Firefighter Code of Ethics

USFAPress Release: July 30, 2012

EMMITSBURG, MD – Today’s fire service leaders face a variety of challenges managing budgets, personnel, and programs. Occasionally, ethical issues emerge for which there are no easy answers. To provide guidance to address these complex questions, the National Society of Executive Fire Officers (NSEFO) and Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) jointly have released a firefighter code of ethics that can be adopted by local fire and emergency medical service organizations. The ethics statement is the result of almost two years of effort by the Board of Directors of NSEFO.

In acknowledgement of the importance of this first of its kind fire service ethics statement, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has posted the statement throughout the National Fire Academy’s (NFA) facilities and will now include the statement in all course materials distributed to NFA students.

To download a copy for the NSEFO statement for posting within fire department facilities and distribution, visit the USFA website at:www.usfa.fema.gov/fireservice/

(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.)

Lightening Strike at 665 New York Avenue, Brooklyn Causes 7 Alarm Fire 07.26.2012

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – A lightning strike sparked a massive fire that broke out in a residential building in the Prospect-Lefferts Gardens section of Flatbush Thursday morning. A lighting strike hit 456 Brooklyn Ave. at 9:47 a.m. and the 7-story building on New York Avenue caught fire at 10:08 a.m., according to the FDNY.






NEW YORK (AP) — A roaring fire engulfed the upper floors of an apartment building on Thursday, injuring dozens of firefighters and forcing more than 100 families to leave.

Hundreds of firefighters battled the flames, which erupted Thursday morning on a top floor of the seven-story building in Brooklyn's Flatbush neighborhood and soon broke through the roof, the fire department said. Hours later, orange flames and dark, billowing smoke were still visible at the 106-unit building.

Authorities said 26 firefighters were hurt, one seriously, and one civilian was treated at the scene.

The fire was extinguished by mid afternoon. The cause of the fire was under investigation, but there was a report of a lightning strike just blocks away around the same time.

Resident Valma Brown heard a neighbor knocking on her second-floor door, telling her the building was burning. She said she grabbed a robe and threw it over her night clothes, then rushed into a smoke-filled hallway with four adults and two young boys.

"We walked through smoke. There was a lot of smoke, and everything was flying all over," she said, explaining that firefighters were breaking windows to get in. "The whole building was full of water."

The group then made its way through a back door downstairs to a patio.

The Red Cross set up a temporary shelter for displaced residents at a nearby public school.

Another resident, Shondelle Rodney, said she rushed home from work when a friend called her saying the building was on fire. Her older sister was still asleep in the family's fifth-floor apartment.

"She didn't hear anything, so we called her," Rodney said.

The sister got out, taking along their dog and cat, she said, "but the bird is still up there."

The other residents of the apartment — another sister, their mother and two children — were not home when the fire started.

The family planned to spend the night at the school. Rodney didn't know when they'd be able to return.









(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.)

SEVEN-ALARMS IN BROOKLYN, 3301 Atlantic Ave 07.23.2012

NEW YORK (AP) — A seven-alarm fire at a vacant commercial building in Brooklyn has been brought under control by firefighters who battled it for 16 hours.

The fire department says the blaze was contained at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Seven firefighters were injured. Three were taken to a hospital for treatment; their injuries were not immediately known. The other four were treated at the scene.

More than 200 firefighters and 54 units responded to the fire at the former food processing plant at 3:30 p.m. Monday.

The two-story brick building is at 3301 Atlantic Avenue in the Cypress Hills section.





Seven firefighters suffered minor injuries. Four were treated at the scene and three others were transported to a local hospital. Since the building is vacant and doesn’t have occupants, firefighters battled the blaze from the outside.

The seven-alarm fire also knocked out train service in the area throughout the night. The J train, which runs through the nearby Crescent Street station, has been bypassing that stop in both directions. However, service was restored at about 9:30 a.m.

Investigators may be at the building through Wednesday






(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.)

FIVE-ALARMS IN ST. LOUIS, 3949 Lindell Blvd 07.17.201

A fire that destroyed a 197-unit apartment in St. Louis is stirring debate about the use of lightweight, synthetic building materials over brick and real wood.

About 100 people inside the complex got out. It took about 160 firefighters from the city and St. Louis County to put out the blaze.

The fire broke out Tuesday night at the apartment complex in the city's Central West End, near the Saint Louis University campus. No one was killed or injured but about 250 residents were displaced.







Less than an hour after firefighters arrived on the scene of a blaze at a Central West End apartment building Tuesday night, they were forced to evacuate as the top floor of the four-story structure began to collapse. The flames spread fast through the attic.



St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson said, “The fire alarm systems worked.  Meaning the alarm system to tell everybody to evacuated.  Sprinkler system.  The building was sprinklered.  That was all intact.  Everything worked as planned,” 




Chief Jenkerson also called the fire a “perfect storm” with record heat leading to 200+ degree temperatures in the attic, which allowed the flames to cut through the walls “like a hot knife through butter.”

  

“As fast as it was moving and as hot as it was it might have just blown ‘em over and kept moving.  It was a very hot fire,” he said. “(The attic) had baked all day so I would venture to say it was above 200 degrees in that attic easily, and we think the fire started somewhere near the ceiling level so the fire was burning in the attic when we got there so it had a little of a head start on us.”

City officials confirmed that the four-story was structure was built to code, had working sprinklers and had "draft stops" that are designed to slow the spread of fire in the attic. Officials believe the fire started above the ceiling of a top-floor unit.

Still, Jenkerson expressed concerns about the building materials.

"Like every fire chief, I look at the (building) code every year," he said. "We have a risk perspective that's different from the building trade's. You've got to take the costs and weigh it against the risk."




(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.)

SIX-ALARMS IN THE BRONX, 975 Walton Ave 07.18.2012

New York News | New York Breaking News | NYC Headlines






Just after midnight, the FDNY responded to a fire at 975 Walton Ave at a landmark Bronx apartment building near Yankee Stadium. The fire was initially a two-alarm fire but grew to six alarms right before 4 a.m. The FDNY had it under control by then, too, with 200 firefighters responding. Twenty-eight firefighters in total were injured, as were two civilians. None of the injuries were considered serious.

The fire was in the fifth and sixth floors as well as the cockloft. Fire chief Edward Kilduff explained, "By the time we stretch lines up to the sixth floor rear of this building, we probably stretched 200 feet of hoseline. That in itself is an exhaustive task. Then to move in and start putting out the fire just compounds the challenge." A wall also partially collapsed.


Dozens injured in Bronx building fire - New York News | New York Breaking News | NYC Headlines

30 hurt as huge fire tears through apartment building in the Bronx | 7online.com







(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.)

Virginia Volunteer Rescue Lieutenant On-Duty Death

David R. Chew Jr., 30, of the Bloxom Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, on Monday July 17, 2012, at approximately 1130 hrs, while responding to a motor vehicle accident, Lieutenant Chew was riding in a fire engine that ran off the road while negotiating a curve, striking several trees, and overturning. Lieutenant Chew died from injuries sustained when he was ejected from the fire engine.

David R. Chew Jr. served as chaplain of the Bloxom Volunteer Fire Company and was a rescue lieutenant and a member of the company’s board of directors. He had been involved in fire and EMS work since 2001, according to his profile on the Northampton County Department of EMS website.

David R. Chew Jr., who was married and the father of a 3-year-old son, had just become pastor of Hallwood United Methodist Church — his first Sunday there was July 1.

"My son was always a busy guy from the day he was born. He always was a busy guy," shared Chew's mother, Mary. "His heart, really, was in the fire department. He started volunteering with the Bloxom Fire Department at the age of 16. He was with 'em for 14 years."

Our condolences to the Chew Family & Friends, the Bloxom Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, and to all affected by Firefighter David R. Chew's passing.

To date, 47 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.)

4-alarm Warehouse Fire, Philly 07.10.2012

More photos from Ron Trout at PhillyFireNews.com.

Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

Service Restored On Market-Frankford Line After 4-Alarm Fire - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

PHILADELPHIA (boston.com) —A four-alarm fire in a vacant north Philadelphia warehouse left a firefighter injured after a fall and disrupted public transit, authorities said.

The blaze in the four-story building in the Fishtown section of the city was reported at about 2:30 a.m. The flames burned out of control for almost two hours before fire officials pronounced the blaze under control, but crews were still pouring water on the smoking ruins well after daybreak.

The blaze happened near the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's Market-Frankford Elevated Line, forcing service to be halted and replaced with shuttle buses between two stops. Commuters were warned to expect delays and crowded conditions through the morning. SEPTA said late Tuesday afternoon that it had resumed full service on the line.

The Philadelphia Inquirer said one firefighter was taken to Hahnemann University Hospital, where he was reported in stable condition.

Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers said no evacuations were ordered but some nearby residents left their homes on their own. The cause of the fire was under investigation.



On-Scene of a 4th Alarm Warehouse Fire in the City of Philadelphia, Tactical Box 0243 was dispatched around 0230 hours for a 4 story warehouse. Engine 29 only a few blocks away declared the working fire and struck a 2nd alarm on arrival, shortly after that the 3rd alarm was struck and all units went in service with heaviest water lines. As the fire raged command struck the 4th alarm and special called an extra ladder and water tower, the fire was declared under control around 0430 hrs but crews remained on location for an extended period of time. One firefighter suffered a minor injury after a fall and the building was a total loss, fire is under investigation.



Engine-29 arrived on scene with heavy fire showing from a three story vacant factory, placed all hands in service. B/C-4 arrived and requested the second struck. All companies in service with heaviest water lines. Command reported an exposure problem and requested the third alarm. Deputy 1 requested the 4th alarm struck. S/C 2 additonal ladders and Squrt 43 above the 4th Alarm. 1 Firefighter was transported the the hospital in serious condition.







(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.)

USFA: North Carolina On-Duty Death

 

 

Four members of the 145th Airlift Wing

The U.S. Fire Administration has announced the official on-duty deaths of four North Carolina Air National Guard members during a wildfire in South Dakota on July 1, 2012.

Four members of the North Carolina Air National Guard, members of 145th Airlift Wing, were killed and two seriously injured while working a fire attack mission in South Dakota on the White Draw fire near Edgemont. The firefighting crew of the Air Force C-130H3, carrying a U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS), had been battling wildfires in the days leading up to the crash, including those around Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Our condolences to the Family & Friends of Lieutenant Colonel Paul K. Mikeal, Major Joseph M. McCormick, Major Ryan S. David, Senior Master Sergeant Robert S. Cannon, the 145th Airlift Wing, and to all affected by their passing.

To date, 46 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.)

 

 

Warning! Dangers With Fireworks!

National Fire Protection Association Press Release:

Use of consumer fireworks dramatically increases risk of fire and injury. National health and safety advocates team up to warn of dangers

Click to Tweet: Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often kids & teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks http://ow.ly/bIyi9 #FireworkSafety

(via NFPA) Just in time for Fourth of July, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released its Fireworks report which explores fire and injury dangers related to consumer fireworks. The report shows that in 2010 alone, an estimated 15,500 reported fires were started by fireworks and 8,600 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms.  It also shows that there are more fires on a typical Fourth of July than any other day of the year. Fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.

“Thousands of people are treated in U.S. emergency rooms each year because of incidents involving consumer fireworks and many times these injuries are extremely painful and require long-term recovery – using consumer fireworks is simply not worth the risk,” said James Shannon, president of NFPA. “We encourage families to enjoy public displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.”

The Fireworks report outlines specific statistics regarding how the use of consumer fireworks relates to fire danger including:

• In 2010, fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires, including 1,100 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 14,100 outside and other fires.
• These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported deaths, 60 civilian injuries and $36 million in direct property damage.

The report demonstrates using consumer fireworks heightens the risk of injury and even death. The study showed:

• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5-14 with more than twice the risk for the general population.
• Sparklers and novelties alone accounted for 38 percent of the 8,600 emergency room fireworks injuries in 2010.

With the Fireworks report’s findings in mind, NFPA along with the American Academy of Pediatrics, founded the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks to warn individuals about the dangers of consumer fireworks.The Alliance is a group of health and safety organizations that urges the public to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.











View the full Fireworks report and more information about NFPA and firework safety.

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.)

 

USFA: Three On-Duty Deaths

 

Virginia On-Duty Death:

Lieutenant/EMT John L. Echternach, Jr., 54, of the Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department on July 2, 2012. was en route to the fire station in response to an outbreak of severe weather in the area when he stopped to help another driver whose car, according to media reports, was hit by a tree. While assisting, Lieutenant/EMT Echternach was struck by another tree and severely injured. Firefighter Lieutenant/EMT Echternach succumbed to his injuries several days later while being treated in the hospital.

Our condolences to the   Echternach Family & Friends, the Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Lieutenant/EMT John L. Echternach's passing.

To date, 46 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.

New York On-Duty Death:

Firefighter Ronald Keddie, 64, of the Sheridan Fire Department on June 27, 2012, at 1300 hrs, while preparing to respond to a motor vehicle accident, Firefighter Keddie was found unresponsive in the firehouse. A cause of death is still pending further investigation.

Firefighter dies while on duty: wivb.com

Our condolences to the  Keddie Family & Friends, the Sheridan Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Ronald Keddie's passing.

To date, 40 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.

 

 Ohio On-Duty Death:

Firefighter Rocky E. Dunkin, 24, of the Nile Township Volunteer Fire Department on July 1, 2012, at 0230 hrs, was found unconscious at the scene of a motor vehicle accident where he had been assisting medical personnel with crash victims.  Firefighter Dunkin was transported to South Ohio Medical Center but passed away from a cause still to be determined.


Ohio Firefighter killed while assisting traffic accident - Charleston - Huntington, West Virginia -- WOWK -- 13News

Our condolences to the  Dunkin Family & Friends, the Nile Township Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Rocky E. Dunkin's passing.

To date, 41 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.)