Half Million Californians Are Evacuated

Southern California (October 23, 2007 – 1512 hours) – Six thousand firefighters have been joined by 1500 National Guardsmen in an attempt to extinguish 19 massive wildfires in the area between Santa Barbara County and the Mexican border. Early this morning President George Bush issued an emergency declaration for the area with a promise of additional equipment and manpower.

Two citizens are dead, 16 firefighters seriously injured and half million Californians have been evacuated, with more mandatory evacuations expected. Five of San Diego's 23 emergency shelters reached capacity Monday evening. Others evacuees took shelter with friends or relatives.

Officials say that the fires have 340,000 acres, claimed 1300 homes with another 60,000 others threatened. The number and intensity of the fires have stretched California's firefighting resources to the limit, with one department reporting the "lack of resources [is] hindering suppression efforts."

Two of the largest blazes East of San Diego are expected to join later today to become a superblaze. Firefighters and equipment have been withdrawn from the area in anticipation of the combined fires. In Los Angeles County the Ranch, the Buckweed and the Magic fires -- are projected to merge in about 48 hours into a more than 80,000-acre fire, according to Roger Richcreek of the Angeles National Forest.

By mid-morning thousands of evacuees were taking shelter in Qualcomm Stadium and other locations throughout San Diego. Marines began evacuating aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to other military bases in California and Arizona. The San Diego Wild Animal Park moved some animals to the on-site animal hospital for their protection

Officials have stated that they fear the inferno could become even more destructive than the 2003 Cedar Fire, considered the worst wildfire ever on record. During that blaze 50,000 citizens were evacuated, compared to the the current ten-fold number of 500,000.

sources:
-CalFire
-OES (California)
-San Diego County

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The Perfect Firestorm

SOCAL (October 23, 2007 -- 0930hrs) -- As the Sun rose over Southern California on Tuesday, Wildfires continue to devastate a dozen counties. Nearly 350,000 people have been evacuated from San Diego county alone, and additional evacuations are expected.

According to the National Weather Service, the Santa Anas will continue to blow today, rendering any effective containment unlikely. 245,957 acres, or 384 square miles,are now burning with more expected. New fires seem to sprout up every hour and the National Interagency Command Center reported 19 new blazes over the past 24 hours.

In San Diego County, the Witch fire now covers 10,000 acres and is zero percent contained. This fire is one mile east of the City of Ramona, and all citizens have been evacuated. Further East, the 20,000-acre Harris fire is spreading unchecked. Strong winds are hampering suppression efforts. The blaze is threatening the Potrero CalFire station and structure protection is in place.

The San Diego Sheriff's Department reports that there were two arrests overnight for looting in the Ramona area. Two 18-year-olds were taken into custody. Sheriff's Lt. Mike McClain says that the deputies are on patrol looking for criminal activity in evacuated areas.

CalFire will launch a search and rescue mission today in the Harris fire scorched area to look for illegal immigrants who are lost or have been killed. The fire burned a rugged region criss-crossed by trails used by illegal immigrants. Several were discovered Sunday night injured with burns.

Further North the Los Angeles Fire Department has assigned two Strike Teams of Firefighters to assist the Los Angeles County Fire Department in their battle against a brush fire between Agua Dulce and Canyon Country, California, twelve miles north of the City. The Agua Dulce Fire in Canyon Country is currently at 35500 + acres and is 20% contained. The fire is heading southwest to Santa Clarita.

Detailed fire suppression efforts can be found on the Los Angeles Fire Department’s twitter, which is regularly updated by the department’s communications specialist Brian Humphrey. Locations of major fires can be found on Google Maps.

Additional firefighting teams have arrived from southern Nevada to assist San Diego County firefighters who have been stretched so thin that many stations are unmanned. The Northwest is sending strike teams to help fight the Southern California wildfires. In all, 25 units are being dispatched from Oregon and Washington state.

Volunteer firefighters from the East coast are self-responding and airlines are offering discounted fares to firefighting teams.

The worst California wildfire of the past decade was the Cedar Fire in October of 2003, which killed 15 people and destroyed more than 4,800 structures, many of them houses, as it burned nearly 300,000 acres in San Diego County.


sources:

Bloggers Blog

Los Angeles City Fire Department Blog

San Diego Fire Department Blog

The Santa Ana Winds -- Explainer

Santa Ana winds are a California firefighter’s nightmare. These blustery, dry, and often hot winds blow out of the desert and race through canyons and passes in the mountains on their way toward the coast.

The air is hot not because it is bringing heat from the desert, but because it is flowing downslope from higher elevations. As fall progresses, cold air begins to sink into the Great Basin deserts to the east of California.

As the air piles up at the surface, high pressure builds, and the air begins to flow downslope toward the coast. When winds blow downslope, the air gets compressed, which causes it to warm and dry out. In fact, the air can warm at a rate of 29 degrees Fahrenheit per mile.

Canyons and passes funnel the winds, which increases their speed. Not only do the winds spread the fire, but they also dry out vegetation, making it even more flammable.


Source: NASA

Deadly Firestorms Ravage Southern California

SOCAL (October 22, 2007) -- Dozens of wildfires are out of control in Southern California leaving behind major damage. One person is dead, hundreds injured and fire officials say that none of the firestorms have been contained. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency seven counties.

Today, a quarter-million San Diego County residents were ordered to evacuate as blazes ripped across dry brush and vegetation, fed by desert hot Santa Ana winds. At last report tens of thousands of homes are at risk of being destroyed.

One band of wildfires about 70 miles southeast of San Diego had already blackened 14,000 acres or 22 square miles and there are no signs that the wildfires can be halted.

Further North, along famed Highway One, out-of-control wildfires threatened thousands of Malibu area homes late Monday, as firefighters raced to beat back the blazes. 700 firefighters worked to protect hundreds of homes in several upscale communities nestled in the hills.
The fires, which covered swaths of drought-parched land, from the high desert to the Pacific Ocean. Some of the worst damage in Malibu, included a church, homes and a castle – all burned to the ground.

In many areas near Malibu, the fires were like flashbacks. Between Oct. 21 and Nov. 4 of 2003, 15 fires in many of the same areas killed 22 people, destroyed 3,640 homes and blackened 750,000 acres.

"It was nuclear winter. It was like Armageddon. It looked like the end of the world," Mitch Mendler, a San Diego firefighter, told the AP while he and his crew stopped at a shopping center parking lot to refill their water truck from a hydrant near a restaurant.

"I lost count," he said when asked how many homes had burned
.
Meanwhile, California officials appealed to fire agencies in other states for help.

As flames roared down on communities with amazing speed, firefighters complained that their efforts to stop them were delayed when people who refused to leave their homes confronted them.

In the San Bernardino Mountains, mandatory evacuations were ordered in several communities where 1,500 homes were threatened by two blazes that had blackened more than 600 acres west of Lake Arrowhead and in the Green Valley area.

At least one of the fires, in Orange County, was believed to be caused by arson, said Orange County Fire Authority spokeswoman Lynnette Round. It consumed about 8,800 acres was 30 percent contained.

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Md. fire commision chairman arrested for theft

I've reposted this story from DelawareOnline.

By DAMIAN GILETTO, The News Journal

The chairman of a Maryland fire commission was arrested Thursday and charged with stealing more than $150,000 from the Queen Anne's County government, said the Maryland State Police.

Ted Jackson, 43, of Centreville, allegedly used his position as chairman of the Queen Anne's County Fire Commission to submit 14 written requests for supplies, said Lt. D. Boardman, a spokesman for the state police Centreville barracks.

An audit showed the orders, which were for six tents, 15 trailers, and 21 generators, were never purchased or received by the county, Boardman said.

The total of the orders amounted to $167,806, Boardman said.

Jackson was arrested Thursday and charged with felony theft and felony theft scheme, Boardman said.Jackson was released after posting $20,000 unsecured bond.

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Tragedy Strikes Delaware County (PA) Firefighters…Again!

Firefighter Dies Of Injuries

Sharon Hill, PA (October 1, 2007) --A young Sharon Hill, PA volunteer firefighters has died of injuries sustained during a firefight in Delaware County, PA. Officials say that 19-year-old Firefighter Michael Regan, a volunteer firefighter who was working part time while attending school, was seriously burned and hospitalized in critical condition.

He died from his injuries Friday afternoon at Crozer-Chester Burn Center. Four other Ridley Township firefighters were seriously injured in that blaze – a garage fire – when a brick wall suddenly gave way and the wooden, trussed roof gave way.

Meanwhile, Parkside firefighter Chase Frost, 21, remains in critical condition with burns to more than half his body. During an August 11th fire, Frost and his partner entered a burning apartment building when the second floor collapsed, pinning Frost for 15 minutes. “He laid in the debris baking like a potato,” one Delaware County Firefighter noted.

In a report published by the Philadelphia Inquirer, Sharon Hill Chief Bill Benecke, 40, described the garage collapse.

“It looked like it was out, and then that quick it collapsed on them," He heard a swoosh as the garage's doors and a beam collapsed, then saw fire everywhere, he said.

Densely populated Delaware County, PA is served by 70 volunteer fire companies and 1 career department (City of Chester). With the number of volunteers in Pennsylvania dwindling to record low numbers, these companies rely more and more on one another –p a concept know as mutual aid response. They also rely a great deal on college students and younger members.

In Sharon Hill, there are 40 active volunteers on the books and 200 past, active members. In order to serve as a frontline firefighters the company maintains a strict policy that new members complete the 186 hour state Firefighter-1 certification.

The last Delaware County firefighter who died fighting a fire was also from Ridley Township. William Caber was 21 when he died battling a house fire in the early morning hours of April 15, 1977.

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SC OSHA Cites Charleston Fire Department

By Lou Angeli

Charleston, SC (September 21, 2007) -- South Carolina OSHA didn’t waste any time issuing its report on the June 18th Sofa Store fire in which nine Charleston Firefighters lost their lives. The summary, which was issued by the agency earlier today, cites the City of Charleston Fire Department with willful and serious violations that led to the death the firefighters.

In the notice of citation and penalty, there are four separate violations beginning with the willful violation. SC OSHA reports that the CFD “…knew or should have known that the command system does not provide for the overall safety of emergency personnel and their activities.”

The report adds three serious violations which include, no operating procedure for fighting a fire in a trussed roof building; that body protection was not required to be worn by the nine dead firemen; and that self contained breathing apparatus was not required to be worn at all times by four firemen who were exposed to smoke and toxic substances.

The total fine levied against the CFD is less than $10,000. But according to firefighter safety advocate, Chief Billy Goldfeder, “The fine dollar amount isn't really the issue at this point.” He continues, “The fact that they (the department) were found in violation and those violations directly contributed to the Line of Duty Deaths of nine CFD Firefighters is the issue.”

The citations, especially the willful violation, have rocked the firefighting world. In South Carolina, response from professional firefighters was quick. Michael Parrotta of the South Carolina Professional Firefighters Association says firefighters have lost faith in Chief Rusty Thomas, and called for his immediate resignation.

Just one day after the blaze, many firefighters urged that Thomas be suspended. But Charleston mayor, Joe Riley, has noted on several occasions that as long as he’s mayor, Thomas will remain the city’s fire chief. But TV journalist Sarah DeMarco notes in a recent report, “Some say if that's the case, then maybe it's also time for Riley to find a new job.“

"The new report is a clarion call for change." says Charleston Firefighters Association Local 61 President Roger Yow.

“It's no longer just fire fighters who claim the Charleston Fire Department is run in an unsafe manner,” Yow notes. “Now state officials also are condemning Chief Thomas's failed leadership.”

Mayor Riley says the city will vigorously challenge citations for the safety violations issued by SC OSHA. He feels that the state agency “…has wrongly punished the city.

The sofa store fire that claimed the Charleston Nine is the worst on-the-job loss for the North American fire service since the events of 9/11/01, and the story is being followed closely by fire-rescue agencies around the world.

SC OSHA’s report is a wake up call for the fire service and has national ramifications. It sends a message to mayors, county executives and fire department board members, nationwide, to choose their leaders based on skill – not popularity.

During the past generation the fire service here in America has seen more change than it did during its first 300 years. In my mind it was just a matter of time before an incident, like the sofa fire in Charleston, took place. Quite possibly it could have occurred in some other American city, because CFD isn’t the only fire rescue agency that still operates in the past.

Chief Rusty Thomas’ choice to ignore firefighting procedures that have been universally accepted is clearly a disregard for the men and women who serve under him. It’s time for Thomas to step down, and allow the Charleston Fire Department to be rebuilt. It’s the best scenario for the citizens of one of America’s most beautiful cities – one that will allow Charleston firefighters to demonstrate their true skills and potential.

---

Resources for this commentary:

(1) SC OSHA Report http://media.charleston.net/pdf/OSHAreport.pdf

(2) News 4 Charleston
(3) The Secret List

(4) Photos by: Tyronne Walker (used by permission)

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Delaware To Audit Volunteer Fire Companies

State audit won't reveal anything controversial!

In response to a story published in the News-Journal and Delaware Online

by: Lou Angeli

The firefighters' responses that have been posted here are comments from their hearts. A fter all, theirs is an avocation, a job that pays nada...zilch. Delaware's volunteer firefighters and EMT's are a very special breed, the type of person who keeps alive one of America's greatest qualities -- the spirit of volunteerism.

As far as audits are concerned, there's no big deal. Most companies conduct their own 3rd party audits by licensed CPA's. So here's what Mr. Wagner will learn. To meet NFPA recommendations, adopted long ago by Delaware's fire companies, is not an inexpensive proposition. By some estimates, to train and equip a volunteer firefighter to the NFPA-1001 standard runs in the neighborhood of $10-$12K.

That pumper you see racing to the scene of a fire or auto accident is one of over a hundred operated by Delaware Fire Companies. Price tag: $250K plus. And as the fire service assumes more responsibilities -- such as HazMat and specialized rescue -- additional equipment and training is required, and such highly technical training comes at a steep price.

Audits will reveal to the Minner administration that volunteer fire companies have responded to the important need for better daytime response by hiring "paid" personnel to cover peak hours. Citizens certainly won't challenge such a program, because when it's their turn to make the 9-1-1 call, trained personnel are at their front door in minutes regardless of the time of day.

Mr. Wagner will also learn that to reward those who provide such a crucial service to the community, fire companies spend a few bucks for Christmas parties, the annual Banquet and perhaps a summer picnic. I believe that most will agree that such rewards are a small price to pay for the dedication of so many.

Regular audits are a great idea, and it's doubtful that fire companies will not cooperate with Mr. Wagner's office. After all, fire companies are corporations and their board members would be the fall guys if they fail to comply.

Just a note: Ranroad's random comments that theft and misuse of public funds is "common" -- well I'm unable to say from what orifice he pulled that information, so I'll simply note that his comment (ie common) has no basis in fact.

Historically, firefighters in this State vote the democratic ticket -- and any seasoned Delaware politician will tell you that volunteer firemen are the swing vote. Whoever the Republicans choose to go up against the next Democratic gubernatorial candidate, should place Route 52 on hold for a week or so, and make his/her first stop Delaware's Fire Stations. Thanks for allowing me to voice my opinion.

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A Bittersweet Commemoration and FEMA’s Bitter Mandate

by Lou Angeli

New York, NY (September 11, 2007) -- Today I joined thousands of Ground Zero responders in Lower Manhattan to commemorate the 6th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center. Of that group, two hundred of us were were invited to read the names of those who perished 6 years ago, the first time that emergency personnel were offered such a privilege. Needless to say, the event was bittersweet.

For those of you who served at Ground Zero, you’ll recall that we were isolated from the rest of the World in our emergency village. There were no TV's, no newspapers at the disaster site, so we never saw the faces of the missing nor heard the pleas from their friends and families.

But today, 9/11 responders finally came face-to-face with the hundreds of families who lost loved ones during the collapse of the twin towers. When it was my turn to walk onto the stage to stand behind the podium, my reading partner and I were overwhellmed by the thousands standing before us holding out photos of their loved ones and waving so many signs of thanks.

Following the collapses, there were 20 rescues by official count -- perhaps one hundred others that were never recorded. Such rescues, especially those of Port Authority Police Sgt John McLoughlin and his partner Officer Will Jimeno, did a great deal to bolster the spirits of the thousand working at Ground Zero. Unfortunately, only one other rescue was made. Rescue turned to recovery within 48 hours.

In the years since 9/11/01, some fire-rescue personnel still feel that they had failed at their mission. One of them, Jeff Johns, a Transit Authority foreman and Ground Zero rescuer, ended his reading by apologizing to the families saying that, “We wish we could have done more. We tried” Failure is something firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement officers don't take to very well. Neither does Jeff Johns.

70,000 emergency and volunteer responders answered New York City's call for help during the ten day period following the disaster. They came from every state as well as Canada, Mexico, the UK, Germany, Italy, Israel and France. It was a nation coming together -- the world coming together in the spirit of volunteerism.

Some say that we've lost that spirit, but Americans proved again during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, that they were up to the challenge. As Americans, it is one of those things we do best -- Helping our neighbors in time of need.

Feds Attempt to Break That Spirit

However, the federal government has taken a bold step to esnure that volunteer responders, like most of us who were assembled at Ground Zero, won’t be able to respond to America’s next disaster. And that was the buzz at the World Trade Center site following this year’s commemoration ceremony.

Please take note that my definition of a volunteer responder has nothing to do with a person’s avocation. It includes professional firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement officers, building trades, and medical professionals, who respond to offer their skills during a disaster.

There’s a second equally important tier of responders, those who I refer to as support volunteers. They are the students, housewives, retired folks and church groups who are drawn to the disaster site to help in whatever way that they can. Without them, the crews at the WTC disaster site would not have been nourished or provided supplies.

But FEMA says – NEVER again!

To coincide with the 6th commemoration of the World Trade Center attacks, FEMA announced an ambitious ID program for rescue workers to keep SCUVs from swarming to a disaster scene. SCUV is FEMA’s acronym for self responders – Self Convergent Unafilliated Volunteers.(1)

According to an AP report, The Federal Emergency Management Agency came up with the idea after the World Trade Center attack and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when countless Americans rushed to help — unasked, undirected, and sometimes unwanted.

Volunteers and front line professionals who I’ve spoken to are livid. Even professional organizations, like the Disaster Research Center disagree with FEMA’s move to eliminate volunteers from disaster response.

“The rescue effort at the World Trade Center reminded us of the important role that emergent groups and volunteers have during major emergencies and disasters.” says DRC’s Patricia Smythe. (2)

Others aren’t as polite as Dr Smythe.

Popular internet journalist, Lew Rockwell suggests that FEMA is simply trying to enhance its credibility by discrediting the volunteers. “FEMA hates volunteers,’ Rockwell says, ‘since they do the actual rescuing and rebuilding, as in Katrina.” (3)

Oddly enough, following 2003’s Hurricane Isabel, FEMA’s issued a report that was clearly very favorable to the volunteer response to that disaster. (4) The headline reads, “Volunteers Perform Vital Function in Disaster Recovery.”

In the next edition of “Rescue Us” we’ll examine FEMA’s Volunteer Embargo with more detail, review the agency's track record and discuss what all of this will mean to the unlucky American community, which will play host to the nation’s next major disaster.

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(1) Feds To Restrict Volunteers From Helping During Disasters - MSNBC

(2) Disaster Research Center (University of Delaware)

(3) “Fema-nists Hate Volunteers” Lee Rockwell

(4) FEMA Release Number:1490-60 (October 20, 2003)

Ground Zero's Silent Heroes

Mt. Sinai Study Fails To Enroll Out-Of-State 9/11 Responders
by Lou Angeli

New York, NY (September 6, 2007) -- On the eve of the 6th anniversary of the attacks on America, the Brooklyn Borough Hall will play host to a Congressional Sub-Committee which is scheduled to listen to statements regarding the health of 9/11 responders who reside outside of New York City and State. For those of you who served at Ground Zero, you are well aware that a huge percentage of emergency service volunteers at Ground Zero hailed from other locales.

Last week a plea was issued by the Committee on Government Oversight and Reform -- Urgent: Out Of State 9/11 Responders Needed To Testify. The intent was to listen to statements from non New York responders to determine how to identify out of state responders, and convince them to enroll in the World Trade Center Medical Monitoring Program.

But - wait. Hold the applause.

Today, the committee agenda was altered. The once urgent plea for out of staters was revoked so that constituents of committee members could be heard. I'd buy into that change, had the hearing been held in DC, before Congressmen representing many other of states. But the hearing in Brooklyn will be attended primarily by New York delegation members, which means that there will be more self-serving New York testimony -- and no voice for Ground Zero's Silent Heroes.

Who are the men and women who responded from outside New York City to serve at Ground Zero? And where are they now?

In its report on the World Trade Center attacks, The Disaster Research Center at the University of Delaware noted that volunteer responders, both trained and untrained, were vital to the rescue effort in New York City, especially during the first 72 hours. Excluding FEMA, nearly every agency which has studied the Trade Center disaster makes note of the importance of an organized volunteer response.

The numbers of volunteer workers who responded to Lower Manhattan during the first days following the attacks has been estimated at 40,000, and there are some reports that suggest numbers as high as 70,000.

During the early stages of rescue and recovery, the volunteers who made it to Ground Zero did so on their own. Many were trained emergency professionals, who were never summoned, but rather “self responded” to the site. Because of their expertise, they immediately began to work assisting FDNY search teams. Others “walk-ins” included steel workers, operating engineers, chiropractors, massage therapists, clergy, college students, and housewives.

The vast majority of the men and women who served at Ground Zero were never asked to respond – they did so because of their desire to help. It's what Americans do well -- helping one another during troubled times.

They came from every state and from Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Israel and Italy. Unfortunately, we may never know the names of most of 9/11’s out of state responders, especially those skilled in emergency response – the firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, military and nurses, who served at Ground Zero...then disappeared.

Finding them will be like “finding the needle in a haystack” largely due to FEMA’s ongoing directive to restrict volunteer “self-response” during major disasters. (1) It is a concept that is shared and enforced by many local emergency agencies. In many jurisdictions, especially those that operate as career agencies, such a violation could result in disciplinary action, or even worse -- dismissal.

Following the events of September 11, 2001, FEMA and the US Fire Administration distributed a questionnaire in an attempt to gather statistics regarding the response to the World Trade Center disaster. Many of those who could have answered the questionnaire did not, fearing reprisal.

To make matters worse, published newspaper stories and discussion on “non official” web forums suggested that individuals who had taken it upon themselves to respond, had breeched a crime scene and could possibly face local, state and Federal criminal charges. Out of state responders went off the radar.

According to the 2004 Mount Sinai Study it is estimated that some 70% of all 9/11 responders suffer from illnesses related to the rescue and recovery effort. Like their colleagues in New York City and State, hundreds, if not thousands of out of state first responders are ill as well. After all, they worked under the same horrendous conditions and ingested the same hazardous materials as local emergency personnel. Are they being cared for properly – or are they just biding time?

In a few short years, the Medical Monitoring Program has created an extremely detailed database, which allows healthcare professionals to carefully follow treatment and progress of thousands of World Trade Center responders who reside in New York. Reaching out to responders in other states, who served an extremely important role at Ground Zero, is a very important step.

How to effectuate such a response is determined by two very important criteria: A guarantee to those who enroll that their information will remain confidential. And allowing the screeners to take to the streets to enroll these silent responders in their own hometowns.

Oh -- and there's one more critically important criteria. Having Congressional Committees stick to their published agenda -- not placate their colleagues' constiuents.

(1) FEMA Restricts Volunteers at Disasters

Greek Wildfires: Terrorism or Lack of Firefighting Resources?

Lack of resources and arsonists plague Greek firefighting effort

Greek government declared a countrywide state of emergency to help mobilize resources to fight the far-reaching wildland fires, that are being blamed on arsonist and terrorists. The worst fires are concentrated in the mountains of the Peloponnese Peninsula in southern Greece and on the island of Evia north of Athens.Tuesday morning, firefighters said 89 new fires broke out overnigjht and dozens of others were burning throughout the country unchecked.

The firefight is proving to be very difficult as poorly-equipped municipal firefighters muster citizens to serve on hand-to-hand bucket brigades in some places. France, Italy, Cyprus and Israel have sent firefighters, with aircraft coming from France and Italy, sources reported. As of this writing another 12 countries were sending reinforcements.

Blazes came within inches of destroying the museum at Olympia, housing famous classical sculptures such as Praxiteles' Hermes. But air tankers, helicopters and scores of firefighters beat it back. 60 Firefighters and 6 engines remain on the scene in case the blaze flares up again.

“The destruction is of biblical proportions,” Nicholas Orphanos, a volunteer firefighter in the Peloponnese, told Reuters. “There are villages we want to go to (but) cannot because the roads are blocked. In 30 years, I have never seen such destruction.” (2)

According to conservative estimates, 110 villages have been razed to the ground, six and a half million acres of farmland consumed, and countless acres of pine forest and olive groves reduced to cinders. “Much of Arcadia, in the central Peloponnese, a prime tourist attraction, is reminiscent of moonscape and thousands of rural Greeks fear financial ruin.” reported The Guardian. (3)

On Monday, Prosecutor Dimitris Papangelopoulos ordered an investigation into whether the fires could have been the work of terrorists. 33 people have already been arrested on suspicion of arson, including an elderly woman who was cooking outside her home.

With all of the unrelated, spontaneous outbreaks, one can accept the fact that these fires are arson in nature. But the real problem here isn’t terrorism, it is Greece’s inability to deal with large scale fires of this nature and magnitude. In a country whose landscape is much like that of California, there is no dedicated Forest Firefighting service, no incident command system and nothing even close to hot shot teams. Without the ability to build and maintain firebreaks, these massive blazes simply roll across the landscape, fed by hot, dry winds from the Middle Eastern deserts.

In 2003, the Greek government appropriated 18 million Euros to revamp the Greek Fire Service. There were to be 735 new firefighting vehicles, new protective gear for firefighters, new fire stations, in addition to helicopters and fireboats. The idea was to place the Greek Fire Service on equal footing with the USA, UK, Sweden and Germany. But somehow that procurement came up short, and only 50 apparatus were actually delivered -- all of them to Athens. Some claim that government’s investment was a ruse, simply to impress foreign visitors who attended the 2004 Summer Olympic Games.

In recent months, there have been complaints of inefficiency of the fire service in Greece. Average response times by fire units serving rural areas is 35 minutes – and remember, that’s the average. This is compounded by the fact that Greek government recently prohibited the use helicopters for the firefighting for fear that such operations would create additional power cuts, a common occurrence in rural Greece.

The problem of controlling the huge fires is a general lack of investment in firefighting equipment and personnel, reports the popular UK-based blog EU Referendum. “ In Greece,’ the blog reports, ‘investments happen only after the horse has bolted". (4)

And then there are the politics of natural disasters. In a move reminiscent of FEMA’s response to Katrina, government in Greece has firmly placed the blame on someone else – in this case the unseen terrorist. That’s understandable -- if you’re an idiot. National elections are in 3 weeks, and Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis would prefer to be viewed as a hero – not the one responsible for cutting funding for firefighters and firefighting.

-----

Resources:

(1) BBC World News

(2) Reuters News Service
(3) The Guardian

(4) EU Referendum

(5) Wired News (sat image)

Remembering Andrew: 15 Years Later

15 years ago today, Mother Nature decided to pay a visit to bustling Dade County, Florida. She actually arrived as a "He" and nearly everyone knew of her intentions, so few were there to greet him.

Hurricane Andrew is the second-most-destructive hurricane in U.S. history, and the last of three Category 5 hurricanes that made U.S. landfall during the 20th century. Andrew caused $26.5 billion in damage ($41.1 billion in 2007 US dollars), with most of that damage cost in South Florida. The hurricane resulted in 65 deaths. (1)

Compared to Katrina, Andrew was small – just 110 miles wide. But as the storm approached the Florida coast, Andrew whipped up fierce winds of 175 miles per hour. That’s when he decided to make landfall, taking aim at one of South Florida's most densely populated areas -- Dade County.

In addition to the unprecedented winds (one gust was clocked at 212 mph) Andrew spawned hundreds of tiny tornadoes called mini-whirls. It was these vortices -- not straight line winds -- that are believed to have caused the major damage.

Residents of South Florida, specifically Dade County, had plenty of time to heed warnings from emergency officials. Evacuation was mandatory and most citizens made their way North into Central Florida to wait out the storm. Only a few teams of emergency personnel remained behind.

Because of its size, Andrew crossed the peninsula and and into the Gulf of Mexico in just a few hours, but destruction that the storm left during such a short period was unimaginable. The swath extended from Miami in the north – to Homestead, Florida and the upper Keys in the south. Virtually all of southern Dade County lay in ruins. Final tally: More than 25,500 homes were destroyed, over 101,000 others damaged and 65 people killed.

Andrew caused so much damage at Homestead Air Force Base, very near the point of landfall, that the base was forced to close and its squadrons relocated to Italy. Metro-Dade Fire and Rescue was on the street in full strength within an hour of Andrew’s passing making a systematic search of neighborhoods. The department was joined by other emergency personnel from throughout the nation as they combed through the ruins searching for trapped victims. And there were plenty of ruins to search.

Even though Katrina eclipsed Andrew, the statistics from the storm still hold considerable weight. Following the storm, the federal government, the state and municipalities considered Andrew’s visit as a wake-up call and soon took the concept of storm preparedness to new levels.

I believe that writer Ken Kaye of Florida’s Sun Sentinel sums it best.

“Today, South Florida in many ways is stronger because of Andrew, considering that the storm prompted a massive rebuilding and resulted in tougher building codes. But before dawn on that Monday, when the winds were screaming, it was one of this region's darkest hours.” (2)


(1) Wikipedia summary
(2) Sun Sentinel

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2 FDNY Firefighters Killed at Ground Zero

Blaze Rekindles The Horror of 9/11/01

by: Lou Angeli
compiled from dispatches

Two New York firefighters perished while fighting a major blaze in the Deutsche Bank building, just 50 yards from Ground Zero. The building was in the process of being dismantled after it was deemed unsafe following the events of 9/11/01.

The deceased firefighters, both assigned to Ladder 5 amd Engine 24 have been identified as Joseph Graffagnino, 34, an 8 year member of FDNY and 23-year veteran Robert Beddia. On 9/11/01 their firehouse in the Soho section of Manhattan lost 11 members.

WNBC likened the scene to 9/11/01. The acrid smell of smoke, which hung over the neighborhood for days after September 11th, returned to lower Manhattan along with the wail of emergency vehicles.

The abandoned building was being dismantled after it was contaminated in the September 11th attacks. On Tuesday of this past week, workers had dismatled the former 40 story high rise to the 26th floor.

According to initial reports, the blaze broke out at 3:30pm (EDT) between the 14th and 15th floors. The attack was delayed when firefighters found that standpipes were not operational, allowing the blaze to free burn. Firefighters bgean the lengthy task of carrying hoses to upper floors, while others were hoisted by rope to the 17th floor, where the fire started. Within two hours, fire commanders escalated the incident to 7 alarms, bringing 270 firefighters and paramedics, and 70 pieces of apparatus to the scene.

Only a few fire service vehicles were actually operating on scene, directly under the building. Those companies included Engine 10 and Ladder 10, both stationed just feet away on Liberty Street. The remaining companies were staged on West Side Highway and along Church Street – familiar names for those who served at Ground Zero.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency had required that polyurethane sheets surround the building to prevent asbestos and other harmful debris from leaking out. But according to New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, those safety barriers hindered the firefighting operation.

The polyurethane in the building "may in fact have made this fire harder to fight," Spitzer said.

Concerns were raised that smoke plumes coming from the burning building contained the same hazardous materials that caused the building to be condemned several years ago. The most dangerous of those toxic materials is asbestos in a building loaded with the banned fire retardant.

At a Saturday evening press conference, Mayor Michael Bloomberg sought to reassure residents that the chemicals in the building did not present a significant health risk, saying officials saw no need to establish a frozen zone. Firefighters on the scene weren’t buying the mayor’s appraisal, recalling promises by former EPA head Christy Todd Whitman, who claimed on September 13, 2001 that the air at Ground Zero was OK to breathe.

"Terrible event, terrible tragedy, and that house being hit again makes it all the more devastating," said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. At least six other firefighters suffered minor injuries, none seriously.

The Deutsche Bank Building sustained major damage during the events of 9/11/01 and was ultimately deemed unsafe to restore. Deconstruction began in 2005 but work was halted for a week last year when a 22-foot-long section of pipe fell from one of the upper floors and went through the roof of a neighboring firehouse, Fire Station 10.

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resources: WNBC, WCBS, NY1
photos courtesy: Brian Fountain

What Happened in Charleston…And Why?

by Lou Angeli

Charleston, SC (August 18, 2007) -- The tragic fire that snuffed the lives of nine of Charleston’s Bravest is the worst tragedy beset the fire service since 9/11/01. Of course the immediate need following the disaster was to mourn the loss of so many great men, and console their families.

But now -- months following the incident, after reports and critiques are beginning to flow in. In a nutshell, we’re learning that the Charleston Fire Department is operating in the past.

Use of 1” Booster Lines

One of the earliest criticisms came from firefighters around the country. Video and still images showed small, snaking red hoses leading into the building. Is it possible that Charleston made the initial attack using booster lines? The answer is yes – because it’s how they’ve always done it.

These 1” diameter rubber hoses, known as booster lines, were commonplace on fire trucks here in the USA 20 years ago. In most cities they were nicknamed “trash lines” and were used to extinguish small nuisance fires. They have since been phased out in most departments because they proved extremely ineffective during the structural firefight and placed firefighters at risk.

Jamy Cote, a former Charleston firefighter, told the Charleston Post and Courier, “The (booster) is usually the first to be pulled off the truck," he said. "Big fire, small fire, it's so ingrained to pull the booster." Such safety inadequacies convinced Cote to resign from CFD

The water flow of a booster line is often debated but experts agree that 50 gallons per minute is the normal maximum. Compare that to the flow rate of an Inch and ¾ handline, which are also carried on Charleston’s engines., which is 150 gallons per minute. Nationwide, these inch and 3/4 handlines are most often used to extinguish a room and contents fire in a single-family dwelling. Potatoes compared to the job facing Charleston firefighters.

“With the amount of fire showing upon their arrival at the sofa warehouse, Charleston firefighters should have chosen to advance more powerful 2.5 inch lines,” says Battalion Chief Ron Vista of the Charlotte (NC) Fire & Rescue. Monsters yes – but at 350 gallons per minute, deuce and a half hose have 10 times the firefighting potential of a booster line.

Charleston Response SOPS

When a fire is reported, most departments have a pre-planned response that takes into consideration the type and size of the building and its occupancy. For example, if the sofa warehouse fire had taken place in Philadelphia, 4 engines, 2 aerial trucks, a heavy rescue squad and 2 Battalion Chiefs would have responded. Count 31 firefighters on scene.

But during the real-life fire in Charleston, only 2 engines and an aerial ladder were dispatched. Upon arriving at the warehouse at 7:11pm, only 11 firefighters were assembled. Their initial focus was on extinguishing a blaze in the rear loading dock area, with a secondary effort to evacuate civilians and prevent the fire from spreading to the showroom and warehouse.

The Firefight

A narrative of the incident reads, “As time progressed, smoke began to appear in the showroom, and shortly thereafter an exterior door was opened near where the (loading dock) fire was raging.” At that point the fire entered the showroom, feeding on a wealth of fuel – several tons of furniture.

Reports are that only one hoseline was in place to defend against the rapidly moving blaze. At the same time, dispatchers notified companies that they had received 9-1-1 calls from an employee who had become trapped in a closet area.

Firefighters rightfully turned their attention toward the rescue operation, and the firefight took a back seat to the most immediate task. At 7:20pm the trapped victim was freed after firefighters had breeched an outside wall.

Following the rescue, firefighters should have been ordered to evacuate the building. With no further life-safety issues, the firefight should have moved from inside the builidng to an exterior attack. However firefighters remained working in the showroom, many of whom became disoriented in the smoke.

News video shot from the front of the store clearly shows firefighters breaking windows in what would normally be an attempt to vent the interior of the building. However in this case, the tactic was mis-timed and firefighters unknowingly fed the blaze with the oxygen it needed to grow even larger. In a published timeline at 7:25pm the interior of the structure erupted into a massive flashover consuming the buildings contents as well as the firefighters inside. With the store fully engulfed in flames, rescue was impossible and by 7:30pm the structure collapsed onto the bodies of the nine Charleston firefighters.

Early Findings

In recent days, the early findings from the dozen or so federal and local investigations that are taking place confirm that Charleston is a department that has been (and continues to be) operating in the past. Here’s the short list of findings…and they’re saying it nicely.

• Establish Fire Department Safety Officer position
  
• Apply incident command procedures on all incidents (ICS – NIMS procedures)
  
• Rapidly implement personnel accountability system with passports and PAR
  
• Reinforce appropriate use of personal protective clothing and SCBA.
  
• Increase initial structure fire response to three engines and one ladder.
  
• Utilize the third engine as the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)
  
• Working fire – dispatch 2nd Battalion Chief, 4th engine company and an EMS unit.
  
• Utilize the second-arriving Battalion Chief as the incident safety officer
  
• Communications changes including the use of the 10-code
  
• The use of the tactical radio channel for responses.
  
• Changes in water supply standard operating procedures with near-term transition to large diameter supply hose.
  
• Use of 1-1/2 inch hose, or larger, for interior attack as well as vehicle fires.
  
• Changes to standard nozzle configuration and flow for all handlines
  

Incredibly, the changes suggested here are not new to the fire service. In fact, they are standard procedure for even the smallest of volunteer fire departments in this country. It begs the question, “What the hell was Chief Rusty thinking?”

Some experts say that the department is so far behind current trends that only a major restructuring could possibly solve the problems in order to allow the department to operate more effectively – and safely. The panels can only make recommendations, so the ability to change, if it is to take place at all, lays solidly with the community, the good citizens of Charleston, who deserve much better fire protection.

###

Resources:

(1) Firefighter Hourly Jay Lowry

(2) Charleston Sofa Super Store Fire, Wikipedia

Fire Strikes Italy's Famed Cinecitta Film Studios

complied from reports

ROME - Last week fire struck Italy's legendary Cinnecita Film Studios causing extensive damage. The fire apparently broke out in a warehouse where the sets of the Anglo-American television blockbuster "Rome" were stored before spreading to other buildings in the vast complex on the outskirts of the Italian capital.

"The flames, may have been caused by a short circuit, started in a highly flammable storage area ... and it didn't take much for everything to be reduced to ashes," Rome fire chief Guido Parisi told reporters.

Then the fire spread to a nearby television set, which isn't in use during the holiday period," he said, adding that no one was hurt in the blaze. A little less than 4,000 square metres (40,000 square feet) of the total area of 40 hectares (100 acres) of the complex was consumed by the flames, which reached up to 40 metres high.

The Vigili Del Fuoco (Italian Fire Service) spent days at the scene dousing the smoldering ruins.
In all, 30 fire apparatus and 300 firefighters responded to the call.

Cinecitta (literally "cinema city"), conceived as a rival to Hollywood, was inaugurated on April 28, 1937, by the dictator Benito Mussolini, who saw its potential as a propaganda tool.

In 2002, Italian-American filmmaker Martin Scorsese came here to produce "Gangs of New York", followed two years later by Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" in 2004. "Rome," the TV series which relates the birth of the Roman empire, is the latest mega-contract.

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Firefighters Remain Critical After Parkside Fire

PARKSIDE BORO, PA (August 11, 2007) - Three volunteer firefighters were injured, two critically, after a home partially collapsed during a fire in Delaware County early Saturday morning.

Just after 2am this morning, Delaware County (PA) Firefighters were alerted to 11 Park Valley Lane for a report of a building fire. Police units arrived quickly and radioed a well involved structure fire at Green Tree Village Town Homes on Park Valley Lane in Parkside, Pa

Parkside Fire Company Engine 45 arrived and its crew advanced an inch and 3/4 line with Truck 65 (Garden City) and Rescue 63 (Green Ridge) close behind. As companies entered the building, the 2nd floor collapsed, trapping 3 Parkside firefighters. A mayday call was issued and rescue operations quickly got underway.

Crews from Green Ridge and Parkside removed 2 of the firefighters from the rear of the building, with the 3rd yet accounted for. As the R.I.T. team was already active, Parkside Command called for the full second alarm assignment. Alerted by his PASS device the 3rd firefighter was found under several feet of debris after 15 minutes. Crews from Garden City and Green Ridge removed the injured firefighter to an awaiting ambulance where he was transported to Crozier-Chester Burn Center.

According to police, a homeowner was awakened by the smell of fire inside his home. The blaze reportedly started on the first floor, so the homeowner was forced to jump from a second story window.

Officials said volunteer firefighter Chase Frost, a 21-year-old Widener University student, suffered burns on more than 50 percent of his body. Both he and Firefighter Dan Brees, 20, of Parkside, were being treated at Crozer-Chester Medical Center and were listed in critical condition. Frost’s mother was flying in from California Saturday night.

Minneapolis Bridge Collapse Scene 8/01/07

Minneapolis Bridge Collapse Scene 8/01/07
Originally uploaded by photog37

Rescuers and civilians joined together as First Responders during the collapse of the 35W bridge in Minneapolis. It's this spirit of volunteerism that sets Americans apart from most other countries. The citizens of Minneapolis re-defined the true meaning of the American Spirit during the moments following the collapse. They risked their lives to help save others -- and there is no greater service to mankind than that. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

The First Response Coalition

There are over 2.5 million paramedics, firefighters, and police officers in the United States who routinely answer our calls for help without question or hesitation. Whether large scale disasters or everyday emergencies, first responders serve and protect the communities we live in. Yet there is no national day to honor their commitment to public service.The First Response Coalition (FRC) is working to right this wrong and has launched a campaign to make September 25th National First Responder Appreciation Day.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Red Cross, Salvation Army and National Civic League have joined this campaign. To date, over 5,000 people have signed the FRC’s on-line petition, and hundreds have written to their elected officials in support of this worthwhile cause.

Last month, the Senate passed an FRC-conceived resolution to make September 25th National First Responder Appreciation Day. The bipartisan resolution was cosponsored by 33 senators, including Homeland Security Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman, and presidential hopefuls John McCain and Hillary Rodham Clinton.

The FRC is now working to replicate our success in the House and I ask you today for your help. Our goal is to attain 25,000 signatures by September 1, 2007, and I hope that you will consider helping us raise the profile of this worthwhile cause by encouraging your readers to sign the FRC’s online petition at www.FirstResponseCoalition.org.

Our first responders embody the very best of the American spirit. With your help, we can give our first responders a national day that recognizes these men and women for their contributions, sacrifices, and dedication to public service.

Thank you,
StevenSteven Jones,
Executive Director
First Response Coalition
919 18th Street N.W., Suite 950
Washington, D.C. 20006
(P) 202.263.2904
(F) 202.263.2960
www.firstresponsecoalition.org

Del Governor Orders Volunteer Department Audits

By: Ron Williams "Delaware Online"

The latest and most explosive issue facing the Delaware fire service has ironically surfaced through an executive order by Gov. Minner, never known as an agitator of firefighters.
But agitated some are, fire service sources tell me, as expected.

Executive Order 99 instructs the state Fire Prevention Commission -- the regulatory body of all fire companies -- to determine the benefit of having the books of each fire company publicly audited. That, of course, is like asking the benefit of the sun rising every morning.

Couched in the traditional whereases and therefores, the governor is saying she wants the fire companies to finally become publicly accountable. Her order even specifically refers to that: "Whereas, volunteer fire companies receive funds from the State of Delaware, county governments and through donations from the citizens of Delaware, and Whereas, periodic examination of financial records are beneficial to any organization... ."

This move by Minner, for those who haven't followed this issue over the past decade, is big time gutsy on her part. The fire service, the third rail of Delaware politics, has for years successfully fended off any interference from "civilian" ranks into their private, non-profit country clubs. They've been able to do this with consistent financial support of candidates favorable to their beliefs and agendas and companies' on-the-street help during campaigns.

Minner, of course, being a lame duck and looking forward to a leisurely retirement in 18 months, apparently said to hell with the third political rail.

She also was prompted by an incident in her own Carlisle Fire Company of Milford. A recently convicted fire company member was apparently voted back into the company. One thing Milford resident Minner is known for is outrage, especially when it embarrasses her or her homestead.

Executive Order 99 also comes on the heels of two very public embezzlement cases involving Cranston Heights and Frederica fire companies -- and who knows how many were not public or even reported. Both treasurers were found guilty. One went to jail.

But the Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association sat back and did nothing -- not so much as a public regret for the embarrassment those companies brought on the fire service.

The executive order calls for the Fire Prevention Commission to make recommendations by Oct. 1 on the frequency in which audits of fire company financial records should be performed (annually would make sense to those of us who are taxpayers and annual contributors), and determine if legislation would be needed.

In a state where publicly supported fire companies like Slaughter Beach -- elevation sea level, no highrises -- buy $1 million ladder trucks, this kind of proposal is not going to sit well with many fire company presidents. This is also a state in which about 30 percent of the fire companies refuse to comply with state law and report their response times to ambulance and fire calls.

Christiana Fire Company is among the few statewide that routinely reports its financial statements to the public. They even hold public meetings to discuss their budget.

With every fire company in the state now an employer of up to 15 full-time firefighters and ambulance attendants, the public should have a full accounting of how their taxes and personal contributions are being used. And because contributions to fire companies are tax deductible, I'd think the IRS would be interested as well.

The issue of Minner's Executive Order 99 is on the Fire Prevention Commission's monthly meeting agenda on Tuesday. It'll be interesting to see to whom the commissioners feel beholden: Minner, who appointed them, or the fire company presidents who boast thatthey have the commission in their pockets.

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Organized Chaos

by: Lou Angeli

Organized chaos. That's how the fire scene is often described. T he adrenaline charged atmosphere feels like a battleground. B ut in this war zone there's no time to develop a battle plan. For the firefight to be successful, action must be immediate. Firefighters have only a few precious minutes to defeat their opponent.

Back in the day, Firefighting was all about racing to the scene, donning a tin helmet and aiming the nozzle at the flames and smoke. And that's pretty much how the general public still perceives the job. But times have changed, and today there’s an art, not to mention a science, to fighting fires.

In terms of extinguishing blazes, today’s firefighters are trained to go face-to-face with the beast, inside the burning building for an "offensive attack." Some fire training experts say that the trick is to tame the fire before extinguishing it, and there are dozens of tactics for doing so. But these strategies often come with extreme risk. Bottom line -- firefighters must make crucial life and death decisions quickly.

For the past 30 years, annual civilian fire deaths have been reduced by 50%. During that same period the number of active firefighters has dropped, some say by 30%. But deaths among firefighters remain the same as they did in 1970, with 112 being lost in the line of duty last year alone.

Even more disturbing are OSHA and the National Fire Protection Association’s predic-tions that fully one-third of the current firefighting force of 1,100,000 will be injured on the job during they year 2007. Of those who will be injured, it is estimated that over half do not have adequate insurance coverage to attend their needs. Is this any way to treat the Bravest?

Maybe Michael Moore's next film should examine how the fire-rescue services do business.

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Hot Fun in the Summertime

SOPs and Protocol for Warm Weather Firefighter Rehab
By Lou Angeli

Nation's Bravest.com

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 as 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 Manning:

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. (humidified or Nebulized).
• 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