Princeton Police are investigating factors that led to a crash Monday between a city fire truck and a passenger van at the intersection of Hwy. 380 and Fourth Street.

The accident occurred as firefighters in a rescue truck were responding to an emergency, running with lights and siren.

Police Chief James Waters reports that the firetruck was southbound on Fourth Street and its driver observed the van which was eastbound on Hwy. 380. When it appeared that the two vehicles could collide, Waters said, the firetruck driver sped up to avoid striking the van in the area where passengers were sitting. As a result, the van hit the back side of the firetruck.

The driver of the van was cited for not having a driver’s license.

Waters pointed out that while it is the responsibility of first responders to make sure they operate safely, it is everyone’s responsibility to pay attention to their surroundings. The chief offers some guidelines on what to do when you observe an emergency vehicle approaching.

Most states have official move-over laws in place. In Texas, a driver needs to change lanes or slow to 20 mph below the speed limit when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle. If the speed limit is 25 or below, drivers need to slow down to 5 mph. The state may fine offending drivers up to $200 (or more if property damage or injury results from the violation

When following any emergency vehicle with flashing lights you’re generally expected to stay about 300–500 feet behind it. Some states have a law stating minimum following distance. It’s always dangerous to tailgate an emergency vehicle.

An emergency responder’s job is not an easy one. We can help by understanding the official and unspoken rules of the road — slow down, pull over when it’s safe, and stay alert.

Understanding how to share the road with ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks adds one more safe-driving feather to your cap.

For more information, view princetonherald.com

 

Calhoun County has been awarded a Community Development Block Grant of $267,500 for the purchase of a new pumper truck. The local match is $26,750.

The money is to be used for the Jumper Station Fire Department near Swansea.

On Monday, Calhoun County Council approved a Planning Management Agreement so the Lower Savannah Council of Governments can administer the grant process.

The county is developing a $1 million borrowing package for an additional three trucks for the Rural Fire District. The trucks will be up for bid in the spring.

That will bring the county to a total of seven trucks.

"Eventually, we’re going to have nine trucks," council Chairman David Summers said.

For more information, view thetandd.com

 

The Montesano City Council approved an emergency loan for the city’s fire department during the Dec. 8 council meeting. Following an update from Fire Chief Corey Rux, the council unanimously approved the three-year loan of $100,000. The city’s fire department relies on EMS transports to generate revenue, however changes to other institutions coupled with fewer transports overall have left the department facing a shortfall.
- PUB DATE: 12/17/2015 1:32:47 PM - SOURCE: The Vidette

The Montesano City Council approved an emergency loan for the city’s fire department during the Dec. 8 council meeting. Following an update from Fire Chief Corey Rux, the council unanimously approved the three-year loan of $100,000. The city’s fire department relies on EMS transports to generate revenue, however changes to other institutions coupled with fewer transports overall have left the department facing a shortfall.
- PUB DATE: 12/17/2015 1:32:47 PM - SOURCE: The Vidette

With no standards to guide us, the best way to do gross decontamination on scene is anyone's guess.

It is a reoccurring theme that firefighters are exposed to harmful particulates and chemicals during structural fires, that many of these contaminants are persistent and that rates of certain cancers among firefighters are increasing.

While there are a number of specific actions fire departments can take to minimize fireground exposure or reduce the effects of exposure, one of the more potentially effective practices is on-scene gross contamination.

Yet, the key questions remain: Exactly what is gross contamination and is it practical for many fire departments...