A lively debate on fireground tactics erupted on the show floor as two experienced fire officers squared off in a moderated panel session at Firehouse World 2016 on Tuesday afternoon. The debate focused on whether the “hit it hard from the yard” tactic of fire suppression was effective or defective when it comes to saving life and property.
- PUB DATE: 2/4/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: firehouse

When a fire broke out last year near a Utah mountain lake, firefighters encountered an object that proved a bigger problem than any of the flames: A drone buzzing nearby that forced them to halt their efforts until they could ensure it was gone. Fire crews can't risk the unmanned aerial devices colliding with their planes and helicopters, so they pull out until the drones are gone, said Jason Curry of the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.
- PUB DATE: 2/4/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KSL-TV NBC 5

New York’s Volunteer Firefighters not only save lives, they also save billions in tax dollars for the state. In fact, New Yorkers save more than $3 billion each year due to the services provided by the State’s volunteer fire service according to a financial impact study released today by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY).
- PUB DATE: 2/4/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: firefighternation

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company has awarded Howard County's West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department and Lisbon Volunteer Fire Company with a combined total of $10,000 in grant funding to enhance fire and rescue equipment at each station.

"Our volunteer partners are vital to keeping our communities safe," said Fire Chief John S. Butler, in a statement. "Working side by side with these members provides the best possible care and attention to our residents. These increased assets will serve to benefit all of Howard County."

The West Friendship department applied for fire suppression equipment and cold/warm water rescue apparatus through a grant request, said Maria Hogg, spokeswoman for the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue.

"In addition to responding to the Patapsco River, Hogg said, the station also keeps an eye on roughly 275 lakes, ponds, and storm water management areas. By enhancing the fire suppression arsenal with Baltimore Gas and Electric Company's $5,000 grant, the station can improve capabilities to put out fires in these types of remote structures. Hogg said the equipment will also help the station in their response to community emergencies and ensure the safety of both the public and its personnel.

Another $5,000 will be going toward improvements at the Lisbon department, where volunteers are often called to vehicle rescues along major commuter roads, such as Interstate 70 and Routes 32 and 97.

For more information, view www.baltimoresun.com

 

St. Rita's Medical Center has donated $125,000 to fire and emergency medical service agencies in three northwest Ohio counties as part of its Community Investment Fund.

The funds, which were distributed Tuesday at an awards luncheon, will assist these agencies with the cost of replacing or upgrading heart-related EMS equipment. This equipment ranges from heart monitors and modems to automated external defibrillators and CPR devices.

"The departments applied based on their need and then were awarded on what they applied for," said Brian Anderson, EMS coordinator at St. Rita's.

A total of 12 agencies received funding, including the Lima Fire Department, Apollo Career Center, Putnam County EMS and Cridersville Fire and Rescue. Fire departments from Wapakoneta, Bath, Shawnee, American Township, Fort Jennings, Uniopolis, Beaverdam and Perry also benefited from the donation.

"It's a real pleasure that we were able to give some grant dollars to EMS to help them upgrade their equipment," said Mary Marker, administrator of St. Rita's Heart and Vascular Center.

Marker said upgrading cardiac-related equipment is vital in ensuring patients with heart problems are given the care they need in the shortest time possible.

"They need to have the equipment when they pick up the patient in order to help us do what we do here to get these patients taken care of in the correct amount of time," she said. "It gives our cardiologists and doctors more time to be able to work on the patient."

For more information, view limaohio.com