I noticed Santa Clara truck in there and a couple other posssible California Firefighting rigs?.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Firefighters- just doing your job.
You are heroes, though most of you would say you were just doing your job.
Just there to help people in need.
Saturday, January 6, 2007
FIRST RESPONDER TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
FIRST RESPONDER TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
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Piercing Nozzles - How often do you need them?
Posted: 05 Jan 2007 09:26 PM CST
AUGUSTUS Fire Tool® introduces its new Series 2000 "Bayonet Style" Piercing Applicators Designed to Safely combat Compartmentalized Fires Using the Indirect Method of Attack.
The Series 2000 "Bayonet" Piercing Applicators are designed with a striking plate on their back end allowing them to be driven with a sledgehammer, maul or ax. They also come equipped with a 6.5 ft. 1-1/2" flat hose "WHIP" which has a 1-1/2" NST swivel for connection to a controlling nozzle/bale for ease and flexibility of operation.
These high quality tools were designed with the primary objective of SAFETY for FIRE SERVICES PERSONNEL. They are precision machined to .003"from corrosion and rust resistant heavy-duty (Schedule 160) aluminum tubing and 416 stainless steel. The hardened, novel stainless steel piercing tip is easily removed for cleaning, sharpening, or if it ever requires replacement. All AUGUSTUS Fire Tool® products are manufactured in the USA.
These tools' novel design will:PROVIDE
Firefighters with a Safe, Quick and Efficient means of knocking down and extinguishing fires in confined and hard to reach spaces such as: Balloon Walls, Storage Facilities, Frame Construction Voids, Attics, Trailer and Mobile Homes, Hay & Cotton Bales, Stacks of: Waste Paper, Cardboard, Wood Chips, & Peat, Crawl Spaces, Basements, etc. exterior surfaces such as: sheet metals, plywood, sheet rock, cinder blocks, etc. the need to attempt immediate time consuming, sometimes risky, forcible entry operations while fire burns uncontrolled in a compartmentalized area Firefighter's direct exposure to flames, smoke, hazards and harmful gases extinguishing agents directly into enclosed areas within seconds with Foam and other Wetting Agent applications to Attack Line Shutoffs by use of a 6.5 ft. 1-1/2" flat hose "WHIP" (supplied with each applicator) with a 1-1/2" NST swivel between 120 and 150 GPM at realistic and safe PDP's of 125 to 160 PSI in an effective 40-foot diameter umbrella shaped spray/fogging pattern with minimal nozzle reaction using the novel AUGUSTUS Fire Tool® Piercing Tip design the effectiveness and MINIMIZE the amount of extinguishing agent required Stock Code Introductory Retail Prices AGT 2003 Three (3) Foot "Bayonet" Piercing Applicator with 6.5 ft. "WHIP"
$565.00
Friday, January 5, 2007
National Preparedness Level 1-National Fire News
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National Preparedness Level 1 Current hours for the National Fire Information Center are | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
January 5, 2007 Light fire activity was reported for the week of January 5, 2007. A total of 34 new fires were reported throughout the country. No new large fires were reported or contained. Weather Discussion: Fire potential is expected to increase in southern California today through Monday due to Santa Ana winds along with warmer and drier weather. These winds should diminish late Monday. Tuesday is expected to be cooler with rain predicted for Thursday.
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Source: National Interagency Coordination Center
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This report will be updated on Fridays while fire activity continues. |
| Additional wildland fire-related information is available from the following sites: |
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FIRST RESPONDER TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
FIRST RESPONDER TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
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Fire Blanket--Rapid Response EMS PyroBlanket
Posted: 04 Jan 2007 11:06 PM CST
Anywhere fire threatens to destroy property, lives, or dreams - PyroBlanket™ has you covered. In the kitchen or in harm's way, the foe that is fire has met its match. Now, at last, a patented high tech fabric that will not burn...that blocks extreme heat and flame...and that provides potential burn victims a new chance for safe rescue or escape.
Next-generation fire blanket keeps body heat in, searing heat out! The Rapid Response fire blanket is designed for professional rescue teams and first responders. Soft and lightweight enough for a baby to sleep under, tough enough to snuff out a flame. Perfect for police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, and life flight helicopters.
$104.99 - 144.99Editors note: Maybe a little pricey to toss in the truck then again not!
When you need it priceless!
Full Product Info
Features and Specifications:
* The PyroBlanket is essential equipment for crash, extrication, fire and other incidents
* PyroBlankets provide true flame resistance, heat-blocking burn protection and superior tear resistance based on N.F.P.A. test methods used in certifying firemen's turnout gear
* Wrapped around a trapped victim's head and torso, PyroBlankets offer a totally new level of protection against open flame, shattered glass particles, sharp metal edges, and even incidental extrication tool contact
* In a fire emergency, the PyroBlanket provides thermal and shock/trauma protection by keeping victim's body heat in and searing heat out
* Made from a special patented blend of high-performance fibers
* Thoroughly tested to N.F.P.A. standards
* Lab testing and field use have proven that the PyroBlanket can be counted on to protect victims facing open flame or high-heat environments
* Soft and light, yet durable and tear-resistant
* Grommeted for use as a stretcher in emergency situations
* Bloodborne pathogen-resistant
* Machine washable
* Reusable
* Shake off or vaccuum away glass or debris – they won't snag on PyroBlanket's unique surface
* Fabric blend will not emit toxic fumes when exposed to flames
* Extinguishes flames by depriving them of oxygen
* Allows hot vapors to escape through the breathable fabric
* Fire may discolor the fabric, but the PyroBlanket will not burn
* Blanket measures 75"L x 57"W
* Weight: 2 lbs.
* Available with or without storage bagView the videos that tell its incredible story.
It's truly a product whose time has come.
PyroBlanket™-Waubridge Specialty Fabrics product.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Communications Assessment Provides Guidance for Urban Area First Responders
DHS Releases Nationwide Interoperable Communications Assessment
Release Date: January 3, 2007
The Department released scorecard assessments of interoperable communications capabilities in 75 urban and metropolitan areas nationwide. Interoperable communications involve policies, technology and training that enable law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services from multiple jurisdictions in a common community to effectively communicate within one hour of an incident.
Read more.
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: (202) 282-8010
Washington — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released scorecard assessments of interoperable communications capabilities in 75 urban and metropolitan areas nationwide. Interoperable communications involve policies, technology and training that enable law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services from multiple jurisdictions in a common community to effectively communicate within one hour of an incident.
“The 9/11 Commission identified interoperable communications as a major challenge and many communities listened by taking the sometimes difficult steps necessary to close communication gaps among first responders,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “Their experience proves that basic interoperability at the command level is achievable. We’re committed to making this a priority in every major urban area, and we’ll continue to push for closing these gaps by the end of 2008.”
Since 2003, DHS has awarded $2.9 billion in funding to enhance state and local interoperable communications efforts. While scorecard findings will not directly impact homeland security grant funding, it is expected that eligible communities will use the scorecard to target their investment justifications and improve interoperable communications capabilities.
The reviews focused on three main areas: Governance (leadership and strategic planning); Standard Operating Procedures (plans and procedures); and Usage (use of equipment). The evaluation criteria was derived directly from the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum and Interoperability Maturity Assessment Model that depicts the key components of interoperability — governance, standard operating procedures, usage, technology, and training and exercises.
The findings identify gaps and areas for improvement. Key findings include:
* Policies for interoperable communications are now in place in all 75 urban and metropolitan areas.
* Regular testing and exercises are needed to effectively link disparate systems and facilitate communications between multi-jurisdictional responders (including state and federal).
* Cooperation among first responders in the field is strong, but formalized governance (leadership and strategic planning) across regions is not as advanced.
The scorecards illustrate the current capability for each area and provide recommendations for improvement. The reviews were conducted by five panels of subject matter experts composed of state and local public safety and communications technology experts, in addition to representatives from the department's Wireless Management Office and SAFECOM, a communications program within the Office for Interoperability and Compatibility.
To view the interoperable communications report and findings, please log on to the DHS website at www.dhs.gov.
Release Date: January 3, 2007
The Department released scorecard assessments of interoperable communications capabilities in 75 urban and metropolitan areas nationwide. Interoperable communications involve policies, technology and training that enable law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services from multiple jurisdictions in a common community to effectively communicate within one hour of an incident.
Read more.
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: (202) 282-8010
Washington — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released scorecard assessments of interoperable communications capabilities in 75 urban and metropolitan areas nationwide. Interoperable communications involve policies, technology and training that enable law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services from multiple jurisdictions in a common community to effectively communicate within one hour of an incident.
“The 9/11 Commission identified interoperable communications as a major challenge and many communities listened by taking the sometimes difficult steps necessary to close communication gaps among first responders,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “Their experience proves that basic interoperability at the command level is achievable. We’re committed to making this a priority in every major urban area, and we’ll continue to push for closing these gaps by the end of 2008.”
Since 2003, DHS has awarded $2.9 billion in funding to enhance state and local interoperable communications efforts. While scorecard findings will not directly impact homeland security grant funding, it is expected that eligible communities will use the scorecard to target their investment justifications and improve interoperable communications capabilities.
The reviews focused on three main areas: Governance (leadership and strategic planning); Standard Operating Procedures (plans and procedures); and Usage (use of equipment). The evaluation criteria was derived directly from the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum and Interoperability Maturity Assessment Model that depicts the key components of interoperability — governance, standard operating procedures, usage, technology, and training and exercises.
The findings identify gaps and areas for improvement. Key findings include:
* Policies for interoperable communications are now in place in all 75 urban and metropolitan areas.
* Regular testing and exercises are needed to effectively link disparate systems and facilitate communications between multi-jurisdictional responders (including state and federal).
* Cooperation among first responders in the field is strong, but formalized governance (leadership and strategic planning) across regions is not as advanced.
The scorecards illustrate the current capability for each area and provide recommendations for improvement. The reviews were conducted by five panels of subject matter experts composed of state and local public safety and communications technology experts, in addition to representatives from the department's Wireless Management Office and SAFECOM, a communications program within the Office for Interoperability and Compatibility.
To view the interoperable communications report and findings, please log on to the DHS website at www.dhs.gov.
Santana Row blaze a riddle
2002 FIRE'S CAUSE REMAINS UNKNOWN
More than four years later, the cause of San Jose's biggest fire remains officially under investigation.
The August 2002 blaze that destroyed part of the Santana Row shopping complex and 34 nearby apartment units consumed nearly 5 million board feet of lumber. With little more than nails, copper plumbing and sheet rock left behind, investigators had little to go on.
Officials stressed that the circumstances of the fire -- especially the number of construction firms involved -- made it difficult to solve. About one in six San Jose fires and one in five nationally go unsolved.
Witness accounts enabled investigators to determine the fire originated on the top floor. And the timing of the afternoon blaze, when construction crews were nearing the end of their shifts, provided another clue, because most midday fires tend to be accidental.
But investigators also interviewed dozens of convicted arsonists in the county. They studied the finances of companies involved in the development and did background checks on employees. And the fire department's five arson investigators -- joined by the Santa Clara County's 25-member arson task force and three inspectors from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives -- interviewed about 500 builders who worked on the burned building.
Fire officials were criticized, however, for turning down help from an elite team of federal investigators and for belatedly bringing in police officers to help with interviewing construction workers at the scene.
At the behest of then-Fire Chief Manuel Alarcon, the state fire marshal reviewed the city's investigation and concluded it was thorough.
Criticized by displaced residents who felt he dismissed their concerns about response delays, Alarcon retired in January 2003. The department is on its fourth chief since then.
Acting Chief Darryl Von Raesfeld was unavailable Wednesday, but Assistant Chief Nicolas Thomas said simply that the fire ``remains under investigation.''
-Mercury News
More than four years later, the cause of San Jose's biggest fire remains officially under investigation.
The August 2002 blaze that destroyed part of the Santana Row shopping complex and 34 nearby apartment units consumed nearly 5 million board feet of lumber. With little more than nails, copper plumbing and sheet rock left behind, investigators had little to go on.
Officials stressed that the circumstances of the fire -- especially the number of construction firms involved -- made it difficult to solve. About one in six San Jose fires and one in five nationally go unsolved.
Witness accounts enabled investigators to determine the fire originated on the top floor. And the timing of the afternoon blaze, when construction crews were nearing the end of their shifts, provided another clue, because most midday fires tend to be accidental.
But investigators also interviewed dozens of convicted arsonists in the county. They studied the finances of companies involved in the development and did background checks on employees. And the fire department's five arson investigators -- joined by the Santa Clara County's 25-member arson task force and three inspectors from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives -- interviewed about 500 builders who worked on the burned building.
Fire officials were criticized, however, for turning down help from an elite team of federal investigators and for belatedly bringing in police officers to help with interviewing construction workers at the scene.
At the behest of then-Fire Chief Manuel Alarcon, the state fire marshal reviewed the city's investigation and concluded it was thorough.
Criticized by displaced residents who felt he dismissed their concerns about response delays, Alarcon retired in January 2003. The department is on its fourth chief since then.
Acting Chief Darryl Von Raesfeld was unavailable Wednesday, but Assistant Chief Nicolas Thomas said simply that the fire ``remains under investigation.''
-Mercury News
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