FEMA/USFA And DOT Initiate Study Of Traffic Incident Management Systems (TIMS)

Washington, D.C. – The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through the United States Fire Administration (USFA) with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration, has initiated a partnership with the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) on the research and development of effective technical guidance and training programs for fire and emergency service providers in Traffic Incident Management Systems (TIMS). This project will enhance responder safety and provide guidance to local-level fire departments on compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and soon to be released National Fire Service Incident Management System (IMS) Consortium Model Procedures Guide for Highway Incidents.

“Implementing an effective Traffic Incident Management System could have an impact on reducing the number of firefighters killed by being struck by vehicles while performing emergency operations,” said Michael D. Brown, Homeland Security Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response. “FEMA and USFA are looking forward to working with the DOT and IFSTA to enhance the safety of firefighters and emergency responders.”

R. David Paulison, U.S. Fire Administrator, emphasized that reducing the number of firefighters struck while operating on the roadway is an important initiative in supporting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Firefighter Line of Duty Death (LODD) Prevention Effort.

This initiative will also assist emergency response organizations to better understand the soon-to-be- released National Fire Service Incident Management System (IMS) Consortium Model Procedures Guide for Highway Incidents. The information contained in this document enhances firefighter operational effectiveness, reduces potential liability, and enhances responder safety at roadway emergency scenes. As part of this project, research will be performed into emergency services implementation of TIMS and the IMS Consortium Guide examining such technology and practices as effective distance of placement of roadway warning signs; correct amount and type of emergency vehicle warning lighting (intensity, color, etc.); training, placement, and protective equipment for “flaggers”; etc.

Further information about this project initiative as well as other USFA efforts in emergency vehicle safety may be found at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/inside-usfa/research/vehicle.shtm.

LAFD SUV in the ocean

Los Angeles Firefighter Swept Into Ocean as Mudslides Hit CA

A Los Angeles Fire Department vehicle was pushed into the ocean as heavy rains sent debris across several roadways.

Grandville (MI) Fire Truck Hit While Responding to I-196 Rollover

Michigan State Police are reminding drivers to pull over for emergency vehicles after a fire truck was struck Wednesday night.