Saturday, October 31, 2009

How Long before this spills over the border?

Fifteen shot dead at Mexico ranch Fifteen people have been killed on a remote ranch in northern Mexico, with a prominent union leader among the dead. BBC NEWS How long before responders on our side of the border will be faced with responding to this type of incident. This  is really becoming a war zone.  EMS may have to go in with an armed escort?

MEXICO'S DRUGS WAR - KEY STORIES

Arrests over Mexico clinic deaths

Gunmen kill 10 at Mexico clinic

Gunmen target Mexico rehab centre

New escalation in Mexico drug war

Another big Oil Depot Fire

Jaipur, Oct. 31 (ANI): As the massive fire that erupted at the Indian Oil Corporation’s fuel depot in Full Story HERE

Jaipur on Thursday night continues to be blazing, the death toll has reached eight, while over 150 people have been injured.Jaipur Fire,Jaipur : The fire at the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) depot near Jaipur is still raging, but contained within the premises. However, the fire may continue for another 24-36 hours.

Link HERE This video is taken from just 200m from the oil tanks from the back side of the depot. Fire that broke out following a blast at an Indian Oil petrol depot in Jaipur

LODD Springville, UT

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Springville, UT

from USFA Firefighter Fatalities

Phil Whitney of the Springville Fire Department in Springville, UT has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2009-10-27 

Initial Summary:  
After having made an emergency run on his shift the night before, Chief Whitney called the fire department early in the morning of October 28, 2009, to say he was not feeling well. Chief Whitney was found dead in his Springville home later that morning. The cause of death is pending further examination.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Cash for Who? Interesting

Received this as an email, and found several links when you  Google it . I put it here for your consideration.

Here is what a learned friend had to say about my Democrat Math e-mail. It's even worse apparently than I first thought:
It's way worse than that. Ignore all the gas crap and just look at how the stupid car buyer got taken to the cleaners:
If you traded in a clunker worth $3500, you get $4500 off for an apparent "savings" of $1000.
However, you have to pay taxes on the $4500 come April 15th (something that no auto dealer will tell you).  If you are in the 30% tax bracket, you will pay $1350 on that $4500. 
So, rather than save $1000, you actually pay an extra $350 to the feds.  In addition, you traded in a car that was most likely paid for. Now you have 4 or 5 years of payments on a car that you did not need, that was costing you less to run than the payments that you will now be making.
But wait; it gets even better:  you also got ripped off by the dealer.  For example, every dealer here in LA was selling the Ford Focus with all the goodies, including A/C, auto transmission, power windows, etc for $12,500 the month before the "cash for clunkers" program started. 
When "cash for clunkers" came along, they stopped discounting them  and instead sold them at the list price of $15,500.  So, you paid $3000 more than you would have the month before...  (Honda, Toyota , and Kia played the same list price game that Ford and Chevy did).
So let's do the final tally here:
You traded in a car worth:   $3500
You got a discount of:          $4500
                                              ---------
Net so far                           +$1000
But you have to pay:            $1350 in taxes on the $4500
                                               --------
Net so far:                          -$350
And you paid:                     $3000 more than the car was selling for the month before
                                            ----------  
Net                                      -$3350
We could also add in the additional taxes (sales tax, state tax, etc.) on the extra $3000 that you paid for the car, along with the 5 years of interest on the car loan, but let's just stop here.
So who actually made out on the deal?  The feds collected taxes on the car along with taxes on the $4500 they "gave" you.  The car dealers made an extra $3000 or more on every car they sold along with the kickbacks from the manufacturers and the loan companies.  The manufacturers got to dump lots of cars they could not give away the month before.  And the poor, stupid consumer got saddled with even more debt that they cannot afford. 
Obama and his band of merry men convinced Joe consumer that he was getting $4500 in "free" money from the "government" when in fact, Joe was giving away his $3500 car and paying an additional $3350 for the privilege.

Think this was stupid for those who were crazy enough to swallow this wonderful scheme?
Just wait until we get health care with no additional costs over what most of us now pay for health insurance and the best medical care in the world.  Think that scheme  might be designed by the same people who came up with Cash for Clunkers?

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Continuing story on residential sprinklers

Residential Fire Sprinklers Win Again at ICC Meeting in Baltimore

October 28th, 2009 by Residential Fire Sprinklers .com

In today’s meeting of the International Code Council (ICC) in Baltimore, Maryland, proposals made to eliminate the requirement for residential fire sprinklers in the International Residential Code (IRC) were defeated. These requirements were included in the 2009 IRC, to become effective January 1, 2011. Proposals to modify the 2012 International Residential Code included RB 54, which would have removed the mandatory requirement and made it an optional provision, RB 56, which would delete sprinkler requirements for townhomes and one- and two-family occupancies and move P2904 back to the appendix, making the requirement optional; and RB 57, which would have completely removed the sprinkler requirements from these residential occupancies. Full story HERE at Residential Fire Sprinklers .com

Internet Turns 40 Today:

National Geographic News

October 29, 2009

Today is what you might call the 40th anniversary of the Internet—can give thanks to the simple network message that started it all: On October 29, 1969, that message became the first ever to travel between two computers connected via the ARPANET, the computer network that would become the Internet.

The truncated transmission traveled about 400 miles (643 kilometers) between the University of California, Los Angeles, and the Stanford Research Institute. (Watch video about the birth of the Internet.)

The electronic dispatch was supposed to be the word "login," but only the first two letters were successfully sent before the system crashed.

The rest of the story

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/10/091029-internet-40th-anniversary.html

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Interesting tidbit in the news

Got to love Arnold even if it is only a coincidence, glad someone picked up on it.

Schwarzenegger Sends Hidden 'F--- You' to Critic

A Democratic assemblyman who heckled the governor during a recent event in San Francisco receives a not-so-subtle rebuke creatively hidden within a veto letter

"My goodness. What a coincidence," said Schwarzenegger spokesman Aaron McLear. "I suppose when you do so many vetoes, something like this is bound to happen."  See the whole story here at Fox News and the letter is posted at Click to see the letter (via San Francisco Chronicle)

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

NIOSH Publication No. 2010-102 (October 2009)

NIOSH has issues a new publication concerning the Manual Adjustment of Automatic Slack Adjusters May Contribute to Unexpected Brake Failure on Automotive Fire Apparatus 

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/SafetyAdvisory10202009.html

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that all fire departments operating fire apparatus equipped with automatic slack adjusters (ASAs) immediately take the following actions to reduce the risk of firefighters being injured in an apparatus crash due to brake failure:

  • Ensure that ASAs are not manually adjusted.
  • Establish procedures to ensure maintenance on fire apparatus is conducted as recommended in NFPA 1911 Standard for the Inspection, Maintenance, Testing, and Retirement of In-Service Automotive Fire Apparatus.
  • Ensure maintenance is only performed by qualified technicians who meet NFPA 1071 Standard for Emergency Vehicle Technician Professional Qualifications.

The full text of the publication can be seen at NIOSH HERE image

Monday, October 26, 2009

Update on August Crash

Firefighter Close Calls has posted this update

Driver Who Hit Phoenix Fire Truck Cited For DUI. Fire Officer Not Secured In Seatbelt  Monday, October 26, 2009

The driver of a car that hit a Phoenix fire truck in early August faces drunken driving charges, according to a newly released Phoenix police report.
The crash involved nearly a dozen cars and ejected a career fire captain out of the front cab. Ten people were either treated at the scene or taken to the hospital, Phoenix police officers said.
The engine truck was passing through the intersection at Interstate 17 and Dunlap Avenue when a sedan crashed into the side of the emergency vehicle.
Witnesses said the engine did have its lights and sirens activated.
The report said that while the fire truck failed to slow down at the intersection of Interstate-17 and Dunlap Avenue, blood tests show Jessica Varela, 23, had methamphetamines in her system that she says were from diet pills she got in Mexico. She was also cited for driving on a suspended license and not carrying car insurance. Police said Varela was speeding when she hit the fire truck.
Fire Captain Crystal Rezzonico was thrown from the fire truck. She suffered serious head injuries and is still recovering.

The original post is HERE: PHOENIX (AZ) FIRE OFFICER CRITICAL-EJECTED IN RESPONDING APPARATUS CRASH Firefighter Close Calls

Uncle Jay Explains October 26, 2009

Swine flu? That's NOTHING compared to America's seasonal plague of political ads. They infect every TV, radio, billboard, mailbox, lawn and trick-or-treat bag. There's no vaccine. But at least Uncle Jay can explain how to understand them!

New Study released today by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA

News releases: New study shows ease of integrating home fire sprinklers with local water supply systems


No design issues or significant cost issues found

October 22, 2009 – Home fire sprinklers can be integrated with local water supply systems with ease according to a new study –  Integration of Residential Sprinklers with Water Supply Systems (PDF, 842 KB)  - released today by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The study, conducted by Newport Partners of Maryland, looked at detailed information for 20 US communities with a residential sprinkler ordinance and concluded that water supply integration requirements have been put into place, and there are no examples of insurmountable problems or issues. Neither design problems nor significant added costs were found in the communities surveyed. Full study can be downloaded here:  Integration of Residential Sprinklers with Water Supply Systems (PDF, 842 KB)

Sunday, October 25, 2009

LODD Westover PA

PA LODD - Westover Borough from Firefighter Close Calls

Saturday, October 24, 2009 A Firefighter from Westover Borough (Clearfield County) Fire Station #45 has died in the Line of Duty while operating at a house fire in Westover Borough.  Firefighters responded to a reported working fire early this morning and upon arrival, started their attack and related operations. Reports are that Command then decided to allow the fire to burn because it was a vacant abandoned structure.

From Firefighting News Firefighter Dies, Blaze Investigated Pennsylvania - A veteran volunteer firefighter died early Saturday at Miners Medical Center in Hastings after he collapsed while returning a fire hose to a truck in this southern Clearfield County borough. Firefighter Roy Everett Westover Jr. of Westover Area Fire Department, 41, who lived in Westover, was pronounced dead at 2:06 a.m. in the hospital emergency room,

Another good Strategy & Tactics Video of Chicago FD at work

Chicago 3-11 Fire 5617 Belmont with Radio Traffic

Looks like a surround and drown for this incident.  Thrift store,  TL 58, snorkel 2, numerous handlines October 18, 2009, SRResquire Video

Strategic Priorities: What’s taking place here? What would you do?

  • Life Safety – Rescue of those savable victims and keeping firefighters from harm.
  • Incident Stabilization – Stopping the forward progress of the fire.
  • Property / Environmental Conservation – Loss control efforts aimed at preventing further damage to property, people or the environment.

More pictures here and video smugbug.com & Arlington cardinal 

Chicago Fire Department responded to a fully-involved fire at 5617 West Belmont Avenue about 8:45 p.m. Firefighters carefully entered the building immediately after arrival, but at about 9:15 p.m., firefighters were ordered out of the building on radio and with the blast of fire engine air horns, which signals firefighters to evacuate a building.

Remember your Size-Up: The process of gaining information about the structure, fire severity, exposures, life hazards and the impact of weather and available resources.

Time Change - Again

The fall time change takes place on Sunday, November 1. Time to change your clock and your Battery. In your smoke detector that is. It’s also a good time to check it for spiders, dust and even see if it’s still working along with you carbon monoxide detector. Many fire department are taking part in the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery program. For the 22nd year, the International Association of Fire Chiefs IAFC, Energizer, and our network of 6,200 fire departments have partnered on the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery program to remind communities nationwide of the life-saving habit of changing the battery in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when they change their clocks back to Standard Time.  The United States Fire Administration has a lot of information concerning smoke detectors and is a good source for materials. Also Consumer Product Safety Commission has some info you can use.

smoke Alarms

  • According to the National Fire Protection Association NFPA, in one out of five homes that have smoke alarms, none of the units work, mainly due to dead, missing or disconnected batteries.
  • Nearly half of the nation's fire deaths occur in the four percent of homes that do not have smoke alarms. NFPA,
  • The risk of dying in homes without smoke alarms is twice as high as it is in homes that have working smoke alarms. Consumer Product Safety Commission 

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Firefighter Close Calls reporting an apparatus collision between to NYFD units

UPDATE: 13 Hurt when FDNY Apparatus Collide in Brooklyn

Saturday, October 24, 2009. Two firetrucks racing to a call of gas leak collided in Brooklyn this morning, causing one to flip over and the other to crash into a front yard, sending 12 firefighters to the hospital – some with serious leg injuries, authorities said.

Full story at Firefighter Close Calls

Presentation & Tour of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum

Passing this along from the Aurora Regional Fire Museum, Aurora Regional fire Museum. This is a great resource to visit and enjoy.

Please join us.

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 -- an evening lecture and open house. Sponsored by the Aurora Public Library, the Fox Valley Reads, and the Aurora Regional Fire Museum. Doors open at 6:30pm, program begins at 7pm.

When: Tuesday, October 27th at 7:00 p.m.

Where: Aurora Regional Fire Museum - Hayloft Theater

Why: Presentation by Curator, David Lewis

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871:
A Presentation & Tour of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum in cooperation with the Aurora Public Library and Fox Valley Reads.

Did the cow do it?  What was so “great” about the Chicago Fire? Join us in the second-floor "Hay Loft Theater" of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum for a lively forty-five minute discussion/multi-media presentation on the history of the Great Chicago Fire.  Following the program visitors will have an opportunity to see real artifacts that survived the Great Chicago Fire, and tour the Aurora Regional Fire Museum's interactive exhibit "Getting There, Getting Water, Getting Rescued."

Tuesday - October 27, 2009 
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Presentation begins at 7:00 p.m.

This program is FREE!  Registration would be appreciated.
For more information, download the attachment and visit our website for maps, directions, and parking information. www.AuroraRegionalFireMuseum.org

image

Interesting Email - Pass along

Received this in an email, do not know the source but thought it worth passing on. Not all politicians fall into this change, but you may think of some that may.

Not long ago I read a joke... It said all the politicians running for president are promising change to the American people. We send them billions and billions of tax dollars and they send us the change.

Funny? Not really; there is too much truth in it to be funny.
But that got me to thinking... They all promise change.
A restoration that would take us back in time to a place where things ran better, smoother and life was more enjoyable.
Change? That, in truth, is what they have been giving us all along.
We used to have a strong dollar... 
Politicians changed that.
Marriage used to be sacred... 
Politicians have changed that.
We used to be respected around the world... Politicians changed that.
We used to have a strong manufacturing economy... Politicians changed that.
We used to have lower tax structures... Politicians changed that.
We used to enjoy more freedoms... Politicians changed that.
We used to be a large exporter of American-made goods... Politicians changed that.
We used to teach patriotism in schools... Politicians changed that.
We used to educate children in schools... Politicians changed that.
We used to enforce LEGAL citizenship... Politicians changed that.
We used to have affordable food & gas prices... 
Politicians changed that, too... and one could go on and on with this list.
What hasn't been changed, politicians are promising to change that as well, if you will elect them.
When, oh when, is America going to sit back with open eyes and look at what we once were and where we have come and say "enough is enough"?
The trouble is, America 's youthful voters today don't know of the great America that existed forty and fifty years ago. 
They see the world as if it has always existed as it is now.
When will we wake up? Tomorrow may be too late. When will America realize... Politicians are what is wrong with America ? This goes for BOTH parties... Republicans and Democrats, there is no difference anymore... they all do only what they can to be re-elected, not what is best for the citizens!

What is needed is for the Constitution to be amended to limit all Senators and Representatives to TWO terms in office like the President.


Oh, by the way,
no big pension either, social security just like the rest of us. How do they rate bigger and better entitlements than the people THEY WORK FOR? WHICH IS US!!
Being a politician shouldn't be a person's life work but rather a call to public service then back to being an honest hard-working citizen.
Politicians are no more than housekeepers and janitors... unfortunately they act like they own the building.
PASS THIS ONE AROUND... FOR A CHANGE...

Let's make the right change,,,,,,,, for a change.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Soupy Sales

Soupy Sales dead at 83

Baltimore Sun- Sorry to hear the news that comedian Soupy Sales died last night, at age 83. I remember seeing him as a kid. Soupy Sales dies at 83 Entertainment Weekly Soupy Sales dies at 83; slapstick comic had hit TV show in 1960s Los Angeles Times Comedian Soupy Sales Dead At 83 MTV.com ReutersNewsday

LODD

Oct 22, 2009 Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Clinton, MS

from USFA Firefighter Fatalities

John Thurman of the Clinton Fire Department in Clinton, MS has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2009-10-21 Also link at Firehouse News
Died hours after working out while on duty, according to The Clarion-Ledger.

Capt. John Thurman was found unconscious at approximately 5 p.m. by someone walking through a park that sits next to Fire Station 3. He was transported to Jackson Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The 21-year fire veteran's cause of death is still unknown, the newspaper report said.  Read More....

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

USFA Releases Annual Report on Firefighter Fatalities in the United States

Contact: USFA Press Office: (301) 447-1853

Emmitsburg, MD. – The United States Fire Administration (USFA) today released the report Firefighter Fatalities in the United States in 2008. The report continues a series of annual studies by the USFA of on-duty firefighter fatalities. The USFA is the single public agency source of information for all on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States each year.

"The causes of death among firefighters are well known and the steps necessary to protect firefighters have been studied and reported in numerous forums,” United States Fire Administrator Kelvin J. Cochran said. “We must take the necessary steps to ensure, as much as possible, all firefighters return from every call, safely."

The unique and specific objective of Firefighter Fatalities in the United States is to identify all on-duty firefighter fatalities that occurred in the United States and its protectorates during the calendar year and to present in summary narrative form the circumstances surrounding each occurrence.

An overview of the 118 firefighters that died while on duty in 2008:

  • The total breakdown included 66 volunteer, 34 career, and 18 wildland agency firefighters.
  • There were 5 firefighter fatality incidents where 2 or more firefighters were killed, claiming a total of 18 firefighters' lives.
  • 26 firefighters were killed during activities involving brush, grass or wildland firefighting, more than twice the number killed the previous year.
  • Activities related to emergency incidents resulted in the deaths of 75 firefighters.
  • 28 firefighters died while engaging in activities at the scene of a fire.
  • 21 firefighters died while responding to, and 3 while returning from, emergency incidents.
  • 12 firefighters died while they were engaged in training activities.
  • 13 firefighters died after the conclusion of their on-duty activity.
  • Heart attacks were the most frequent cause of death for 2008 with 45 firefighter deaths.

For 32 years, USFA has tracked the number of firefighter fatalities and conducted an annual analysis. Through the collection of information on the causes of firefighter deaths, the USFA is able to focus on specific problems and direct efforts toward finding solutions to reduce the number of firefighter fatalities in the future. This information is also used by many organizations to measure the effectiveness of their current efforts directed toward firefighter health and safety.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which worked closely with USFA on this report, also maintains a list of firefighters who die in the line-of-duty and are honored during the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend held each October in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Visit www.FireHero.org for more information about the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and their assistance to the families of the firefighters lost in 2008 and beyond.

Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted on the USFA's Web site at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/ff_stats.shtm.

Adobe Acrobat (PDF) Help

Download

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/ff_fat08.pdf

Monday, October 19, 2009

LODD – Sparta, GA

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Sparta, GA

from USFA Firefighter Fatalities

Gary D. Street 60 of the East Lake Sinclair Volunteer Fire Department in Sparta, GA has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2009-10-17

Gary D. Street, was moving a fire department vehicle at the scene of an incident, according to Chief J. J. McClure of the East Lake Sinclair Vol. Fire Department. Firehouse.com has more info here.

Uncle Jay Explains October 19, 2009

Lessons we learned from this week's news: --- 1. Do not base the success of your hoax on the flawless participation of a six-year-old. --- 2. Do not base the success of your NFL team purchase on the cooperation of the NFL. --- 3. Do not try to understand the news without Uncle Jay's help! 

Friday, October 16, 2009

In Case You Missed it – Trench Collapse

Always a big worry when responder go a trench collapse to try and not become a victim themselves. Seems that this incident was a least safe for the responders. Looks like Atlanta FD handles the job well.
From Fox News Atlanta: There was a trench collapse in Atlanta near I-75 with one worker left dead. This incident was aided by the use of a vacuum truck, probably the best way to remove dirt from a collapse. My Fox Atlanta has some videos and a report on the story

I have used this system and it really works. (I am in no way associated with Rescue Vac) From their web site, the Rescue Vac is the fastest and safest collapse, entrapment, and engulfment rescue system in the world. Info here at Rescue Vac Systems They also have some video on their site on how this system works.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Something you may not think about

Something you may not think about when responding to a reported vehicle fire. Flashover? In Buckeye Ariz. the fire department responded to a trailer fire. As the fire fighter was searching for possible victim the contents flashed over. Yes it can happen in a trailer. No matter size or manner of enclosed space may cause the contents to flash over? Is this something that you would not expect in this type of incident? Makes you WANT to make sure that all your PPE is warn at every incident. The story is HERE at ABC15- Authorities say a Buckeye firefighter who was working to put out a trailer fire has been hospitalized with serious burns but is expected to make a full recovery. …large travel trailer at midmorning Wednesday when flames flashed over him and he was burned.

Bad News

Does this report look good for the fire service? While we seem to always see the good things that the fire service is doing once and while a bad story come along. The fire service needs to work to prevent this type of incident from taking place. Is it a mind set that we need to change? Is is a cultural change that needs to take place, regional? See this story form WPRI news and read the report released from NIOSH . While you are there check out the other firefighter reports on their site.
TIVERTON, R.I. From WPRI News  - A new report from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says late Tiverton firefighter Gerald Leduc, who died of a heart attack during a rescue at Stafford Pond in August 2008, had a blood alcohol level of .25% at the time of his death.

See the complete report HERE

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

More apparatus incidents

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) - A Fort Wayne police and fire truck collide as both were responding to an emergency call. Full Story HERE

Is it just me or does it seem that are are entirely too many of these incidents. With all the safety initiatives that the fire service has in place it seems that this should be the exception and not the daily news?

RESPONDING VIRGINIA FIRE APPARATUS CRASH

2 hurt in Chesterfield crash 

Full story at

FirefighterCloseCalls.Com - Home of the Secret List

Chesterfield County E-14, responding to an apartment fire, collided with a car this evening, entrapping and injuring the car's two occupants. The crash victims were taken to a local hospital with non life-threatening injuries, said Chesterfield Capt. Robby Dawson. None of the three firefighters on the truck were injured, he said. The wreck occurred about 1825 when engine 14 from the department's Dutch Gap station was on its way to a reported kitchen fire at Winchester Green Apartments, Dawson said. The rig was heading northbound; it was not immediately clear what direction the car was traveling or how the two vehicles collided. "Typically when we're involved in any kind of a...

TENNESSEE MOTORCYCLES VS FIRE APPARATUS-FF's OK, BIKERS TAKEN BY MEDEVAC

Full story at FirefighterCloseCalls.Com - Home of the Secret List

Three Fort Campbell soldiers were injured in a collision with a Houston County fire truck at the intersection of Proctor Road and Tenn. 49, according to Tennessee Highway patrol Trooper Stephen Becker. Joshua W. Page, 19, Anthony P. Stanhope, 22, and Catlyn Danick, 21, were all transported to medical facilities,  according to Houston County Volunteer Fire Department Chief and EMA Director David Hardin. Hardin said that the fire truck, driven by 18-year-old Justin C. Smith, and the motorcycles were all travelin...

Odd News

 

From Small Bits & Pieces

Newborn baby falls through train toilet onto tracks and lives
A baby delivered in a train lavatory has survived tumbling down through the bottom of the carriage and onto the tracks.
Passengers on the West Bengal Tata-Chapra Express raised the alarm when they saw Rinku Debi Ray, 28; jump from the speeding carriage in what they believed was a suicide attempt.
She went into the lavatory and suddenly gave birth. The baby fell into the lavatory bowl and through the flap onto the tracks under the speeding train, and her mother quickly ran out of the lavatory and jumped from the carriage to find the child.
Her husband, who pulled the emergency cord, and when the train came to a halt just over a mile down the line, Mr. Roy and other passengers began searching for them. "We got off the train and started looking for my wife. After an hour we found Rinku sitting beside the track with the baby in her lap." said Bhola Roy.
His wife and new baby were transferred to Purelia district hospital where both are now recovering from their ordeal, while the railway station manager said the baby's survival was a "miracle".
.
Woman strips to avoid arrest
Julia E. Laack, 36, of Sheboygan was charged Friday with felony battery of a peace officer, resisting an officer, shoplifting and two counts of disorderly conduct.
The criminal complaint alleges Laack stole a bag of beef jerky and a lighter at a convenience store Thursday afternoon. Police went to her home but she refused to come to the door and began screaming and swearing. Police entered and tried to calm her down. With her children present, she stripped to her underwear and told the officers they couldn't arrest her because she would be naked.
Laack struggled with the officers as they tried to arrest her, she allegedly kicked one in the groin and spit in the mouth of another.
.
Man kills fiancée day before wedding
A Winter Springs, Florida man who thought there was an intruder in his house shot and killed his fiancée the day before they were to be married, police said Friday.
"Right now everything points to a tragic accident," Police Chief Kevin Brunelle told The Associated Press, adding investigators were awaiting forensic results.
John Tabutt, 62, told investigators he got his gun when he thought he heard an intruder, and then fired at a figure in the hallway, according to Brunelle. It was Tabutt's live-in fiancée, 62-year-old Nancy Dinsmore, who family members say he was going to marry Saturday. Tabutt told authorities he thought she was next to him in bed the whole time.

Monday, October 12, 2009

History - 453 lives were lost in the 1918 Cloquet fire

October 12th 1918

The 1918 Cloquet fire was a massive fire in northern Minnesota in October, 1918 caused by sparks on the local railroads and dry conditions. The fire left much of western Carlton County devastated, mostly affecting Moose Lake, Cloquet, and Kettle River. Cloquet was hit the hardest by the fires. It was the worst natural disaster in Minnesota history in terms of the number of lives lost in a single day. In total, 453 lives were lost and 52,000 people were injured or displaced, 38 communities were destroyed, 250,000 acres were burned, and $73 million in property damage was suffered. $13 million in Federal aid was disbursed.

More at some other links  Here & Here

image001

Map picture

Uncle Jay Explains Oct 12, 2009

Good weekly installment of Uncle Jay Explains for Oct 12, 2009. Hey! Uncle Jay isn't George Bush either, where's HIS medal? Nobel Peace congrats are coming in from all over: Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, Gaza, Darfur and the Moon. Uncle Jay explains it all! We should all get a Nobel prize just for our potential.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Really??????

Guess they give this out for what he may do in the future, yes we can??? He was nominated back in February, not even a month on office??? Obama had been nominated for the Nobel less than two weeks after taking office in January, when millions at home and around the world were captivated by his "Yes We Can" presidential campaign.

* OSLO (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for his calls to reduce the world's stockpile of nuclear weapons and working for world peace. Reuters Full story

* Best Obama-Nobel Jokes Adam Bromberg, CRC: Nobel Prize Committee must be staffed by out of work comedy writers.

More Here at ABC News 

* Mideast hopes prize spurs Obama to fulfill pledge to Muslims Google News

The Huffington Post 

Obama Awarded Nobel Peace Prize for Not Being George Bush

MEDIAITE
How Nobel could hurt Obama

The president's win of the Nobel Peace Prize could be the last thing he needs, an analyst says. Yahoo News » Risks

ICC Residential Sprinkler Issue Back On

From Firehouse.com 

Later this month, advocates for and against mandating fire sprinklers in new home construction will gather in Baltimore, Md. for an important vote. Meeting Info Link

The International Code Council will consider proposals to remove language from the International Residential Code requiring fire sprinklers in new construction come 2011 during its annual meeting at the Hilton Baltimore Convention Center.

Looks like there is till unresolved issues with the ruling by the ICC on residential fire sprinklers. More information on this issue can be found at Home Fire Sprinkler and National Volunteer Fire Council or International Code Council See Older Post HERE

Thursday, October 8, 2009

The Chicago Fire and Fire Prevention Week

This Evening of October 8th is the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, It reportedly started this evening at Mrs. O'Leary's barn.  The fire burned from Sunday October 8th to early Tuesday, October 10, 1871, it killed hundreds and destroyed about four square miles in Chicago. The traditional account of the origin of the fire is that it started by a cow kicking over a lantern in the barn owned by Patrick and Catherine O’Leary. Michael Ahern, the Chicago Republican reporter who created the cow story, admitted in 1893 that he had made it up because he thought it would make colorful copy. Although the fire is still undetermined, and it has been established that the O’Leary’s were asleep at the time the fire started, the massive fire swiftly took its toll, burning more than 2000 acres in 27 hours. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) decided that the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire should be observed not with festivities, but in a way that would keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention. That's how we came to have a national observance of Fire Prevention Week.

Here are some links to the history of the great Chicago Fire

Chicago Historical Society http://www.nationalcenter.org/ChicagoFire.html  http://www.answers.com/topic/great-chicago-fire

Image results for great Chicago fire 
Book results for great Chicago fire

The Great Chicago Fire

The continuing saga of engineered wood products?

Is this yet another instance of engineered wood construction, and failure to recognize it? The following story link shows that the occupants were at home when the fire was discovered and yet the fire progressed enough to have the floors fail. Seems like a very short time for this to happen. Remember what they taught you about the change in the fuel loads in modern housing? Again, Is it time we rethink how we fight fires? NFPA Report on Light Weight Construction, HERE

2 Firefighters Injured In Green Twp. Fire

GREEN TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Two firefighters are recovering after being injured while fighting a two-alarm fire Monday. WLWT.com News Story here pictures here

The article also says that Firefighters reported that flames from the two-alarm fire went up through the walls of the home from the basement into the first and second floors.

From Firehouse Ohio FF Falls Through Floor During Blaze

Two firefighters were treated for injuries while fighting a fire at a Green Township home.

The continuing saga of engineered wood products?

Is this yet another instance of engineered wood construction, and failure to recognize it? The following story link shows that the occupants were at home when the fire was discovered and yet the fire progressed enough to have the floors fail. Seems like a very short time for this to happen. Remember what they taught you about the change in the fuel loads in modern housing? Again, Is it time we rethink how we fight fires?

2 Firefighters Injured In Green Twp. Fire

GREEN TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Two firefighters are recovering after being injured while fighting a two-alarm fire Monday. WLWT.com News Story here pictures here

The article also says that Firefighters reported that flames from the two-alarm fire went up through the walls of the home from the basement into the first and second floors.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

LODD Norfork Airport FD Captain

Nothing from USFA  yet - LODD –

Carl Nordwall IAFF Local 3406 – Norfolk Airport

October 7, 2009 at 8:49 am by VAFireNews.com Webteam

Carl Nordwall
City, State: Norfolk Airport, VA

It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty death of Captain Carl Nordwall of IAFF Local 3406 – Norfolk Airport, Norfolk, Virginia. Brother Nordwall, 56, passed away today, Tuesday, October 6, 2009 of cardiac arrest while on duty.

Virginia Fire Captain Suffers Fatal Heart Attack

Firehouse.com News

A Norfolk Airport fire captain died while on duty yesterday (Oct. 6), according an announcement by IAFF Local L3406.

Captain Carl Nordwall, 56, suffered a heart attack while on the job and was later pronounced dead.

A funeral will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. at the Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462.

Not Wearing Your Seat Belt – You're going Get Caught

Really, still not wearing your seat belt when responding? Maybe today, tomorrow or next week, your are going to get caught. Read this from firefighterclosecalls Wednesday, October 7, 2009

 

As you will recall, a responding Phoenix (AZ) FD engine company (E910) was involved in a serious crash where, among others, Captain Crystal Rezzonico was very seriously injured after being ejected.  The facts related to the August 10, 2009 crash are as follows: Read full article HERE 

Old issue, still not resolved see old post at Everyonegoeshome and visitEveryoneGoesHome.com

Monday, October 5, 2009

Uncle Jay Explains October 5, 2009

Uncle Jay ahs a lot in the news to talk about and explains this week. Which is more embarrassing: Chicago losing or Letterman winning? Whether it's TV, the Olympics, Iran, Afghanistan or the economy, everybody's way ahead in the downhill race. Uncle Jay explains it all!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

New TV series protested by IAFC EMS section

IAFC EMS Section Protests NBC Drama

from FIRE CHIEF | Every Department, Every Leader

The International Association of Fire Chiefs EMS Section is demanding that NBC cancel or modify its new drama series, Trauma. The association objects to the show’s portrayal of EMS providers.

You can judge for yourself at the networks web site and watch it HERE or HERE .

Just Trying to something nice for someone

Singer Unhappy Benefit Song Pulled Off Air

WSMV.com - News—Country music singer Ronnie Milsap says Capitol Records put a cease-and-desist order against playing a duet he and Trace Adkins recorded to benefit officers, firefighters and their families. Read the full story → 

Or read it HERE Ronnie Milsap

Watch the video and song here Download

Or Listen HERE 

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Couple of Novel Ideas For Breast cancer support (Pink Fire Helmets?)

Firefighters To Wear Pink Helmets In Honor Of Breast Cancer Awareness
Here is one story from Kentucky - When Corbin firefighters started fundraising to purchase new pink yes, pink fire helmets, they thought they'd be lucky to get enough money for three or four men to wear the……………….
Full story here Firefighter news.com

Firefighters can wear to show their support for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Lion will donate proceeds from pink helmet sales to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation on behalf of each purchaser.

Lion Apparel Expands Pink Helmet Program to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

Request information from Lion Apparel

PAC II Support A Cure HoodThe Illinois fire store is supporting it by offering these hoods.

Go to Illinois Fire Store HERE or HERE 

PAC II Support A Cure Hood, PAC II and PAC IA Specialty Nomex Hoods

Friday, October 2, 2009

More on this weekends NFFF Memorial

Firefighternation.com has posted a video on the “Behind the scenes NFFF memorial service”

Here’s a reminder that Firehouse.com will have a Live Memorial CoverageSee Video of the memorial here or Oct 3rd at 6:00 pm EST Candlelight Vigil and October 4, 2009: 9:30 am EST of the NFFF Memorial Service. Used to be the only way you would see this was if you had a satellite dish. or link here

Online

View the 2009 Candlelight Ceremony for Fallen Firefighters online beginning at 6:15pm (EST) October 3.

Online

View the 2009 Fallen Firefighter Memorial Services online
beginning at 9:30am (EST) October 4
.

LODD on the eve of the memorial service

Notice of Firefighter Fatality: Yonkers, NY

from USFA Firefighter Fatalities

Patrick Joyce of the Yonkers Fire Department in Yonkers, NY has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2009-10-02 00:00:00.0. Incident Description: Firefighter Joyce, along with two other firefighters, was forced by rapidly progressing fire conditions to jump from the third story of a residence. Firefighter Joyce did not survive the injuries he sustained as a result of the fall and the other two firefighters are reported to be in the hospital in critical condition. All residents of the home escaped the fire. The fire has been deemed "suspicious" and officials are continuing to investigate. Incident Location: 148 Waverly Street.

Yonkers Fire Department Welcome The Official Web Site for the Fire Department of the City of Yonkers, New York
1 Yonkers Firefighter Killed, 2 Injured On Duty - wcbstv.com

Fire officials announced that Patrick Joyce, a veteran Yonkers firefighter, died after reportedly leaping from a burning house. ... Joyce has worked for the Yonkers fire department for 16 years

Click to enlarge

A Yonkers firefighter walks down a ladder at the scene of a house fire that left one firefighter dead and two others injured after leaping from the burning building on Oct. 2, 2009.

 

Some low priced if not free online training sources - Underwriters Laboratories

From time to time I stumble back upon a web site that I used to check all the time. Here is some training sources from the Underwriters Laboratories. At issue still, is the residential sprinkler requirement with the the National Association of Home Builders still resisting the IRC-2009 sprinkler requirement in RB66. You can get some free training that gives some insight into the issue at hand.

AIArchitect This Week | Home Fire Safety Issues Land on the Front ...

Jul 31, 2009 ... IRC requiring sprinklers, UL focuses on firefighter safety ...  Still, the coalition argues, with 95 percent of homes having ...

UL Main Site Link HERE
UL Online Learning Here 
Fire Behavior in a Single Family Occupancy
Structural stability of engineered lumber in fire conditions online course Structural Stability Course Here

0731p_lightweight1

A mannequin simulates a crawling firefighter in the UL test of the structural integrity of various floor and roof assemblies during a fire test.

Home Fire Safety Issues Land on the Front Burner
IRC requiring sprinklers, UL focuses on firefighter safety

By Douglas Gordon, Hon. AIA

http://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek09/0731/0731p_lightweight.cfm 

How do you . . . stay up to date on residential fire regulations and best practices? Get informed!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Ella, the Rottweiler

For all you dog lovers out there that need a good dog story, here one that you may need a tissue for. Just a another thing to think about, Thanks to Karl for sharing the link.

Ella, a Rottweiler, was in a car crash and left on the highway for weeks. Now, Ella is back with her family. (09/28/09) Watch this and other featured videos on Comcast.net!