Regarding new and different ideas about fireground strategy and tactics, Firefighter/Paramedic Nick Ledin of the Eau Claire (WI) Fire Department emphasized the importance of listening, keeping an open mind, and critical thinking. At his Thursday, April 27 classroom session, “Fireground Deconstructed,” he told students that although fire departments around the United States and around the world may employ a variety of fireground techniques differing from those in one’s own department, this does not mean they are necessarily wrong.

Ledin reviewed laboratory research on fire dynamics such as the time to flashover in rooms with legacy vs. modern furnishings and the importance of door control in ventilation. The divide between the laboratory research on fire dynamics vs. practical fireground experience is illustrated by common phrases such as “science vs. the street,” and “the lab coat vs. the bunker coat.” But it need not be an either/or consideration, he said. The conclusions reached through laboratory research and through practical experience can both be correct in their own context.

For example, Ledin noted the importance of coordinated ventilation on the fireground. Fire incident videos shown illustrated the difference in outcomes of coordinated vs. uncoordinated ventilation. Interior suppression and exterior venitilation personnel must communicate before ventilation is carried out. Formerly, firefighters were taught to “ventilate early and often” and “ventilate as you go.” However, this uncoordinated ventilation may have just fed the fire more air and allowed it to extend into uninvolved areas and also endanger firefighters. Door control is another important factor in ventilation. The importance of keeping a structure’s doors shut before water is applied to the fire was recognized 150 years ago. 

The fireground is constantly evolving, he noted. In 1979, the year he was born, Ledin said, the average home size was 1,400 square feet, whereas in 2017, it is now 2,700 square feet. Moreover, fires are reaching higher temperatures more quickly. According to research, in 2009, a fire in a compartment could reach 600°F in under six minutes, in 2011, 900°F in less than five minutes, and in 2014, 1,600°F in less than four minutes. This emphasizes the importance of speed on the fireground in accomplishing entry, search, and laddering. 

In understanding the fireground of today, firefighters must exercise cognitive discipline and learn all they can about current research on such topics as fire dynamics, water dynamics, building construction, and reading smoke, among others.  

Ledin offered the following quote from the late Tom Brennan, one-time editor of Fire Engineering, “You can never know enough about something that can kill you.”

Chaplains from across the United States have been making their way through 60 hours of training in five days this week as part of the first class of students in the National Police and Fire Chaplain Academy in Spokane. The 32 chaplains from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, California, Texas and Tennessee gathered Thursday night at the Valley Bible Church for a graduation ceremony.
- PUB DATE: 4/28/2017 9:08:06 AM - SOURCE: Spokane Spokesman-Review

Seattle fire responded to a hazmat call near the University of Washington Medical Center. The investigated a report of an odor in the B-wing of the Health Sciences building. Hazmat crew members put on protective suits and went inside. Firefighters said the building, which has many laboratories inside, was going to be sealed off, but later told reporter Patryana Bhoolsuwan nothing was found and no odor was present.
- PUB DATE: 4/28/2017 9:00:58 AM - SOURCE: KIRO-TV CBS 7

With increased global demand for bigger fire pumps and high water flow systems to support industrial firefighting departments, US Fire Pump has developed the next generation of fire pumps and firefighting systems that bring big water flow to the most extreme fire emergencies.

The High Velocity Pump is an engine driven fire pump designed to meet NFPA 1901 performances up to 6,250 GPM (23,658 LPM). With sufficient engine power and a pressurized water system, performance will exceed 10,000+ GPM (37,854 LPM). These pumps are currently being used in fire apparatus and pump units by industrial fire departments worldwide.

US Fire Pump also specializes in providing a complete customized firefighting solution. A wide range of emergency response equipment such as Hydraulic Submersible Pumps, Remote Track Monitor, Trailer Deck Guns and Hose Recovery Vehicles are available to meet the exact performance needs of any facility or fire department.

For an in depth consultation on the many possibilities and capabilities available to you, please see US Fire Pump at FDIC Booth #3600.

Pittsfield (NH) - Globe Manufacturing Company launches ATHLETIX™, turnout gear; it's like nothing you’ve ever experienced. New material technology enables the all-new athletic design with stretch fabrics that allow closer, body-contoured fit to provide unprecedented range of motion with less bulk, more flexibility, and lighter weight.

Firefighters informed and inspired ATHLETIX™, a step-change in firefighter personal protective equipment. We interviewed hundreds of firefighters to get a 360° view of their experience wearing turnout gear and shared our findings with our supplier partners to develop the technology that enables this all-new design.

Globe's Senior Vice President of Marketing Rob Freese demonstrates their popular ATHLETIX turnout gear for firefighters at FDIC International 2017.

Globe ATHLETIX™ won the 2016 International Achievement Awards (IAA) Award of Excellence and Best in Category for Advanced Textiles by Industrial Fabrics Association International. IAA recognizes excellence in design and innovation in the specialty fabrics and technical textiles industry.

At FDIC, attendees are invited to experience the unprecedented range of motion that is possible with the new ATHLETIX™ turnout gear in a virtual reality experience for firefighters in the booth.

“At Globe, we are celebrating 130 years of innovation this year,” said Rob Freese, senior vice president of marketing at Globe Manufacturing Company. “When we previewed ATHLETIX™ at FDIC last year, we were continuing our ‘voice of the customer’ process that inspired this revolutionary change in turnout gear design and capability. With the certified garments at the show this year, Globe is delivering turnout gear that firefighters want and that enhances their performance. We are proud to continue delighting our customers after 130 years.”

Globe will continue its partnership with the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund at the Globe booth. Try the new gear for yourself in the virtual reality experience and Globe will make a donation to the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund in your name.

Terry Farrell was a father, a husband, a brother, and a dedicated firefighter who lost his life on September 11, 2001, during the World Trade Center attack. Among the 343 heroes who died that day, he was in Tower Two when it collapsed. A decorated member of Rescue 4/FDNY and chief of the Dix Hills Volunteer Fire Department, Terry was a devoted firefighter who embodied the spirit of courage and giving. The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund was established in his memory to assist firefighters and families across the nation with financial, educational and medical support, and to provide equipment donations for fire departments in need.

Also at FDIC, Globe will sponsor the International Networking Event and International Lounge and encourages all of its partners who keep first responders safe all over the world to take advantage of these resources.

The nation’s largest firefighter training conference and exhibition is being held April 24-29 at the Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Globe’s booth (#2411) is located in Hall D at the Indiana Convention Center.

About Globe

Firefighters need to be prepared to perform at the maximum of their ability, on every call. That’s why Globe delivers the most advanced, best-fitting, and longest lasting protection by listening to our customers, creating breakthrough designs, and applying the engineering skills of the nation’s most trusted turnout gear manufacturer. Globe turnout gear is designed to protect you, move with you, and improve your performance. It’s athletic gear for firefighters. Learn more at www.globeturnoutgear.com.

About the Terry Farrell Fi