Fighting Fires in Cold Weather

Mother Nature Shows No Mercy
By: Lou Angeli

(St. Louis, MO) -- REPOST -- As weather experts and politicians debate the effects of Global Warming on North America’s weather patterns, the "B" shift members of St. Louis Squad-2 don't really give a damn. Winter is on them, and the simple fact of the matter is it's getting mighty cold.

Cold weather makes America's most dangerous occupation even more hazardous. Statistics show that most serious structural fires occur during the winter months, when homes and businesses are sealed tight, and supplemental sources of heat are being used.

Granted, a few areas of North America are "temperate" and experience consistent weather patterns throughout the year. But unless you're a firefighter in Key West, McAllen (TX) or Phoenix, chances are you've already noticed that hot, muggy days have been replaced by cold, windy nights. You've also noticed that fighting fires in below freezing weather isn't fun.

This year, winter came early and with vengeance to the East Coast and Upper Midwest. So much so that many governors designated areas hit by early winter storms as disaster areas. With temperatures hitting the single digits, and wind chills exceeding minus 40 below, serious fires have caused millions in damage, and claimed a number of lives.

Fighting fires in cold weather is part of everyday life for firefighters who operate near our border with Canada. This constant exposure to Mother Nature's brutal side has made on thing clear. -- the cold takes it toll on personnel and equipment.

And during the past week the Arctic cold has dipped well into the continental US. And even though we know it's going to happen, Old Man Winter takes those of us in the lower-48 by surprise every time.

But It's A Dry Cold, Chief

Try telling that to firefighters in Indianapolis, who are accustomed to relatively stable winter weather. Last year -- by mid-December -- they were operating in the coldest air to hit the area since 1887. Just South of Indy, in Bargersville, Indiana, the town experienced 12 consecutive days of sub-zero weather. Years of training and experience hadn't prepared these Johnson County volunteers for this type of firefighting.

This season, fire departments throughout the snow belt, are preparing for the same cold, with one major difference. Many have developed a contingency plan - one that stresses "firefighter safety". Generally speaking, north of the Mason-Dixon line, departments are better prepared for the hardships of cold weather. But when the alarm sounds, and the thermometer is stuck at zero, neither a firefighter's training nor protective gear can block out the effects of the biting cold.

Using Common Sense

Once companies have arrived on the fireground, firefighter safety becomes a primary consideration for command. While Engine Company members concern themselves with fighting the fire inside the structure, Truck or Support Company members are busy fighting the elements, working on icy surfaces and slippery ladders.

Firefighting in cold weather still requires getting water to handlines and master streams. It's one of the most difficult tasks in winter firefighting. In icy temperatures, leading off from a frozen hydrant or pond may waste valuable minutes. That's why it's important to pre-plan wintertime water supply operations.

In areas which have limited or no firefighting water, companies rely on large diameter supply lines and tanker shuttles to provide adequate water. Planning officers know that it's difficult enough to secure water under ideal situations. But when the weather turns cold, the job becomes much more difficult. So preplan for the worse case scenario by matching mutual aid companies with your own resources in order to get the job done. Mutual Aid also plays a vital role during "working" assignments, especially when one factors in RIT teams and firefighter rehab.

Important Cold Weather Tips

Fighting fires in cold weather isn't only uncomfortable for front line personnel, it's damaging to equipment as well. Here are some tips from departments around the country that may prove useful during cold weather incidents in your area:

• Avoid coming up DRY by initiating a hydrant "Pump-Out" plan
• Apparatus maintenance is crucial! Make sure that tire chains or other traction devices are available for all first-in units
• Develop a "contingency plan" with the authority or agency responsible for road maintenance and service
• Develop SOP's regarding "dry-pump" vs. "wet-pump" operations. Things to consider are response time, pump design and normal ambient temperature in the station.
• Carry a supply of salt, sand or oil-dry to enhance footing and reduce the possibility of falls.
• During heavy snowfalls, apparatus may be forced to operate "away" from the fire building.
  Extra lengths of attack line should be added to preconnects to compensate for the longer and indirect lays.
• Following knockdown, when handlines are not being used, partially opened control valves will allow water to flow and prevent freezing.
• Make sure that all waterways for monitors or deck pipes are dry, to avoid any freezing or clogging effects resulting from ice or slush.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the cold weather use of SCBA. Don't allow water to seep into regulators or emission valves.
• And finally, ensure that extra turnout gear is available, especially gloves. It's recommended that personnel wear layered clothing, rather than bulky articles.
  

Ours is a unique profession. As firefighters and EMT's, we're called upon to perform a number of important tasks, in a wide range of weather conditions. So whether we're working in desert heat - or arctic cold, our mission is always the same . . .to save the folks inside, and perhaps save their home. By the way, wasn't the 4th of July picnic just a few weeks ago?

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Resources:

(1) NOAA

(2) US Weather Service, Mt Holly, NJ

(3) Battalion Chief Edward Hojnicki
(4) KYW-TV

Mayor Strikes a Deep Blow to Philly's Firefighters

Mayor Michael Nutter

by: Lou Angeli

PHILADELPHIA, PA (December 18, 2008) -- Back in early November, Philly Mayor Michael Nutter announced plans to cut 7 companies from the Philadelphia Fire Department roster. The closings were part of a larger budget cut package that will eventually cost 800 city employees their jobs. Nutter’s reason? He says that the city faces "an economic storm" that could result in a $1 billion shortfall.

The proposed cuts to the Philadelphia Fire Department would be the most drastic in the agency’s 300-year history. Companies, which are being eliminated include:

Engine-1, Engine-6, Engine-8, Engine-14, Engine-39, Ladder-1, Ladder-11

Nutter has defended the company closings as being crucial to the city’s fiscal health, but critics want proof that proposed cuts won't increase risks. They cite increased response times and workload, as neighboring companies pick up the slack.

The cuts will reduce the department’s operating strength by 147, which essentially cancels the department’s new rookie class. A sad state of affairs as many of those young men and women have waited as long a 4 years for the class – and their careers – to begin. No active firefighters will lose their jobs as the city plans to reassign them to other stations in the city.

Engine-8, a popular spot for tourists and firebuffs, is already missing from this picture.

Whenever any fire station is closed, one can expect the community to be up at arms. But Philadelphians have been especially vocal in regard to this issue, launching impromptu street protests and supporting firefighters during their scheduled demonstrations.

Additionally, many of the closings make no tactical sense. For example, in the Roxborough section of the city, the loss of Engine 39 means that the first-due company in much of the area will be its station partner, Ladder 30, a tractor drawn aerial. Should a working fire occur, the ladder crew will be forced to wait for one of three surrounding Engine Companies to arrive before the fire attack to begin. Imagine the chaos as 5 firefighters pace back and forth in front of the burning building, waiting for water to arrive.

During presentation of his budget cut package, Mayor Nutter indicated that Emergency Medical Services would not be affected. If you read between the lines you’ll find that the comment is misleading. Each of the 7 companies, which are scheduled to be closed, are dispatched as a first responders on life-threatening emergencies. At least one member of each company is certified to the EMT-B level and nearly all members have been trained in the use of AED’s. It’s not unusual for an Engine or Ladder crew to have stabilized a critically ill or injured patient before the arrival of firemedic units.

The last of a dozen or so town meetings with Mayor Nutter was held last night but it doesn’t appear that he’ll be changing his mind soon. In the meantime, IAFF Local 22, the Philadelphia Fire Fighters’ Union, yesterday sued the city in both Pennsylvania Supreme Court and Common Pleas Court. Both complaints cite that firefighter safety and health will be compromised if the city proceeds with the closings.

“We have taken this step because we have no other choice,” said IAFF Local 22 President Brian McBride, a 33 year veteran of the Fire Department. “Lives are at stake', McBride added, 'Unless we do something to slow this thing down, I am convinced that people will die.”

There is no specific date set for the closings, but the Mayor has indicated they will take place just after the New Year. Many expect the shutdowns to take place without any warning, with on-coming crews being sent home to await reassignment.

For additional information, or to support Philly’s firefighters, visit this special website SavePFD.com.

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Resources:

-Philadelphia Inquirer

-IAFF Local 22

-WPVI-TV

Hot Fun in the Summertime!

SOPs and Protocol for Warm Weather Firefighter Rehab

By Lou Angeli

Nation's Bravest.com

Phoenix, AZ (May 22, 2008) -- This past week, I visited with several fire-rescue agencies in the desert southwest, from the Grand Canyon to Tucson. Beautiful country, but oh so HOT. On Monday and Tuesday, temperatures in Phoenix topped out at 110 degrees (F), and it appears that the city may already be on its way to challenging last year's record of 100 consecutive days of plus 100 degree temperatures.

"But it's a dry heat Chief." Sure -- just mention that to the crew of Phoenix Station 7, who attended a working structure fire on Monday at high Noon. They'll tell you that 110 degrees, regardless of a humidity reading of 10%, is HOT! So how does the nation's most prestigious fire department protect its members in such unbearable heat? An agressive firefighter rehab protocol, which includes replacing first-alarm companies once they're out.

Simply stated Firefighter Rehab is designed to ensure that the physical and mental well being of members operating at the scene of an emergency (or a training exercise) don't deteriorate to the point where it affects the safety of any other members. After all, "stressed out" is not a good thing when you're working at America's most dangerous job.

Back in 1993, the US Coast Guard conducted a study dealing with the effects of interior firefighting on the human body. The results of the study are posted in the Coast Guard's Firefighting Initiative, but in short, researchers noted that our body core temperature (even for short exposures), often reaches 104 degrees (F) during the firefight.

(1) Primary Mission

The primary mission for fire command is to identify, examine and evaluate the physical and mental status of fire-rescue personnel who have been working during the emergency incident or a training exercise. Following a proper survey (see below), it should be determined what additional treatment, if any, may be required.

According to FEMA, "Any activity/incident that is large in size, long in duration, and/or labor intensive will rapidly deplete the energy and strength of personnel and there merits consideration for rehabilitation."

2. Launching The Rehab Operation

A specially designated Rehab Area, (or Group) remote from the fire or emergency incident, should be established at the discretion of the Incident Commander in consult with the senior Safety Officer. If the Incident Commander determines that Rehab is necessary, qualified EMPT-Ps or EMTs (assigned to the first alarm response) should be assigned to manage the Rehab Sector under the command of a fire or EMS officer or supervisor. Note the emphasis of the "first alarm response."

EMS personnel must be on scene and available to provide treatment to fireground personnel at a moment's notice. If EMS does not respond as part of the initial turnout, consideration should be given to the fact that OSHA will certainly ask why they weren't... especially if anyone is injured.

Because they work side by side with the front line troops, company officers play an important role in Rehab. In fact, the federal government suggests that the safety of the fireground rests here, at the supervisor level. If a company member shows signs of fatigue or illness, the company officer will likely be the first to recognize the problem. Anticipate Rehab needs early in the incident. During large-scale operations, Incident Command should consider augmenting existing resources by requesting additional EMS personnel or even another engine company or squad, to assist in the operation of the Rehab Sector.

(3) Locating the Rehab Sector

It is crucial for Command to establish The Rehab Sector away from any environmental hazards, or by-products of the fire, such as smoke, gases or fumes. During hot months, the ideal location might include a shady, cool area distant from the incident. In winter, a warm, dry area is preferred.

Regardless of the season, the area should be readily accessible to EMS-Rescue personnel and their equipment, so they may restock the sector with supplies, or in the event that emergency transport is required.

Rehab sites can also be established in the lobbies of nearby buildings, parking facilities, or even inside municipal buses. Misting/cooling systems, heating systems, SCBA refilling and canteen service should be stationed in or around this area as well. During large-scale incidents, like multi-alarm fires, Command should consider establishing Multiple Rehab Areas as the situation warrants.

(4) Coordination and Staffing

Command of the Rehab Area should be assigned to a chief or company level officer, who is designated as the Rehab Officer under most Incident Command structures. The incident itself will determine just how many people you'll need to do the job, however a minimum of two trained EMS personnel should initially be assigned to monitor and assist firefighters in the Rehab Sector. Utilize volunteer canteen or auxiliary members to assist EMS personnel in making "working" members as comfortable as possible.

(5) Evaluation of Fire-Rescue Personnel

It is important for command and company level officers to continually monitor personnel for telltale signs of exhaustion, stress, and or physical injury. Individual members are encouraged to report to the Rehab Sector at any time that he or she feels the need to do so. Symptoms may include weakness, dizziness, chest pain, muscle cramps, nausea, altered mental status, difficulty breathing, and others.Regardless of physical well being, all fireground personnel should report to the Rehab Sector immediately following:Strenuous Activity - Forcible Entry, Advancing Hoselines, Ventilation, etc

• The use and depletion of two SCBA bottles


• Thirty (30) minutes of operation within a hazardous/dangerous environment


• Failure of SCBA

(6) Examination of Arriving Personnel

Arriving personnel should be examined by qualified EMS, who should check and evaluate vital signs, and make proper disposition, i.e. return to duty, continued rehabilitation, or transport to medical facility for treatment. The workup should include:.

• Scoring for Glasgow coma trauma scale.


• Checking Pupils


• Checking Vital Signs, such as blood pressure, pulse, breathing rate


• Checking lung sounds


• Administration of a 2-lead EKG, when chest pain or irregular heartbeat is presented


• Skin condition and color Body core temperature

Heart rate should be measured as early as possible in the rest period. If the firefighter's heart rate exceeds 110 beats per minute, it is recommended that an oral temperature be taken. If body core temperature exceeds 100.6F, the firefighter should not be permitted to wear protective equipment or re-enter the active work environment, until temperature has been reduced and heart rate decreased. It is recommended that re-examination occur at ten minute intervals. Using standing orders or existing protocol, Rehab Team Members should record examination results on medical evaluation forms as indicated by the local jurisdiction.

(7) Treatment During Rehab

Upon completing the physical examination, the following steps should be taken to minimize further risk to fire-rescue personnel: Turnout gear, helmets, masks and hoods should be removed immediately. Prior to ingesting anything orally, fluid or solid, it is recommended that the firefighter clean his/her hands and face with water and a cleaning agent, as provided by Rehab Sector personnel.

• The firefighter should rehydrate


• Oral rehydration and nutrition is recommended in the form of 1-2 quarts of fluids
  
• Body core temperature should be reduced by cooling the body


• Cool body temperatures gradually using misting systems, fans, etc


• Individuals should be offered Oxygen therapy via nasal canulla or O2 mask.


• Standing rest before reporting for further assignment

The firefighter will only report to manpower staging when, presentation is deemed normal by the attending EMS personnel.Note: According to FEMA, Water is the best rehydration agent, however some agencies suggest a rehydration solution of 50 / 50 mixture of water and a commercially prepared activity beverage administered at about 40F. Avoid cooling the body using ice packs or hosestreams. Cooling should be gradual, limiting further shock to the body.

In the event that presentation appears abnormal, the Firefighter should immediately receive additional treatment, especially if conditions persist following fifteen minutes of rest. As is appropriate in most locales, those complaining of chest pain, difficulty breathing and altered mental status must receive immediate ALS treatment and transport to definitive health care. Follow your local jurisdiction's ALS protocols in this event.

(8) Accountability

Members reporting to the Rehab Sector / Group should enter and exit the Area as a team. Their company designation, number of personnel, and the times of entry to and exit from the Rehab Area should be documented. This can be done either by the Rehab Officer or his / her designee on a Company Check-In / Out Sheet. Keep crews together, and don't allow overanxious members to freelance the event.

(9) The Vital Importance Of Firefighter Rehab

Very few firefighters who wear the badge are athletes. But, from the moment the alarm is sounded, and that first surge of adrenaline reaches the heart, we're asking our bodies to work triple overtime. Couple that with 55 pounds of business suit, 1200 degree temperatures and another 50 pounds of hand tools and equipment, and the importance of effective rehabilitation at the fire scene becomes crystal clear.
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Originally published in Fire Chief Magazine -- written by Lou Angeli

Saving Firefighter Ryan

by: Lou Angeli

Flashover! Even though firefighters are beginning to understand it, this fatal phenomenon is still shrouded in a veil of mystery. Experts in the fire training arena have differing opinions and descriptions of Flashover, but they all seem to agree on one thing. It's a nasty thing!

Simply put, room and contents begin to burn at a very rapid rate during the growth stage of the blaze. Heat is radiated from burning combustibles, then reradiated by the walls and other structural elements. This "thermal feedback" causes an even greater acceleration of heat. Finally, the entire room and its contents ignite with violent and explosive force.

Our culture and its technology have served as a major contributor to the problem of flashover. Up until the 1960's, the average residence contained natural products made up of woods, cottons and other fabrics. Back then it often took a blaze from 8 to 10 minutes to grow from inception to the fully-involved stage.

But in our present day world of synthetics, plastics and hydrocarbons, the same room takes only 2 to 3 minutes to reach the peak of fire growth. This accelerated rate of burn has become a major concern for firefighting teams and the officers who command them.

Oddly enough, it was a prevention tool designed to save lives that first brought Flashover to our attention - the home smoke detector. In days gone by, fires typically went unreported until they vented from a window, sending the fastest civilian running for the Gamewell Box.

Today, because of the effectiveness of early warning systems, departments are now notified of fires much, much earlier. Companies now arrive on the scene during the growth stage, entering the structure at the worst possible time, just prior to flashover. Combine this with the standing practice of aggressive interior attack, and one can quickly understand why firefighters have become more aware, and much more concerned, of the phenomenon. The simple fact is - we're seeing it much more often.

Inside the simulator: At an elapsed time of one minute, superheated smoke begins to bank down toward the firefighters on the floor. With 45 seconds the smoke ignites in what firefighters once called a smoke explosion, but now know as Flashover.

Low Tech System with High Tech Results

In Europe, where line of duty deaths, and interior attack, are quite rare, the multi-national fire community was shocked, when in 1987, two Swedish firefighters lost their lives to a flashover incident. In response, training officers in Stockholm saw the need to create an awareness program for the brigade's firefighters. They developed a rudimentary simulator that allows attack teams to identify potentially dangerous environments during the early stages of the firefight. Their primary goal: to demonstrate to suppression teams how to escape a flashover and exit safely.

On the fire training grounds near Stockholm, I prepare to videotape the special fire training simulator designed by the Swedes. I was expecting a high-tech block structure, with thermal sensors, gas jets, and emergency sprinklers. Instead, I'm led to a series of overseas shipping containers, that have been laid out in random fashion to represent various firefighting scenarios.

According to Roland Lindquist, Director of the Raddnings Verket, (The Swedish Fire Rescue Services Agency) the system was adopted by all departments in Sweden by 1990. Instructors there further refined both classroom and hands-on curriculum, and today every Swedish firefighter is required to take this special training course. It's dubbed the Swede Survival System, and it's taken Europe, and this nation, by storm.

Foreign Technology -- American Know-How

Six thousand miles away from Stockholm, in America's heartland, Indianapolis firefighters carry on a tradition that's been passed down from generation to generation -- mounting an aggressive interior attack. Like so many departments nationwide, Indy fire administration have armed all front-line personnel with the very best in protective equipment -- A secure envelope, that guards firefighters from intense heat and vicious flames.

But some say that this very same envelope denies firefighters the use of an important God-given safety regulator – the sense of feel. In short, present day protective gear is so damned good, it's difficult to determine when to bail out.

A 3-alarm blaze in Indy's downtown section, found three firefighters deep inside the bowels of the beast. A huge structure, the Athletic Club blaze was stubborn, and difficult to ventilate. According to other interior personnel, the trio entered a smoky room in search of the seat of the fire, but within moments the room erupted in an explosion of flame, instantly snuffing out their lives.

IFD was determined to prevent similar horrible accidents from ever happening again. They imported the Swede Survival System, and since its installation, EVERY IFD firefighter and officer has received extensive flashover training -- many, more than once.

In other departments throughout the USA, training officers have adapted the system to meet the needs of America's aggressive firefighters. Their goal, to show an uncontrolled blaze in a SAFE, controlled atmosphere. And to date, nearly one hundred departments and agencies have answered the call.

Share your experiences INSIDE the Flashover Simulator by posting your comments here! Also, view the video clip "Saving Firefighter Ryan" on FlashoverTV.

Remember: Everyone Goes Home! Everyone!

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Resources:

(1) Raddnings-Verket (Swedish Fire-Rescue Services Agency)

(2) Swede Survival Systems

(3) Flashover TV

(4) Everyone Goes Home!

(5) Flashover (Wikipedia)

Extreme Weather Firefighting

By: Lou Angeli

(St. Louis, MO) -- REPOST -- As weather experts debate the effects of El Nino on North American weather patterns, the "B" shift members of St. Louis Squad-2 don't really give a damn. Winter is on them, and the simple fact of the matter is it's getting cold.

Cold weather makes America's most dangerous occupation even more hazardous. Statistics show that most serious fires occur during the Winter months, when homes and businesses are sealed tight, and supplemental sources of heat are being used.

Granted, a few areas of North America are "temperate" and experience consistent weather patterns throughout the year. But unless you're a firefighter in Key West, McAllen (TX) or Phoenix, chances are you've already noticed that hot, muggy days have been replaced by cold, windy nights. You've also noticed that fighting fires in below freezing weather isn't fun.

This year, Winter came early, and with vengeance to the Prarie Midwest. So much so that President Bush has designated areas hit by early Winter Storms as disaster areas. With temperatures hitting the single digits, and wind chills exceeding minus 40 below, serious fires have caused millions in damage, and claimed a number of lives.

Fighting fires in cold weather is part of everyday life for firefighters in the upper Midwest. This constant exposure to Mother Nature's brutal side has made on thing clear. The cold takes it toll - on personnel and equipment.

During the next few weeks, the Arctic cold will dip well into the continental US. And even though we know it's going to happen, Old Man Winter takes those of us in the lower-48 by surprise every time.

But It's A Dry Cold, Chief

Try telling that to firefighters in Indianapolis, who are accustomed to relatively stable Winter weather. Last year by mid-December, they were operating in the coldest air to hit the area since 1887. Just South of Indy, in Bargersville, Indiana, the town experienced 12 consecutive days of sub-zero weather. Years of training and experience hadn't prepared these Johnson County volunteers for this type of firefighting.

This season, fire departments throughout the central Midwest, are preparing for the same cold, with one major difference. Many have developed a contingency plan - one that stresses "firefighter safety". Generally speaking, North of the Mason-Dixon line, departments are better prepared for the hardships of cold weather. But when the alarm sounds, and the thermometer is stuck at zero, neither a firefighter's training nor protective gear can block out the effects of the biting cold.

Using Common Sense

Once on the fireground, firefighter safety becomes a primary consideration for command.While Engine Company members concern themselves with fighting the fire inside the structure, Support Company members are busy fighting the elements, working on icy surfaces and ladders.

Firefighting in cold weather still requires getting water to handlines and master streams. It's one of the most difficult tasks in Winter firefighting. In icy temperatures, leading offfrom a frozen hydrant or pond may waste valuable minutes. That's why it's important to pre-plan wintertime water supply operations.

In Porter County, Indiana, members of Center Fire & Rescue rely on large diameter supply lines and tanker shuttles to provide adequate water. Planning officers know that it's difficult enough to secure water under ideal situations. But when the weather turns cold, the job becomes much more difficult. So they're preplanned for the worse case scenaio, matching mutual aid companies with their own resources to get the job done. Mutual Aid also plays a vital role during "working" assignments, especially when one factors in firefighter rehab.

Important Cold Weather Tips

Fighting fires in cold weather isn't only uncomfortable for front line personnel, it's damaging to equipment as well. Here are some tips from departments around the country, that may prove useful during cold weather incidents in your area:

• Avoid coming up DRY, by initiating a hydrant "Pump-Out" plan
  
• Apparatus maintenance is crucial! Make sure that tire chains or other traction devices are available for all first-in units
  
• Develop a "contingency plan" with the authority or agency responsible for road maintenance and service
  
• Develop SOP's regarding "dry-pump" vs. "wet-pump" operations. Things to consider are response time, pump design and normal ambient temperature in the station.
  
• Carry a supply of salt, sand or oil-dry to enhance footing and reduce the possibility of falls.
  
• During heavy snowfalls, apparatus may be forced to operate "away" from the fire building.
  
• Extra lengths of attack line should be added to preconnects to compensate for the additional stretch.
  
• Following knockdown, when handlines are in standby, partially opened control valves will allow water to flow and prevent freezing.
  
• Make sure that all waterways for monitors or deck pipes are dry, to avoid any freezing or clogging effects resulting from ice or slush .
  
  Follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the cold weather use of SCBA. Don't allow water to seep into regulators or emmission valves.
  
  And finally, ensure that extra turnout gear is available, especially gloves. It's recommended that personnel wear layered clothing, rather than bulky articles.

Ours is a unique profession. As firefighters and EMT's, we're called upon to perform a number of important tasks, in a wide range of weather conditions. So whether we're working in desert heat - or arctic cold, our mission is always the same. . .to save the folks inside, and perhaps save their home.

By the way, wasn't the 4th of July picnic just a few weeks ago?

-----

Resources:
(1) NOAA
(2) US Weather Service
(3) Battalion Chief Edward Hojnicki

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