The Next Generation in Firefighting
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Canadian Wildland Fire Glossary
Canadian Wildland Fire Glossary CIFFC Training Working Group December 10, 2020 i Preface The Canadian Wildland Fire Glossary provides the wildland A user's guide has been developed to provide guidance on fire community a single source for accurate and consistent the development and review of glossary entries. Within wildland fire and incident management terminology used this guide, users, working groups and committees can find by CIFFC and its' member agencies. instructions on the glossary process; tips for viewing the Consistent use of terminology promotes the efficient glossary on the CIFFC website; guidance for working groups sharing of information, facilitates analysis of data from and committees assigned ownership of glossary terms, disparate sources, improves data integrity, and maximizes including how to request, develop, and revise a glossary the use of shared resources. The glossary is not entry; technical requirements for complete glossary entries; intended to be an exhaustive list of all terms used and a list of contacts for support. by Provincial/Territorial and Federal fire management More specifically, this version reflects numerous additions, agencies. Most terms only have one definition. However, deletions, and edits after careful review from CIFFC agency in some cases a term may be used in differing contexts by staff and CIFFC Working Group members. New features various business areas so multiple definitions are warranted. include an improved font for readability and copying to word processors. Many Incident Command System The glossary takes a significant turn with this 2020 edition Unit Leader positions were added, as were numerous as it will now be updated annually to better reflect the mnemonics. -
The Art of Reading Smoke for Rapid Decision Making
The Art of Reading Smoke for Rapid Decision Making Dave Dodson teaches the art of reading smoke. This is an important skill since fighting fires in the year 2006 and beyond will be unlike the fires we fought in the 1900’s. Composites, lightweight construction, engineered structures, and unusual fuels will cause hostile fires to burn hotter, faster, and less predictable. Concept #1: “Smoke” is FUEL! Firefighters use the term “smoke” when addressing the solids, aerosols, and gases being produced by the hostile fire. Soot, dust, and fibers make up the solids. Aerosols are suspended liquids such as water, trace acids, and hydrocarbons (oil). Gases are numerous in smoke – mass quantities of Carbon Monoxide lead the list. Concept #2: The Fuels have changed: The contents and structural elements being burned are of LOWER MASS than previous decades. These materials are also more synthetic than ever. Concept #3: The Fuels have triggers There are “Triggers” for Hostile Fire Events. Flash point triggers a smoke explosion. Fire Point triggers rapid fire spread, ignition temperature triggers auto ignition, Backdraft, and Flashover. Hostile fire events (know the warning signs): Flashover: The classic American Version of a Flashover is the simultaneous ignition of fuels within a compartment due to reflective radiant heat – the “box” is heat saturated and can’t absorb any more. The British use the term Flashover to describe any ignition of the smoke cloud within a structure. Signs: Turbulent smoke, rollover, and auto-ignition outside the box. Backdraft: A “true” backdraft occurs when oxygen is introduced into an O2 deficient environment that is charged with gases (pressurized) at or above their ignition temperature. -
Respirator Usage by Wildland Firefighters
United States Department of Agriculture Fire Forest Service Management National Technology & Development Program March 2007 Tech Tips 5200 0751 1301—SDTDC Respirator Usage by Wildland Firefighters David V. Haston, P.E., Mechanical Engineer Tech Tip Highlights ß Based on a 7-year comprehensive study by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), a 1997 consensus conference concluded that routine use of air purifying respirators (APRs) should not be required. ß APRs provide protection against some, but not all harmful components of wood smoke, and may expose firefighters to higher levels of unfiltered contaminants, such as carbon monoxide. In addition, APRs do not protect firefighters against superheated gases and do not supply oxygen. ß Firefighters may use APRs on a voluntary basis if certain conditions are met. Introduction All firefighters, fire management officers, and safety personnel should understand the issues related to using air purifying respirators (APRs) in the wildland firefighting environment. This Tech Tip is intended to provide information regarding the regulatory requirements for using APRs, how APRs function, and the benefits and risks associated with their use. Respirator Types and Approvals Respirators are tested and approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in accordance with 42 CFR Part 84 (Approval of Respiratory Protection Devices). Respirators fall into two broad classifications: APRs that filter ambient air, and atmosphere-supplying respirators that supply clean air from another source, such as self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). APRs include dust masks, mouthpiece respirators (used for escape only), half- and full-facepiece respirators, gas masks, and powered APRs. They use filters or cartridges that remove harmful contaminants when air is passed through the air-purifying element. -
"Using Fire Extinguishers"
PRESENTER'S GUIDE "USING FIRE EXTINGUISHERS" Part of the General Safety Series Quality Safety and Health Products, for Today... and Tomorrow OUTLINE OF MAJOR PROGRAM POINTS OUTLINE OF MAJOR PROGRAM POINTS The following outline summarizes the major points of information presented in the program. The outline can be used to review the program before conducting a classroom session, as well as in preparing to lead a class discussion about the program. You've probably heard the best way to fight a fire is to prevent it, and that's true. — But accidents do happen and fires do start. — When this occurs in a workplace, you or a coworker will often be the first to respond, and fire extinguishers become the first line of defense. Fire extinguishers can enable you to act quickly and effectively to protect people and your facility. — So you need to understand the equipment, as well as how to use it. Fire extinguishers are designed to put out small fires before they grow out of control. — Putting out fires with an extinguisher isn't always easy. — It can be hazardous if you go about it in the wrong way. To use an extinguisher effectively it’s helpful to know what causes things to burn. — Fire always needs three ingredients, fuel, oxygen and heat. The "fuel" is any material that will burn, including: — Combustible solids such as wood, paper, cardboard and some metals. — Flammable and combustible liquids such as gasoline, toluene and some solvents and cleaning solutions. — Ignitable gases such as propane and natural gas. 1 Next, a fire must be in an environment where there is oxygen that it can "breathe". -
Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide
A publication of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide PMS 210 April 2013 Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide April 2013 PMS 210 Sponsored for NWCG publication by the NWCG Operations and Workforce Development Committee. Comments regarding the content of this product should be directed to the Operations and Workforce Development Committee, contact and other information about this committee is located on the NWCG Web site at http://www.nwcg.gov. Questions and comments may also be emailed to [email protected]. This product is available electronically from the NWCG Web site at http://www.nwcg.gov. Previous editions: this product replaces PMS 410-1, Fireline Handbook, NWCG Handbook 3, March 2004. The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) has approved the contents of this product for the guidance of its member agencies and is not responsible for the interpretation or use of this information by anyone else. NWCG’s intent is to specifically identify all copyrighted content used in NWCG products. All other NWCG information is in the public domain. Use of public domain information, including copying, is permitted. Use of NWCG information within another document is permitted, if NWCG information is accurately credited to the NWCG. The NWCG logo may not be used except on NWCG-authorized information. “National Wildfire Coordinating Group,” “NWCG,” and the NWCG logo are trademarks of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. The use of trade, firm, or corporation names or trademarks in this product is for the information and convenience of the reader and does not constitute an endorsement by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group or its member agencies of any product or service to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. -
A Review of Strategies to Prevent and Respond to Barn Fires Affecting the Horse Industry
IN-DEPTH: EMERGENCY CARE AT EQUINE EVENTS A Review of Strategies to Prevent and Respond to Barn Fires Affecting the Horse Industry Rebecca M. Gimenez, PhD; Jennifer A. Woods, BSc; Roberta M. Dwyer, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVPM; and Tomas Gimenez, MVZ, Dr.Med.Vet Barn fires detrimentally affect equine recreational enthusiasts, horse owners, and practitioners regardless of geographic location or economic conditions. As the number one local emergency expected to affect agricultural facilities, fires kill more horses than any other type of disaster. Strat- egies and equipment to mitigate their effects are available but underutilized; the effectiveness of detection, alert, suppression, and immediate response systems is further emphasized by appropriate design, management, planning, and emergency drills. Authors’ addresses: Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue, Inc., 2472 Six and Twenty Road, Pendleton, SC 29670 (Gimenez R); Reflected J Livestock Consulting, RR #1, Blackie, Alberta T0L 0J0, Canada (Woods); Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546 (Dwyer); and Department of Animal Veterinary Science, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634 (Gimenez T); e-mail: [email protected]. © 2008 AAEP. 1. Introduction reduce the long-term risk to life, property, and pur- Fire can affect horse owners and their animals in pose from a particular hazard (e.g., fires). Together several ways. Barn fires are unfortunately too with preventative actions to decrease the severity of common, and each year, hundreds of valuable horses an event and immediate suppression techniques, a die or are severely injured in these incidents (Fig. 1). well-planned facility and/or property strategy can sig- nificantly reduce potential losses in both equine life Wildfires consume thousands of acres annually in and property. -
Firefighter Wood Product and Building Systems Awareness: a Resource Guide
FIREFIGHTER WOOD PRODUCT AND BUILDING SYSTEMS AWARENESS: A RESOURCE GUIDE Lia Bishop, Martha Dow, Len Garis and Paul Maxim March 2015 CENTRE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH Contents INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 2 FIREFIGHTING AWARENESS AND RESPONSE RESOURCES: AN INTRODUCTION ...................................... 2 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AWARENESS ............................................................................................................. 2 General .................................................................................................................................................. 2 CONSTRUCTION SITE AWARENESS ..................................................................................................................... 4 WOOD BUILDINGS AND FIRE SAFETY ............................................................................................ 4 FIRE PROTECTION AND STATISTICS, BUILDING AND FIRE CODES, STRUCTURAL DESIGN .............................................. 4 Fire Protection and Statistics ................................................................................................................. 4 ELEMENTS OF FIRE SAFETY IN WOOD BUILDING CONSTRUCTION ........................................................................... 8 General Fire Performance: Charring, Flame Spread and Fire Resistance .............................................. 8 Lightweight Wood-frame Construction – Including -
Barn Fires Involving Farm Animals Accidents Involving Farm Animals Can Be Reduced Through Awareness and Education
EMERGENCY FACT SHEET Barn fires involving farm animals Accidents involving farm animals can be reduced through awareness and education. Barn fires are one of the more challenging structure fires for first responders. Arriving at a barn fire with farm animals presents unique challenges. One of the most difficult parts of barn fires for owners and first responders is the smells and sounds that occur when animals are involved, especially pig barn fires. Barn fires have the potential for loss of thousands of animals. Prepare yourself and your team. Many first responders are not familiar with barn design or animal handling, making the scene even more dangerous and challenging then a typical structure fire. By educating your department on what to expect at a barn fire and giving them some basic guidelines, you will be able to more effectively respond to a barn fire and keep your crew safer. Barns are highly flammable buildings that go up quickly and burn fast. It only takes three to four minutes of the fire starting for the barn to be completely filled with smoke.A barn will be completely engulfed in less than six minutes. The vast majority of barn fires occur late at night or early morning hours, often going undetected until flames are showing. They rarely have smoke detectors or sprinkler systems installed. Due to the locations of barns in rural areas, by the time the fire department arrives, the barn is quite often fully involved. Upon arrival, water is often limited as there may not be access to fire hydrants. Animals are often housed as groups in pens or individuals in stalling. -
Barn Fire Prevention Checklist
Barn Fire Prevention Check List The Horse 911: What's Your Emergency? Horse.com Michelle Staples, coordinator of the Large Animal Rescue newsletter and author of self- published “Save Your Horse – A Horse Owners Guide to Large Animal Rescue.” She had put together a Fire Safety Checklist for her website that people can use to ensure that their barn is as prepared as possible for this eventuality. While editing the book for her I thought, I need to provide this to TheHorse.com readers immediately!” See the checklist at the bottom of this post and please share it with others in your community. Barn-fire prevention requires a strategy like no other. You must be able to detect a fire with good quality smoke/flame/heat detectors; alert the response system; surpress the flame threat (usually via sprinklers); and of course have a response such as the fire department arrive. Sprinklers are something that the fire department strongly recommends. NFPA 150 is the Standard for Animal Housing Facilities (including horse barns) and is very specific about recommendations for sprinklers. Yet I know of very few barns that have them. Why don’t horse barns have this crucial safety equipment as standard items? My opinion is that it is because veterinarians and fire department personnel are the very last experts to be consulted by horse people when they build a barn! They use the expertise and advice of their next door neighbor, the Internet, a $10 barn building book at the local home improvement store, or engineer the entire thing themselves depending on the code enforcement in their jurisdiction. -
Emergency Management: Smoke Detectors & Fire Extinguishers
s SMOKE DETECTORS es dn re and pa re P 7 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Taking it one step Ever Vigilant Sentries That May at a time. SAVE YOUR LIFE Half of the home fires and three-fifths of fire deaths occur in homes without smoke detectors. Hundreds of people die each year in homes with smoke detectors that don’t work. It’s important that you not only have a smoke detector, but that you check and maintain it frequently. You Need To Know What Kind Important Information Of Smoke Detector You Have & About Smoke Detectors How To Maintain It •Battery-Powered Make Placement a Priority Battery-powered smoke detectors operate on •At a minimum, there should be a smoke alkaline batteries. Unlike the bunny, they won’t detector in the hallways and corridors keep going forever. The battery should be checked between the sleeping areas and the rest of weekly and replaced twice a year. A good time to the house, and/or a smoke detector in the do this is when you change your clock in the fall and center of the ceiling directly above each spring. stairway. •Hard-Wired without Battery Back-up • Additional measures include installing smoke This type of smoke detector operates on household detectors on a wall or the ceiling in each current. As long as you have electricity, it will sleeping room. function; but if your house loses power, it will no • Because smoke rises, smoke detectors longer function. If you have this type, you should should be mounted high on the wall or also install battery-operated models for back-up. -
Shrewsbury Fire Department Staffing & Resource Deployment Report FY
James M. Vuona, MPA Shrewsbury Fire Department Fire Chief 11 Church Road Shrewsbury, MA 01545 e-mail [email protected] Business Line (508) 841-8522 Fax Number (508) 841-8545 June 30, 2010 Shrewsbury Fire Department Staffing & Resource Deployment Report FY 2011 The following report has been prepared for Shrewsbury Town Government, the Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee and the citizens of the Town of Shrewsbury by Fire Chief James M. Vuona, MPA. Reviewed and Accepted by the Fire Captains of the Shrewsbury Fire Department. 1 Table of Contents Fire Department Operations: Overview I. Executive Summary II. The Mission III. Manpower and Current Staffing Level IV. Resource Deployment and Equipment V. Staffing Options: FY 2011 VI. Historical Perspective VII. Closing Statement VIII. Resources Cited IX. Appendix: Support Documents 2 Fire Department Operations: Overview I: Executive Summary On the morning of May 17th, 2010, The Town of Shrewsbury swore in a new Fire Chief to assume the duties and responsibilities of this office. On evening of May 17th, 2010 Town Meeting approved a new fiscal 2011 budget. This approval resulted in the reduction of the fire department staffing level by one (1) position, as stated in FY11 Town Warrant “funding for (4) Captains and (31) Firefighters (reduction of 1)”. The Fire Chief was directed to prepare to work in FY 2011 with further reductions in staffing beginning July 1st, 2010. Let it be noted that the current staffing level does not meet any nationally recognized standards for apparatus manning or fire ground operations. (REF. NFPA 1500 – NFPA 1710 and 1720). -
Recent Advances in Bio-Based Flame Retardant Additives for Synthetic Polymeric Materials
polymers Review Recent Advances in Bio-Based Flame Retardant Additives for Synthetic Polymeric Materials Christopher E. Hobbs Department of Chemistry, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77340, USA; [email protected]; Tel.: +1-936-294-3750 Received: 28 December 2018; Accepted: 24 January 2019; Published: 31 January 2019 Abstract: It would be difficult to imagine how modern life across the globe would operate in the absence of synthetic polymers. Although these materials (mostly in the form of plastics) have revolutionized our daily lives, there are consequences to their use, one of these being their high levels of flammability. For this reason, research into the development of flame retardant (FR) additives for these materials is of tremendous importance. However, many of the FRs prepared are problematic due to their negative impacts on human health and the environment. Furthermore, their preparations are neither green nor sustainable since they require typical organic synthetic processes that rely on fossil fuels. Because of this, the need to develop more sustainable and non-toxic options is vital. Many research groups have turned their attention to preparing new bio-based FR additives for synthetic polymers. This review explores some of the recent examples made in this field. Keywords: flame retardant; bio-based; green chemistry 1. Introduction Although instilling flame resistance has been a subject of interest since the ancient Egyptians [1], “modern” chemists have only been on the case since the 18th and 19th centuries, as evidenced by the words of American poet Emily Dickinson [2]: “Ashes denote that fire was—revere the grayest pile, for the departed creature’s sake, that hovered there awhile—fire exists the first in light, and then consolidates, only the chemist can disclose, into what carbonates.” The same era saw the publication of landmark work by French chemist Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac (who studied flame resistance with the intent of protecting theatres) and Scottish chemist M.