Tuesday, August 31, 2010  RESPONDING EMS HELICOPTER CRASH KILLS 3 IN THE LINE OF DUTY-ARKANSAS
The Secret List www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
 
We regret to advise you that 3 crew members of an AirEvac Lifeteam EMS helicopter were killed in the Line of Duty early this morning while responding to a serious vehicle crash in central Arkansas. The Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter was flying to pick up a traffic crash victim when it went down near the Scotland community in Van Buren County (80 miles north of Little Rock) at about 4:30 a.m. The helicopter, built in 1978, was registered to Air Evac EMS Inc., based in West Plains, Mo. There apparently was no distress call and the cause of the crash wasn't immediately known. 

Air Evac has experienced several fatal crashes in recent years. In 2008, an Air Evac helicopter crashed in an Indiana cornfield killing three people. In 2007, another three-member crew was killed when an Air Evac helicopter crashed in Colbert County, Ala. In 2006, an Air Evac helicopter crashed in Gentry in northwest Arkansas, killing the three-member crew and last month, an Air Evac helicopter made a forced landing near Tulsa, Okla., after the aircraft's hydraulics failed. No one was hurt.
 
 
REMINDER: 9/11 is ONE WEEK FROM THIS SATURDAY:
GO HERE for Your FD's 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: http://www.fire-police-ems.com/misc/$9-11.shtml
 
 
NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS INFORMATION AND UPDATES FOR YOU AND YOUR SCHEDULE:
 
1-Memorial Weekend is approaching
The 2010 dates are October 2 and 3. If you have never been, this is a MUST for your "to do" list. Trust us.
Watch a special message from NFFF Executive Director Ron Siarnicki outlining ways you can help honor the nation’s fallen firefighters.
Memorial Weekend message: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgj9Kj2J7y4
2-Do you have the 2010 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend Tribute Widget on your website?
Honor the firefighters being remembered at this year’s Memorial Weekend by placing this special tribute on your website.  Each day we will feature one of the 80 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2009 along with 25 who died in previous years. Firefighter Close Calls is one of the more than 100 websites and blogs carrying the widget so far. 
WHY NOT make sure your department has the widget added to its homepage.
Get the code: http://weekend.firehero.org/widget/
 
3-A Memorial Weekend Tradition Now Online: Sign the Remembrance Banner
The Remembrance Banner is a Memorial Weekend tradition that allows family members to write messages to their fallen firefighters. Write your thoughts about a relative, friend or colleague who has been honored at Emmitsburg. Also, if you've attended or volunteered at a previous Memorial Weekend, share a special memory with us or pay tribute to a fallen hero.
The Virtual Remembrance Banner: http://weekend.firehero.org/remembrance/banner.php 
 
4-ATTENTION RACE FANS: Hurry - Tickets for the 3rd Annual Firefighter Appreciation Event at Dover’s Monster Mile® Are Going Fast!
Don’t miss out on this special event pre-race celebration and race No. 2 in the "Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup" at Dover, DE!  For just $99 you get: a race ticket, trackside tour, corporate style hospitality, and special guest appearances.  Proceeds benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
Get your tickets today: http://www.doverspeedway.com/nfff10  (Enter Code NFFF10)
 
5-ATTENTION BASEBALL FANS: Go To Bat for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation!
Team up with State Farm® and MLB® to support the charity of your choice and you could win a trip for 2 to the 2010 MLB® World Series® ! Simply pick the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) as your charity, play the Go To Bat game online and swing for the fences.
Go to bat for us today: http://www.statefarm.com/gotobat
Take Care-BE CAREFUL,
BillyG
The Secret List 8-31-10 / 1131 Hours
www.FirefighterCloseCalls.com
 

Monday, August 30, 2010  Hey,
Early this morning an auto repair shop fire that caused an estimated $2 million damage sent 4 Firefighters to the hospital FROM EXTERIOR SMOKE & FUMES. While "exactly what" was in the smoke hasn't been identified, (cyanide, CO, are typical at all fires) this is an excellent warning for all of us that operating exterior operations (in addition to interior) in smoke affect all on the scene (see below). REMEMBER: Modern science has changed the way fires burn. Your fires are hotter, flashovers are quicker and the smoke is much more toxic. As we have seen, Firefighters have been injured and have died from toxic chemicals like HCN and CO....which are at every fire you turnout on.


London (Ontario, Canada) Fire Services Platoon Chief Paul Carew said 4 Firefighters were sent to hospital within 10 minutes of arriving at the scene last night. Chief Carew said the Firefighters were still setting up to operate at the fire when they were overcome by noxious fumes from the fire. The Chief said there was auto paint and gasoline, along with highly explosive propane and acetylene present in the building, which includes an auto body shop with "typical" combustibles.

The Firefighters  hadn't yet packed up when the wind turned around, sending the smoke and fumes their way. 2 Firefighters have been released while two remain in the hospital awaiting the results of blood tests.
The Chief said the department may now consider a change of policy and require firefighters to put on the breathing gear even as they set up for interior ops. The London FF's have a an excellent history related to safety, health and survival, it seems this could have happened to ANY FD arriving on the scene and serves as an excellent reminder of "what may be in the smoke" we are exposed to today....
 
FIREFIGHTERS, SMOKE, CARBON MONOXIDE & CYANIDE LINKS:
As we and so many others have shared for years, DON'T BREATHE THAT CRAP, (inside and out) here are some links that will help. REMEMBER: Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) poisoning is the reality on YOUR fireground. HCN together with carbon monoxide can create a deadly cocktail, while each deadly gas alone may be at sub IDLH levels.
 
IMPORTANT LINKS HERE:
(Please take time to check them ALL out and review with your Firefighters and EMS Members)
 
http://www.draeger.com/local/US/HCN/index.html (Excellent WEBINAR From Noted S.M.E.'s Fire Capt. Rick Rochford & Lt. Anthony Toro)
http://tinyurl.com/234qh5t (Firefighters, Parkinsons & The Smoke We Breathe)
http://www.firesmoke.org/ (Cyanide Poisoning Coalition: NUMEROUS Articles & Resources For FF's)
http://tinyurl.com/32pa9gl (How Much Of A Threat Is Cyanide To Firefighters?)
http://www.local799.com/docs/pfdcyanidereport.pdf (Report: FF's Poisoned on Fire Scene in R.I.)
http://www.firerehab.com/Columnists/Masimo-Inc/  (CO Poisoning of Firefighters)
http://tinyurl.com/39xld8w (CO on The Fireground)
http://tinyurl.com/27753wu (Fire Engineering Article)
http://tinyurl.com/26hvfmp (Fire Engineering Discussion)
 
 
DRASTIC FIRE DEPARTMENT CUTS:
This morning, we were advised of some incredible and drastic cuts to one Indiana fire department. The 21 members of the Madison Twp. Fire Department, Morgan County (IAFF Local 4555) were informed this morning that effective today, the following will occur:

1. All Fire Fighter pay has been reduced to minimum wage.
2. Daily staffing is reduced to from 9 to 5.
3. Station 32 is closed (8-30-10)
4. Fire Fighter paid hours are reduced to one 24 hour shift per week.
5. Health insurance for members and dependents will cease Oct. 1
6. No overtime or training for the remainder of the year.

For additional details, contact the Prof. FF's Assoc. of Indiana: http://www.pffui.com/
Take Care-BE CAREFUL,
BillyG
The Secret List 8-30-10 / 1334 Hours
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
 

Sunday, August 29, 2010  Hey,
A roof collapsed during a live fire training in Mint Hill (N.C.) yesterday afternoon. 2 Firefighters and a Fire Instructor from Central Piedmont Community College were hurt during the live burn. The building was used for training to make way for a school to rebuild and expand.
Idlewild Fire Assistant Chief Brian White said weeks of preparation and training beforehand helped to ensure all 3 Firefighters made it out with only minor injuries. "We had all the backup procedure rescue teams and so forth in place. They were able to evacuate all Firefighters out of building very quickly,” White said. The firefighters suffered minor burns, while another person suffered a sprained ankle.
Several of the sites (school) teachers and families were also outside to witness the live fire training and incident. Nearly 70 firefighters and EMS from Matthews, Mint Hill, and Matthews participated in the live fire training detail.
N.C. VIDEO - LOCAL NEWS REPORT: http://tinyurl.com/39tb7gb
 
WATCH: RELATED CLOSE CALL VIDEO/LIVE FIRE TRAINING:
(Determination of WHEN to get out, or should have gotten out, is clearly demonstrated in this clip)
http://www.firefighterspot.com/2010/08/live-burn-training-video.html
 
RELATED LIVE FIRE TRAINING LINKS:
http://tinyurl.com/2ctgnnd  (Heed The Lessons of Live Fire Training LODD's)
http://tinyurl.com/2f44nhl  (Related Live Fire Training LODD Reports)
http://tinyurl.com/3yev6q5  (Planning an NFPA 1403 Compliant Live Fire Training Burn)
http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/news/fullstory/newsid/36756  (Live Fire Training Story)
http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/cc_training.php  (Related Training Incidents)
 
MORE WEEKLY FIRE DRILLS HERE: http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/weeklydrills.php
 
 
NEW JERSEY FIREFIGHTER IN ICU:
A 2 alarm fire hit an Atlantic City rooming house late last night, displacing 37 people and putting a Firefighter in ICU for smoke inhalation. Before companies arrived, a woman on the 2nd floor threw her two children out of a window to bystanders below, then jumped herself. The children were not hurt, but the woman was taken to the hospital.
Take Care-BE CAREFUL.
BillyG
The Secret List 8-29-10 / 1506 Hours
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
 

Thursday, August 26, 2010  Hey,
Take time to remember FDNY Lt. Howard J. Carpluk, Jr. of Engine 42 and Probationary Firefighter Michael Reilly of Engine 75 in the Bronx who were killed in the Line of Duty on August 27 2006.
Lt. Carpluk, 43, a 20-year vet of the FDNY, died from the critical injuries he sustained at a 3 alarm fire in the South Bronx on August 27-he died the next day. During his career, Lt. Carpluk received two citations for bravery, including one award for a heroic rescue on March 30, 1988, when he saved the lives of two unconscious men he found in the bedroom of a well involved apartment in the Bronx. He was survived by his wife Debra, his now 12-year-old daughter Paige and his 16-year-old son Bradley.
Lt. Carpluk died in the Line of Duty while heroically attempting to save the life of Probationary Firefighter Michael Reilly. PFF Reilly also died in the Line of Duty that day. 3 other FDNY members were seriously injured in the fire but survived.
MORE ABOUT THE FIRE HERE: http://www.firehouse.com/node/41661
 
BUFFALO UPDATE: Here is the NIOSH REPORT on the double LODD in Buffalo we wrote about yesterday: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200923.html
 
 
MARYLAND FIRE COLLAPSE INJURES FIREFIGHTERS LAST NIGHT:
4 Firefighters were injured last night when a roof collapsed on their heads while they were cleaning up after a fire in Rockville. The box came in at 1925 hours for fire in a house undergoing renovations. The Firefighters were taken to the hospital with 3 of the 4 expected to be treated and released immediately. The 4th Firefighter had non life-threatening injuries, but may require more medical attention.
 
 
FIREFIGHTER CANCER - YOUR HELP NEEDED
As we previously mentioned, Portsmouth (NH) Firefighter Sarah Fox was diagnosed with breast cancer on October 9, 2007. She was also 36 ½ weeks pregnant with twins. Twelve hours later the twins were born making a family of seven. After several setbacks Sarah fought through the many challenges and treatments and beat the odds returning to work in January 2009. Just over a year later Sarah developed a pain in her hip which was discovered to be cancer. Sarah, her husband Matt and their 5 children and family are faced with the fight against cancer once again. As a gesture of our support for Sarah and to bring awareness to breast cancer Portsmouth Fire has developed a very cool decal that's personalized to show support of Sarah. Displaying the decal shows not only that we love and support Sarah but we support finding a cure for a disease that tears families apart. 
To purchase a decal go HERE: http://pffca.org/
 
Also, a REMINDER for ANY Firefighter or their family members that are dealing with CANCER, go to: www.FireFighterCancerSupport.org -they offer numerous services, support and help.
 

FREE ROADWAY SURVIVAL TRAINING FOR FIREFIGHTERS
Best Practices for Emergency Vehicle and Roadway Operations Safety Guide has been released by USFA in partnership with IAFF as part of an initiative to improve emergency vehicle and roadway operations safety for firefighters and law enforcement officers. (Free Download)
http://www.iaff.org/hs/EVSP/guides.html
 
 
AT F.R.I. ? Something FREE!
If interested, you can receive FREE working fire incident paging of the CFD while in Chicago for F.R.I. courtesy of Fire Net Chicago. Details of working fires and incidents will be sent to your cell phone, iPhone, Blackberry, Droid, e-mail etc.
If interested, contact them ASAP at information@firenetchicago.net or go to http://www.firenetchicago.net/ and advise them of your interest. They contacted us yesterday offering that to any attendees at Fire Rescue International this week in Chicago.
Take Care-BE CAREFUL.
BillyG
The Secret List 8-26-10 / 1013 Hours
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
 
 

Tuesday, August 24, 2010  PA FIREFIGHTER DIES IN THE LINE OF DUTY-HEART ATTACK
The Secret List www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
 
We regret to advise you that Delta-Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company President / Firefighter Douglas Farrington died Monday in the Line of Duty.  He would have been 45 in October. He died from a massive heart attack.
Firefighter Farrington responded the fire station to staff a backup engine as the company responded to a barn fire in Peach Bottom Township of York County, PA. After the fire company returned to the station, FF Farrington assisted in cleaning and a putting away the equipment and then went home at approximately 2330hrs. The following morning after he had reported to duty at his full-time job with the Aberdeen Proving Grounds Fire Department, Firefighter Farrington stayed just a short time and then returned home where he passed away from a fatal heart attack at approximately 1116 hrs. FF Farrington had also served as a Lt and Captain at the DCVFC.
As always our sincere condolences.
 
 
REMEMBER BUFFALO-ONE YEAR AGO (SCENE VIDEO)
It's been one year since BFD Firefighter Jonathan Croom and Lt. Chip McCarthy died in the Line of Duty while operating in a building fire on Genesee Street. As a result of the deaths, some changes have been made within the Buffalo Fire Department. Croom and McCarthy entered the burning building, thinking someone was trapped. Later it was determined that wasn't the case. Now a new accountability system has been put into place. "It became more real that bad things can happen. We're more cautious," said BFD Capt. Clotfelter. R.I.P.
HERE IS VIDEO FROM THAT FIRE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Beh4EiWf_TU
 
 
AIRBORNE CRASH VIDEO
While all of us have responded and arrived at bad crashes, rarely are they caught on tape prior to arrival-like this one from Ohio on Interstate 675 on Monday morning. The car hit a culvert, and launched in the air and struck the overpass. The force of the crash broke the car apart and ejected the driver onto the highway during the morning rush hour. He remains at Miami Valley Hospital after suffering serious injuries. A police cruiser camera caught the crash HERE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9UsFvN9_Jo&feature=youtube_gdata_player
 
 
NY FIREFIGHTER RESPONDING ON A RUN STRUCK BY ANOTHER FF ALSO RESPONDING:
A South Wilson (NY) Volunteer Firefighter was injured Monday when he was hit by a vehicle driven by another Volunteer FF as he crossed the road responding to a call. The injured FF was crossing the street responding to a minor industrial accident and was struck by the vehicle of the other FF. He received minor injuries.
 
 
CHICAGO: IAFC's FIRE RESCUE INTERNATIONAL THIS WEEK AT McCORMICK PLACE:
Looking forward to seeing many of you at F.R.I. in Chicago. If interested, you are very welcome to attend the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section meeting on Friday, 1300 Hours in McCormick Place.
DETAILS HERE: http://www.iafcsafety.org/downloads/SHS_Membership_Mtg_Agenda_8.10.pdf
 
 
VISITING CHICAGO FOR F.R.I?
==THE 1967 McCORMICK PLACE FIRE - INCREDIBLE RADIO AUDIO RECORDING:
==F.R.I. FIRE VISITOR INFO:
On January 16, 1967, there was a massive fire at McCormick Place in Chicago (more below). The audio of that fire is BELOW (that's to the 5-11 Club of the CFD) and well worth listening to, and the quality is very clear.
 
In part 1 you will hear the very classic line from the Chief of the CFD's 9th Battalions aide:
"Battalion 9A to Main (fire alarm office), look, we got this McCormick hall and it's really rolling, I'm going to talk to the chief, I think we'll hit a deuce" That was the 2nd (2-11) alarm, and many, many more alarms followed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV_50YPqlFQ (PART 1 INITIAL RADIO TRAFFIC)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYZCj9VAHZ0 (PART 2 CONTINUED)
 
At the time of the fire, the building contained highly flammable exhibits, several area hydrants were shut off, and the sprinklers were inadequate. The fire spread quickly (as you will hear on the above audio) and destructively, taking the life of a security guard. Although many wanted to rebuild the hall on a different site, Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley (whose son is now the Mayor of Chicago) elected to rebuild on the foundations of the burned building. So as you walk the halls this week and attend the training sessions, now you'll know a bit of the history.
 
RELATED CHICAGO FD PAGES & INFORMATION FOR CONFERENCE ATTENDEES ABOUT THE CFD:
http://www.chicagofirevideo.com/5-11_Club/info/response.html (CFD RESPONSE GUIDELINES)
http://www.5-11club.org/5-11_Club/info/frequencies.html (CFD RADIO INFO)
http://www.5-11club.org/5-11_Club/info/terminology.html (CFD'S UNIQUE TERMINOLOGY)
http://www.chicagofd.org/ (MORE VIDEO/AUDIO)
 
http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cfd.html (CFD'S HOME PAGE)
http://www.iaff-local2.org/index.cfm?section=1 (CFD'S IAFF LOCAL 2 HOME PAGE)
Seeya there.
Take Care,
BillyG
The Secret List 8-24-10 / 2118 Hours
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com