This is a great MAYDAY training video from Boston Fire Department. Very well put together and even if your MAYDAY procedures differ from Boston you will still get tremendous benefits watching this video with your crew: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=461&v=oCvkRLtk-_w
Nozzle Series - Adjustable Fog Nozzles
The adjustable fog nozzle is a very popular type of nozzle seen on many apparatus. You will see this type of nozzle used in a wide variety of applications. The adjustable gallonage nozzle offers a lot of versatility because of it's ability to not only change patterns but also to increase and decrease the flow through the nozzle. However, it is very important for firefighters to understand that turning the gallonage adjustment does not necessarily equate to flowing what the actual setting is showing. As you turn the gallonage adjustment on this type of nozzle you are essentially making the orifice larger or smaller and as this adjustment is made the pump operator must compensate on the pump panel to deliver the appropriate nozzle pressure in order to flow the selected gallonage. This nozzle can offer advantages and disadvantages including the flexibility of adjusting the flow but disadvantages like the potential for accidental flow decrease if you bump the gallonage adjustment in the dark or smoke. Take a look at the video below covering Adjustable Gallonage Fog Nozzles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS3m5B8Bh9E
Harrisonburg Heavy Rescue at FDIC 2015
Typically it appears as if the normal process for spec’ing fire apparatus is to design a vehicle and then place the tools and equipment on it the best way possible. Every now and then however, you come across an apparatus that was designed around the tools and equipment it’s going to carry along with its overall mission. Such is the case of the new 2015 Harrisonburg Heavy Rescue built by Pierce.
The vehicle is well equipped on a Pierce Velocity Chassis with features including:
- A 70” cab with 20” raised roof section
- TAK-4 independent front suspension
- Detroit Diesel DD13 500 hp motor with 1650#’s of torque
- A wheel base of 255.5”
- Seating for 5
- Side roll and frontal impact airbag protection
- 26” extended front bumper with a raised tool tray that holds extrication reels and a 25k lb Warn winch
- Advanced electronic Command Zone
- 250 gallons of water. 10 gallons of foam
- 250 gpm hydraulic driven pump
- An overall height of 11’ 6”
- Overall length of 41’ 9”
[flagallery gid=9]
The true beauty and art however is the thought process and engineering that went into the rescue style body. Every item carried has a place and there is virtually no wasted space which allows the apparatus to carry all of the above in addition to a extrication equipment, air bags, an air cascade system and compressor, a full set of hand and mechanic tools, an ample amount of cribbing, and the standard compliment of firefighting tools including pike poles, axes, etc. The body also incorporates both high and low 9000 lb rated anchor points for rope operations.
Invariably, someone is going to ask, “Why water on the heavy rescue?” Harrisonburg fills the box with multiple surrounding jurisdictions for both fires and auto accidents. Because of that, they decided they wanted at least a minimal amount of water in case they were to arrive on the scene of either prior to the arrival of an engine company. Due to their thinking outside the box, they were able to do so without compromising compartment space or having to reduce their standard rescue compliment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqV6Efp7CZE
Nozzle Series - Fixed Flow Fog Nozzles
Fixed flow fog nozzles are a very popular type of nozzle seen all over the country. The nozzle offers several advantages including an adjustable pattern and simplicity of pump operations. You can find fixed flow fog nozzles in several different configurations. You will commonly see this type of nozzle offered in there different pressures; 100 psi, 75 psi and 50 psi. You will also see this type of nozzle offered in a breakaway version which is fairly popular for high-rise and hose packs. You will see many break away versions of this nozzle with a smoothbore integrated into the breakaway. Take a look at the video below for an overview of the Fixed Flow Fog Nozzle:
https://youtu.be/xfMI7rB-r9o
The Cross and the Maltese
In this age of separation of church and state, church and school, and separation of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus from pretty much anything these days; I began thinking of the two crosses in my life. The first and most important Cross, where all of our salvation started, and the Maltese cross which has been a part of my life for the last 25 years.
I, like most of society, chose not to mix these two crosses early in my career but as of late I've realized the mission field that was available to me. Being able to go on a mission trip is an amazing opportunity for any Christian that has the chance, but there are so many people we can witness to on a daily basis. Starting with our brothers in our station house, our department as a whole, and lastly the citizens that we serve. I am a staunch believer that our lives are our biggest witness tool by far. People remember what they see more than what they read or hear. If you're a firefighter & profess to be a Christian, people will be watching and that's a great thing providing we handle ourselves properly & professionally. So many times we as Christians (especially myself at times) try and thump people with our Bibles or quote scriptures in a chastising manner that really turns people away from the very thing we're trying to draw them to, which is Jesus. As a Christian, the way we live our life can speak volumes to our brother firefighters. Something as simple as blessing our food if we are in the public eye will go a long way with the citizens in our communities. Here are just a few scriptures to reference:
Mark 16:15 - He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
2 Timothy 4:5 - But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
In all there are so many things that we can do to reach people for the Lord & these are just a few things that I've been thinking on lately. I hope this will be something you guys can talk about at the station. Be safe, may God bless you
Ferrara at FDIC 2015
We saw a lot of good trucks and specs at FDIC 2015. Ferrara has been churning out some very good looking trucks lately and we have a photo album below for you to check them out. The FDNY 150th Anniversary truck was definitely a crowd pleaser. You can see a video of the FDNY 150 Truck below. [flagallery gid=10]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0LCNPghth4
Nozzle Series - Smoothbores
The Smoothbore Nozzle
We are continuing our video series on nozzles with the Smoothbore. This nozzle remains a powerhouse in the American Fire Service. With the increase in heat release rates due to changes in products and materials our ability to throw serious water on the fire is of the utmost importance. The smoothbore nozzle offers several advantages for firefighters. Some of strongest advantages come with the simplistic design of the nozzle. The smoothbore has the ability to perform under extreme conditions with good flow at a low nozzle reaction. The nozzle is very difficult to clog with debris and if a hose line becomes kinked it will maintain fairly good flow compared to a high pressure fog nozzle (100 psi). Even though the fog/combination nozzle has the ability to absorb more heat energy at the same flow, the smoothbore has the ability to penetrate without steaming off when attacking the fire. Once the stream enters the room on fire we can bounce the stream off of walls and ceilings to break up the stream and increase its heat absorption capabilities. The video below will provide you with an overview of the smoothbore nozzle and will cover a few topics in detail.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgzHmYZ3BUo
Box Alarm Training on YouTube - 700,000 Views
THANK YOU!
Box Alarm Training started as a YouTube channel that evolved into a full network of training resources and courses. We greatly appreciate all of the support you all have given us over the last few years. We have a lot planned for upcoming videos and product reviews and can't wait to get them on the channel. Thanks again for helping us reach 700,000 views!
If you have never seen our YouTube Channel you can visit it by CLICKING HERE! You will see several different playlists we have put together including our newest playlist the Nozzle Video Series. We have several more videos that are being added to the new video series and will be released soon. Here is our introduction video that explains Box Alarm Training and our resources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tqFF7cUMC8
Brownsburg Ladder Co. 131 - FDIC 2015
I have to say when we came across the new Brownsburg Ladder Co. 131 we were very surprised. This truck looks very different than many of the E-One's we have seen in the past. We were lucky enough to speak with one of the truck company members who went through the entire apparatus with us and explained the spec's they developed. This truck has some really nice features including: recessed water can mounts in the compartments, shores in the front bumper with other rigging equipment, tons of LED scene lighting and much more. We have provided a gallery below as well as a video on the Blow Hard Battery powered fans. [flagallery gid=8]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO1NQx8cwz0
Pierce Ascendant - FDIC 2015
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new Pierce Ascendant Aerial built by Pierce Mfg at FDIC 2015. The Ascendant is a 107' aerial built on a single rear axle. This is a very interesting new design and we are very curious to see how well it operates. You can tell from the pictures the outriggers provide a slightly wider footprint than many other single rear axle aerials. The Ascendant can be configured with 500 gallons of water, with no pump/no water, or with the PUC. This Ascendant is built on the Enforcer chassis which is a good looking and functional cab. We have provided a gallery below and a couple videos for you to view. Check them out. [flagallery gid=7]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrsXsu7O37o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbOp81xrFRQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHONVX163io
Baltimore Burning
Baltimore Burning
Firefighters have been busy fighting fires all over the city started by rioters "protesters". At one point rioters even cut the supply line at a working fire. We have several videos below for you to view:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McY3qIbf9Oc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ngFn6Gr240
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGbFaVuM_MM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBekKSFJau0
Indy on Fire! FDIC 2015
We had a great time attending the Indy on Fire party put on by The Fire Critic, Wooden Ladders and Iron Firemen, The Model City Firefighter and Firefighter Wife. Several sponsors helped make the event possible including: TECGEN, Spartan, Black Diamond, FireCam, Viking, Titan, and Engine Company Apparel. If you have never attended it is worth your time, great fellowship, food, music and tons of give aways. Below is the entire playlist from all the songs the Renegade Pipes and Drums played during the event. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4NKqZJ7joyn631Hp9DkkLsFco53--0rn
Nozzle Video Series
Check out our newest firefighter training video series. We have produced a five part nozzle video series covering several common types of nozzles. In this first video we will provide an overview of nozzle types and discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of the nozzles. In the coming videos we will be taking each nozzle type and discussing them in detail. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVexyIWX2bI
This is My Nozzle
This is my nozzle. There are many like it but this one is mine.
Many of you have heard the "Rifleman's Creed". A creed made famous by the United States Marine Corps. A creed that instills in Marines the sense of purpose and commitment to know your weapon and master it. As firefighters we should have the same sense of pride when identifying with our nozzle. In the truest sense it is all that stands between us and the fire."My nozzle, without me, is useless. Without my nozzle, I am useless."
All too often, during training sessions or courses, I ask firefighters what type of nozzle they are using and they cannot tell me any specifics. If I posed the same question to a law enforcement officer about his weapon, he would most likely respond with not only the caliber of his weapon but also all of the ballistics associated with his weapon and the situations it is best suited for.
- "My nozzle and I know that what counts in war is not the water we flow, the noise of our bail, nor the pattern we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit..."
I am not asking for firefighters to simply tell me the make and model of their nozzle... I am asking them to tell me the characteristics of their nozzles; what is the reach and penetration of your nozzle, what does the nozzle reaction feel like, and what happens to your nozzle if it becomes clogged with debris?
"I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its flow and its reach. I will keep my nozzle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will..."
We all know that your nozzle selection may not be entirely within your control but knowing your issued nozzle is just as important. I encourage you all to spend time learning your nozzles and teaching others how to properly use the nozzles. Learn the flows, learn the pressures and learn what the nozzle reaction feels like. Over the next month we will be releasing a nozzle video series on our YouTube channel going over nozzle types and their characteristics. Until then get out and flow some water!
Majestic Fire Hoods - Review
Our latest product review video features the Majestic Fire Apparel fire hoods. Majestic Fire Apparel manufactures a very wide variety of different style hoods with different materials. Take a look at the video below and then we provide some additional information if you continue reading. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daoxyzYxdOY
Majestic Fire Hoods come in three primary styles; the PAC I, PAC II, and PAC III. The PAC I provides a length of 19" where the PAC II extends the overall length to 21". If you are looking for a little extra coverage the PAC III will provide you with 21" overall length and a little extra width to cover your upper shoulders.
Majestic Fire Hoods are sewn with flat seams. This helps keep the seams from rubbing your neck or anywhere else the fabric is joined together. You can order their hoods with a single center seam over the top of your head or a double seem which gives you a panel of material on the top of the head instead of a seam. You can also order a Strategic Vent Zone (SVZ) hood which replaces that top panel with a ventilation panel to improve evaporation performance in order to keep you cooler.
Lastly, choosing the fabric material will help you tailor the hood to meet your needs. I typically prefer the C6 material due to it's high Thermal Protective Performance (TPP). I have also really enjoyed the Rayon/Kevlar hood with the additional C6 upper. The highest thermal protection offered lies in their MM4/FYR-HAWK (Moisture Membrane) which exceeds 60 TPP. The MM4 provides protection through 3 layers of C6 material and 1 layer of Melange to provide the moisture membrane. You can see all of the performance specifications by visiting their website here.
Thank you for visiting our site and don't forget to check us out on Facebook and YouTube.
Dead Ringer
Dead Ringer - a person or thing that seems exactly like someone or something else.
Have you ever heard a statement in the firehouse that strikes a chord with you, one that makes you cringe, frustrated or even motivates you? Today's fire service is a well connected network of some of the most driven and strong personalities you will ever meet. While many of us push to move forward many others look for reasons to justify their inability to perform. With that being said let's look at a statement you have probably heard before:
"WE" don't do it like that because "WE" are not like "THEM"...
I want you to really evaluate if "WE" are actually that different from one another.
Last time I checked the vast majority of fire departments in the United States perform the exact same functions at every single fire. Whether you pull up to a single story residential structure fire or a high-rise with fire on the 20th floor you must perform the same functions. Will you need more equipment and more manpower? Absolutely, but the same functions must be performed regardless of the size of the fire or complexity of the fire. The "functions" I am speaking of are Fire Attack, Water Supply, Ventilation, Search and Rescue and Overhaul.
I often reference other departments when teaching and discussing tactics because we have so much to learn from each other. For example: When the FDNY arrives on scene of a residential structure fire they perform Fire Attack nearly the exact same way as every single fire department in the country. They stretch a hose line with an engine company and they put water on the fire. Do they use 47 firefighters to move the hose? Nope. They use the firefighters on the engine to take the initial attack line to the fire. However, while many of us work with limited staffing to complete the other complimentary functions (ventilation, search and rescue, etc.) the FDNY has the ability to perform these functions much more quickly or even simultaneously because of their response size. If you are on a smaller department you still have to perform the same functions as the big guys you just have to prioritize when and how you are going to accomplish those functions.
Hose lines get stretched at every fire! Ventilation takes place at every fire! Water Supply is a priority at every fire! Search and Rescue is of utmost importance at every single fire! Get out and practice these functions!
Do not try to justify your inability to execute by trying to distance yourself from other fire departments or tactics. We are much more alike than we are different. Learn from each other and move forward together. We all need the practice regardless of where our current competency levels are.
I am learning more and more about many skills that I once believed to be simple and automatic. I used to stretch hoses without evaluation, throw ladders without purpose and even search without confidence. Study the craft of firefighting, learn about yourself, your crew and your responsibilities to the ones we serve.
Do not Train to Learn, Drill to Master!
Jackson Fire Department - Truck 28
I recently had the opportunity to check out Jackson Fire Department's new Pierce 100' Platform. This is one good looking truck. Truck 28 will serve the south side of downtown Jackson, MS and the surrounding area. Truck 28 is a busy truck company in Jackson affectionately known as the "Hood Rats". Great group of guys and I wish them the best of luck with their new chariot! Check out the video of their truck here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjvbAOoEXj8
Training vs. Drilling?
Is it just me or has our culture in the fire service moved from a group of men that strived to be the best at what they do to a group of men who strive to document what they could do? In our world of litigation and insurance rating classifications we put pen to paper to document everything we do just to "benefit" from the "training hours". We have seen a shift off center for years that has slowly eroded our fundamental training process. That process is called drilling. What used to be called the drill field is now being called the "training facility" or what used to be simply called the "dressing drill" is now an elaborate check box skill with grading criteria called "Donning and Doffing PPE".
I talk with training officers and instructors often and there always seems to be a common theme, "What are some new training ideas we can use?". We constantly feel like we have to come up with something new and improved to create a positive learning environment. The true fact is that practicing the fundamentals on a regular basis will get you much further than anything else. It's great if we can all perform technical rapid intervention skills like bail-outs and lift-outs but if we struggle getting an attack line in place within a reasonable amount of time than we are really putting the cart before the horse.
I was very fortunate I had the opportunity to play collegiate sports and had the ability to see the inner workings of high caliber athletic programs. The teams you see performing at the highest levels practice their fundamentals everyday. Without a strong foundation of bread and butter skills you are really not giving yourself a fighting chance when it comes to the audibles you need to call on the fire ground. Andy Fredericks has a great quote that I believe really hits home on this topic which is "If you put the fire out in the first place you don't have to jump out of the windows".
If you are struggling finding things to train on or using the excuse that you do not have a dedicated training facility just get up and go flow some water. Pull your attack lines and talk about how you can deploy them, feel the nozzle reaction of a properly pressurized nozzle and what an under pressurized or kinked line will feel like. Practice carrying and raising your ladders because the next time you use them may be to rescue a civilian or even one of your own. The bottom line is PRACTICE! It may not be the sexiest training you get to be a part of but when the time comes it will be the most valuable training you were a part of.
MSA G1 Review
We recently had the opportunity to get a look at the new MSA G1 SCBA. This unit just went into production and we have put together a review for you to get a look at it for yourself. Below the video we share some of the details about the new NFPA 1981 and 1982 standards and also some more information about the SCBA. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKbL57ReqSI
The new G1 is a complete overhaul of the past SCBA systems you have seen from MSA. We have broken each of these features down below:
The Face Piece
The new G1 face piece is completely different from past models. The new face piece is very light, coming in at just under 1.5 pounds. You will also notice the new G1 mask has all electrical systems removed. This is accomplished by allowing the regulator to handle the communications, HUD, and air. Now that these systems are relocated you have a very streamlined and low profile mask which is very comfortable.
The Regulator
The regulator is a fundamental component of this entire system because not only does it supply your air but also pipes the lighting through your face piece for the HUD and includes two microphones to amplify your voice through the voice amplifier.
The Harness
The new harness features a new quick release system for both the cylinder mount and the coupling itself. You will find this system to be very fast. The most notable comfort feature of the G1 is the new adjustable and swiveling lumbar pad. The lumber pad is adjustable to your height and also swivels as you move. The shoulder straps also have a few changes to help the straps stay in place as you move. The straps snap together at the frame and then each strap has a friction material positioned on you shoulders to help keep the straps from shifting. You will also notice status LED lights all over the SCBA. These lights give you a visual indication of the users air level. When the SCBA low air alarm activates you will also see the RIC connection will illuminate for other firefighters to make that connection.
The PASS Device
The G1 pass device features an analog air pressure gauge and also a digital display. The display is customizable and can show your air pressure or time remaining using an algorithm to calculate the time you have available based on your air consumption. The SCBA is also bluetooth compatible and will include RFID as an upgrade. You will also hear the new NFPA 1982 common PASS sound which all SCBAs will have for the 2013 edition of NFPA 1982.
Communicaitons
The new communications system has been well though out. They have moved your voice amplifier speaker off of your mask and onto your harness. This helps tremendously by removing unwanted weight off the mask and allowing the mask to be more streamlined with less to snag on. The regulator uses two microphones to amplify your voice through the speaker. You will find this system to be very clear and loud.
Summary
Overall this SCBA is very different from past models. My first impression was that the SCBA was a little heavy but after analyzing the systems you see where the weight has been shifted as an advantage. The G1 harness weighs 15.5 pounds with the battery, 25.5 pounds with a 30 minute 4,500 psi cylinder and the mask weighs just under 1.5 pounds. So, when you lift the harness for the first time it feels a little have until you actually strap it on and wear it. The reason it feels like this is because the weight you are used to carrying on your mask shoulder strap (for a PASS, HUD and Voice Amplifier) have all been moved to the harness. You also get a little added weight for the comfort feature of the new adjustable lumbar pad. This SCBA wears nicely and feels very balanced and the features give you a lot of advantages on the fire ground.
BOTTOM LINE: If you get a chance to see this pack do not just look at it and the features. Strap it on and wear it. You need to feel the pack to really understand it's design.
Mississippi State Fire Academy - Drone Footage
Check out this video from the Mississippi State Fire Academy. You will get an aerial tour of the campus and you will also see several clips from the various burn sites on the campus. The Mississippi State Fire Academy is one of the largest firefighter training academies in the United States. Firefighters from all over the United States travel to the campus each year to participate in one of the many courses offered. Portions of this video were filmed with the DJI Phantom 2 Vision +. http://youtu.be/ALU5PB7EnIs