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Rock on: Canadian Firefighters Curling Association celebrates 50 years by Lyle Wiebe .......................................................................................................
FireFit repeat: Halifax team prevails at national championships by Laura King ...................................................................................................
Curtain of fire: How Nova Scotia tackled two blazes at once by
The 2010 dilemma: Fire services for Vancouver Olympics among
The massive wildland interface fire that enveloped the Lake Echo-Porters Lake region of Nova Scotia in June was primarily manned by volunteer firefighters from the Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Service. More than 5,000 people were evacuated while hundreds more were forced out of their homes as a second blaze burned near Tantallon the same weekend. Read James Careless’s story on page 24.
OCredit where credit is due
Editor Laura King lking@annexweb.com 289-259-8077
Publisher Martin McAnulty fire@annexweb.com 888-599-2228 ext 252
ne of the things I promised to do with this magazine was raise the profile of some of the most valuable, and most undervalued, people in our society: volunteer firefighters.
Friday the 13th is traditionally considered a day of ominous fate. True to form, the fire that started in the Lake Echo-Porters Lake area east of Halifax on Friday, June 13, was a bad one. Despite the carnage inflicted by the fire over that windy, humid weekend, and a second wildfire on the west side of the Halifax Regional Municipality at the same time, it will be remembered as a triumph for the fire services. And, in particular, the volunteers.
The Lake Echo fire measured 15 kilometres in length and three kilometres wide at one point. It triggered the evacuation of 5,000 people and destroyed two homes. It was by any measure a major emergency in a suburban area.
And yet, the residents of that area, and those near the smaller Tantallon blaze on the other side of the regional municipality, were lucky.
Lucky that the fire happened on a weekend when the hundreds of volunteers around the county were home and able to devote endless effort to the fight.
They were lucky that their communities have men and women who give up their time to train and serve their communities for such emergencies.
Lucky indeed.
The municipalities around Halifax amalgamated in 1996, leading to the creation of the Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Service. Urban wildfires are not common in Nova Scotia, nor are even major forest fires – the 1968 Cape Smokey fire in Cape Breton being a notable exception.
And certainly, there are bigger wildfires in Canada every summer. When I lived in Edmonton there were many days when smoke filled the air from massive fires in northern Alberta or Saskatchewan.
And in terms of urban wildfires, the 2003 Kelowna fire was a disaster that dwarfed the Nova Scotia blazes.
But what caught my eye and admiration from the Nova Scotia experience was the way everyone talked of the work of the volunteer firefighters.
As James Careless recounts in his review of the Halifax fires on page 24, the volunteers were the primary firefighting force over the humid June weekend in Nova Scotia.
The co-ordination of the effort of career and volunteer firefighters, along with provincial government personnel and equipment, and others, was almost textbook.
The volunteers worked with the career firefighters to bring the blazes to their knees and in so doing they highlighted the value of the volunteers to their communities.
President Mike Fredericks mfredericks@annexweb.com
Mailing Address PO Box 530, 105 Donly Dr. S., Simcoe, ON N3Y 4N5
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Canadian Firefighters Curling Association celebrates 50 years
by LYLE WIEBE
Anyone who follows Canadian curling knows that former Canadian and world champion
Ed “The Wrench” Werenich is a fine curler, has strong opinions about the Canadian Curling Association and is also a firefighter.
While Werenich received nationwide media coverage during multiple national and world championships in the 1990s, his pursuits of the Canadian Firefighters championship remained elusive. Despite the quality of the firefighters competition, with many former and current provincial champions in the lineup annually, the event doesn’t get national media coverage like the Brier or the myriad skins games.
But it should. The Canadian Firefighters Curling Association is the third oldest national curling championship in Canada behind the Brier and the Canadian Police Championships. Its level of competition, caliber of curling and organization is recognized by the Canadian Curling Association. Competitors include provincial champions, Brier champions and world men’s and junior champions. Among those who have participated are Werenich and Neil Harrison (two-time world champion with Werenich) from southern Ontario, Gerry Richard from British Columbia (Brier and world champion), Saskatchewan’s Rod Montgomery, Dale Ness from Quebec, Bruce Lohnes from Nova Scotia (2004 Brier champion with Mark Dacey and world bronze medalist) and Joe Vautour from New Brunswick.
This year, the Canadian Firefighters Curling Association celebrates the 50th consecutive national championship in which teams from across Canada compete for the title of Hydrant Champion.
In 1958, Aubrey Neff, a dedicated Vancouver firefighter, organized a Vancouver Fire Department league and the British Columbia Firefighters Curling Association. Ness’s vision was to have a Dominion firefighters curling championship. He sent letters to all Canadian fire departments asking about interest in participating. In 1960 in Regina, a five-province Dominion championship was
held. Attention grew and by 1970, 10 provinces competed in Scarborough, Ont. By 1973, in Prince Albert, Sask., the Northwest Territories had come on board. Newfoundland sent representation in 1983 to Brampton, Ont., and Ness completed his mission.
Sadly, Ness passed away in Chilliwack, B.C., on March 9, 1997, at the age of 74 after losing a courageous battle with cancer. His legacy will live on in the hearts of every firefighter who participates in this curling championship.
Front and back of the 50th anniversary pin that will be available for the 2009 championships.
The annual goal of the association is to promote goodwill among firefighters across Canada, through the Canadian Firefighters Curling Association Muscular Dystrophy Hydrant Championships.
The British Columbia Firefighters Curling Association hosted the 49th championship in Richmond this year. The current Hydrant Champions are from the Yellowknife Fire Department. Steve Moss, who has represented the Territories at the Brier on five occasions, and who has been a competitor in 13 Hydrant Championships, skipped the team. Third is Chris Haichert, who curled second for the Pat Simmons team from Saskatchewan at the 2005 and 2006 Briers. Haichert is the 2003 Canadian and world junior champion (all-star third). Second is Kevin Whitehead, who is no stranger to national events, representing the Northwest Territories at the 2006 and 2007 Briers. Whitehead participated in the 2002 Canadian mixed championships and represented the Territories in the 1994, 1995 and 1996 Canadian junior championships. Lead is Ingo Bauer and Wyatt Scheller is the director, from the Hay River Fire Department. The Howard Brazeau team from the Fort Smith Fire Department won the last Hydrant Championships for the Northwest Territories in 1975 and 1976.
Provincial and Territorial playdowns are held each year in all provinces and the Northwest Territories to declare their representatives for the national event. The competition is restricted to those in the fire service. Indi-
vidual constitutions in each association dictate those eligible to participate. In the past, female firefighters have also represented their associations at hydrant championships, one from the Northwest Territories and one from Newfoundland and Labrador.
In 1954, firefighters joined forces with Muscular Dystrophy. To honour this relationship and the ongoing research, the Canadian Firefighters Curling Association affiliated with MDA in 1997 and renamed the championship The Canadian Firefighters Curling Association Muscular Dystrophy Hydrant Championships. Examples of fundraising at the championship include raffles, 50/50 draws and silent auctions. The goal is to donate $10,000 at the awards banquet to Muscular Dystrophy.
This curling season marks a golden milestone. The Prince Edward Island Firefighters Curling Association, under the partnered guidance of co-convenors Winston Bryan and Peter Macdonald, hosts the 50th Canadian Firefighters Curling Association Muscular Dystrophy Hydrant Championships in Charlottetown March 26 through April 5. This is the fourth time Prince Edward Island has hosted a national championship – the event was held at Charlottetown in 1997 and 1976 and Summerside in 1990.
For more information, visit the Canadian Firefighters Curling Association website at www.cffca.ca.
Lyle Wiebe is the president of the Canadian Firefighters Curling Association.
PHOTO COURTESY CFFCA
A smorgasbord of interesting terminology
This month we’re looking at a variety of topics, a little history and a poorly disguised reminder to fight the complacency that occasionally creeps into the workplace.
We’re throwing in some building construction that you’ll probably never see, but is an interesting architectural feature, and some tactics that can save some time and reduce your dollar losses.
Speaking of tactics, I’d like to hear from you if you’ve had some successes or failures in trench cutting large steel roofs, and particularly if you’ve adopted a less labour-intensive approach to roof operations at these buildings.
Through the lock forcible entry
This lost art involves pulling a rim or mortise lock cylinder out of a door or vehicle using a lock pulling tool such as a Rex tool, O tool, A tool or K tool. Once the cylinder has been removed, the locking mechanism can be manipulated with a key tool or slotted screwdriver to unlock the lock.
This method is often quicker and less destructive than conventional forms of forcible entry, but unfortunately, is not taught by most fire departments.
If you have an opportunity, attend a seminar or hands on training on this subject.
The trench cut
separate from the actual floor. It achieves a smoke-free atmosphere by having an open-air, outside balcony between the floor space and the building’s stair shaft. In this design, building occupants will traverse from the floor area, outside across an open-air balcony into a separate stair shaft. Any smoke that exits out the door of the involved floor will automatically exit into the open atmosphere. Building occupants will then be able to exit down a separate, and smoke-free shaft. This design, although outstanding, is rarely found due to the added costs in design and construction.”
This defensive ventilation strategy involves the creation of a roof-top firebreak to separate the burned and unburned sections of a building and is usually reserved for larger structures.
Timing, placement, tool selection and adequate staffing are essential, as many fires have passed under the feet of vent teams cutting their way across a roof in this fashion.
Although the trench cut works well on older, traditional roofs, modern steel roofs present a major challenge to firefighters and their equipment.
The Bresnan nozzle
When legendary FDNY Chief John J. Bresnan developed his specialized nozzle for fighting fires in inaccessible areas in the late 1800s, I’m sure he never dreamed it would remain such a valuable tool in the 21st century. Also known as the cellar, rotary and distributor nozzle, this appliance allows firefighters to apply water through a small hole in a floor or roof to a fire without spending unnecessary time on modern lightweight components.
When used in parallel through several small plunge cuts in a steel roof, the resulting water curtain is an excellent alternative to the trench cut, sets up faster, and uses less manpower and equipment.
The Philadelphia fire tower
From his book Fire Ground Size-up by Michael A. Terpak comes this description of an unusual and rarely seen type of high-rise stairwell…
“A further-advanced design of a smoke-free stairwell is referred to as the fire tower stairway, or by many in the East Coast as the Philadelphia Tower. This stairwell does not rely on the concept of forced air within an enclosed shaft, but with a design that has the stair shaft
Make the connection
Your department may already have a policy requiring that the first due pump connect to a building’s standpipe or sprinkler connection on arrival. When something is showing, it’s a given that the hook-up is going to take place.
However, with the massive volume of false alarms that we’re all attending at our local highrise, commercial, and industrial buildings, pump operators eventually become complacent and stop making the connection to save on taking up the hose later on.
As a big believer in common sense, I offer the following suggestions: If the building has a dry system, an unreliable domestic supply or fire pump, is under construction or on fire, go ahead and make the connection, grab the second due pump operator, get a water supply, and be ready when the order comes to charge the system; if the building has an adequate and reliable wet system, and a false alarm is confirmed, locate and check the fire department connections anyway. This is easily accomplished by threading a 2.5-inch double male into the female standpipe and/or sprinkler connections.
Here are some of the problems you can anticipate if you start making the connection: damaged or non-compliant threads; missing caps; damaged or missing clapper valves; connections jammed with trash, bird nests or dirt; and seized female swivels. Either approach the building staff yourself, or get the prevention guys involved in correcting the problem.
On a related note, our department operates 1.5-inch high-rise hose with a fog nozzle at small- to medium-sized fires in buildings with standpipes. The nozzle has a flush feature but is also equipped with a screen filter before the shutoff.
On several occasions, our crews have experienced a loss of water supply at working fires due to debris from the standpipe system jamming the nozzle!
Although the contaminants were not evident to the pump operator making the connection, it probably entered the system due to missing caps on the fire department connections.
So, check the connections when you’re cruising your district, and make the connection when you’re first due.
Peter Hunt, a 29-year veteran of the fire service, is a captain in the Ottawa Fire Department’s suppression division. He can be reached at peter.hunt@rogers.com
PETER HUNT
FireFit repeat
Halifax team prevails at national championships
by LAURA KING
Joe Triff was having a good week. The paramedic and volunteer firefighter had gotten word in early September that he’d been hired by the Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Service as a full-time firefighter and he was about to head to the Scott FireFit Championships in Quinte West, Ont.
With the stress of waiting to hear about the full-time job lifted, Triff gave his all at the national championships, led his Halifax 1 team to a second consecutive victory and captured the individual title for the second year in a row, with a time of 1:20:30.
“Joe competed at several events and really didn’t have good races at all but when it counted he had a brilliant run,” said FireFit organizer Hilary McRoberts.
Triff’s status as the 2007 champion meant he was a star attraction at this year’s regional events and often ran in the final timeslot of the day, pitted against veteran FireFit competitors including Mike Gilbert of St. Catharines, Ont., who ran a world record time of 1:17 in the wildcard event in Quinte West.
“Last year it was just Joe racing and not a lot of pressure,” said Triff. “I was never the person to watch at an event. That changed this year and all year I was the last race of the day, racing against the person favoured to win the event, and it was something you had to get used to.”
Triff turned 26 the day of the FireFit banquet at the national championships. “It was a whirlwind week for sure,” he said.
Second-year competitor Graham MacKenzie of Kamloops, B.C., finished second in Quinte West at 1:20:97 followed by Eric Pichette of Sudbury at 1:21:28, Chris Wagner of CFB Halifax at 1:21:85 and veteran Dwayne Drover of Waterloo at 1:21: 85.
The Halifax 1 team of Triff, Andrew Foote (1:26:12) and Adam MacNeil (1:27:60) took the team title with a time of 4:14:02, followed by Edmonton Fire & Rescue’s Brian Forseille (1:23:07), John Drew (1:27:93) and Jeff Readman (1:28:23) at 4:19:23. The Sudbury team of Pichette, Jesse Fram (1:25:45) and Jimmy Kolar (1:34:32) came third at 4:21:06.
In the women’s event, Vanessa Moores of the St. John’s Regional Fire Department “came out from nowhere,” said McRoberts. Moores had two fantastic runs – 2:16 on Thursday and 2:15:01 on Saturday but with a two-second penalty for a total time of 2:17:01. “She is super strong and will be one to watch in the future,” McRoberts said.
Longtime FireFit competitor Jacqueline Rasenberg of Vaughan Fire Rescue in Ontario came second at 2:20:82 and was first in the over-40 women’s category. Danielle Comolli of Toronto Fire Services, maintained her 2007 third-place status with a time of 2:34:07 followed by Denise Townshend of DND Canada at 2:37:65. Townshend, who finished fifth last year, was also second in the over-40 category. Lindsey Ingram of Winnipeg captured fifth this year at 2:44:78.
The team from Sherbrooke, Que., led by captain Daniel Gingras, won the gruelling relay event. “They have a bunch of competitors who have been competing for a number of years,” said McRoberts. “They aren’t a young team necessarily, so for them to do what they
Joe Triff of the Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Service drags the rescue randy during the Scott FireFit open challenge in Toronto in July. Triff won the men’s individual competition with a time of 1:20:30 at the championships at Quinte West, Ont., in September.
did was phenomenal considering the competition.”
The relay team from Kamloops, B.C., finished second followed by CFB Halifax and Canadian Fire Marshal DND. Ottawa Fire was the fastest volunteer team in the relay, Lambton College was first among fire schools, Shell Scottford was first in the industrial category and Kingston, Ont., won the over-40 relay event.
Records were broken in the over-50 individual category with Chief Jack Hickey of the St. John’s Regional Fire Department’s time of 1:31:27, the over-40 category with Gilbert’s run of 1:17:91, the men’s open NXG2 technical event with Shaun Henderson and Alex Possamai clocking 1:25:53 (followed closely by Triff and Mike Sears at 1:25:55), the men’s over-40 NXG2 event with Ralph Crouse and Jamie Neadow of Kingston Fire & Rescue in Ontario pulling in 1:40:36, the mixed NXG2 with Melanie Edwards and Ryan McCracken running 2:03:29 (including a penalty), the women’s NXG2 with Jennifer Ratte and Denise Townshend pulling off 2:28:67 and the men’s over-55 record being broken by Brian Jones of Belleville, Ont., with 1:55:82.
Additional results can be viewed at www.FireFit.com
PHOTO BY JOHN RIDDELL
“Our fire department recycles used rechargeable batteries and cell phones. So should you.”
We protect our citizens and we protect our environment. The fire stations in our department recycle the used rechargeable batteries in their mission-critical equipment such as two-way radios, cell phones, portable defibrillators and cordless power tools. With RBRC as our partner, recycling is easy and free! RBRC has enrolled more than 4,300 public agencies and recycled millions of pounds of rechargeable batteries and cell phones since 1996. Get started today at www.call2recycle.org or call toll free 1-877-723-1297. RBRC. Responsible Recycling.
Pierrette Plante Captain of Fire Station #71 Montreal, Quebec
The RIT kit
Tools of the trade for Rapid Intervention Teams
by MARK VAN DER FEYST
Being a RIT firefighter requires a lot training and dedication from both the individuals and the fire department. It also requires a lot of equipment to rescue a downed firefighter. Most fire apparatus today have lots of different equipment and tools on board that will never be used. We take all this equipment with us all the time because we never know when we just might need that one tool.
There are all kinds of special tools and equipment that have been designed just for RIT purposes. If you were to conduct an internet search on RIT tools, you would find all kinds of special tools and equipment. The types and amount of tools and equipment required to rescue a firefighter are dictated in part by the type of building the firefighter is in and the type of rescue needed. No matter how much money a fire department has, what type of building you are facing or the type of rescue to be affected, there are basic tools that each fire department and firefighter should have for rescuing a firefighter.
The basic tools that each RIT member should carry at all times are a radio, flashlight, hand tools and survival gear. (See photo 1.)
Radio
Each member should be equipped with a portable radio. This will allow for all team members to communicate with each other and
to monitor fireground operations. The radio should be on the correct channel and have a fully charged battery. A speaker microphone works best with the portable radio because it allows you to hear all the radio transmissions. With a portable radio in your chest pocket, the speaker is away from your ears by about 24 inches, making it much more difficult to hear.
Flashlight
Carrying a flashlight will help you to conduct the rescue. Most firefighters will carry a personal flashlight either on their helmet or on their gear. These kinds of flashlights are great, but the beam is not as strong as a larger, handheld flashlight. The larger light will help you with your patient assessment and packaging (to be discussed later) and can also serve as a signaling device should your radio fail.
Hand tools
Hand tools are most often overlooked or forgotten. Firefighters don’t want to carry a hand tool because of the extra weight. This is due to a lack of training and a lack of understanding of the importance of a hand tool. Training with hand tools will enhance your ability to rescue a firefighter. Carrying a set of irons, or a roof man’s hook will aid you in the rescue.
Survival gear
Survival gear should be carried by all fire personnel at all times. This gear will aid in the selfrescue aspect of any occasion. As for the RIT
member, this gear will also aid in the rescue of the firefighter. Items such as wire cutters, door chocks, a knife, webbing (preferably closed loop) and personal escape rope (at least 40 to 50 feet) will be a benefit to the RIT member. Wire cutters are the only tool that will get you out of an entanglement situation. I personally recommend carrying two sets of wire cutters, one in your radio pocket on your bunker coat and the other on the opposite side in the bunker pant cargo pocket. Should you find yourself unable to access the upper radio pocket, you will be able to access the cargo pocket, and if access to the cargo pocket is prohibited, then you will have access to the radio pocket. Door chocks are a great asset. They are used primarily for keeping doors open. Most firefighters carry cute little door chocks that are the size of your thumb. We have all seen them because most vendors sell them. These little door chocks are useless when you are chocking a door open in pitch-black conditions, with structural firefighting gloves on and firefighters crawling around bumping into one another and into the walls and doors. These small, lightweight chocks get knocked around and the door closes. The best door chock is made of 2 x 4s cut into triangular pieces about four to five inches long. These rugged door chocks
PHOTO BY MARK VAN DER FEYST
The basic tools needed for RIT members are a radio, flashlight, hand tools and survival gear.
Rescuer maintains a safe distance away
Sled is used for reaching
Buoyant Sled supports victim
For more information, call your local Globe dealer or Safedesign.
BRITISH COLUMBIA AND ALBERTA
Coquitlam, British Columbia 800-667-3362
Calgary, Alberta 800-661-9227
Edmonton, Alberta 800-222-6473
Kamloops, British Columbia 250-374-0044
Nanaimo, British Columbia 250-758-3362
Prince George, British Columbia 250-960-4300
QUEBEC
LaSalle, Quebec 800-905-0821
ATLANTIC PROVINCES
St. John's, Newfoundland 800-563-9595
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia 800-567-1955
Saint John, New Brunswick 800-567-1955
MANITOBA AND SASKATCHEWAN
Thompson, Manitoba 204-778-7123
Fire departments should have several pieces of equipment for RIT operations when initially establishing rapid intervention team.
will keep a door open with all the commotion of the rescue.
Tools that a fire department should have for RIT operations when initially establishing RIT. (See photo 2):
1. RIT tactical worksheet or checklist;
2. RIT air pack;
3. RIT tag line;
4. Irons;
5. Pike poles;
6. Rescue rope;
7. Ground ladders; 8. Thermal imaging camera; 9. Medical equipment;
10. Lighting sources.
RIT tactical worksheet or checklist
Having a checklist ensures that the proper tools and equipment are brought to the staging area. This checklist should be completed by the RIT officer. It is his responsibility to make sure that all the needed tools are at the staging area. If other tools and equipment are needed, then request it through the IC.
RIT air pack
The RIT air pack is used to supplement the air supply for the injured, lost or trapped firefighter. This air pack should have a full bottle, a spare face piece and a way of attaching it to the firefighter. There are designed RIT packs manufactured by different vendors. They have some good options designed into them and will certainly be a benefit to the overall operation. At a minimum, having a spare SCBA with a spare face piece will do the job. In the case of mutual aid providing the RIT, make sure your department and the mutualaid department uses the same brand name of SCBA so that they’re compatible. Many times I have seen one department using one brand of SCBA while the mutual-aid department brings its own SCBA RIT pack made by a different manufacturer. The spare face piece is used for a face piece changeover if the original face
piece worn by the firefighter has been compromised. Make sure the air bottle is full. I have witnessed many drills in which the bottle is only half full and wasn’t checked prior to deployment.
RIT tag line
This will be used for the initial search of the firefighter to be rescued. Once the tag line has been deployed and the firefighter located, the other RIT members will be able to follow this line in and out. There are many variations of the RIT tag line on the market. They all have benefits and pitfalls. Lighted rope works well because it provides a light source to follow and a receptacle for plugging in power tools. Pricing dictates what kind of tag line you choose. Simple utility rope also works. Make sure you tie a series of single and double knots every eight to 10 feet. This will serve as a way of finding your way out should the RIT team become lost. One single knot is the way out and the double knot is the way in. It is the same as reading the hose couplings.
Irons
As mentioned in the section on hand tools, irons aid in the rescue of a missing, trapped or injured firefighter. Irons are primarily used for the forcible entry portion of the operation.
Pike poles
Pike poles give us access into small spaces into which we can’t get our arms. Pike poles are useful for hooking onto a firefighter’s SCBA strap to drag him out of a small void or hole. In a situation in which a debris pile is on top of a firefighter, using airbags to lift the pile a few inches and then reaching in with a pike pole to drag them out, is quick and effective.
Rescue rope
Rescue rope is used for just what its name
Continued on page 35
PHOTO COURTESY PSFA
The Big Easy solution
Tool saves time, reduces damage to vehicle
The fire service is a public service agency that strives to ensure the life safety of our residents and provide support services for many different types of situations that our residents encounter in their daily lives.
When someone locks their keys in a vehicle it can be a life threatening situation, a fire hazard or a major or minor inconvenience. We have had children or animals locked in a vehicle on a 30 C summer day, with high humidity, with the windows rolled up. In minutes, the interior temperature of the car can rise to well over 55 C, with the potential for the victim to suffer heat stroke and death. If the vehicle is running and in a stationary position a potential fire hazard is created due to the possibility of overheating or the malfunctioning of the engine compartment.
The inconvenience of locking the keys in a car can range from a person who has an appointment for an emergency medical treatment at a physician’s office to simply wanting to go to the grocery store. Whatever the reason for the vehicle lockout, if the fire service can assist the resident in a time of need, we have an obligation to do so.
On the other hand, this can present problems for fire departments from a liability perspective, if while gaining entry into a vehicle in a non-emergency situation, we cause damage to the vehicle by improper use of vehicle entry tools. Such risks can include:
• Damaging insulation or wiring that may short and cause an immediate or future fire.
• Disabling or damaging the wiring for side airbags.
• Paint scratches to the vehicle’s finish.
• Disabling or damaging wiring for power door locks and windows.
Tow-truck operators spend a lot of time and effort keeping their skills up to date to remain proficient at their craft and to be able to make entry into vehicles in a timely fashion.
Most fire departments probably don’t spend enough time and effort maintaining their skills with the Sulley kit tool entry methods. Therefore, the result is slower entries that cause more vehicle damage. If your department is one of those that chooses to provide this type of service and would like to reduce the likelihood of liability issues due to possible vehicle damage, decrease the time spent gaining access and spend less time training to be proficient, there is a solution.
RANDY SCHMITZ
‘This user-friendly tool will save time and frustration for first responders operating at lock-out incidents’
A lot of fire departments typically use vehicle entry systems such as the common Sulley tool kit. The training requirement is high; lock-out manuals change from year to year as do the internal vehicle locking mechanisms. Most lock-out entries require a different tool for almost every make and model of vehicle.
The “Big Easy” vehicle entry tool from Steck Manufacturing (www.steckmfg.com) is available to the fire service for minimal cost, and is very user friendly. My friend Ron Moore from Plano, Texas, introduced me to this tool back in 2005 and the Calgary Fire Department now has the Big Easy kit on all front-line apparatus and rescue units. The kit consists of a 56-inch flexible stick, an inflatable cuff, a non-damaging plastic wedge, a knob lifter tool and also a plastic sleeve to protect the vehicle’s paint from scratches. (See photo 1.)
Another problem with the traditional entry method using the Sulley tool kit is that it involves manipulating the internal linkages and locking connecting rods by inserting a lock-out tool between the weather striping and door glass, and attempting to hook on to the rods to unlock the door. These rods can easily become disconnected when engaged, thereby rendering the locking mechanism inoperable. Further to this, a lot of newer vehicles have incorporated internal defences against the traditional entry methods such as barrier blocks on the bottom of the window to prevent entry from this location.
The Big Easy, however, allows access by manual manipulation of the mechanical and powered door locks, internal door handle, window crank handle or power window button, by inserting the flexible stick between the window frame of the door and the vehicle
Photo 1 Photo 2
Photo 3
PHOTOS BY RANDY SCHMITZ
body with assistance from the plastic wedge and inflatable cuff.
One of the advantages to this entry method is the operator has a good view to be able to guide the stick to the intended target for quick and easy access. Caution! Standard guidelines for operating at incidents with a child or animal distressed and locked inside a vehicle should be dealt with by glass removal! An attempt may be made to unlock vehicles using these tools only in stable conditions if a child or animal is at minimal risk. If unsuccessful, fire personal should immediately revert to the first option. For non-emergency door unlocking requests, this type of vehicle entry method is fast and efficient.
Let’s look at a three possible entry options with the Big Easy.
1. By inserting the plastic wedge in between the top of the window frame and the roofline, a small space is created to slide the inflatable cuff into position. When the cuff is pumped up with air by squeezing the bulb, an even larger space is created to insert the flexible stick and give enough room to move it around.
The maximum inflation space the cuff can be pumped up is two inches or five
Photo 4
Photo 5
Photo 6
Photo 7
centimetres as not to create damage by over extending the window frame. Now use the tip of the tool to manipulate the door handle, manual sliding lock mechanism, electric window or door lock button. If the bend in the tool is not sufficient, remove the tool and adjust the bend to the required angle. (See photos 2, 3, 4 and 5.)
2. If a door has the vertical lock knob on the top of the door panel, then the plastic knob-lifting strip can be used. Follow the above steps for creating space between the window frame, insert the knob lifting strip near the top of the door panel in the space created, and now move the two ends of the strip back and so forth you can manipulate it around the lock knob. Pull back on the strip and upward at a slight angle; this will allow the lock knob to move and unlock the door. The middle portion of the strip that wraps around the knob has a coating of abrasive material similar to sandpaper that allows it to grip the knob. This method can be used if the lock knob is close to either the latch side or hinge side of the door. (See photos 6, 7 and 8.)
3. Another method you can choose is to create a space in between the door window frame and the roof rail directly above the window crank. Insert the flexible stick and reach for the window crank, carefully moving it in clockwise direction until there is enough room to get your hand and arm through and crank it the rest of the way to unlock the door. This takes a little more practice but still can be done in a timely fashion. (See photos 9 and 10.) The clear plastic paint protector should be used prior to inserting the flexible stick; this will eliminate any damage or scuff marks to the paint that could be created by powder coating coming off the flexible stick upon entry. (See photo 11.)
This user-friendly tool will save time and frustration for first responders operating at lock-out incidents.
Typical vehicle entry for almost all vehicles should fall within a one- to two-minute time frame; however, the time it took to gain entry for the vehicle depicted was 31 seconds, with one rescuer!
Photo 8
Photo 9
Photo 10
Photo 11
Curtain of fire
How Nova Scotia tackled two blazes at once
by JAMES CARELESS
One massive wildfire is enough to keep any fire department busy. But in June, the Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Service (HRFES) found itself fighting two huge wildfires at once – a nightmare situation that resulted in the largest fire evacuation in Nova Scotia’s history.
The first wildfire started June 13 in the heavily wooded communities of Lake Echo and Porters Lake about 28 kilometres east of downtown Halifax; likely in a campsite frequented by ATV riders, according to RCMP. Before it was over, the Lake Echo/Porters Lake fire destroyed two homes and forced the evacuation of 5,000 residents. The second fire in the community of Tantallon, about 25 kilometres west of downtown Halifax, started later that day; resulting in a dozen homes being evacuated but with no buildings lost.
The Lake Echo/Porters Lake fire alone measured 15 kilometres long and three kilometres wide. It burned out of control for two days due to high winds gusting up to 60 km/h, plus debris on the forest floor left by Hurricane Juan in 2003. Although smaller (150 acres and 1.5 kilometres in length), the Tantallon fire raged under the same conditions.
To fight the wildfires, the HRFES deployed hundreds of firefighters from its member departments backed by a full range of apparatus, with fixed-wing/helicopter water bomber support from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the province of New Brunswick. Water tankers were also loaned to the regional municipality by Newfoundland and Quebec.
“It was a little stressful knowing where all of our resources were at any one time,” says Roy Hollett, the HRFES’ deputy chief and the site commander for the Lake Echo fire. “Yet thanks to our member departments, we weren’t actually all that stretched. As a result, although the conditions were tough – with our crews having to retreat a number of times due to fast-moving flames – we had what we needed to fight the fires.”
A snapshot of the HRFES
In 1754, just five years after the British military established Halifax, the Union Fire Club was formed. It was actually an association of volunteer-run fire brigades across the settlement, which aided the military in fighting fires. Operating under names such as the Hand in Hand, Sun Fire and Heart in Hand, these clubs relied on buckets, ladders and axes. Over the years the Halifax Fire Department has faced many challenges, the most horrific of which was the 1917 Halifax explosion. Caused by the munitions ship Mont Blanc, which exploded with a force of 2.9 kilotons, the disaster killed between 1,600 and 2,000 people and wounded 9,000 more. Nine firefighters died, including Halifax Chief Edward P. Condon.
In 1996, Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, and the Municipality of the County of Halifax amalgamated to form a single administrative entity, the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). At the same time, 38 fire departments were brought together to create the Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Service. Then as now, most of the smaller departments were volunteer staffed.
Fortunately for the HRFES, the Lake Echo/Porters Lake and Tantallon fires occurred over a weekend, ensuring that most volunteers were available to aid their career colleagues. (The volunteers were the primary firefighting force on Friday night, June 13, and on Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and 15.)
What happened
The battle against the Lake Echo fire started during the morning of Friday, June 13. “We received several calls saying that there was an extremely fast-moving fire in the Lake Echo region,” says Hollett. “It
Several early arriving units gather on Highway 107. Initially, firefighters thought they could try to stop the blaze here but the fire had advanced and responders were redeployed to other areas.
didn’t take long to see the magnitude of the fire as you drove east on Highway 107 out of the city. When you see that much smoke, you know it’s a big one.”
By the time Hollett arrived on scene on Highway 107’s exit 19 overpass, HRFES officers were working with the RCMP to divert traffic. “The fire had already crossed Highway 7 and was well on its way to where we were,” he said. “As a result, it didn’t take long for the various agencies to agree to upgrade the fire to an EMO-level [Halifax Emergency Measures Office]. Under that multi-agency plan, I assumed site command; we set up shop right where we were.”
Working with the RCMP, DNR and the Red Cross, the HRFES took on the Lake Echo/Porters Lake fire in earnest. Within a few hours, bucket-carrying DNR helicopters were on the site, dumping water in a feverish attempt to control the fast-moving blaze. But such was the combination of wind speeds, low humidity and forest debris that the efforts weren’t enough to put the fire in check.
“To be safe, I signed the evacuation orders that emptied these neighbourhoods,” says Hollett. “In 20/20 hindsight, this proved to be a really good idea because the fires were burning so hot and fast that we couldn’t
predict how they might end up.” Evacuation centres were set up in Cole Harbour and at the Seaforth community hall, where residents were regularly briefed on the progress in fighting the fire.
“We were pushed back down Highway 107 several kilometres at a time, the fire was so fast and intense,” recalls Capt. Cory Dominix of the HRFES Station 21. “Even where we couldn’t see the flames, we knew that the fire was close by because of all the animals fleeing the woods to the relative safety of the road where we were. Wild rabbits, foxes and raccoons were gathered all around us, just trying to get away from the heat and smoke. It was surreal.”
As hard as 158 firefighters, helicopters and water bombers fought against the Lake Echo/Porters Lake fire, the flames kept the upper hand. It wasn’t just the wind and low humidity that was causing problems; much of the involved areas was inaccessible by road. It was for this reason that more and more resources kept being brought in, including the water bombers.
Enter Tantallon
Late that same afternoon, while Hollett was heading up the fight against the first fire,
he was approached at the scene by HRFES Chief Stephen Thurber. “He told me that a second wildfire was burning out of control in the west end of our jurisdiction, in Tantallon,” Hollett recalls. “At first, I thought he was pulling my leg.”
Unfortunately, Thurber wasn’t kidding, and so a second team of firefighters and apparatus was dispatched to that scene. “The Tantallon fire started in brush near three houses on Fir Lane,” says Platoon Chief Paul Hopkins, who ran the Tantallon operation. “We had sustained winds of 30-40 km/h with gusts up to 70-90 km/h, so the flames just took off from there.”
“Sometimes the wind actually helped,” notes District Chief Gord West. “In one subdivision, it moved so fast that it just blew over the buildings, going from one side to another. It was pretty amazing to see.”
“We were able to divide our resources such that both scenes were fully manned by the necessary personnel, including the Red Cross,” he says. “Thanks to a DNR fixedwing aircraft, we were able to stay on top of what was happening in both locations as it happened, and share our resources accordingly.” The Tantallon fire scene eventually had 111 firefighters at work, 21 apparatus and
two DNR helicopters.
The HRFES lost ground against both fires throughout Saturday, June 14. Postings at www.halifax.ca, the city’s website, tell the story. June 14 at 11:10 a.m.: “The fire is still not in control.” Forty-four minutes later: “The evacuation zone has been EXTENDED to now include Wonderland Trailer Park and Mountain View Trailer Park.” At 4:24 p.m.: “Due to the spreading fire, there is a one-hour notice for a possible mandatory evacuation in effect for residents living in the following areas: Carter Romans Sub Division, Beach Breeze Estates, and Haylings Acres, all off the Lawrencetown Road.”
It wasn’t until the winds died Saturday evening that firefighters “taking stands” in neighbourhoods such as Candy Mountain and Glen Haven Estates were able to turn the flames back upon themselves. “We just drove our apparatus into Candy Mountain, deployed and took a stand against the fire, in order to protect the homes there,” says Capt. Dominix. “We did the same in Glen Haven Estates, which was tough to execute because you had to climb very steep rocky terrain to get to the fire zone,” says Platoon Chief Hopkins.
The next day, the humidity went up while the winds started to die down; finally,
the HRFES fire crews were getting a break. But the remoteness of the fire, combined with the lack of readily available water and road access in many locations, made fighting the flames difficult.
“Fortunately, the water bombers picked up the slack, but we had to be very careful to co-ordinate their bombing runs so that we didn’t hit any of our crews,” says Hollett.
Problems notwithstanding, the HRFES fought the Lake Echo/Porters Lake and Tantallon fires to a standstill that Sunday. At 2:21 p.m., the Halifax city website reported that, “At this point, there is more smoke than there is actual fire; there are still larger areas burning, but they are fairly deep back in the brush. No residential areas are immediately affected at this time.” Soon after, Tantallon residents were allowed to go home, followed later that evening by some Lake Echo/Porters Lake evacuees.
By Monday, June 16, the worst was over. “As of 4 p.m. today the Highway 107 between exit 18-19 will re-open,” said www.halifax.ca. “This marks the end of EMO operations. All highways and streets are now open. HRM Fire remains to have a presence in the area for the wrap-up of operations.”
Results and lessons learned
In general, the HRFES and its partners worked well together during these wildfires, using the command system and procedures outlined in the city’s EMO plan. The only real concerns expressed by Deputy Chief Hollett have to do with keeping evacuees adequately briefed.
“We had about 5,000 people evacuated from the Lake Echo/Porters Lake fire but only 800 to 1,000 showed up a time for our briefings,” he says. “We’re trying to come up with a plan to keep everyone informed during such an event. Local radio station CKDU 97.5 FM, which runs talk programming Mondays to Fridays, reverted to talk on Friday night and Saturday to pass on information this time around. We’d like to come up with something like that on a formal basis, to ensure that everyone knows what is going on.”
Considering the scale of these wildfires – particularly the 45 square kilometres devoured by the Lake Echo/Porters Lake fire – it is remarkable that no lives were lost, and only two buildings destroyed. Such a result is a testament to the quality of the HRFES’ firefighters and those who aided them that hot, dry weekend in June.
JOE DROUIN ENTERPRISES LTD.
3-36 de Varennes, Gatineau, QC J8T 0B6
Phone: (819) 568-6669
Fax: (819) 568-1074
Turn your Fire Service medals and other medals/decorations into an attractive family heirloom!
COMPLETE MEDAL SERVICE
One of the most comprehensive medal services in Canada which includes the following: complete mounting service for full and miniature size medals; wide selection of miniature medals, bars/devices; extensive stock of miscellaneous badges; the most recent ribbons as they become available on the market including U.S., Legion and Association ribbons; and brass frames and display boxes for your medal group made to measure.
NOW AVAILABLE...
A framed display of two replica medals, showing the obverse and reverse of your Fire Service Exemplary Medal. Silver frame 12”x16” (30cm x 40cm) with silver embossed maple leaf. Includes red matting and recipient name.
A framed display of an undress ribbon, miniature medal and lapel pin/tie clip of your Fire Service Exemplary Medal. Silver frame 8”x10” (20cm x 25cm) with red matting (Not shown).
Fire services for Vancouver Olympics among issues yet to be solved
by PAUL DIXON
With the closing of the Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing, it is little more than a year until Vancouver and Whistler take centre stage. As the Olympic torch was extinguished in Beijing, VANOC was hosting a celebration in Vancouver, marking the final countdown to 2010 and introducing new emblems and colours. The public face of the 2010 Olympics is about shiny new buildings, public celebrations and fluffy mascots but under the surface is the hard reality of planning for the security and safety of the Games, the participants and the local communities.
VANOC’s website (www.vancouver2010. com) states that VANOC “is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010”, while government partners provide “funding, infrastructure, essential service support and
management services”, while emphasizing the “lasting economic, sport, cultural and social legacies for citizens and communities throughout British Columbia and Canada.”
That said, there is much to be resolved among VANOC, the federal and provincial governments and municipalities involved in 2010, regarding expanded municipal services, especially firefighting resources, to meet the anticipated surge in demand for 2010.
Conventional wisdom is that it will be difficult, if not impossible, for municipalities with Olympic venues to provide an appropriate level of service to these sites without additional equipment and staffing or reducing service to the rest of the community. BC Ambulance Service communications director Steve Roberts says BCAS will staff Olylmpic venues with between 125 and 150 paid paramedics a day. Further, BCAS will add 60 new ambulances to its fleet in time for the Olympics; they will later be dispersed across the province as part of the annual fleet renewal.
During the Olympics, it is expected that upwards of 16,000 cars and 800 buses a day will be on the Sea to Sky Highway at the height of the winter driving season. A rockslide in July closed the highway for five days.
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Staffing for the Olympics will be drawn from the pool of more than 2,100 part-time paramedics BCAS employs across the province. BCAS can do this because the province pays the bills and it has a large pool of employees from which to draw. Municipally funded fire services do not have the ability to increase equipment or staffing levels.
Many people don’t want to talk openly about this issue and declined to be interviewed. John Furlong, VANOC CEO, emphasizes that VANOC’s role is to plan, organize, finance and stage the Games; everything else falls to one or all three levels of government. At the provincial level, only senior staff are allowed to comment; everything else must be cleared through Victoria before it can be attributed. Vaughn Palmer, senior political columnist with the Vancouver Sun, said recently that more and more, Premier Gordon Campbell is the only public voice of the government, with even cabinet ministers deferring to him.
Then there are the communities that have little or no direct Olympic involvement but find themselves in the middle of things, literally. The Village of Lions Bay, with a population of 1,350, sits astride the Sea to Sky Highway, the road to Whistler. In 2006, the United Kingdom’s Guardian newspaper rated this 100-kilometre stretch of highway as one of the five most scenic drives in the world. Winding its way along the steep cliffs above Howe Sound, the road also enjoys a reputation as one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in Canada. In August, the road and adjoining CN rail lines were closed for five days by a massive rock slide at Porteau Bluffs. During the Olympics, it is expected that upwards of 16,000 cars and 800 buses a day will be on the road at the height of the winter driving season.
Don Reid, chief administrative officer of the village, when asked what benefits it would accrue from the Olympics, replied “a new highway with more cars moving at a higher rate of speed”. The Lions Bay volunteer fire department responds to scores of accidents each year along the 30 kilometres for which it is responsible. Long traffic backups and lengthy delays are the norm. Even with the hundreds of millions of dollars the province is spending to upgrade the road, Reid feels that accidents are inevitable during the Olympics. “We need a new fire truck and we have problems with coverage during the day, as so many of our firefighters work outside the community. We’ll do what we can, because that’s all you can do.”
Originally, security costs for 2010 were set at $175 million but Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day has publicly said the number is “grossly out of whack”. A Vancouver Sun story about the issue in September reported that police planners are having problems getting a new budget approved by Ottawa, which is “reportedly many times higher than the original estimate”. With a federal election underway, the Sun said local Mounties are referring all questions on security budgets to Ottawa and nobody in Ottawa is returning phone calls, laying low until after the October federal election. It is expected that the new budget details will be made available after the election. Provincially, the governing Liberals have announced that there will not be a fall sitting of the provincial legislature, thwarting any hope the opposition NDP may have had of finding out how much money the province is committing to security for the Games. This is a municipal election year in B.C., with voters going to the local polls in November. Setting the mood for the municipal elections, Sam Sullivan, the current mayor of Vancouver, was defeated at his own party’s nomination meeting.
As planning for 2010 enters the final phase, people from all levels of government will be involved in creating the solutions. The solutions will cost money; the only available sources of that money are the two senior levels of government.
Paul Dixon is a writer living in Vancouver.
Ziamatic releases SCBA Rol-Loc
Yardley, Pa. – Ziamatic Corp. is offering a new style of SCBA containment. The Rol-Loc, model QM-ROLO-SA, has been tested to well over nine g’s and complies with the 2009 edition of NFPA 1901 for use inside of crew cabs. It can be adjusted to fit any size bottle or brand. Releasing the SCBA is as simple as pulling on the release and standing up. To put the SCBA back in the Rol-Loc, just place the valve in the footplate and push back. Now it is locked and ready for the next call. The Rol-Loc fits any brand seat and the release can be mounted anywhere on the seat. The list price for the QM-ROLO-SA is US$399.95. Visit www.ziamatic.com.
Scott introduces Eagle Imager 320
Scott Health and Safety now offers the Eagle Imager® 320, a rugged, technologically advanced, feature-rich, thermal imaging camera ideal for firefighter search and rescue applications and as a valuable infrared detector for hazmat and industrial applications.
At the heart of the Eagle Imager 320 is an amorphous silicone (a-Si) camera core capable of producing vivid imagery under a variety of conditions. Its 1,100-degree dynamic range generates highly detailed images that enable quick and easy scene interpretation and eliminates white out, ghosted images or other distracting image artifacts. A wide dynamic range permits the user to see a firefighter standing next to or behind flame. Visit www.scotthealthsafety.com.
Cole Hersee releases new switches
Boston – Cole Hersee Company has introduced its new momentary push-button switches for emergency vehicle applications. Two popular Cole Hersee switches now have added lip-seals, making them waterproof and preventing ingress of moisture and contaminants.
Well-suited for exterior applications, the switches are permanently engraved “Engine Start” (on 90047-01 switch) and “Engine Stop” (on 90048-01 switch) into the surface of the button and will not wear off. Visit www.colehersee.com
Interactive program helps IC
Northford, Conn. – Notifier, a manufacturer of commercial fire-alarm technology and systems announces Onyx Firstvision™, a wayfinding navigational tool for firefighters and other emergency responders. With Onyx Firstvision, incident commanders can focus on critical information necessary for making fast, effective and well-informed decisions, speeding scene size-up and execution of response operations. Only Onyx Firstvision, a PC-based touch screen, graphically displays critical information on the origin and spread of a fire, allowing firefighters to quickly locate and extinguish the fire, reducing property loss and saving lives. Visit www. honeywell.com.
by BLAIR WATSON
TFAST technology advances wildland firefighting
he basic concept of the FAST Bucket is simple and ingenious,” says Steve Matthews, one of the founders of Absolute Fire Solutions (AFS). FAST stands for Fire Attack Storm Tank, an innovative, highly efficient, aerial firefighting system that has been used by operators in Canada, the U.S., Australia, Mexico, Spain, Korea and Japan. AFS has its head office in Calgary and a manufacturing facility in Prince George, B.C.
Helibuckets have been used to fight wildfires and other types of conflagrations for decades. Fresh water weighs 1,000 kilograms per cubic metre and seawater almost three per cent more. Helibuckets carry between 275 and 9,840 litres, depending on the make and model. With as much as 10,160 kilograms of water suspended beneath a helicopter, the pilot must ensure that the water in the helibucket does not exceed the aircraft’s payload capacity for a given altitude, temperature and fuel load.
A solution to match the weight of transported water to the helicopter’s payload capacity was devised more than 25 years ago – a helibucket cinch belt. However, to increase the volume of water as fuel is burned and the payload capacity increases, the pilot must land and adjust the cinch belt, a time-consuming activity rarely possible near fire zones. The FAST Bucket’s cockpit controller addresses this issue by
The FAST Bucket’s design uses the weight of the water to create the hydraulic pressure required to actuate the release of each drop.
Heavy-duty lanyards eliminate cables and tangling seen with conventional buckets and make FAST Bucket field deployment quick and easy.
Left: Every FAST Bucket actuator is bench-tested – the bench simulates 1,000 full water drops in less than eight hours. Following the bench test, each FAST Bucket is tested in the water tank for 30 minutes before being certified serviceable.
Right: Production Manager Gerry Bergeron assembles a FAST Bucket actuator for testing.
allowing the pilot to pre-set the amount of water taken at each fill, a feature that substantially increases the total quantity carried and dropped for a given fuel load.
Another limitation of conventional helibuckets is the lack of a multiple-drop capability. Once the pilot activates the release valve, all the water is discharged in one concentrated salvo, whether or not the entire amount is needed on a hot spot. To continue firefighting, the pilot has to fly back to the water source, refill the bucket and return to the fire. Water, time and fuel are wasted fighting low-intensity fires such as grass fires or during cleanup efforts where small hot spots remain. One of
the features of the FAST Bucket is a multipledrop capability; the pilot can do up to seven split drops using the controller and can also select fast drops or slow drops to vary drop concentration as required.
The FAST Bucket employs the weight of the water to create the hydraulic pressure required to actuate the release of each drop. The pressure is measured via a transducer, which creates the electrical power required by the cockpit controller. The weight of the water in the bucket creates a hydraulic force within an actuator – a manifold containing five cylinders – attached to the helicopter’s cargo hook. The hundreds or thousands of kilograms of water
PHOTOS COURTESY ABSOLUTE FIRE SOLUTIONS
The FAST Bucket’s cockpit controller allows the pilot to set the amount of water taken at each fill, a feature that substantially increases the total quantity carried and dropped for a given fuel load.
picked up in the FAST Bucket creates pressure as great as 1,000 psi within the cylinders. No matter how much water is carried, the FAST Bucket requires only 1.4 amps to release the load. A conventional bucket, with a powered hydraulic water release valve requiring up to 60 amps of power for actuation, fights against the weight of the water instead of using it for the water release/drop function.
Conventional hydraulic systems often require a hydraulic “pack” installed on the floor of the helicopter, with hydraulic lines extending down to the control head and the bucket valve, which adds weight and reduces the amount of water that can be transported to the fire. The FAST Bucket does not require a hydraulic pack or lines; the hydraulic fluid is used (circulated) within the actuator’s cylinders.
The centre cylinder contains a piston connected to a cable extending down the centre of the FAST Bucket to the water release flap. Typically, the actuator is six to 12 metres above the FAST Bucket’s top rim. The two outer cylinders each contain a piston, both of which are connected to the bucket shell via eight attachment points around its rim.
As the pilot increases altitude after filling the FAST Bucket, the combined weight pulls down on the two piston arms, creating pressure on the hydraulic fluid under each piston. The transducer measures the hydraulic pressure and converts it proportionately to voltage. The digital controller on the cockpit panel reads the voltage, and when the voltage pre-set by the pilot – via a rheostat on the controller – matches that created by the transducer/hydraulic pressure, a solenoid in the two outer cylinders opens and allows hydraulic fluid to flow into the centre cylinder.
How does the water release flap open? As
the hydraulic fluid moves from the outer cylinders to the centre cylinder, the outer pistons drop, while the centre piston rises. Because of the two outer arms and centre cable, the bucket drops while the cable connected to the flap rises. These simultaneous and rapid actions result in the flap opening, with the duration being controlled by how long the solenoids remain open.
Control of the amount of water taken into the bucket is achieved by matching the voltage generated by the transducer with the setting of the controller rheostat. When this occurs on a bucket fill, a centre solenoid opens, releasing the hydraulic fluid from the centre cylinder and letting the flap close when the pre-set quantity has been reached. Thus, precise control of the amount of water lifted in the FAST Bucket is achieved. As the helicopter burns fuel and the payload capacity increases, the pilot simply rotates the rheostat – a knob – on the controller to increase the amount of water to be filled.
For water drops, the pilot can select manual or automatic mode on the controller and do multiple drops in either mode. For example, if the FAST Bucket contains 4,000 litres of water, the pilot can drop, say, 1,000 litres on the first fire spot and 600 litres on each of the next five spots (in manual mode). No other helicopter firefighting system in the world provides pilots with such water-drop precision and operational flexibility.
As mentioned, the control manifold contains five cylinders. The two inner cylinders are unpressurized accumulators containing springs that reset the outer pistons to the fully raised position when the bucket is empty. The accumulators govern the return flow of hydraulic fluid to the outer cylinders.
For water drops, the pilot can select manual or automatic mode on the controller and do multiple drops in either mode.
The predecessor to the FAST Bucket was a sling tank system developed in Australia. In the spring of 2005, Matthews and his partner Brett Cameron bought the technology, which has four pending patents. The following year, 10 beta versions were tested with helicopter operators in Canada and the United States.
In 2007, aviation equipment maker Simplex Manufacturing of Portland, Oregon, signed on as the worldwide distributor and production began in earnest with its support. Sales were limited to North America last year and expanded globally this year.
Matthews says operator response to the Fire Attack Storm Tank system has been excellent, with more than 100 units being sold to date. The smallest FAST Bucket can carry 160 US gallons/606 litres; the largest, 1,200 US gallons/4,542 litres. Cost ranges from about $7,000 to $30,000.
With AFS’s advanced technological capabilities and Simplex’s worldwide marketing and distribution network, the FAST Bucket has emerged as the main competitor to the industry king, SEI Industries’ Bambi Bucket. Advantages of the former are several, including up to 40 per cent more water load per fuel cycle, no manual cinching and fast and slow water release. Another player in the helibucket market is A-Flex Technology’s Monsoon Bucket, which, unlike the FAST Bucket, requires pneumatic air from the helicopter. As with the Bambi Bucket, the Monsoon Bucket lacks FAST Bucket features such as cockpit-controllable fill and flow rates and data logging.
For more information, visit www.absolutefire.ca or www.simplexmfg.com.
Blair Watson is a writer living in B.C.
PHOTO COURTESY ABSOLUTE FIRE SOLUTIONS
A healthy combination of work and home life
How much do you like your life as a firefighter? Are you devoted to the idea of serving your fellow residents? Do you train as often as you can? Does the “pump” of going to that structure fire feed the hunger? Do you forgo other commitments because your pager goes off?
I asked about your “life” as a firefighter. As a young firefighter, I never gave much regard to my occupation; my work was a means to do other things. I remember people asking me two questions after finding out I was a firefighter: “What is the grossest thing you have seen?”; “How do you do it?” My response to the first question depended on my mood; answering the second question was easy . . . it’s my job. I never considered my occupation or myself as being “special”. I thought our job was no different than any other – there was a problem and we fixed it.
As I met firefighters who devoted their time to fundraising, to the union, to training and other interests, I realized there is more to being a firefighter and to being a citizen. The expects firefighters to be model citizens. Our occupation rates near the top of respected-profession studies. We are what is good about humankind. Selfless, brave, caring and strong are a few words that come to mind when I think about those with whom I have had the privilege to work.
Our job is one of the best and we have every right to devote ourselves to helping out in a variety ways. We can give time and effort to improve the lives of others but, as we do on the fireground, we have to look out for No. 1 first.
Every basic fire course stresses safety. By protecting yourself and your team, you are protecting those in need. We are no good during an incident if we are injured. The same can be said of our personal lives – we cannot function if things are not healthy. This means we have to evaluate our family lives to ensure they are fit. I assumed that as long as everyone was content there were no problems – as long as we had a roof over our heads, food on the table and some finer things, everything was OK. However, without the family fun, friendly get-togethers, relaxing holidays and communication, our families face challenges. I thought my family would accept the fact that I was a firefighter and that was that.
Needless to say, my relationships suffered and my assumptions were thrown into my face. I lost connections I cherished and my personal life was not healthy. Fortunately, we were able to work through the communication issues, the consideration for others, and we dedicated our efforts to maintaining a healthy family.
Offering: A 2 course certificate in incident command for experienced incident commanders. Please contact our office for more information.
Are you looking to take on more responsibility in your Department? Trying to round out your technical ability with leadership skills? Preparing to advance your career?
At Dalhousie University we offer a three course program, the “Certificate in Fire Service Leadership” to career and volunteer fire officers.The 3 courses Station Officer: Dealing with People,Station Officer:Dealing with New Operations and The Environment of the Fire Station are all offered in each of our 3 terms, September, January and April. The program can be completed in one year.
For more information and a program brochure please contact:
Gwen Doary,Program Manager
Dalhousie University Fire Management Certificate Programs 201-1535 Dresden Row,Halifax,Nova Scotia B3J 3T1 Tel:(902) 494-8838 • Fax:(902) 494-2598 • E-mail:Gwen.Doar y@Dal.Ca
You will also find the information in our brochures or at the following internet address:Web site:http://collegeofcontinuinged.dal.ca
This is a sensitive subject, not just for the fire department. Disruptive personal lives affect a great deal of society but I think because firefighters are so often held up as model citizens, it is time to recognize the proactive steps that can be taken to protect our personal contentment.
Our department’s recent recruits attended a session with their significant others facilitated by our human resources department and our newly appointed chaplain. The discussion was to ensure that significant others understood what it means to be involved with a firefighter. A firefighter I know has taken a proactive step and recommended required counselling sessions with significant others for all members. Some might argue that such sessions are not necessary but I think the sessions will be of great value, because if even one firefighter or spouse were to come away from a session having learned one positive thing, the session will have been beneficial.
There are many families I know in which the mom or dad dedicates a great deal of time to the fire service and manages to hold strong family ties. I hold this type of relationship in the highest regard and constantly strive to achieve it. A proper work/home life balance is difficult, but by evaluating, understanding and altering my at-home relationship I believe my family and I have achieved a high degree of communication and respect.
As firefighters, our occupation imitates life and in this case directly affects our other life. The most important lives are those of our families and friends. We must protect these relationships with the same vigour we have on the fire ground.
Editor’s note: With Vern’s promotion to deputy fire chief, operations, with Strathcona County in Alberta, he’s hanging up his writing hat for a while. Congratulations and best of luck!
VERN ELLIOTT
says – rescue. For sub-level rescues, or maybe constructing a 3:1 mechanical advantage lowering system, rescue rope is needed. Knowing the handcuff knot is essential when rescuing a firefighter with rescue rope.
Ground ladders
Ground ladders are an essential piece of equipment. First, they give us quick access to upper floors of a structure while at the same time giving firefighters on the inside a quick way out for self rescue. They also can be used for constructing a lowering system from upper floors. This is a quick and efficient way of removing a firefighter from a structure. Using ground ladders to ladder the building is a proactive fireground operation in which every RIT officer should engage. It also helps us to identify what other preparatory steps should be taken to get the structure ready for RIT, for example. security bars on windows.
Thermal imaging camera (TIC)
This is a must have for the RIT. The TIC enables the RIT to locate and access the firefighter quickly. It also allows the RIT officer to
monitor the fire conditions on the inside while the RIT conducts its operation. The TIC can also give us a quick check to see if the firefighter is breathing or not. The TIC will show the SCBA low pressure hose going to the regulator as a black or cool object. If you see this, you will know that the downed firefighter is still breathing from his SCBA. The air inside the SCBA is cooler than the air in the environment and this will show on the TIC.
Medical equipment
Obviously, the medical bag is useful for initiating medical treatment for the firefighter. If EMS is still responding to the call, we can start giving medical treatment right away.
Lighting sources
As mentioned in the flashlight section, having a light source aids us with our rescue effort. We also need light sources for the staging area, the outside of the structure and the inside of the structure. The more light the better. The list above only represents a small portion of the tools and equipment that are needed to rescue a firefighter. Once the rescue has been initiated, more tools and equipment are needed. As shown in photo 2, equipment such as hydraulic spreaders, cutters, rams, air bags,
chainsaws, rotary saws, air chisel, stokes basket, hose line and whatever else is needed will be and can be used to rescue a firefighter.
As mentioned, the type of building and the type of rescue will dictate the type of tools and equipment needed. As you can see, it takes a lot of equipment and tools to rescue one firefighter. Add another firefighter to be rescued and you need even more equipment and tools. This is why the suggestion of using a mutualaid response for smaller departments is wise. Bringing in their equipment will not deplete your resources. For the larger departments, mutual aid will need to bring in extra units to supplement the equipment and tool requirements. No matter what size department you have, you will need to make sure that you have the basic tools and equipment that is required to effect a rescue of a firefighter. Do you have the basics?
Mark van der Feyst, a 10-year veteran of the fire service, is the training officer for the City of Woodstock Fire Department in Ontario. He is a local level suppression instructor fo the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy and an instructor for the Justice Institute of British Columbia. Contact Mark at mvanderfeyst@gmail.com
Air Management for the Fire Service
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Emergency Response Team Handbook
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Emergency Response Guidebook, 2008 Edition
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Putting it all together
Over the past few years I’ve used this space to talk about individual workouts and now it’s time to put things together. Below is an effective program that works all muscles and the cardiovascular system. The program is a based on a seven-day rotation: day one (core and cardio); day two (core and legs/shoulders); day three (core and arms); day four (stairs); day five (core and cardio); days six and seven are days off.
Make sure you do a proper warm up before you get into the program. Jump on a bicycle or elliptical for five minutes; go at a pace that gets your heart up – you want to go at a pace that gets your body warmed up and ready to do the work ahead. After a short warm up, stretch the muscles you are about to work. Grab the exercise bands and simulate each exercise you are going to do in the workout. Finish each workout with a short walk or some stretching so you can work out the lactic acid that has built up. This helps to reduce soreness the next day.
Cardio
Plan for 30 to 40 minutes of aerobic activity. These activities can include running (outside, track or treadmill), bicycle (road or stationary), elliptical or swimming.
Core
elliptical, sit-ups, holding the bridge position or riding bicycle. Adding this one minute of exercise keeps your heart rate up.
Arms
Do three sets of 10 of the following exercises: bench press; hammer curl; concentration curls; dumbbell kick backs; lateral flys; standing bicep curls; tricep extension; overhead press; upright row. Follow the example above for the intensity of the reps.
AARON BROUWER
‘Make sure you do a proper warm up before you get into the program.’
Do 15 of each of the following exercises: standard crunch; knee-up crunch; hop lifts; side plank dips; bridged leg lifts; heel touches; bicycle crunch; half-up twist. For descriptions and videos of each exercise go to www.beginnertriathlete.com and search for the “Hard Core – Exercises to Strengthen Your Abs For Better Performance” by Justin Maguire.
Legs/shoulders
Do three sets of 10 of the following exercises: squats; barbell military press; calf raises; shoulder shrugs; lunges; incline bench press; dumbbell step-ups; barbell upright row. The first set should be done with the exercise bands to prepare your muscles to be pushed. The second set should be done using a weight with which you can complete all 10 reps but the last two reps are a bit of a struggle. The third set should be at a weight with which you know you may not be able to complete all 10 reps, as this will push your body. If you can easily complete all 10 reps in the third set then increase the weight in the next workout. Do not sacrifice proper technique for reps; if you can only complete six proper reps then that’s what you complete. Improper form will lead to injuries.
To increase intensity for the legs/shoulders and arms workouts you can add a minute of cardio exercise between each set. Some good exercises to do between reps are step-ups, running stairs,
Stairs
Find a place where you can run up and down a few flights of stairs. A standard flight of stairs has between eight and 10 stairs. If you can find a place that has four to five flights that works best but you can still do this workout with just two flights. The program below lists the total number of flights you need to do for each set, so just figure out how many times you need to go up and down based on the number of flights at the location you have chosen. Take a two-minute break in between each set.
Two minutes of light jogging up and down 1. the stairs.
Five minutes of stretching; focus on your 2. legs.
Stairs with push ups. At each landing or 3. every 8 to 10 steps, do 10 push-ups. Four flights total.
Stairs with squats. At each landing do 10 4. squats. You can alternate between single-leg squats and doubleleg squats and you can use a weighted vest to make this more intense. Four flights total.
Stairs with weighted vests. Wear a vest of between 20 and 40 5. pounds and run up and down the stairs. Try to skip a step on the way up but hit every stair on the way down. Do 22 flights total and do it twice.
Sprint stairs. Run up and down as fast as you can without the 6. weighted vest. You will feel like you can fly up those stairs after doing the previous exercise. Four flights total.
Two-legged stair hops. Jump up each stair, using a two-footed 7. jump, all the way to the top. If you don’t have enough flights to go all the way up then walk or jog down to jump back up again. Do not jump down the stairs, as it’s not particularly save to do so. Six flights total.
Finisher. Run up and down the stairs as fast you can while wear- 8. ing the weighted vest and carrying an extra weight – hose, highrise pack or foam bucket works great. Eight flights total.
Find a workout partner or get the guys on your shift to work out with you are accountable to someone. Remember: Your goal should be to be fit to save a life. If you have questions about this routine or would like complete exercise descriptions e-mail me at ff_brouwer@hotmail.com
