Fire News Pennsylvania, Nov./Dec. 2022

PENNSYLVANIA Volume 13, No. 5

Nov./Dec 2022

Story on pages 10 & 11.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman Cobb

Happy Holidays from the Staff at Fire News

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Fire News, November/December 2022, Page 3

In this issue...

Harrisburg Duplex Damaged in Fire Box 1-2 sent Wagon 4, Squad 8, Tower 1, Truck 2, and Captain 1 to North 16th Street for a structure fire.

See story on page 6

Keating Township House Destroyed Smethport and Port Alleghany were dispatched to a residential house fire in Keating Township.

See story on page 9

5 Houses Damaged in Allentown Blaze The Lehigh County Communications Center sent fire crews to Mohawk Street for a house fire.

See story on page 12

13 Displaced

by Sellersville Blaze A fire in Sellersville in Bucks County on October 3, 2022, destroyed an apartment building and displaced 13.

See story on page 14

4th Annual Firefighter Special Needs Camp The Limerick Fire Department hosted its 4th Annual Firefighter Camp.

See story on page 20

Even Rain Doesn’t Stop the Fun in New Hanover New Hanover Fire Company hosted an event during fire prevention week.

See story on page 25

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 17 & 22 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 23-24 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24

A Service for Pennsylvania Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973

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Page 4, Fire News, November/December 2022

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Getting Ready for Winter Driving Guess what I was greeted with on October 9, 2022? I was shocked when I entered my vehicle and found that my windshield was covered with frost. After I cleaned off my windshield with windshield washer fluid, I was on my way for morning coffee at the firehouse. The first question I asked was, “Did anyone have frost on their car windows?” It didn’t take long before I realized I was the only one who experienced one of the side effects of fall. I am sure that by the time you read this editorial, you too will experience frosty windows!

Frosty windows aren’t a big deal, but it is a sign that we are in the fall season and must think about driving safely to the firehouse. Falling leaves become wet and slippery. Throw in some adrenalin as you respond to a call and you have the mix for dangerous slippery road conditions.

Company chauffeurs, engineers, MPOs or drivers must change their response techniques.

Be sure to get to the firehouse safely. That ride to the firehouse tells you a lot about what you can expect when you drive your rig to a call. Fall and winter are two times of the year that require extra thought. Think about the safety of your crew and community. Go slowly until you are sure the roads haven’t iced up. Even paid crews that are already at the firehouse could be sur-

prised when the overhead doors are raised, and you find weather conditions have changed.

All company chauffeurs need to seriously think about getting to the call safely. But it is equally important that new chauffeurs are versed in the technical operation of their vehicle. As the weather temperature dips below freezing, it is imperative that you fully understand the operation of your pumps and that you understand how cold can affect its operation. Cold can also affect you; dress warmly and wear gloves.

Looking ahead to an early snowstorm, the passengers in the front seat, namely the chauffeur and the officer, need to be aware of hydrant locations and what hydrants might be out of service. I know we have a little time, but is your crew ready to shovel out hydrants? Maybe it’s time to think about shovel placement on the rig and placement of some salt to melt the forming ice around the rig.

Use the fall season to remind your community that you need their help. An early snowstorm could block a hydrant. This is the time of the year to start a campaign that reminds the community to make sure hydrants are not blocked with snow. Get the word out so your community adopts their local hydrant and makes sure it is clear of snow.

My November editorial could be early for some areas (or late for others!), but I remember one year I had to cancel a Thanksgiving gettogether because of six or eight inches of snow that fell.

To our new Fire News editions that are in warmer climates, drive safely and feel free to share your experiences with weather related problems throughout the year. E-mail me at Li@FireNews.com. I’d love to hear from you.

- Dennis

Page 6, Fire News, November/December 2022

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Busy Day in Limerick On October 18, 2022, at 0759, while Limerick’s Rescue was responding to a building fire in Pottstown, LFD was also dispatched to a vehicle fire at the intersection of Swamp Pike, Ridge Pike, and Lewis Road. Upon arrival, crews found heavy fire in the engine compartment. Sanatoga Fire Company and Upper Providence’s fire marshal also responded to assist.

- Submitted by the Limerick FD

Harrisburg Duplex Damaged in Fire On September 17, 2022, at 2330 hours, Box 1-2 sent Wagon 4, Squad 8, Tower 1, Truck 2, and Captain 1 (Morelli) to North 16th Street for a structure fire. County advised companies they were receiving multiple calls and they believed the corrected street was North 17th Street near the intersection of North Street. Wagon 4 and Tower 1 arrived to a three-story, duplex with fire showing from the second floor. Captain 1 requested the first alarm (Wagon 3, Rescue 69, and Air 13). Two lines were stretched from Wagon 4 and companies were able to get the bulk of the fire knocked down in less than five minutes. Additional members arrived to assist with searches, checking the exposures, and opening up. The fire was contained to the second floor and companies had the fire under control within 45 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Mini-Storage 2-Alarmer in Butler Twp. On September 10, 2022, around 0445, Stations 3 (Butler Twp. Fire District) Station 1 (City of Butler Bureau of Fire), Station 99 (Butler Ambulance Service) and Butler Township Police were dispatched to Shockey Lane in Butler Township for a report of a commercial structure fire at a mini storage facility. Butler Bureau of Fire was first to arrive to find a working fire. Command 3 requested a second alarm which brought in Engine 9 (East Butler), Rescue 11 (Penn Township) Engine 14 (Unionville), Ladder 15 (Saxonburg) and Ladder 26 (Chicora). Units contained the fire to an office area and a few storage units. Units worked on scene for a few hours. The fire was being investigated by the Butler Police and Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Car Dealership Destroyed in Stroudsburg A fast-moving blaze destroyed the Gray Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram dealership, on West Main Street, in Stroudsburg, on September 19, 2022. Crews battled the stubborn blaze for hours before it was placed under control.

- Fire News photo by Rich Rolen

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Fire News, November/December 2022, Page 9

Butler Township 2-Alarmer Additional units arriving in staging on the second alarm commercial structure fire in Butler Township, Butler County on September 10, 2022.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Keating Township House Destroyed On September 11, 2022, Smethport and Port Alleghany were dispatched to a residential house fire in Keating Township. Upon arrival, a second alarm and eventually a third were requested. Departments responding on the second and third alarms included Eldred Boro, Eldred Township, Norwich Township, Rew, Hamlin Township and Portville and Town of Olean (NY). The two-story wooden frame house was destroyed.

- Fire News photo by Jay Bradish

Page 10, Fire News, November/December 2022

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Cover Story

Lower Paxton House Fire Displaces 2

On October 16, 2022, Lower Paxton Township Box 33-5 toned sent Company 33, Engines 32, 301 and 34, Rescue 40, and Truck 35 to Union Deposit Road for a house fire. An off-duty Lower Paxton Police officer indicated the house was fully involved. County Fire started the first alarm adding more apparatus to the scene. Engine 32 arrived to a single-story, single-family dwelling with fire

throughout and secured their own hydrant across the street from the address. Two handlines were stretched and operated, knocking the bulk of the fire down in about 15 minutes. A third line was used for overhaul. The house was heavily damaged and left two adults homeless.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Cover Story

Fire News, November/December 2022, Page 11

continued from previous page

Page 12, Fire News, November/December 2022

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Multiple Mutual Aid for New Eagle Multiple units from Allegheny and Washington counties assisted New Eagle Volunteer Fire Company on a structure fire at the intersection of 1st and Wood Street on September 14, 2022.

- Fire News photo by Nicholas Kurta

Garage Explosion and Fire On October 9, 2022, at 1116, Corydon Township and Bradford Township volunteer fire departments along with a paramedic ambulance from Bradford City Fire Department were dispatched to a reported explosion and fire. Upon arrival, the garage was on the ground involved in fire. One victim was injured and a medical helicopter was requested to fly the victim to an out of the area burn center. An additional tanker was requested from the Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Department. The explosion occurred in a detached garage which was destroyed.

- Fire News photo by Jay Bradish

5 Houses Damaged in Allentown Blaze At around 1230 on September 5, 2022, the Lehigh County Communications Center sent fire crews to Mohawk Street for a house fire. Engine 14 arrived to heavy fire showing from the rear of at least three houses. Engine 14’s crew stretched two handlines. Engine 11’s crew stretched two attack lines and a blitz fire. Engine 4 supplied Truck 2. Battalion Chief 43 struck the second alarm bringing in additional apparatus. Crews began to get a knock on the fire, but found that the fire was in the walls and the cockloft area. Battalion Chief 43 struck the third alarm. Crews remained on scene for two and a half hours before companies started to release. Five houses received fire damage.

- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

Where There’s Smoke …

Around 1600 on September 26, 2022, Limerick Fire Department and Royersford Fire Department were dispatched for a residential fire, with reports of smoke in a bedroom. Battalion 51 arrived on location and established command. Engine 98 and Ladder 51 arrived and put a line in service and went to the second floor to investigate. Engine 51 arrived and established water supply for Engine 98. Interior crews reported smoke in the attic with no visible fire and continued investigating. Ladder 51 set up to access the roof, while a crew from Engine 51 laddered the exterior of the dwelling. Crews continued to investigate until a source was found. The incident was under investigation by the Limerick Township Fire Marshal’s office.

- Submitted by the Limerick FD

Page 14, Fire News, November/December 2022

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Horses Out at Connoquenessing Barn Fire Around 0600 on September 28, 2022, Stations 12 (Connoquenessing), Station 3 (Butler Twp. Fire District), Station 13 (Prospect) and Station 99 (Butler Ambulance) were dispatched to the 800 block of Whitestown Road in Connoquenessing Township for a barn fire. First arriving units advised of a small barn fully involved. Prior to fire units’ arrival the homeowners removed horses from the barn unharmed. Units worked on scene for a few hours to contain the fire and overhaul. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Lower Nazareth Burger King Fire Lower Nazareth two-alarm fire at Burger King on September 15, 2022.

- Fire News photo by Rich Rolen

13 Displaced at Sellersville Blaze A fire in Sellersville in Bucks County on October 3, 2022, destroyed an apartment building and displaced 13.

- Fire News photo by Rich Rolen

Fully Involved on Arrival On October 16, 2022, at 1607, the Rew, Derrick City and Otto Township volunteer fire departments were dispatched to a barn fire. The barn was fully involved on arrival. Additional mutual aid tankers were requested from Eldred Township, Lewis Run, Limestone and Knapp Creek. Firefighters were on the scene for several hours.

- Fire News photo by Jay Bradish

Page 16, Fire News, November/December 2022

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Four Hour Fight On September 24, 2022, the Otto Township Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 1538.

Additional mutual aid was requested from Eldred Township, Eldred Boro, Derrick City and Rew and Knapp Creek (NY).

Firefighters remained on scene for four hours.

- Fire News photo by Jay Bradish

Penbrook House Fire Quickly Knocked Down On September 2, 2022, at 0027, Box 302 sent crews to Penbrook Avenue for a building fire. First arriving companies had fire on the second floor of a two-story occupied dwelling. The working fire assignment brought Engines 40 and 50, Truck 32, Rescue 69, and Air 35 to the scene. An attack line was stretched quickly, knocking down a fire in less than five minutes. Command marked it under control in about 20 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Gas Odor in Limerick At 1839 on September 25, 2022, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched for a gas odor in the vicinity of Aspen Drive.

Residents reported a strong smell of gas. Squad 51, Tower 51, Engine 51, Field 51-2, Fire Police 51, and Command 51 responded. Crews arrived and investigated, trying to locate where the gas odor came from. A crew on Field 51-1 went to Trinley Road and investigated as well. The cause of the odor was undiscovered.

- Submitted by the Limerick FD

South Hanover Vehicle into House Sends One to Hospital On September 16, 2022, shortly before 0630, Box 47-6 sent Company 47 and Rescue 91-5 to the 400 block of Pine Hill Road for an MVA with a car reported into a house.

Further info indicated entrapment and a patient with a head injury. Engine 46 was added to the box along with Rescue 48 to shore up the two-story split-level. One occupant was confined and transported to a local hospital.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Fire News, November/December 2022, Page 17

FIRSTNET AND 5G: RELIABLY CONNECTING FIRST RESPONDERS TO HELP KEEP COMMUNITIES SAFE

by Stacy Schwartz - Vice President, Public Safety and FirstNet Program at AT&T Emergencies are unpredictable. During these critical moments, public safety needs reliable, interoperable communications. That’s why our approach to 5G for public safety is unlike anything else.

It’s not the typical approach to 5G you’ve seen in television commercials. That’s because 5G on FirstNet® — America's public safety network — is a one-of-a-kind experience. It gives our nation’s first responders the early benefits of this next-generation connectivity while continuing to use LTE, the current gold standard for reliable mobile broadband, for their mission-critical needs. First responders maintain voice communications with always-on priority and preemption on LTE, while the FirstNet network determines the best route for data traffic, whether that’s 5G or LTE spectrum.

In April 2021, we upgraded the dedicated FirstNet network core to enable reliable 5G connectivity and opened access to AT&T high-band 5G+ spectrum. Later that year, we expanded access to the AT&T low-band 5G. And now, we’re giving this vital community access to the “sweet spot” of 5G - AT&T mid-band 5G+. All public safety needs to access 5G on FirstNet is a FirstNet Ready® 5G device.

on commercial networks?” Simply put, when public safety is responding and lives are on the line, reliability is key. And many of the standards that protect public safety’s crucial communications from network congestion have not yet been implemented for 5G by the industry.

So, while we’re bringing this community specialized features and capabilities they’ve never had before, we also have an eye to the future. It isn’t going to happen overnight. But we’re working to develop the necessary standards and vendor support to create a 5G environment that aligns with public safety’s mission.

Our strategy for 5G on FirstNet takes advantage of the true evolution from 4G to 5G. FirstNet will continue to be a fast follower on 5G while driving innovation of and integration in tested and established mission-critical services on 4G for public safety operations today. That means first responders on FirstNet have the assurance that 4G public safety services are keeping them reliably connected for their lifesaving work, while the commercial side addresses initial start-up challenges of 5G. You know, places where viral videos and live-streaming your favorite football team’s games rule the day — not a What is 5G for first place where a call can make responders like today?

We’re delivering 5G on FirstNet using AT&T spectrum bands. all the difference in helping save someone.

On FirstNet, 5G connectivity will be ideal for IoT and video intelPublic safety in about 100 markets across the country have access to at least 1 of the 3 flavors of 5G. And we’re continuing to roll out addi- ligence solutions. Imagine being able to deploy cameras during tional 5G connectivity for FirstNet in more communities nationwide: parades and other celebrations to help identify suspicious bags or packages. Or using 5G in an ambulance to transmit patient data back • High-Band 5G+: Public safety agencies and organizations in to the emergency room. That’s just a few ways 5G on FirstNet could parts of more than 45 cities and 45+ venues get super-fast speeds help public safety achieve their life-saving missions in the future.

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) and and unprecedented performances in these high traffic areas. This includes places like Los Angeles International Airport and Raymond AT&T are committed to advancing FirstNet for all of public safety.

James Stadium in Tampa where crowds gather for the amazing con- And doing it right. We recognize that uniting the unmatched benefits certs or major sporting events like the “Big Game” (but what is real- of FirstNet with the future promises of 5G can unlock a whole new world of public safety potential. As new technologies become availly a massive public safety event). able, we understand what’s most important is taking a first responder• Mid-Band 5G+: Now, this vital community has access to the centric view in their deployment. That applies to 5G, augmented “sweet spot” of 5G spectrum in more than 40 cities from coast to reality, edge computing and others. It’s our job as America’s public coast, including Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Minneapolis, Nashville, safety wireless communications provider.

We’re not building 5G on FirstNet for the bottom line. We’re Phoenix, Seattle and St. Louis. Mid-band 5G+ spectrum fills the gap between our other bands and provides a great combination of ultra- building it for public safety’s unique mission needs. That means making sound decisions and being good stewards of public safety’s netfast speeds and wide geographic coverage. work — all to ensure we do 5G right for public safety.

Individual verified first responders not already on FirstNet can go • Low-Band 5G: First responders in more than 30 cities across the United States — including Austin, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona and to https://www.firstnet.com/signup/ or go to the more than 5,000 Knoxville, Tennessee — can connect using low-band 5G spectrum. It AT&T retail stores across the country. can travel farther, as well as penetrate through buildings and infrastructure better than high-band 5G+.

Looking ahead

Many might ask, “why can’t you deploy 5G on FirstNet like it is

Page 18, Fire News, November/December 2022

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Looking Back Hanover - 2016

Hampton - 2016

A Penn Township firefighter works on ventilating the attic windows during a two-alarm fire in Hanover, York County on November 26, 2016. - Fire News photo by 911 Photography

A United Hook and Ladder firefighter in New Oxford washes off another firefighter after an Adams County house fire near Hampton on November 2, 2016.

- Fire News photo by 911 Photography

Allentown 2016 On October 23, 2016, crews from the Allentown Fire Department arrived at a Lexington Street home to find fire showing from the roof of a house.

- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

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Fire News, November/December 2022, Page 19

Diesel Spill on Dunksferry Road

Single-Car MVA in Philadelphia

Bensalem and Bucks County HazMat crews were called to the scene of an overturned tractor trailer on Dunksferry Road. in September. While the truck was carrying only cardboard boxes, apparently it was not placarded properly, according to police. No injuries were reported and no businesses were evacuated. There was a significant diesel spill that was contained. The incident was declared under control in about two hours.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Philadelphia Fire crews responded to a single-vehicle crash on Roosevelt Boulevard at Ryan Avenue. A car hit a fixed object, briefly trapping the driver. There were two passengers, all family, that were checked out. None of the injuries was serious.

- Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt

Bicycle Fatality in Bristol Township

Bristol Township Fire Police direct traffic around a fatal bike versus-car-accident on New Falls Road. A bicycle rider was crossing the road, not at a crosswalk, when police said he was struck by a car and was trapped under the vehicle for a brief period of time.

Fire crews went in service with airbags to lift the car off him. Fire police were in service and operational for about four-and-a-half hours.

- Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt

Derailment Over Lehigh River The Northampton County Communications Center sent Bethlehem Engines 1 and 3, Ladder 1, and Utility 2 to Riverside Drive for a train derailment. Utility 2 arrived on scene and confirmed that a train had in fact derailed.

Three autorack cars on Norfolk Southern’s Train 19G had derailed on their trestle over the Lehigh River and under the hill to Hill Bridge. Norfolk Southern was notified, and they spent the next day cleaning up the derailment. Bethlehem fire crews remained on scene for an hour and a half.

- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

Limerick MVA

On September 23, 2022, at 1318, Limerick Fire was dispatched for a vehicle accident with injuries on Game Farm Road. Rescue 51 and Fire Police 51 responded. EMS and police units responded as well.

Crews arrived on the scene and cleared debris and fluids.

- Submitted by the Limerick FD

Page 20, Fire News, November/December 2022

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4th Annual Firefighter Camp for Individuals with Special Needs

The Limerick Fire Department hosted its 4th Annual Firefighter Camp for Individuals with Special Needs. The morning had 30 participants and the afternoon session had 20 participants. The event had seven stations for the campers to learn, review and participate in.

These stations included: Reviewing and trying on fire gear; Vehicle extrication and review of the rescue truck and tools; Learning the importance of calling 911; Using a hose line and spraying water and rolling hose; Stove fire safety and using a fire extinguisher on fires; Reviewing

first aid and CPR with medical personnel; and Rope rescue and rigging in a confined space. The day was filled with sunshine, not only from mother nature but the campers and guardians as well. The event was a huge success. We cannot thank the campers enough for participating.

Safe travels home to our camper who traveled from Louisville, Kentucky. We look forward to doing this again next year and hope to see you there.

- Submitted by the Limerick FD

Page 22, Fire News, November/December 2022

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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR FDSOA 2023 HEALTH AND SAFETY CONFERENCE The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2023 Health and Safety Conference. The Health and Safety Conference will be held in conjunction with the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE) Health and Wellness Symposium January 17-20, 2023, at the Tradewinds Island Grand in St Pete’s Beach, Florida. Pre-conference programs will be held January 15-16.

Registration for the Apparatus Conference, held January 8-10, 2023, at the Gilbert Fire Academy in Gilbert, Arizona, will be available soon.

The FRCE has held successful cancer and behavioral health symposia over the last five years and aims to take a more holistic approach with this year’s event.

Combining the two events provides for a more robust group of speakers and allows participants to attend both conferences for one great price.

There are other significant additions to the Health and Safety Conference in three co-sponsors. F.I.E.R.O., Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) and the Science Alliance, a new community of scientists and fire service professionals dedicated to improving the health and safety of first responders, have all signed on as sponsors of the event to participate in some way and expand the reach of the conference.

As firefighter health and safety has become a topic at the forefront of the fire service, including these organizations expands our pool of subject matter experts.

Pre-conference events include Health and Safety Officer (HSO) and Incident Safety Officer (ISO) 2-day academies, Response to Battery Emergencies, Infectious Control, Accident Investigation, a F.I.E.R.O PPE Workshop and The 5 Reads.

Schedules are now available at https://www.eventsquid.com/event.cfm?id=17130, an assemblage of notable and highly-skilled instructors. General session speakers include Dr. Richard Gasaway, founder of Situational Awareness Matters!; Dr. Lori MooreMerrell, US Fire Administrator; and Chief Dennis Compton, Mesa, Arizona (Ret.).

Registration is available for these great classes and events. A 10-percent discount applies to all registrations until October 31, 2022. We look forward to seeing you at one of these great conferences!

FAMA AWARDS 2022 PHILLIP L. TURNER SCHOLARSHIP TO ANDREW TIVADAR The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) awarded its 2022 Phillip L. Turner Fire Protection Scholarship to University of New Haven student Andrew Tivadar.

Lou Milanovich, FAMA Education Committee Chair, stated, “Not only is Andrew an active volunteer firefighter, he is also a very driven and passionate student at the University of New Haven. He plans to graduate next May with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection Engineering with a minor in Civil Engineering. As Andrew successfully balances being a full-time student, while serving as a volunteer firefighter and working two jobs, he is well deserving of the Phillip L. Turner Scholarship.”

Dedicated to protecting the citizens of his hometown, Tivadar is an active member of the Long Hill Fire Department in Trumbull, CT. Tivadar joined the department in December 2017 and holds the following certifications: Fire I, Fire II, Aerial Operator, and Hazmat Awareness and Operations. He is a Driver/Engineer for the engine and the rescue truck at his station. Recently, Tivadar received the Chief’s Award for Outstanding Dedication to the department and currently serves on their Board of Directors. To pay for his education, Tivadar currently works as both a small engine mechanic and as a fire protection consultant while maintaining his position on the Dean’s List. As a fire protection consultant, Tivadar analyzes drawings and performs building surveys to evaluate the condition and code compliance of buildings, fire alarms and fire protection sys-

tems and designs. He witnesses the testing of fire alarms and fire protection systems and assists in the preparation of construction documents and specifications for fire alarm and fire protection designs.

The Phillip L. Turner Scholarship is awarded annually by FAMA and has been sponsored by the Akron Brass Company since 2009. Akron Brass is a worldwide marketer and manufacturer of high-performance life safety, firefighting, and emergency rescue equipment. Hale Products joined Akron Brass in 2021 to support the highly desirable scholarship. Hale builds high-quality firefighting equipment and is known for its exceptional quality and advanced technology. Akron Brass and Hale Products are IDEX Fire & Safety brands and are FAMA members.

“As leaders in innovative fire suppression products for more than 100 years, we value the importance of education and its role in leading the next generation in shaping the future of the fire and rescue service,” said Brian Houk, Vice President, IDEX Fire & Safety.

“Akron Brass and Hale Products are honored to continue our partnership with FAMA and the Phillip L Turner scholarship. We are thrilled to recognize Andrew Tivadar as this year’s recipient.”

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Fire News, November/December 2022, Page 23

Training

Hose Training for Limerick

On October 17, 2022, Limerick Fire Department’s Monday night training began with a brief demo from the manufacturers of Snap Tite about the Ponn hose and its pros and cons. Later, the crew test-

ed the hoses on car fire training and the juniors participated in separate hose training.

- Submitted by the Limerick FD

CPR and AED Refresher

On September 19, 2022, approximately 65 Limerick members attended the recertification training for CPR and AED. Members learned about blood-borne pathogens, blood compression, how to

use a tourniquet, and practiced CPR and AED on baby and adult mannequins.

- Submitted by the Limerick FD

Page 24, Fire News, November/December 2022

Training

24-Hour Training Blitz

On October 15, 2022, starting at 0900, firefighters from Cranberry Township, Adams Area, Harmony Fire District, Etna and Butler Township Fire District took part in a 24-hour training blitz. Instructional staff had calls ranging from vehicle fires, vehicle crashes, confined space rescues, helicopter crashes, man in machine, structure fires and hotel fires. All participants enjoyed the training.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

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Fire News, November/December 2022, Page 25

Even Rain Doesn’t Stop the Fun in New Hanover

New Hanover Fire Company hosted an event during fire prevention week. Community members had fun using fire extinguishers, seeing through a thermal imaging camera, cutting car pieces with hydraulic tools, learning about water rescue, climbing through win-

dows, sliding down a fire pole, trying on gear, participating in a basket raffle, touring a Goodwill ambulance, checking out a police car, and taking rides on the firetrucks! Even with the rain, all had an enjoyable evening.

- Fire News photos by Regina Jelski

Page 26, Fire News, November/December 2022

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Traffic Incident Management: Fire Departments Can’t Do Traffic Control Alone For years, law enforcement and departments of transportation were designated as responsible for traffic control at roadway incident scenes. Over the past 15 years, that responsibility has slowly transferred to fire departments because they have the largest vehicles, it’s their personnel in harm’s way, and they are primed and ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

On arrival at a traffic incident, it is now common for the fire department to park their apparatus as a warning and a first line of defense against oncoming traffic. But the fire engine is not designed to stop tractor trailer trucks or cars traveling at highway speeds. And when those apparatus get struck by a speeding vehicle, the lives of firefighters and EMTs at the incident scene are often saved, but those secondary crashes result in damaging or destroying incredibly expensive specialty vehicles. Those secondary crashes many times also result in injuries to emergency personnel and civilians involved in the initial incident. Fire departments, and especially volunteer fire departments operating on shoestring budgets, can no longer shoulder the burden of damaged or destroyed equipment and/or injured firefighters. Fire departments have been put in the position of having to defend their personnel at roadway incidents because no other agency is there to do it in many situations. Some departments are routinely being asked to respond to non-emergency scenes just to provide “blocking” with fire apparatus that was never designed for that. The current situation is not sustainable.

Fire departments have been positioning their fire apparatus in blocking positions out of necessity to protect emergency personnel and the victims of the initial roadway incident.

There must be a better way.

The Emergency Responder Safety Institute (ERSI) believes that four strategies will more evenly distribute the responsibility and associated costs for protecting road and highway incident scenes nationwide, across all responding agencies.

Purpose-built traffic management vehicles. Specialty vehicles that are designed to warn oncoming motorists and protect incident work areas are needed for quick response to road and highway incidents. Fire departments should not be expected to pay for, or staff these vehicles. The overall costs should be shared by all response agencies. ERSI has been studying purpose-built traffic control vehicles and recommending their use as a model for years. We published a report and produced an online, free, training module specifically about fire department-based traffic control vehicles.

There are several examples around the country of repurposed fire apparatus and heavy traffic control vehicles that include truck-mounted attenuators. We only know of one example where the cost for a purpose-built, emergency traffic control vehicle was shared by the fire department, local road commission, and the state department of transportation: Grand

Rapids (MI) Fire Department Utility 2 is a specially designed and equipped dump truck with large directional arrow device and an attenuator trailer. The department partnered with the Kent County Road Commission and the Michigan Department of Transportation to repurpose a public works dump truck into a traffic control unit named “Utility 2.” The truck was designed, acquired, equipped, and staffed after three secondary crashes in which front line fire apparatus were struck while positioned at highway incidents. The used dump truck was repainted as a fire department vehicle, equipped with emergency warning lights, high visibility florescent and reflective graphics, a full-sized arrow device, and an MDOTfunded attenuator trailer. The overall cost was less than $10,000. GRFD houses, staffs, maintains, updates, and responds Utility 2 to roadway incidents, and sometimes assists neighboring fire departments. Utility 2 is one example of what we need in terms of collaborative and cooperative arrangements between agencies.

Fire departments need other traffic incident management team members including law enforcement, transportation, and public works agencies to step up and assist by providing, staffing, and responding personnel and vehicles to protect highway incident scenes.

The alternative would be to collaborate and coordinate financial resources for fire departments to design, acquire, equip, train, staff and respond specialty purpose-built traffic control vehicles. Fire departments already have plenty of responsibilities at highway incidents and most fire departments would prefer to have any other agency respond in a timely manner to provide temporary traffic control at roadway incidents with properly designed, equipped, and staffed traffic control vehicles.

Cooperative agreements and action that truly shares the traffic control responsibility. Each community must develop a plan for doing this with all response agencies participating. We can achieve this collaboration through TIM Committees that have proven to be effective in many areas. If other agencies cannot provide traffic control services in a timely manner, then fire departments should collaborate with transportation, public works, law enforcement, and other local agencies to fund and acquire these vehicles. Those traffic control vehicles should be stocked with temporary traffic control equipment acquired through cost sharing that also facilitates rapid responses with trained personnel 24/7/365. It should be a team effort.

Funding. The cost of using fire apparatus as blocking vehicles at incident scenes is severely impacting fire departments financially and in service capabilities. Fire and EMS departments are footing the bill and providing the service using volunteer personnel in many areas, while other agencies simply say, “we don’t have the funding, or we don’t have the necessary staff.”

The $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act might provide an opportunity to finance traffic control vehicles and provide for

more effective temporary traffic management for emergency incident scenes nationwide.

Digital alerting. ERSI has been working on the issue of roadway incident safety since 1998. Despite all the time and effort dedicated to developing and distributing responder safety training, traffic control procedures, and traffic incident management best practices, emergency responder struck-by-vehicle injury and fatality numbers are increasing! We shudder to think what the loss numbers would be if all the training and advocacy work completed in the past 24 years had not been done to teach emergency personnel how to protect themselves.

Almost everything that traffic incident management training and best practices have promoted and implemented to protect roadway incident scenes uses visual cues including large blocking emergency vehicles, flashing warning lights, high-visibility vehicle graphics, personal protective equipment, road cones, advance warning signs, flares, and variable message signs. All of these measures require motorists to watch for these warnings and then react properly for them to be effective. The most common causal problem of these struck-byvehicle incidents is that “D-Drivers” are not looking out the windshield to see these measures. Drivers involved in secondary crashes involving emergency vehicles and personnel sometimes tell us that they didn’t see the temporary traffic controls or emergency vehicle with flashing warning lights. A new tool or approach is needed to get the attention of drivers. Digital alerting technology with audible in-vehicle warnings is different. Drivers don’t have to be looking at a screen to get an audible alert when it’s available. Equipping emergency vehicles with the necessary transponders and requiring all new vehicles to have the capability to receive digital alerts is another way to get critical advance warning to distracted, drunk, drowsy, and disgruntled drivers.

Better and more effective collaboration, cooperation, and coordination between all responding agencies are needed to implement these strategies with the goal of providing better traffic management response, advance warning, and blocking at roadway incident scenes. Fire departments can no longer do this alone. Temporary traffic controls are necessary at incident scenes on all roads and highways, at any and all times of day, or night. Appropriate, purpose-built, equipped, financed, and staffed traffic incident response vehicles that respond promptly 24/7/365 everywhere are needed to protect emergency responders and everyday motorists. Fire departments can’t do traffic control alone anymore!

This editorial was authored by Jack Sullivan, Director of Training, Emergency Responder Safety Institute. It has been edited for space.

- Submitted by Lynda Aurilio

FireNews.com

Fire News, November/December 2022, Page 27

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