markmets415

Correct, as stated if we take off the extrication tools, hydraulic pump, 2 cell foam system, large generator as we would and it probably is close or over the 30K. The PUC is a sweet setup, especially from the maintenance standpoint

Now I see why you had to have deep pockets, we will not have the extrication tools, but will have a CAFS system. Good luck and can't wait to see the photos from your trip to Appleton.

While we didn't originally send anything about this on The Secret List, we did have some information that was sent to us as a submission that we posted on the website-and the info was inaccurate. Many of your probably saw the e-mail "floating around" on the "solar panel" issue as well. Due to the amount of submissions that come into www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com, it is impossible to not have something slip through once in a while, albeit rarely. We have always taken technical accuracy extremely seriously since we started The Secret List and the FFCC website 11+ years ago and we do our best. We are fortunate and appreciative to have alotta readers. One of them is a San Jose (CA) FF. A FF who teaches classes on FF Safety related to PV (photovoltaic) systems, who has a degree in Solar Technology, and is also a member of the California State Fire Marshals PV Task Force. While we heard from many in the manufacturing community about this issue, we were very glad to hear from Fire Engineer Matt Paiss of the San Jose FD who wanted to offer some "firefighter" clarity to this discussion. It is an area we all need to be aware of, but as is often the case; a few misconceptions can create miscommunication. We will turn this over to Matt so he can provide his training and knowledge to address the issues one by one so you can develop your own FD SOP: 1. Panels are only energized in daylight. Overcast days too, but NEVER at night. Scene lights will NOT energize the panels. 2. If the panels, or the roof are on fire, you will not get shocked by spraying water on them. Put the fire out. 3. The voltages of panels are anywhere from 24-48 volts each and generate from 125 to 200 watts in optimal conditions. These panels are "strung" together in series to increase the voltages to 120 vdc to 400 vdc. While 600 vdc is possible, it is pushing the UL ratings of the enclosures, etc.. The current of these strings is usually from 5-9 amps. And that is only when there is a load (or put more simply, the inverter is sending the power back into the grid). If the inverter is off, there is no current only voltage, i.e. open circuit. 4. The inverters that change the power from DC to AC, are powered by AC. If you shut off the main service breakers, the inverter is OFF and there is NO AC power being sent into the structure. There are capacitors in the inverters that can hold a charge for about 5 min, but in the daytime the panels are producing power anyway. When the sun goes down....everything is de-energized. FIREFIGHTER WARNING: There is ALWAYS energized DC power in the conduit from the panels to the inverter IN THE DAYTIME. So, secure all utilities (per SOP's) and stay away from the panels and the conduit in the daytime. That is the danger. 5. Do not break a panel with your axe or related forcible entry tools. Each panel in the string could be carrying the FULL VOLTAGE of that string (120-400 VDC), not just one panel, so if you put a tool through it, you will very likely be getting the rest of the shift off....so don't do it....there is no need to do it, vent somewhere else, and kill the utilities at the main panel based upon your SOP's. 6. There are often junction boxes on the roofs (residential systems). If they do have fuses (not all do), and you pull a fuse while under load, you will very likely cause a fire. Not to mention the time it will take to open the box and do this. Bad idea-leave it alone. 7. In California, we will not let a house burn because it has PV Panels on the roof. I may not be able to put my hole in the best place, but I will put one in where I can when required. Thanks Matt. If you have any questions or comments for Matt, he can be reached thru our submissions page: http://firefighterclosecalls.com/submit.php Firefighters and Officers should do their best within their own FD SOP's, to know where in their 1st due area they have these panels...thru pre-planning. Once they are identified, determine the plan before the fire and do followup thru the installer/mfg of the panels. We will also have links to a video and related info posted soon so you can further learn and followup posted from the secretlist from firefightersclosecalls.com

Dan congrats, I will give you the cash award part of this honor at Copperfields on 1/23/09. Thanks for all the help with our website, pictures and support of the Wassaic Fire Co. Your face was a welcome site at the stove fire last Friday, my first official commanding role in many moons.

Quote from link "None of these jobs require more than basic training and, in most cases, a strong back and large muscles". Nice to see that it takes nothing more than alittle BASIC training to be an EMT.

thanks JM

Thanks Chief Flynn for your HONEST and insightful posts and yes he is the real deal, and what the hell does QTIP mean anyways, I haven't been here long enough to know! Congrats on your award, with the cash payment that goes along with the award you may be able to retire early.

Thanks guys for the comments, I have no problem with your thoughts, one of the reasons why I try to post is the feedback that one gets from the pictures from the membership here. Yes the engine although it was about 75' away should have been placed behind where the attack is taking place. All the members except one, including the driver/pump operator this was the first time fighting a car fire, all fairly new members or explorers, not making excuses. We did discuss some of the oversights with them after the drill. Thanks for the input ALS and Lad much appreciated, I have no problem with critiques of my stuff, if it makes us safer, good deal.

You got it, the Chief was giving some last second instruction before the crews moved in.

We would allow all the things you had done except the ventilation, of course hydrants is Wassaic are few and far between.

Yes they respond on apparatus to calls as well, we have written guidelines as to what they can do, trust me the list of can't do's is pretty longggggggggggggggggggggg!!!!! They are VERY WELL supervised. One major thing is they CANNOT be substituted for firefighters, basically they are an extra set of hands on the scene and have a well defined roll that WILL NOT be deviated from.

Clearly it takes much less time to pull up and use a side dump, that's the reason why we have 10" dumps all both sides and the rear, not to mention alot safer than backing.

We would be glad to assist.

thanks Craig for sharing, great shots, can't wait to see your work on our FWD!!!

Here is explorer Bradley Whalen on the nozzle, assisted by Firefighter Jason Dean, getting a feel for the line after the fire was out, he is just wetting down the interior.

Correct Tommy, we let them on the line but only as backup during the actual fire extinguishment, third on the line.

Here is it blue hose for you, front crosslay.

It's being kept at a member's house at this point, no bay space at the station.

the blue hose is on the other engine, 69-12 and yeah Dan I had just taken them off to go do something else and he wanted to flow alittle water so you got me, it was actually a test to see if anyone picked up on it. In one of the other pictures there is another issue with PPE, can you find it?

Here is a picture of our newest member Firefighter Scott Kelsey with me assisting using the line flowing Class A foam.

The yellow gear crew are explorers from Pine Plains that come down to train with us frequently. As for the second line our operating guideline is always to pull a second line for use at the rear, i.e gas tank and any fire that may appear in the truck, it is also in place in the event of an issue with the first line. We were going to use Class B foam but had some issues (old foam in tank) with the system on the Engine. The foam on the ground was after the fire was out and we worked some with the Class A system which worked fine.

A few of the remains of old Christmas Tree

We have posted about 50 total on our website, so if you want to see more click the link below.