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Southwest VFD Improves Apparatus Visibility

ONSLOW COUNTY - The Southwest Volunteer Fire Department in Onslow County has improved the visibility of the rear of 1603 using Diamond Scenedots.

1603 is shown during the day at the fire station and outside at night.

Big thumbs up guys!

Submitted by Chief Ray Silance, Southwest Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

Posted on Tue Jun 08 2010 at 22:02

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> Editor's Blog > Nice Rear End

Nice Rear End

DALLAS, TEXAS - Of course we are fans of fire apparatus, which means we’re fans of all things red and flashy.

This new ladder truck in Dallas, Texas (top photot) caught our eye with what might possibly be the most LED light heads on the rear of a large rig. Nice chevrons too.

The photos come from a neat website called bensware.com, with a page dedicated to Dallas/Fort Worth area fire equipment news. The site is operated by Ben Saldino.

Shown here are recent deliveries to Dallas Fire Rescue from Crimson and Wheeled Coach.

The DFW area is heavy with Crimson and Rosenbauer deliveries.

All photos shown here courtesy Michael Lanier.

We would love to start a similar page dedicated to North Carolina fire equipment news. Contact us if you are interested in becoming a Contributor, or maybe an Associate Editor.

Posted on Wed May 12 2010 at 9:22

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> Editor's Blog > April’s Fools?

April's Fools?

SOUTH CAROLINA - From the Deputy Director, South Carolina State Fire Marshal:

“Please take note of this anti-sprinkler billboard on Interstate 26. This is one of the most heavily traveled interstates (in the state of South Carolina).

An example of how the public will be educated by special interest groups if they are given a choice.”

The ad appears to be sponsored by the Home Builders Association of South Carolina. To quote their website: “the cost greatly outweighs the benefits.”

Other choice items:

“Fire sprinklers are very expensive.”
“Smoke detectors provide excellent protection”
“Fire sprinkler debate should not focus on new homes.”

Want to read more? Here’s the page on the HBASC website.

I only wish this were an April Fool’s joke…..

Jeff Harkey, Editor-in-Chief, FireNews.net
Proud homeowner of a residential fire sprinkler system.

(Special thanks to Dave Williams in Atlanta.)

Posted on Thu Apr 01 2010 at 18:52

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> Editor's Blog > Industrial Pumper

3,000 gpm Pumper

WANDO, SOUTH CAROLINA - I found this industrial pumper at the website for South Carolina’s Pierce dealer, Spartan Fire & Emergency Apparatus, Inc.

The 2008 Pierce Velocity Industrial Top-mount Pumper protects the British Petroleum Chemical Cooper River Plant, located in Wando, which is just north of Mount Pleasant.

The rig has a 515hp Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine, Allison EVS 4000 automatic transmission, Pierce TAK-4 independent front axle/suspension, frontal impact protection, 300 gallon water tank, 900 gallon foam concentrate tank, aluminum hosebed cover with backboard compartments, full height compartments on both sides, adjustable trays, slide-out trays and a slide-out tool board.

Pumping is provided by a Hale 8FG 3,000 gpm pump. There are four (4) six-inch inlets, two each side. The “deck gun” is an Akron “Renegade” 8-inch, 3,500 gpm monitor with wireless remote control. It has a Williams “Hot Shot” II foam system, Harrison 8kW PTO hydraulic generator and numerous site lighting fixtures. We also noticed that the unit is lettered “Engine 2,” so there may be an “Engine 1.”

How much fun is it to pick up six-inch hose?

If you know of large industrial apparatus in North Carolina, let us know.

Our North Carolina Fire Station List shows the following private Fire Brigades in service around the state. Please update us if you have corrected information.

- PCS Phosphate, Beaufort County
- Brunswick Nuclear Power Plant, Brunswick County
- International Paper, Reigelwood, Columbus County
- DuPont, Cumberland County
- Kelly Springfield Tire, Cumberland County
- PPG Industries, Davidson County
- IBM, Research Triangle Park, Durham County
- Clariant Chemical, Gaston County
- Timken Bearing Company, Lincoln County
- GE Plant, New Hanover County
- Corning, New Hanover County
- Invista Plant, Rowan County
- Glaxo, Zebulon, Wake County
- Progress Energy Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant, New Hill, Wake County
- Georgia Pacific, Dudley, Wayne County

View Larger Map

Posted on Mon Jan 25 2010 at 19:47

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> Editor's Blog > FSP Books and Videos

Where to Start Your Shopping

RALEIGH - Later this week, the Christmas shopping season officially kicks off on Black Friday. I can promise you, you won’t see me at the mall.

I can however recommend that if you are inclined to do some “firematic” related shopping, especially for fire service themed book or videos, we’ve got your best shopping location all mapped out. And you don’t have to get up at 5:00 a.m.

FSP Book and Videos of Hudson, Mass is my favorite source for both fiction and non-fiction fire service reading. They also have a great selection of both historic and recent fire videos and DVDs.

I have personally done business with these fine folks for years, and have found them to be very knowledgeable and extremely prompt. They of course have a website which contains all of their products, but the real gem is their small, printed catalog that usually comes around this time each year.

There’s a neat box on the front that reads:

“Dear ______, There are some REALLY nifty things in this catalog that I REALLY want for Christmas. To make it easier for YOU, I have circled them. Love, _______.”

What could be easier? Grab your Sharpie, and start shopping! Their toll free number is 800-522-8528.

If you are looking for something not book or video related, our buddy over at The Fire Critic has compiled a dandy top-ten list of gifts for the firefighters on your list.

Happy shopping.

Posted on Mon Nov 23 2009 at 10:29

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> Editor's Blog > 500’ of Ground Ladders and 18 Firefighters

500' of Ground Ladders and 18 Firefighters

SANTIAGO, CHILE - Found recently on Rosenbauer’s USA site, a delivery like no other for the 10th Co. Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile.

The units is classified as a Specialty Rescue/Ladder Apparatus. It has a capacity for 500 feet of ground ladders on pneumatic locking racks.

The cab plus a walk-in area seats 18 personnel.

It also features a portable winch with receiver mounts on the front, sides and rear, an air cascade system and a light tower.

I wonder how many rigs in Chile have a bell and a Federal Q?

Posted on Wed Sep 30 2009 at 22:18

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> Editor's Blog > Enhance the Safety of Existing Apparatus

Enhance the Safety of Existing Apparatus

ResponderSafety.com has produced a short video to help departments that are thinking about retrofitting existing apparatus to improve the safety of their personnel operating on roadways.

The video is titled “Marked and Seen,” and is available at their website.

Currently, there are no safety standards that are applied to existing emergency apparatus. However, using current NFPA guidlines, departments interested in improving the on scene safety of their firefighters can used thes guidelines to retrofit their existing emergency apparatus.

The authors contend that departments will be surprised at how economical it is to adapt existing units to current standards and provide an additional margin of safety.

Watch “Marked and Seen”.

Mission Statement of ResponderSafety.com:

Created as a Committee of the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association, the Institute serves as an informal advisory panel of public safety leaders committed to reducing deaths and injuries to America’s Emergency Responders. Members of the Institute, all highly influential and expert in their fields, are personally dedicated to the safety of the men and women who respond to emergencies on or along our nation’s streets, roads and highways. Members of the Institute include trainers, writers, managers, government officials, technical experts and leaders who through their individual efforts and collective influence in the public safety world can bring meaningful change.

Posted on Thu Sep 17 2009 at 20:14

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> Editor's Blog > DeKalb County EMS Units

DeKalb County EMS Units

DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA - A friend forwarded a few shots of new EMS units for DeKalb County Fire Rescue, which is located just north of Atlanta.

The Braun Superchief units are mounted on Spartan Furion chassis.

Three have been delivered; eleven are expected soon.

Warning lights are PowerArc LEDs.

Posted on Mon Aug 17 2009 at 17:19

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> Editor's Blog > We’re Getting Ready….

We're Getting Ready....

RALEIGH - The first banners have been installed on Salisbury Street at the Raleigh Convention Center announcing the South Atlantic FIRE RESCUE Expo 2009.

We are honored that we were selected to assist the North Carolina State Firemen’s Association in developing a new logo and brand for the annual conference and convention. We have taken this new design and created a full “environmental graphics program” which will consist of directional and wayfinding signage and large scale “look” elements.

Our creative division, FireSiteDesign.com, has produced a standards and implementation package for the new logo. Triangle Sports Group of Apex is the contractor handling installation of the program; Cranky Creative of Durham is handling production.

We would like to thank FireNews.net Photographers Mike Legeros, Mike Porowski and Lee Wilson for assistance with excellent action photography that you will see at the show. Yours truly contributed a few images as well.

The full install begins on Sunday, August 16th, and will be ready for the first statewide fire convention to be held in Raleigh since 1973.

It’s not too late to register for the Convention, for a full package or a day pass. Visit www.southatlanticfirerescueexpo.com for full details.

Posted on Sat Aug 08 2009 at 18:13

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> Editor's Blog > Maxilance

South African Maxilance

RUSTENBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - I thought you guys might want to see this (something we don’t see everyday).....

A Maxilance!

This rig is in service in the Northwest Province of South Africa, about 2.5 hours northwest of Johannesburg.

I shot this during a major football (soccer) game there recently.

The lettering on the side is “MAJOR INCIDENT PATIENT TRANSPORTER”.

I’ll have some other rig shots soon, some that even look really “American.”

Note that their Emergency (911) number is 10177.

Also featured is a “RESCUE RESPONSE UNIT” and a standard EMS transport unit.

Posted on Sat May 30 2009 at 20:54

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> Editor's Blog > 20090326 Blog: Geneva Switzerland

Geneva EMS Unit

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - Loyal reader Xavier Chakravarti in Switzerland shares this very bright BMW emergency vehicle.

Xavier reports that this vehicle is operated by EMS. It is dispatched from the hospital for serious incidents only.

The vehicle has a paramedic driver and a doctor.

If necessary, the doctor will ride in the EMS unit with the patient to the hospital.

Posted on Thu Mar 26 2009 at 11:08

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> Editor's Blog > 20090320 Blog: Would Blue Lights Help Fire Apparatus

Blue Lights for Fire Trucks?

Have you ever had the occasion to be in a jurisdiction that uses blue lights on fire rescue vehicles?

I’m doing quite a bit of traveling these days, and outside of the United States, blue is the norm for emergency vehicle lighting both for fire-rescue and law enforcement vehicles.

Does anyone know if blue lighting can legally be used in North Carolina on anything beside a police car?

In the northeast, blue lights are reserved for volunteers (POVs), and are considered a courtesy light, asking for the right of way where appropriate.

Several years ago in New England, Chiefs started adding one rotating blue light to the rear of large apparatus. The theory was if the company was operating on a highway, motorist would tend to slow down more as they approached a blue light, assuming it was a law enforcement unit. I don’t know if any studies have been done on this or not, and I don’t know if it’s use has spread outside of the New England area.

Studies have been done on the effectiveness of amber lighting on fire rescue vehicles, yet I’m still amazed at the number of units being delivered these days with little or no amber lighting on the vehicle. I have also read studies that advocate fire apparatus turn off all red lights while operating in traffic, and only use their amber lights. Most apparatus today are configured to disable all clear lighting when in the parked position.

There are just a handful of fire companies in North Carolina that have retrofitted the front right flashing light from red to green. We’re guessing that’s a nod to the practice popular around Chicago, which has it’s roots in a Fire Chief with a naval background. Not sure if there is a safety concern with this practice or not.

What are our readers thoughts, and what have you seen that’s been effective?

Posted on Fri Mar 20 2009 at 10:07

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> Editor's Blog > 20090222 Editor’s Blog: A Good Read

A Good Read

RALEIGH - Each Christmas, I get to pick out several books and videos from my favorite fire service book provider to have wrapped for me. Thanks, Santa.

In the fall, I’ll get in the mail the latest catalog from FSP Book and Videos. They are located just outside of Boston.

About 15 years ago, I was in the area working on a project and actually got to go by their store and meet the folks. They seem like old friends.

This year, one of my choices was a book by Nick Brunacini. Nick is the son of “America’s Fire Chief,” Alan Brunacini.

The book is called “B-Shifter,” and it details Nick’s exploits and journeys within the Phoenix Fire Department from probie to Battalion Chief.

It is, by far, the funniest damn fire service book I have ever read.

Nick used to write a column for Fire-Rescue magazine. Probably the most famous column was the one about he and his brother disposing of a Christmas tree at the family house. Ring a bell?

If you have ever had the pleasure to meet any of the Brunacinis, you know humor is a hallmark of their family.

Nick doesn’t let anyone down in this small book. Several times, it was a “laugh-out-loud” read. What would you expect when a book is dedicated “for my sweet bitches?”

If you’re a Bruno fan, a fan of the Phoenix Fire Department, or just enjoy a dry sense of humor, grab this one.

Click here to order “B-Shifter” from FSP Books and Videos.

Posted on Sun Feb 22 2009 at 19:02

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> Editor's Blog > 20090126 Blog: Romeo, Romeo

Romeo, Romeo....

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - I got a quick shot of this first response vehicle Sunday in Pretoria. The unit was responding from an Ambulance base that served once served as a fire station. The unit designation was “ROMEO 42”.

Pretoria is the Capitol of South Africa.

We were on a venue tour of one of the World Cup 2010 soccer venues, the Loftus-Versfeld Stadium.

The four-door, Nissan Paramedic unit is operated by the Guateng Emergency Medical Services. Guateng is the Province Pretoria is located in, about a 45 minute drive north of Johannesburg.

I found it interesting that the Emergency number for the Police is different than that for Fire and Medical, which is 10177.

I’ll try and grab some additional photos of some of the apparatus down here soon.

Yesterday, we passed a MVC with a Johannesburg engine on scene, and they were operating with an E-One Protector. Also interesting was the hose bed layout, which was just like an American pumper (not a U.K. setup).

Editor’s note:

This is my second trip to South Africa, the first being in December 2008. Our offices and apartment internet connections aren’t quite what we are used to, so that’s the reason our postings have been erratic. Couple that with very long work days and being seven hours ahead, and that’s what has happened to our update process. I hope things smooth out soon….

Thanks for your patience.

Posted on Mon Jan 26 2009 at 6:11

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> Editor's Blog > 20090106 Blog: Inventing the Next Great Light

Waxing Nostalgic for Old Warning Lights

I really, really wish I would have invented LED lights.

Just about every piece of new emergency apparatus is specified with them. Older units are being retrofitted with them at an alarming pace.

Any volunteer worth his pickup truck is loaded down with them.

Some guys even hang them from their turnouts. They are in hand-lights, there when you open compartments, even appearing on helmet brims.

That would have been really sweet.

I’m not only a fire buff, or just an apparatus buff. I guess one of the buffing areas I “specialize” in is emergency lighting. Can you minor in such a class at Fire Buff University?

I’m old enough to remember when the average fire truck had about five warning lights on it: two on the front, two on the rear, and a gumball on the roof. And they were all red. The ones on the front and rear blinked (slowly). The one on the top rotated.

Fire trucks were all red and life was simple. This low tech solution seemed to satisfy our need for something bright and flashy.

I grew up in Fayetteville. We had five stations, eventually six. In the 1970’s, Fayetteville started ordering their American LaFrance’s with a clear lense Federal gumball. Two beams red, two clear. That was the beginning of seeing what a difference one small change could make.

Electronic sirens were added, but this article is about the lights.

I think the next technological leap was on the Platoon Commander’s car, a lime-yellow Dodge. Car 4. It had a Federal Twinsonic. Oooooooh.

We had all see one on television, on Squad 51. Now we had one of our own. Were we really as fancy as California?

LaFayette Village, County Station 7 purchased an International cab engine with a super-special breed of light: a Twinsonic built to California specifications. It had a steady burning front red light, and a flashing rear amber light on the left. I never did hear how that ended up on a truck in North Carolina, but on a scene, you could clearly see what a difference the change made.

Years later, the county ambulance service received a shipment of ambulances with a new animal: strobes. It took a little while to figure out what we were looking at, but we knew is was something new and very flashy.

For the next twenty years or so, technology pretty much stayed the same. A few extra colors started appearing (clear, and some amber), but for the most part, most lights flashed, rotators rotated and the occasional strobe would double flash. Regan was in office, and there was no need to make major leaps forward, thank you.

I still remember walking the dog (Daisy Mae the Dalmatian, of course) sometime in the late 1990’s. A Federal Express truck was making a delivery on our street, and the driver had his emergency flashers on. But something was different. Very different.

As we passed the truck, the light pulsed on and then cleanly off. There was no time when it was in between being on and being off. What was creating this illusion?

The answer was a round LED, outfitted for commercial vehicles.

It would still be a few years before emergency services started using LEDs in lightheads and lightbars.

But by the time I saw the Fed Ex truck, I had already missed the boat and didn’t even know it.

So there we have it. Need a light: specify LED.

But maybe not.

It’s too early to declare a trend, but I’ve noticed something different with recent deliveries around the country.

Columbus, Ohio has received a big shipment of new engines from Ferrara. Instead of LED lightbars, they specified three Code 3 XL lightbars on the cab, and two on the rear.

In California, Los Angeles County only uses lightbars from Code 3, specifying the MX 7000.

Los Angeles is also holding out with rotating lights, also specifying the MX 7000 with LED lightheads in the bottom tier.

And FDNY, which truly writes a custom spec, has gone away from Whelen Edge lightbars to what appears to be Federal AeroDynic lightbars with rotating lights and LED light heads.

Maybe it’s just like a NFL team wearing a retro jersey, just temporary, a simple anomaly.

I know there are power and maintenance issues involved with non-LED lights, but the way we fuss over our apparatus in this country, is changing a bulb that big of a deal?

It will be interesting to watch and see what the next great technological evolution in emergency lighting will be.

Now that’s what I hope I end up inventing next.

Photo Credits:
Twinsonic light: Ralph Toyama
Columbus Ohio: Box 15 Club Flickr Site
Los Angeles County: www.massfiretrucks.com
Los Angeles Fire Department: So Cal Metro Flickr Site
FDNY Seagrave: Photo by John A. Calderone, Fire Apparatus Journal

A very long comment was moved here—- >

Here’s an article that shows where it all began:

chicagotribune.com

Earl Gosswiller, 1912-2009: Engineer, prolific inventor
Helped design squad car lights, tornado sirens

By Trevor Jensen
Tribune reporter

January 7, 2009
Anyone who has been jolted by a whirring police light in his or her rearview mirror can thank Earl Gosswiller, an inveterate tinkerer whose creations included the Federal Signal Beacon Ray, believed to be the first rotating light for the top of squad cars.

Mr. Gosswiller, 96, died of complications from pneumonia on Saturday, Jan. 3, in Cordia Senior Residence in Westmont, his home of four years, said his son-in-law Bruce Broberg.

Mr. Gosswiller, who worked at Federal Signal for almost 40 years, has his name on 29 U.S. patents, said John Segvich, a spokesman for the Oak Brook maker of safety equipment.

“He’s considered the father of engineering at Federal Signal,” Segvich said.

The Beacon Ray was one of his early inventions. According to Broberg, Mr. Gosswiller came up with the idea after looking at a rotating siren attached to a firetruck. He hooked up four sealed beams to a fixture that rotated horizontally, then capped it with a colored lens.

Mr. Gosswiller and his team advanced the idea with more sophisticated light bars like the Federal Signal Twin Sonic, which use multiple lights and in some cases mirrors to amplify the effect.

“What you don’t want to see in your rearview mirror, that’s Earl’s work,” said Andy Kunz, vice president of operations for the mobile systems group at Federal Signal.

Mr. Gosswiller also invented and refined several lines of sirens that warn of tornadoes or other potential disasters.

His creativity didn’t stop when he left the job. Awake late one night, he came up with a way to increase the sweet spot on his wooden tennis racket by lining its frame with lead weights, his son-in-law said. The reworked racket made him an even more formidable player in the days before oversize frames.

Mr. Gosswiller graduated from Highland Park High School and received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Armour Institute, now the Illinois Institute of Technology.

He took a job with a company that made pinball machines, and helped develop the bumpers that push out the ball in an explosion of light, his son-in-law said.

During World War II, he helped develop a training aid for fighter pilots, using film to show exactly how far ahead of a moving enemy plane they had to fire their missiles to score a hit.

Mr. Gosswiller, who lived for many years in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, was a scratch golfer, at one time had a 190 average in bowling and competed in national club tournaments in tennis.

He retired from Federal Signal in 1982 as vice president of engineering of the signal division, but continued to work as a consultant for several years. Younger engineers looked up to the prolific inventor, who defied some of that profession’s stereotypes.

“He wasn’t a mad scientist. He was a regular guy,” Kunz said.

Mr. Gosswiller’s wife, Nancy, died in 1999. Survivors include a daughter, Sue Broberg; a sister, Berenice Fox; four grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in Cordia Senior Residence, 865 N. Cass Ave., Westmont.

Copied from the original undated article, which is too worn to risk posting. I regret that I don’t have the diagram which shows the housing mentioned in this article.

“As with many other inventions, the revolving warning light so widely used on emergency vehicles began as something else.
“In 1945, sirens, some with a forward-shining light, were considered the ultimate in emergency vehicle warning systems. One of their major flaws, especially in northern climes, was that the rotor could not overcome accumulations of ice and snow, and the rotor could not overcome accumulations of ice and snow, and would freeze. Mr. Earl Gosswiller, an engineer at the then-Federal Electric Co., believed the problem could be solved with a bell-shaped housing placed over the siren in an inverted position within a metal housing with an opening at the bottom, which allowed the sound to be transmitted.
“The next problem was to incorporate a flashing light into the water-resistant siren. Mr. Gosswiller developed a rotating bell-shaped housing which had two automotive spotlights inside. The rotating lamps gave a flashing signal in all directions, like a lighthouse, rather than just a single flashing light pointed in one direction, but the idea was not well-received and the whole concept sat dormant.
“Mr. Gosswiller knew the idea was good, and he set out to prove it. About a year later, a prototype of the revolving emergency signal, called the Model 17 Beacon Ray, was finished. It was readily accepted when introduced in 1948. With minor modifications, it is still being sold today.
“Its success is due to eighty ‘explosive’ flashes per minute, an electrifying high-intensity, short-duration flash not approached by common flashing signals.
“In 1961 Mr. Gosswiller conceived the idea of mounting an electronic siren speaker in the center of a bar and a rotating light at each end of the bar. This arrangement permitted 360-degree coverage by the lights with no blockage by the speaker, allowed unobstructed sound from the speaker, and the entire assembly could be clamped to a vehicle’s drip rail without drilling holes. The Federal Model 11 Twin Beacon Ray was developed from this concept, and introduced in 1962.
“Mr. Gosswiller noticed that some of the light at the end of the bar was randomly reflected from the chrome-plated center-mounted speaker. In 1967 he devised a set of mirrors, arranged along a parabolic curve, to reflect the wasted light toward the front or rear of the vehicle. A plastic housing was designed to protect the mirrors from weather and dirt. This light bar, the Model 12 TwinSonic, was introduced in 1968 as the first enclosed light/sound system.
“In the mid-70’s, fuel shortages and rapidly rising fuel costs resulted in aerodynamic tests being conducted on lightbar-equipped vehicles. These bars caused considerable drag and increased fuel consumption. In 1977, Federal introduced the Model 24 AeroDynic light/sound system. It was the first streamlined lightbar with a substantial reduction in drag over the previous square, box-like shapes.
“In closing, it all started in a Chicago snowstorm with a better way to keep the old mechanical siren from freezing. Today, the vehicular revolving light is used on every continent.
“As for Mr. Gosswiller, he received a BSME degree from Armour Institute of Technology (predecessor to Illinois Institute of Technology) in 1934. He joined Federal Electric Company in 1943, and was a project engineer, chief engineer, vice president of engineering, and vice president of advanced engineering. He holds numerous patents in the visual and audible signaling field.”

Comment by fyrboy on Fri Jan 09 at 09:53
Article: 20090106 Blog: Inventing the Next Great Light

Posted on Tue Jan 06 2009 at 23:11

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> Editor's Blog > 06152208 Blog: ScanNorthCarolina.com

North Carolina Fire Radios On-line

RALEIGH - Did you know you can listen to Charlotte’s three alarm fire being dispatched? That you can listen to Greensboro Fire working the haz-mat that closed down the Interstate overnight? That Raleigh’s save at the house fire is on-line for you to listen to whenever you want?

FireNews.net and Carolinas Fire Page have been working with a dedicated individual named Gordon in Georgia to help bring as many Fire and EMS radios on-line as possible.

The map above shows who is on-line so far:

Asheville Fire
Caldwell County Fire and EMS
Catawba County Fire and EMS
Charlotte Fire
Craven County Fire
Davidson County Fire and EMS
Forsyth County Fire and EMS
Greensboro Fire
Guilford County Fire and EMS
Havelock Fire
Henderson County Fire
Lenoir Fire
Mecklenburg County Fire
Onslow County Fire
Raleigh Fire
Reidsville Fire New
Robeson County Fire and EMS New
Stokes County Fire and EMS
Transylvania County Fire and EMS
Wake County Fire and EMS
Winston-Salem Fire
Yadkin County Fire and EMS

You can listen to any of the above agencies in real-time using any of the following media players for free:

Window Media Player
RealPlayer
iTunes
Winamp
Web-based Player (our preference)

There is also a twenty-one day archive that breaks the radio traffic into 15 minute segments. This allow you to go back and listen for a particular incident.

If you are interested in adding your department’s radio to the system, it’s very easy and free. All you need is a computer with a broad-band connection, a scanner and a patch cord (one from Radio Shack is about $5). The computer does not need to be dedicated to the task of broadcasting; the bandwidth used is very small.

If you are a frequent listener, you may want to consider a small donation to the owner in Georgia to help off-set the cost of the system.

For details and to start listening, visit ScanNorthCarolina.com.

Other feeds available that are not associated with ScanNorthCarolina:

Alamance County
Randolph County
Rockingham County
Rowan County

Here’s the Updated List as of January 2, 2009:

Alamance County Fire and EMS
Asheville Fire
Burke County Fire and EMS
Caldwell County Fire and EMS
Catawba County Fire and EMS
Charlotte Fire
Davidson County Fire and EMS
Forsyth County Fire and EMS
Greensboro Fire
Guilford County Fire
Guilford County EMS
Henderson County
Kinston Fire
Lenoir County Fire
Mecklenburg County Fire and EMS
Onslow County Fire
Raleigh Fire
Rockingham County Fire and EMS
Stokes County Fire and EMS
Transylvania County Fire and EMS
Wake County Fire and EMS
Yadkin County Fire and EMS

(Contact us with others)

Posted on Fri Jan 02 2009 at 16:07

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> Editor's Blog > 20081113 Blog: Real Time Metrix

Real Time Visitor Data

When you operate a website, as the owner, you are always wondering: who is visiting my site?

We started FireNews.net back in May of 2003. I remember the days when we first started. I would constantly check our visitor numbers to see if they were growing. I remember hoping for a few hundred a day. Then a few thousand a day. Human nature being what it is, you always want more…..

When we re-designed the new carolinasfirepage.com last year, we included a piece of code that allowed us to chat with visitors in real time and provide them technical support. When the new FireNews.net launched in June of 2008, we included that code for this site as well.

At the bottom of each page on FireNews.net, look at the third column for “Live Support Status.” If it says “Available,” you can chat with us on-line in real time.

One of the additional benefits of this software is real-time visitor monitoring. When we log in to the console to become “Available,” we are immediately presented with a map of the world. Each red square represents a current visitor. (In the image above, there were 23 visitors in the U.S.).

We can see a visitor’s IP address, host name, country, browser type, the number of pages visited (and for how long), and what link they used to get to our site.

Of course we don’t see your specific name or your specifc location. And please believe us, this information doesn’t get sold or forwarded to anyone or used in any way.

It’s a great way for us to see where our visitor’s are coming from, what sites are referring to us, and how long people are staying and what they are looking at.

When a new visitor comes to the site, we can set a little beep alarm, and a new dot appears for a new visitor. We turned the beep feature off after about five minutes…..

So now instead of seeing how many visitors we have in a day or month, I’m always looking to see how many visitors we have right now.

In case you are wondering, we use the service from ProvideSupport.com.

See our other sites at FireSiteDesign.com.

Posted on Thu Nov 13 2008 at 17:28

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> Editor's Blog > 20081016 Blog: Pierce Die Cast Models

Pierce Enters Die-Cast Model Business

APPLETON, WISCONSIN - Pierce Manufacturing, the nation’s largest manufacturer of fire apparatus, has entered the crowded die-cast model field.

The Pierce models are manufactured by TWH Collectibles of Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

The first 1:50 scale models feature the Pierce Quantum, and are offered for Honolulu, Henrico County (Virginia), Kern County (California) and Seminole County, Florida.

Future models in development include a Velocity aerial, ARFF units and a Velocity PUC pumper.

The Quantum units are 8 inches long by 2 inches wide by 2.5 inches high, and weigh just shy of one pound.

Price: $190.00 each.

Posted on Thu Oct 16 2008 at 20:28

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> Editor's Blog > 20081006 Blog: Aruba Fire Department

Aruba Brandweer Command

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA, LESSER ANTILLES - Here’s the new Fire Commander (Battalion Chief) vehicle for the Aruba Fire Department (Brandweer).

I was happy to see a fluorescent traffic safety vest hanging inside, but was suprised no chevrons were on the rear of the unit.

I’m here again this year to help with the Aruba Music Festival.

In Aruba, traffic drives on the right just like in the states, and English is widely spoken.

Police vehicles are all white with blue and yellow chevrons on the rear, pointing down.

New EMS units are Ford Type I units painted lime yellow.

Aruba is protected by three fire stations. Companies operate seven engines (pumpers), two tenders (tankers), two rescue units (medium and light duty), one ambulance (others are provided by a seperate agency), and one Bronto aerial.

Following a severe fire in the downtown district in 1995 that destroyed a nightclub, hardware store and grocery, seven new pieces of apparatus were received from E-One.

The 21-mile long island is home to about 95,000 residents, and receives nearly 2,000,000 visitors a year that come to enjoy the beautiful beaches.

View Larger Map

Posted on Mon Oct 06 2008 at 15:11

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> Editor's Blog > 20080929 Blog: Box Alarm Run Cards

Getting Organized Before the Big One

(Photos of mixed-use project under construction in downtown Raleigh. The project is one full block by a half-block and includes a parking deck.)

It is 02:30 hours, and your company has just been dispatched to the biggest target hazard in your district.

Communications has only said “Structure Fire,” and no additional notes have been passed along yet. The adrenaline is pumping, because you and your crews have talked about having the “big one” at this address many times before.

Could tonight be the night?

The building might be an older elderly care facility that has a huge elevation drop in the rear; a factory on the outskirts of your district that manufactures methyl-ethyl-bad-ass by the barrel; or an under-construction mixed-use, wood-frame vertical lumber yard.

Not much traffic on the road at this hour, but that’s no reason to spare the air-horns and the Q. You’ve got a few minutes to look through your pre-planning notebook (or laptop) and refresh your memory of the property.

Hopefully, if it’s a “Working Fire,” your department has a pre-arranged alarm assignment that will allow you to have sufficient resources on scene to handle the incident. All of your basics will be safely covered: from rehab to ventilation to fire attack to the Safety Officer.

You know exactly how many engines, ladders, squads, Chiefs, and EMS units are coming. That’s all been decided ahead of time, and Communications has dispatched those resources. You’ve walked the property, you know where the hook-ups are, and you know where the Knox Box is.

Just a few blocks left now, and everyone is scanning the sky. Are those clouds; is that parking lot lighting? It’s tough to tell because of the trees. Is that smoke we smell?

All companies have checked en route, but unless Chief Buckets lives across the street, YOU are going to be first due.

Every responding unit, every scanner-head and every news desk in four counties is waiting for you to key the mike and give your initial report. You have practiced this in your head a hundred times, and you take a deep breath to get ready. No matter what, you don’t want to scream. You’ll never live that down.

A big turn, one long blast of the air-horn, and then: you literally feel the heat through the windshield.

Oh, crap.

“Communications, Engine 51 on scene, we have a very large five-story wood frame mixed-use building under construction, very heavy fire conditions. Companies will be in the defensive mode. Additional size-up to follow. Officer of Engine 51 will be establishing Downers Grove Command. Give me: …..”

And this is where the rubber meets the road.

Sure, you’re going to need help. How are you going to call for help, and how much are you going to call for?

If you are in a county where you have a sequential alarm system, help is as close as ordering one or more extra alarms. Pre-determined resources will be heading your way. It’s as simple as saying: “Give me a third alarm.”

If you are not in a county with an established alarm system, you suddenly have a new problem. You not only need to concentrate on your initial actions, but also establish Command, complete your walk-around and additional size-up, deal with panicked citizens and probably a host of other tasks.

Now you have added to your list the need to assemble (in your head at 02:40 in the morning), how much help you need.

In the next best case scenario, you can tell Dispatch you need six engines, four tankers and two tower ladders. The Dispatchers will be able to assemble and dispatch that assignment based on unit availability and the distance of requested resources.

In the worse case scenario, you have to tell Dispatch who you want and from where. Guess what? You’re plate’s full, like a traveling high school football team at the Golden Corral buffet. Additional resources have to be ordered, but you’ve got other jobs that need your attention.

In too many counties in North Carolina, the worst case scenario is how additional resources are ordered. It leads to confusion, delays and inconsistent procedures.

Most major municipal departments in our state have pre-determined alarm assignments, what used to be referred to as “Run Cards.”

There are some organized counties that employ “Fire Demand Zones” to handle extra calls for help. A few that come to mind are Cumberland, Moore, Gaston and Guilford. They have the ability to order “extra alarms.”

If you think your community, county or district is “too small” to need sequential alarms, take a look at this graphic:

It shows flights in the United States at any given time. What this demonstrates is that about any fire district could suffer a major plane crash or other Mass Casualty Incident at any time.

It’s all about organization. Organization AHEAD of TIME.

We’re a big advocate of comprehensive numbering systems, where every piece of apparatus and personnel has a unique identifier. We’re also a big advocate of having your Communications Center equipped to handle sequential alarms for you, so that when the “Big One” (and not so big ones) happen, ordering help is quick and efficient.

Reports on the Charleston incident clearly point to the results of such a deficiency. Charleston’s lack of having sufficient resources initially dispatched and the absence of a sequential alarm system when additional resources were needed are cited as contributing factors to the outcome of the incident. Extra engines and ladder were called in a piece-meal, company by company basis by completely overwhelmed Officers.

Here’s another reason to start working on this:

Recent training and trade-journal articles advocate automatically dispatching an additional alarm when a Mayday is transmitted on the fireground.

If you’re the Incident Commander, when a Mayday hits, you don’t need to be looking at a map in the back of your Suburban trying to decide if Sweet Briar or Lazy Acre’s engine is going to be closer. You need to be concentrating on dealing with the Mayday.

Have your Communications Center work with their CAD vendors. Convene your area’s Chiefs and pre-establish equipment needs and available resources. Develop standards for alarm assignments, so that when the need arises, your focus can be on the tasks at hand.

Posted on Mon Sep 29 2008 at 9:52

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> Editor's Blog > 20080918 Blog: Engine Choices Limited

Engine Choices for Custom Apparatus Will be Limited

If your department plans on specifying a piece of custom fire apparatus in the foreseeable future, there’s one big element of the specification document that might almost be decided for you: the engine.

Caterpillar, following up after a similar report from Detroit Diesel, has announced that they will no longer make their engines available to custom fire truck manufacturers. This leaves only Cummins (for now) as a choice to the various apparatus vendors.

This will affect not only the single source manufacturers (American LaFrance, E-One, Ferrara, KME, Pierce, Seagrave, Sutphen) but also custom manufacturers who assemble custom components from vendors such as Spartan and HME (4 Guys, Crimson, EVI, Hackney, M&W Fire, Rosenbauer, Smeal, Toyne and others).

The reasons appear to be two-fold. Government regulations have squeezed the engine manufacturers to search for markets (namely in Asia and the Middle East) where it is easier for them to make a profit. As you know, those economies are one fire (couldn’t skip the pun), so the need for truck engines (mostly for construction) is growing. Higher demand equals higher profits.

The second reason comes back to the numbers. Typically, U.S. Manufacturers will produce somewhere over 5,000 pieces of fire apparatus in a year. Less than half (2,000 to roughly 2,500) are comprised of a custom chassis.

You may want to also read this article at C.W. Williams & Co., Inc.:

“Industry Issues Impacting Future Fire Truck Purchases”

Posted on Thu Sep 18 2008 at 11:08

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> Editor's Blog > 20080909 Blog: Use of the Thin Red Line

Use of the Thin Red Line

There was an interesting discussion yesterday on the North Carolina Fire Chief’s email list in regards to the history and correct useage of the “Thin Red Line” logo and associated flags, plates, stickers, etc.

We that it was important for all firefighters in the state to understand the history of the trademarked logo and the implications of purchasing merchandise from non-authorized vendors.

If you’re in a hurry, skip down to Post 2270.

Post 2264

Chiefs,

Could someone clarify the code for the red and black deceased firefighters flag.
I was under the impression it was to honor those who have served and had passed
on, to be as revered as the American flag. I now see them on license plates with
department names, slogans, etc. I have some guys that are talking about making
such tags.
Is there a standard for the red and black flag or is it up to the individual to
do as they please.
Just a side note; I haven’t noticed the police putting any writing or drawings
on the blue and black flag they have.
Somebody give me some guidance on this please.

Thank you brothers,

Art

Arthur J. Delaney
Division Fire Chief
Landis Fire Department

Post 2265

I am a little confused on this issue myself. I think we should only be using this symbol to represent out fallen brothers/sisters. I do not see the rationality of putting plates together with department names or slogans. I feel the symbol is being used for the wrong reasons. A policy and understanding of this symbol needs to be explained and at what situations will this symbol be used.

Adam Snyder
Fire Chief
Atlantic beach Fire Department
Pipe Major
Atlantic beach Fire Department Emerald Society Pipes and Drums

Post 2266

If someone can obtain a history of the flag, that may be beneficial. I understood it to be a copy of the law enforcement “Thin Blue Line” design that represented the brotherhood and family that police officers share. We in the fire service have that same relationship with our own and when I first saw the design, I thought it to be a play off of theirs. I was not aware that it was being used during funerals or draping caskets. I personally would prefer an American Flag but I do not know the full rules of using it in non-lodd situations.

I believe you will have a rough go of it trying to stop the use due to the commercialism involved with this design now. Do a Google search of “Thin Red Line” and “Firefighting” and you will find thousands of products being sold with this design.

Chief Eric Wheeler
Providence VFD
5025 Hemby Road
Weddington, NC 28104

Post 2267

As firefighters are periled, they place their lives second to those they
protect. They are forced to face their own fears and grasp for every
ounce of courage to perform the necessary task. “The Thin Red Line of
Courage” represents the last ounce of courage firefighters find deep in
their blood to conquer their darkest fears in order to save and protect
life and property. The firefighters from the Apex Volunteer Fire
Department designed and developed the “The Thin Red Line of Courage” in
1999. Today, it is displayed to show respect for firefighters injured and
killed in the line of duty.

Post 2268

Let’s refer this to the NC Fallen Firefighters folks and get their opinion.

Every Seat, Every Belt, Every Call, Every Time

Rick McIntyre, CFO
Fire Chief
City of Jacksonville Fire Department
Jacksonville, NC 28541

Post 2269

Go to http://www.ncfff.org . There is a link there that explains the “Thin Red Line”. Try this link http://www.ncfff.org/Memorial/Redline/tabid/58/Default.aspx As far as commercialism of the TRL it starts at home. We need to teach our people the respect of the TRL and use it as it was meant. It sounds like those responding understand this. Now we should pass it along to our vendors that they need to respect it. Although in fairness to them if we didn’t buy it, they wouldn’t sell it.

Contact Chief Ed Brinson with the NCFFF, his number is on the website.

John Grimes
Chief of Fire and Emergency Services
Leland Volunteer Fire/Rescue Department, Inc.
PO Box 176
1004 Village Road
Leland, NC 28451-1076

Post 2270

The Thin Red Line flag originated with the Apex, NC Fire Department. The design of the flag was given to the North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Foundation to use to honor and remember our fallen brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Many companies have counterfeited the design and are selling and using the logo in many different products and designs.
Many departments are displaying the flag under the US Flag at half staff when there is a NC line of duty death.
Keep in mind that if someone is buying the Red Line merchandise from anyone other than the NCFFF there are no proceeds from the sale of the merchandise going to support the NCFFF.
The foundation board has addressed the customization of the thin red line items, such as the tags. While we would like the symbol of honoring our fallen to stay pristine, we understand that if someone purchases an item they can do just about anything with it. In the past the board has granted permission for a department to incorporate the thin red line into their department patch.
That is a brief history of the origins and position of the NCFFF.
If you have specific questions, please contact me at 919-605-0115.
Thank you
Edward Brinson, President
North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Post 2271

I know in Faison we have had a LODD in the past and everytime a firefighter dies in the line of duty we show respect by displaying the NCFFF flag at half staff. Also our department members have numerous tags on their vehicles, NCFFF logo stickers, thin line stickers on our helmets and shirts that they proudly display. I have seen the “imitation” tags made for profit and have warned my members at the various schools and conventions that the money they pay does not go to the foundation. We at Faison support the foundation in all ways possible and will always remember.

(End of posts from list. Editor’s note: Phone numbers and email addresses removed from postings above.)

You may want to read this post about the “Thin Red Line” at the NCFFF website.

Posted on Tue Sep 09 2008 at 9:38

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> Editor's Blog > 20080901 Blog: Winston 2008

Photos from Winston Convention and Former FDs

WINSTON-SALEM - The two-year run of the Annual North Carolina State Firemen’s Association Conference and Convention has ended in Winston-Salem.

The new official title of the show is the “South Atlantic Fire Expo,” and will be held in Raleigh for at least the next four years in the new Raleigh Convention Center.

Contributor Mike Legeros has uploaded a photo gallery of the show floors here.

While at the Convention, a conversation was started about fire departments in North Carolina that no longer exist.

We initially started a list “off the top of our heads” that mainly contained volunteer companies.

Historian Mike Legeros put together this preliminary list, posted at the Carolinas Fire Page email list:

I am researching a future FireNews article, dreamed up between myself and Mr. Harkey at the NCSFA booth.

What departments in North Carolina have closed, or renamed due to mergers? e.g., all former FDs?

Name, year started, year ended, station locations, plus other info. is great.
Quick names off top of head,

Wake County - Western Boulevard (gone), Yrac (merged), Fairgrounds (merged), Six Forks (merged), Wake Forest #2 (merged, I think)

Meck County - Statesville Road (gone), Derita (gone)

Guilford County - Guilford College (merged), 50-210 (gone?), Bessimer Road (gone)

Cumberland County - Rayford Road (gone), LaFayette Village (gone), Bonnie Doone (gone), Yadkin Road (gone), Manchester (merged), Lake Upchurch (merged), Lake Rim (gone).

Forsyth County - Winston (merged), Salem (merged)

New Hanover County - Seagate (gone), Winter Park (gone)

And many more, we are sure.

All help appreciated.

mjl

Mike then compiled this updated list:

Findings so far are below. List does NOT include departments that existed as two entities, rural and municipal, with one ending or merging.

Also a blog thread on this: http://www.legeros.com/ralwake/photos/weblog/pivot/entry.php?id=1696

Alamance: 87 South (merged), Burlington 2

Brunswick: Holden Beach

Burke: Broughton Hospital

Buncombe: Beacon Mills (renamed), Beaverdam (merged), Biltmore Forest, Biltmore Village, Enka, North
Buncombe

Cabarrus: Poplar Tent, Winecroff

Carteret: Cape Carteret (renamed)

Catawba: Startown, Viewmont

Craven: Bridgeton (merged?)

Cumberland: Bonnie Doone, Cedar Creek, Fayetteville Airport (merged), Lafayette Village, Lake Rim, Lake
Upchurch (merged), Lakeview (renamed), Manchester, Raeford Road, Yadkin Road (merged)

Forsyth: Mt. Tabor (merged), Sedge Garden, South Fork (merged), Triangle

Gaston: Catawba Heights (merged), Chapel Grove (merged), East Gastonia, Rhyne, South Gastonia (merged)

Guilford: 10-A, Battleground (merged), Bessimer, Deep River, District 13 (merged), District 14, Jamestown
(merged)

Hertford: Cofield

Lenoir: Moss Hill

Macon: Scaly Mountain

Madison: West Madison (renamed)

Mecklenburg: Carmel (merged), Derita, Hickory Grove (renamed), Moores Chapel (merged), Oakhurst,
Pinoca (merged), Providence, Sharon (renamed), Statesville Road, Wilkinson Boulevard (merged), Woodlawn

New Hanover: Figure Eight Island, North Wilmington, Seagate, Winter Park

Pender: Scotts Hill

Randolph: Hillsville, North Asheboro/Central Falls (merged)

Rockingham: Draper, Leaksville, Spray (all three merged)

Rowan: Centenary, Mt. Ulla-Bear Popular (both merged)

Rutherford: Danieltown (merged), Ellis Cross-Country, Lake Lure, Oakland (merged), Shiloh (merged)

Wake: Fairgrounds (merged), Six Forks (merged), Wake Forest #2, Western Boulevard, Yrac (merged)

He has continued the thread at his blog.

Mike also maintains a Former North Carolina Fire Department Database at his site.

If you have departments or comments to add, contact Mike at one of the above sites or feel free to comment here. Thanks for your help.

Posted on Mon Sep 01 2008 at 11:48

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> Editor's Blog > 20080828 Blog: All the Chevrons You Can Eat

Winston-Salem: All the Chevrons You Can Eat

WINSTON-SALEM - We’re all set up and ready to go for the big state conference Friday and Saturday. Please stop by our Booth (Number 45 on the Upper Level), and pick up our new sticker. They’re free of course. See the homepage for our advertising show special that’s good for these two days only.

Like last year, the apparatus is on the lower level, and it’s crammed full with some interesting rigs.

M&W is new for this show. They’re located in southern Virginia if you’re not familiar with them.

There’s two police styled SUVs (one from Canada) with some huge light bars. Mike Porowski and I think they fold up and make highway style arrow sticks.

Ferrara has two recent deliveries. We hear the Ferrara dealer (Mike Bordeaux with First Choice Fire & Safety) will have a new website very soon.

C.W. Williams has a rear mount tower that is part of the Rosenbauer Tech Drive ‘08. There’s always a ton of neat features on these trucks. If you bring your checkbook, they have a few demo units you can drive home.

Triad is featuring one of the largest heavy rescues you’ll see in North Carolina. It’s for Wesley Chapel. There’s also a PUC engine for Cabarrus County, and the new Concord Engine 9 (with a massive pump panel).

Slagle brought a large tanker on a commercial chassis: and it’s green. The also have a truly custom unit for Princeton that’s labeled “Rescue 1” but is also a full-blown engine company. Be sure to check out the hose storage and the location of the pump panel.

Toyne has an interesting combination unit that is part mid-mount, part rear-mount. The controls are in the right rear compartment.

Sutphen is on the scene with two aerials (demo units).

You’ll also notice that not all chevrons are created equally these days. There’s an interesting mix of colors, sizes and percentage of coverage. (If you want to see what compliant Chevrons look like, stop by our booth).

Thanks to Mike Porowski for the quick shots of the show floor above. Mike is also serving as the official photographer for this year’s event.

Posted on Thu Aug 28 2008 at 23:10

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> Editor's Blog > 20080813 Blog: Tiered Response for Larger Dwellings

Tiered Response for Larger Dwellings

When does a house become more than “just a house?”

At what point do fire departments need to augment their response for larger dwellings?

In the 1960s, the average house size was about 1,100 square feet. In 1970, it was 1,400 square feet.

The current average house size in the United States is now 2,400 square feet. A quick search for data in Mecklenburg County showed the average for the area at over 3,200 square feet. In our resort areas, it’s easy to spot row after row of enormous properties.

You can find larger homes in the cities and rural areas. Big homes on small lots. More exposures problems. Light-weight construction. Big homes at the end of long driveways with limited access.

Let’s face it: all homes are not created equal.

This got me to thinking about the most common fire-emergency related dispatch for most fire departments in our state: a house fire.

When the tones go off and the Dispatcher announces “house fire” or “structure fire,” you might only have a vague idea of the size dwelling you may be responding to. Does your department have a tiered response for larger houses?

Contrast the standard operations required for a one-story, 1,500 square foot dwelling with a multi-level 8,000 square foot McMansion. Larger custom dwellings often have unusual design features that complicate fire extinguishment and searches. Large volume spaces, huge closets and storage areas, basements, finished attic spaces and complicated roof layouts compound fireground procedures.

While there is no “typical” first alarm assignment, what you might find as a norm across the state is approximately the following: three engines, one ladder company, a rescue unit and a chief officer on a one alarm fire. In non-hydranted areas, you’ll need to add a few tankers (water tenders). This does not account for RIT functions, Safety Officers, EMS or rehab. Those resources are sometimes dispatched after the first arriving unit confirms a working fire.

On a 2,000 square foot house, a 3-1 (three engines, one ladder) assignment will need to establish a water supply, pull primary and backup attack lines, conduct primary and secondary searches, ventilate, and initiate property conservation (salvage). Fold in Command functions, 2-in/2-out compliance, RIT, Safety and other functions and you’ll find “all hands are working.”

There’s no way a 3-1 assignment can handle a racing fire in an 8,000 square foot house. There’s too much area to search, to many places to check for extension, too many lines to be pulled.

At what point does the size of the dwelling impact the operation? At three, four or five-thousand square feet?

Given that most counties now have all real estate records computerized, can’t most CAD programs associate addresses with specific building information?

In Los Angeles, California, the LAFD dispatches assignments based on “Categories.”

Category A assignments get not less than four companies; B assignments get not less than six.

Category B assignments are dispatched when a fire flow of 4,500 gpm and greater is required, occupancies are of four stories or more in height, commercial and/or industrial properties exceed more than 15,000 square feet under one roof (on two floors) or 10,000 square feet under one roof (on one floor), and other high risk (schools, hospitals, churches, public assemblies) addresses. Structures that do not meet the level B criteria receive a Category A assignment.

Since we are only discussing houses at this point, I’m pretty sure we can simplify all of this and draw a theoretical line at a certain square footage. As an example, if a house is greater than 4,000 square feet, it would get an enhanced assignment. I would recommend at a minimum an additional engine, additional ladder and additional Chief Officer.

Of course additional resources can always be ordered by asking for another alarm (you department does have a sequential alarm system, doesn’t it?). The purpose of this article is to reinforce the need for adequate resources arriving initially on the first alarm to be able to “go to work” on a big house.

We would like to hear your ideas and comments. In your experience, where should the line be drawn, and at what square footage?

Reference:

Los Angeles Fire Department, Manual of Operation, Volume 1, 1.3-08 First Alarm Assignments.

-08. FIRST ALARM ASSIGNMENTS
.01 DETERMINATION OF FIRST ALARM ASSIGNMENT
The following shall be used to determine first alarm assignments to a structure:

A. CATEGORY A: Not less than four fire companies, including not less than one truck (e.g., 3 Engines + 1 Light Force + 1BC + 1Paramedic Rescue + 1 800 Series Rescue* + 1 Squad**).
800 Series RA if available in First-In District.
Special Squad processing will apply.
CRITERIA:

1. Required fire flow: less than 4500 GPM; and
2. All occupancies not included in Category B or C.
DISPATCH:

1. The nearest available light force will always be dispatched.
B. CATEGORY B: Not less than six fire companies, including not less than two trucks (e.g., 3 Engines + 2 Light Force + 1BC + 1Paramedic Rescue +1 EMS Captain + 1 800 Series Rescue* + 1 Squad**).
800 Series RA if available in First-In District.
Special Squad processing will apply.
CRITERIA:

1. Required fire flow: 4500 GPM and above.
2. Dwellings, apartments, and hotel occupancies four or more stories in height.
3. All commercial and/or industrial properties that exceed:
a. More than 15,000 sq. ft. under one roof, on two floors.
b. More than 10,000 sq. ft. under one roof on one floor.
4. All Fire Prevention Bureau occupancies in the Public Safety Section:
a. Schools, special schools, day nurseries two or more stories;
b. Sanatoriums, homes for aged, hospitals, public assemblages, and churches except B-2 occupancies under 100 feet.
5. All assemblage occupancies on second floor or above.
DISPATCH:

1. The nearest available light forces will always be dispatched.
C. CATEGORY C: Not less than four fire companies, including not less than three engine companies and one truck.
NOTE
This is a category of special assignments that the computer recognizes, i.e., Brush, Harbor, Airport, etc.
D. AUTOMATIC ALARMS - Modified Dispatch. Initial dispatch: one Engine or one Light Force.
1. Automatic alarms include: waterflow, bells ringing, smoke detectors and manual pulls.
2. A full assignment or additional resources shall be dispatched by OCDS for any of the following:
if more than one automatic device is activated at the same address, or
a second source of alarm, or
confirmation of an actual incident is received.
Any responding officer may request additional resources as directed.
3. Automatic alarms identified as requiring a Category “C” or “Special” assignment (brush, fire boats, etc.), shall not be modified on the initial dispatch unless additional information is received by OCDS.
E. Required fire flow: The standard used to estimate the number of companies needed to extinguish a fully involved structure fire is 250 GPM per line and two lines (500 GPM) per company.
F. Evaluation: The total fire problem shall be evaluated; amount of water required, location of companies, personnel required, special equipment, life hazard, and exposure hazard, etc.

Posted on Tue Aug 12 2008 at 18:06

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> Editor's Blog > 20080729 Blog: National Fire Rescue

Good Reading With NC Based "National Fire and Rescue"

RALEIGH - One of my favorite pieces of reading material arrived yesterday.

If you are not familiar with National Fire and Rescue Magazine, I recommend checking it out. It is published bi-monthly and is circulated to over 30,000 subscribers around the country. Their focus is on “community-sized” (100,000 residents or fewer) fire departments.

As a fire service professional, you can get a free subscription just by visiting their website.

I guess one of the reasons I’m partial to the magazine is their local North Carolina connection. The publication is produced right here in Raleigh by SpecComm International, Incorporated. The publication has been around since 1980. The current issue is Volume 32, Number 4.

The Editor in Chief is Dan Jones, the Town of Chapel Hill Fire Chief. Each issue includes a well written editorial by Chief Jones that hits on pertinent fire service issues of the day. This month’s issue (July/August 2008) deals with the need to rethink interior operations at structure fires.

You’ll also likely recognize contributions from Ken Farmer, the former North Carolina Director of Fire and Rescue Training for the North Carolina Community College System.

Because the format of the magazine is slightly larger than usual, NFR takes the opportunity to present full-page photographs in the center of each issue. This is another good outlet for fire photographers to submit their better shots for publication.

Issues also contain new apparatus deliveries and new product information. There’s even a “Fire Chef” page with an emphasis on healthy eating.

Now, who doesn’t need to eat a little healthier?

Posted on Tue Jul 29 2008 at 21:30

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> Editor's Blog > 20080721 Blog: South Carolina Fire Show

South Carolina Fire Show

MYRTLE BEACH, SC - We had the opportunity over the weekend to visit our friends to the south in Myrtle Beach at the South Carolina Firefighter’s Association Annual Conference.

Several North Carolina vendors were present at this show that will also be exhibiting next month in Winston-Salem.

They included: C. W. Williams & Co., Inc. (Rosenbauer), Southeastern Apparatus Sales (Crimson), Seagrave, Newton’s Fire, Steven’s Fire Equipment (Sutphen), Slagle Fire Equipment (KME), Anchor Richey EVS, Johnson Fire and Safety, Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal and Stewart Cooper Newell.

A new fire boat for the New Hope Fire Department of Gaston County was shown by SAFE Industries.

Myrtle Beach has received a large order of new engines from KME. They have also received two medium duty rescues from KME. I wish I could have seen one of the engines with all of the lights on…..

We also had our first opportunity to see first-hand a new Pierce Quantum PUC custom pumper for Croft in Spartanburg County.

Is it just me, or is the name “PUC” one of the worst product naming ideas ever to hit the fire service? Aside from the name, this rig had some really interesting features.

I’m also a fan of yellow trucks, but the rear chevrons could have had some more contrast.

Don’t forget the North Carolina show is next month in Winston-Salem. See the North Carolina State Firemen’s Association site for details, and don’t forget to register!

View a slideshow of more photos from the South Carolina show at our Flickr site.

Posted on Mon Jul 21 2008 at 11:55

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> Editor's Blog > 20080711 Blog: Raleigh Wake County Emergency Communications Report

Raleigh-Wake Emergency Communications Report

RALEIGH - The Raleigh-Wake Emergency Communications Center has released their annual report for 2007.

The RWECC has received accreditation from both the National Academies of EMD and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. In so doing, RWECC became the first CALEA accredited center in North Carolina, and the first agency anywhere to ever have achieved dual recognition in the same year.

Above is the t-shirt designed by RWECC employees, detailing their typical day.

The growth rate in the amount of calls answered and dispatched is amazing. There are no quiet times on the radios anymore…..

Raleigh-Wake Emergency Communications Annual Report

Posted on Fri Jul 11 2008 at 10:29

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> Editor's Blog > 06272008 Blog: Sea Island Firehall, Richmond, BC

"Green" Fire Station

RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA - I was in the Vancouver area this past week for a new project, and while photographing our site, came across this new fire station. In Canadian vernacular, they refer to them as “Firehalls.”

The City of Richmond lies just south of Vancouver and is comprised of seventeen islands totaling 50.1 square miles. The 174,000 residents are served by seven firehalls.

Richmond is home to the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Separate ARFF facilities are maintained at the airport.

The Sea Island Firehall is a replacement facility that is located towards the end of a major runway. Their location near bridges also means they are due to the urban area located on the adjacent main island, Lulu Island.

Engine and Ladder Company 6 are located here.

The design of the station has resulted in a LEED certification for the building, an industry recognized standard for a “green building.”

You might notice a similarity in this facility and another Richmond Firehall that won a 2007 F.I.E.R.O. Design award. Yours truly was actually one of the jurors.

View Larger Map

Posted on Fri Jun 27 2008 at 16:10

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> Editor's Blog > 06172008 Blog: Safety Alert

Did Somebody Miss the Memo?

COLUMBUS COUNTY - This photograph that recently appeared at Whiteville.com was brought to our attention by a regular reader.

If you are interested on whom these guys are, go to Whiteville.com. In an unusual move by a newspaper, both the firefighters and Fire Departments are identified in the caption.

While it would be “easy-pickins” to go after the axe-swinging hero, I think in this case we should look at who should be running the show on the ground.

My first thought was that maybe the caption to the photo was wrong, and the guy with the axe was a civilian. Of course civilians are not issued turnout gear, which would explain why he had on no PPE.

My next thought was that if he was a civilian, the firefighter on air with the line would probably have told him to get off the ladder and leave his fire alone.

Then my next thought was about the person or persons who should be in charge of a working fire: the Incident Commander. What about the Safety Officer or Sector Officer?

The caption identifies two fire departments, so there is a reasonable assumption that officers from both departments would have been on scene.

There are all kinds of guesses that could be made about the incident and photograph.

But here’s the deal: THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR NOT WEARING YOUR GEAR.

And there’s no excuse for Chief Officers not enforcing the policy of always having their firefighters wear their gear.

If they don’t wear their gear, send ‘em home.

On this one-year anniversary of the tragedy in Charleston, South Carolina, think about their sacrifice. And the next time you go to a fire, make sure you wear all of your gear.

Comments are welcomed below or on the Forums.

Posted on Tue Jun 17 2008 at 22:02

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> Editor's Blog > 06082208 Blog: New Enhancements

About the Old and New FireNews.net

The new site has been up since June 1st, and I personally celebrated by ordering a new helmet and shield to match the logo.

Since we launched the new site though, the work has not stopped. We wanted to mention some items that are different from the old site as well as point out some new features that have recently been added.

With the new site, we wanted the navigation to be clean and simple. You’ll notice the navigation menus are no longer nested (no more drop-downs). At the top of all the pages, we’ve only included the most basic of navigation links. We know most people will almost always start at the homepage, and scroll down to the bottom to see what is new.

At the bottom is where we have placed all of the links to the interior pages. This is based on the belief that most people scroll through a page, and at the end of any given page, that is when they will make their next choice. It seems a little illogical to have folks go back to the top of a page to make their next choice. We have received many positive comments on the new navigation scheme.

The design intent was to simplify all the page “architecture.” By this, I am referring to all the visual elements that are typically required on a standard page. We wanted to stress the content, especially the excellent photography that is submitted to our site. The intent was for the supporting, repeating elements to be simple, refined and subdued.

You’ll also notice something that you usually don’t see on news sites: white space. How many times have you visited a site, only to be overwhelmed by absolutely too much information? This can be a combination of text and graphic images, but the page is so crammed with data that you just want to give up and move on. We wanted for you to have a different experience at FireNews.

The homepage is organized so that the big story (big picture) is right where you would expect it to be: under the main logo, in the upper left hand corner. Flanking this to the right is a quick hit-list of five of the latest Headlines from around the state. This is what used to be published at our FireNews.net/Headlines site.

Below the “top story” spot are the next four stories (for a total of five) of our exclusive FireNews.net content. This is the material that is supplied by you, our readers.

Immediately below the News stories, are five of the latest incident reports. On the old site, this partially appeared as a ticker in the upper right hand corner. Now you don’t have to read the ticker; enough data is displayed right on the home page to give you an overview of the incident.

Have you noticed a theme developing of grouping things in sets of five? You’ll see this repeated throughout the site.

Next, towards the end of the page, we present some of the latest new deliveries (always popular), apparatus for sale, a *wildcard* box, and a visual link to this blog. This of course is followed by the bottom navigation.

From each page on the site you can also log-in (more on that later) or perform a site specific search.

One of the biggest benefits of the new structure is that each and every article is automatically archived with its own URL address. On the interior pages, we’ve tried to present our readers with bigger (and more) photographs. The fire-rescue service is obviously dynamic, and we believe in trying to capture and present that message with our stories.

Another consistent element: all articles (news, headlines, deliveries and incidents) are categorized by County. In the future, you’ll be able to sort and search articles by your county key-word.

On our news articles, when we have a verified address, you’ll now see a Google map showing the location of the incident. You can zoom, pan and even switch to satellite view.

All submissions are time and date stamped, and if updates are made, those are stamped too (in bold).

At the end of the articles, there’s a new button for your use: Send to a Friend. Simply click it, fill in your friend’s email address along with a note if you wish.

Registered users are also invited to leave comments right on the article’s page (no need to go to the Forums if you don’t want to). We are requiring you to register (only once) and log in to leave a comment. We will do our best to keep the comments professional. The system has the ability to ban those who abuse the privilege of commenting.

In the upper left corner of an article page, we’ll attempt to provide you with additional on and off-site links to related materials, for example, a direct link to a department’s website or that of a manufacturer. And when an article is supplied by one of our frequent contributors, you can click their link to find out more about them and send them a message.

We also compiled a new News Archive page, so you can access every edition of FireNews.net ever published.

If you have a use for RSS feeds, we have also implemented them for the new site just this past week. If you are not familiar with RSS feeds, here’s an article to help get you started.

Our next big project is to continue working on our Resources area (i.e., the links sections). We already have a good start on the fire department links, which we are sequentially going through county-by-county and department-by-department to verify them. If you have submitted a link, rest assured we’ll be getting to it.

We’ve acquired a new toll-free number that makes it easier to get in touch with us. It’s always at the bottom of every page. If you prefer a little higher tech mode of communication, go to the bottom of each page and look for “Live Support Status.” If you see “Available,” click the link to chat with us in real time. (If I’m at my desk, this feature is usually on).

Some of the other features we’re working on include a new incident submission form, a web-based form so you can upload photos to the site, and a box that will tell you what content is new since your last visit.

Thanks to all those who have already sent in an email with comments on the new site.

If you have ideas on how to improve the site, or have comments about what has been done so far on this version, drop us an email, or feel free to comment below.

Thanks!

Jeff

Posted on Sun Jun 08 2008 at 21:53

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> Editor's Blog > 06032008 Blog: Seagrave 1962

Charlotte Engine 2 Needs a New Home

WAKE COUNTY - I found this old Charlotte pumper this past weekend, sitting on the side of Tryon Road just south of Raleigh.

I had to do a double take, and go get my camera.

The officer’s side still had enough lettering to make out “CFD ENGINE Co 2”. But I knew where it was from when I saw the “948” and the cab design.

For it’s time period, it’s odd that it has a six-cyliner Cummins diesel. And since Charlotte was the first fire department in the country to order an enclosed cab (in the 30’s), it’s not suprising they stuck with that safety idea. In the 1960’s, if you weren’t driving or the officer, you were probably hanging off the back. Not in Charlotte, though.

This rig had a bench seat, above the water tank. The tank sat right above the pump. You got to the enclosed seating area by using a little walkway in the middle of the hose bed.

This 1,000 gpm pumper also has an Akron foam system, very rare for the time. Also one of the biggest booster reels you’ll ever see.

I bet she saw some great fires in the Queen City.

The current owner says a tree fell on it a few years ago.

This 1962 Seagrave is for sale. The current owner wants $1,800.00. And you have to tow it. It’s quite heavy.

If someone doesn’t pick it up, it will be sold for scrap.

If you are interested in the unit, call Denny at 919-427-2954.

Image Gallery of Charlotte Engine Company 2, 1962 Seagrave

Posted on Tue Jun 03 2008 at 20:57

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> Editor's Blog > 05312008 Blog: Clayton Gets it Right

Clayton Gets the Chevrons Right

CLAYTON - The Clayton Fire Department in Johnston County received a new Pierce engine on May 5th.

We’d like to honor them for being one of the first departments in the area to get the chevrons on the rear of the truck right.

The chevrons are six inch stripes at a 45-degree angle, alternating reflective red and yellow. Note that the arrow direction points “up.” Coverage exceeds 50% of the vertical rear surface.

Studies indicate that if the chevrons point “down” (like in a V pattern), drivers may actually be drawn into the unit (like a bulls-eye). Some recent NCSHP cruisers were done this way.

Another neat feature on the Clayton engine is the way the light tower is stored, resulting in a lower profile cab.

Posted on Sat May 31 2008 at 10:40

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> Editor's Blog > 05262008 Blog: Custom Chassis for MDFR

Miami Dade Receives Ambulance on Custom Chassis

Miami Dade Fire Rescue, one of the busiest Fire and EMS agencies in the country, is trying a new strategy with a new ambulance delivery.

Braun Ambulances of Van Wert, Ohio have manufactured the first custom ambulance on a custom fire truck chassis. The box is mounted on a Spartan Furion cab and chassis.

Rescue Ambulance crews in MDFR are expected to participate in firefighting as well as their EMS duties. After conducting research on previous large scale commercial chassis, MDFR looked at a low cost custom option. The Furion is designed to be cost competitive with commercial chassis such as the International or Freightliner.

Photo from Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment magazine. Ed Ballam photo.

Posted on Mon May 26 2008 at 22:35

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