NFPA 1970 isn’t just paperwork; it drives tangible changes to the equipment firefighters depend on. Helmet products, for example, now must meet tighter specs on toxic substances in soft fabrics and integrated lighting systems must comply with new intrinsic safety standards. This means that the electronics embedded in helmets have to be non-incendiary—critical in volatile fireground environments.

From the turnout gear perspective, the largest impacts relate to the fabrics and coatings used in garments. While older materials had established, functionally important coatings—such as water-repellency and chemical resistance—many of those now fall under scrutiny for hazardous substances. New PFAS-free shells introduced around 2021 show some performance tradeoffs, particularly in repellency and contamination control, which can unintentionally shorten gear lifecycle. This represents a learning curve not only for manufacturers but also for end users who rely heavily on the durability and protective qualities of their gear. Innovation pushed by the new standard is aimed at raising the bar of firefighter protection, but these developments will require ongoing research and field feedback before all kinks are worked out.

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Maddie Seiler
The Sentinel, Carlisle, Pa.
(TNS)

Carlisle officials approved the sale of one of the borough’s fire trucks to another Cumberland County department during their meeting June 12.

The borough council also addressed a series of projects, including water system rehabilitation, traffic signal upgrades, a riparian buffer at Biddle Mission Park and water damage repairs at Borough Hall.

Fire engine sale

The council authorized the sale of a 2008 Sutphen fire engine to Silver Spring Community Fire Company for $225,000.

Borough Manager Susan Armstrong said the borough approved the purchase of a new rescue pumper in 2023 for approximately $1.1 million, with anticipated delivery next fall. Officials determined that Carlisle Fire & Rescue Services could sell the current engine before receiving the new apparatus.

“The borough has seen a decline in volunteers which presents a challenge in operating two pumpers simultaneously,” she said. “The proposed project will afford the borough the opportunity to streamline its operational fleet to a single, versatile apparatus, bolstering efficiency across the department.”

Armstrong said the new pumper will be able to combat a broader range of fires, including those caused by flammable liquids. The apparatus can also respond to vehicle crashes and industrial incidents.

Officials set the sale price after researching comparable apparatus, Armstrong said. Local fire chief meetings addressed the sale and Silver Spring’s department expressed interest in buying the equipment.

Armstrong said borough code permits property sales to a township or volunteer fire company without bidding or auction requirements, allowing the council to approve the sale through a resolution.

The sale will help fund the pumper Carlisle is expected to receive next fall, she said, adding the borough has also received grant funding and will continue to seek additional grant opportunities to cover that cost.

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Water system rehabilitation

The council also approved a $87,750 engineering contract with engineering firm Gannett Fleming Inc. to provide design services for the next phase of Carlisle’s ongoing Water Distribution System Rehabilitation Program.

In 2022, the borough kicked off the program, designed to replace about one to two miles of aging pipeline each year.

Director of Water Resources Maurita Abeln said the council approved a design last year for rehabilitation in the northern portion of the borough, initially planning for construction this year.

However, the borough recently learned PennDOT plans to complete roadwork along&n

SMEAL—Alton (IL) Fire Department 107-foot rear-mount aerial, Spartan Gladiator cab and chassis; Cummins X15 600-hp engine; two-bottle cascade system; Harrison 10kW generator; pull-out hosebed for 500 feet of 5-inch hose; Duo-Safety ground ladders, Dealer: Rick O’Hara, Fire Apparatus Supply Team, Lincoln, IL, (Photo courtesy of Tom Mouse.)

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By REBECCA BOONE Associated Press

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BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Authorities say two firefighters were killed and another was badly injured after they were ambushed and shot while responding to a wildfire near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Sunday afternoon.

Here’s what to know about the attack, the investigation and next steps.

Ambush starts with a brush fire

Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said firefighters first responded to an early afternoon report of a brush fire at Canfield Mountain, a popular and scenic hiking and biking area near the outskirts of town. But once the firefighters arrived, someone began shooting at them.

The fire was set to lure the firefighters into an ambush, Norris said.

Law enforcement officials responded, locking down the neighborhoods near the hiking area and trying to find the shooter in hilly terrain that had plenty of cover, with thick brush and trees and smoke from the fire nearby.

First hours are chaotic, with injuries and number of shooters unknown

Over the next few hours, it wasn’t clear if hikers or other recreationists were stuck on the mountain, or if any civilians had been injured in the shooting, Norris said. What was clear was the danger the firefighters and responding law enforcement faced. They exchanged gunfire with the shooter, he said.

“We don’t know how many suspects are up there, and we don’t know how many casualties there are,” Norris told reporters at a 4:30 p.m. news conference. “We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak.”

A spokesperson with Kootenai Health, later confirmed that three patients were transported to the hospital — two were dead by the time they arrived, and a third was injured.

The deceased included a firefighter from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and one from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. A third firefighter was badly injured but had made it through surgery and was “fighting for his life,” Norris said later that night.

Cell phone data helps law enforcement find the suspect

Faced with more than 17,000 square feet (1,580 square meters) of containment area, part of it burning, authorities used cell phone data to narrow their search. They identified a cell signal around 3:15 p.m. and noticed it had not changed location for some time, Norris said.

A tactical response team went to the location and found a decease

AMY NILE
Billings Gazette, Mont.
(TNS)

The city of Billings plans to complete a $500,000 renovation project at Fire Station 5 on the West End this year.

The Billings Fire Department has been awarded a $280,000 grant to help cover the cost of the work.

Billings Fire Department offers tours all week long during Fire Prevention Week

The crowd waves as Billings Fire Engine 5 raises the bucket for a demonstration and tour at Fire Station 5 during fire prevention week in 2022.

The department is among 100 organizations nationwide that were selected from more than 4,000 applicants to receive the money as part of Lowe’s Hometowns, a program that aims to restore community spaces across the country.

The city will provide an additional $214,000 for upgrades to Fire Station 5 on South 24th Street West, across from the West End Walmart. The money will be used to replace failing infrastructure and remodel the interior of the station, which was built in 1973.

Billings Fire Department Station No. 5, 1974 (copy)

The Billings Fire Department’s Station No. 5 is shown while under construction in March of 1974. The station sits on 24th Street West and is still in operation.

Firefighters face significant health risks due to the demands of their work, which are exacerbated by the 6,016-square-foot station’s outdated layout, according to Billings Facilities Specialist Tricia Mae.

Firefighters respond to a variety of types of calls from the station, which houses both an engine company and a mobile response squad.

Billings Fire Department takes an emergency call in Squad One, a nimble response unit

Billings Fire Department takes call in nimble response unit

The building currently has one large, shared sleeping area. The setup causes frequent disruptions to firefighters’ rest, which increases risks of exhaustion, fatigue, cognitive impairment, mental strain and other serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease.

Inadequate rest also elevates rates of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. Firefighters, who are exposed to trauma and chronic stress, are already statistically more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.

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Homewood Park fire

Fire departments from Billings, Laurel and Molt battle a fire that destroyed a mobile home and four recreational vehicles on the 7800 block of Clark Avenue in 2023.

The station currently has only one shower, which fails to provide adequate privacy, inclusivity or efficiency, Mae said. The tiles in it are now deteriorating, which creates sanitation issues.

The station also lacks adequate decontamination facilities, which contributes to increased exposure to harmful toxins and raises long-term cancer risks.

Billings Fire Department offers tours all week long during Fire Prevention Week

Adults with AWARE of Billings gather outside Billings Fire Station 5 during a demonstration and tour during fire pr