Firefighters have saved a barn from catching fire in Mabton. According to officials from Fire District 5, firefighters were alerted to sheds on fire around 3:20 p.m., Monday at 840 High School Road. Fire crews responded to find 50 feet of outbuildings on fire which firefighters said had already burnt to the ground upon arrival.
- PUB DATE: 10/31/2017 11:29:00 AM - SOURCE: KIMA-TV CBS 29 Yakima

Photos by Tim Olk

Carl J. Haddon

Here in the northern Rockies, we’re told to expect a winter much like that of last year. That said, last winter was an anomaly (although the old-timers tell us that our conditions here last year “used to be” the norm) that just about kicked our…. Anyway, we had way above “normal” snow accumulations that started about Thanksgiving time, and lasted well into February. Emergency access to just about everywhere was a challenge because of snow and ice. The associated flooding and ice jam problems caused by rapid thaws and refreezes of the river added to the equation.

Does your department have special winter weather challenges? Are you ready for this winter? Are apparatus tires, chain systems, 4x4 systems, snow plows, and winter hand tools all checked, serviced and ready for snow and ice? Is it time to contact your local department of transportation, and make sure that you’re synced up for highway/vehicle accident calls requiring sand or cinder trucks? Is it time to do a refresher course on emergency vehicle winter driving and winter traffic incident management? 

Things like hydraulic rescue tools need some special attention this time of year to make sure that the fluids are topped off and ensure that the proper winter fuel (mix) is at the ready for portable power units and chain saws. Pay some extra attention to your hydraulic hose couplings for unwanted dirt and debris that can make for difficult connections. Remember, it’s one thing to have to wipe junk from connectors when it’s warm and dry. It’s a whole other bag o’ cats when those connectors are wet, frozen, AND dirty. The most common cause of twin-line hydraulic tool failures is a result of blown seals and “dynamiting” that is caused by poor/incomplete hydraulic hose connections.

How are your ice rescue and dry suits looking? Unfortunately, dry rot is a fact of life when it comes to wet suits, dry suits, and ice rescue suits. Now is the time to check and double check the condition of these suits. Do these suits still fit your crews like they did last winter? I’m guessing you don’t want to get caught out on an ice rescue call with an ill-fitting suit. That’s a quick way to turn one emergency into two emergencies in a hurry. 

As we’re also about to get darker sooner with the time change, is your scene lighting in good shape? How about those chimney fire calls? If we can access the roof safely, we will often use Purple K bombs (Zip Lock baggies filled with Purple K powder) that go down the stove pipe (ONLY AFTER MAKING SURE THE STOVE DOOR IS CLOSED). This requires the use of various ground ladders. When was the last time you thoroughly checked and serviced your compliment of ground ladders? Do ladder hooks swing and lock as they’re sup

Nashville, TN  - 3M|Scott Safety and The First Responder Center launched a new Cancer Awareness Campaign as part of Scott’s unveiling of its new Air-Pak™ X3 Pro.  Each SCBA will contain an insert aimed at providing tips on reducing carcinogen exposure.   The Firefighter Cancer Support Network provided valuable information for the insert.  There is also a link to the recently launched Firefighter Cancer Tool Kit. 

The Air-Pak X3 Pro combines high-performance material selection with an easy-to-remove harness for cleaning, decontamination and serviceability. With minimal water absorption, the new harness assembly can be machine laundered to minimize contamination and reduce long-term carcinogen exposure. Because the gear can be laundered at the station, firefighters have fast and easy access to their equipment when they respond to the next call. 

“Scott Safety is committed to product development that makes the firefighter’s job safer,” said Jason Cannon, senior manager, NFPA air-supplied products for Scott Safety. “With a cleanable, comfortable and connected product, we are working toward minimizing harmful exposure to carcinogens and providing improved peace of mind.” 

“Manufacturing support is a critical component in the overall reduction of exposure.  We appreciate Scott’s support in educating the fire service as well as its product innovation in reducing exposure,” said Ed Klima, managing director of the FRC. 

For more information on the Firefighter Cancer Tool Kit, please visit www.firstrespondercenter.org/cancer. 

 

About the First Responder Center for Excellence

The First Responder Center for Excellence for Reducing Occupational Illness, Injuries and Deaths, Inc., a National Fallen Firefighters Foundation affiliate organization, was created in 2016.  Its mission is to promote quality educational awareness and research to reduce physical and psychological health and wellness issues for first responders.  

 

About 3M | Scott Safety

Scott Safety, now part of 3M, is a premier manufacturer of innovative respiratory and personal protective equipment and safety devices for emergency services and first responders including firefighters, industrial workers, law enforcement, military, civil defense, national security and rescue teams around the world. With five global manufacturing locations, Scott products protect thousands of individuals each day from environmental hazards that are inherent in the industries they serve. The Scott product line includes self-contained breathing apparatus, supplied air and air-purifying respirators, gas detection instruments, thermal imaging cameras and firefighter locators. For information on 3M|Scott Safety’s latest innovations, please visit www.3m.com/scottsafety

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is planning its fourth Training Summit and is seeking feedback to help shape the event. This signature NVFC conference features two days of classroom training on critical fire and emergency service topics.

Please take a few minutes to answer a short survey to help us better serve you. Input is being sought on key details including course topics, location, and timing for the event.

Take survey here.

 

South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue and International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1828 will honor Battalion Chief Greg Westerman and firefighter Kurt McEnroe at a retirement ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m., at Martha Lake Fire Station 21, 16819 13th Ave. W., Lynnwood. The ceremony is open to the public.
- PUB DATE: 10/31/2017 3:55:47 AM - SOURCE: Lynnwood Today