Pretty Hot Stuff

To date we've heard from FFs Billstrom, Chesley, Hunter and Sesby; all newly certified at Firefighter 1! When you see them congratulate them on all of their hard work.

A New Playhouse

Send in your ideas to enhance the Saving Our Own prop to be built at Station 31. As designed the prop will support evolutions for moving a firefighter out a narrow window, up or down stairs, out a second story window and down a ladder, hoisting someone up through a hole in a floor, ladder and pocket rope bails, and wall breaches. Any ideas for adding forcible entry?

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.