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Posted: Sep 18, 2024

Drone, Thermal Imaging Helps Locate Stranded Hiker on Mount Tom (MA)

Namu Sampath
masslive.com
(TNS)

HOLYOKE — Late Monday night, the city’s Fire Department reported that it had rescued a stranded hiker from Mount Tom.

The incident is far from the first time a hiker has gotten lost or stuck there, said Capt. David Rex, the public information officer for the Holyoke Fire Department.

“It happens probably once a week, even in the winter,” he said.

Rex said the hiker, who was rescued at around 10:30 p.m., didn’t plan his trip accordingly.

“It got dark quickly, and he got lost on the trails,” Rex said.

The hiker was not injured and was found after a “short search,” the department said in a Facebook post.

Rex said that there are roughly 20 miles of trails on the mountain, but was unsure how many trails there are.

“A lot of the trails criss-cross with each other, making it difficult for hikers who are unfamiliar with the terrain,” he said.

He said the terrain varies greatly, depending on the side of the mountain a hiker is on.

From Route 141 in Easthampton, the terrain is “loose shale,” he said. “You’re basically hiking a cliffside,” whereas the Route 5 side is slightly easier for people to climb.

Rex said the hiker called 911 to be rescued. He said that it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the location of a caller, because of the cell tower atop Mount Tom.

“We use a drone program in Holyoke that uses thermal imaging to help locate people who get lost,” he said.

The state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation oversees the mountain.

A spokesperson for the department said hikers should stick to designated trails, be aware of the weather and trail difficulty ratings, and should share their plans with someone before setting out.

©2024 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit masslive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Posted: Sep 18, 2024

Anaheim (CA) Fire and Rescue Takes Delivery of Tiller Aerial Ladder

Anaheim Fire and Rescue’s Ascendant 107-foot Heavy Duty Tiller Aerial Ladder is designed to tackle any emergency with precision and safety, the department said in a Facebook post Monday, Sept. 17.

Cameras around the tractor-drawn aerial enhance visibility for the driver and the tillerman. The apparatus features a safe stride on the roof for safety when operating the aerial. The tiller aerial ladder will respond to EMS, fire, and wildland-urban interface calls in the city of Anaheim.

Overall Height: 11’ 2”⁠

Overall Length: 62’ 4.5”⁠

Pump: Waterous, 1,500 gpm⁠

Tank: 300-gallon⁠

Job Number: 38503⁠

Dealership: South Coast Fire Equipment, Inc.

Specifications

ChassisVelocity®
BodyAscendant® 107’ Heavy-Duty Tiller Aerial Ladder
Actual Overall Height11′ 2″
EngineCummins X15
Horsepower605 hp
Front SuspensionTAK-4® Independent Front Suspension
Rear SuspensionAir
Electrical SystemCommand Zone™
PumpWaterous Midship
Pump GPM1500 gpm
TankWater
Tank Size300 gallons
GeneratorHarrison Hydraulic
Generator KW6 kW
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Posted: Sep 18, 2024

New Firefighting Equipment Unveiled Ahead of Fire Season in WV

MULLENS, West Virginia — Gov. Jim Justice and the West Virginia Division of Forestry (WV DOF) today announced the arrival of vital new firefighting equipment to be used across West Virginia.

The new equipment includes:

  • Two Type 3 Bulldozers equipped with specialized forestry and firefighting packages.
  • Three Type 6 Wildland Fire Engines designed specifically for combating wildfires.
  • Six new drones equipped with thermal imaging technology to assist in fire detection.
  • Eight UTVs outfitted with skid units and water tanks for improved wildfire response in hard to reach areas.
  • Seventeen pickup trucks fitted with skid units for enhanced firefighting capabilities.

“With fire season just around the corner in West Virginia, it’s perfect timing to get this new equipment,” Gov. Justice said. “Our hardworking Forestry members deserve every bit of this new gear. These aren’t just new dozers and trucks, they’re difference makers in protecting our forests and citizens. The day they received this machinery, they immediately put it to use to tackle a fire. That’s how bad these guys needed new equipment. We need to keep doing all we can to ensure they have what they need to protect our beautiful forests and keep our homes safe. This drought is also making things worse, and as it gets dry, things could really get bad. I’m really praying we get some rain soon, but we’ve got to be ready for whatever comes our way. At least we know that if disaster does strike, our teams are ready to face the challenge head-on with safe and reliable equipment.”

In 2023, Gov. Justice signed SB 1032, which provided $4 million toward new equipment. These funds were allocated by the West Virginia Legislature to purchase equipment to assist WV DOF foresters in fighting wildfires.

The new equipment was revealed at Twin Falls Resort State Park in conjunction with the Division of Forestry’s bi-annual Fire School, which provides basic fire training for all new employees at the WV DOF, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Section and West Virginia State Parks. In addition to protecting West Virginia’s forests and fighting wildfires, crews from WV DOF volunteer to assist with wildfire relief efforts in other states. 

West Virginia’s Fall Fire Season starts on October 1st, and burning regulations can be found HERE.

“We are grateful for the leadership of Gov. Justice and the legislature for their support and the commitment of the employees of WV Division of Forestry as they work each day to protect the people, property and wonderful forests in our state,” James Bailey, Secretary of the WV Department of Commerce, said. “Although Fall Fire Season officially begins October 1, our foresters work tirelessly year-round to protect one of our state’s most Read more
Posted: Sep 18, 2024

VIDEO: Home collapses after fire in New York

Buffalo Firefighter's responded to a two-alarm fire on Buffalo's west side early Wednesday morning. Firefighters were called to Pooley Place just around 4:30am for a report of a fire at 62-64 Pooley Pl. The duplex was fully engulfed in flames and quickly spread to neighboring houses. Two civilians and two firefighters were injured, but none of their injuries are life threatening.
- PUB DATE: 9/18/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WGRZ-TV NBC 2 Buffalo
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Posted: Sep 18, 2024

Firefighters in one Texas city secure 20% pay raise in new collective bargaining deal

VIDEO: After months of negotiations, the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association (SAPFA) have struck a deal on a new collective bargaining contract. The new contract will give firefighters and EMS a 20% raise over the next three years. It's the first legitimate pay increase that they've received in the last decade, and it's the first time they've been able to vote for their contract in over 15 years,” SAPFA president Joe Jones said.
- PUB DATE: 9/18/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WOAI-TV NBC/CW 4 San Antonio
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