the skill of arc mapping to aid in determining fire causes. 

Hot Topics Research in Fire Protection (R138). 

What’s new in fire protection? This course is intended to identify new and emerging issues, products and trends that may apply to local jurisdictions. Students will learn how to conduct research, evaluate technological and human behavior topics, and present the material in a meaningful way to effect change to reduce fire losses or enhance understanding of new technologies. 

Cultural Competence in Risk Reduction (P394). 

This six-day course seeks to improve cultural and linguistic determinants within the application of risk reduction strategies. The first pilot class is scheduled to be delivered Sunday, December 4 through Friday, December 9, 2011. The second pilot is scheduled to be delivered January 29 through February 3, 2012. 

To see the schedule, student selection criteria, and application instructions, please visit http://www.usfa.fema.gov/nfa/about/attend/apply.shtm

Queens Battery Fire

Fire in Off-the-Books e-Bike Battery Repair Shop in Queens (NY) Injures Firefighter, 3 Residents

An off-the-books e-bike battery repair shop in the basement of a Queens home sparked a massive Friday morning blaze that left a firefighter and three building residents hospitalized, FDNY officials said.
Baldwinsville (NY) Apartment Fire

Large Fire Rips Through Baldwinsville (NY) Apartment Buildings, Roof Collapses

Firefighters are battling a large fire Friday night in a Baldwinsville apartment complex that’s caused the roof to collapse on at least one building.