The Amarillo Fire Department is partnering with the West Texas A&M University College of Engineering on researching methods used to clean firefighter personal protective equipment after exposure to lithium-ion battery fires.

According to AFD officials, the research is being conducted with Dr. Emily Hunt, dean of WT’s College of Engineering, professor of mechanical engineering, and associate vice president for research development and innovation. Hunt’s experience includes materials, combustion and applied engineering research.

Officials note that phase I of research evaluated protective gear exposed to contaminants associated with lithium-ion battery fires. Preliminary findings “raised concerns” about certain previously recommended cleaning practices, specifically, liquid carbon dioxide cleaning.

AFD noted that additional testing will be needed “to determine which methods are most effective in removing contaminants without adversely affecting the gear’s protective performance.”

KCIT-TV FOX 14 Amarillo

The post Amarillo Fire Department, West Texas A&M University partner to advance PPE safety appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

At least six people have been injured in a fire at a high-rise apartment building in the Bronx on Tuesday.

The second-alarm fire started in an apartment on the second floor of a six-story building at 1773 Vyse Ave. in the Crotona Park East section just after 4:30 p.m. Flames then spread to the floors above, close to the fire escapes firefighters were using to make sure there wasn’t anyone trapped.

“There were two people coming down the fire escape. That was the part that scared me the most,” said neighbor Hector Vargas said. Neighbors say a woman lives in the apartment where the fire started.

“There’s a lady who lives there that shouldn’t be living there by herself,” said Luis Rodriguez, who lives in the building. “She needs a home health attendant 24/7 and sadly the reason why it happened.”

Neighbors say the woman has a part-time aide who was not there, and that she likes to burn candles.

WABC-TV ABC 7 New York City

The post VIDEOS: At least 6 people injured in high-rise apartment building fire in New York appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

Firefighters and hazardous materials crews were called to an apartment building near Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market on Tuesday. Just after 12:30 p.m., the Seattle Fire Department said the hazmat team was responding to the 90 block of Union Street to investigate an unknown substance in an apartment.

Shortly after, the department said one person was being treated at the scene and was in stable condition, and that crews had entered the building to investigate. Inside the apartment, hazmat crews identified a small container of hydrofluoric acid that made contact with stainless steel, causing it to heat up and give off gas in a confined space. Hydrofluoric acid is a clear, highly toxic, and extremely corrosive liquid solution.

KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

The post Hazmat response underway near Pike Place Market due to hydrofluoric acid in apartment appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

Drones have officially joined the ranks of first responders in Snohomish County, according to the sheriff’s office Monday. In a press release, Sheriff Susanna Johnson explained that the drones will not replace the response of emergency medical crews or deputies, but will help crews learn about the scene and what is needed before they arrive.
“This pilot is about getting our first responders better information, faster,” Johnson said in the statement. “When deputies are responding to a crime in progress, a dangerous suspect, a missing person, or another rapidly evolving emergency, knowing what is happening before they arrive can make a significant difference. It can improve officer safety, de-escalation, help us use our resources more effectively, and ultimately improve the service we provide to our community.”

KIRO-TV CBS 7 Seattle

The post Snohomish County debuts first responder drones appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

A child is recovering from serious injuries after numerous rescuers hiked out several miles to stabilize them and call in a medical helicopter on Saturday.

According to Kittitas County fire officials, in the afternoon of September 12 a child was seriously injured in a fall at the Red Mountain Agate beds. Bystanders called emergency services, and first responders from Kittitas County Fire District 7, Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office, Kittitas County Search and Rescue, the United States Forest Service and Upper Kittitas County Medic One mobilized to help the child.

Officials said about 30 emergency responders gathered to carry out the rescue operation. Because of the remote location where the child was injured, responders had to hike several miles to reach them. When rescuers reached the child, officials said a medical helicopter was called in to land nearby. Responders were able to load the child onto the helicopter, which took them to a trauma center.

Apple Valley News Now

The post Injured child rescued after fall in Kittitas County forest appeared first on Daily Dispatch.