MFRI Bulletin January-March 2023

MFRI BULLETIN

MFRI AND JOHNS HOPKINS APPLIED PHYSICS LAB FIRE DEPARTMENT TEAM UP FOR TRAINING

Located

Applied

to solve complex research, engineering and analytical problems facing the nation. APL applies science and engineering expertise to critical challenges from deep sea to deep space. More recently, APL built and managed NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), which impacted an asteroid in September, altering its orbit in the world’s first planetary defense test mission.

More than 8,000 people are employed by the lab and a dedicated fire department of 12 operates 24/7 to serve and protect the scientists, engineers and additional staff members. All crew members are trained in firefighting, EMS and hazmats.

The crew trains annually at MFRI and recently geared up to practice hose skills and extinguish fires in the burn building.

“We look forward to our training at MFRI each year,” said David Franklin, APL’s fire safety lieutenant. “It enables us to keep our skills honed and provides a teambuilding opportunity as each of our shifts work and train together.”

photos:

in Laurel, MD, Johns Hopkins

Physics Laboratory (APL) works

Firefighters from Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD are trained in fire, EMS and hazmats. They serve and protect more than 8,000 employees.

The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute of the University of Maryland is the state’s comprehensive training and education system for all-hazard responses. The Institute plans, researches, develops and delivers quality programs to prepare agencies and individuals to protect life, the environment and property.

Bulletin Staff

Editor: Diane May

Managing Editor: Jennifer Ginn

Graphics: Ana Maizel

Assistant Editor: Jenna Robles

Contact MFRI

tel: 301-226-9921 fax: 301-314-0752 www.mfri.org bulletin@mfri.org

The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute Bulletin (MFRI) University of Maryland (ISSN 1074-2298) is published quarterly by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute of the University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742. Periodical postage paid at College Park, MD 20740. Postmaster: Send address changes to Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, Bulletin, 4500 Campus Drive, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 20742.

The MFRI Bulletin is distributed as a public service of the University of Maryland. The Bulletin is dedicated to the publication of information that will help educate its readers on the subjects of fire protection, emergency medical services, rescue, leadership and training. This publication may contain some articles and illustrations provided by readers. MFRI does not necessarily agree with information nor endorse any products depicted in the Bulletin. Address all communications to Editor at MFRI. For change of address, send mailing label and new address.

The MFRI Bulletin is produced entirely in house. We extend our sincere gratitude to our contributors who make this publication possible.

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

While electric cars, bikes, skateboards and scooters are now sharing the streets and trails with their internal combustion engine-powered predecessors, the influx of lithium-ion battery powered devices has created a multitude of challenges for first responders.

In July an electric transit bus in Connecticut burst into flames while parked at a depot. A month later, an electric scooter sparked a fire inside a New York City apartment  killing a 5-year-old girl and 36-year-old woman. In January, a fire believed to be caused by the batteries in an electric scooter tore through a multifamily home in Massachusetts. And multiple electric vehicle fires have been reported across our entire country including recent incidents in the Washington suburbs and even on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

In 2012, MFRI in conjunction with various manufacturers and the NFPA conducted some early testing on the first-generation batteries for hybrid electric cars. The initial testing was to determine if batteries would conduct an electrical charge through a hose stream as firefighters extinguished car fires. It was concluded that there was no electric current conducted through the hose stream during firefighting operations. Although not part of the testing, the participants did discover these lithium-ion batteries burned at a high temperature and would even spontaneously reignite more than 12 hours after the testing was concluded.

Studies have shown that when lithium batteries overheat or fail, they release toxic gasses that further fuel the fire making them extremely challenging to extinguish. In a recent study, UL Fire Safety Research Institute staged a house with everything found in a typical home and rigged it with cameras that measure heat and gasses. The researchers intentionally forced a lithiumion battery to fail. After two hours transpired there was smoke, 17 seconds later the battery exploded and buckled the windows of the house, and 12 minutes later the house was engulfed in flames.

In addition to speed, lithium battery-fueled fires have significant strength. In 2019, two Arizona fire captains responded to a call where thousands of lithium batteries were used for energy storage. The batteries exploded sending one of the responders more than 30 feet from the site. Both suffered brain trauma, multiple burns and broken bones.

The National Transportation Safety Board says that it is continuing to conduct strategies for first responders while the National Fire Protection Association is trying to address the growing demand for training. Likewise, MFRI is beginning the process of creating a new firefighting training program that includes all alternative fuels. This program will help Maryland firefighters identify the different types of alternative-fueled transportation devices and the tactics required to control such incidents.

MICHAEL E. COX JR.

FIREGROUND CONTAMINANTS RESEARCH STUDY FINDINGS RELEASED

Firefighters are exposed to a variety of contaminants during fire suppression, overhaul, training, investigation and even at the fire station. Routine exposure to contaminants can leave firefighters vulnerable to occupational illnesses, some of which can be fatal.

In September 2021, MFRI and the University of Maryland Department of Fire Protection Engineering were awarded a $126,488 Fire Prevention and Safety grant by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to study fireground contaminant exposure control approaches used nationally by fire departments.

As part of the study, health and safety personnel were asked to discuss the successes and challenges they and their departments have faced in developing, implementing, and managing contaminant exposure control (CEC) policies. The findings from this study uncovered the need for more research and training related to CEC. Below are recommendations for future initiatives, which will address the needs of the Health Safety Office (HSO) and advance the use of CEC in the fire service.

• Define an exposure. It is currently unclear what types of fires trigger the requirements for decontamination or what constitutes an exposure. Some departments only perform decontamination when there is a working fire dispatch, but what about smaller fire events like food on the stove?

• Implement CEC procedures at training academies, recognizing that procedures used by instructors and students for decontamination may be different than what is used on a scene because the hazard is more easily quantifiable in training. More research is needed to quantify hazards from training fires.

• Recognize that CEC applies to more than just the suppression firefighter, but fire investigators, instructors, and others who may be exposed to contaminants.

• Introduce new Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) for Firefighter 1 to include training on what is in smoke, the health impacts from contaminant exposure, the importance of decontamination, and how to decontaminate.

• Introduce new KSAs for Fire Officers to include a better understanding of the safety culture message and cancer awareness—safety is the most important priority.

• Introduce new KSAs to Health and Safety Officers (HSO)/Incident Safety Officers (ISO) to include methods for CEC policy development, implementation and management; understanding products of combustion; cancer and associated health hazards; and preventative measures.

• Provide formalized continuing education resources to HSOs and others.

• Develop methods to evaluate exposure data to revisit and improve policies and practices.

Focusing on these initiatives will aid the fire service and health and safety personnel in furthering their programs, reducing firefighter exposure to harmful contaminants, and reducing occupational illnesses in the fire service.

To read the full report: https://issuu.com/umdmfri/ docs/usfa_ff_decon_final_report_

FACULTY AND STAFF SPOTLIGHT

CHRIS BIGGS

With more than 25 years of experience as an Emergency Services Provider, Christopher Biggs comes to MFRI in the role of Advanced Life Support (ALS) Coordinator. He has held numerous positions including firefighter, fire apparatus driver/operator, paramedic and chief of EMS in city and county-wide fire/EMS systems. Chris has also been a long-term instructor at MFRI.

MEAGAN BYRD

Meagan Byrd has been promoted to Operations Program Coordinator at MFRI. Meagan has exhibited exemplary qualities in time management, computer skills, software applications, organization and project management. She previously worked in the healthcare industry and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland College Park.

SEAN CRAWFORD

Sean Crawford joins MFRI as the new Instructional Designer/Curriculum Developer in the Planning Section. Aa a former teacher in the Montgomery County School System, he has real-world experience using Canvas among other software programs. Sean was also the recipient of the Marian Greenblatt Excellence in Education Rising Star Award for New Teachers in 2019. A University of Maryland alum, Sean earned a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology from UMGC.

JONATHAN HART

Jonathan Hart has assumed the role of manager of the State Incident Management Team. Previously he has served as Assistant Director of Washington County Emergency Services, Division Chief with the Baltimore County Fire Department and most recently as an Area Manager for the State Department of Health. Previously Jonathan managed Special Programs and served as an instructor at MFRI and the National Fire Academy.

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO FACE THE FIRE

Members of S&T’s communications team recently spent a brisk morning at the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI), but we did not feel cold for very long on that chilly day—we started off with a warm welcome by the MFRI administration and instructors and before we knew it, we were dressed in firefighting turnout gear and in a small room facing a real fire in a training scenario.

I am not exaggerating when I tell you that MFRI is one of the premier fire training facilities in the United States. It is responsible for training all the firefighters in the state of Maryland who work in jurisdictions that do not have a dedicated fire training academy. They also train a large percentage of the military’s firefighting personnel and travel around the world to assist first responders in other countries with training and ongoing education. These dedicated career responders offered our team a taste of what they and countless others experience every day when lives are on the line.

S&T has a close and long-standing relationship with first responders and has, from its very inception, designed and created technology solutions to make their jobs easier and safer. We work with and for them, helping to define what their needs are by way of new protective gear, communications equipment or mobile apps. We are especially proud of the research and development S&T has undertaken to directly support firefighters.

We entered a controlled burn, deployed hoses, and learned about the work done by emergency medical technicians. We also navigated our way on hands and knees in complete darkness through obstacle courses filled with burn debris.

This was the second time our team was put through the paces at MFRI, and we came away with an incredible appreciation for the challenges firefighters face each day in the line of duty.

Thank you to the fantastic group of dedicated professionals at MFRI for giving us a peek into your world. I am honored that S&T has the opportunity to work with first responders every day to develop solutions that protect them as they fight to protect us. We can’t wait to do it again!

A guest article from Wendy Howe, Department of Homeland Security, Director of the Science and Technology Directorate’s (S&T) Communications and Outreach Division.

photo 1: The communications team suits up. photo 2: A team member is escorted into a controlled burn. photo 3: All had the opportunity to handle the hose and extinguish fire on the flam pad. Photos courtesy of S&T

BE A HERO IN HIGH SCHOOL

In an effort to attract Maryland high school students from the Eastern Shore to explore careers in fire, rescue and emergency services, Maryland State Firemen’s Association and MFRI recently teamed up to create Career Tech program marketing materials. With a cohesive design that ties together posters, a brochure and an informational handbook, the materials will be shared through high schools in each Eastern Shore county. Students who take part in the free, oneyear program train at MFRI’s Upper Eastern Shore Regional Training Center.

THE FIRE, RESCUE AND EMS CAREER TECH PROGRAM

JOIN THE CAREER TECH PROGRAM

In conjunction with the start of the new legislative session in Annapolis, the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and Ladies Auxiliary hosted their annual legislative reception in mid-January at the Governor Calvert House. MFRI representatives joined colleagues from the Maryland State Police Aviation Command, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, MSFA Cancer Support Network, the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial Foundation and the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center along with area fire and rescue stations. The event enabled organization representatives to discuss upcoming legislative issues and showcase the state’s emergency services to newly elected and returning officials.

top photo (l to r): MFRI Deputy Director Pat Marlatt, Maryland State Delegate Chris Tomlinson and MFRI Executive Director Michael Cox attended the Maryland State Firemen’s Association annual legislative reception in Annapolis, which brings legislators and emergency services organizations together.

bottom photo (l to r): Chair of the MSFA Safety Committee Michael LeCompte, Carroll County Director of Fire and Emergency Medical Services Michael Robinson and MFRI Facilities Coordinator Timothy Delehanty.

BOB ROSE RECOGNIZED FOR PROFESSIONALISM IN THE FIELD

OF

FIRE SERVICE CERTIFICATION

Robert “Bob” Rose was recently honored with the Johnny G. Wilson Memorial Award by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board). This award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated professionalism in the field of fire service certification in the same manner that Mr. Wilson performed for the Georgia Fire Fighter Standards and Training Council.

Bob began as a volunteer with Odenton Volunteer Fire Company in March of 1973 and had a distinguished 30-year career with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, retiring as a captain. He remains active to this day, approaching 50 years of continuous active service. He is particularly known for his mentoring of pump operators and his insistence on doing things “the right way.”

“Bob became a Field Instructor for Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI) in 1983, first within the fire discipline and then progressing to rescue, hazardous materials, terrorism and management,” said MFRI Executive Director Michael Cox. “He continues to maintain his status as a certified Emergency Services Instructor and Instructor Evaluator with MFRI and has often taught classes for his volunteer company, taking no compensation so that new members may obtain riding status sooner.”

At MFRI, Bob is the “go to” person for any questions concerning requirements for professional fire service qualifications. He continuously promotes the certification program and regularly reaches out to fire service personnel across the state to enable their certification at each eligible level. He developed a MFRI ‘Certification Seminar’ which he provides to departments on request.

Bob has been an Alternate Representative to the Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board (MFSPQB) from 1990 to 1995, and from 2002 to present, representing Anne Arundel County and has attended every annual meeting of the MFSPQB

since 2005. He has been a member of the delegation representing the MFSPQB at every annual National “Pro Board” Conference since 2005.

Previously, Bob was recognized by the Chesapeake Society of Fire and Rescue Instructors as the Francis L. Brannagan Instructor of the Year. He was also awarded the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Russell J. Strickland Award by the MFSPQB for “exemplary efforts in the promotion of certification for fire and emergency services personnel in the state of Maryland.” In further recognition of his service and commitment, during the 2022 annual meeting of the MFSPQB, Bob was appointed Executive Secretary by acclamation.

“Bob is widely respected by fire service personnel throughout the state,” said Jack Beall, who nominated him for the award and serves as coordinator for MFRI’s Upper Eastern Shore Regional Training Center. “He has made immeasurable contributions to his volunteer fire company, his career department, MFRI, and to fire service training and certification across Maryland.”

“I could not think of a better person to receive this award,” said Betty Jane Gannon who also works at the Upper Eastern Shore Regional Training Center. “Bob is known throughout the country for the work he has done with certification and Accredited Training Review Agency (ATRA). He has a heart of gold and would give the shirt off his back if he thought someone needed it.”

photo: Bob Rose (second from left) accepting the ProBoard Award for Professionalism in the Field of Fire Service Certification

AUDREY WILLIAMS, MFRI DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND EQUITY ADMINISTRATOR, COMPLETES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Along with 49 fellow class members, Audrey Williams, Director of Administrative Services/Equity Administrator at MFRI, has completed the professional development program Leadership Maryland. Dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its local business and community leaders, this marked the program’s 29th graduating class. As an alum, Williams is now a member of Leadership Maryland’s powerful network, which consists of more than 1,300 leaders from all industries and regions of the state.

During the eight-month, hands-on learning program, sessions focused on Maryland’s five main geographic regions and the most vital issues impacting economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment, and multiculturalism/diversity across the state. More than 100 experts representing Maryland’s business, government, education and non-profit communities served as panelists and guest speakers.

For Audrey, meeting and collaborating with the other leaders in the program was a highlight. She also benefited from learning about the different counties in Maryland, their strengths and their struggles. Audrey said, “The Leadership Maryland group discussed possible solutions and what steps would be required to bring some of those solutions to fruition.”

Leadership Maryland is open to senior-level executives with significant achievements in either their careers and/or their communities.

March 12-17, 2023

Annapolis, MD

Doubletree Hilton