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“Jetman” Soars Again

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High-Flying Stuntman Pulls a Good One

YVES ROSSY, THE 51-YR.-OLD RETIRED PILOT from Switzerland has been spending his Golden Years flying about with his homemade jetpack.  We last watched him three years ago in September 2008 when he successfully flew across the English Channel.  A year later he attempted to fly from Africa to Europe, more specifically across the Strait of Gibralter, but he was unable to complete his trip when he crashed into the Mediterranean.

BBC

Rossy's flying suit has a wing with a 6-foot span on his back with four jet turbine engines attached to it.  The jet suit weighs 120 lbs. and allows him to travel at speeds over 125 mph.

Recently he made news again when he flew across the Alps while in flying formation with two Albatross aerobatic jets.  Wearing several video cameras aimed in all directions, Rossy jumped out of a helicopter, fired up the turbines, then got up to speed and joined the two Albatross jets as they all flew together over the peaks.  The video that he produced is a delight, so sit back and fly with the Jetman:

 

Video provided by the London Telegraph

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Posted by on November 30, 2011 • Filed under: current events, fun, News, Videos • Tagged: ,

Upcoming Events

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Some Upcoming Events to Plan on Attending

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Northern Virginia Fire Rescue & EMS Expo

December 2, 3 and 4

Dulles Expo Center – Chantilly, Virginia (D. C. area)

Presented by Kelly Simon Trade Shows, Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
Phone:  800-747-5599
Website:  http://kellysimontradeshows.com/virginia/index.html 
Email:  ksimon@kellysimontradeshows.com

Hours:  Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday 10 am to 4 pm
Admission:  Adults $5, kids under 16 Free.
Click on website link for directions and hotel information.

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Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival – 2012

78th Annual Firefighters Parade

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, held annually in Winchester, Virginia, announced that the Firefighters Parade will be held on Friday night, May 4th, beginning at 5:30 pm.  This is the oldest and one of the largest firefighter parades in the world, and brings entries from dozens of states.

photo by Besant

Entry blanks for the parade for all units are now online and downloadable HERE.

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival  WEBSITE.

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Do you have a fire-related event, muster, antique show, flea market, etc., coming up? Send us the info. to: geezerguys (at) yahoo (dot) com. Be sure to include website links, graphics and phone contact, and we'll post it in our Upcoming Events listings. (Special thanks to Collectors Weekly for assistance http://www.collectorsweekly.com/ )

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Posted by on November 30, 2011 • Filed under: Upcoming Events

Hong Kong Market Fire Kills Nine

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Spread Into Apartment Building

A FIRE OF SUSPICIOUS ORIGIN SWEPT THROUGH a street market in Hong Kong early Wednesday morning.  The entire row of stalls along one block were ablaze and the fire spread into the apartment building directly behind them.  So far nine bodies have been taken out of the building and another 30 people have been taken to the hospital.

A report from AFP relates:

Ambulances rushed the injured to hospital as firefighters battled to put out the blaze, which started before dawn at a stall in the Ladies Market in the Mongkok area of Kowloon.

"Nine people died and 30 people have been sent to hospital for treatment so far," an emergency services spokesperson said, adding that five of the injured were in critical condition.

The narrow market street was a wall of flame and thick black smoke as the fire tore through the flimsy stalls and residential flats above, witnesses said.

The blaze broke out at a street hawker's booth around 04:40 and quickly spread through the residential building, officials said. Eight "charred bodies" were found at the site. Officials later increased the toll to nine.

The "apartments" are in actuality tiny living spaces called cubicles.  They are common in the city where living space is limited.

I-Cable News has provided some good video coverage:

 

Bloomberg News has MORE.

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Posted by on November 30, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Fires, Videos

Penny Wise and Pound Foolish – A Commentary

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Only the Taxpayers Are Being Fooled on This One

The Braun Ambulance company (a manufacturer) has this photo of Volusia County, Florida's new rigs on their Facebook page:

Yes, those are fire engine-ambulances. They have 500gpm pumps and 300-gallon tanks. Oh, and CAFS, of course. Because what would a "forward thinking" fire department Public Protection Fire Service be without CAFS. The "forward thinking" quote is from the company rep defending these apparatus from Facebook commenters who aren't so easily duped as the public whose services are being being cut in half. Like any good stooge, he says the citizens will face no reduction in service.

This is simply not true. That the citizens will receive the same level of service is not true. That the apparatus are just as capable as any other ambulance or Class A pumper is not true. That these monstrosities show some special attention to the future is not true. These are nothing but gimmicks used by the penny-wise and pound foolish administrators of a local government abdicating its duty to provide for the public safety. I suppose it is true that these apparatus make for a more efficient use of resources than having separate ambulances and pumpers. There will be no lazy parasitic firemen lounging around waiting for a fire in this Public Protection department. There will also be no firefighters making aggressive and fast interior attacks (300 gallons is a lot less water than I have to work with on my quint!) or addressing your rescue or fire needs when your neighbor has a sniffle. Of course, we've recently been told that forward-thinking fire people shouldn't be making interior attacks anyway, so I guess this might be fine.

Don't get me wrong about EMS. I am 100% in favor of fire-based EMS and believe that we need to step up our EMS provision so it's as important as firefighting. But that means that I believe we should raise both to a level of excellence, not eliminate any semblance of respect for the exigencies of both. If fire protection matters and EMS matters then these apparatus represent a monstrous falsehood perpetrated against a public that is not getting what it thinks it is paying for.

And don't get me wrong about this question either: Why do we have fire services?

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Braun Ambulance Co. WEBSITE.
Volusia County Fire Services WEBSITE.

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Posted by on November 30, 2011 • Filed under: ambulances, apparatus, commentary, FireHat • Tagged:

Repair Shop Fire Claims 50+ Motorcycles

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Total Destruction to Building and Contents

AN OVERNIGHT FIRE IN LAWRENCE, INDIANA, has destroyed a motorcycle repair shop along with the 50 to 70 bikes that were inside.

WISH-TV

The building is just a block away from the police station and was discovered by a passing patrolman around 1 am this morning (Wednesday).  The fire burned through the nearby telephone lines and disrupted the 9-1-1 service temporarily until it could be re-routed to the Indianapolis dispatch center.

Fox News is reporting:

Parts of the building’s roof collapsed, causing nearby roadways to temporarily close.

Firefighters said as soon as crews went inside the building, conditions began to deteriorate.

"Initially they went inside and as soon as they got inside, the conditions deteriorated, so we declared it a defensive fire and pulled all the firefighters out of the building," said Chief Dino Batalis, Lawrence Fire Department.

 

WISH-TV filed this video report from the scene:

 

The fire was brought under control in 90 minutes.  The building was one of the oldest still standing in the city.

The Indianapolis Star has MORE.
WTHR-TV has additional video HERE.

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Posted by on November 30, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Fires, Videos • Tagged: ,

Wednesday Night Netcast

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Coming to you live Wednesday night at 9pmET on Firefighter Netcast!

Whether it is in a large urban city, a coastal community, or anywhere in between, special events require considerable pre and post event planning.

Former Fire Chief of the District of Columbia Fire and EMS department (DCFD) Dennis L. Rubin, and retired DCFD Assistant Chief of Operations Larry Schultz will discuss their experiences while serving the in the nation’s capitol and the coordination required in the capitol region.

In contrast and comparison, Fire Chief Hartley Brokenshaw and Deputy Fire Chief Keith Martin will share their experiences of large events occurring in their jurisdiction that draw similiar crowds with less resource capabilities.

Topics will include: case studies from events that have made the headlines, fire and life safety requirements, pre and post event planning, and the political considerations that have an ever present impact.

So join us here this Wednesday evening at 9:00 p.m. EST as Billy D. Hayes hosts Stop Drop and Roll With the Punches.

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Posted by on November 30, 2011 • Filed under: Training, training-fire-rescue-topics

Morning Lineup – November 30

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Wednesday Morning – Giddyup

Back on October 20 in our Lineup, we brought you an update on the antique restoration project that the Lambton, Ontario, paramedics.  Over the past two years they have been fund-raising to pay for the restoration of their horse-drawn ambulance that was in service during the early 1900's.  CLICK HERE to review that posting and follow the links we have in there to get up to date on the history of this vehicle.  It was the last horse-drawn ambulance in service in Ontario.

At the Lineup we brought out that one of their latest offerings to help bring in some precious dollars is the just-released print of a specially-commissioned painting of Petrolia's 1874 Amoskeag steamer.  When we posted it they hadn't yet been able to insert an image of the painting on their website, but that has been taken care of now.

The website describes the portrait:  "The Reliable to the Rescue" represents the 1874 Amoskeag steam pumper arriving at the scene of one of the many oil refinery fires that the Petrolia Fire Department had to contend with in the early years. The Reliable Fire Company were among the first firefighters in Canada that faced the challenge of extinguishing large scale petroleum fires. The fire company borrowed the name Reliable from the Petrolia oil well of the same name. The 1874 Amoskeag was the third in a series of steam pumpers used in Petrolia. It was purchased from the city of London, Ontario in 1882 for $2472. In London it was known as the Phoenix #2.

The earlier Shand Mason and Co. pumper was still in use with the Andes Fire Company of Petrolia but another pump was needed to provide protection to the town with the frequent refinery fires. The pumpers got their water from strategically placed buried tanks until 1896 when the standpipes and hydrants supplied by the Petrolia Waterworks provided water from Lake Huron. In 1872 Petrolia offered a flat fee of $8 for the first team arriving at the fire hall to draw the engine to and from the fire. The horses were disconnected immediately upon arriving at the fire and lead away to safety. Steam pressure would already be building up in the boiler from the fire which would have been burning before even leaving the hall.

This is the time of year that "wish lists" and gift hints are left around the house, so we urge you to consider this novel choice for your office or family room wall.  It is not only a good choice and investment, but it helps out a great project that the lads in Lambton are carrying on.  CLICK HERE for details, prices, and to order yours.  Thanks for taking a look.

Now let's get started with our equipment check while I go make some more coffee.  See you back in the day room in a little while.

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Posted by on November 30, 2011 • Filed under: morning lineup • Tagged: , ,

Unique Tunnel Rescue Vehicle

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Firegeezer notes:  Our special correspondent in Croatia, Firefighter Nenad Illisic writes occasionally about special equipment or operations and how they are used in his country.  Nenad is stationed in the city of Pula.  Today he tells us about a new tunnel rescue vehicle that has just been put in service.

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TRV ZE1 "MERKUR"

The Učka Tunnel (Croatian: Tunel Učka) is a toll tunnel on the A8 motorway in Croatia. Being part of the Istrian Y network in Istria, it is 9.1 meters (30 ft) wide and 5,062 m (16,608 ft) long, the third longest in Croatia after the Mala Kapela and Sveti Rok tunnels. The tunnel consists of a single tube, with two traffic lanes. Construction on the existing tunnel tube began in 1978 and it was opened for traffic on September 27, 1981. It is currently used for traffic in both directions. (wikipedia).

The tunnel is covered with 83 CCTV cameras, 538 fire detectors, 39 fire hydrants, 38 SOS stations. Professional fire department is on duty 24 hours all the time on both sides of tunnel. Their job is to intervene in case of fire or accident, and to provide escort trough tunnel for dangerous and extraordinary transports.

A new rescue and evacuation vehicle has been delivered on October 2011. for needs of Tunel Učka BINA Istra.

Evacuation vehicle TRV ZE1 „MERKUR“ with electric drive, completely is projected and built in Croatia; Ziegler Zagreb, and represents a prototype of that kind of vehicle in all of the world.  It's main purpose is rescue and evacuation of people in the tunnel.

Concept of vehicle is based in 3 chambers/cabins: (1) First (driver) cabin – (2) rescue space – (3) second (driver) cabin. This concept allows transit from one cabin to another, to driver place also, through vehicle (although it is possible to enter from outside). Built in air bank allows to create overpressure inside of vehicle, to not allow the enter of outside particles and smoke inside of vehicle. In this way optimal conditions are ensured for driving in confined space (tunnel) in emergency conditions (tunnel fire). Rescued people are separated from driver cabin with folding doors to avoid shock and panic, although it is possible to enter if there is need for help. It is foreseen that one of crew members is driver and second member is for person help. 12 persons + 2 crew members is the capacity of vehicle. In each driver cabin there is driver position with ZIEGLER seat with integrated breathing apparatus. In rescue space there are 8 sitting and 4 standing positions, for each position there is a breathing hood connected to the vehicle air bank.

It is possible to drive in any direction, but only one driver cabin/position can be active at the time. With activation of one driving position, another is automatic deactivated, and axle drive below also. The driver doesn't need to think what is going on in the other cabin because a hydraulic unit automatically centers the driving wheel and wheels of the not active part of the vehicle. All driving lights automatically change sides, even registration plate lights on ''rear'' side.

The vehicle is electric driven. The advantage of this concept over combustion engines is that vehicles of this kind can work in conditions with low concentration of oxygen needed for combustion engines. Electric motors don't need oxygen for work

Many studies and practical results all over the world, had shown that this is a big problem in tunnel fires.

4×4 wheel, electric drive is based on 2 three-phase electric motors with water cooling , nominal power 2 x 76,6 kW (max 2 x 95 kW), each for one axle drive. Driving of vehicle is easy. There are no classic transmission gear. The driver can choose between driving ahead, back or neutral. All what he need is to drive the steering wheel and press the accelerator. There are two battery packages, nominal voltage of 212 V and capacity of 2 x 18 Ah. Each battery package is made of 90 cells of LiFePo4 battery. Electric chargers are built on the vehicle, all you need is electric cable and outside source of electricity. Maximum speed is limited on 60 km/h. Autonomy of the vehicle in mixed work is 4 hours. Turning radius is 14 meters.

All brakes are pneumatic activated, and parking brake is activated by pressing on a button.

Floor part of the vehicle is protected with metal sheeting, with permanent layer of floor protection, which reduces the possibility of damage on the vehicle during exploitation (especially during intervention). On the vehicle is there is built-in self protection with water. In total 10 nozzles protect outer parts of the vehicle, 6 on the roof of vehicle and 4 for tires and floor protection.

Mounted run-flat system allows driving with flat tires.

On the vehicle there are mounted 2 pneumatic doors, one on each side of the vehicle. Through entrance there are stairs. On the last stair there are doors made of PVC vertical blinds. The purpose of those is to prevent the entrance of foreign particles, ashes and smoke during intervention.

Beside pneumatic doors, 4 doors are mounted for entrance-exit in emergency, which can be opened manually.

Air bank for breathing consists of 14 bottles, 50 liter volume each and 300 bar of loading pressure. . Through reduction valve, distributors to overpressure valves and hood masks, breathing air is brought inside of the vehicle. There are 2 sensors mounted for monitoring the level of oxygen – one inside and one outside of the vehicle. All data are processed through central unit. Air bank can be activated automatic or manual. Estimated duration of air bank is 5 hours (all consumers activated).

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Each cabin of the vehicle has 1 thermal camera. Inside, on LCD screens, thermal images of vehicle’s surrounding is shown. This allows to see and even drive in 100% smoked areas.

The vehicle is equipped with cameras for reverse driving.

Outside and inside lightening is in LED technology, which gives attractive look, optimum lightening of exterior and interior of the vehicle, and reduced energy consumption. Light signaling is in LED technology also. Blue flash lights are on the roof and on the front of cabins. Fire siren and speaker for speech from cabin.

On the vehicle different testings an simulations were made. Overpressure and smoke leaking, possibility of overcoming the uphill, brake system tests, acceleration and max speed, autonomy of vehicle and maneuverability.

The vehicle is approved by high voltage installation authority, high pressure bottles authority, electromagnetic compatibility, and it is approved by Croatian vehicle center.

Story details and additional photos HERE.

Recommended, also by Nenad Illisic: 
The Croation Fire Service – Then and Now (Part One)  HERE.  Part Two HERE.

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Posted by on November 29, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, Fire Rescue Topics, rescue, Special Operations

The News Ticker

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Some Other Stories Off the News Ticker

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THE BUCKEYE, ARIZONA, CITY COUNCIL is tightening its budget and reducing the number of city workers by consolidating some services into other departments.  In the case of the fire department, they have been given the responsibility for maintaining the town cemetary and setting up for funerals.  The Arizona Republic reports:

Buckeye Fire Chief Bob Costello never thought he would be in the cemetery-management business, but that was before the town laid off 200 employees beginning in 2008.

Now he and his fellow firefighters help set up graveside services at the Louis B. Hazelton Memorial Cemetery. They line up chairs, move awnings, help with excavation and burial closures and occasionally cut the grass, trim the trees and mount headstones. Administrative staff takes care of sales and record keeping.

"It's a service that absolutely has to be done," (Costello) said. "I can't think of a group of more compassionate, caring and reverent people than the firefighters. When it came down to looking at layoffs … sometimes you have to do things that wasn't in your job description and certainly wasn't something you signed up for."

Costello acknowledges firefighters weren't happy when they were told of their new cemetery work, but they understood the importance of burials to families, and they wanted to keep their jobs.

Firefighters continue to respond to emergency calls while at the cemetery, he said.

THIS ARTICLE in the Republic tells how other Phoenix-area towns are utilizing the same policies and how the local police and fire departments' jobs have expanded.

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THE TORONTO, ONTARIO, FIRE CHIEF has "got some 'splainin' to do" after the Toronto Star caught him out concealing a 2-yr.-old consultant's report on response times, and then lying about it when he was asked for a copy.  After going through the lengthy legal process to force the release of the report, they tell all about it HERE.

Thanks to Matt W.

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THE MAYOR OF MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK, has a great solution for holding down overtime costs for their paid firefighters.  He has two brainstorms, one is to hire part-time firefighters to supplement shortages instead of calling back full-timers on OT.  His other solution is pure genius.  He proposes selling the town's tiller truck and replacing it with a straight-bed ladder so that they only need one man to make a truck company.  Read about this flash of inspiration in the Mid-Hudson News HERE.

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SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, FIREFIGHTERS were hit with two multi-alarm fires just a few miles apart on the same evening this past Saturday.  Both fires involved a building collapse, too.  One fire was at a textile recycling firm that began Saturday evening and burned through the night, destroying the business.

Republican-Herald photo

This video captures the magnitude of the fire:

 

The Republican-Herald has the STORY HERE.

The other multi-alarm fire was discovered and called in around 11 pm at The Buffet House restaurant not far from the ongoing textile company fire.  The first-arriving units found heavy smoke showing and despite efforts to ventilate and contain the fire, it consumed the entire building.

Republican-Herald

NewsWorking has a full video report here:

 

The Republican-Herald also covered this STORY.
Hat tip to Carmine S.

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Posted by on November 29, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, fire, Fire Rescue Topics, Videos

“Worst Fire in Ten Years”

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Downtown Landmark

A LARGE, DESTRUCTIVE FIRE SWEPT through a three-building complex of 4- and 5-story buildings in Glasgow, Scotland, Monday afternoon in what the fire department called their worst fire in ten years.  The fire began in a vacant structure that was locally known as the Co-operative Funeral Service building.

Glasgow Evening Times

About 100 firefighters responded to the call that was dispatched around 1:30 pm where they found fire spreading rapidly through the main building.  The UK Press Association reports:

Firefighters arrived to find smoke billowing from the first and third floors of the five-storey building. (Fire Chief Brian) Sweeney said: "Within 30 to 40 minutes the officer in charge took the decision that because of the high value of property surrounding this building that he would conduct external firefighting and 15 machines were ordered in to support.

"At it's height we have had more than 100 firefighters tackling flames shooting over 100ft into the night sky. The cause of the fire is yet to be established until investigation teams can enter the building."

Residents of neighboring buildings had to be evacuated during the operation, but they were allowed to return late Monday night.

Two of the three buildings were completely destroyed and
the third was partially damaged.  (STV)

The fire was knocked down later in the evening, but some units remained into the night wetting down the hot spots.  The building has been deemed unsafe to enter, so investigators have not yet been able to work inside to find the cause and origin.

Gurky25 has posted this raw video of the fire:

 

BBC News has the STORY.

Google Street View of the complex.

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Cyber Deals Still in Effect:

Instant Savings on Lenovo Laptop Computers

CLICK HERE to view models and savings when you order this week

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Posted by on November 29, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Fires, Videos • Tagged: ,

What is a Green Firehouse?

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One of the newest members of the FireEMSBlogs family is the specialty blog Green Maltese.  This very interesting website is published by Lt. John Shafer, Training Officer for the Greencastle, Indiana, Fire Department.  John is also the Indiana Homeland Security District 7 Fire Training Coordinator, and in this capacity coordinates and facilitates firefighter training courses for firefighters through much of the State.  Laurence interviewed Lt. Shafer and he tells us a little about his unique and interesting blog.

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Fireball Laurence Delorme: Why the name Green Maltese for your website?

 John Shafer:  I had started a Facebook page called Green Building Construction for the Fire Service, which is still up, by the way (please "LIKE" it, LOL). I was at FDIC 2011 and was given a wonderful opportunity by Christopher Hebert of Go>Forward Media to start a blog about Green Building Construction, but needed to come up with a name. So I thought it over for a day or two and came up with Green Maltese, since I was going to be covering Green Buildings for Fire Service and every firefighter wears a Maltese Cross on their uniforms. I had a Maltese Cross that was green with the recycle symbol made as the image for the site.

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 LD:  Why did you create such website? Would you say that there are more and more green building constructions in the USA?

JS:  As I mentioned earlier, I had a Facebook page that I started to share information on as I did my research. What started my whole interest and research in Green Buildings was when I came across an article about Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) and I had never even heard of or seen one before. And I was the one teaching most all the building construction in my state’s homeland security district and considered myself fresh on the topic of building construction. So that was close to 7 or 8 years ago and that's what sparked me to began my research. I was quickly overwhelmed with a whole new world of buildings and green concepts that I had no clue of! I then became very studious of green buildings through internet searches. While doing many internet searches I realized at that time there was no place for firefighters to go to for the latest information on modern green buildings. I also realized that there wasn’t anyone in the mainstream fire media or conferences that were talking about it. So I set out to hopefully fill the void, although it took me several years to get to where I am now. And now there are several people and places that help firefighters become better informed on this subject.

Henrico County "Green" Station 7
DCH Architects design

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LD: What are the advantages of such a website for your readers?

JS: Well I hope the advantage will be that firefighters and instructors can have a place to go to for the latest information on green buildings and green concepts from a firefighter point of view. Another part of the website that I added that wasn’t part of the original plan was the Submit a Green Firehouse page. In my research I soon realized that many cities were building new green fire stations and I wanted a place where fire service leaders could come to and see what really worked in other cities that had built green stations. However this area hasn’t seen the submission i was hoping for. So if you know anyone that has a green station, please have them submit it so that others can learn from your projects instead of from slick salespeople.

Lt. John Shafer

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LD: According to you, in the green building constructions, which components/parts are the most dangerous for firefighters? Solar panels…..

JS: Most dangerous? Well I will not say there is one hazard more dangerous than another simply because there are many potential hazards and each one is a serious issue. Now as far as solar panels that is probably one area in the green movement that has the most written about it but there are many dangers and that is what I try and point out. There are also many newer construction types that we really don’t have much data on as far as fires in them. But I feel construction in SIP and Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) also have potential hazards as they make the building much more airtight.

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LD: Could you give some tips to firefighters who have to fight fires inside a green building construction?

JS: Most firefighters will probably not be aware that they are fighting a fire in a green building or newer building with green concepts unless they have preplanned the building ahead of time. So my word of advice would be to make sure you do a walkthrough of all the new buildings being constructed in your response area as they are being built. Otherwise you will not notice new green methods or materials being used. Once the building is finished and occupied it will look the same as any other building, although it will not likely behave the same way once on fire. Since the biggest push in green construction is energy efficiency. Firefighters need to keep in mind that if a building was built to be extremely airtight to keep heat and air in to save on energy bills, guess what? It is also going to keep all the heat and smoke inside while on fire. Making for extreme fire behavior conditions for us firefighters.

LD:  Thank you, John.

Visit the Green Maltese website HERE.
John Shafer's trend-setting Facebook page is HERE.

Cincinnati "Green" Fire Station 51
(College Hill eNewsletter)

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Posted by on November 29, 2011 • Filed under: Building construction, Fire Blogs, Fire Rescue Topics • Tagged: ,

Morning Lineup – November 29

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Tuesday Morning – Bruised Credit Cards and Coaches

Well, did you do your patriotic duty and get in some online shopping yesterday?  I know that FossilMedic had his tent set up in front of his computer all night Sunday so that he could be one of the first ones in the door.

By all accounts, the online sales numbers set new records for sales completed on CyberMonday.  But you always have to temper those numbers with the fact that prices on most goods have increased over the past year, so the same number of purchases will have an inflated dollar amount.  But who cares?  It's time to shop!

Riding the wave of CyberMonday, the FBI and Customs officials announced yesterday that they have shut down 150 websites that were accused of selling pirated and counterfeit merchandise to unwary shoppers over the web.  The Associated Press reported:

Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director John Morton and Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer announced the results of the ICE and FBI three-month investigation on "Cyber Monday," the day that for many shoppers kicks off the online holiday shopping season.

The government seized the domain names for the sites that sold everything from fake replica NBA jerseys to replica Louis Vuitton handbags and imitation Ugg boots. "This is straight crime," Morton said. "This is people being duped into buying a counterfeit."

The federal government has seized the domain names of 350 websites since first targeting online counterfeiters in June 2010. Each investigation, Morton said, has grown.

Morton and Breuer said while the domain names were registered in the United States most of the websites were run from abroad, primarily in China.

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I must have had a rare moment of prescience this past Saturday when I gave my quarter-pole review of the National Hockey League season's progress.  Talking about teams adjusting their rosters to make some improvements, I wrote:  Just maybe the GM will think his team will improve with a coaching change. Nobody's been fired yet, but by the end of next week I wouldn't be surprised to see a move like that.

And sure enough, yesterday morning within an hour of each other, two teams announced that they had just fired their coaches.  The Washington Capitals removed their coach Bruce Boudreau and hired former player Dale Hunter to take over.  The Carolina Hurricanes also let their coach Paul Maurice go.  The 'Canes hired another former player, Kirk Muller to run their club.  Both of the new coaches have extensive coaching experience in the minor leagues.  Also, both teams are in the same division, the Southeast.

We need to rally around our coach now and get this equipment checked out.  We have another busy day ahead and I need to get some more coffee started.  Next team meeting will be in the day room.

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Cyber-Deals Continue:

Big Savings on Black & Decker Tools

Spend $50 or more and get $10 knocked off your tab.
This is on top of the already-huge discounts of 30% to 60%

This is the best time to get that snow-blower or cordless drill.

CLICK HERE to see the dozens of bargains waiting for you to order.

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Posted by on November 29, 2011 • Filed under: morning lineup

NHTSA statement on post-crash Chevy Volt battery fire

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Elements from Friday's NHTSA statement

This past May, NHTSA crashed a Chevy Volt in an NCAP test designed to measure the vehicle's ability to protect occupants from injury in a side collision. During that test, the vehicle's battery was damaged and the coolant line was ruptured. When a fire involving the test vehicle occurred more than three weeks after it was crashed, the agency concluded that the damage to the vehicle's lithium-ion battery during the crash test led to the fire.

Since that fire incident, NHTSA has taken a number of steps to gather additional information about the potential for fire in electric vehicles involved in a crash, including working with the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense — in close coordination with experts from General Motors — to complete rigorous tests of the Volt's lithium-ion batteries.

In an effort to recreate the May test, NHTSA conducted three tests last week on the Volt's lithium-ion battery packs that intentionally damaged the battery compartment and ruptured the vehicle's coolant line. Following a test on November 16 that did not result in a fire, a temporary increase in temperature was recorded in a test on November 17.

During the test conducted on November 18 using similar protocols, the battery pack was rotated within hours after it was impacted and began to smoke and emit sparks shortly after rotation to 180 degrees. NHTSA's forensic analysis of the November 18 fire incident is continuing this week.

Yesterday, the battery pack that was tested on November 17 and that had been continually monitored since the test caught fire at the testing facility. The agency is currently working with DOE, DOD, and GM to assess the cause and implications of yesterday's fire.

In each of the battery tests conducted in the past two weeks, the Volt's battery was impacted and rotated to simulate a real-world, side-impact collision into a narrow object such as a tree or a pole followed by a rollover. NHTSA is not aware of any roadway crashes that have resulted in battery-related fires in Chevy Volts or other vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries.

However, the agency is concerned that damage to the Volt's batteries as part of three tests that are explicitly designed to replicate real-world crash scenarios have resulted in fire. NHTSA is therefore opening a safety defect investigation of Chevy Volts, which could experience a battery-related fire following a crash.

Chevy Volt owners whose vehicles have not been in a serious crash do not have reason for concern.

NHTSA's current guidance for responding to electric vehicles that have been in a crash remains the same. The agency continues to urge consumers, emergency responders, and the operators of tow trucks and storage facilities to take the following precautions in the event of a crash involving any electric vehicle:

  • Consumers are advised to take the same actions they would in a crash involving a gasoline-powered vehicle — exit the vehicle safely or await the assistance of an emergency responder if they are unable to get out on their own, move a safe distance away from the vehicle, and notify the authorities of the crash.
  • Emergency responders should check a vehicle for markings or other indications that it is electric-powered. If it is, they should exercise caution, per published guidelines, to avoid any possible electrical shock and should disconnect the battery from the vehicle circuits if possible.
  • Emergency responders should also use copious amounts of water if fire is present or suspected and, keeping in mind that fire can occur for a considerable period after a crash, should proceed accordingly.
  • Operators of tow trucks and vehicle storage facilities should ensure the damaged vehicle is kept in an open area instead of inside a garage or other enclosed building.
  • Rather than attempt to discharge a propulsion battery, an emergency responder, tow truck operator, or storage facility manager should contact experts at the vehicle's manufacturer on that subject.
  • Vehicle owners should not store a severely damaged vehicle in a garage or near other vehicles
  • Consumers with questions about their electric vehicles should contact their local dealers.

For future updates, visit www.SaferCar.gov.

Additional Resources:

Defects Investigation Documents (PE11-037)

complete NHTSA press release:

Statement of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration On Formal Safety Defect Investigation of Post-Crash Fire Risk in Chevy Volts

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on November 29, 2011 • Filed under: cars, Fire Rescue Topics, News, Technology & Communications, Vehicle Operation & Ambulances • Tagged: , , ,

Participate in the Safer Ambulance Survey

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Speak up NOW, no whining later

NIST and Partners Seek Input on Safer Ambulance Designs

From NIST Tech Beat: November 22, 2011

Contact: Michael E. Newman
301-975-3025

 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking input from paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and other interested parties on the development of new design guidelines for ambulances to reduce the crash risk to emergency workers.

 

Emergency medical service (EMS) workers riding in the back of ambulances are at high risk of suffering injuries during a crash or a maneuver to avoid a crash if they're not using restraints. However, restraints make it difficult to access and treat patients while in route to a hospital. To meet the challenge of finding a balance between these two demands, NIST, the Department of Homeland Security's Human Factors and Behavioral Sciences Division (DHS HFD) and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are developing design guidelines for ambulance patient compartments that maximize safety without compromising effectiveness.

 

These guidelines will be used to update current, and enhance emerging, ambulance design criteria, such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1917, the "Standard for Automotive Ambulances."

 

To gather input for the guidelines from a broad cross-section of the key stakeholders, EMTs and paramedics, the three agencies are conducting an anonymous web survey from Nov. 28, 2011, to Dec. 28, 2011.

 

Insight and opinions from this survey will supplement data previously gathered from focus groups, interviews with individual EMS workers, visits to equipment manufacturers and EMS stations, and "ride-along" experiences aboard on-duty ambulances.

 

The web survey can be found at either the NIST Office of Law Enforcement Standards site, www.nist.gov/oles, or the DHS Responder Knowledge Database site, www.rkb.us.

 

For more information, or to get more involved in the effort to improve safety in ambulance patient compartments, contact Darren Wilson, DHS, at (202) 254-6657 ordarren.wilson@dhs.gov; Larry Avery, BMT Designers & Planners, at (919) 713-0383 or lavery@dandp.com; or Jennifer Marshall, NIST, at (301) 975-3396 orjennifer.marshall@nist.gov.

 

 

 

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

 

Posted by on November 28, 2011 • Filed under: ambulances, EMS Health & Safety, EMS Topics, News, Technology & Communications, Vehicle Operation & Ambulances • Tagged: , , , , ,

Speeder Crashes Into Pumper Working a Fire

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Perhaps a Periodic Vision Check Would Help

Putnam County, Florida, fire units were on the scene of a commercial fire early Monday morning.  The structure was a real estate office and was fully involved when sheriff's deputies at the scene saw a car approaching at a high rate of speed.  Even though that part of the road was closed off for the incident, the car continued, lost control and crashed into one of the fire engines.

WJXT -TV

The 20-yr.-old driver of the car was arrested at the site while his 15-yr.-old passenger received minor injuries and was transported.

First Coast News is carrying the brief report.

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Posted by on November 28, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, fire, Fire Rescue Topics, Fires • Tagged: ,

Large Factory Fire in Ohio

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Major Insulation Plant

FIFTEEN FIRE DEPARTMENTS FROM TWO COUNTIES worked a major-alarm fire at an insulation factory in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, overnight.  The call came in for an alarm sounding at 8:23 pm Sunday night, but when the units began arriving they found fire showing from the roof of Janesville Acoustics plant.

WJW-TV

The building was stocked heavily with insulation pads and panels allowing the fire to race through the building.  Within a short time the roof and part of the walls had collapsed already.

WKYC-TV

The building is located in an industrial park in Newcomersville, but there were no exposure hazards.  As of 7 am this morning the remaining units were just dousing hot spots.  There is no information yet on cause or point of origin.  According to the company's website, Janesville Acoustics is one of the world's largest producers of acoustical and thermal fiber insulation. It sells its products mainly to the automotive and transportation industry.

WJW-TV Ch. 8 Cleveland filed this video report that includes some fire footage:

 

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CyberMonday Best Deals

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Posted by on November 28, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Fires, Videos • Tagged: , ,

Product Review – Water Repellent Job Shirt

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Firegeezer is collaborating with TheFireStore to have
firefighters in the field test and review products found in their catalogue
and then publishing the reviews here and in TheFireStore's
own fine blog, On Scene, which is posted several times each week.

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This week we are reviewing the 5.11 brand Storm Fleece Job Shirt made with a new water-repellent fabric.  Taking into consideration that the engineer / pump operator is the most likely FF to get wet, we asked Technician Paul Hines of Rescue Engine 14 in Stafford County, Virginia, to give it a workout.  Even though it failed to turn cold on time in November, he gave it a go and reported back with his impressions:

Thank you for allowing me to test and review this 5.11 Storm Fleece job shirt for the FireStore.

I wore it to work every day of the test period and washed it several times.

The pullover held up well, and doesn't show any sign of unnecessary wear and tear. I'm a big fan of the mock collar, especially since it is made of the same material as the rest of the jacket and is very comfortable.  There was plenty of feedom of movement with the shirt on.

It is very warm, but I never caught myself sweating in it, which was surprising since the weather is just beginning to get cold enough to be wearing long sleeves.

This new model of the 5.11 line is featuring a water-repellent fabric that I was anxious to try out.

Twice I wore it in light rain conditions, and the water just beaded up on the outside and brushed right off, just like the company claimed it would. It did not soak into the fabric at all. I am curious to see if this water-shedding feature fades over time and washings, or if it continues to hold up. So far so good, though. That's a great feature of the Storm Fleece model.

My only negative comment would be fit. I personally would like the body to be less bulky. I couldn't go any smaller due to sleeve length, but could use a bit less in the body. I was wearing a size Large, but you can see that I don't have a "bulky" build either.

The jacket did shrink a little after the first wash, but no more than expected from any garment, so no complaints there.

Overall I am very happy with this job shirt and I'm looking forward to a lot of good use out of it in the future.

………. Tech. Paul Hines

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For more information on the 5.11 Storm Fleece Job Shirt and to order one from TheFireStore, CLICK HERE to go to their catalogue page.  And be sure to watch the video of the man wearing one while standing in a driving rain storm.

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Posted by on November 28, 2011 • Filed under: Product Reviews • Tagged:

Around the Fire Web

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Some Good Stories From Other Fire/EMS Websites Over the Weekend

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*  Dave Statter has a good action video from one of our favorite fire departments, the North Star VFD.  Click HERE to view it on STATter911, and yes they have a lot of snow on the ground up there.

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*  Jason Hoevelmann at Firefighters Own Worst Enemy recently got inside a house built in the classic balloon construction where all the interior walls had been stripped away.  He has a fantastic video that easily shows all the hazards and features of this old-style method.  Make sure you CLICK HERE and take a look.  He has put it on YouTube so that you can save it for future training programs.

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*  Willie Wines, the Iron Fireman has a great list of his recommended Top-Ten Stocking Stuffers for this year.  And as you would expect, he starts the posting off with some nicely-stuffed stockings.  But keep scrolling down and consider his gift suggestions.  A lot of good ones to be FOUND HERE.

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*  John Mitchell at Fire Daily has a must-read story with some very valuable links that everybody should follow.  His topic is firefighter safety inspired by the recent passing of FDNY Lt. Joey DiBernardo, a survivor of the Black Sunday fire who lived a life of pain from his injuries.  Make sure you CLICK HERE and check it out.

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*  Eric Lamar has penned an update for Turnout on the tug of war over who gets to control the empty treasury at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's state capital.  Everybody desperately wants to formally make them bankrupt, but that's just the beginning HERE.

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 *  Wildfire Today has a video report on an Australian wildfire that started out as a prescribed burn that didn't include the 30+ houses that are gone so far.  Check it out HERE.

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*  And in case you stayed off the computer completely over the weekend, we want to direct you to a Firegeezer report about a routine ambulance call for a "sick person" that immediately escalated into a mass casualty incident.  A good job done by the affected fire department and some training tips to be gleaned from the story HERE.

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CyberMonday Deal!

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Posted by on November 28, 2011 • Filed under: Fire Blogs

Morning Lineup – November 28

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CyberMonday – Let's Go Shopping!

Yep, this is it…. the online retailers' answer to Black Friday…. this is when the more-sane shoppers avoid the mad crush in the stores as they begin their Christmas shopping by letting their fingers do the walking.  I have been doing most of my gift shopping all year 'round by going online for all the obvious reasons, beginning with "ease of travel."  I don't have to drive all over creation from store to store looking for my choices. 

Plus, your selection is more complete online.  No shelf space limitation by the retailer, so every size and color can be had, and oftentimes the prices are lower, too.  And the direct-to-home delivery can't be beat.  With competition the way it is, most retailers get your order filled and delivered very promptly.  One year I ordered something from Walmart and it arrived the next day (and that was with regular shipping price – no special upgrade).

So we are going to get with the program today and help you out with your shopping.  Every posting today will have a shopping suggestion with a link to order something.  Most of our suggestions will link to Amazon because not only do they sell just about everything now, but they are running CyberMonday specials with some unbelievable prices for this day only.  And here's the best part:  Anything you order from Amazon, as long as you use our link to get into the store, will bring a few pennies to Firegeezer at no additional cost to you.  It will help keep our website online for another year and that would be great, wouldn't it?  Sure it would.  Yeah!

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We're going to lead off the shopping marathon by reminding you about the best gift you can give, genuine Firegeezer coffee cups and travel mugs.

Our ceramic cups and high-quality plastic travel mugs both sport the famous Firegeezer logo:

First up is the firehouse standard Firegeezer Coffee Cup, or "GeezerCups" as they have become known.  This 11-oz. ceramic mug has a large handle that even truckies' thick fingers will fit through.  We have sold these all over the world and they are always in fashion.

The price is more than reasonable because it includes all shipping and handling charges, nothing added.  They are just $12 in the U. S. and Canada and $18 everywhere else in the world.  Buying them is easy using our PayPal account.  You just use your major credit card and it is safely charged to your account.  To order the Firegeezer Coffee Cup, just CLICK HERE and follow the easy directions.  Note:  If you order four or more on the same order, you will get a partial refund for the savings in handling and postage charges.

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Our other selection has been very popular since it was introduced last year, the Firegeezer Travel Mug.

This state-of-the-art Travel Mug has all of the features you want:

  • Whopping 16-ounce cup
  • Double-walled insulated construction
  • Reduced diameter base fits in most cup holders
  • Keeps your coffee hot for more than an hour (we tested it!)
  • Metallic Fire Engine Red color …. just like your ride

This mug is ideal for your ride to work in the morning as well as the return trip home the next day.  We personally selected this mug because it is the best one we could find.  It has the best slide-tab sipper top that we have ever seen on any travel mug.  To get started ordering yours, CLICK HERE and follow the easy directions to safely use your credit card.  Buy one for everybody on the shift!

Whichever style mug you order, once you press the Buy Now button your order is sent to us literally within seconds.  The order is then transferred to our famous shipping department where it is packed and sent out the same or next day, depending on when we receive your order.

Before we start our virtual shopping trip, though, we have to get this equipment checked out, so let's hit it.  I'm going to get the coffee started!  See you back in the day room.

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Posted by on November 28, 2011 • Filed under: morning lineup • Tagged: , ,

LODD in Belgium

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FF Struck at Accident Scene on Highway

A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER FROM DEERLIJK, Belgium, was killed Saturday morning when he was struck by a car speeding through an accident scene.  Around 3:30 am an accident involving two cars blocked traffic lanes on the E-17 highway.   A "signalling" unit from the Deerlijk FD was dispatched to set out signage to direct traffic around the crash.  While Firefighter Wouter Vancraeynest, age 34, was setting out warning signs, a third car drove through the scene knocking the signs around and crashing into one of the cars from the first wreck.  The passengers in the third car had minor injuries from that second collision.

De Standaard / Speleers

Within moments a fourth car came speeding into the crash zone, striking and killing FF Vancraeynest before crashing into the previous wreckage and starting a fire.  The two passengers in that car also perished in the wreck.

"Wouter was also professional firefighter in Ghent, and brought that experience to our Corps, that was really an added value," sais Commander Claude Coucke of the fire brigade of Deerlijk.  "The Corps is heartbroken by the death of their colleague."

De Standaard has the STORY.

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Posted by on November 27, 2011 • Filed under: health & safety, Line of Duty • Tagged: ,

Quick Knockdown in Hessen

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Apartment Fire Quickly Contained

Thomas Naumann image

 A KITCHEN FIRE IN A 3RD-FLOOR APARTMENT Sunday morning was handled quickly by the Heuchelheim VFD in Germany.  When the units arrived on the scene the kitchen was fully involved, but they were able to effect a fast knock-down to keep it from spreading.

Thomas Naumann

The fire is believed to have started in the range hood.  The other apartments suffered some heavy smoke damage and are uninhabitable for tonight at least.  No injuries were reported from the residents or any of the 30 firefighters at the scene.  The mayor of Heuchelheim responded and arranged for temporary accommodations for all the residents that are displaced for tonight.

Report and video provided by Thomas Naumann, Video/Journalist.

 

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Posted by on November 27, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Fires, Videos • Tagged: , ,

A Dining Table That is Firefighter-Proof

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Built to Last for Decades

WHEN THE FIREFIGHTERS AT FAIRFAX COUNTY, Virginia, Station 38 – West Centreville decided to get a kitchen table that was both big enough and strong enough to serve the shift, they took their time, designed, then built a beauty.  They had two requirements for their project:  1) it had to be sturdy and built to last, and 2) it had to be large enough to accommodate the entire on-duty shift of 11 firefighters.

Centreville Patch / Klimko photo

Inspiration hit when a cable company was upgrading their lines and the FF's got them to donate two 8-ft. spools for the top and base.  And then the work began.  Many people in the community donated cash and items to help out to the tune of $1,600 which made it possible to get the detailed vinyl top made.  It has reproductions of the individual shoulder patches that 32 of the county's 37 firehouses have designed.  Real diamond-decking trims the edges and the pedestal.  The finished table weighs about 400 pounds.  It should last a while.

Centreville Patch / Klimko

The Centreville Patch has the full story on the table plus additional photos HERE.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue WEBSITE.

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Posted by on November 27, 2011 • Filed under: fire stations, News • Tagged: , ,

Cowardly Driver Crashes Into Home Starting a Fire, Then Runs Away Leaving Injured Passenger Behind

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But The Police Caught Him Anyway

A 20-YEAR-OLD MAN IS SITTING in jail this morning facing a long list of charges after he crashed his car Saturday morning in Rochester Hills, Michigan.  The accident took place around 5 am when the not-yet identified driver traveling at a high speed jumped a curb and crashed into a double-wide mobile home starting a fire.  The car ended up just feet away from the residents who barely escaped before the fire swept through their home and completely destroyed it.

Paramedics tend to the critically injured passenger  (WXYZ-TV )

The car had a 20-yr.-old female passenger who was critically injured in the wreck, but she was fortunate that a neighbor was outside at the time and witnessed the incident.  The neighbor, Philip Shackelford told the Detroit area press:

Shackelford described the driver as belligerent, "He was saying please don’t call the police. I told him I think it’s a little late for that. Can you help me with her? And he just refused to help. He just was trying to get out his side."

Shackelford was able to pull the girl, 20-year-old Diamond Richardson from the car then ran over to check on his neighbors inside the burning trailer. A mother and her son were inside.

Meanwhile, the driver ran off and left Richardson behind. According to Richardson’s family, she is in critical condition with a broken back, collar bone and jaw.

The driver was found shortly after noon at his sister's house in the same neighborhood.  The police took him to a hospital for treatment and following his release they arrested him.

WXYZ-TV filed this video report:

 

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Posted by on November 27, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Fires, rescue, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: , ,

Morning Lineup – November 27

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Sunday Morning News Items

There are a couple of brief items on the notepad that I wanted to pass along to you.  One is the announcement the other day of an arrest in the case of the Indian passenger train fire on Tuesday.  Firegeezer reported HERE on the fire that killed seven people in the middle of the night when the train was traveling through a remote area.  The train crew did a good job of separating the two cars involved from the rest of the train, but some passengers were caught early in the blaze and perished.

Early reports raised the suspicion that the fire was caused by a malfunctioning heater in the car, but the police say that they have detained a suspect in the case that looks more and more like an arson as their investigation continues.  Indian Railways police official PK Srivastava says that detectives took the man in for questioning after they talked to other passengers on the train.

They have told investigators that they saw two passengers suspiciously moving around the car at about 2 am. The pair had entered the car and put luggage into an empty berth. One passenger claims to have seen smoke coming from the bags a few minutes later, and then flames were engulfing the car soon after. Witnesses also say that more people would have died if one of them hadn’t pulled the emergency alarm to stop the train.  The investigation continues.

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The other item isn't directly connected to fire or EMS other than how they were affected along with everybody else who were traveling along the Pennsylvania Turnpike Tuesday night.  Around 7 pm a tanker traveling along the western end and carrying hot driveway sealant sprung a leak and started leaving a sizeable trail along one of the eastbound lanes.  It was dark, so the other vehicles did not see the gooey mess as they drove into the stream that eventually covered nearly 40 miles of  roadway.  The rapidly-cooling goo collected on the tires of the trespassers and built up until they could travel no farther and had to pull over.  It was then that they learned what their problem was as they saw their tires covered and in some cases shredded.

AP

More than 150 autos were disabled with thousands of dollars in damages to each car that had not only their tires, but the wheels and all the mechanicals such as brakes and suspensions ruined.  The AP posted this brief video report on the problem:

 

Towing companies were making their Thanksgiving profits as they were hauling cars off to a staging area while the Turnpike crews brought out snow plows to shove the 40-mile ribbon of tar off to the side and laid down road sand and cinders to alleviate the problem.  Things were pretty well cleared up by 11 pm, but there were a LOT of ticked-off people stranded along the highway.  The AP has more HERE.

Let's make sure that we don't get stranded today, so let's get this equipment checked out.  Sunday schedule today, so that means Big Breakfast after we finish.  I'll make sure there's plenty of coffee. 

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Special Sale ….  Up to 40% Off on Selected
Leatherman Multi-tools. 

Great prices – CLICK HERE to view selection and to order yours.

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"Only you can prevent first responder"

Posted by on November 27, 2011 • Filed under: morning lineup • Tagged:

Turkey Fryer Update

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Saturday November 26 Edition

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A SOUTH ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, HOME WAS destroyed Friday afternoon when an unattended deep fryer left too close to the mobile home started burning.  The fire was quickly noticed around 4 pm local time.  The Anchorage Daily News reports:

Firefighters arrived to find flames shooting out all of the mobile home's windows and doors, said Capt. Matt McSorley from Station 9. It was immediately clear that the fire was not survivable, which meant firefighters were not going to risk their own lives searching inside, McSorley said. But they quickly learned from neighbors that all four people inside the home had escaped, he said.

"If this had happened at night, we'd probably be talking about fatalities," McSorely said.

Anchorage Daily News photo

The roughly 20 firefighters who responded were shoveling through debris in the home about 6 p.m. The entire mobile home appeared to be burnt, with holes in the walls exposing wall studs and the charred interior.

Everything inside the mobile home was destroyed, McSorley said. The fire captain estimated total damage at around $100,000.

No injuries were reported.

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Posted by on November 26, 2011 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics • Tagged: