Firefighter Fatalities in the United States in 2004 in States United the in Fatalities Firefighter

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Firefighter Fatalities in the United States in 2004 in States United the in Fatalities Firefighter FirefighterFatalities in the United States in 2004 U.S. Fire Administration Firefighter Fatalities in the United States in 2004 FA-299/August 2005 Dating back to the time of the Crusades, it is a symbol of charity, loyalty, chivalry, gallantry, generosity to firend and foe, protection of the weak, and dexterity in service. Today, firefighters everywhere are proud to wear the time- honored Maltese Cross as part of their uniform. The Maltese Cross and the Fire Service, American Fire Journal, v. 50 (4), p. 14, April 1998 FIREFIGHTER FATALITIES IN THE UNITED STATES IN 2004 U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency U.S. Fire Administration August 200 In memory of all fi refi ghters who answered their last call in 2004 t To their families and friends t To their service and sacrifi ce U.S. Fire Administration Mission Statement As an entity of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the mission of the U.S. Fire Administration is to reduce life and economic losses due to fire and related emergencies, through leadership, advocacy, coordination, and support. We serve the Nation independently, in coordination with other Federal agencies, and in partnership with fire protection and emergency service communities. With a commitment to excellence, we provide public education, training, technology, and data initiatives. On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the Nation for all hazards and effectively manage Federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program, and the U.S. Fire Administration. A CKNOWLEDGMENTS This study of fi refi ghter fatalities would not have been possible without the cooperation and assistance of many members of the fi re service across the United States. Members of individual fi re departments, chief fi re offi cers, United States Forest Service personnel, the Department of Justice, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the National Fallen Firefi ghters Foundation, and many others contributed important information for this report. C2 Technologies, Inc., of Vienna, Virginia, conducted this analysis for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) under contract EME-2003-CO-0282. The ultimate objective of this effort is to reduce the number of fi refi ghter deaths through an increased awareness and understanding of their causes and how they can be prevented. Firefi ghting, rescue, and other types of emergency operations are essential activities in an inherently dangerous profession, and unfortunate tragedies do occur. This is the risk all fi refi ghters accept every time they respond to an emergency incident. However, the risk can be greatly reduced through efforts to improve training, emergency scene operations, and fi refi ghter health and safety. P HOTOGRAPHIC A CKNOWLEDGMENTS The USFA would like to extend its thanks to individuals and organizations that provided photographs for this report. All uncredited photographs were taken at the National Fallen Firefi ghters Memorial weekend in Emmitsburg, MD, October 2004, by Patti Odbert, Scientifi c and Commercial Systems Corporation. V TABLE OF C ONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS................................................................................................................. V . Photographic.Acknowledgments.............................................................................................. V BACKGROUND.............................................................................................................................1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................3 Who is a Firefighter?.................................................................................................................3. What Constitutes an Onduty Fatality?.....................................................................................3. Sources of Initial Notification...................................................................................................4. Procedure.for.Including.a.Fatality.in.the.Study.......................................................................5 2004 FINDINGS...........................................................................................................................7 . Career.and.Volunteer.Deaths...................................................................................................8. Multiple-Firefighter Fatality Incidents......................................................................................9. Wildland Firefighting Deaths....................................................................................................9 TYPE OF DUTY...........................................................................................................................11. Fireground.Operations............................................................................................................12. Responding/Returning...........................................................................................................12. Other.Onduty...........................................................................................................................13. Training....................................................................................................................................13. Non-fire Emergencies.............................................................................................................14. After.an.Incident.....................................................................................................................14. Career,.Volunteer,.and.Wildland.Deaths.by.Type.of.Duty.....................................................14. Type of Emergency Duty.........................................................................................................15. CAUSE OF FATAL INJURY..........................................................................................................15. Stress.or.Overexertion............................................................................................................16. Vehicle.Crashes......................................................................................................................17. Struck.by.Object......................................................................................................................18. Caught.or.Trapped..................................................................................................................19. Collapse..................................................................................................................................19. Falls.........................................................................................................................................20. Other........................................................................................................................................20 NATURE OF FATAL INJURY........................................................................................................21. Heart.Attack............................................................................................................................21. Internal.Trauma......................................................................................................................22. Crushed...................................................................................................................................23. Asphyxiation............................................................................................................................23. continued on next page . Cerebrovascular.Accident.(CVA).............................................................................................23. Burns.......................................................................................................................................23. Drowning.................................................................................................................................23. Other........................................................................................................................................23. FIREFIGHTER AGES...................................................................................................................24. FIXED PROPERTY USE FOR STRUCTURAL FIREFIGHTING DEATHS.......................................25. TYPE OF ACTIVITY.....................................................................................................................25. Fire.Attack...............................................................................................................................25. Search.and.Rescue................................................................................................................27. Water.Supply...........................................................................................................................27. Scene.Safety...........................................................................................................................27. Incident.Command.................................................................................................................27. Ventilation...............................................................................................................................27.
Recommended publications
  • 2017 Fall Class Schedule
    Information: (831) 646-4000 Calendar of Important Dates August 18, 2017 to December 15, 2017 Admission & Records: (831) 646-4002 April 20 Priority registration begins August 17 Last day to register through WebReg without an add code. TTY: August 18 Classes begin (831) 645-1319 August 18 - September 2 Late registration; add codes required for registration. Web Registration (WebReg): September 2 Last day to add a semester-length course with an add code. www.mpc.edu September 2 Last date to drop semester-length courses and be eligible for a refund of fees. September 4 Last date to drop semester-length courses without a “W” grade. Campus Security: September 4 HOLIDAY: Labor Day (831) 646-4099 September 5 Census Day September 10 Last day to drop and be eligible for refund of non-resident tuition for Counseling: semester-length courses. Tuition will not be returned if courses are not (831) 646-4020 officially dropped and the tuition cannot be used to pay for other courses added. September 16 Last date to request pass/no pass grade option for semester-length courses. Assessment Center: November 1 Graduation application deadline (831) 646-4027 November 10 HOLIDAY: Veterans Day Observance November 15 Last date to drop semester-length courses and receive a “W” grade. Child Development Center: (831) 646-4066 November 23 - 25 HOLIDAY: Thanksgiving December 11 - 15 Final examinations Bookstore: December 15 Last day of semester (831) 657-4680 December 22 - January 1 HOLIDAY: Winter Break Library: (831) 646-4262 Register for Fall 2017 Online Classes Marina Education Center: (831) 646-4850 Monterey Peninsula College’s online courses offer the perfect opportunity for students to complete coursework while providing options for those whose work, travel, and family commitments demand MPC Public Safety increased flexibility.
    [Show full text]
  • Effective Firefighting Operations in Road Tunnels
    Effective Firefighting Operations in Road Tunnels Hak Kuen Kim, Anders Lönnermark and Haukur Ingason SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden Fire Technology SP Report 2010:10 Effective Firefighting Operations in Road Tunnels Hak Kuen Kim, Anders Lönnermark and Haukur Ingason The photo on the front page was provided by Anders Bergqvist at the Greater Stockholm Fire Brigade. 2 3 Abstract The main purpose of this study is to develop operational procedures for fire brigades in road tunnels. Although much progress has been achieved in various fields of fire safety in tunnels, very little attention has been paid specifically to fire fighting in tunnels. This study is focused on obtaining more information concerning how effectively the fire brigade can fight road tunnel fires and what limitations and threats fire brigades may be faced with. This knowledge can help parties involved in tunnel safety to understand safety issues and enhance the level of fire safety in road tunnels. The report is divided into three main parts. The first part consists of a review of relevant studies and experiments concerning various key parameters for fire safety and emergency procedures. The history of road tunnel fires is then summarised and analyzed. Among all road tunnel fires, three catastrophic tunnel fires are highlighted, focusing on the activities of fire brigades and the operation of technical fire safety facilities. In the second part specific firefighting operations are developed. This has been based on previous experience and new findings from experiments performed in the study. In the last part, information is given on how the proposed firefighting operations can be applied to the management of fire safety for road tunnels.
    [Show full text]
  • Fireboats and Search and Rescue Boats with a Small Firegigting
    The United States has a long history of fire departments using surplus property from other government agencies , re purposing property within departments, and sometimes other agencies reusing obsolete fire apparatus. Fireboats and Search and Rescue Boats have been converted from military and other government agencies surplus since the end of World War I. It is unlikely there will be any future conversions of large high gallon per minute capacity, 5,000 gpm or more, fireboats from surplus craft . It is possible that some of the tractor tugs built for the U.S. Navy with substantial fire fighting features and capability included could be made available through the Federal Government surplus property transfer programs in a few decades. Large fireboats have since the 1970s been built using features from tugboats, but have many special design features to deal with hazardous materials etc. Search and Rescue and small fireboats of no more the 2,000 or so gallons per minute are still sometimes converted from surplus craft obtained from other government agencies. In 1921, the Baltimore City Fire Department received, by loan from the U.S. Navy, the 110 foot long anti-submarine warfare vessel SC 428 . Ship was built between 1917-and 1919 . Boat was loaned for the purpose of conversion into a fireboat. The ship, renamed Cascade in 1949, served the fire department until 1960. The city received titled to the ship in 1949 through legislation passed by the House and Senate and signed by President Truman. The U.S. Army built several 98 foot tugboat type workboats ,in the early 20th century, to assist with maintaining coastal defense minefields.
    [Show full text]
  • Session 611 Fire Behavior Ppt Instructor Notes
    The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 6.1 Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 6 Presentation Instructor Notes Fire Behavior Slide 1 Recruit Firefighter Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program 1 Slide 2 © Darin Echelberger/ShutterStock, Inc. CHAPTER 6 Fire Behavior Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program Slide 3 Some have said that fires in modern furnished Fires Are Not Unpredictable! homes are unpredictable • A thorough knowledge of fire behavior will help you predict fireground events Nothing is unpredictable, firefighters just need to know what clues to look for Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program Slide 4 Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit Program CHEMISTRY OF COMBUSTION Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program 1 of 26 Revision: 011414 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 6.1 Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 6 Presentation Instructor Notes Fire Behavior Slide 5 A basic understanding of how fire burns will give a Chemistry firefighter the ability to choose the best means of • Understanding the • Fire behavior is one of chemistry of fire will the largest extinguishment make you more considerations when effective choosing tactics Fire behavior and building construction are the basis for all of our actions on the fire ground Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program Slide 6 What is Fire? • A rapid chemical reaction that produces heat and light Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program Slide 7 Types of Reactions Exothermic Endothermic • Gives off heat • Absorbs heat Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program Slide 8 Non-flaming
    [Show full text]
  • 6-Fire Protection 0809
    6. Fire Protection..................................................................................................................................................... 1 6.1. Lake County Fire Protection Agencies........................................................................................................ 2 6.1.1. Kelseyville Fire Protection District...................................................................................................... 2 6.1.2. Lake County Fire Protection District ................................................................................................... 4 6.1.3. Lake Pillsbury Fire Protection District ................................................................................................ 5 6.1.4. Lakeport Fire Protection District ......................................................................................................... 6 6.1.5. Northshore Fire Protection District...................................................................................................... 7 6.1.6. South Lake County Fire Protection District......................................................................................... 9 6.2. State Fire Protection Agency: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)...... 11 6.3. Federal Fire Protection Agency: USDA Forest Service, Mendocino National Forest.............................. 13 Lake County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, Fire Protection 6. Fire Protection In Lake County there are six county Fire Protection Districts
    [Show full text]
  • Colorado Fire Commission Recommendation 20-01
    COLORADO FIRE COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20-01 Implement the Colorado Coordinated Regional Mutual Aid System (CCRMAS) Statutory Duties: Per 24-33.5-1233(4)(b)(VI) The Commission will strengthen regional and statewide coordination of mutual aid resources and initial attack capabilities for fires and other hazards. Assumptions: 1. Rapidly expanding incidents can overwhelm the resources of the local fire department and surrounding agencies. 2. Local mutual aid plans exist but there is limited coordination across regions to activate additional resources quickly during rapidly expanding incidents. 3. Decreasing activation time can help minimize the impacts of an incident. 4. During the initial stages of an incident, dispatch centers, and local first responders will be focused on their primary response duties and unable to assist with coordinating rapid mutual aid mobilization. Emergency managers and emergency operations centers will be in the process of being stood up in support of extended response should it become necessary and in preparation for consequence management of subsequent impacts of the emergency response. 5. The statewide coordinated regional mutual aid system covers the time between the start of an incident and when adequate resources arrive for prolonged response through interagency systems and/or local and state Emergency Operations Centers. 6. The goal is to develop a unified approach to mobilizing fire and EMS resources, eliminate redundancy, and eliminate duplicate orders with the end goal of integration into the state response system. 7. A statewide coordinated regional mutual aid system, with dedicated resources for implementation, will help with the coordination and movement of mutual aid resources without impacting local dispatch centers which are busy managing 911 calls and resource response.
    [Show full text]
  • Two Fire Fighters Die and Three Fire Fighters Injured in a Fire Apparatus Crash—West Virginia
    2018 08 August 23, 2019 Two Fire Fighters Die and Three Fire Fighters Injured in a Fire Apparatus Crash—West Virginia Executive Summary On March 24, 2018, a pumper, Rescue 111 from county Fire Station 11 crashed while enroute to a report of an accident with injuries on an interstate. A 46-year-old assistant chief and a 40-year-old lieutenant died when the pumper struck a rock outcrop that paralleled the roadway. The 46-year-old fire chief (the fire apparatus operator), a 59-year-old fire fighter and a 17-year old junior fire fighter were injured. Fire Station 11 was dispatched by the county 9-1-1 center (Metro911) at 1733 hours for an accident with injuries on an interstate. At approximately 1741 hours, Metro911 received notification of a fire truck rollover. At 1742 hours, this information was updated that “a fire truck had crashed into a rock wall.” County Medic 147, who was responding behind Rescue 111arrived on scene at 1743. Another pumper, Engine 113, from Fire Station 11 was responding and arrived on scene at approximately 1744 hours. The fire apparatus operator of Engine 113 and the county medics immediately started to assess the patients of Rescue 111. One fire fighter (lieutenant) was found deceased on the ground at the tailboard of Rescue 111 The fire department pumper after the rescue of near the shoulder of the roadway. County the three injured fire fighters. The damage to Medic 147 advised the county dispatcher at the pumper was done by the rock outcrop. 1747 hours there was one fire fighter (Photo courtesy of the West Virginia State Police.) fatality and two fire fighter injuries.
    [Show full text]
  • Before the Board of Directors, Aromas Tri-County Fire Protection District, County of Monterey, State of California
    AROMAS TRI-COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING NOTICE & AGENDA Tuesday May 30, 2017 - 6:30 p.m. 492 Carpenteria Road, Aromas, California 95004 ROLL CALL: Miller __ Mahler __ Mortan Mesiroff______ Brown____ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Director Mesiroff PUBLIC COMMENT 6:30 P.M. - Opportunity to address the Board on items of interest not appearing on the agenda. No action may be taken unless provided by Government Code 54954.2 (speakers are limited to 5 minutes). The public may comment on any matter listed on the agenda at the time the matter is being considered by the Board. DIRECTORS COMMENT PERIOD APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1 Approve minutes of the March 23, 2017 regular meeting. ACTION PUBLIC HEARING 6:35 P.M. Preliminary Budget for fiscal year 2017-18 2 Receive proposed final budget of $1,656,600 for fiscal year 2017-18 2a. Receive public comment on the proposed final budget. 2b. Consider and approve Resolution No. 2017-05 adopting a preliminary budget of $1,656,600 for fiscal year 2017-18. ACTION GENERAL BUSINESS 3 Receive report of operations, training and fire prevention. 4 Receive staff report on Financial Audit Services. 5 Receive and consider staff report and CSG Consultants contract. ACTION FINANCIAL 6 Approve checks for April and May 2017. 7 Receive budget status report. Any documents produced by Aromas Tri-County Fire Protection District and distributed to a majority of the board 1 regarding any item on the agenda will be made available at the Aromas fire station located at 492 Carpenteria, Aromas, CA during normal business hours.
    [Show full text]
  • Smith Endorsed by Fire Fighters, Unveils Ad Feat. Ca-25 Wildfire Threat
    MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate release November 25, 2019 Contact: J&Z Strategies [email protected] Follow Christy Smith: Twitter: @ChristyforCA25 Website: ChristyforCongress.org SMITH ENDORSED BY FIRE FIGHTERS, UNVEILS AD FEAT. CA-25 WILDFIRE THREAT Smith Wins Pivotal Support from IAFF, New Digital Ad "Care" Underscores Public Safety, Climate Threat Posed By CA-25's Wildfires SANTA CLARITA, CA -- Marking one of her most impactful and influential endorsements yet, today California State Assemblywoman Christy Smith secured a high- powered endorsement from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) in her campaign to represent California's 25th Congressional District. Also today, Smith, who serves as Chair of the State Assembly's Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management, released a new digital ad titled "Care," which highlights the increasing public safety threat posed by wildfires, particularly in the 25th District. In making public their endorsement, Frank Lima, IAFF Vice President for District 10, released the following statement: "The International Association of Fire Fighters are proud to endorse Christy Smith for Congress. As Chair of the State Assembly's Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management, Christy has partnered with California's fire fighters to ensure that we have the tools and resources we need to combat wildfires and keep the public safe. Our fire fighters, paramedics and emergency responders support Christy Smith because Christy Smith has supported us. She is battle-tested, effective and ready to serve the people of the 25th District." In 2019 alone, the people of California's 25th Congressional District had to grapple with multiple wildfires, including the Easy Fire, the Soledad Fire, the Saddleridge Fire, the Tick Fire and the Castaic Fire.
    [Show full text]
  • 2020 Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit Fire Plan
    Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit Fire Plan 2020 MMU Strategic Fire Plan Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit Fire Plan 2020 UNIT STRATEGIC FIRE PLAN AMENDMENTS Page Section Date Numbers Description of Update Updated By Updated Updated 4/2020 Contents Page i-ii 2020 Update P4224 4/2020 Signature Page 1 Annual Update P4224 4/2020 Executive 2 Update C4200 Summary 4/2020 I Update P4224 4/2020 II None P4224 4/2020 III Update P4224 4/2020 IV Update B4220 4/2020 IV (B) Update F4208 3/2020 V Update All Battalions 4/2020 Appendix A Update P4224 4/2020 Appendix B None P4224 4/2020 Appendix C None P4224 4/2020 Appendix C-1 None P4224 4/2020 Appendix C-2 None P4224 4/2020 Appendix D None B4220 4/2020 Appendix E Update B4220 3/2020 Appendix F New P4224 4/2020 Appendix G Update B4211 3/2020 Appendix H None B4212 3/2020 Appendix I Update B4214 4/2020 Appendix J None B4215 4/2020 Appendix K None B16 4/2020 Appendix L None B17 3/2020 Appendix M Update B18 4/2020 Appendix N Update D4206 4/2020 Exhibits: Maps None GIS 4/2020 Accomplishments Update Various i Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit Fire Plan 2020 Table of Contents UNIT STRATEGIC FIRE PLAN AMENDMENTS ............................................................. i Table of Contents .............................................................................................................ii SIGNATURE PAGE ........................................................................................................ 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Prescribed Burn Equipment
    Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service NREM-2899 Prescribed Burn Equipment November 2016 John R. Weir Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Fact Sheets Research Associate, Natural Resource Ecology and Management, are also available on our website at: Oklahoma State University http://osufacts.okstate.edu R. Seth Coffey Graduate Research Assistant, Natural Resource Ecology and Man- agement, Oklahoma State University Carol E. Blocksome Research Assistant Professor, Horticulture and Natural Resources, Kansas State University Morgan L. Russell Extension Range Specialist, Ecosystem Science and Manage- ment, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service Dirac Twidwell Assistant Professor, Department of Agromony and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Introduction Having proper or adequate equipment on a prescribed fire is just as important as writing burn plans, firebreak prepa- rations or having the correct weather conditions. Oftentimes, burn managers will make equipment checklists prior to the burn; ensuring all needs have been met. Equipment may range from what the crew should wear to the type of pumper unit one might have on a fire. In planning a prescribed burn, one of the most important steps is considering what equipment is needed to properly protect the burn crew and contain the fire. There is no standard equipment list for conducting a burn. However, it is important to consider all equipment that could be used to make the prescribed burn safer and easier. When determining what equipment is needed it is best to go by the adage of “better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.” Always remember no two burns are the same and each burn can require different pieces of equipment.
    [Show full text]
  • Ramada Inn Air Crash and Fire Wayne Township, Indiana
    United States Fire Administration Technical Report Series Ramada Inn Air Crash and Fire Wayne Township, Indiana Federal Emergency Management Agency United States Fire Administration National Fire Data Center Ramada Inn Air Crash and Fire Wayne Township, Indiana (October 20, 1987) Investigated by: Randolph E. Kirby This is Report 014 of the Major Fires Investigation Project conducted by TriData Corporation under contract EMW-86-C-2277 to the United States Fire Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency. Federal Emergency Management Agency United States Fire Administration National Fire Data Center SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES Issues Comments Cause of Fire Military aircraft crashed into building, igniting its fuel. Fire Fighting Airport Fire Department arrived in one minute. Fire knocked down within three minutes - example of having right equipment at the right time. Lack of information on whether plane was armed partially delayed search efforts. Quicker access to military is needed. Building Structure Building held up well. Was soundly constructed, with masonry and fire proof steel components. Flexicore concrete panels in floor/ceiling assembly helped channel heat away from fire source. Double pane windows prevented fire and smoke from entering building in many areas. Interior walls and doors restricted or impeded movement of fire and smoke. Fire Protection Equipment Smoke alarms in each room and automatic fire alarm alerted guests and employees. There was no sprinkler system. SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES (cont'd) Issues Comments Incident Command Strong, coordinated command, through most of incident. Wayne Township Fire Department's Disaster Plan was successfully used. Evacuation Guests and employees evacuated on their own upon hearing fire and smoke alarms.
    [Show full text]