Breathe Easy

SeaWestern, (our SCBA supplier), was on island yesterday to perform the annual flow testing of our SCBAs. Each year every SBCA is tested to insure that it is operating according to NFPA specifications. All of the equipment passed the inspection process. Thanks to the maintenance crew that shuttled SCBAs to and from each engine, keeping us in service throughout the day.

Shmutz Under Pressure

This month's brain teaser was answered by two firefighters, each saying the same thing but in very different ways. Both are worth presenting.

The question was, "Where would you find the overpressure region, the under pressure region and the neutral plane?"

The academic answer, "The neutral plane is the region in a container fire (as in structure or contents fire) between the overpressure where hot gases are flowing out - as in black smoke or even flames and the underpressure - air flowing in. In a doorway, smoke and flames will usually flow thru the upper third or half of the opening while incoming air will be in the lower third - in between the two is the neutral plane.It gets lots more complicated if windows or basement opening are providing the underpressure."

The succinct answer, "a nicely undisturbed compartment (room/building) fire". we usually mess it up so it all becomes shmutz."

Thanks, and well put...

Learning and Profit On Line

VFIS, our insurance carrier, has cooperated in a great online learning opportunity about engineered building components and their performance when exposed to fire. We have seen anecdotal information. This program introduces ASTM and UL testing which graphically demonstrates what we have learned from studying LODDs. Of particular interest is the discussion of TIC in identifying potential collapse.

This is so important that you are encouraged to watch the video and then turn in a unit log for one hour of training in building construction. Follow this link: http://www.ul.com/fire/structural.html

Firewise Guys

Four San Juan Island community presidents were guests at the recent Firewise Communities convention in Tampa Florida. As you can see, the department was well represented. There are now 15+ Firewise Communities partnering with San Juan Island Fire.

Fit to Fight

It is time for department physicals. Your medical history and authorization letters are being sent. Remember, you'll need to schedule a fasting blood draw and nurse's visit, then the visit with the Doc. Please complete your exam before the end of the year.

I've Found the Key

No more searching for the key to S316 or U315. A lock box has been mounted just inside the back door into the bays at Station 31. Just to keep it simple, the combination is the same as the station door.

New Firefighters

Seven of our Firefighter 1 candidates have completed their certification testing. The two day process culminates the introductory class that has run every Saturday and Sunday since Labor Day. This was also the first joint recruit training between San Juan Island Fire and Friday Harbor Fire in several years. Class members included Evan Anderson, Adam Ayers, David Billstrom, Chris Chesley, Kate Hunter, Jane Hutchison, Mike MacLellan, Chris Ross and Brien Sesby.

Thanks are also due to all of the officers and firefighters that helped in course delivery and certification testing.

Our new firefighters are certifying through an internationally recognized testing process that establishes consistent professional capabilities. It is the same level of testing used in urban career fire departments such as Everett, Bellingham, or Tacoma.

What the Flush?

This is a hydrant flushing device used by the Friday Harbor Water Dept. for water line maintenance. If you find it attached to a hydrant that you need to use on a call, simply close the hydrant valve and disconnect the device from the 2 1/2 inch port. Leaving the large red box undisturbed, attach your supply line and re-open the hydrant. Make sure the IC is aware of the situaiton so they may contact the water departement.