Ammonia leaking sent two firefighters to the hospital. The leak is about 10 to 15 gallons. No word on the extent of the injuries.

A Deputy Chief in the Boston Fire Department is being arraigned on charges including rape. Peter Pearson is charged with rape in connection with a woman he picked up in Brockton, Ma. In 1996 Pearson faced a charge in the same city for soliciting prostitution (sex for a fee). This is but the latest blow to Boston's bravest.

No one should be allowed to command a scene who has not, or cannot, meet all of the requirements for interior attack.

Mayor Daley, in an irritable exchange with reporters, refused to discuss the possibility as he displayed a new incident command vehicle purchased with federal money.

FirefighterHourly.com will watch the Chicago situation and report on any attempt to lay off Chicago's bravest. One of the worlds top departments Chicago has:

Seven (7) Districts,

24 Battalions, 99 Engine Companies

60 Truck Companies,

4 Rescue Squads

1 Hazardous Materials Unit

1 Collapse Rescue Unit

1 Fire Boat

59 Advanced Life Support Ambulances

12 Basic Life Support Ambulances

11 Airport Rescue Crash Units

4 Communications Command Vans

563 Chicago firefighters have died in the line of duty.

Since Chief Hoback has made a tremendous blunder and is trying to cut off the information flow, FirefighterHourly.com will now start reporting on the issues within the department to bring them to a wider audience around the country. We will do a podcast later tonight and will do an interview on Thursday with several media members.

This is the antiquated, old boy way of stifling discussion about issues. It's not healthy nor does it meet the standards set by other cities and towns across America.

The union's letter, post-marked Thursday and addressed to Franklin County Fiscal Court magistrates, questioned Rambo's education and said he has a "penchant to lie." The union called Rambo and Russell's appointments a "possible liability."

Rambo blamed the falling out on petty differences from a "few" firefighters. However the votes were unanimous in the local so there are more than a few involved. Further, when asked, a county magistrate said Rambo would not have been appointed if it were put to a vote:

County Magistrate Jill Robinson said Monday magistrates were not involved in Rambo's appointment in 2007.

"When Deron Rambo was appointed, it was the judge's [County Judge-Executive Ted Collins] appointment and we didn't have any say in this matter."

Robinson said she felt Rambo's appointment would not have passed had it been put to a vote.

More details in tomorrows podcast as we discuss the situation with firefighters.

IAFF Local 61 Discussion

Charleston, St. Andrews Fixing Communication Problems

Update On Charleston

Other Cities Now In Focus


MP3 File

We would like to take this opportunity to invite all CFD retirees to the first “Hooked Up” meeting of the Charleston Fire Department Retirees beginning at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, at the North Charleston American LaFrance Fire Museum located behind the Tanger Outlet Mall in North Charleston. A BBQ buffet will be served and, after a short meeting, you will all be given a tour of the Museum. Please call me at (843) 609-8300 or email me at gerald@scfirefighters.org as soon as possible to let me know if you can attend.  We will be sending you more information by mail this week. We hope to see all of you there.

Visit the support team blog here.

Capt. Gene Tutell sustained lacerations to his face and head, seven broken ribs and possible head injuries. Firefighter/EMT Jordan Bowers and dispatcher Heather Monreal were thrown from the watercraft following the collision.

The reason a dispatcher was training was reportedly due to there being an orientation to firefighting operations taking place.

FirefighterHourly.com sends the Yuma firefighters best wishes.

Source: YumaSun

Mayor Shirley Frankin closed the station back on July 14 because of the city's budget crisis. Since then, city council members and neighbors have fought to re-open the century old fire house.

“This station should have never been closed. Matter of fact, as much as Atlanta is growing in pop and density, we can’t afford to lose any of our fire stations,” said Atlanta Firefighter Local 134 Chris Wessels.

The bill before council Monday would take $1.1 million from non-personnel accounts throughout city government to fund station No. 7.

“This fire station is necessary. This fire station is needed. This legislation will provide the funding for this fire station to be reopened,” said Mitchell.

Remembering Two Heroes - Robert Beddia and Joseph Graffagnino Jr.

Lack Of SOG's Inhibit Departments Ability To Act

Wake Up Probie

Department Does It All Wrong


MP3 File

The ill-informed closing of Squad 4 is but one example. A dedicated unit known for rescues and getting the job done the squad no longer exists after fire chief Kelvin Cochran closed the doors. Now squad 4 members, and their expensive training, are Engine 6. They have a defined territory and no longer provide the expertise so essential in a modern American urban environment.

The rest of the department is feeling the pinch of mismanagement by Mayor Shirley Franklin and her department heads. While Chief Cochran came into the mix late his name is associated with the moves and he hasn't voiced opposition to the ill informed decisions.

Perhaps Atlanta's next Mayor and Fire Chief will be able to reverse these stunning moves.

(Left - Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran has yet to publicly denounce the cuts being made.)

Robert Beddia and Joseph Graffagnino Jr. were killed fighting a fire at the old Deutsche bank building in Manhattan. Lapses in city oversight contributed to their deaths and a scapegoat was sought within the department.

Today we renew our call for Fire Commissioner Scopetta to resign.

The document went on to identify a string of poor practices within the department, including inadequate training, outdated tactics and aging equipment.

Routley told audience members during the session that many firefighters' reactions to the findings are disbelief at the way Charleston was run.

Routley discussed the issue of how the department could attain a class 1 ISO rating:

He went on to explain how he believed Charleston had been able to achieve an ISO Class 1 rating despite its outdated methods and practices.

"At some point in the early 1990s, they decided that what they really wanted was an ISO 1," Routley said.

"I think that they looked at the ISO books and I know they talked to the ISO person for that area. I think the mission of the department was to score as many points as they could on the ISO rating schedule."

Read the full story by Jamie Thompson at Fire Rescue1

The Memphis Fire Department consists of:

Tip O'Neil was a political powerhouse from Boston serving during the 60's, 70's and 80's. His famous quip, "All politics is local", is appropriate for those who question their membership in the IAFF. Your concern should be on your local, your state and then the international. Don't let a political endorsement change your opinion.

Many of the old guard will try to sway you because they count on fractured firefighters to divide and conquer. This isn't politics-it's a matter of life and death.

Much has been accomplished but continuing your IAFF membership, or joining, is the single best guarantee you will be heard.

It's the first time this has occured in Okeechobee County. The incident calls in to question the practice of firefighters collecting money in traffic. Some fire departments have banned the practice while others limit the amount of time firefighters can be on the street.

It's unknown if firefighters were wearing reflective vests or high visiblity shirts.

Incident Command

Fire Engineering Magazine nails it.

IAFF Conference - Obama Endorsement Tonight

Training the "Right" Way

Happy Birthday Daniel Bilton


MP3 File

Ryan Landin, of Galion

George Williams, of Akron

Patrick Paisley, of Kent

Michael Neely, of Worthington

Mitchell Madeker, of Mount Gilead

Sean Smith, of Columbus.

At the end we also discuss the new website VentingtheRoof.com


MP3 File

Not content with a three or four hour familiarization with their new ladder truck, Winthrop Harbor firefighters received a certificate for training on the new truck for 30 hours. The training was provided by the Kenosha Fire Department. Read the story.

Rather than being a huge setback this fire offers the chance to fix issues that come about at larger fires.  Smaller fires go well between the departments but larger fires reveal the hazards of operating two communication systems with almost no combined training in fire scene communications.

Other Notes:

• New supply hose without a locking mechanism came loose.
• St. Andrews firefighters were lauded for their prompt response.
• Charleston firefighters were lauded for their command board.

In addition, as a result of this fire, in future anyone trying to update a scene report via the comment section will be removed. If you have news send it via the contact form.

The 2008 Career Chief of the Year, Charles L. Werner, first joined the Charlottesville Fire Department in 1978 as a firefighter. Rising quickly through the department, he was appointed fire chief in 2005. A popular instructor, Werner is well-known throughout the fire and emergency services for his expertise in communications technology, serving on the Emergency Services Providers Advisory Committee for many years. He is the Chair of the Department of Homeland Security's SAFECOM Committee and is Chair of the International Association of Technology Advisory Committee which facilitates discussions on GIS and other technology issues. He is also a regular contributor to Penton's MRT and columnist for Firehouse magazine.

Reports are one firefighter from Charleston was slightly injured. More as details become available.

St. Andrews fire department arrived at the scene of an apartment fire and was joined by Charleston units as both departments fought the fast moving blaze this afternoon. Firefighters worked feverishly to halt the fire which was located in the attic space of an apartment building. Damage was substantial.

Communication issues cropped up as departments operated on separate channels. Most observers assumed the second arriving department, Charleston, would switch to the St. Andrews Fireground frequency but instead the city operated separately. This type of error is something the Routley Report highlighted and yet, almost 14 months later, there are still substantial issues. If a Mayday were to occur operations on separate channels could endanger firefighters. It's one thing to do it at small single family dwellings but large fires are a different matter.

Another issue mentioned by firefighters was ladder placement. Obviously the answer to most of these issues is standard guidelines both departments agree to as well as a written agreement released to the media to show good faith.

Observers noted the City has a good accountability system in place but communications are still a work in progress. More in a special podcast tomorrow morning.

Speaking to the IAFF convention in Las Vegas Schaitberger detailed how much the union had accomplished since the June 18, 2007 fire. He said the union now has a good working relationship with Mayor Riley and members of city council.

To watch the video visit this link. His comments about Charleston are around the 12 to 14 minute mark of the first video.

A former Frederick County volunteer firefighter set fires over the span of 11 years according to police. Wayne Duncan, 28, told police he likes fire. He faces multiple charges. WBAL

Joseph Heinsinger, 19, told police he sets fires because he “likes to find out why it does what it does." The Lower Southhampton volunteer is charged with three counts of arson, a first-degree felony that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each count, as well as several related charges. Holzer faces two counts of arson and related charges.  Bucks County Times

Live burns are an essential component of training as are classes requiring firefighters to use SCBA, gloves, helmets and turnout gear. Even in the hot summer months this training benefits everyone. It doesn't help at a scene if a firefighter has never practiced a skill with PPE donned.

"Muscle memory" training provides those reflexes necessary when a firefighter is in extremis. Taking ten minutes to think about the next step is the difference between life and death. Hands on training reduces the time to react because the firefighter acts based on training.

Propane Blast A Warning To Firefighters

New Website Debut: VentingtheRoof.com

Mailing List Will Offer LODD Anouncements, Large Fires - Sign Up

The LODD Struggle Continues in 2008


MP3 File

Previous Coverage

Fire chiefs are protecting their small “turfs” and howl in protest at the more proactive firefighters, and fellow chief officers, who understand the lack of education in the state is hurting departments.

Too many fire chiefs are hired or appointed based on their connections to good old boys. This occurs within the paid departments but is rampant in volunteer departments around the state. Proactive volunteer firefighters are tired of it and see the need for change. Among paid departments there are perhaps a dozen wherein connections didn’t play a role in the hiring of the fire chief. Amazingly these departments are the ones who excel because the chief officer isn’t afraid to say the state way is broken.

Much attention was heaped on Charleston but one item remaining under the radar was the good old boy system and how it runs amuck across the state. Few fire chiefs were willing to step out and discuss the lack of education and training even as the state mourned the loss of good firefighters. Perhaps the lure of a better job or the protection once afforded to those who closed ranks when issues were discussed in public led to the silence.

One item is crystal clear now, almost 14 months after the Sofa Super Store tragedy; the entire state is under the microscope. Chiefs are now boldly talking about problems and solutions.

The old guard is on its way out around the state.

Crawford is a familiar name. He served on the Routley Panel.

Shreveport Fire Department has over 600 firefighters operating out of 21 stations. In 2007 they responded to over 35,000 alarms.

More than 100 firefighters from 12 fire departments in Berkeley County battled the blaze that consumed about 70 cars at the 176 Junkyard, Whitesville Rural Volunteer Fire Department Chief Tim Stephenson said. The fire began about 9:45 a.m. and was out by 4:45 p.m., he said.

Source: Post & Courier, Email

118 firefighters died in the line of duty in 2007

There were 7 firefighter fatality incidents where 2 or more firefighters were killed, claiming a total of 21 firefighters' lives.

11 firefighters were killed during activities involving brush, grass or wildland firefighting, the lowest in over a decade.

Activities related to emergency incidents resulted in the deaths of 76 firefighters.

38 firefighters died while engaging in activities at the scene of a fire.

26 firefighters died while responding to or returning from emergency incidents.

11 firefighters died while they were engaged in training activities.

15 firefighters died after the conclusion of their on-duty activity.

Heart attacks were the most frequent cause of death for 2007, with 52 firefighter deaths

Good morning family, friends, and fellow firefighters.

Today I could explain my father’s death, and what it has meant to my family and I, but I refuse to do that because that’s not what my father would have wanted me to do. I also refuse to tell you about my father’s tremendous work ethics, outstanding firefighting record, or just his day to day personality. Instead I am going to tell you who my dad was to me.

My dad was superman and as most kids look up to their fathers as having traits of superman my dad truly was superman. As far back as I can remember anything about anything it was about fire fighting, and my dad was the one who opened my eyes to it. As I grew older I began to see why my father loved this so much and why he wanted his only son to be a part of it. And although having a 200 and 70 something, guy come running down the steps behind you in the middle of the night was not a pleasant moment or a quiet moment, but I will never forget those moments.

He gave me everything that I could have ever wanted and more. He has guided, and loved me in as many ways as he could, and I loved him for it. Whenever my father would come home from a 3 day work trip only to work a midnight shift with the ambulance before he had to leave for work again. I saw a man who did not like being at home, or with his family very much, but now I see what he was doing he was teaching my mother and I to be strong and to learn how to pull together while he wasn’t there because one day he was going to take the longest trip of his life. He was also doing this to support my mother and I, as well as teach me the lessons that I need and will need in life.

My dad always said that if he could go back and do it all over again he would have wanted to be a teacher, but I’m sorry if he wasn’t the best teacher in the world then I don’t know who is. As far as I am concerned he has been a teacher his whole life not just to my mother and I but to others as well, and most of his students are in this building here today My father never stopped teaching me, and never will.

No matter how good I make it in life, no matter how successful I become. I will be known as my father’s son, and no matter what happens I will always be truly honored to be that. I do not see this as death I see this as a celebration of my father’s life here on earth. So at this time I would like you all to stand up and celebrate the life of my father Sean Timothy Whiten.

I Love you father.

A 25-year veteran firefighter has died battling a blaze at a Toronto propane facility. Explosions at the plant have forced thousands of people from their homes.

"Every effort was made to resuscitate him. However we do regret to inform everyone that we did lose one of our members today," Division Chief David Shean told repoters late Sunday afternoon.

The firefighter was found with vital signs absent, but a cause of death has not been determined.

"He wasn't impacted by anything. It was just in the course of him performing some operations that he went down," said Shean.

Our condolenscences go out to the family, friends and co-workers of the 25 year veteran firefighter.

The Toronto Fire Department operates 179 pieces of apparatus out of 81 stations. They are the largest department in Canada.