EddieT

A friend and I were discussing the new Tesla solar roof tiles recently (The website is https://www.tesla.com/solarroof for anyone that wants to take a closer look).  But our discussion of cost versus benefit turned to firefighting tactics as we realized some hard facts about the newer solar technology that is out there.  There are four things that stuck out to me that are going to hinder us at structure fires in the near future, especially as solar power companies start to mimic the Tesla Roof:
 
1.  The panels are damn near indestructible.  They have a Class 4 FM 4473 hail rating, which is the highest rating on the market.  This means that the panels can withstand a 2 inch diameter ice ball with an impact speed of 100mph.  This is coupled with the Class F ASTM D3161  wind rating, also the highest at 110mph.
 
2.  The panels are Class A UL 790 rated....the highest fire rating.  This means that they can withstand 1400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.  These things are going to absorb a lot of heat energy during a fire, which may result in runoff electrical production (increased amperage).
 
3.  The panels are INVISIBLE!!!  That's right.  Just go to the website above and take a look for yourself.  You're not going to know that it's a solar roof until you're already at the roof.  This is even more dangerous as they are covered in coated glass, which is slippery even before it gets wet.
 
4.  The last issue that is going to hinder us is the addition of home batteries.  Tesla markets that you should add the Tesla Power Wall with your solar roof, which means the house is going to remain energized as we work (that's right, not just the solar panels, but the whole house!).
 
So, what are we left with?  The need to train.  We need to learn our districts and know which homes and structures have solar panels.  We need to learn about the solar systems, especially as to how to shut them down.  And we need to start re-thinking vertical ventilation, as it may not be possible.

 

I want one.
 

 
 
More photos/info: http://www.equipmentworld.com/meet-jack-macks-800-hp-mega-crew-cab-pickup-truck/?utm_source=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_content=08-05-2016&utm_campaign=Equipment World&ust_id=4f701e9e86afc015e4aad769df0eb9ff

 

How do we "THANK YOU for what you do" ? I am glad you are out there and what would we do without you. "I know I couldn't do it". I respect you for what you do and I'm on your side.
 
Here is a video to try and explain what I mean.
 
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA4eblPMBaA

Great video! VERY COOL prop!
 

https://youtu.be/p9BHgQ2xNXM

In most places conditions are so much different.
1) Buildings, exposures, population etc are generally much different.
2) Training requirements are much different. In most places today career firefighters are required to attend a fulltime 16-18 week recruit school before riding on any fire trucks. Usually, during each shift, some form of training or building surveys are done in order to keep their required skills proficient.
3) Career firefighters operate under a semi military environment. There is a chain of command that must be followed. If rules or policy is not followed, some form of discipline can be taken against that individual.
4) To become a career firefighter there is a written and oral testing process, along with a very intense medical and a difficult CPAT agility test to successfully pass. Later comes a character investigation done by most police departments. As we know, the numbers are very high for those that apply, yet few are chosen.
5) Promotions within the career fire service are very difficult as well. Many individuals spent many years studying for the test day. In addition there is usually an oral interview with a score rating. When it is finely over, few are chosen over the number of individuals testing. Sometimes, there is also special school requirements that must be completed within a period of time to maintain that officer level.
The end result is that in most cases, only the very best candidates are chosen. For that, the people who pay for these firefighters expect the very best of service. And rightfully so. Those people have every right to expect their firefighters to help them in their time of need. And for those firefighters to thrown themselves into danger if necessary. That is the trade off. And if you happen to be one of those career firefighters, because of that, you must fully understand, that you are held to a higher standard than most individuals. You drop the ball and every other career firefighter gets dragged through the mud because of your foolish actions. The public trust you to go into their homes and apartments when no one is home. They will even hand you over their sick baby because they trust you. There's no other job like it.
Does the public appreciate what VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS do. Of course they do. Those guys are out there doing a job to help the public in their most desperate moments. No matter what the weather is, they are out there. They give up a nights sleep and still are expected to go to their fulltime jobs to support their families the next morning. Some come from outstanding careers or backgrounds. They have even helped me too.
I was a career firefighter. I was a volunteer firefighter as well. A career for 30 years and volunteer for 5 years prior to that. During my years as a career firefighter, on a few occasions I worked with volunteer firefighters. They depended on me and I depended on them. Yet when it was over, "you stay on your side of the fence, I'll stay on mine". That's pretty sad actually. Just a few hours before, we were cold and wet together. We might have had a few pretty hectic moments together. I'm sure their family members worried about them, just like my family members worried about me. We attended LODD funerals together for volunteer firefighters and career firefighters. The fact is that the smoke and heat was always the same. Career Firefighters and Volunteer Firefighters share a lot in common. They share things that no other groups share.
If you were to visit my home town you would find a Civil War going on. Between career and volunteer firefighters. Should I try to hide it ? No. Although I am not at all proud of what goes on here, "I know we are NOT alone". The reality is this, we should respect each other for what you do. "Instead of Fighting, We should be Uniting". Maybe it's time to think that over a bit. Remember, there are no promises made of going home in this fire service business. Over the years I learned that because I attended so many firefighter LODD funerals.

March 30, 1974 201 South Broadway in Yonkers vacant Ford dealership

Feb '74 485 Nepperhan Ave in Yonkers 1 alarm

4.21.87 Yonkers second alarm at 61 Hudson St …. one fatality. This was the fire previous to the Post St and Elliott Ave job.

I never stated " as long as we put the fire out " I stated the needed resources were called and the fire was put out . Starting an argument between the 2 departments will not correct not having a tanker or not having a ladder truck . Bedford was called to the scene of a structure fire in Pound Ridge in July , for a engine so the 2 departments do us each other , When they have whats needed .

There is nothing constructive about this thread . The resources needed were called , the fire was put out . What is the problem?

There is nothing constructive about this thread . The resources needed were called , the fire was put out . What is the problem?

There is nothing constructive about this thread . The resources needed were called , the fire was put out . What is the problem?

There is nothing constructive about this thread . The resources needed were called , the fire was put out . What is the problem?

Posted these on another site and they're just as appropriate here.....

You don't need to collect a paycheck to act professionally....NEVER, EVER settle for being anything other than the best you can be!!
Career, volunteer or anything in between, if you're in the fire service it doesn't get any clearer that this....

.....Remember.

Pretty neat video!
The Fireman (Fireman in 1950s) Video
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=ce8_1410116593

This had been going around Facebook today