By John F. “Skip” Coleman, Technical Editor
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute have been working with some larger and some smaller fire departments on firefighting tactics. These scientists explore wind-driven fires, the effects of positive-pressure ventilation on interior fire conditions, and how ventilation affects the fire and smoke flow paths in single-family homes, among other topics. Their findings are eye-opening. Their most recent studies are summarized at http://bit.ly/1edGS9v. They also have created a training program at http://bit.ly/d5WCXp.
Roundtable question: Has your department changed any tactics, evolutions, or procedures because of the findings of these NIST/UL studies? To post your comments, go to fireengineering.com/roundtable.html.
PHOTO OF THE DAY: This two-alarm fire in a two-story multifamily dwelling in Forest Park, Illinois, is believed to have started on the first floor in the rear and spread up walls and void spaces to the attic. Companies made an aggressive interior attack until conditions changed and then went defensive, working in frigid temperatures for about five hours. (Photo by Dave Traiforos.) See more photos at http://bit.ly/1dy1itt. Send your Photo of the Day submissions to Peter Prochilo (peterp@pennwell.com). |
NEW ON THE WEB
A new Training Minutes season has begun. See videos from Mike McEvoy (EMS), Mike Ciampo (truck company), Ray McCormack (engine company), and Paul Dansbach (building construction/fire protection) at http://bit.ly/1aERFuu.
Don’t miss Editor in Chief Bobby Halton’s Google Chats from various locales across the country: live from the UL attic burn tests in Northbrook, Illinois; on a visit with Globe Manufacturing in New Hampshire; and even with authors who recently stopped by to visit the editorial office in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Watch these Google Chats at http://bit.ly/1gmLxsQ.
WEBCASTS
On March 6, Engineer/Paramedic Leslie Baker, Charleston (SC) Fire Department, will present “Extrication Zone: Principles of Extrication,” sponsored by Amkus. On March 20, Captain Buster Cooper, Conway (AR) Fire Department, will present “Forcible Exiting: The Fortified Rear Door.” Webcasts are free, but you must register; they are archived for six months on www.fireengineering.com.
FIRE LIFE
Food columnist Kipp Rix has opened a new restaurant called Fire House Java and Cuisine in Farmington, New Mexico. See his recipe for one of the signature dishes, Fire House Java Steak, as well as other food columnists’ recipes, only at www.firelife.com.
FEATURED ARTICLES
Eric G. Bachman, former chief, Eden (PA) Volunteer Fire/Rescue Department, writes in “The Importance of Low Expectations”: “When system expectations fail, it catches you off guard and creates setbacks and inconveniences that take time to overcome.” (http://bit.ly/1at4zsH)
David DeStefano, lieutenant, North Providence (RI) Fire Department, writes in “Surviving the Tour”: “To enhance your safety and efficiency, attempt to operate in a proactive mode whenever possible. Make conscious choices based on solid facts that you have contemplated long before an incident.” (http://bit.ly/19xmW1m)
Kevin A. Gallagher, chief, Acushnet (MA) Fire & EMS Department, writes in “Modular Concerns: Polyurethane Foam Structural Adhesive, Part 1-Code Problems”: “Prior to 2008, my knowledge of manufactured buildings (modular construction) was limited to two things: I needed to drive widely past the convoy of tractor trailers carrying the modular boxes along the highway and, unless told by the homeowner at the time of inspection, I never would have known that the residence was factory made.” (http://bit.ly/1hvpfST)
Danny Troxell, captain, Washington, D.C. Fire Department, provides downloadable drills. “Traditions Training Drill: Forcing Round Padlocks Encased in Steel Guards on Roll-Down Gates” focuses on one procedure to use on manual roll-down gates secured with round locks. (http://bit.ly/1j9ssKO)
COMMUNITY MEMBER OF THE MONTH |
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Name: Todd Shoebridge. Department: Hickory (NC) Fire Department. Rank: captain. Years of public service: 30+. Agency structure: paid department. |
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