All Blog Posts (7,007)

tales from a tailboard firefighter

Over the last 150 years or so or job has had 5 major changes. The first was when we went from hand pumpers to steam. This required horse power to pull the rigs. The next was when we lost the horses and about the same time lost the steamers and went to gas powered rigs and mechanical pumps. When I came on the job in 1973 in San Jose California we still had WW11 surplus rigs, open cabs, and 10 foot long engine compartments that required you to start your turns 20 feet before the corners. This was… Continue

Added by mike simms on December 8, 2009 at 12:37am — 6 Comments

Small Fire Department Needs Help

Hello All

I Am a firefighter with a small department . . The gear we have now is old and worn out. We have 8 firefighters without gear and we need some help so we can try to get these firefighters in some gear so they can fight fires the only problem is we dont have the funds to get any gear at all and we dont want the firefighters to have to buy it out of there pocketswe have filed for grants had fundraisers and no luck so im turning to the brother hood for some help .if any one out there… Continue

Added by christopher on December 8, 2009 at 12:29am — 1 Comment

A Little help

Hello All,
It's been a while sense I've been on here, but I'm hopping that someone might be able to help me. My company uses chimney flares for some chimney fires but the company which we buy ours burned down( go figure). Anyone know here We can get new ones? Thanks for the help

Added by Becka on December 7, 2009 at 10:41pm — 2 Comments

IAFC SHS Fire Department Pocket Planners

The SHS Section has launched a program to try to reach as many

firefighters as possible with simple survival messages through the

distribution of 2010 pocket planners. This low-cost program will

generate funds to allow the SHS Section to continue to address

firefighter safety and health issues.

For only $1.50 each,

you ca...n order these pocket planners for your members to tell them that

their lives and families mean so much to you that you want to… Continue

Added by Wendy Norris on December 7, 2009 at 8:55pm — 1 Comment

Fire hazard of Magnisium to fire fighters and first responders.

Early this morning i fought a fire that involved a vehicle. As all fire fighters know magnisium burns white and puts off fumes. Does any one have any material on the true hazards of magnisium burning. I was interested in holding a safty meeting at our station but i need information. Or just oppions on this matter. So dont be afraid to tell me what you think of this hazard.

Added by Dylan Spicer on December 7, 2009 at 3:08pm — 1 Comment

Historic Loss of Life: The Winecoff Hotel Fire

Looking Back: The Winecoff Hotel Fire Tragedy

By Captain Mica Calfee

Fire: The Winecoff Hotel

Location: Atlanta

When: Dec. 7, 1946

Loss of life: 119

Known for: Largest loss of life in a hotel fire in U.S. history

Impact on the fire service: Major changes in fire codes, strategy and tactics

Editor’s Note: Today marks the 63rd anniversary of the Winecoff Hotel Fire. We dedicate this… Continue

Added by Fire Rescue Magazine on December 7, 2009 at 10:00am — 1 Comment

Another Police Officer LODD

Another police officer's life was taken here in Penn Hills, a suburb of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. This occurred as a result of a domestic incident. Such a senseless act! Such a senseless loss of life! What is wrong with society? How did we get to this point where we as a human race have no respect for one another? No respect for the law? No respect for those who are sworn to protect us each and everyday? Where are we heading? Who will protect us when the offenders of the laws of the land… Continue

Added by Andy Marsh on December 7, 2009 at 2:00am — No Comments

Fifteen years ago; in a land far, far away...

I've been blessed to have some widely varied and very interesting experiences in my almost 30 years in the fire service.

Serving as a co-founder and managing editor of The Fire Fighter Newspaper for seven years was one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences I've ever had.

Here's a link to a story about one of those experiences that reminds us all that while we may be a world a part -- the fire service has the unique ability to bring us all… Continue

Added by Tiger Schmittendorf on December 6, 2009 at 11:00pm — No Comments

i need help

ladies and gentle men i come from a small township that is in need of a bigger station in the way. the board ask us to have an architech to draw up the plans and now we need to justify all of the rooms and bays i hope some one can help us

Added by graham purvis on December 6, 2009 at 9:46pm — 3 Comments

Bakersfield Firefighters Get to "Root" of Problem

RESCUE REPORT: Bakersfield Firefighters Get to "Root" of Problem

By Tom Vines

On Sept. 28, Bakersfield (Calif.) firefighters faced an unusual rescue call, one combining entrapment, confined space and some shoring challenges.

At 1037 HRS, a 911 caller reported hearing two men crying for help in a large hole in a neighbor’s yard. Two minutes later, the department dispatched a full rescue response, which included Truck 7 with paramedic, Engine 7,… Continue

Added by Fire Rescue Magazine on December 6, 2009 at 12:30pm — No Comments

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT LOOSES STATION DUE TO FIRE

Almost one year ago, a small rural fire department in Horseshoe Bend Arkansas was destroyed by fire all local fire departments assisted mutual aide to help try to save our department, not only was the department destroyed but all of its equipment, trucks, turnouts, scbas etc.............Local services were nice enough do donate extra equipment and Arkansas Forrestry a truck, but here is the kicker,,,,,,,,,,,,,Personell from city hall had not paid insurance on the contents so there was no… Continue

Added by Nancymedic on December 6, 2009 at 11:36am — No Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...December 6, 2009

Note 1 to self: Remember to move the car to the top of the hill in case of fire calls like last night.

Note 2 to self: Remember to yell at the snow plow guy who is also a volunteer FF should have known better to leave me with a snowy driveway. Well maybe not yell but just remind him. LOL

Note 3 to self: It is the most incredibly wonderful feeling getting divorced. Now the only one that can try to control me is my… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on December 6, 2009 at 9:17am — 5 Comments

Find six for Six

An Education Prompt Honoring Fallen Firefighters

Each anniversary of a fire that killed a firefighter or firefighters there are many well wishes of support for the families and friends. Intermingled are various questions, some subtle, some disrespectfully blunt. They… Continue

Added by Bill Carey on December 5, 2009 at 4:00pm — 5 Comments

Illinois Firefighters Complete Challenging Trench Rescue

RESCUE REPORT: Illinois Firefighters Complete Challenging Trench Rescue

By Tom Vines

A June 2 trench rescue in northern Illinois illustrated common challenges associated with such incidents and how departments can work together for a successful outcome.

At 1238 HRS, a 911 caller reported a “man trapped in hole” at a construction site on North State Street in Belvidere. The Belvidere Fire Department (BFD) immediately dispatched Engine 101,… Continue

Added by Fire Rescue Magazine on December 5, 2009 at 12:00pm — 2 Comments

Station Chief Robert Thibert passed away

On Thursday, December 3, 2009, our community lost a long-serving firefighter and friend when Station Chief Robert Thibert passed away. Bob was born on October 13, 1954. He joined the Tilbury Fire Department on August 3, 1973.

Bob was an active and trusted member of the fire service for over thirty-six years. He was a valued and generous person, a very experienced firefighter, and the Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services and all who worked with him recognize and mourn this… Continue

Added by Brad Duncan on December 5, 2009 at 10:32am — 2 Comments

Plagiarism Some Thoughts...

Ok thought about this for awhile before posting this and also asked some opinions so I could say the right thing, or at least do this intelligently.

Ok so here goes….BTW THIS IS AN ORIGNAL POST, THE AUTHOR IS ME.

Ok I get what all the anti-plagiarism commenters are saying and I do understand it fully, believe me. If I had works out there that people were posting everywhere then I would want them to mention I had something to do with that too. I get it people. But when you get… Continue

Added by Rebecca on December 4, 2009 at 10:56pm — 6 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...December 4, 2009

Yesterday I was at the firehouse when a call came in. I made a big blunder. But in fairness to all of us rookies out there...HOW THE HECK AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW IF NO ONE TELLS ME? LOL

I didn't know that sitting in the front is a no-no and one that I didn't know (no pun intended).

This is something I will not forget.

Denise Broesler
NJ Rookie Firefighter

Added by Denise Imperiale on December 4, 2009 at 6:30am — 4 Comments

Please Help Me with the Station Badges

Can anyone help me out?? Im trying to get Fire Station Badges from all over!!! I will be making a unique collage for a fire department that consists of maybe 10 Volunteers, and among them are 3 direct generations of active family members. This fire station is so small and was just updated 2 years ago by the state. Its on an island so the only transportation is by boat. If its life threatening, then there is a spot for a helicopter to land. I just want… Continue

Added by Christina Evans on December 3, 2009 at 3:40pm — 12 Comments

How USAR Started, Part 2

FireRescue's Technical Rescue Web column

From the Ground Up: The history of the National Urban Search & Rescue Program, part 2

By Harold Schapelhouman

Editor's Note: This article is part of a series on the history of the national USAR program. Read the previous post:

Part 1: How It All Started

In 1990, the Federal… Continue

Added by Fire Rescue Magazine on December 3, 2009 at 10:00am — 1 Comment

2 drills for better understanding how you breathe when wearing an SCBA

QUICK DRILLS

Know Your Consumption Rate

2 drills for better understanding how you breathe when wearing an SCBA

By Homer Robertson

How often do you conduct SCBA drills? Even if you went through an SCBA drill on your last shift or on your last drill night, it’s time to have another one. You just can’t emphasize enough how important this one piece of equipment is to the health and safety of every firefighter. Regardless of your level of experience… Continue

Added by Fire Rescue Magazine on December 2, 2009 at 8:00am — 4 Comments