Manhole Fires

Winter is in full effect. With cold weather comes snow and ice. Winter in Boston means traffic will be worse than the days before the “BIG DIG”. Driving on slippery roadways necessitate the placement of ice-melting salt onto roadways to make them safe. When the salt is put on top of slick roads, the result is a melting of the ice and snow that coats them. As a result, the roadway becomes safely passable but at a price. The mixture of salt, melted snow, and ice filters into manholes, coating the underground electrical wiring and equipment. This salt-water mixture is very corrosive and causes the wiring, transformers, and other elements of the underground electrical delivery system to deteriorate. Often this results in arcing exposed wires. The arcing, burning wire generates various toxic and combustible gases including high concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) and neoprene gas. These gases are contained in the black noxious smoke billowing out of the manhole at a manhole fire.

Firefighters responding to these incidents should be aware of the many hazards that may accompany this phenomenon.

1. The black smoke can at any moment suddenly ignite, exposing people and vehicles nearby. A person inside a car parked over such a manhole would be severely injured or killed should the smoke ignite as he tried to move the parked car away from the manhole.
2. The ignition can be explosive, sending the 300-pound manhole cover flying upwards of 30 feet into the air.
3. Manholes are connected underground to other manholes by electrical conduit through which wires pass. Fire in one manhole can spread to other nearby seemingly uninvolved manholes, which can suddenly start to smoke, erupt into flames, or blow their covers into the air.
4. The explosive and toxic gases created at these incidents can pass through underground conduit into surrounding structures served by the underground electrical delivery system. The result can be overcome occupants and an explosive atmosphere in the electrical service box or the entire building. These explosive gases can also travel along underground conduit and enter and fill up hollow street light poles. A spark from a traffic light control box can ignite these gases, causing the lights' access panels to blow off the poles.
5. Salt water is a good conductor of electricity and, as a result, manholes and grates covering underground electric equipment have become energized, resulting in the injuries and deaths of pedestrians, pets, and other firefighters. Anything metal such as a bus stop shelter, curb drains, or even a nearby hydrant may become charged. ALL MEMBERS MUST ALWAYS USE CAUTION! (Fire Engineering, 2004)

When responding to these incidents take the following actions and precautions:

1. Stay clear of the trouble manhole and any other nearby covers.
2. Attempt to determine who owns the manhole (NSTAR, MBTA, Telephone, etc…)
3. Find and stay clear of the next manhole on either side of the trouble manhole.
4. Stop any traffic that might be endangered by a flying manhole covers.
5. If first arriving companies observe smoke or flames emitting from the manhole, notify Fire Alarm of a “confirmed manhole fire” and establish a “Hot Zone”. (Fire Alarm shall notify appropriate agency to respond.)
6. Company Commanders shall assume the manhole contains transformers and switchgears cooled with mineral oil containing PCB’s and position the apparatus and members to avoid any contact with smoke or fumes.
7. Attempts should be made to remove the manhole cover and extinguish the fire by filling the manhole from a safe distance. NOTE: Do not flow it directly into the manhole from a hose line. Bounce it off of the street and let it flow along the ground into the manhole or consider flowing water from an unmanned open coupling into the manhole. WATER SHALL NEVER BE PLAYED INTO MBTA MANHOLES!
8. Consider removing covers of other manhole inline with the one involved to relieve pressure buildup.
9. Check nearby structures for carbon monoxide and shorted power lines and evacuate them, if necessary.
10. Do not attempt to kill the power to a building, even if its lights are blinking; there could be an explosive atmosphere in the electric panel box. A spark created by opening the main cut-off could result in an explosion.
11. Be aware that the danger area around a burning manhole may extend to other manholes, nearby street light poles, and traffic control boxes as well as the surrounding structures. If electric service is delivered by a combination of overhead and underground wiring, be aware that a manhole fire can extend up to the overhead wires via a connecting conduit. This would put the run of overhead wiring in the danger area.

Extensive testing and research has found that applying water to manhole fires is both a safe and effective method of extinguishment. The water actually controls the fault by cooling the equipment to the point of controlled burning. Water can be used because of extensive grounding of cables and equipment throughout these manholes, however, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL ENTER A MANHOLE, with the only exception being a confined space rescue.

For more information regarding manhole fires, refer to the video on manhole fires located at each District Chief’s Office.

Boston Fire Department SOP #49B Special procedures and precautions for incidents involving manholes.

Fire Engineering, 2004

Special Thanks to F.L. (BFD E-22)

Test post

Great repair job. Although I would think duct tape would be stronger.

Propaganda disguised as news

[A fire alarm sounded this afternoon at 2 Center Plaza, forcing Mayor Thomas M. Menino's campaign headquarters to evacuate, right as staffers were working the phones to get out the vote. Perhaps inevitably, the alarm raised eyebrows on the campaign because Boston Firefighters Local 718 has been at loggerheads with Menino for months and has endorsed Councilor Michael F. Flaherty in the mayor's race.

Nick Martin, a Menino spokesman, said about 50 people in the office were forced to leave the building for about 30 minutes.

“It was supposedly just a routine drill, but it’s a little bit of coincidental timing,” Martin said. “There were people trying to make phone calls at the time and they had to leave for half an hour, so that was definitely a disruption.”

Steve MacDonald, a Fire Department spokesman, said the fire drill was scheduled by the building management.

“We had absolutely nothing to do with it,” he said. “It was strictly building management.”

Equity Office Properties, which owns 2 Center Plaza, described the drill as a routine safety precaution.

“Like many building owners and operators, Equity Office Properties holds fire drills at all of its buildings in the event of an actual emergency," Karen Baker, a senior vice president at the company, said in a statement e-mailed to the Globe. "This was a routine drill. As always the safety of our tenants and employees is our first priority.”] (BG 9/22/09)

I re-printed this article only to show you what exactly it was I read. Maybe you saw it also, I don't know. When I first read it I laughed, not a funny ha-ha, more of a snicker, and I couldn't help but respond. It's another example of how one particular "News Source" printed an article to try to smear not only a candidate, but an entire public safety department as well as its union.

I commented on the lack of facts and questioned the "reporters" intent. Of course my comments were deleted almost as fast as I put them up. Deemed objectionable.So much for free expression.

The Fire Department DOES NOT CONDUCT fire exit drills. At most, when asked we will WITNESS the drill and add any suggestions on how to improve them. That is all.

While I have come to expect this from the incumbents machine, how is it fair when the "news" spreads such propaganda? Opinions are for blogs (such as this one) but when the "news" insinuates and tries to stear people to the conclusion that the union would use such tactics, well I ask, where is their integrity?

Random Thoughts

Another week in the world of first-responders and here are some of the things that caught my attention.

• A Chicago Battalion Chief was suspended for missing a fire. Companies were dispatched to an alarm of fire and it seems he slept right through the alert tone. He was suspended for 15 days. Now I realize that Chicago Battalion chiefs do not have aides but I couldn't help think that this guy must of been an arsehole or this is another example of the erosion of the Brotherhood. The days of taking care of our own are rapidly diminishing. To be honest here, I have often wondered what Brotherhood meant and will soon post something on the subject.
• The L.A. Station fire is contained to about 60% ( yes it's still burning) and has been determined to be caused by Arson. Just following it through the media, I couldn't help but think how hard it must be physically and mentally to operate at these types of fires. I have much respect to the men and women who fight wildfires.
• FDNY firefighters were upset that they were taken OOS for a P.R. event, which entailed washing off an elephant from the circus. I can certainly understand the angst that occurs if something came in while doing a dog & pony show but anytime you can make yourself look good to the public you should take advantage of. The days of hiding behind the doors and working at a "Fort in Injun Country" are long gone. We all took an oath to serve the public. Remember we are here for them, not the other way around.
• Due to budget cuts and layoffs the Lawrence Ma. Fire Department has decided that they will no longer respond to medical calls. Two firehouses have been closed and ten members layed-off causing the Fire Chief to determine that medical calls will no longer generate a firefighter response. Talk about slitting your own throat.

L.A. Wildfire

Wow, this is a devastating fire. So far, the fire has burned nearly 219 square miles (140,150 acres), cost 21 million dollars to combat, destroyed 5-dozen homes (with another 10,000 being threatened) and caused the line-of-duty deaths of 2 L.A. County Firefighters. It’s being called the Station fire and the smoke from this particular fire is obscuring the mountain views all the way in Denver, Colorado. Amazing.

Wildfire season out West usually is during October due to the winds but this one is being driven by the dryness of the brush due to drought like conditions. {L.A. Times}

Deputy Incident Commander Carlton Joseph (Forestry Service) reported on Wednesday that they believe the fire was started by Human factors. No clarification of whether they think it was arson or accidental in origin. They also reported that 22% of the fire was contained. I guess that sounds hopeful and I’m not sure what that statement really means, but that’s what was reported. I’m sure to the men and women, who fight Wild fires on a regular basis, can understand that statement. It’s just that I have never heard fire containment used in those terms where I’m from.

Those wildfires out West are of a size and scope of which I am not familiar with. The Strategy and Tactics used are as foreign to me as another language. My experience with fires has been primarily buildings, autos, dumpsters, and small (compared to out West) outside fires. There is a huge difference between Structural firefighting and Wild Land firefighting. Both are dangerous to operate at and cause death and property destruction all the time. But controlling ans extinguishing them are different The thought of operating at a fire of this magnitude is unreal to me. I couldn’t even imagine being a Smoke Jumper. Jumping out of planes and landing in the middle of a fire with a tool and an aluminum blanket is not for me. I have so much respect for those men and women who perform these actions. Crazy arse MoFos as far as I’m concerned.

Fire Captain Ted Hall and Specialist Arnie Quinones died when the truck they were in crashed while trying to escape the flames. Rest in Peace men.

"Salty Jake Syndrome"

Today I want to talk about the disorder that I'll call the "Salty Jake Syndrome".

Signs and symptoms of SJS are the following :

• Crusty, dented, scorched helmet (suddenly appears after 1 year on the job)
• Dirty, stinking Bunker Gear with rips and tears all over
• Sudden appearance of station uniforms resembling a domicile challenged individual (being PC here)
• White officer devices that suddenly, over night, become charred and covered in soot
• Waxing poetically about rubber coats and hip boots, (In spite of the fact of not being on when they were worn)
• Entitlement attitude (this job owes me)
• All stories begin with; "We had a Job", "Remember how it used to be", "This is how we do it here", "That company sucks", etc......
• And the ultimate sign - a bushy mustache.

Here at the CBSC (Center for Bullshit Control) we are working on a vaccine designed to eradicate or at least isolate against the spread of SJS. Until we find a pill, we have come up with some easy actions to help protect you from the SJS virus.

Some ways to prevent infection and combat the spread are:

• If your gear is dirty- WASH IT !
• If it has rips in it- GET IT FIXED!
• Wear the uniform you were given- KEEP IT CLEAN AT ALL TIMES!
• Realize the rubber coats SUCKED!
• The hip-boots were even WORSE!
• The job owes you NOTHING! You took an OATH to do it
• DO NOT tell any fire stories to anyone with more time than you
• Realize there are good and bad firefighters all over, the number on your device MEANS NOTHING!
• Buy a razor and SHAVE!

Following these steps can help mitigate and stop the spread of SJS. All member are urged to avoid all contact with those exhibiting the signs and symptoms of the malady until further notice.

Buffalo Line of Duty

Two Buffalo Firemen died in the line of duty earlier today. Condolences to The BFD & the families of the men.

LT. Charles "Chip" McCarthy, 45 year old father of 3 and 22 year veteran (Rescue 1).

FF. Jonathan Croom, 35 year old father of 1 and 10 year veteran (Ladder 7)

Slow Down

This is why you have to have control of the apparatus. SLOW DOWN.

If you don't make the scene what good is it.

Random Thoughts III

Just thinking about some of the things I have read recently on-line. I've got to admit there are some really good writers out there. Pretty impressive in style and skill level. The topics are all over the board, a lot of local stuff and national issues. Safety, tactics, plus recent court decisions concerning the fire service. Facts and figures galore. Truly impressive.

It reminds me why I started to blog about MY fire experience and my thoughts.

Similar to others I have always tried to learn more and more about the job. Reading, taking some classes and the like. Although, I tend to think some overdo it at times. I don't know about you but when an "expert" starts to go on and on with numbers I tend to phase out. Beam me up Scotty ! Not saying they're bad ideas but the average fireman tends to have the attention span of a child. Maybe less. With me leading the club.

One thing that has come up recently is Night training. On the surface I can see where it is beneficial, using more hours of the day. An efficient use of time. the ability to get more done. Six Sigma et al.

Though I'm curious about how much is retained by the members. I know after 1800/6 P.M. my ability to retain things is seriously compromised. Give me the remote and mindless banter. While I was attending a local community college all the "Fire Science" classes were at night. As soon as those were completed I made sure I took the "regular" classes during the day. Without a caffeine drink I'm an idiot at night.

Anyways, that's why here I try to use the Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS) method. You will not see excessive numbers here. Just what I would show to someone in the fire house.

This is no way a condemnation of those who do like numbers.

Attic fires

Attic fires, a location which causes some unique challenges when operating at them. I've responded to numerous attic fires over the years and have found all of them to be difficult to extinguish. They have some unique operational considerations which add to the difficulty for members operating on the scene.

Access

Gaining access to attic fires is usually difficult with probably only basement fires being harder. Let's take a look as some of the entry points:

• Regular stairs- by far the easiest and preferred method. Stretching a line this way will always be "standard".
• Drop Down Stairs- usually found when the attic is used for storage purposes. I would question using these stairs for stretching lines as most will not support the weight of Firefighters and their equipment. One idea is to break the supporting hinges and take down these steps and use a ladder (Pencil or short roof one).
• Access panel- use a ladder as mentioned above.
• Outside windows- When gaining access proves to be too difficult from the inside, consider using ground ladders to an outside window. Running a line over a ladder is a great idea.

Ventilation

Vertical ventilation is crucial and can determine whether or not an interior attack will be successful. Roof members must open the roof, as close to over the fire as safely possible. Open up as many bays as you can. One long horizontal cut will do more than one that is vertically long, but doesn't vent as many bays. Make sure the cut is close to the ridge pole and not too low. Recently I responded to an attic fire that wasn't vented properly and as an effect the Engine Companies were forced to evacuate the attic when the fire wouldn't vent. More on this later.

Horizontal venting will help and sometimes will be the only option. Factors such as, wires, tree branches, house on a steep hill or the like might preclude using an Aerial Ladder to gain access. Take out any and all windows that service the attic.

Water

In the KISS style I'll repeat, Big Fire Big Line, Little Fire Little Line. Far too many times I see Engines stretching little lines with heavy smoke or fire showing. Now is not the time to want to get into a long bout with fuego. I say let's be like a young Mike Tyson and knocked the fire out fast. First round K.O. Another thing, DO NOT PLAY LINES UPON EACH OTHER. In other words, if there are companies inside the attic don't play the moth to the flame routine and play a line from the outside in on the interior companies. Recently an Engine in the rear of a building played their line into the attic window, pushing fire down on the companies attempting to gain access from an interior stairway. As one of the members who was forced to bail down the stairs, let's say we were not too happy about it.

Other interior companies

Have other Engines stretch and charge lines on the floor below the fire. Be prepared for fire to drop down. Here's where a little line can come in handy. Being able to move it around to hot spots, without fighting with a big line, is an option. Ladder Company members can use a Thermal Imaging Camera and rakes to open up where these hot spots will be found.

Keeping the access points clear is paramount to companies who are operating in the attic. Keep the way in Clear. Crowding the stairs, or bottom of a ladder is doing nothing but making a possible escape route cluttered. If companies have to bail, you want them to have a clear way out. If you have nothing to do go back outside and report to the IC.

These are just some basic considerations and there are probably several more out there. One is an "attic pipe". Sort of like an old Navy pipe which you can connect to a line and stick up into an attic. I have never seen one in operation but have read that other deparments use them. I certainly would like to see one operating. Another is using a cellar pipe, in the same way.

Anything that works is a good idea. Don't get caught up in trying to be a hero and getting your helmet salty.

SCBA

Self Contained Breathing Apparatus IMO, the best invention created for firefighting operations. While there are other great tools that have come down the pike, Thermal Imaging cameras being one, is there any thing which ranks with the SCBA ? Local lingo has several names for it.

I can remember when I first came on and the mask seemed to be more of a decoration than an actual piece of equipment. You were "discouraged" from using it by senior members. Epic tales of fires, leather lung lore, or "war" stories abounded. Didn't a day go by without one. The stories almost always started off with the statement of how masks were not needed or only cowards wore them. I can remember the first fire I responded to where after the main body of fire was knocked down, I was "encouraged" to take it off to perform overhauling. My eyes immediately started burning and I could not stop coughing but I did it anyways. What was amazing was the number of guys smoking. It didn't seem to bother those guys and I swore these were the toughest guys I ever met.

Not using your mask has got to be the most idiotic thing which you can do on this job. Know your mask, keep it clean and well maintained. Never respond without knowing it is fully functioning.

When you report for duty and before any cup of coffee and/or the latest firehouse bs, make sure you check your personal equipment. With the mask being the first priority. Do not allow yourself or men to respond to any incident without knowing their equipment is in top order.

I once had a Captain who would stand right over me when I checked all my gear. It was like he knew when I would come in and he would appear at the truck as soon as I exited the locker room. These daily inspections would drive me crazy and had me feeling that he didn't like me. I thought the guy was a prick and didn't get laid enough.

Now it's a couple of decades later and I have to tell you that, every time I run into him I can not thank him enough. I never developed the habit of not using the mask and not experiencing unnecessary nights in the hospital coughing up black stuff is/was the outcome of those daily inspections.

I think about those leather lung guys from time to time. Fond memories always make me smile when I think about the good times we had. I also wonder what they would be doing if they were still alive. Far too many of them are dead and I always wonder if limiting their use of the mask contributed to their early demise.

So, I don't know about you but I plan on getting back way more money from the pension than I contributed. Old age and more years retired than I worked is my goal. I'm known to be ambivalent about a lot of things but the mask is not one of them.

Tonka Truck

Brand-new Truck on the tow truck......Again. Might as well get all the kinks out before the warranty is over. This particular apparatus and the "sister" trucks it came with are having numerous electrical problems.

Milwaukee

Incredible video. Tragic story.

Best of luck to the family and Kudos to the people for stepping up for a fellow human being.

FHWA rule 634

Today I was surfing the web when I came across something that I found interesting. I'll call it the "B" side. Always good to see both sides.

As we all know the Federal Highway Administration passed a regulation last year in which all emergency responders who operate on highways are required to wear high visibility vests. This is in addition to the reflective striping that is on our Bunker Gear, all the striping on the apparatus as well as the flashing lights.

Well, they have now exempted firefighters from wearing them (my words, as I know most firefighters will now deposit the vests in the "file"). Whether that's good or bad remains to be seen. I was never a fan of the regulation, but I did not lose any sleep over it either.

On our job, we have been ordered to wear the vests on any street. Now I'm all for operating as safe as we can, but where do you draw the line ? Wouldn't better and proper training on apparatus positioning be a better call ? I will always put a big fire truck between me, my men and oncoming vehicles. This is no guarantee of safety but I would rather they hit the rig than me.

I was present once, years ago, when a member was struck by a car. The driver was in a rush and attempted to drive around both the Engine and the Ladder. Just as she swerved around the Engine, one of the members stepped off the side board. Luckily he was only out for a couple of months. I also know a guy permanently disabled from a similar situation. No vest in the world could of prevented these accidents.

IMO, positioning the apparatus properly- with PPE on , will have a greater effect on the outcome of scene safety, than a vest. Can a vest add to safety ? Sure, but lets stop trying to regulate stupidity. Drive a motorcycle/bicycle around town or just sit and observe the average driver on the road. You'll realize, if you have not already, that the vast majority of vehicle operators are idiots.

If it's dark outside or you're operating in any kind of low-light situation, then why not wear one ? Middle of the day on a small side street ?

Remember, safety is important and should never be ignored. Just be realistic about it. More regulations/rules etc.. do not always equate to safer firefighters. If it needs fixing, fix it- if it works, leave it alone.

I could go into my opinion on most of those organizations and all the self-important white hats, but not today.

Do we expect too much ?

Just finished reading an article in a trade magazine (I would link it but they seem to be defensive of articles they did not write) and it made me wonder what's next ? The article is about firefighters being administered a lie detector test.

I will not go into that particular issue. It brought some things to my mind though, that I would like to discuss.

More and more we, as firefighters, are expected to be some kind of warrior monk. Protecting the people while we walk paths of virtue. No flaws or hidden skeletons, just "saintly" people. Where and when did we cross over from just people helping people- to this new definition of public service ?

Is it right ? and if so, what is the standards to which we are held ? Am I expected to walk a righteous path ? or strive to do my best ? I do not know about you, but I have many flaws, some worse than others.

When I am "on the clock", I will do my best in doing the job. No frills, smoke and mirrors, or parlor room tricks. The lights come on and I will react. I will take it to a level to mitigate the emergency and nothing more. I do not look for praise or a wall of fame. A simple, "good job" from my peers, is the ultimate form of being honored.

I wonder if Americas obsession with Schadenfreude is driving us to expect that everybody is to be squeaky clean. In the checkout line, when we scan the tabloids ( you know you do it) do we read how so and so achieved something good ? or do we want to know whose sleeping with who or hooked on drugs ?

I know and agree that some things are unacceptable and should remain a part of firefighting lore, but being infallible is neither realistic or attainable. Mother Teresa was pure. I'm just a Jake trying to leave the job better than it was when I came on.

Lie detector tests, integrity tests, or whatever it's called- Do we really need them ? and are we expecting too much from people ?

Let me know what you think.

Pull Boxes

Pull boxes, needed or archaic in this day and age ?

I, myself, have only used a pull box twice in my life. Once for an outside fire extending to a building and the other was a large brawl where some kid got stabbed. I did not have a cell phone at the time and it was the only reliable way to notify the fire department to respond. I felt the need to do so because you can not depend on others to do it. Far too many times when something happens people will yell and shout to call 911 but never actually call themselves. Or, they think the other person called, so why should I. A human phenomena that I will call the " not me" syndrome. I think most people want to help, but have been programmed to not get involved. Scared of repercussions, lawyers or even the police, many people choose to ignore what is going on for the sake of anonymity. Do we not say " these kids and the stop snitching culture" they should speak up and help society. And yet, we are the first person to call someone a rat ? (sorry ,back to the point)

As a firefighter I have responded to numerous calls received by the pull box, some for incidents and some determined to be false alarms. Whenever I responded to one I thought in my mind " This could be the big one" or maybe some poor unfortunate soul was lying on the ground expiring, but no matter, I took the call serious until proven otherwise. Many times after responding and finding nothing I would think about what idiot would pull the box for nothing ? Did people get their jollies from seeing fire trucks respond with lights and siren ? Did mommy not hug them enough ? But plenty of times the box was pulled for legitimate reasons. Fires, both outside and building, car accidents, with injuries, gas leaks, water leaks, electrical hazards, medical emergencies, etc.

There are some, and one city councilor in particular, who say that in this day and age fire boxes are not needed. Everybody has a cell phone and no one uses the boxes anymore. At first look it would be to easy to agree but I want you realize that many people do not have cell phones and are not living life large. I'm certainly glad the number of false alarms have decreased over the years and it seems that most people who use them now truly need help.

Yes they cost money to maintain and plenty of cities have stopped using them but I also know that, to many people, just knowing they are there in case you need them makes them feel protected. Knowing that no matter what occurs help is just a pull away would make me feel at ease. Especially with our average response times, we can be there instantly and fully prepared to make things right.

I could go into all the incidents that I've responded to which originated from a straight pull but I won't. If for no other reason than yours and my attention span.

So I say to the naysayers, remember, plenty of people do not have phones or are living well. Lower socioeconomic areas are full of people who do not have access to life's luxuries or for that matter speak the language. But they know that if they pull the box, help will come.


Oh, the picture you ask ?

It's of the new Police call boxes being installed in various locations throughout the city in case someone needs to call for help.

Leaking Oil Tanks (Residential)

Heating oil, or oilheat, also known in the United States as No. 2 fuel oil and elsewhere as "red diesel", is a low viscosity, flammable liquid petroleum product used to fuel building furnaces or boilers. {S.Moayedi 2006}

Companies that are dispatched to a report of leaking oil tanks, or a fuel spill in the basement, are often times met with a strong "oily" smell. This smell can permeate the entire house or be contained only in the basement/cellar area. Company officers should immediately evacuate the residents and begin interviewing them. Asking the residents such questions as,

1) When did you first notice the smell or presence of oil ?

2) When was the last time you received a delivery ? How much ?

3) Is the owner present ? Can he/she be contacted ? request the presence of said owner.

4) Medical symptoms, is anyone complaining of SOB, headache, etc...

Upon finding spilled/leaking oil, guesstimate the amount ,and if 10 or more gallons is found, notify the FAO to upgrade to a Level 1 and dispatch the District Fire Chief, on-duty T car, Police 1, Health Department and the DEP. Answering question 4 will also determine the response of EMS. Also consider the need for W25 as the incident can take several hours to contain.

Have 2 members in full PPE with SCBA use the Speedi- Dry, carried on the apparatus, to dike & encapsulate the spilled product. If you are able to, plug the leak to contain the spill. Ventilate as needed. If H-3 is on scene, or another unit with meters, have them take meters from all floors and record your findings. This will allow you to determine if the incident is stabilizing or deteriorating and will also determine if lines need to be stretched.

District Chiefs will need to Abate the owner to repair &/or replace the tank. Only licensed Haz-Mat clean-up companies are authorized to clean-up the spill. DO NOT ALLOW the oil-burner tech to do the clean-up.

Follow all SOPs while operating at these incidents and slow down. Haz-Mat incidents can be labor intensive and of a long duration.

Brown-Outs

I apologize for the absence of any posts for the month of June. Busy month with a full schedule left me little time to write/whine about anything.

Brown-outs, they are here and occurring daily throughout the City. What are they and where is it leading to ?

In the official reasoning behind the need to close fire companies for the tour, we hear it is because of the economy and rampant sick leave use. We are told that it is the only way to save on overtime costs. Although the overtime budget decreased by 3 million dollars the previous fiscal year the commissioner claims that we have to be financially prudent. O.k. I could understand it, IF it was being applied equally across the board.

The first day was also the first day of the fiscal year so this is not a stop-gap method to make it to the end of June. This is a litmus test to see if the residents will accept company closings. Permanently ! Make no mistakes about it.

Two Districts were also closed on the 1st. Once again to save money. Increasing response times to double digit numbers is nothing more than gambling with lives. Playing the percentages in the name of saving taxpayer money is always a dangerous game that will bite you in the ass.

Meanwhile, another new state of the art police station is being built. This one to replace a 30 year old one. The site chosen was also where electroplating was performed. I wonder who paid for the site clean-up to get it ready for construction. All the while we can not get basic repairs to our houses. Raw sewage back-ups, rodent infestations, leaking roofs, crumbling main floors etc.. the list goes on and on.

Without going into other agencies and sticking to ours, this City and the present admin has one and only one goal my friends, downsize this job to what they consider is an acceptable level. Almost 200 positions alone add up to millions of dollars, whether you include benefits or not.

I'll get into the chiefs jobs later but consider this, when we first saw the Fincomms report on fire Districts, didn't we all say they can't do that ? It will increase response times too much ? Well we're down to 9, is 7 around the corner ?

Sad Day

Well it's official, 2 districts are being eliminated. Of course I am totally against it and the obvious vendetta being perpetrated against us by the administration.

Is it tough economic times ? of course, we all know it, but why are we the only ones suffering at this magnitude ? 200 plus positions eliminated, brown-outs ( always lead to Black-outs), less supervisor positions. Meanwhile the cops lose the cadets & the people who take care of the horses ?

Read the papers, magazines or on-line news, my friends, the attack on the working class continues and is increasing. I just saw where a certain town is going to lay-off ALL of the teachers and re-hire them at lower wages ? WTF ! Two times ! What's next.

Getting back to us. If all agencies were being forced to do the same I would believe it is a necessary evil, but unless other public safety agencies are also facing these Draconian cuts I see it for what it is. This city has declared war on us with a no-prisoners mandate. Do not think this will be it. If they get away with the the brown-outs we will lose companies. The city is not out to drag a contract along ,they are out to gut us.

I don't know what we can do to stem the tide and maybe it's already too late, but I for one will not go gentle into that good night. This administration is out to cut us, they are just using the economy as an excuse to bullshit the public.

I had always hoped we could get by and survive anything but I guess not.

Boston Drivers

 This Boston driver thought the light was green ( no light just a stop sign) and narrowly missed some kids on the porch.

  

  In this incident Inspectional Services, Building Inspector, was notified to respond and check the stability of the building. We notified the owner to contact a contractor as the need to shore up the floor might be required. The inspectors arrived and agreed that before the car could be removed, shoring should take place in the basement. The cops, however, were none to happy as they are required to guard the scene.    

  One in particular tried to yell at the Tow Truck driver to remove the car. So, I had to remind him of who's in charge at emergency scenes and asked him do we need a Sergeant to respond ? Turns out it was his turn and being close to relief time he didn't want to get stuck and miss his detail.

   I'm not a Structural Engineer so I try to over do it, my goal and yours should be Life Safety, Incident Stability & Property Conservation. Don't make a decision you can not defend in court. When in doubt call for someone who has the knowledge that can help you.

  As a side note, had a working fire here about 15 years or so ago.

Apparatus Replacement Schedule

  The latest equipment on tap for purchasing. 

  The powers that be are doing a great job turning our job around. If it wasn't for these highly intelligent civilians we would be screwed. All I know is for the last 400 years we firemen have lost our way and we should realize that city hall needs to step in and set us on the right path. It is for our own good.

  We know that because of the economy, the job needs to be downsized. So what if no other department and especially the other public safety department is not feeling the same cuts. Over 200 positions (back step & supervisory ones) and the cops can only afford to lose horses & cadets. What are we crying for ? 

  Don't we realize that we are all the same ? We all have the same character, thoughts, feelings and what one individual does means we all do it. 

  Anyhow, I can't wait to get those latest Fire Buckets, bright red and low maintenance.

 

Roof Deck fires

Not the best video but one of the few I could find. Roof decks, are all over the city and are especially concentrated in the areas with limited backyards. Let's go over some basic things to consider while operating at roof deck fires.

• The fastest way to get a line up to the roof will usually be over an aerial ladder but don't forget to run a line to the top floor in case the fire drops down.
  
• 1 3/4" line should be sufficient most of the time. Fast water will control most fires.
• Always consider the presence of a propane grill and act accordingly. No matter how many times you abate someone on having one on the roof, they'll still put one there.
• Don't forget to check the top floor for fire or occupants. Avoid the moth to the flame syndrome and use sound tactics.
• Look for light shafts and other fall hazards and limit the number of members on the roof.
• Do not forget that treated wood emits toxic smoke, although you are technically outside use your equipment.

Morale

 Morale- the confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group at a particular time.

 Having been on the job 20 years and seen it all happen (well except for the layoffs of the early 80s) I can honestly say that I have never seen the morale of this department any lower.People embarrassed to identify themselves as members. Doing things such as taking the stickers off their vehicles etc... Local media outlets salivating at the mouth in their desire to absolutely DESTROY our reputations. An administration whose only goal is to ensure that we fail at our job. A "Leader", who in spite of his background, fails to understand that his only job is to take care of his members and not to kow-tow to a tyrant. 

 

Where does it end ?

 Well I'm here to tell you that being a member of our organization is one of the greatest things that can happen to you. Be proud of what you do. Put the stickers back on, wear your house shirt, shit get a flag proclaiming your allegiance. Don't let the nay-sayers get you down. Besides my home life, being a "Jake" is the greatest thing I've accomplish and I WILL NEVER be ashamed of that. 

 

 Think of all the times you have helped someone when they were in need. From giving a little kid some air in his tire to rescuing some one in a fire. WE HAVING NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF.

 Hey Boss man, remember the importance of morale and strive to improve it. Stop insulting your members. "Praise in public & discipline in private" first rule of leadership. Leaders lead and Bosses order.

 All we can do is strive to be the best and be ourselves. The rest will fall into place. I know what the members of this job have done for people and I've seen our members do some incredible things in my time. I know we are the first & the best at what we do, so to the admin and their chief propagandist (certain paper, we all know who) KISS MY FUCKING ASS !

 

Highway Patrol -vs- EMTs

Highway Patrol Gets In Fight With EMT - Watch more Funny Videos

What's sad is when the second trooper shows up he immediately assumes the black EMT was driving and goes after him.

Great Video

What a great video. I along with many others used to think West Coast departments only used PPV but the video tells another story.

Great venting and I even like the Captain supervising operations.

Random Thoughts II

 Will someone please tell me how this is the fault of the members or even the union?

  "Abuse the apparatus"?  I call it improvising. What are you supposed to do when repairs are not performed? 

 

 Who controls the purse strings? 

Good video of a job and if I remember correctly, it was a working fire.

You will see some sound and some not so sound actions being performed. It would be too easy to pick out the bad things but lets concentrate on the good things:

• First due truck pulling past the building allowing better Aerial positioning for roof access.
• Good horizontal venting with the stick
  
• Fast water from first in Engine

The video camera doesn't lie and seeing what you did or did not do after the fact can be humbling. What it can do is show you what went right and what went wrong and allow you to become a better fireman. If available it can allow you to do a post incident analysis or whatever you want to call it, to improve what you will do at the next one.

As a side note, this is a good video but the music sucks and this was not a crack house. It was being renovated and the contractors were on scene. I sparked it myself.

Collapse Zones

 Without bashing another department because we are just as guilty, but this is an example of not using common sense. A little bit of moth to the flame here.

 Once the decision has been made to operate in a defensive mode, you have to establish and maintain control over the collapse zone. When offensive operations have failed and master stream devices are being used, DO NOT ENTER THE COLLAPSE ZONE !  There is absolutely no reason other than a death wish to enter the zone. 

 Chief officers should maintain control over members and make sure the established zone is respected. A zone of at least the full height of the wall is established and no one is allowed to enter. Use the master stream devices for what they are designed to do. Big water on big fire.

Random Thoughts I

  PAR Reports - I understand the need for accountability and being able to hold a roll call at certain times or incidents that we respond to but Roll Call or Personnel Accountability Report (PAR), to me, is the same thing. We are the countries first, so I don't know why we now feel we need to follow other departments lead with fancy acronyms that sound good. We already did this and many other things. Why do we need to change the names of things we already do ?  Just recently a PAR check was attempted at a fire, it did not work. Trying to conduct one while companies are working inside a building is difficult at best and in reality, a wet dream. Company officers are usually busy dragging line or conducting searches and even though we all have radios now, unless they sound the turkey call, who really hears all or even some of the radio transmissions we make ?

  RIT - What's the difference between RIT and the stand-by company ? Absolutely nothing.

  High Visibility Vests- I know a law was passed requiring you to wear them on highways and limited access roads but ANY PUBLIC ROAD ?  Do we not have reflective striping on our gear ? People are morons and no matter what we wear they will still talk, text, drive drunk and basically pay no attention to the road. Why don't we just cut to the chase and buy Lime-Green Bunker Gear & Helmets so HQ people can feel safe.

Laminated Veneer Lumber III

 In the first picture you can see a close up of the sprinkler head. The piping is run through the void spaces and as you can see is made up of plastic piping. Although this will provide the homeowner with some protection for a contents fire, if for whatever reason the fire is able to enter the void space, rapid extension, danger to the support system and sprinkler failure will turn a "routine" fire into a long battle. 

 A couple of recent fires in our area have shown the flaws of the system. Both fires started outside of the building and extended into the void spaces. In one fire, laddermen were able to get ahead of the fire and open up, allowing access to the void spaces for the hosemen to extinguish the fire. This fire was manpower intensive and caused significant damage to the building. 

 In the second fire, what was originally a small outside fire, spread into the void spaces. The fire rapidly extended throughout the void spaces and due to the fact that the void spaces did not have sprinkler protection, the fire melted the sprinkler piping rendering the system useless. This building was a total loss and a new parking lot was created within a couple of hours. The lack of void space protection is a design flaw that architects, for whatever reason, do not consider unless fire prevention laws require them to.

 The second picture shows a few things I want to touch on. 

 The first is the utility punch through holes used to allow lines to be run throughout the building. Unless they are tight with absolutely no space ,they will allow the products of combustion to travel throughout the void spaces, extending the fire.

 The second is the use of extra pieces of unused sections of LVL. As you can see the pieces are placed throughout the building. This provides extra stability and prevents warping & squeaking. They DO NOT  provide any fire stopping protection. Notice in a close up of the picture, the spaces on both sides that are still present. These spaces will allow rapid extension of fire, when/if the fire starts in or extends into the void spaces.
  Whenever possible note the presence of these systems and have the information put into the CAD system. 

 This is by no means "expert" advice on all the numbers or exact information on these types of building construction. These are things I have tried to learn on my own time, whether reading or asking questions from people who are considered "expert" in these fields.

Laminated Veneer Lumber II

 Here are some more pictures of a LVL flooring system. These were found in a Brownstone being renovated in the South End. Notice the sprinkler head, more on this in the next post. Once again, when this project is finished you will not be able to tell that a LVL flooring system is present.

 Click on the photo and you can get a really good look at the web member and see the web is made up of pieces of wood glued together under high-pressure. Good for strength but easily damaged to the point of failure under fire conditions.

Laminated Veneer Lumber I

 Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) flooring systems are becoming more and more prevalent throughout the country and in particular the Northeast. 

 They are designed for a number of reasons, some of which are :

• The ability for larger open spaces, up to 25 % greater distances,
• Lighter and more cost effective than traditional flooring systems,
• Stronger floors, allowing greater loads placed upon them,
• Less warping and the elimination of squeaks.

 These are but a few reasons why we are seeing more of this type of construction. I have even been told of one Taxpayer, that after a fire damaged the store, the roof structure was replaced with the LVL system. Another reason why the Fire Department should be in charge of building inspectors but I'll save that rant for another day.

 Although LVLs have all these reasons that make them attractive, they have one flaw that concerns us, ability to maintain structural stability under high heat conditions.

 We as fire fighters must understand that if heavy fire is in the void spaces that LVLs create, we have to back out of that area and consider collapse potential. Many Institutes and people with letters after their name have tested these product and concurred that these systems will fail in a very short time (3 to 5 minutes)when exposed to fire.

 The best time to find and record the presence of these systems is during the construction phase, before they are covered up by ceilings and top flooring. Make a note and have the information entered into the CAD system.

 If you respond to a fire in a building with this type of construction, one of the first tactics to be performed besides a Primary search or hose line advancement, is to open up these spaces and check for fire.

 Before cutting floor boards ( venting basement fires or opening up around fire places) and now even venting the roof, try to make sure as much as possible what type of support system is there.

Venting windows II

Here are some pictures of two windows. One that is cleared out and one that was not cleared out.

Again clear out the whole window as much as possible.

Transoms

Here's a look at an interior transom window. I will add a picture of one not damaged as soon as I get one.

 Transom windows were designed to allow air flow in the days before air conditioning. Located above the inner doors they are usually opened from the top and can be decorative as well as functional.

 While this design does allow for air circulation it also allows the products of combustion to easily and rapidly extend out of the fire room and into the hallway.

 Fire Prevention laws do not allow the use of the windows when they lead into public hallways, but do not be surprised if you come across them in older buildings. They also seem to be enjoying a Renaissance lately as more and more people renovate older homes.

 The picture shows not only a transom but also lath & plaster walls.

Safety Awareness

What is safety ? 

 Is it operating in a safe as possible way while on the emergency scene or is it 1000 rules & regulations designed to handcuff us in functioning ?

 I reiterate again, safety is an attitude that begins before you walk into the firehouse. Checking your gear and equipment and an overall mental readiness.

 While responding and on the scene you do your job as safely as you can. What you don't do is over analyze and allow "what ifs" to paralyze your actions. Perform the duties you are assigned and the incident will come to an end. 

 Smoothly ? Ha, I've never been to a fire that played out smoothly. As far as I'm concerned they are all circle jerks that some how go out.

 Officers and Chief officers, however, are paid to think. Knowledge of your district and the types of buildings there are will go along way when the incident occurs. Give your company or companies (White Hats) specific tasks to accomplish and stand back. Do not micromanage them. Allow the officers to run the company to accomplish those tasks. Have the officers only inform you of the accomplishment or inability to accomplish those tasks.

 The Safety Awareness Effect, I feel is getting so strong that we're forgetting to perform the basics. We are getting tippy toe paranoid about liability and not on my watch mentality that we're forgetting that fire fighting is inherently dangerous. I'm not saying throw caution to the wind and re-create the charge of the light brigade but remember saving lives and property is our sworn duty. You risk a lot to save a lot. Common saying but true. 

 Are we putting too much stock into alleged expertise ? As far as I'm concerned there is NO SUCH THING AS AN EXPERT FIRE FIGHTER. 

 Now we have more and more members who seem to think they are expert fire fighters. You know the type, I have this and this, this sheepskin and that certification. All good stuff to increase your knowledge but totally useless when crawling down a long hallway.

 Knowledge is great but do not make everything a physics equation. Wet stuff on the Red stuff.

 

 I've gone all over the place on this one and feel free to agree/disagree. I value your comments.

FDNY FLT. Ray McCormacks FDIC Speech

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1842760318?bclid=1294526599&bctid=20858993001

What a speech ! The only negative thing I can say is I was not there to hear it in person. If you read some other blogs concerning the fire service I can't believe how many people are attacking him. As far as I'm concerned these are the chimney savers that are trying to turn our profession into a "safety haven".

Imagine if some of the "Jakes" on our job get there way. Every confirmed fire would automatically require multiples, no entry until the board is set up, where's your safety vest, etc.

Even members with significant time on the job have lost their balls. It seems as if some people are trying to hide their cowardice behind the safety banner.

Question/comment/venting- In the time that we have worn the Bunker Gear Ensemble (got to be PC here) I have asked numerous members this same question, Can anyone please explain to me the reason or lack thereof of why does the pump operator have to wear his pants ? That has got to be the stupidest, insane, moronic thing we are supposed to do !!! Not one person (including the member whose idea it was) can give a rational explanation for this policy.