MN Firefighter and Life Safety Initiatives (FLSI) Advocate Tim Zehnder - March News Letter is Ready
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Tim Zehnder

• Asst. Chief & Fire Rescue Program Mgr., Truman Fire & Rescue & South Central College
  E-mail: tim.zehnder@...
  

High Lites March 2008 Newsletter

Georgia Sugar Refinery Fire
Imagine this scenario: a major building explosion, a remote location, an unknown number of people missing, and a search area encompassing a 160-acre site. Oh, and you are expected to
organize the entire rescue effort and ensure that each and every firefighter and rescue worker returns home safely and uninjured. Sound like a challenge? That is the dilemma that Fire Chief Greg Long faced when a massive explosion occurred at the Imperial Sugar plant in Port Wentworth, Georgia, the evening of February 7, 2008.

What's it Going to Take?
On December 4, 2006, The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) issued a "Member Alert" notifying their membership about the hazards associated with the light-weight construction in residential occupancies. "There have been several cases of firefighters falling through floors made of composite structural components and an even greater number of near-miss situations. This type of construction is being investigated as a contributing factor in a line-of-duty death..."

Know the Enemy - Building Construction and Fire Behavior
In 2007 there were over 19 firefighter fatalities due to structural collapse. The U.S. Fire Administration stated the following in a report entitled Trends in Firefighter Fatalities Due to Structural Collapse written in 2003, "Structural collapse is an insidious problem within the fire fighting community. It often occurs without warning and can easily cause multiple fatalities." Five years have gone by and not much has changed.

USFA Announces Video Version of Coffee Break Training
The U.S. Fire Administration announced today the release of Coffee Break training presentations in video format to enhance ongoing support of fire prevention efforts. Coffee Break training provides technical training in fire protection systems, building construction, codes and standards, inspection techniques, hazardous materials and administrative tips. The training is targeted toward fire and building inspectors with busy schedules who often don't have time to attend valuable skill-enhancing training sessions.

USFA Releases New Emergency Incident Rehabilitation Manual for Everyone Goes Home® Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives Program Newsletter March 2008

Firefighters and Other Emergency Responders
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), working with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), has issued an updated version of the manual Emergency Incident Rehabilitation. The revised manual examines critical topics related to emergency incident rehabilitation, including operational issues, human physiology, weather issues, and technology and addresses ways to better protect firefighters and other emergency responders through the use of proper protective clothing and improved tactical procedures.

Advocates Report
Regional Advocate Michael Petroff and Region II Regional Advocate Danny McDonough conducted a CTBS Train-the-Trainer in Ames, Iowa on February 9, 2008. State Advocates Kevin Wieser and Scott Lyon were in attendance as was State Training Director Randy Novak and members of the Iowa Fire Training staff. Coralville IA was presented with a Brian Hunton Seatbelt Pledge 100% compliance certificate by State Advocates Wieser and Lyon.

Firefighter Cancer Support Network Wellness Coordinator Loses 8 Year Battle with Cancer
On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and Staff I would like to express our great sadness and sorrow at the passing of Debbi Wood. Debbi lost her 8 year battle with cancer yesterday, March 12th 2008.
MSVFA has good information on the cancer issues facing MN Firefighters
http://www.msvfa.org/cancer_main_page.html 




Spotlighting one of the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives each month
Initiative #8 - Utilize available technology wherever it can produce higher levels of health and safety.

•  Fire.gov: Thermal Imaging
•  Fire.gov: PASS Devices
•  Military.com: Military Technology Fighting Fires
•  ABC News: Wildfire firefighting goes high tech
•  NC Times: Computer mapping technology aids firefighting efforts
•  NY Times: Fighting High Rise Rires With Fans

More Information: 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives
Everyone Goes Home® Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives Program Newsletter March 2008


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Tim Zehnder

• Asst. Chief & Fire Rescue Program Mgr., Truman Fire & Rescue & South Central College
  E-mail: tim.zehnder@...