CAL FIRE NEWS: 2013 California Arbor Week Poster Contest Announced

CAL FIRE Emphasizes the Importance of Trees in California

2013 California Arbor Week Poster Contest Announced

Sacramento – Trees are an essential part of California’s climate and are vital to improving air quality and conserving water. To help educate Californians on the value that trees provide to building successful, healthy cities and neighborhoods, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and California ReLeaf are announcing the annual statewide Arbor Week poster contest for students in 3rd through 5th grades.

 Students are asked to create original artwork based on the theme “The Trees in my Community Are an Urban Forest”. 

 Submissions are due to California ReLeaf by February 15, 2013.

Winners will be featured at the State Fair and awarded cash prizes provided by the California Community Forests Foundation.

CAL FIRE is partnering with California ReLeaf to encourage cities, nature groups, schools, and youth organizations to celebrate California Arbor Week by planting trees in their communities. California ReLeaf is an alliance of community-based groups, individuals, businesses, and government agencies working to protect the environment by planting and caring for trees and the state’s urban and community forests.

“Trees are critical to the health of our environment, climate, economy and the overall well-being of California,” said CAL FIRE Director Ken Pimlott. “Educating our youth is one of the most important ways we can increase awareness of and appreciation for the trees and forests in the communities where Californians live, work and play.”

The goals of Arbor Week include educating Californians about trees, encouraging tree planting, teaching elementary school children the environmental, social, and economic benefits of trees, and protecting the state’s valuable natural resources.

“Trees make California’s cities and towns better. It’s that simple,” said Joe Liszewski, Executive Director for California ReLeaf. “Everyone can do their part to plant and care for trees, ensuring that they are a resource long into the future.”

Contest rules, as well as educational materials related to the value of trees, community benefits of trees, jobs in the urban and community forestry field, and tree identification can be downloaded at www.arborweek.org/contests. 

The contest is sponsored by California ReLeaf, CAL FIRE, and the California Community Forests Foundation.

California Arbor Week runs March 7-14 every year to mark famed horticulturist Luther Burbank’s birthday and to raise awareness of the benefits of trees in our communities. In 2011, legislation was passed to define California Arbor Week in statute. Visit www.arborweek.org for more information.

# # #

CONTACT: Dennis Mathisen
Information Officer
(916) 651-FIRE (3473)
Source: http://calfire.ca.gov/communications/downloads/newsreleases/2012/ArborWeek2013Final.pdf

CFN - California Fire News 2012 

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NFPA: Home Heater Safety

 FACT - Half of home heating fires are reported during the months of December, January, and February.

There is something about the winter months and curling up with a good book by the fireplace. But did you know that heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths? With a few simple safety tips and precautions you can prevent most heating fires from happening.

Safety be warm and safe this winter!

• Keep anything that can burn at least three-feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Test smoke alarms monthly

Heating Equipment Smarts

• Install wood burning stoves following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation. 
• All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
• Install and maintain CO alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning.

If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company

CFN - California Fire News 2012 

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NFPA: Got Firewise? Join the Firewise Challenge and Get Recognized!

  It’s time to give wildfire disasters the one-two punch!

 You’ve heard us say this before:  Wildfires happen. It’s not a matter of if, but when. The National Fire Protection Association asks, are you prepared? Join us in our mission to create: 1,000 Safer Places: The Firewise Communities/USA® Recognition Program Challenge.

What’s the Challenge, you ask? NFPA is asking community residents across the U.S. to develop an action plan and participate in wildfire mitigation activities to help reduce their neighborhoods’ risk of a wildfire threat.

But what about those of us who are already engaged in wildfire mitigation safety or are an official Firewise site, you ask? We say, all the better! By continuing to follow the steps outlined by the Firewise Communities/USA Recognition Program and submitting a final application by the end of the year, your community will keep its official status as a Firewise Communities/USA site, and it will automatically be entered into the Challenge.

For new communities that are not a part of the recognition program or have not engaged in wildfire safety mitigation efforts before but want to be, we also encourage you to participate in the Challenge. Gather your neighbors together and follow the same steps outlined in the Program, submit a final application by the end of the year, and your community will be on its way to receiving the national recognition it deserves! Like the communities who renew their recognition status, once you’ve submitted your application, your community will be automatically entered into the Challenge.

But wait, there’s more! Not only is the mitigation work you do important for keeping your home and community safer from wildfire, five communities will also receive the grand prize of $5,000 each to be used for contracting services or equipment rental to help you continue your mitigation activities throughout the year including chipping of brush, removal of vegetative material, noxious weed remediation and similar activities. Five additional communities will receive the “runner-up prize” of a wildfire mitigation package with loppers, gloves, safety glasses, and more that will help you work on reducing wildfire hazards in the community!

The Challenge runs from January 1 – December 31, 2013.

 Check out the Firewise website for more detailed information, rules and guidelinesand the resources you need to start participating in the Challenge today. 

Now’s the time to get recognized. What are you waiting for? 

CFN - California Fire News 2012 

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National Preparedness: Off to a Great Start in 2013

 Download FEMA disaster apps

Coalition members: In 2012 we accomplished a lot together by connecting, sharing resources, and coordinating preparedness events onhttp://Community.FEMA.gov. In 2013, we will continue to build on our strong foundation to prepare ourselves and others. To kick off 2013, we invite you to begin the new year by Resolving to be Ready. Read on...

RESOLVE TO BE READY IN 2013: TECHNOLOGY TIP #1 Looking for a New Year's resolution? We have one for you, and chances are, you already have everything you need to put it into action!  This year, Resolve to be Ready for emergencies. If you are a smartphone owner (as are more than half of mobile phone owners in the U.S.), simply turn to the technology in your purse or pocket, and use it as a life-saving tool during and after an emergency or disaster.  How? Technology Tip #1: Learn how to send updates via text and internet from your mobile phone to your contacts and social channels in case voice communications are not available. DISASTER APPS Want to take your smartphone to the next level? Download our FEMA app. By downloading, you'll have access to disaster safety tips, interactive lists for storing your emergency kit and emergency meeting location information, and a map with open shelters and open FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). The app is free to download through your smartphone provider’s app store:          -> Android devices | Apple devices | Blackberry devices *NEW* RESOURCES  Over the last few months, we've been working hard to redesign our Resources page so you can easily find and consume the information you need. Are you a business owner and looking for tips to protect your business? Are you a parent looking to create a Family Emergency Plan? Do you live in a flood zone and want to know about flood insurance? Visit our resources page and see what we have for you. Additionally, we invite you to tell us what you need to prepare! Weigh in here and we will do our best to add these resources to help you out!

CFN - California Fire News 2012 

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Coffee Break Training (EMS): Human Trafficking

 Learning Objective:  The student shall be able to recognize the signs of human trafficking.

Human trafficking is the use of force, fraud or coercion to exploit someone for labor or commercial sex. Any minor exploited for commercial sex is a victim of human trafficking. Thousands of men, women and children are trafficked in the United States every year. Many of these victims are lured from their homes with false promises of well-paying jobs; instead, they are forced into prostitution, involuntary domestic servitude, farm or factory labor, or other types of forced labor.
Approximately one-third of human trafficking victims are treated by medical providers. Similar to observing patients for signs of abuse, fire and emergency medical service responders should be aware of the signs of human trafficking.

Trafficking Indicators
—Is the patient accompanied by another person who seems controlling?
—Does the person accompanying the patient insist on giving information or talking?
—Does the patient have trouble communicating due to language or cultural barriers?
— Are the patient’s identification documents (for example, passport, driver’s license) being held or controlled by someone else?
—Does the patient appear submissive or fearful?
—Is the patient inadequately dressed for the situation or work done?
—Are there security measures designed to keep the patient on the premises?
—Does the patient live in a degraded, unsuitable place or share sleeping quarters?
—Is the patient suffering from classical presentations found in trafficking victims?
Classical Presentations Found in Trafficking Victims
—Bruises in various stages of healing caused by physical abuse.
—Scars, mutilations or infections due to improper medical care.
—Urinary difficulties, pelvic pain, pregnancy or rectal trauma caused from working in the sex industry.
—Chronic back, hearing, cardiovascular or respiratory problems as a result of forced manual labor in unsafe conditions.
—Poor eyesight and/or eye problems due to dimly lit work sites.
—Malnourishment and/or serious dental problems.
—Disorientation, confusion, phobias or panic attacks caused by daily mental abuse, torture and culture shock.

Report Suspected Human TraffickingWhen observing patients or incidents with these signs of human trafficking, responders should notify local law enforcement or call 866-347-2423 anytime. www.dhs.gov/humantrafficking

Report suspected human trafficking activity to law enforcement (available 24/7, in over 300 languages and dialects at):

• Call 1-866-347-2423 (toll free)
• Call 1-802-872-6199 (non toll free international)
• Report online at www.ice.gov/tips

Or call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-3737-888 to get help or connect with a service provider in your area. The NHTRC is not a law enforcement or immigration authority and is operated by a nongovernmental organization.

CAL FIRE Hiring Seasonal Firefighters - Fire Fighter I

 Applications for CAL FIRE Seasonal firefighters are being accepted until Jan 31. Watch this short video to learn more.

CAL FIRE Hiring Seasonal Firefighters
CAL FIRE TV explores this exciting position and offers some helpful tips or getting hired.
Published on Jan 7, 2013


Transcript: 
0:00
it's a profession filled with danger excitement and reward being a
0:05
firefighter with cal fire can be one of the most challenging an exhilarating
0:09
careers in the world and for many it's a career that begins as a seasonal
0:13
firefighter seasonal firefighters the foundation of our department
0:17
in order to become a permanent forty it's the first entry level position that
0:21
she can take
0:22
cal fire seasonal firefighters respond to an array of emergency and public
0:26
assistance calls
0:27
the job is demanding and fast-paced they will response to anything from swift
0:32
water rescue to structure fires to
0:35
while and fires everything that our permit employees go through because this
0:39
is their entry level spot to get into the rest of the crew returned fire
0:43
protection to be successful in the job
0:46
seasonal firefighters must be in good physical shape
0:49
the job often requires long hours heavy lifting and hiking and steep terrain
0:54
for seasonal firefighter you must have a high school diploma be eighteen years of
0:58
age
0:59
and be willing to extend your education through his
1:03
fire science biotechnology
1:05
we have to be highly motivated in order to get this job each year cal fire
1:09
receives thousands of applications from firefighter hopefuls
1:12
walkin historical rerun the fire service
1:15
to help stand out from the crowd cal fire officials recommend potential
1:19
applicants seek additional experience and training choir to apply for a
1:24
seasonal position
1:25
that second hand syria billy to get a job with us
1:29
would be a firefighter one academy etiquette a local community college have
1:32
in your hean cd fire science
1:35
fire technology classes become a paid paul firefighter of all it's here and
1:39
then some of the organizations we even within cal fire
1:43
education accompanied it with your experienced even as a volunteer will
1:48
help you
1:49
for those who are ready to step up to an exciting career applications for
1:52
seasonal firefighter one positions
1:54
are available online
1:56
right you will call calpoly or station
1:59
applying is as simple as filling out the application form and sending it to each
2:03
unit that you're interested in being considered for but be aware of the
2:07
application period for upcoming fire seasons typically closes at the into
2:11
that ridge anyway re
2:13
for many responding in a fire engine like this or becoming a firefighter is
2:17
only a dream
2:18
but for those who have what it takes occurring with child fire is very
2:22
rewarding you can't do anything that you want within it
2:25
you could fly out helicopters you can work off of uh... truck company you
2:29
could be a has mats etc or by law enforcement
2:33
firefighting is a very rewarding job
The application filing period for the 2013 season ends Jan. 31.


“Fire Fighter I” is a seasonal, temporary classification used by Cal Fire.


Hiring usually occurs between April and June, depending upon the year's fire and weather conditions.


The minimum qualification to participate in the Fire Fighter I Classification is that a person must be 18 years of age at the time of appointment to the position.


Applications will be accepted by mail or in person for the units in the Northern Region. Applications will not be accepted at Sacramento headquarters, region offices, or conservation camps.


Cal Fire said applications must be filed at each unit where a candidate wishes to be considered for an appointment. 


For unit contacts see http://calfire.ca.gov/contacts/ .


Applications can be downloaded at http://calfire.ca.gov/about/downloads/careers/FFI_Application.pdf .


For more information visit http://calfire.ca.gov/about/about_careers_fireprotection_seasonal.php .


CFN - California Fire News 2012 

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Coffee Break Training: Aboveground Flammable and Combustible Liquid Tank Emergency Venting

Hazardous Materials:  Aboveground Flammable and Combustible Liquid Tank 

Emergency Venting — Part 2: Tank Shapes

Aboveground flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks

Learning Objective:  The student shall be able to describe common types of aboveground flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks based on their shapes.

Aboveground flammable and combustible liquid tanks are produced in a variety of shapes. Tanks are permitted to be of any shape, size or type consistent with sound engineering practices. They do not have to be listed by an independent testing agency. (See Coffee Break Training FP-2010-21 for a description of “listed” products.)

The most common shapes of steel tanks are cylindrical horizontal, cylindrical vertical and rectangular. Cylindrical horizontal tanks lie on their sides in steel or concrete saddles. Cylindrical horizontal tanks offer some portability, significant capacity and with a double-walled tank meet secondary containment requirements.

Cylindrical vertical tanks have the largest capacity for the required footprint, but they may require extensive external secondary containment site preparation. This includes drainage, to direct liquids away from tanks, or
diking (called “bunding” in Europe), to capture spilled liquids.

Rectangular tanks have the most efficient use of space for space-restrictive applications, but they are limited in capacity. Typical applications for this style of tank are in vehicle service or industrial-type applications where space is most often the issue.

Tank Shape/Type Description

• Cone roof  - This tank has vertical sides and is equipped with a fixed, cone-shaped roof that is welded to its sides.
• Open top-floating roof - This tank is similar to the cone roof tank in construction but has no fixed roof. 
• A pontoon-type roof - floats directly on the liquid surface.
• Internal floating roof/Covered floating roof - This tank is a combination of both the cone roof and the open top-floating roof tank. It has a cone roof but with the addition of an internal floating roof or pan that floats directly on the fuel surface.
• Horizontal - This tank is commonly cylindrical in shape with flat ends. It is usually mounted on legs or steel or concrete support structures.
• Spherical or spheroid - This tank is commonly used as a pressure tank or pressure vessel where vapor capture is important, especially with high vapor pressure liquids such as methyl chloride, propane or butane.
• Rectangular - This tank is a six-sided vessel with sides, top and bottom consisting of flat planes.

For additional information, refer to National Fire Protection Association 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.

CFN - California Fire News 2012 

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LAFD 'Live Fire' Training at Los Angeles International Airport

  Pending favorable weather, the Los Angeles Fire Department will conduct a 'live fire' training exercise at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This special drill for firefighters is scheduled to occur between 4:30 AM and 6:30 AM PST on Tuesday, January 8th, 2013.

There are no provisions for media or public access.

Historically, smoke from this Federally mandated training has been visible more than 30 miles from the airport. We wish to emphasize there is no cause for public alarm.

USFA Report: Highway Vehicle Fires Highway Vehicle Fires (2008-2010)

Highway Vehicle Fires (2008-2010)

EMMITSBURG, Md. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) issued a special report today examining the characteristics of highway vehicle fires. The report, Highway Vehicle Fires (2008-2010), was developed by USFA’s National Fire Data Center and is based on 2008 to 2010 data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS).

According to the USFA motor vehicle fires report:

•  Approximately one in seven fires responded to by fire departments across the nation is a highway vehicle fire. This does not include the tens of thousands of fire department responses to highway vehicle accident sites.
• Unintentional action (32 percent) was the leading cause of highway vehicle fires.
• Eighty-six percent of highway vehicle fires occurred in passenger vehicles.
• Sixty-one percent of highway vehicle fires and 35 percent of fatal highway vehicle fires originated in the engine, running gear, or wheel area of the vehicle.
• The leading factor contributing to the ignition of highway vehicle fires was mechanical failure (44 percent).
• Insulation around electrical wiring (28 percent) and flammable liquids in the engine area (18 percent) were the most common items first ignited in highway vehicle fires.

 The risks from motor vehicle fires are often overlooked. Toxic gases and other hazardous substances, along with flying debris and explosions, can combine to produce serious dangers. 

In the event of a motor vehicle fire, follow these important steps:

• Pull to the side of the road and turn off the ignition to shut off the electric current and stop the flow of gasoline.
  
• Do not open the hood or trunk if you suspect a fire under it. Air could rush into the area and enlarge the fire.
  
• Get out of and away from the vehicle. Never re-enter a burning vehicle to retrieve personal property.
  
• If the vehicle is in a garage or other structure, exit the building immediately.
  
• Do not put yourself in danger by trying to use a fire extinguisher. Only trained firefighters should extinguish vehicle fires.
  
• After you are a safe distance away, call 9-1-1 or your fire department’s emergency number.

USFA News: 2012 Firefighter Fatality Statistics

 US Fire Administration Releases 2012 Firefighter Fatality Statistics

2012 showed LODD-reduction progress, but there's work still to be done, 83 fatalities were spread across 34 states.

 EMMITSBURG, Md. – The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) announced today a provisional total of 83 on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States as a result of incidents that occurred in 2012, the same number of firefighter losses as in 2011.

View the provisional report »

The 83 fatalities were spread across 34 states. Pennsylvania and North Carolina experienced the highest number of fatalities with nine firefighter deaths each. New York had six firefighter deaths, including the most recent tragic shooting deaths of two firefighters in Webster. California and Texas, each with five firefighter deaths, were the only other states with five or more firefighter fatalities in 2012.

Heart attacks or stroke were responsible for the deaths of 41 firefighters (49%) in 2012. This single year total is a near average proportion of firefighter deaths from heart attack or stroke over recent years. This nature of fatal injury has remained relatively constant, while others, on average, have been reduced during the past decade.

Eleven on-duty firefighters died in association with wildland fires, the same as 2011 and 2010.

The single cause of injury seeing more than a four-fold increase in firefighter deaths during 2012 was vehicle collisions (including aircraft), with 18 deaths.