Maine Fire Chief On-Duty Death

Fire Chief George Davis, 62, of the Hollis Fire Department on June 23, 2012, shortly after he returned from a fire call, family members found Fire Chief Davis deceased from an apparent heart attack outside of his home.

(The Portland Press Herald) - HOLLIS MAINE 

Fire chief dies at home after returning from call

The town’s fire chief since 2005 died early Saturday after returning home from responding to a call.

George Davis, 62, suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Lyman, where he died, according to Deputy Fire Chief Jason Johnson,

The fire department had received a complaint about an unpermitted burn about 11 p.m. Friday, Johnson said. Davis responded to the scene, as he almost always did, no matter the severity of the incident, Johnson said.

The deputy chief said he and Davis went back to the station and filled out an incident report together. The chief’s wife found his body in the driveway about an hour later, Johnson said.

He described Davis as an outgoing, honest man who always wanted to do the right thing. He said Davis dedicated his life to the fire department.

The department is “trying to hold things together,” Johnson said. “It’s a huge loss.”

WGME 13 - News - Press Herald: Hollis Fire Chief George Davis dies

Our condolences to the  Davis Family & Friends, the Hollis Fire Department, and to all affected by Cheif George Davis passing.

To date, 39 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Buffalo Fire Dept - 701 E Utica Street 06.23.2012

Fire Damages East Side Apartment Building

BUFFALO, NY - (WGRZ) Fire investigators are still looking into what caused a large fire on the city's east side. Crews were called to a 4-unit apartment building around 1:45am Saturday. The fire started on the first floor of the two-story building but quickly spread to the second floor, according to the Buffalo Fire Department. A total of $40,000 damage was caused to the building and $10,000 to it's contents.
Red Cross has been notified to help 3 adults and 3 children that lived in the apartments.
Buffalo Police say they're investigating the cause of this fire and that it remains suspicious.



BFD arrived early this morning for a report of a structure fire on E Utica St between Filmore & Humbolt at 01:44 hrs..

Engine 33 went on location reporting a working fire and laying in a lines. B-56 reported fire on the 1st floor of a 2 story 4 unit apartment building with extension to the 2nd floor and attic via #4 side 1st floor widow.
 
The fire was under control in under 30 minutes.

Firefighters douse overnight blaze: wivb.com

Crews quickly put out east side fire

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo's bravest were called to fight a fire on the city's east side a little before 2 a.m. Saturday.  Everyone was safely evacuated from the four-apartment building on East Utica Street and firefighters got the flames under control.

Firefighters say the building's flat roof and lack of an attic helped limit the spread of the flames, allowing them to contain the fire quickly.

Most of the damage, estimated at $60,000, was contained to one apartment. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

FIRE VIDEO NEWS for 6.22.2012

Firefighters Hospitalized During Brooklyn Fire

Three firefighters injured, two sent to the hospital.

MYFOXNY.COM - Firefighters battled intense flames and smoke in scorching weather as a fire ripped through at least two homes in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

 

FDNY Fights Four-Alarm Fire in Brooklyn

Bay Ridge homes burn in sweltering weather.

NEW YORK  WABC - Firefighters battling an overnight fire in Brooklyn had to deal with the harsh conditions in addition to the flames. The four-alarm fire broke out at a two-story house on 81st Street and Colonial Road in Bay Ridge just before 3:30 a.m.

 

Collapse at San Francisco Pier Fire

Raw video captures collapse of façade.

The moment the facade came down during the 2012 fire at Pier 29 in San Francisco.

 

Fire at Pier 29 in San Francisco

More than 100 firefighters battling massive fire

Firefighters with the San Francisco Fire Department battle a fire at Pier 29 on the waterfront in San Francisco, Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Raw Video: Fire Burns At Pier 29 In San Francisco « CBS San Francisco

 

Collapse during Milwaukee Five-Alarm Fire

Over 100 firefighters battle a multiple alarm blaze downtown.

MILWAUKEE Fox6News — As many as 150 Milwaukee firefighters are battling a five-alarm fire in a commercial building near 12th and W. Vliet Street, just west of the downtown area. One firefighter was hurt while battling the fire. Officials say the firefighter is being evaluated — possibly for twisting an ankle. The injury is considered minor. Officials say the biggest concern for the firefighters is the heat. Heat exhaustion can set in early. Paramedics are monitoring the firefighters closely.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

TFPFP PodCast/G+ Hangout On Air [06.18.2012]

I've tried a few traditional "Pod Casting" with audio which was ok but I was limited to the 5 minutes of time I had on for the platform I was using. Not really enough time plus something was missing.  With the Google Plus Hang Out On Air capability that Google Plus now offers users I couldn't resist to give it another go but this time with visuals. I do need a newer & updated mic and I'll be working on that improvement here down the road. 


I do think though with the limited online tools and hardware at the old PC desk that I did an ok performance for being still new to it all. It was fun to put the Hangout On Air/Pod Cast together and I should only get better when I do another one. Here is the show...









(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Focusing on Having Two Ways Out

National Fire Protection Association focuses on Having Two Ways Out during Fire Prevention Week in October 

2012 theme highlights the importance of fire escape planning and practice 

Click to tweet: Have Two Ways Out! Join @NFPA in spreading importance of fire escape planning and practice http://tinyurl.com/25rdvy9  

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced the 2012 Fire Prevention Week theme as “Have Two Ways Out!” to encourage families across the country to prioritize fire escape planning and practice. From October 7-13, 2012, NFPA blazes the trail for home fire safety and leads the campaign tohave a home fire escape plan that prepares families to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds. If one exit is blocked by smoke, it’s imperative to plan for another escape outlet.

“We are excited for this year’s theme because it is simple and to the point—always plan for two ways out of your home,” says Jim Shannon, president of NFPA. “You never know which direction a fire will come from, and being prepared can save the lives of you and your loved ones.”

  

To coincide with this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, NFPA gives practical fire safety tips to families:

• Make a map of your home; mark a door and window that can be used to get out of every room.
• Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home.
• Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan.
• Practice your escape plan twice a year.

To further spread the word about fire safety during Fire Prevention Week, Sparky the Fire Dog kicks off Sparky’s Wish List. The Wish List encourages neighborhoods to partner together to build fire-safe communities and provides a tangible way for media, local businesses and the general public to get involved with Fire Prevention Week. In the online registry, fire departments create wish lists of fire safety materials needed for school visits, bringing fire departments and community members together to support life-saving programs.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

 

 

NFPA's annual firefighter fatality report shows lowest number of on-duty deaths for second consecutive year

(NFPA NEWS RELEASE)  

NFPA reports 61 on-duty firefighter deaths in 2011, the lowest annual total in 35 years 

Click to Tweet: Firefighter Fatality Report by @NFPA shows lowest annual firefighter deaths in 35 years http://ow.ly/1NCv94

June 12, 2012 – Today the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released its annual Firefighter Fatality Report showing a total of 61 on-duty firefighter deaths in the United States in 2011, the lowest annual total of firefighter deaths for the second consecutive year, as well as the lowest annual total in 35 years. The number of firefighter deaths has also sharply decreased over the past three years, a dramatic decline from 105 deaths in 2008. NFPA released the results during a special session at the NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.

“It is certainly good news that the number of firefighter deaths has continued to decrease, reaching an all-time low since our first report in 1977,” says Rita Fahy, NFPA’s manager of fire databases & systems. “We are grateful for the sacrifices of these brave individuals and are hopeful that with expanded use of codes and standards and other safety initiatives the downward trend in the number of firefighters dying on duty will continue.”

VIDEO: Rita Fahy, manager of NFPA's fire databases and systems, presents the results of the 2011 fire fighter fatality study.

Of the 61 firefighters who died while on duty in 2011, 35 were volunteer firefighters, 21 were career firefighters, three were employees of state land management agencies and two were employees of federal land management agencies. The largest share of deaths occurred while firefighters were operating on the fire ground, representing 49 percent of the on-duty deaths in the year.

The decline of firefighter deaths occurred in the following areas:

• Lowest number of sudden cardiac deaths
• Lowest number of road vehicle crashes
• No aircraft or watercraft crashes
• The number of deaths while involved in training activities is the lowest since 1999
• Lowest number of volunteer firefighter deaths ever
• Lowest number of career firefighter deaths (tied with 1993)
• Lowest number of deaths while responding to or returning from alarms

 

VIDEO: Ken Willette, division manager of NFPA's Public Fire Protection Division, provides a fire service perspective to the 2011 fire fighter fatality study, what's working, and what still needs to be done to reduce the number of work-related deaths. 

The firefighter fatality study is made possible by the cooperation and assistance of the United States fire service, the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program of the Department of Justice, CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the United States Fire Administration, the Forest Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Land Management of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

 

North Carolina Assistant Fire Chief On-Duty Death

Retired Air Force Master Sgt. Donald L. "Donnie" Suggs, 55, of Lillington, died Monday, June 11, 2012. Survived by: Wife, Deloris; son: Johnathan; mother, Hilda Ausley; brother, Ronald.

Assistant Chief Donald L. Suggs, 55, of the Summerville Fire and Rescue Department, on Sunday, June 10, 2012, at approximately 1100hrs, Assistant Chief Suggs had responded to an emergency call.  After returning home, he collapsed at about 2100hrs that evening.  He was taken to the hospital where he passed away on Monday, June 11, 2012, at approximately 0100hrs from an apparent heart attack.  An autopsy is being performed to determine the exact cause of death.


Our condolences to the  Suggs Family & Friends, the Summerville Fire & Rescue, Harnett County District 11, and to all affected by Assistant Chief Donald L. Suggs passing.

To date, 38 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

 

Arizona Firefighter On-Duty Death

Firefighter Anthony Polk, 31, of the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Fort Yuma Agency on June 8, 2012 died as a result of a single fire apparatus accident that occurred while he and two other firefighters were responding to the scene of the Montezuma Fire south of Tucson, AZ.



More details on Yuma Firefighter who died in roll over accident - KSWT: Local News, Weather, Sports Yuma, AZ El Centro Imperial Valley, CA

Our condolences to the Polk Family & Friends, the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Fort Yuma Agency , and to all affected by Firefighter Anthony Polk passing.

To date, 37 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.




(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Air Tanker Crashes Over Utah Fighting Nevada Wildfire, Two Pilots On-Duty Deaths

Captain Todd Tompkins, 48, and First Officer Ronnie Chambless, 40, of Neptune Aviation Services, Inc. on June 3, 2012. at 1400 hrs, passed away while fighting the 5,000-acre White Rock Fire which was sparked by lightning in eastern Nevada.  On the second run of the day in their model P2V Lockheed Martin aircraft, Captain Tompkins and First Officer Chambless were nearing the wildfire when they crashed in the Hamlin Valley area of Iron County, Utah, near the Utah-Nevada border.






It was estimated that the aircraft held approximately 1,600 gallons of fuel and 2,000 gallons of fire retardant.  It was reported that the NTSB, FAA, and U.S. Forest Service officials are responding to the crash for investigation.

Our condolences to the  Tompkins and Chambless Familys & Friends, the Neptune Aviation Services, Inc., and to all affected by Captain Todd Tompkins and First Officer Ronnie Chambless passing.

To date, 35 and 36 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.




(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Grilling Safety From the NFPA

The Summer is here! Millions of Americans will be having cookouts grilling those hamburgers and hotdogs. It’s important to remember and follow fire safety tips so that all can enjoy a safe summer season at those fun BBQs.

U.S. fire departments responded to an average 8,200 home fires (2005-2009) involving grills, hibachis, or barbeques per year, including an average of 3,400 structure fires and 4,800 outside fires. These fire incidents have resulted in an annual average of 15 civilian deaths, 120 reported civilian injuries, and $75 million in direct property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Home Fires involving Cooking Equipment Report.

July is the peak month for grills fires, accounting for 18 percent of all home fires involving grills, including both structure and outside fires. June and May follow closely with 14 percent and 13 percent respectively.



The NPD group reports that more people are grilling all year round, showing that nearly one-third (38 percent) of American households had at least one meal cooked on an outdoor grill in an average two-week period during the year. Even in the winter months of December, January and February, one-quarter (27 percent) had eaten at least one grilled item in a 14-day period.

Other key findings in this report include:

•         Five out of every six grills involved in home fires (84 percent) were fueled by gas while 13 percent used charcoal or other solid fuel.
•         More than one quarter (29 percent) of the home structure fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace or patio.
•         In 2009, 17,700 patients went to the emergency room because of injuries involving grills.
•         Children under the age of five account for almost one-quarter (22 percent) of all thermal grill burns.

NFPA is offers the following safety tips:

•         Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
•         The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
•         Keep children and pets away from the grilling area.
•         Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
•         Never leave your grill unattended.

For more information, visit www.nfpa.org/grilling.



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)