“Street Smarts and Lighting Farts”…
By thehousewatch | September 4, 2008
We all know what happens when you light a fart. Or do we? I have had mixed results conducting empirical research on this perplexing topic myself. My results fell between urban myth and the consequences of eating too much Kashi® cereal. In all seriousness, let me pose a more contextual question: Do we all know what happens in today’s fire environment? By today I mean contemporarily, the last couple of decades. Countless texts and magazine articles convey to the reader that “fires are hotter today;” with little scientific argument or rationale, save what insightful qualititative research Andrew Fredericks gave us in his thesis “Little Drops of Water: 50 Years Later parts I and II; rather, routinely focusing specifically on what we “find on arrival.”
What was found on arrival? What were you looking for? Where was it hot? Were you “reading the smoke?” What tactics were you employing with regards to taking care of the fire’s behavior? I know I’m bombarding you with questions but answer these amongst those next to you at the kitchen table next tour about your last fire. Now, compare your answers to those at the next firehouse over that always tries to steal your first due work. Will your anwsers mesh? Probably not. Why? Perhaps the best place to begin answering this national (international?) dilema is how we are taught fire behavior today.
What were you taught? In my short (relatively) career, I was taught that there are more plastics amongst incumbent cellulosic materials in the room leading to hotter fires. Should we now teach that it is has become all plastic-all the time now? Perhaps, if you were lucky to sit in on NIST’s groundbreaking (I’ll call it that because people from all over went) “summit yesterday.” NIST held the meeting to educate firefighters, not just engineers speaking “Engineman Language” such as “laminar fire spread,” “flame height envelopes,” and “stoichiometric air-to-fuel mass ratios.” Rather, NIST sought to discuss empirical research gained through its recent experiments throughout the country on many things fire behavior related; specifically analyzing recent line of duty death and fatal fire reports it modeled. NIST hopes that we put this newfound research and data to the test in the field, where those of us who speak in monosyllabic grunts and love working on the floor above can put the science given us into practicum. In other words, NIST is presenting their research (FREE) as a “train-the-trainer” package for us to employ; and to implore us to revisit our knowledge of fire behavior so we can adapt to what’s REALLY waiting for us at the fire coming in next tour. How long have we relied upon naive fire behavior chapter(s)/assumptions in texts (yes, that book from Oklahoma) that rely upon dated models and curves? Do the PPV tactics that the “fan”-atics push on departments really work as previously concieved? Are trusses the real problem, or are they just a component of our construction problems? What are the new stages of fire growth? Have we become more “street smart” the last couple of decades, or more complacent; or worse, more dependent on what equipment manufacturers and inexperienced (non-scientist) fire service educators tell us?…..
I have high hopes that the fire service will become inspired rather than intimidated by the academics at NIST. NIST, I believe, is sincerely hoping to reduce firefighter and civilian fatalities with its research. Bill Carey at Fire(fighter) Behavior perhaps puts it best by stating this research could become this generation’s “Little Drops of Water.” I just hope the “firefighter carpetbaggers,” those typically looking to make bucks, contacts and speaking/consultant fees off other’s research stay away for awhile until the research can be applied objectively; there will be plenty of time later to bastardize it later, there’s always plenty of conferences. Let the scientists tell us what and why, and we’ll show them how…
As an aside, more good news on the academic front. John Jay College in NYC has opened its new Christian Regenhard Center for Emergency Response Studies. Christian was a FDNY Probationary Firefighter who was lost on 9/11. The center will be a research institution that will delve into such immense study such as the responses to 9/11 and Katrina and future disasters. The line-up for the center has very experienced educators and researchers so I look forward to what comes out of it. I just wonder if we could all convince them to publish a periodic research journal? Mmmm….I see needed white papers galore…Best of luck to John Jay and the staff at the new research center.
Topics: Editorials | 1 Comment »
“Brotherhood Instructors: Upcoming Classes”…
By thehousewatch | September 2, 2008
Click on the above flyers for two excellent upcoming training classes from Brotherhood Instructors. Sept. 13 and 14 will be a back to basics hands-on training weekend in Oakville, Ontario; and Nov. 7 and 8 will be a hands-on forcible entry class in Morris, Illinois. Hurry up and register as space is limited!
Topics: Training and Development | No Comments »
“Walton Avenue”…
By thehousewatch | August 27, 2008
Lt. Howie Carpluk and Firefighter Michael Reilly, Never Forget…
Today is the anniversary of the tragic Walton Avenue fire that occurred on August 27, 2006. Lt. Howie Carpluk, FDNY Engine 42, and FF Michael Reilly, Engine 75 lost their lives in a taxpayer fire floor collapse in the South Bronx. Many other Firefighters and Officers were critically injured at this fire.
I remember that morning vividly as a friend of mine called and told me a Firefighter was lost and many others were trapped in a fire in the South Bronx; his information was customarily sketchy as it was just hitting the wire. His next statement was, “isn’t that near where John works?” John is a good friend of ours and of course I scrambled to find my phone. “Dammit..” no answer. As information was rapidly coming in, it appeared that the incident was becoming a very laborious Firefighter rescue and removal operation. I called a few more times and finally later that night, someone answered…it was John’s wife. Immediately, my gut sank to my feet because it was the first time his wife had ever answered his cell phone when I called. “John’s hurt,” was her reply when I told her it was me. She was amazingly calm as she told me how he was doing, the extent of his injuries, and what was happening next. John had responded on one of the first due units to the fire and was one of the trapped Firefighters. I told her I would spread the word about John to the rest of the circle and to keep us all up to date…Like John told me today, it seems like yesterday…
Please take a moment to read up on the men who were lost and the circumstances surrounding this tragic fire. If you can get your hands on the FDNY’s investigation on this fire, take the time to read it as well. Their investigation of this fire should become the methodology for all Line of Duty Death inquiries.
I would like to wish the families of Howie Carpluk and Michael Reilly the best on this day. They will not be forgotten…
Topics: Editorials | No Comments »
“Book Review: ‘Stretching and Operating the First Line’”…
By thehousewatch | August 26, 2008
Author: Tim Klett, FDNY
2004-Fire Department Training Network, Inc.
Published by the Fire Department Training Network: Indianapolis, IN.
It’s about time I got back to doing some books…I have a ton of great books on the shelf; I’ve already read them, now it’s your turn. One of these is the above book by Lieutenant Tim Klett, FDNY Engine Company 88. It has been out for a while and hopefully you have already read it. However, if you haven’t, contact the Fire Department Training Network , and get a copy soon (don’t forget to join too!); hopefully before your next stretch.
Lieutenant Klett’s book focuses on what is perhaps the greatest life saving tool on the fireground…the first line. The fire service is inundated with myriad books discussing “fireground operations,” “Officer considerations,” etc. Most of these books barely mention the role of the Engine, particularly the first line. In fact, nary a chapter’s worth of Engine in most. Why? Perhaps it is because very little attention is actually given to the Engine in most departments, fire service books, and magazines.
Many consider the Engine an “entry-level” unit on the job; a great place to hang out until that spot across the floor opens up. What many often fail to consider is that there are many intricacies involved with the Engine that serve as any Engine Company’s mark of distinction: the ability to always make the stretch. Everyone knows the Engine(s) in their jobs that have such distinction. Thankfully, Klett’s book delves entirely into this principle and the very specific initial responsibility of the Engine. Stretching and Operating the First Line puts the importance of the Engine back into forefront of fireground operations; and serves as a great companion to the very few Engine Company books and fire service magazine articles out there…
Stretching and Operating the First Line includes the following chapters:
The Purpose of the First Line
Determining Line Size & Position
Estimating the Stretch
Stretching the First Line
Engine Company Assignments
Engine Company Tools
Operating the First Line During Emergencies
Training for the Engine Company
As an aside, Klett also describes his signature “Four Ups” to being an “Up”beat Probie in the book. Check it out and look for more book reviews/recommendations soon…
Topics: Book Reviews | No Comments »
“Shouldering the Economy”…
By thehousewatch | August 20, 2008
(Remember your Proby days?)
A big day for the Chicago Fire Department yesterday. It graduated a batch of 81 new recruits. While this may not seem very significant, this batch is the first to come off of its first eligibility list in over a decade. We all remember what it was like to walk across the stage after weeks of intense training; some never made it; others who didn’t think they would, did. As I reflect on the first morning of my Recruit Academy, I remember a humbling speech made by the Chief of Department himself. He stated, “Right now you mean nothing to the department. If you make it through these next 20 weeks, you’ll mean something to us; If you make through your probationary year, earning the respect of your colleagues, you’ll mean everything to us….” This was a very powerful mandate that we all willingly shouldered during our time spent in the Academy.
Unfortunately, Chicago’s new recruits are forced to shoulder more than just inspiring words and ideals. They are facing imminent layoff as the City of Chicago sifts through a staggering $420 million budget shortfall. As these recruits rightfully celebrate with their families and begin their proverbial “rite of passage,” I hope that the worst thing they will ever have to face in their careers is the budget. Be safe and congratulations…
Topics: Editorials | No Comments »
“Mediocre Boiler Plate and the LODD Report”…
By thehousewatch | August 14, 2008
Photo from Bullard FD
LODD Report: Captain Kevin Williams and Firefighter Austin Cheek, Noonday VFD 8/3/2007
Ray McCormack, FDNY
What a sad report to read. Not only does it detail how we lost two brave firefighters it reveals some very disturbing facts about how some fire departments in this country operate every day. Yes, the spotlight was focused on this one fire department. However, several fire departments responded and operated at this fatal fire. After reading the report you have to wonder if “operated at” is in fact the correct description. Granted, the report does not cover everyone’s activities on the fireground, but it does cover actions taken and when they occurred. The first problem is the chiefs who do not know exposure identification or much else about fireground operations.
You know A, B, C, and D starting with the front and going around clockwise; they did it the opposite way. Unbelievable! This is so basic it is not funny. We can not chalk this up to nerves or any other excuse, especially when two of them did it. Did it impact the outcome of this fire?
The report states that it may have caused a vent hole to be placed behind the attack line. However when the chiefs are standing there directing the placement of the hole knowing where the line was heading I don’t think letters actually came into it. Rather, B and D at this fire stand for Bad Decisions. The first tactic was to start the PPV fan. Next the original nozzle team chose to “pencil” the fire with the hoseline. Finally it seemed everyone else who showed up to the fire just watched. We can have as long of a debate as our collective breaths will allow on PPV. The fact of the matter was at this fire there was inadequate ventilation.
Departments that opt for PPV are asking a lot of a machine and nothing of their firefighters. Firefighters who are placed in front of these machines are risking a lot because if there is no escape hole for the stuff it’s pushing or its not big enough; or it breaks down; or then look out. Many departments believe they are on the cutting edge by using these machines. Can they clear smoke? Yes, and fast. Can they turn a not so bad fire into a tragedy? They sure can, and they have. When a department does not ventilate horizontally either due to policy or lack of understanding then a fan is a simple answer.
The problem is when the fan is not around. Firefighters will have sub skill levels for ventilation because they just do not end up doing it at fires. The glass will remain intact and we will loose the building, or worse, lives. Penciling is the worst thing an engine company can do at a structural fire. You should not take a water pistol to a gun fight. The problem is in the application of this technique. This was developed for use in flashover simulators, where extinguishment of the fire will kill the show. The original nozzle team saw fire coming towards them and they used this technique. This technique used under these conditions only pushed the fire back momentarily toward the area of origin. They reported high heat (not uncommon) however, with no ventilation and a steady wind blowing in; who knows what effect this would have had on normal nozzle operations.
The really big problem is that this nozzle technique (penciling) is being taken to the field and used. The line should be operated with an open nozzle until the main body of fire is extinguished; that is the safest way to operate. No assistance on the line and no forward progress occurred. Did anyone on the scene even think about crawling in to check on the attack line? From pictures it doesn’t look like it. We have fire department that are being directed by people who don’t have clue and use all the “cutting edge” nonsense to help make it safer for firefighters. What is really occurring is a lack of tactical training on how to extinguish a structural fire. The lack of training and knowledge starts from the top down. The simple fix becomes machines and bastardized techniques.
Chiefs have to learn how to run fires. You are not a good chief if all you do is comply with the latest mandates and buy into every operational gadget and technique that comes along without knowing when and how to use it, or do not have the knowledge to know when cutting edge is in fact cutting corners. We have to allow firefighters to engage and work and think and be aggressive; and do their jobs with pride. That comes from good training, hands on training, on the stuff that kills and injures us - fires. Teach your firefighters how to operate effectively and safely at fires. We are fire departments, not first responder departments. Even if our roles are varied we do one thing no other agency does and that is fight fire. Don’t ever forget it. The following items are what you will see as the report highlights:
-A command post was not set up and the Incident Commander was mobile.
-RIT was established during operations but was not dedicated for immediate response.
-No tracking or accountability used from the start. -No 360 size-up.
-Problems with scene command and control between the various responding companies..
-Ventilation was not coordinated and FF’s were between the fire and the venting.
-Problems with communications between interior crews and command and command didn’t take immediate actions when his request for updates went unanswered. As fire conditions progressed changes were not made to the fireground operations.
(Courtesy of thesecretlist/STATer911). These highlights are almost standard boiler plate “fireground problems” and you will see these types of factors in most reports. If you find them to be more shocking then my list I think you missed my point. Even combined into one big ball of confusion they don’t compare to what I have already outlined as the really scary events at this fire. If your department operates this way also, you have a problem that needs correcting. The author believes accidents and mistakes take place at all operations sometimes with tragic results. However the tactical operations listed in this report are SOP for many departments across the country. We owe it to these men to reexamine how we operate.
Topics: Editorials | 6 Comments »
“Fueling the Cuts with Some Unleaded Common Sense”…
By thehousewatch | August 12, 2008
An interesting find from STATter 911…Seems like some suburban Louisville and the Springfield, MO fire departments are cutting specific types of EMS runs from their response cards that previously got a big red fire truck. What? Cutting EMS runs? That’s 99.9999% of our runs, right? Oh the impudence!!!!
The impetus behind these initiatives is the now customary consequence of contemporary diesel fuel prices: Cuts, cuts and more cuts. However this time, rather than decimating staffing and buying bigger rigs, the “fat” in our service delivery itself is being analyzed and scrutinized; The fat in this EMS context being the proverbial “bullshit” runs. What constitutes a “bullshit run?” Well, I’ll leave that to you to decide, that’s moot in this post because if you only run two or three EMS runs a day, it could be nothing; if you run 20+ a day, it could mean myriad things. Furthermore, in a righteous context, a non-emergency to us may actually be an emergency to the person calling it in… The point I am trying to make is that regardless of what actually constitutes a “bullshit run,” they do add up in the cost of diesel when analyzing fuel consumption.
I applaud these departments for taking an encompassing look into service delivery when looking for places to cut. These calls will still get someone who got at least a 70% on a State EMT test, it just may not be someone who is stinking up your living room with their bunker gear from a fire an hour before. “What are the Firemen going to do with all that time now?” said one columnist in an above story link. Honorably, the Fire Chief stated there will be more time for building inspection and training. Hmm…maybe a merciless spike in gas prices should have been the last obstruction to more training and inspection…
As I have alluded to in a ton of prior posts, as have others in the blogosphere and media, the cuts will continue far into next year, at the very least. Many Mayors and Chiefs deceptively state that it is “nice” to run with more on the rigs, but…Maybe it is time for every job to say “it sure was nice to respond to bullshit runs, but…” More time to train, train again and train even more is always welcome in my book; particularly if it is not at the expense of staffing and equipment cuts. I just wonder however, if a gallon of gas reaches the $5 range, will inspections be the next to go? Or will it be training? I’ll cut the former…
Topics: Editorials | 1 Comment »
“Free Mulch”…
By thehousewatch | July 31, 2008
Looking at the Firehouse above…you can see that there isn’t much landscaping to dump mulch on; albeit a couple of flowerbeds and bushes on the side to offset the visual consequence of Civil-Defense era firehouse architecture. Furthermore, the firehouse is located on a mixed commercial/residential artery that shares a huge parking lot with “Champion Chicken.” Great food and the obvious motive for the Company’s logo…
The Captain of the house requested some mulch, a yard…no need for any more…to touch up the landscaping. The Department of Public Works (DPW) graciously obliged and came with the goods the day I was on duty. “The Cap told me only a yard,” I said. “Sure thing,” was the reply from the DPW “Brother” who proceeded to dump at least four or five yards in front of the firehouse as soon as I went back inside. Much to our chagrin, we were now the proud owners of a four and a half yard plus pile of mulch after we spread what was needed. Maybe they were upset that they took the wrong civil service exam…
After some pissing and moaning about our new problem, we decided to post a “Free Mulch” sign next to the pile. Hopefully we would find some takers and at least make a dent on the huge pile of now decomposing mulch. After a couple of days, we had a taker or two. A few days later, I found a gentleman outside taking a bag full for his yard. “Thanks for the help,” was my reply as I told him about how we “bought” the pile. “Hey, ” he said chidingly, “it’s ironic that the neighborhood has to help out the firefighters!” Of course this gave me pause…
My fire department, like everyone else’s, has seen reduction in staffing, morale and political support. It is a shame that the end user of our services never gets a real say on what they want from the fire department; or has the time and energy to conduct grass-roots support for us these days. The economy has given everyone a beating and people just seem tired these days; a malaise I soon hope we get out of. Nonetheless, it is an even bigger shame that those who make the decisions to decimate us don’t share in the loss.
I am not saying that every fire department administration should also look to layoff. My department has eliminated needed Chiefs as well. What I am saying is that maybe specific layers of City and County Government should take one on the chin or for the team as well. Why not consider reducing the number of Aldermen, Councilmen, etc.? One Brother on my job made a polarizing statement during a televised budget hearing that maybe we should do a manpower study on the number of politicians we have. It wasn’t a slam to necessarily antagonize the Pols, it was a very credible and valid argument. It seems that we will never see the Pols looking into the mirror to find ways to keep city services afloat, or will we?
The City of Chicago’s Mayor, Richard Daley, has proposed that specific members of his administration take a few day “furlough” to save money. It actually looks like some are on board with this idea. Imagine, those who administrate the service are actually helping to save money so those performing the service can continue to. What a novel idea, but obviously not a favorable one. While I still don’t like to see anyone lose a day’s pay, at least those on the front lines can work, relieved that “brownouts” or reduced manpower won’t be the safety concern for the day.
Hopefully the economic crisis will end soon. Next year’s budgets and their respective melodrama are beginning to look like a miserable reality-show. No one wins, particularly those who depend on the services they will most likely see decimated. It shouldn’t be up to the neighborhood to help its Firefighters, instead ,we’re here for them; But it sure was nice to come back to work after a week off to see that the mulch pile was all gone…
Topics: Editorials | 1 Comment »
“New Jersey Fireman’s Benevolant Association’s Fund Raiser for ‘The Charleston Nine”…
By thehousewatch | July 30, 2008
The New Jersey Fireman’s Mutual Benevolent Association, comprised of more than 5000 professional firefighters in New Jersey will host their first national fund-raiser in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The event, The Firefighters Land and Sea Holiday (FLASH), is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12th through Sunday, November 16th. This year, we honor and will raise contributions for the families of “The Charleston Nine”, the nine firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty fighting a horrific fire in Charleston, SC in 2007. This event is open to all, although will be limited based on availability at time of booking. Several fellow firefighters will be attending and supporting this worthwhile cause from various cities and states. For more information, please contact Jo Ann Fusco at NJFMBA Headquarters: 732-499-9250
Topics: Editorials | No Comments »
“No More Burning Babies”…
By thehousewatch | July 24, 2008
The State Supreme Court in Detroit has handed down a devastating blow to the Detroit and Pontiac Fire Departments’ injunctions against Firefighter Layoffs. What’s more, the Supreme Court stated in its decision that “proposed layoffs should not have been blocked by lower courts, EVEN WHEN FIREFIGHTER SAFETY MIGHT BE AN ISSUE.” See, times are bad economically everywhere, particularly in the Detroit and Pontiac metropolitan area. Sadly, Chiefs and Mayors talk; or in Detroit’s case, text. Who’s to say the impact of this court decision won’t spread like the California wildfires? Fire Department Unions have routinely thrown down the customary “decrease in Firefighter safety” and “burning babies we won’t be able to reach now” defense to stave off cuts. This no longer works. Blame for resultant cuts should be placed on both sides nowadays. Data collection programs and WRITTEN procedure is how they are basing their decisions and ironically, is what we can use to defend against draconian cuts.
Consultants use these against us when they are brought in to take the fall for a City’s proposed cuts. They use GIS, incident totals by unit type, etc. to “show” that fires are down and staffing is too heavy or “excessive.” Public opinion is also turning as most of those working in the private sector are now either unemployed or worse (sometimes), underemployed. In a time when we have people with Phd’s (usually with a degree in “Renaissance Art Appreciation”) pouring five dollar foo-foo coffee drinks at Starbucks®, Firefighters are under more scrutiny than ever; and are easy targets of contempt for the time off and benefits we get. We are on our own now to prove why cuts will hurt everyone.
I had a Brother (who liked to keep track of numbers) tally up the run totals for my department for the last 10 years a while back. At the kitchen table during the morning’s think-tank session, our own guys blasphemously stated that “fires were down,” and “no wonder they are cutting us.” Being a self-professed “critical thinker,” I bet the guys that fire runs were probably up paralleling increases in E.M.S. runs. Well, once I finally got the numbers, fires (ones that are worth bragging about to the oncoming shift) were down a little. However, the number of “fire runs” were steadily going up! That includes your food on the stove runs, car fires, garbage carts, alarm soundings, etc. You know, the ones you put the costume on for nothing. Funny, consultants will consider any run where an E.M.S. form is filled out as a legitimate run and a demand on our services. Why then don’t they consider any run we put the costume on for as a fire?!!
We can easily get hurt on these incidents as well. Walking up seven flights of stairs in full gear (and carrying tools!) to reach a food on the stove run in apartment 7b will cause the big one just the same as fire blowing out its windows will. It is time to start throwing these types of scenarios and “what-ifs” out rather than just looking at numbers exclusively and saying “see, five less fires this year than last; let’s cut Truck 10!”
Written policies and procedures also help or hurt us; they must include positional assignments and duties. Spelling out how many rigs eventually show up and what types are to respond is too vague and allows room to Pols and Chiefs to cut. Rather, having positional or “seat assignments” for every spot on the rig makes cutting much harder and defensible. Rather than saying “fires are down, let’s cut the `fifth man’,” how about saying, “cutting the forcible-entry Firefighter (fifth man) will prevent us from getting inside faster to effect a search.” Having every position and its respective area(s) of responsibility in WRITING will greatly benefit our cause. This will allow us to ad-lib during our defense statements when questioned on them; i.e. not getting in with the loss of our Forcible Entry Firefighter will injure MORE Firefighters when other duties aren’t getting done, as they attempted to reach those burning babies…
Topics: Editorials | 4 Comments »