Winner of Spain Formula 1 race, may be related to the KERS energy system.

Shortly after winning today's Formula 1 race in Barcelona, Spain, a fire erupted in the Williams garage.

Sky Sports document the early moments, from Alpha side:

Extensive damage is caused as a fire breaks out at the back of the Williams team garage after they celebrated winning the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya on May 13, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain.

Sixteen people were injured when a fire broke out in the Williams team garage at the Spanish F1 Grand Prix.

Click here to access Sky Sports pictures.

Statement from Williams:

"After today's Spanish Grand Prix a fire occurred in the team's garage which originated from the fuel area.

"Four team personnel were injured in the incident and subsequently taken to the medical center. Three are now receiving treatment at local hospitals for their injuries, while the fourth has been released. The team will monitor their condition and ensure they receive the best possible care.

"The team, the fire services and the police are working together to determine the root cause of the fire and an updated statement will be released in due course.

"The Williams F1 Team would like to thank all of the teams and the FIA for their support in today's incident."

BBC Sports report from Charlie side, including the speculation on the KERS energy management system:

Andrew Benson, BBC Sports Chief F1 writer, has more details here:  Spanish Grand Prix: Williams crew injured in pit fire.

Three members of the Williams team were taken to hospital, while four Caterham mechanics were treated at the track's medical unit. A Force India team member was also treated on the site after suffering smoke inhalation

Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS)

The acronym KERS stands for Kinetic Energy Recovery System. The device recovers the kinetic energy that is present in the waste heat created by the car’s braking process. It stores that energy and converts it into power that can be called upon to boost acceleration.

There are principally two types of system – battery (electrical) and flywheel (mechanical). Electrical systems use a motor-generator incorporated in the car’s transmission which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa. Once the energy has been harnessed, it is stored in a battery and released when required.

Mechanical systems capture braking energy and use it to turn a small flywheel which can spin at up to 80,000 rpm. When extra power is required, the flywheel is connected to the car’s rear wheels. In contrast to an electrical KERS, the mechanical energy doesn’t change state and is therefore more efficient.

Read more here:  KERS

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

The Now Normal creates a new dilemma

Amanda Cuda describes the latest twist in police and fire relations:

Mike Apatow was minding his own business Wednesday, driving to an appointment for work in Washington Depot when a state police car appeared suddenly and signaled for the Milford resident to pull over.

…

"I asked the officer `What seems to be the problem?' " Apatow said. "He said `You've been flagged as a radioactive car.' "

…

State Police spokesman Lt. J. Paul Vance confirmed that many of the state police cars have the radioactivity detectors. "It's part of our homeland security operations here," Vance said. "It's just another layer of public safety that we have in this state."

Read the article to get the rest of the story.

Photo: Contributed Photo / Connecticut Post Contributed

see Radioactive man? Milford resident pulled over by state police (May 10, 2012) ctpost.com

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Laurel VFD makes a video drill out of a SUV fire

Nice job by the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department to make a mini-drill from a SUV fire:

The officers of the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department thought that the video of this incident could be used particularly well for training purposes.

The original video has been edited to include basic information about car fires and possible dangers associated with them.

Mike "Fossilmedic" Ward

Remembering a near-miss with LAFD Light Force 35

The 1992 Los Angeles riots after the Rodney King verdict forever changed the perception that firefighters and paramedics were immune to violence during civil disorders.

This eight minute compilation of news video and LAFD radio traffic shows the chaos encountered by the crews.  Crews were "losing windshields" and encountering bottles, bricks and gunfire … with no police assistance available.

At 2:30 into the video is the alert by Light Force 35 that they have a firefighter shot … followed by other companies reporting gunfire.

Jordan was riding directly behind Miller as Truck Company 35 navigated through the smoke and mayhem of Western Avenue. He saw the handgun, then the flash. "Geez, they're shooting at us," Jordan recalled thinking.

Craning his neck, Jordan saw Miller slumped on the wheel. The captain pulled an emergency brake and the 55-foot-long vehicle lumbered to a stop.

Blood was squirting from Miller's neck. Jordan, a wiry firefighter who had worked at some of the city's busiest stations, had seen his share of gunshot wounds. This one wasn't good. "I thought he was going to die," he said. Another firefighter pressed his hand against Miller's neck to stem the bleeding as the crew loaded him into the back of the truck.

Jordan jumped behind the wheel and took off for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Robert L. Lopez (May 04, 2009) 'Miracle' firefighter shot during '92 LA riots back on job. Los Angeles Times

Near exsanguination results in stroke

Laying on the engine cover of the open cab Seagrave tiller truck, Miller, 33,had lost so much blood through his ripped carotid artery that he suffered a stroke.

Scott Harris (April 29, 1993) The Right Choice for Capt. Scott Miller : This 34-year-old Granada Hills family man, this grown-up boy-next-door . . . seems to understand what is expected of him. It has become a matter of duty. Los Angeles Times.

Los Angeles Times also did a video on Miller in 2009:

20th Anniversary Observation:

John North (April 27. 2012) LA riots anniversary: firefighters recall dangers   KABC-TV, Channel 7.

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

London Fire Brigade's Latest Fleet

When I first saw this, thought about the recent article posted by Bill "Firegeezer" Schumm:  UK Decision to Sell Off National Fire College Brings Widespread Complaints, where he covers the difficulties in maintaining the firefightng fleet.

This is different, related to the Olympics.  From the London Fire Brigade Facebook page:

Introducing … Olympic MINIs! We'll be using these to attend to small incidents, like bin fires, on the Olympic Park during the Games. What do you think to them? They'll be out & about in London over the next few months so if you're lucky enough to spot one, do take a snap and upload your pics here.

Fire engines will still be mobilised should larger incidents occur, but the MINIs will provide an immediate response to tackle small fires without unnecessarily disrupting the Games. They are fitted with blue LED lights and a siren. They will carry a range of equipment, such as foam, water and dry powder fire extinguishers to tackle various types of small fire. They also contain first aid equipment.

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

The things I learn at FDIC

Scott Nacheman is a Long Island volunteer firefighter who ended up as a engineer/Vice President at Thornton Tomasetti:

Scott Nacheman’s diverse professional experience includes the investigation and repair of existing buildings in addition to the restoration of contemporary and historic structures. He is involved in many facets of emergency response and structural stabilization efforts.

Scott Nacheman  (photo by Larry Shapiro)

Scott coordinates the firm’s Property Loss Consulting Practice within the Midwestern region. These services include response and condition assessment of damage caused by hurricanes, tornados, structural collapses, building envelope and curtain wall failures, fires, and a variety of common and complex property loss scenarios.

His proficiency in fire-safety design and post-incident investigations builds on his 15 years of experience as a firefighter, fire lieutenant and instructor in New York and Illinois. He serves as a Structures Specialist with Illinois Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Force 1 as well as DHS/FEMA US&R IN-TF1 and serves on the DHS/FEMA IST incident management team. He is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator.

more bio HERE

His presentation on Friday morning at FDIC was fantastic.  Some of my twitter notes:

• load path
• most new commercial structures have 2 to 3 different structural systems in place
• fiberglass framing
• light gauge steel framing
• nanomaterials
• self-consolidating concrete
• concrete formwork failure
• osb / eps sandwich … structural insulated panels. … ultra-airtight … mold degrade structure … high heat retention during fire
• modular construction … much smaller labor force …. less robust / stability than a frame system
• doubleskin facade … new balloon type structures … LEED friendly.
• Green roofs are much heavier … snow load? retrofit performance
• above ground MRI facilities / healthcare
• delayed finishing … incomplete construction with 2-4 year delay in completion … condition of components
• precast concrete … gravity & friction holding things together …. often overloaded from initial design

The codes are not keeping up with the built environment.

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Five years ago today

Last night Dave Statter shared his experience about the 2007 line-of-duty death of Technician I Kyle Wilson in Prince Wiliam County. (Dave's article HERE). Dave is concerned that the Virginia Tech massacre overshadowed the tragedy at 15492 Marsh Overlook Drive.

The after-action analysis and discussions were painful, emotional and worthwhile. I closely followed the process and spoke to with many of the participants. They are my friends and colleagues.

My "bully pulpit" is a textbook that is used by many for their Fire Officer I and II training.

In Chapter 16, "Fire Attack" this is how the section on Smoke, Wind, Size and Fire Flow looks in the second edition (2010).

Let's start the Fire Department Instructor's Conference week with an in-station drill on one of these topics:

• Burning Type V residential structure behavior in high wind conditions
• Determining initial attack fire flow in high wind conditions
• Austere crew (thin staffed) fire attack procedures
• Why the NFPA 1710 single family dwelling does not match your first due (you can find an analysis starting on page 188 of the Prince William report.)

NIOSH LODD report

Fire departments should develop SOP’s for incidents with high-wind conditions including defensive attack if necessary. Weather can be considered as critically important when at the extreme, and relatively unimportant during normal conditions.

Wind has a strong effect on fire behavior which includes supplying oxygen, reducing fuel moisture, and exerting physical pressure to move the fire and heat. Wildland fire fighters are very familiar with these effects of wind on the rate at which fire spreads.

According to Dunn, “When the exterior wind velocity is in excess of 30 miles per hour, the chances of conflagration are great; however, against such forceful winds, the chances of successful advance of an initial hose line attack on a structure fire are diminished. The firefighters won’t be able to make forward hoseline progress because the flame and heat, under the wind’s additional force, will blow into the path of advancement.

Fire fighters should change their strategy when encountering high wind conditions. An SOP should be developed to include obtaining the wind speed and direction, and guidelines established for possible scenarios associated with the wind speed and the possible fuel available, similar to that in wildland fire fighting. When the interior attack line has little or no effect on the fire, the line should be withdrawn and a second hoseline should be advanced on the upwind side of the fire. This method may require the use of an aerial ladder or portable ladder, if safety permits.

Prince William County report  (385 pages)

The major factors in the line of duty death of Technician I Wilson were determined to be:
• The initial arriving fire suppression force size.
• The size up of fire development and spread.
• The impact of high winds on fire development and spread.
• The large structure size and lightweight construction and materials.
• The rapid intervention and firefighter rescue efforts.
• The incident control and management.

Thanks to Dave Statter for making an important observation.

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Another Great Racing Movie in the Making

The 1966 "Grand Prix" movie remains a motorhead's favorite, with real racing scenes and cameos by many of the era's competitors. Got a Blu-Ray copy last year for a "boy's night in."

Ron Howard is producing "Rush" which chronicles the 1976 Formula 1 season-long battle between Austria's Niki Lauda and Britain's James Hunt.  Lauda suffers a near fatal crash on the first lap at the Nürburgring.

During the first lap of the 1976 German Grand Prix, Niki Lauda's Ferrari 312B2 spun and hit an embankment off the side of the track. His helmet became dislodged form the impact, and the car fuel tank ruptured.

The car was then hit by another, and it caught fire. Niki Lauda escaped with his life thanks to the combined actions of fellow drivers Arturo Merzario, Guy Edwards, Brett Lunger and Harald Ertl rather than by the ill-equipped track marshals.

At the time, safety vehicles took about 10 minutes to reach the driver, since the accident occurred several miles along the circuit.

RECREATING THE INCIDENT

Dale, (or nurburgdale) writing in the Nürburgring-focused blog Bridge to Gantry, documents recreation of the pivital scene as posted by PistonHeads:

For the full story check my blog post here: http://goo.gl/upJ9v.

Out walking the dog and I happen across one of the most amazing scenes in Ron Howard's new movie; "Rush". Of course, I had my trusty pocket cam… don't know about you but I can't wait to see this movie. Anticipation!

More info at http://www.bridgetogantry.com

It was the last time a Formula 1 race was held at the 'Ring.  The PistonHeads link includes pictures of the production.

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Update:  If interested, the BBC Four documentary mentioned by Joseph Schmoe in the comments is excellent!

Here is One Way To Do It ….

"CATCHING AN AUTO FIRE"  takes on a whole new meaning in the Netherlands

This video was posted on Saturday from the Netherlands.  According to the accompanying write-up, this old Volvo was being driven by "a little old lady" who wasn't aware that her car was on fire and kept driving.  Passersby phoned the fire brigade who responded and as they were arriving, the woman discovered her plight, stopped the car and got out without taking it out of gear.  That explains the prescient positioning of the first-arriving engine.  Everybody was safe.

Thanks to Christian Lewalt er of Feuerwehr Blog.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

The Los Angeles Fire Department shares a great story

C-shift LAFD spokesman Eric Scott shows how to tell the story of an apartment fire with civilian rescue:

Firefighters Rescue Female Trapped in Burning Van Nuys Apartment

VAN NUYS – Just before 5 AM on Saturday March, 3rd, 2012, Los Angeles Firefighters rescued a 19 year-old female trapped in a bathroom, inside her burning apartment.

Firefighters rushed with lights and sirens to 15440 West Sherman Way, where they found a large three-story apartment building with smoke beginning to pour out from one unit on the second floor.

Meanwhile a young college student, who described herself as a, "deep sleeper", curtly awoke to the sound of smoke alarms echoing, alerting her of a fire. When she instinctively opened her bedroom door to the living room, she said it was, "ablaze". Using her cell phone, she immediately dialed 9-1-1.

The call was received at LAFD's new Metro Fire Communications, where a scared woman was heard stating, "smoke is flooding my bedroom and I can't get out!" After determining her address, where she was inside the residence, and that she was unable to get to a window, the 9-1-1 Firefighter/Dispatcher instructed her to close the door, and get away from the fire. Over the next few minutes, life saving advice was provided.

Unable to escape, it was determined that a bathroom connected to her bedroom was the safest place to find shelter. As black smoke rapidly crept in, she was instructed to place wet towels around the door and in the cracks, to diminish it's deadly threat. 

Shortly thereafter, through sporadic coughing, and smoke stung eyes, she confided in the dispatcher, "Oh my God, I'm terrified". The dispatcher reassured her that firefighters were outside and running to her apartment, then stated, "I'm going to stay on the phone with you until they find you." She was then instructed to place a wet towel over her nose and face to filter smoke and lay flat on the ground to find clean air.

Concurrently, firefighters rushing to her aid were notified exactly where the trapped victim was located, expediting her rescue. A "drop bag" operation was swiftly executed to bring hose-lines to the second story. Firefighters then broke through the front door, battled the intense flames and performed an immediate search of the 1,000 square-foot apartment, and rescued the woman in a matter of minutes. She stated, "They were wearing masks and had flashlights. It was like a movie."

 

She was safely rushed outside and compassionately treated by Firefighter/Paramedics, then transported to Valley Presbyterian Hospital as a precaution. Later that day she was without injury or medical complaint and stated, "I'm so happy to be alive".

Under the command of Battalion Chief Hayden, 75 firefighters fully extinguished the blaze in just 22 minutes. The bulk of the fire was in the living room and kitchen.

The cause of this early morning blaze, is undetermined, possibly electrical in nature. The dollar loss is estimated at $40,000 ($20,000 structure and $15,000 contents).

Due to the amount smoke and fire, the woman would not have survived if it were not for three important things:

1. Functional smoke alarms providing early fire detection, and time to call 9-1-1.
2. Listening to the 9-1-1 Firefighter/Dispatcher's lifesaving instructions.
3. The outstanding work of trained Los Angeles firefighters.

The young woman's first name is, Blessing.

CBS2 story with video

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward