Jason762

By Mark Ginocchio

Staff Writer

Published April 17 2006

In lower Fairfield County, the threshold is crossed.

Gasoline prices have reached $3 a gallon.

  Earlier this month, industry observers said that probably wouldn't happen until Memorial Day -- the unofficial kickoff of the summer driving season, when gas prices historically peak.

But a recent run-up in crude oil prices, caused by the nuclear ambitions of Iran and fears of a shortage of a new fuel additive, moved up the predicted date by seven weeks.

It isn't the first time motorists will be forced to pay $3 a gallon. In August, after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, gas prices surged beyond $3 a gallon for about a month.

This time, however, there's reason to believe the high prices will stick around longer.

When prices spiked after the hurricane, Martine Morette, 29, who paid $2.89 a gallon at the Stamford Gulf station Friday, said she thought they would fluctuate and eventually fall.

"But this has been a steady climb," Morette said. "They're not fluctuating. And if they do, I don't know how much lower they'll get."

If gas costs $3 a gallon and more all summer long, there will be effects, predicted Taylor Garland, 17, who was filling up at the Gulf Gas & Mart on East Main Street in Stamford.

"There are definitely going to be people with a lot less money in their pockets," Garland said.

The average pump price in Stamford Friday was $2.96 a gallon, according to The Advocate's survey of 12 stations. Four of the stations surveyed were charging $2.99 a gallon or higher. One yesterday was charging $3.05.

The Norwalk average was $2.88 a gallon.

In Connecticut, the average price Friday was $2.80 a gallon, according to AAA's daily fuel survey, which includes no gas stations south of Bridgeport.

Prices in lower Fairfield County are usually 15 cents to 20 cents a gallon higher because of the higher cost of living, higher rents for station owners and zone pricing -- a practice in which oil companies charge higher wholesale costs to station owners based on what the market will allow.

If steep prices continue all summer, it will create problems for consumers, said Ed Deak, a professor of economics at Fairfield University.

"There's going to be a greater weight on consumers when they're spending an extra $10, $15, $20 a week," Deak said. "It's problematic, even for those with substantial incomes."

Although demand has not been tempered so far, "it takes time for (motorists) to adjust," Deak said.

Observers think prices will remain high because oil traders are focused on the upcoming switch to ethanol, a corn-based fuel additive used in Connecticut, New York and California, but not the rest of the country.

Federal energy officials have said there could be a shortage of ethanol, which is driving up prices.

Deak said the country could import more ethanol made from sugar from South America, but the United States won't lift a 59-cent-per-gallon tariff on the additive.

The tariff has caught the attention of state officials. Gov. M. Jodi Rell called on the Bush administration to lift the tax on imported ethanol to lower prices in the short term.

Rell's pleas were echoed by U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Bridgeport.

"I don't care how ethanol is made, just as long as there is a way that (importing it) can help lower prices," said Shays, who thinks an "artificial shortage" has been created.

Copyright © 2006, Southern Connecticut Newspapers, Inc.

Stamford uses the following responses to I-95:

MVA Northbound: Available medic unit (Medic 1 is first due), Engine 3, and Rescue 1

MVA Soutbound: Available medic unit (Medic 2 is first due), Engine 6, and Rescue 1

Car fire: 2 Engine Companies

MVA w/ fire:2 Engine Co.'s, Rescue 1, and available medic unit

We try to keep our truck co.'s off the highway due to the major amount of highway congestion and the potential for them to be involved in an MVA themselves.

I was just wondering... what are the various types of foam (if there are various types) and what their different uses are, as well as under what circumstances to use or not to use foam. I was also wondering the different capabilities i.e. foam tank sizes and other equipment that is used or stored on trucks around the area.

←

There are many different types of foam. Your best bet is to read IFSTA Essentials (fire streams chapter) or IFSTA Fire Streams book to get complete information. Also John Norman's Fire Officer Handbook of Tactics has quite a bit of foam information (and a lot of high-ex foam info). The basics that are still used for the most part are Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and Film Forming Flouroprotein (FFFP). These have different properies and different beneftits and drawbacks, thus making them applicable to use in different situations. IMHO AFFF-AR is probably the best all around foam. AR stands for alcohol resitant. We run with the newer 1%-3% foam (1% for hydrocarbon fires and 3% for polar solvent fires). This allows us to use lesser amounts of foam at a fire which is a big deal since most of us don't carry nearly enough foam to handle large scale incidents. Off the top of my head I believe our foam tank size is in the area of 50 gallons, possibly smaller, I'm sure x152 will post the exact size (I'm too tired to look it up right now). Hope this helps.

...providing the years of service doesn't really do anything in terms of credibilty.

←

I disagree with the above statement, I'd like to know if I'm talking to someone who has actually been in a fire or two or just some kid who read a book. Years of service, rank held or previously held, vol or career, are all helpful when having a debate or discussion. Which FD you work/volunteer for, name, address, and phone number, I can understand if some people may not want to give that info out. Just my ideas.

The FD's absolutely have their own problems but there are a few major differences.  First, when FD's say they are comming up short, most are still getting that first rig or two on the road.  They can still begin an effective initial attack while mutual aid is activated.  If your average VAC comes up short one member on an alarm you may not be able to respond at all.  Second, on a daily basis FD's do not have as much of a direct impact on a people's lives as EMS does.  How many actual emergencies does the average FD respond to that require their intervention to mitigate threats to life?  How many people were pulled from a fire, rescued from a collapse ,or extricated from a collision?  The vast majority of the time the FD is responsible for property, not lives.  In EMS every time you are called it is becase there is a percieved or actual threat to someone's life.  That is why there is a greater emphasis on time.

←

Maybe I shouldn't get involved in this thread because I believe you are just talking about VFD's in Westchester (with which I have no experience), but I do take exception to the statement of "How many actual emergencies does the average FD respond to that require their intervention to mitigate threats to life?" The FD I work for responds to many actual emergencies everyday. We run as first responders to any life-threatening EMS call in the city as well as our fair share of fires and rescues. Maybe we are not an "average FD" as you stated but you seem to be downplaying the importance of the FD in emergency response. And I'm not sure what you meant by "How many people were pulled from a fire, rescued from a collapse ,or extricated from a collision?". Did you mean how many today, last week, or ever? Plenty of peoples lives have been saved by actions taken by FD's. DO NOT downplay the importance of the FD. We are all a vital service to the community. It is also untrue that "In EMS every time you are called it is becase there is a percieved or actual threat to someone's life". I can't tell you how many times I have seen the wasted resources of EMS having to respond to a bloody nose or to pick up another drunk or a broken toe, etc. I am not downplaying the importance of EMS at all, but every call you go on is not the end all, be all, of emergency response. Lets face it we are all important agencies and response time is key in all facets of emergency response, FD, PD, and EMS. If the system isn't working then lets work together and find one that does.

Date: 04-3-06

Time: 1300hrs

Location: 735 Canal St. -Building 15 X Pacific St/Henry St.

Frequency: 154.130/800 TRS

Units Operating: E-1, E-2, E-3, E-4, E-5, E-6, E-7 (Springdale), E-8, E-9; T-1, T-2, T-3, T-45 (Belltown); R1 (Using R-2); DC-4; EMS Medic 1, 3; 901 (SEMS Supervisor) Unit 91 (Rehab and Comm.); Stamford Police. **

Description Of Incident: Fully involved former Yale & Towne property, a 1 and 2-story warehouse occupied by (5) commercial properties: Boss Hoss Motorcycles, Haller Piano, E.J. Kassery & Co. Polishing, Stamford Antiques Center, Inc.

Writer: Jason762, 242steve, tbendick (O/S), Truck4 (O/S)

1305hrs- E-1, E-4; T-1, T-2 responding to 735 Canal St for the report of a chemical fire.

1308hrs- E-1 O/S reports a working fire on Pacific St. side of complex. E-2 and R-1 cleared up from another box and are responding.

1st Alarm: E-1, E-4, E-2; T-1, T-2; R-1

1313hrs- E-1 requests a second alarm, reporting the building is fully involved. E5 2nd Alarm: E-5; T-3.

Exposure 1- 2-story commercial with a 15-foot alley and a 2nd floor foot bridge.

Exposure 2- Parking Lot (Pacific St. side)

Exposure 3- 1-story commercial with a 20-foot alley

Exposure 4- Parking Lot (Canal St. side)

1314hrs- E-7, E-32 (Glenbrook); T-45 (Belltown) relocating to Stamford Fire HQ

1323hrs- DC-4 requests a 3rd alarm. Off-duty callbacks in progress. Master stream operations underway. Exposure problem on exposure 1 side. Buildings are connected by an enclosed pedestrian bridge at the 2nd floor.

3rd Alarm: E-3; T-45 (Belltown).

1325hrs-DC-4 reports exterior op's only with all members accounted for. Very heavy fire conditions with (2) ladder pipes in operation on Pacific St. side (Exposure 2 side) and (1) deck gun in operation (Engine 2) in front. T-3 directed into the rear of the building from Canal St. to set up with E-5.

1330hrs- T-45 to set up on Canal St. side of the building. Turn of River and Belltown requested to cover their stations.

1340hrs- DC-4 requests a 4th alarm. Recall of off-duty manpower underway. Callapse of the interior and outer wall.

4th Alarm: E-7

1346hrs- E-63 (Turn of River) relocating to Stamford Station #3 (West Side).

1352hrs- Medic 91 (Rehab unit) responding. Medic 3 and Medic 1 already O/S.

1400hrs- Recall manpower to go in service with Engine 8 and Engine 9. Engine 7 laying in from Canal St.

1430hrs- Command requests a 5th alarm. Rpts co's having water pressure problems, contacting water company for assistance. E-8 req. to set up a drafting operation from the canal, through O & G Industries on Canal St. All available PD units responding to 7 Market St for evacuation of the area.

5th Alarm: E-8, E-9

1435hrs- Additional recall manpower to staff E-10.

1437hrs- CMD transmitting 6th Alarm. (3) ladder pipes and (1) Tower Ladder in operation with multiple handlines. No longer an exposure problem on Exposure 1 side.

1500hrs- Drafting operations underway with suppy lines into complex off Canal St. from Engine 8 and Engine 9.

1530hrs- Building has burned to the ground from the Pacific St. side to the Canal St. side (Antiques dealer). Still have (3) ladder pipes and (1) Tower Ladder in operation. Evacuated residents and media at Pacific X Henry.

1600hrs- Fire is darkening down, prolonged op's.

**Station Coverage

Station 1 (Main St)

-E32, T31 (Glenbrook), E10 (SFRD Called-back Manpower)

Station 2 (South End)

-T20 (Noroton Heights), E51 (Greenwich)

Station 3 (West Side)

-E63 (Turn OF River), E8 (Greenwich)

Station 5 (Woodside)

-E602 (Turn OF River)

Here is how we do it and I believe most other career FD's in CT are close to the same process:

The applicants must first have a valid CPAT card, then they are allowed to sit for the written exam. After they receive their rankings, the top (insert number here) are interviewed by the fire commission and FD top brass. After the interview process a conditional offer of emploment is given and the applicant goes through his/her medical screenings. At some point a background check is run. After the medical the new appointee, enters the fire academy.

OK, so I am going to agree with you on some points but disagree on others. First off I agree that in shape healthy FF's are key for not just FAST but any firefighting op's. Also I agree that most real life FAST op's turn into a cluster, this is sad but true. Also yes the trucks and equip. won't save a life but plentiful, competant, FF's might.

With that said I disagree with not haveing any "gadgets". Some of these "gadgets" such as a pre-rigged hauling system, stokes basket, SCBA changeover/replenshing unit, will save time and possibly assist in saving a life. If FF's are trained in the proper use of this equipment, it can be very helpful. Also proactive FAST op's such as cutting off steel security bars, opening up means of egress, and throwing ladders early can also save a life. As for dragging a FF out, it is easier said than done. I'm sure you have done it in training as have I but that is normally under ideal conditions. Try it in high heat, structural collapse, or below grade situations. Talk to some guys that have performed these op's in real life, it doesn't go well. The trapped FF is in the position he's in because things are going very badly, you can't just waltz in, pick him up, and off you go.

You make some good points, if we continue to train, critique past incidents and improve equipment maybe we can improve our chances of saving one of our own.

We have the Holmatro battery unit that was spoken of earlier on one of our engine companies and I can personally say I don't care for it. It is slow, underpowered, and unreliable. We have had problems with it when using it in the rain and unless battery maintenance is kept up the battery life is poor (like any other battery powered tool). We also do not have the problems of worrying about cars being deep into the woods and the associated portability issues of the standard extrication tools.

A basic size up should consist of the unit number that is arriving, the height of buidling (anything over about 6 stories can be reffered to as multi-story or high rise), type of construction (or closest educated guess based on similar buildings or pre-plans), type of occupancy (OMD, SFD, commercial, mercantile, mixed, etc.), and fire conditions found on arrival. Also any special or strange occurences can be relayed. There is no need to ramble on and on about every detai you see. Make mental notes of all the other details, COAL WAS WEALTH is not meant to be read over the radio. Most incoming companies should have a basic picture from this short size up, and should have a basic idea of what type of buildings are found in their districts and bordering districts. Keep it short and simple but give the pertinent details.

2006 MLB AL East Predictions

Yankees 84 W / 78 L

Red Sox 98 W / 64 L

"welcome to New York Johnny....." 

←

I see you are at it again x152, spewing your Yankee hatred around. Just because it will be another 84 yearts until the Red Sox win another title is no reson to be upset...

Date: 3/19/2006

Time: 1821 hours

Location: 562 Atlantic Street, XStreet Manhattan Street

Frequency: 800 mHz Trunked (Operations and Fireground)

Units Operating: E-2, E-1, E-6, T-2, R-1, DC-1, FM-106; SEMS Medic #1, Medic 901 (Supervisor); SPD.

Description Of Incident: Fully involved two-car garage. Cause is under investigation. Building is located in a block of vacant buildings to be demolished this week to make room for the Transitway Project.

Writer: SFRD49

I'm right here.  First I'm with V squared.  Second, DFFD, your comment is exactly what is wrong with the fire service and many departments.  What's next, if you want to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, that's ok because that is what you want to do because you're a volunteer?  What is this a clubhouse?  A hobby?  When you join a department you are making a commitment to a profession, one of the most dangerous in the world at that.  You're not joining the Elks club.  In fact if you don't want to follow the rules go join them, or the Lion's club, the Moose Lodge or the Freemasons.  If your a volunteer you have a life outside of the fire department?  LOL.  We all have lives outside the fire department.  The state has a no facial hair policy for all training involving SCBA use.  So guess if you don't want to shave, no training.  Personal choice sure.  That is why they have social status at departments also.  REMEMBER, YOU CHOSE THE FIRE SERVICE, THE FIRE SERVICE DIDN'T CHOOSE YOU.  THERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS IN LIFE!

What it comes down to is this:

1.  Believe it or not...its not about you.  Whether your paid, volunteer or whatever else you want to call yourself. You are there to serve the community, not yourself, your ego or whatever else some do it for. 

2.  If you don't want to follow the rules because you feel your "special" because you volunteer.  Go somewhere else.  We meaning the fire service don't need you.  The community doesn't need you and your department doesn't need you.  People that feel that "I'm just a volunteer," or "I volunteer so I'm owed something" are like a cancer and that mentality spreads.  As already said the fire service owes you nothing, you owe the fire service and the people.

←

ALS,

thank you for having some common sense and an open mind. People on this website constantly speak of professionalism and equality between career and vols, but then in complete contradiction to this, posts like that by DFFD in this thread and posts like the recently deleted 10 things about being a FF... are detrimental and harming to your service. Yes, most of you do not agree with what was said, but it only takes one bad comment to make us all look foolish. The bottom line is all of us need to follow the same standards...I can see that you all can talk the talk, but what we need is for you to be able to walk the walk. Until attitudes like those previously stated are abolished you can never progress. There is only one set of standards out there, not one for vol., one for career, one for combination, etc. Follow the standards or go home, end of story.

Ok, all you smooth bore fanatics...

I agree fully that the smooth bore has its place, and is a great nozzle.  How 'bout foam?  Can't do it with a smooth bore, right?  What do you feel are the advantages to having a smooth bore vs. the ability to flow foam?  From what I have been taught, (I am talking about Class A foam here) adding foam to your water gives a huge advantage.  So, add that to the discussion...

←

I don't know of any FD's using Class A foam reguraly(in this area). If any one is let me know how it is working out, for us, it is not a consideration at this time. I have heard they are having great success with it in Europe but I have not had the time to do any research on it. Who's using it in this area?

In my opinion if you want a beard, go for it. You're a volunteer firefighter, this means you have a life besides the fire department. I can see why a bared can cause an issue, but if this person is solely VOLUNTEER, I think he can do whatever he wants to himself.

←

DFFD,

so what ever happened to holding paid and vol's to the same standard??? I have heard over and over again on this website that we are all the same, but by your statement vol FF's can do what they want. Grow a beard...sure FF1...ah, who needs it, we are volunteers. Why don't you stop hiding behind the word volunteer, and agree to the same standards as career FF's. Once again folks, this is a job, not a hobby.

I've never seen a cat skeleton in a tree (or on a roof).  It will find a way down when it damn well pleases.

←

Stranger,

you may start to see more cats in trees on the west side...they'll be hiding from all the bullets flying near your quarters.

Guys These Were meant as a joke!

its from a t-shirt i have that i thought was funny and wanted to share with you.

i am in no way supporting drinking in the the fire house, it was meant as a joke, and to be taken lightly!

←

Well if you have read any of my previous posts you can tell that I am not exactly pro-volunteer. Now someone posts a completely rediculous post such as this. HMMMM I wonder why I have such feelings. All you volunteers and career FF's alike should be outraged at such a post. Is this how you want to be viewed???? Is this how you want the public to see you???? Yeah, what a funny T-shirt this would make...hahaha. It has nothing to do with a stick up any ones a**. It has to do with taking a little bit of pride in your "job". I am all for having fun at the firehouse and outside of it and those of you who work with me know this. But this is a serious job, one which has a very fragile view in the public eye. FF's getting arrested for DWI and similar offenses make front page headlines and apparently we like to make jokes and t-shirts about it. I think the most insulting comment is the one about telling stories that make us sound like heroes. Guys please, there are plenty of brothers out there who have died being heroes, not so you could wear some stupid t-shirt on your back, please show some respect. Its "jokes" like this that give the fire service a black eye that we seem to never recover from. Its not funny, no respectable FF should think it is, and if you do, maybe you should find another line of work. Feel free to respond, I would love to hear some of your comments...

And by the way...dont take anyone via the interior to the roof please during a fire in an occupied Multiple dwelling.  I think they do that in the movies or maybe the comics...but i have seen some incinerated stairwells leading up to the roof and ALS if you have seen this, you would not even be thinking this.

←

This is true, and on top of the fact that the stairwell turns into a chimney, the parade of panicked civilians will make it quite difficult to bring someone UP the stairs to the roof. We all would like to seperate stairwells into an attack stairwell and an evacuation stairwell, but when the s--t hits the fan, and people panic its not going to happen. Just stick with the basics. Attack the fire, rescue those that can be rescued, and protect in place as many as you safely can. If they are remote from the fire, and proper ventilation and fire attack take place, most people can stay put in a fire resistive or non-combustible OMD. If people need to be removed the best method is via interior fire protected stairs, then the fire escape if its in good condition (which most are not), then via aerial ladder or ground ladder. Oh and DOWN is probably a better idea than UP in terms of direction of travel for victim removal.

THIS IS EXTREMELY UNFORTUNATE .....Writing off this building ..

Anyone with fireground experience and common sense know that the situation gets progressively better once water is placed on the FIRE..Things get progressively WORSE when there is No Water placed on the fire. THE BEST RESCUE TOOL IS A PROPERLY PLACED HOSELINE.

Fire Blowing out windows is a good sign for US the firefighting force...The Fire has self vented and more than likely it will be possible for an easy push to be made to extinguish the fire.

Throw up Ladders to the 4th floor window ?????In pristine conditions a 35 may make it...but i guess you have bigger ground ladders and men ready to raise these ladders..

Evacuating people to the roof?????????????  You are going to take people to the roof..place them in the CHIMNEY and now you get to the roof is the bulkhead door open...Hope it is not locked or maybe chained from the inside and i hope you have the right tools if it is..but then again you say assess so I guess you mean the fire is darkening down..but wait you advise no initial attack..so what is it?

WHat about entry to the fire apartment...Is anyone going to address this...If anyone is trapped in there, basically you are writing them off, for they are in need of the most and are in the most danger.

People trapped on the number 2 side remote from the fire..need to be reassured that help is on the way...try to get your aerial or tower ladder on the number 2 side and raise to their location.

To completely write off an initial attack is absolutely amazing that it is even suggested

The only thing that makes sense is the transmission of a Second alarm to bring additonal resources to the scene of an occupied multiple dwelling fire where many jobs have to taken care of...Unfortuantely not putting any water on the fire will escalate an already bad situation.... CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHERE THESE TACTICS ARE BEING TAUGHT....

←

Goalie,

Very well stated. It seems a lot of FF's out there have not taken the time to educate themselves about the hierarchy of rescue priority. Remember everyone, fire floor, floor above, top floor, then work your way down from the top floor. Many people that need the greatest help are those that CAN NOT be seen or heard. The person that is screaming at the window can at least scream and yell. What about the unconscious person close to the fire apartment.

Why would you write off this building? Nothing was said about there being an overwhelming amount of fire. This is a relatively bread and butter type fire. Yes there are many tasks that need to be accomplished simultaneously, so a second alarm is in order depending on your first alarm compliment of people, but there is no need to write off this building. I hope some of you are not in command positions in your respective FD's.

As for the failure of the initial attack, no specifics were given on why it failed so remedying this is not possible w/o those specifics. Can it be fixed with a second line, a larger line, or did water supply fail for some reason. Need more details...

How about a 2 inch handline less weight easy to handle

200' of 2" with 15/16 tip = 240 gpm  PP approx 100psi

←

DC2T,

How did you come up with this number? Using the formula GPM=29.7xsq root NPxDiameter of the orifice squared you get around 185 GPM from a 15/16 tip at 50 psi. At that flow you lose approx 27 psi per 100 feet (friction loss)leaving about 46 psi for the tip. Close enough to the 50 psi needed at the tip.

Now say you were able to get 240 GPM from a 15/16 tip, you certainly couldn't do it with a pump pressure of 100 psi. At 240 GPM you lose approx 46 psi per 100 fet of 2" hose leaving approx 8 psi for the nozzle based on your statement of flowing 240 gpm at 100 psi PDP through 200' of 2". Not sure how you got this?????

First, if you cant tell you have a kink with a TFT its news to me, Ive had plenty an can always tell.  Second, I will agree that if you have a pump WITHOUT flow meters you should not even consider using automatic nozzles.  The MPO has to be on the ball, my engine does have flow meters and all of our operators are trained to watch flow very closely. 

I am not anti smooth bore, in fact am a proponent of them on pumps with no flow meters and line over 2". 

As for the second part go look at the low pressure tft flow/reaction charts on their web site....I would be happy to get together with you and flow some water, I didnt believe it myself until I did it.  We ran the 1000gal (950 in reality) gal tank on 118 dry with 2 2" in operation in 116 seconds (I think its been a few years)

←

I'm not sure if we are on the same page here. Are you saying you can always tell when there is a kink if you are the MPO or when you are on the inside. As an MPO I would have to agree with you, yes you should be able to tell, but on the inside I have to say no, you would not be able to tell unless it was such a severe kink it cut your water supply completely or close to it. Otherwise you would still have a line that felt hard, had a good pattern. and appeared to be flowng adequate GPM based on the whole design behind automatic nozzles.

I'm a big guy and have no issue with me and any other guy on a 2" line.  I have heard 2 smallish guys complain about the 2"....

There was a comment above about "throwing out" all nozzels other than smooth bore.  I will be happy to show in reality that I can get more water with less reaction force out of the automatic compensating TFT tips we run than a 15/16 smooth bore.  We dont use the TFT's on 2.5" 0nly 2".

←

CFD,

Here is one of the main problems with the TFT, you have no idea when on the nozzle if you have an effective fire stream or not. The stream and pattern appear to be good, but in reality the nozzle is not flowing enough GPM's. The GPM's are what puts out the fire not the pressure. This problem has been documented by many big city FD's and has led them to no longer use the TFT. Many of their FF's thought they were flowing the GPM's that the nozzle is designed for but in reality they were flowing way less and many times it was of no fault of the pump operator. A kink in the hose will severely reduce your GPM (up to 30% at a 90 degree bend I believe)and with the TFT you will have no idea about this loss of GPM. With a smooth bore you will know when something is going wrong.

Also I would like to hear how you get more GPM with less reaction force out of a TFT than a smooth bore

The link below is to a video clip where firefighters were doing a demonstartion for the public...and became trapped and on-fire during a public open house event.

http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/downl...iningMishap.wmv

←

What in the world where those guys thinking about. There was fire to the floor and they crawl in???? Those aren't fire entry suits we wear. Is there any write up on what happened or why they did what they did, I looked and couldn't find anything on FFclosecalls. From here it just looks like stupidity.

Sounds like the difference between a 1 1/2 and 1 3/4 debate they had years back.  For us I don;t think running all 2's would help us cause of man power.  We usually only have 2 guys per line.  Can 2 handle a 2" ok?

←

2 people can handle a 2" line, BUT there are several things to be aware of:

-they will take a bit of a beating on the line

-with only 2 people there is no one to chase kinks, which can be extremely detrimental to an effective flow rate.

-with only 2 people there is no one on the line or adjacent to it that can watch your back i.e look what's going on around, not letting the fire get behind you, etc.

-there will be no one to halp advance the line around corners, up stairs, etc.

Of the few things I've listed, you must encounter these problems anyway with only 2 people on a line regardless of hose size. Why don't you have more people on a line? How about teaming up companies to put the first line in operation. First line placement is one of the most important things on the fireground. This needs to take priority over almost any other action, except the obvious (recue needs, exposure protection, etc.).

Can anybody please recommend an area  subscriber buff network for a friend in the media who wants to get YFD and PD calls instead of buying a scanner??

Remembered seeing this posted on the defunct Fordyce site. I think one was called Breaking News Service or something similar?

What do they typically charge per month and the cost of the pager is ???

Thank You and Happy Weekend.

←

go to incidentpage.net

price is about $8/month I think plus the cost of the pager airtime.