In this series, Fire Engineering Senior Editor Mary Jane Dittmar looks at the things that motivated and inspired instructors to present on their topics at FDIC International 2016. Segments will be posted on a regular basis up to and through the conference, April 18-23.

Greg Jakubowski
Life Member and Past Deputy Fire/EMS Chief
Bryn Athyn Fire Co.
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

Firefighting Operations in Mega-Mansions

Generally, fire departments are prepared to handle fires in homes of 2,000 square feet or less; this is their bread and butter and considered by National Fire Protection Association standards as a ‘low-hazard’ occupancy.  However, major paradigm shifts are needed when faced with a fire in a home that is four, five, or 10 times the size of that ‘low hazard occupancy.’  More, larger homes are being built in the United States, and they are often being built with lightweight construction that has been proven to burn faster and hotter.

Recent fires in large homes have occurred in Maryland (six fatalities), Maryland (10 firefighter injuries), Connecticut ($10 million loss), Pennsylvania (19 bedrooms, $18 million loss), Ohio (10,000 square feet, $4 million loss), North Carolina ($3 million loss), New Jersey (four alarms), and California (eight bedrooms, $19 million home) among many others.  Most of these fires have presented serious challenges to firefighters. Chris Naum and I were discussing these challenges and realized that there was little training focusing on this emerging issue. We partnered to study the challenges, learn the lessons from the case studies, and apply best practices and lessons learned from these incidents and others to present a unique program to the international fire service.

We have recently begun to present these programs, and they have been well-received. We have been invited to present seminars on mega-mansion fires in a number of locations.  

In this series, Fire Engineering Senior Editor Mary Jane Dittmar looks at the things that motivated and inspired instructors to present on their topics at FDIC International 2016. Segments will be posted on a regular basis up to and through the conference, April 18-23.

Jerry Knapp
Firefighter/EMT
West Haverstraw (NY) Fire Department

Training Officer
Rockland County Fire Training Center
Pomona, New York

Aggressive Fire Attack at Modern House Fires

Early in my career, I learned how critically important house fires are and how most firefighters take them for granted as routine. However, when we study line-of-duty deaths (LODDs), we see that house fires account for many firefighter deaths and injuries on the fireground. In 1996, when we started doing flashover survival training in Rockland, I researched 35 case histories of firefighters caught in flashovers. Most of them were in house fires. Routine house fires are killing firefighters.

I have been at numerous residential fires and witnessed the evolution of house fires in my career. These are the fires that all fire departments face every day.  Often, there is little specific training on these costly and deadly house fires. It seemed critical that I put together a training program specific to residential fires while working as a training officer supporting 26 departments. Additionally, it became clear that houses have changed.  The 2½-story wood-frame house that was stick built with dimensional lumber is the source of our strategy and tactics. New homes are often modular or built with wooden I-joists, trusses, or other lightweight and nonfire resistive components.  As we have seen from LODD reports, applying traditional tactics to modern homes can be deadly.

My program at FDIC 16 focuses on recognizing that firefighters’ battlefield (homes) has changed dramatically, some old strategies may not apply to today’s house fires, and a practical way to include the latest research into fire departments standard operating procedures to improve fireground effectiveness and firefighter safety--and not throw out the baby with the bath water!

A common form of feedback I receive is an invitation to speak at attendees’ home departments or training venues on what was discussed in class.  

In this series, Fire Engineering Senior Editor Mary Jane Dittmar looks at the things that motivated and inspired instructors to present on their topics at FDIC International 2016. Segments will be posted on a regular basis up to and through the conference, April 18-23.

Samuel Hittle
Lieutenant
Wichita (KS) Fire Department

Forcible Energy Wins Are in the Details

I am passionate about forcible entry discussions centered on tactical concepts rather than statements. Although fire service statements are well-intentioned, practical to a relevant period, or specific to an application, time and modernization tend to diminish their applicability. If we understand the premise on which these statements were fashioned; however, we can make conceptual adjustments and exercise functional flexibility when confronted with unusual and formidable opponents.

The most significant feedback from this class has included other instructors reaching out for slides or information they can share within their sphere of influence. That is really what FDIC International is about, sharing with one another so we all walk away better able to respond. 

By Chris Mc Loone

Although Hale and Class 1 will be introducing four new products this year, Idex, Hale’s parent company, also has big news at FDIC International 2016. “The show typically focuses on new products that have been recently released or will be released in the near future,” says John Dinning, director of marketing, IDEX Fire Suppression Group. “While that is true for this year, the big news for our group of companies is the addition of Akron Brass and Weldon to the Idex Fire Suppression Group of companies. Their inclusionFDIC , along with the industry-leading brands of Hale, Class1 Electronics, and Godiva makes an impressive arsenal of firefighting products and underscores our commitment to be the global leader in fire suppression solutions.”

The products Hale and Class 1 will introduce this year are:

• SmartFOAM with Ultraview Controller: The Class 1 SmartFOAM system uses Hale’s UltraView controller with a full-color, wide-angle display, viewable in all lighting conditions—even direct sunlight. The touch screen display is user-friendly with icons for easy understanding, plain text warnings, and on-screen tutorials for calibration.
• Dual Control Panels for our portable pump product line: The dual control panels allow engine and throttle of the Hale portable pumps to be controlled from the pump or the cab.
• KP Series of Pumps. This product line features a multipressure option, low cost of ownership, and is easily installed and maintained in the smallest and lightest offering on the market.
• Electronic Shift Controls: The module integrates Class 1 electronics to Hale’s G gearbox, ensuring shifts between road and pump modes can only occur when the apparatus is placed in neutral. This module can also be added to in-service apparatus as part of an upgrade to NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Apparatus (2016 ed.).2016 edition.

According to Dinning, FDIC International is the greatest opportunity for Hale to interact with its entire customer base. “The show brings together the apparatus builders, brush truck manufacturers, apparatus dealers, and the end users of our products, he says. “Additionally, it is an opportunity to learn about industry trends through conversations with our key business partners and industry influencers.”

For attendees, Dinning compares FDIC International as a kid going to the toy store. “Almost every supplier to the industry introduces their latest and greatest products at the show,” he says. “A fire department that is considering any significant purchase can conduct research on the show floor. Furthermore, there are numerous educational sessions available that would enable a firefighter to become better and take these newly learned practices back to their department.”

Besides FDIC International offering the IDEX Fire Suppression Group the greatest opportunity to interact with its customer base, Dinning says that the show is an exciting time for the company. “The efforts we have put forth over the past 12 months are put on display over the three days of FDIC,” he says. “It is a rewarding experience that allows us to harvest new relationships with customers and become partners in their quest for a better solution to their current needs. In many ways, the show is the highlight to our year.”

FDIC International has long been known for being at the forefront of product innovation. One of the things about FDIC International is that it allows companies to walk the walk when it comes to their products. They are not only putting their products on display during the exhibition component of the show. They are also field testing them. Whether it is a new type of nozzle, a new SCBA, a new SCBA cylinder, or even a new rig, fire service manufacturers look to FDIC International as a testing and proving ground for their new products during hands-on training evolutions.

This year, the weather has been beautiful here in Indy. On day one of HOT training, with sun high and temperatures rising, instructors were wearing what have been dubbed HOT Instructor Firefighter Fatigues™. Supplied by TECGEN®, these sets of PPE were issued to each HOT instructor. And, this year I am sure they appreciated them considering the weather—especially at the vehicle extrication site where there was no shade.

Many of the emergencies to which we respond to not require full firefighter structural PPE. On a 90-degree day in the middle of the summer, working a vehicle accident wearing full structural PPE is physically taxing. The firefighter fatigues donned by HOT instructors protect firefighters from cuts while working an extrication, for example. They are lighter, so wearers do not get as hot—which was a big deal in the sun on HOT Day 1.

It’s always nicer training when the weather is nice, and this year HOT attendees are getting two great days to be outside. And even if most of your HOT class is taking place inside, there’s nothing like coming outside on a beautiful spring day after working hard training on RIT, forcible entry, live fire attack, flashover simulation, urban essentials, or the myriad other hands-on training classes available to FDIC International attendees.