A driver traveling during rainy conditions plowed into the side of a Sand Springs fire engine Monday afternoon, a fire official said, TulsaWorld.com reported.

The crews of two Sand Springs fire trucks were assisting the Oklahoma Highway Patrol at the scene of an earlier wreck in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 412 just west of 129th West Avenue about 1:30 p.m., the report said.

Crews were working to clear the scene of vehicles and debris when a driver came upon the scene but failed to give ample space to the emergency vehicles, the report said. The driver slammed into the side of the city’s only ladder truck.

The driver was taken by EMSA ambulance to a hospital, but his condition was not known, according to the report.

With no backup ladder truck, the fire department might have to request mutual aid from the Tulsa or Sapulpa fire departments if the need for a ladder truck arises while the damaged unit is being repaired, the report said.

By Jennifer Jensen

325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — The 325th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department prepares to welcome Fire Station #2, a newly built facility for the support side of the installation, which is projected for completion early next year.

Fire Station #2 is slated to be the first of three new fire stations at Tyndall AFB. The new facility will replace the previous facilities identified as Fire Station #2, buildings 2893 and 2894, which were damaged beyond economic repair due to the impact of Hurricane Michael in 2018.

The Fire Station #2 project features a 13,000 square-foot facility with a three-bay vehicle garage for two fire apparatus and one ambulance.

“Fire Station #2 is a combination of two key features; first is location;” said Ken Webb, Air Force Civil Engineer Center project manager and engineer. “The new location will be on a prime intersection of the installation which allows easy response to family housing and the mission support side of the base. Additionally, we will have a state-of-the-art facility that contains all the amenities to take care of our firefighters.”

Unlike the majority of the new builds happening around Tyndall, the three fire stations mentioned are funded through the 10 USC § 2854, restoration or replacement of damaged or destroyed facilities authority. This specific authority allows for the repair, restoration or replacement of mission critical facilities damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster on an expedited timeline.

Traditional military construction projects typically require five years of prior coordination and approvals which include Congressional authorization. However, military services possess set-aside funding allowances under 10 USC § 2854 to restore specific facilities as soon as possible. The recovery of Tyndall is the first instance in U.S. Air Force history to exercise this authority.

Currently, the firefighters are operating out of temporary structures while a majority of their emergency vehicles are exposed to the elements.

“The new fire stations will provide a much greater quality of life for our firefighters who have been [operating] in less than desirable conditions since 2018,” said Senior Master Sgt. Gerald Allen, 325th CES deputy fire chief. “We will be able to house all of our vehicles and equipment in facilities away from the Florida elements which will extend the life in which they can be used and provide the base and local communities the services they deserve.”

Thermal Imaging Manfred Kihn

The use of thermal imaging in the fire service continues to evolve as firefighters look to expand the technology to every aspect of firefighting.

We know how valuable the technology is for interior fire operations and direct fire suppression activities, but how can we apply this tool to help firefighters with aerial attack applications? A thermal imager (TI) can be extremely helpful to firefighters on the ladder crew. This group of firefighters is responsible for placing the apparatus in the right spot, opening vent holes, and positioning the master stream. The decisions made by the ladder crew are critical to attacking the fire aerially and on the ground.

Best Positioning of Apparatus in Multiple Scenarios

Placing the apparatus for attacking the fire from above depends on many factors, including the type of structure, building construction, obstructions overhead and on the ground, the size of the area needing to be contained, and access points. Knowing the best place to position the ladder truck is a critical one as this impacts hazards, scene coordination, and overall effectiveness. The greatest concern with apparatus placement is the presence and location of overhead electrical lines. Inadvertent contact with electrical lines can have catastrophic consequences for anyone on or touching the apparatus. During a nighttime fire, power lines can be difficult to see. Add inclement weather, and it can be even harder to determine where these lines are. This is where your TI is a valuable tool; it can help the truck operator determine the best placement of the apparatus to help with search and rescue, extrication, ventilation, and overhaul.

• A Closer Look at Thermal Imaging for Firefighters
• Thermal Imaging Safety Training
• Thermal Imaging: Thermal Imaging Use in Fire Prevention
• Thermal Imaging: Think Strategic Deployment During Fire Attack
• Thermal Imaging: Understanding Your TI Technology
• Thermal Imaging: Look How Far We Have Come
• Thermal Imaging: Thermal Imagers Are Not Without Risks
• Thermal Imaging: How to Prevent the “White Hat Syndrome”
• Thermal Imaging: Thermal Imagers Not Just for the Crews
• Thermal Imaging: Industrial and Environmental Fire Situations Need a Thermal Imager

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is now accepting applications for nearly $640,000 in Volunteer Fire Assistance grant funding to help rural fire departments protect public safety and natural resources. The deadline for applications is November 15.

“DEC’s Forest Rangers work closely with volunteer fire departments to battle wildfires, and this grant program is a great way to help fire personnel across the state,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “These grants bolster local capacity to fight wildland fires, protecting property and communities.”

The Volunteer Fire Assistance grant program is funded by the U.S. Forest Service and administered by DEC Forest Rangers. Fire departments will receive 50/50 matching funds up to $1,500. Last year, the program provided $1,500 grants to 412 fire departments.

Only expenses directly related to wildfire suppression efforts are eligible for funding. These include the purchase of portable pumps, portable backpack pumps, hand tools, hoses, approved lightweight fire-resistant clothing, hard hats, turnout gear, portable radios, generators, and dry hydrants. Expenditures not directly related to firefighting, such as search and rescue, acquisition of land, construction of buildings and facilities, major apparatus purchases, and maintenance items are not eligible for funding.

Eligible fire departments include: those that serve a single town with a population under 10,000; those that serve multiple communities, one of which is a rural town of less than 10,000 residents; and fire departments in towns with a population of 10,000 or more that meet the application requirements. Fire departments that receive a grant award must complete all required grant paperwork.

For applications and additional information about the grant program, contact DEC at (518) 402-8839; write to NYSDEC, Division of Forest Protection, 625 Broadway 3rd Floor, Albany, NY 12233-2560; or visit the DEC website.