August 2012

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Firerescue Magazine
August 2012
August 2012 Issue highlights

cover story

Questioning the Automatic Aggressive Initial Attack

Chief Marc Revere provides some reflections on how the fireground and the fire service has changed in the last 30 years, challenging company and chief officers to think about whether we need to consider unconventional tactics in order to reduce firefighter LODDs.

of by Marc Revere

TNT (Tools News Techniques)

TSgt Travis Benne Named FireRescue’s 2012 Company Officer of the Year

Technical Sergeant (TSgt) Travis Benne, station chief with Anderson Fire and Emergency Services in Guam, has been named FireRescue magazine’s 2012 Company Officer of the Year. The award, sponsored by CommandSim, producers of industry-leading fire training simulation software, will be presented at the IAFC’s 2012 Fire-Rescue International conference in Denver on Aug. 4.

By Shannon Pieper CommandSim, company officer, Company Officer of the Year, Fire-Rescue International, FireRescue magazine, FRI 2012

From the Editor

Company and Chief Officers Must Set the Standard for Safety

The American fire service is heavily influenced by tradition, which sometimes conflicts with new safety standards. Chief Tim Sendelbach shares a personal experience that reminded him of the need to speak up when it comes to safety standards.

By Timothy E. Sendelbach bailout, chief officer, company officer, live-fire training, personal accountability, safety standards

Although getting plenty of fluids during emergency operations is critical, proper hydration starts well before the incident. Most of us aren't properly hydrated because we simply don't drink enough water. Photo Glen Ellman

Quick Drills

Tips for Effective Fireground Rehab

With record-breaking heat hitting much of the country this summer, there’s never been a better time to review the dangers of heat stress and the importance of fireground monitoring and rehab. Homer Robertson provides some rehab tips to review with your crew.

By Homer Robertson firefighter rehab, Fitness, heat stress, hydration, rehab

The final phase of the UL testing involved full-scale burns. Two homes in a nearby Chicago suburb were acquired. The UL researchers worked with the Chicago Fire Department lighting basement fires in each and letting them burn to collapse. Photo courtesy UL

UL Basement Fire Study

Jane Jerrard talks with Stephen Kerber, a UL research engineer, on UL’s study of basement fires and their surprising findings.

By Jane Jerrard basement fires, C-joists, collapse, dimensional lumber, Floor collapse times, flooring materials, flooring systems, I-joists, UL basement fire study

Safety

The Importance of Rehab

Chief Randall Talifarro explains why rehab is more important than ever, offering suggestions for how to make it an integral part of any department.

By Randall Talifarro NFPA 1584, rehab

Fire Prevention

Maryland Advances the Battle for Residential Fire Sprinklers

While many communities have opposed home fire sprinkler codes, two states have more fully embraced those requirements. Here, Jim Crawford examines the strategies used by these states to incorporate residential fire sprinklers into their fire prevention strategies.

By Jim Crawford fire sprinkler, opt-out

When tactics are not properly executed, the fireground breaks down, creating a level of chaos that rivals the turmoil that’s present prior to fire department arrival. Once we get drawn into a chaotic operating mode, near misses abound, raising the likelihood of mishaps and injuries.

Near-Miss Reports

The Slippery Slope of Fireground Chaos

Every incident should include a strong focus on the well-coordinated application of firefighting tactics to satisfy firefighting strategies. Here, John Tippett offers a near-miss report that demonstrates how confused or unclear strategies can cause a breakdown in tactics that ultimately results in a highly dangerous situation for firefighters.

By John B. Tippett Jr. Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System, fireground strategy, Lloyd Layman, near miss

The League City (Texas) Fire Department’s new rehab vehicle is built by SVI on a Spartan Metro Star 10" raised roof MFD cab/chassis with a 12" extended front bumper and seating for eight people. Photo courtesy Metro Fire

Apparatus Ideas

New Rehab Vehicle Positions League City (Texas) for Special Calls

Most departments use converted older vehicles to provide firefighter rehab on scene. Recognizing the vital importance of this function, the League City (Texas) Fire Department went a huge step further, designing a vehicle specifically for rehab.

By Bob Vaccaro Bauer, heavy-rescue, lights-and-air, Metro Fire, rehab, rehab vehicle, SCBA, SVI

The Back Step

The Case for Using NIMS on Everyday Incidents

When NIMS was rolled out, many incident commanders resisted the changes, especially the directive that the system should be used on everyday incidents. But such use is a critical way to ensure that personnel are ready to use NIMS when it really counts.

By Matthew Tobia Blue Card, Blue Card Command, command boards, fireground commander, IC, ICS, incident command, Incident Command System, incident commander, National Incident Management system, NIMS

To be fully prepared for a WUI/wildland fire, remember to purchase a pack that fits your needs. If your pack is bigger than you need, you’ll inevitably fill it with too much stuff. A more modestly sized pack will probably keep you more honest with yourself and make the bag less burdensome to carry. AP Photo/Chris Onstott

Wildland/Urban Interface (WUI)

Wildland/WUI Pack Items

Chuck Sallade opens up his two gear packs to describe the much-needed items he carries during both short- and long-duration WUI/wildland incidents.

By Chuck Sallade adapters, fittings, fusees, Gorilla tape, Incident Response Pocket Guide, Kestrel weather meter, Klein tool, Leatherman, line bags, line packs, Moleskin notepad, wildland/WUI pack

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