Friday, August 28, 2009  A California firefighter pulled a trapped driver from his disabled pickup just seconds before a commuter train slammed into the truck Thursday morning.
 

The pickup wound up on the tracks after colliding with a sport utility vehicle. At about 5:30 a.m. Thursday, a firefighter was inside the pickup trying to free the driver, and another firefighter was outside the vehicle, Oxnard Fire Department spokeswoman Deborah O'Malia said.

Then the rail signals started flashing and crossing guards dropped down over the accident scene.

O'Malia said the firefighters freed the driver just seconds before the train hit.

"They managed to pull this guy out. They would have been killed," O'Malia said.

The train struck the pickup, which flipped into air and landed in a gully.

"They were lucky they didn't get hit by the truck," O'Malia said.

The Metrolink train stopped and remained at the scene for more than an hour while investigators examined the wreckage. Metrolink spokesman Francisco Oaxaca said no one on the train was hurt and that train and a second Los Angeles-bound train were delayed 90 minutes.

Ambulances took the injured SUV driver and pickup driver to nearby St. John's Regional Medical Center. O'Malia said their injuries were not life threatening.

The names of the firefighters and crash victims weren't disclosed.
 

 

Saturday, August 22, 2009  A North Arlington firefighter was injured on Wednesday August 19, 2009 while charging a Fire Hydrant near a P.S.E & G substation. The Standpipe Coupling Ring that attaches the Fire Hydrant to the Vertical Pipe split in half with explosive force.   A five ( 5" ) hose had been attached to the hydrant steamer connection, with a shut off valve, to assist P.S.E. & G in a cooling operation at one of their primary electrical substations. One transformer at the station had been removed from service for emergency repairs and because of the summer heat and extra demand the remaining transformer was beginning to overheat resulting in local blackouts.

 
The firefighter was standing behind the hydrant and had just started to charge it when he heard a high pitch whistling sound. Sensing that something was not right he started to turn and run away from the hydrant. At this point the Standpipe Coupling Ring split into 2 pieces striking the firefighter in the shin.
The firefighter receiced a severe bruise to the the leg bone that required a half cast to help relieve the pain while standing. It is not sure yet how long the firefighter will be out of work.
 
The hydrant is a U. S. Pipe - Metropolitan M-94 model. Manufactured in 2006.
The hydrant was a private yard hydrant that had just been replaced 2 months ago. The hydrant is attached to vertical steel pipe with a cast iron or cast steel collar called a Standpipe Coupling Ring.
 
Initial review of the Standpipe Coupling Ring revealed a coating of rust at one of the break points that could have come from a crack that allowed water to seep into the Ring. At this point we cannot tell if the Standpipe Collar Ring was damaged during installation, subsequent to installation or was a defect from the factory.
 
We plan on instructing all of our firefighters to check the Standpipe Coupling Ring for any cracks or damage before charging a fire hydrant, but a small hairline crack may be difficult to spot when hooking to a hydrant at a fire. Routine annual inspections should also include the Standpipe Coupling Ring and any damage no matter how minor in appearance should be cause for removal and repair.
 

Tuesday, August 18, 2009  When I say bees I mean the yellow/black flying insects that nest in the ground. I was on duty and we got a call about a tree that had fallen into some power lines and was on fire. When we got on scene we had a tree leaning on 2 wires burning a little. The power company got there pretty quickly and shut off the power. Then the base of the tree cut so it would fall off the wires. When it hit the ground it must have landed on the nest. I went to the tree to make sure it was not going to keep burning and I felt something stick my hand. I thought it was a thorn and kept checking the tree. I felt some more stings and noticed the bees on the ground and flying around me. At this point I got out of there.
 
The tree was not burning so we left the scene. As we left the scene I told Shammy I had gotten stung a few times, I didn’t think it was a big deal. I said it would suck if the first time I got to use an Epi Pen on someone was on myself, in hind sight I should have.  I had driven about a mile and started to have vision problems. I stopped and told the Shammy, other guy with me, he needed to drive. He asked if I was serious and I said “Yes, I need you to drive, like to the hospital.” He asked if I wanted to jump in with the chief who was behind us and I said yes. We had gone about a half of a mile when I don’t remember anything till I got to the ER and one of the city Cops opened the door to pull me out. I walked to the wheelchair and then helped take off my bunker pants and get on the bed.
 
They stuck me with Benadryl, Epi, started an IV with a 300cc bolus and 2 other shots. My blood pressure and pulse was LOW. They put me in the trendelinburger(sp) position, (laying flat with my body angled head down). I can around fast and was released after a little over an hour.
 
I had been stung about 2 years ago on my lower leg and it swelled up and took 3-4 days to go away. No other problems at that time. This time I got hit by 2 bees hard and 3-4 others a little bit. This morning my finger and hand that took the first and hardest hit is still swollen some and the side of my face is a little also where I took the second hardest hit.
 
When I got in with the chief he asked if I wanted him to use an Epi Pen on me, we carry them on the Engine and 2 others truck but not in the chiefs, I said no didn’t think I was that bad or would get that bad, I should have had him use it. 
 
The important thing to learn from my experience was that it you get stung it can knock you down QUICK!!! It was about 15 minutes from when I got stung till I was OUT!!!. The good thing was my vision was going but I had motor function so I could stop the Rig. I also didn’t have any problems breathing that I know of, chief said I was making some strange noises as I breathed after I went unresponsive.
 
I now have an Epi Pen. I hope you take this to heart and take stings serious, because I didn’t but I got lucky this time because of who I was around and how close we where to the ER.
 

Thursday, August 13, 2009  On Wednesday August 12, 2009 at approximately 1645 hrs Zephyrhills Fire Rescue was conducting a hose evolution and flow test on a dry standpipe system. This system was one of four (4) identical system installed in a three story, 55 and over, adult residential apartment building nearing completion of construction. These systems as well as the automatic sprinkler system all use 5” storz FDC connections. Soon after the 5” LDH was connected to the 5” FDC connection and charged with hydrant pressure only, a catastrophic failure occurred. The LDH FDC connection separated from the piping extending through the wall. The charged hose and the detached FDC whipped around several times before the line could be shut down. Two personnel were in the vicinity of the FDC and were observing proper positioning and safety measures. Both escaped unharmed, scared but wet! Minimal damage to the surrounding area occurred.    

After the FDC supply line was shut down and secured an on scene investigation revealed that the standpipe FDC piping had not extended an adequate distance outside of the wall. Literally only ¼” of threads were exposed to connect the FDC storz adapter. The FDC was checked before connection of the LDH and appeared tight. The inadequate thread captured by the FDC connection led to failure of the connection once water and weight of the hose were applied. It should be noted that the Fire Protection Company is a National Company with a good reputation. Close inspection after installation and during acceptance tests must be done to ensure similar incidents do not occur. Luckily no injuries occurred and no extensive property damage occurred. Had failure occurred after operating pressures were applied the outcome would be significantly different.
 

Thursday, August 6, 2009  Our department responded to a vehicle fire with our 2000 E-One 75 ft. Quint. Upon our arrival we found a conversion van with fire showing in the crowded parking lot of a department store. The Captain and firefighter assigned to the apparatus were in the process of stretching the 1 3/4" attack line to the vehicle fire when the apparatus pressure governor ran the engine rpms up abnormally high in an effort to create pressure. The apparatus Engineer could not determine why the apparatus was running the pressure up so high and immediately began measures to reduce the pressure. The pressure was restored to the normal operating pressure for the line that had been pulled. It was then noticed that water was flowing from the LDH discharge on the right side of the apparatus. This was not normal and caused the Battalion Chief on scene observing the company’s operations to investigate the flowing water. During the investigation it was determined that the center of the 5" storz cap on the LDH discharge had blown apart and the discharge was leaking. There were two parts to the cap located approximately twenty feet from the apparatus in the parking lot. The apparatus Engineer attempted, unsuccessfully, to stop the flow of water from the discharge. When units returned to quarters it was determined that the discharge valve was out of adjustment and had been leaking by for an undetermined amount of time. The water resting against the stortz cap had caused corrosion and pitting to the cap. This corrosion along with the pressure being exerted by the pump working at its normal pump discharge pressure caused the center of the cap to fail and fly into the parking lot. When the cap failed the pressure governor on the apparatus increased the engine rpms because it thought the demand for water was being increased. This was the cause of the apparatus engine increasing rpms so quickly. If department personnel had been in the immediate area of the cap pulling the attack line personal injury or death may have occurred.

Lessons Learned 1. Apparatus engineers need to be reminded that if a discharge cap is removed and water leaks from the discharge repairs to the valve need to be made. 2. During apparatus maintenance be sure and check the inside of caps and turndowns for pitting and corrosion. If they show signs of this they need to be replaced which is what NFPA 1962 recommends. 3. The cap needs to be tested according to NFPA 1962 once it is cleaned and lubricated or needs to be replaced.

 

Thursday, July 30, 2009  Nearly two years ago my fire department was operating at an exercise where a 6" pre-con valve suddenly came apart and along with the hose moved a considerable distance from the suction intake of the engine it was attached to. I am not sure of the specifics or what water pressure the valve was under. You can see in pictures that I have of the valve that the valve had significant damage due to corrosion. The corrosion was most likely a result of about 18 years of exposure to "hard water" water in our public water system. The valve has been pre-connected to the engine since it was new in 1989. Please contact me if you would like the photos of the pre-con valve mailed to you.

Lessons Learned: We spend a lot of money every year testing our hose, but seldom test our appliances per NFPA standards. In addition to the safety hazard of flying pieces or whipping hose when a valve fails, the failure may result in the loss of water pressure to firefighters operating inside a building. Frequent leaks in apparatus piping and fittings is one indication that you could have a problem caused by corrosion. Relief valves on LDH appliances need to be exercised often to ensure their operability. In addition the relief valve setting needs to be checked to ensure that it operates at no higher than your typical expected maximum water pressure. Any time LDH appliances are dropped they should be static tested. Fire departments should consider not pre-connecting these appliances to LDN, as they often get dropped hard into the street when hose is laid out. Take the time to attached the appliance after the hose hits the street or ground.

 

Wednesday, July 29, 2009  Another firefighter I work with. FF was charging a +/- 90 psi hydrant when the hydrant blew off from the base bolts. The hydrant base bolts were rotten and bad hydrant was replaced. No injuries were reported because the FF wasn't standing over the hydrant when it was charged. Sounds like possibly what happened in NJ.

Lessons Learned: When charging a hydrant do not stand over bonnet bolt in case hydrant lets loose, or bonnet bolt is loose.

 

Friday, June 12, 2009  One of our rookies was issued USAR gear pants and he wore it for a couple of months. He even wore it in a small fire. We have a heavy rescue station that was issued USAR gear from a grant and SOMEHOW two sets of the gear were put into the spare gear locker and issued to the kid by mistake. The Rookie has never had any contact with USAR gear and all he knew was that it was light weight. BTW, the gear was ordered in the same color and with the same reflective stripes as our issued bunker gear. Several people have said, " he should have known that this wasn't supposed to be worn in fires" but in the rookies defense" you don't know what you don't know". Our fire Department is a department of 237 and we have gone through several rounds of budget cuts over the years. We have a severe lack of oversight due to a lack of personnel. To the departments credit the gear was removed as soon as it was discovered. We got lucky on this one, this kid could have suffered severe burns to his legs wearing these pants.

Lessons Learned: We need better accountability from our admin.

 

Friday, June 12, 2009  Our dept. recently purchased some new square d work lights. We have been having problems with one of the lights blowing the bulbs. we assumed that it was a problem with the bulbs getting wet and blowing. A couple of weeks ago one of our firefighters was shocked by this light. The light was taken out of service to find the problem. It turns out the light was wired incorrectly at the factory. The positive feed was connected to the ground wire. It was also found that the breaker on the truck did not trip because there was a shorted wire going to the voltage meter mounted on the truck.

Lessons Learned: Do not assume that just because it is new that there cannot be a manufacturing problem. When there is trouble with electrical equipment do not just assume history is repeating itself, look further into the problem.

 

Friday, June 12, 2009  Early this morning we responded to wires down at an intersection which had car vs. light pole about two hours earlier. The police department was getting nowhere with the electric company so they called us. We arrived and noticed the wire across the roadway but kept our distance. While checking out the scene a representative from the electric company stopped by in a company car. We believe this guy was a desk jockey for the company and stopped by while on his way to work. He informed us that this line was to power the street lamp but due to the wire being snapped it was dead. We asked him what type of power ran through the line normally and he informed us it was 120v. So with that information we decided to pull the line to one side of the road and call it a day but once we got it piled up on one side of the road the wire sparked getting everyone’s attention. At that time the electric company rep was already gone. We stood by and had the electric company contacted again to get an ETA for the actual line crew that was supposed to come and repair the line. We told him the story and he asked if we had gotten a name as this should not have happened. The scene was turned over to the crew from the electric company that knew what to do.

Lessons Learned: Don't take actions based on just word of mouth from someone that may not have complete knowledge of the situation. Find a way to double check if lines still have power to them. They have devices out there but you department has to purchase them.

 

Tuesday, May 26, 2009  May 20 2009 we were called to a vehicle on fire. While operating on this scene one firefighters SCBA cylinder flew off of his pack frame and narrowly missed the second member in line. Our station runs Scott NxG air packs which are the push to connect style. Luckily no injuries resulted from this. The entire SCBA and cylinder are being inspected by our Scott dealer to determine a cause.

 

Sunday, May 17, 2009  We responded to a service call(pump out)did not wear bunker gear, wore personal clothing and boots as we performed pump out and shut off freezing water pipes, helping out the owners of the residence. We cleared the scene and returned to quarters to put equipment back in service, was walking around the station and there was a scraping sound every time I took a step, so I thought i picked up a rock in the parking lot, so I started kicking my boot on the ground trying to dislodge the "rock" it wouldn’t come out so I sat down and picked my boot up and found out that I had a bullet (22 shell) lodged in the tread of my boot, I as well as all the guys at the station were very surprised!! I must have picked it up walking around the basement of the house we were at....

Lessons Learned: Expect the unexpected!!!!!!

 

Friday, April 3, 2009  While removing storm debris from the roadway a firefighter was injured when trying to remove the chainsaw that had become wedged in the tree. They were using a backhoe to apply pressure to the tree when it split striking the firefighter in the lower leg. The firefighter is still in the hospital recovering after surgery

Lessons Learned: proper distance when working around heavy equipment. Also situational awareness and what did it really matter if the saw hit the ground it would have been better than a firefighter getting hurt.

 

Friday, March 27, 2009  Below are some photos from a Manifold...that exploded on Saturday night during Water Tender filling at a multi-alarm fire.  An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause or what led up to the event.  Two FFs in vicinity of the manifold were treated for minor injuries.

 

Monday, March 23, 2009 

F-4 Phantom "Wild Weasel" blew an afterburner on take-off spilling burning JP4 under the aircraft once it came to a stop. Myself and my rescue crew proceeded to extinguish the flames since the pilots had long since left the area on their own once the aircraft stopped. Flames were everywhere underneath and once they were out we all had a critique of the operation including learning from the accident investigators that the flames were impinging on the fuel cells and we all had about 30 seconds before they would have blown killing everyone within a 50 foot radius. Needless to say it took a few minutes to digest that news sitting on the bumper of our rig...George Air Force Base, 14 February, 1983

Lessons Learned: If saving a multi-million dollar aircraft, and a valuable military asset isn't important...stand back and let it blow.