Officials have released an update on the Vantage Highway Fire which is now 35% contained. The size is still sitting at 26,490 acres, which is the size of the scene perimeter. The burn scar is estimated to be 17,000 acres. There's still no cause for the blaze, and things do seem to be improving. Friday, crews will be working on the north and west flanks, to prevent the fire from spreading to a nearby windfarm.
- PUB DATE: 10/5/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

MEQUON, WI (October 04, 2022): Fire Suppression Solutions is honored to announce the Freemasons of Wisconsin ongoing commitment to donate Fire Suppression Tools to Police and Fire Departments throughout Wisconsin.

These tools help first responders by slowing the progression of a fire, helping them gain valuable and often critical minutes and seconds, saving lives and property.

“Fire Suppression Solutions is honored to work with the Freemasons of Wisconsin. Through this partnership, the Freemasons have generously donated more than 300 units, and counting, to first responders in our communities” said Mark Mock, President and COO of Fire Suppression Solutions.  “The Fire Suppression Tool will not only save lives and property, but it will also create a safer environment for the men and women who are sent into these dangerous situations.  The FST will start suppressing a fire, while quickly reducing the temperature inside the room.  It does this without removing the oxygen, making the environment safer if a victim is trapped inside.”

“For nearly 200 years, the Freemasons of Wisconsin have taken considerable pride in the positive impact we have had in our local communities.  Throughout the state, we consistently strive to make our communities safer and better and our partnership with Fire Suppression Solutions allows us to continue to have that amazing impact. By getting these units into the hands of local police and fire departments, there is no doubt that we will be saving property and lives.” Said Paul T. Tourville, Grand Master of Wisconsin Freemasonry. 

“The Slinger Police Department really appreciates the donation of the Fire Suppression Tool units from the Freemasons.  Having these units readily available to officers will help keep our community safer which helps enhance our goals as first responders” said Slinger Police Chief Dean Schmidt.

“It is a great honor to be one of the many recipients of a donation from the Freemasons of Wisconsin.” said West Allis Deputy Chief of Police Robert Fletcher.

For more information about the Fire Suppression Tool (FST), please contact Fire Suppression Solutions at info@firess.us or at (262) 777-8700.

By Bill Adkins

On March 2, 2012, Clermont County (OH) was rocked with a deadly F3 tornado. Many local departments responded to assist with search and rescue efforts. Among those departments were members of the Milford (OH) Community Fire Department, which covers 3.5 square miles, with a population of 6,800, and close to 100,000 in neighboring mutual aid population.

With the tornado starting around 4:46 p.m. it was clear that rescue crews would be working for many hours and mostly in the dark. Most fire departments have generators and portable lighting, however, not nearly enough power and lighting to sustain such an operation. One would think of just the need for lighting but not realize the need for charging stations, self-sustaining portable lights, and generators large enough to power stationary command units. 

At the time, no one in the area had a vehicle that could single-handedly handle this workload. This inspired the late John Cooper, a retired Milford Community Fire Chief, to have his truck committee create an apparatus to assist in such events. Milford Community Fire Department applied and was awarded the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Grant. This made the inspiration a reality for the region.

Support 271