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TED-Ed: Is fire a solid, liquid, or gas?

8THIRTYFOUR on February 21, 2019

Taken from TED-Ed, a bit of education on fire science that you may know, may not know or just need a quick refresher.

From Elizabeth Cox, Educator:

Sitting around a campfire, you can feel its heat, smell the woody smoke, and hear it crackle. If you get too close, it burns your eyes and stings your nostrils. You could stare at the bright flames forever as they twist and flicker in endless incarnations… But what exactly are you looking at? Elizabeth Cox illuminates the science behind fire.

Watch the TED Talk here.

This is our fire hall. This is our fire family.

8THIRTYFOUR on February 21, 2019

NOTE: This is a speech I gave at my fire hall’s annual awards banquet and felt it was worth sharing.

This is our fire hall. This is our fire family.

We are members of a unique and special brother and sister-hood that goes back centuries to ancient Rome and even before that in ancient Egypt.

In 1666 the Great Fire of London helped standardize firefighting. In America, George Washington, the future President was a volunteer firefighter in Alexandria, Virginia as a member of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Company. Benjamin Franklin was also a volunteer firefighter helping to create the first fire department in Philadelphia in 1736.

The first known female firefighter Molly Williams took her place with the men on the drag ropes during the blizzard of 1818 and pulled the fire water pump to the fire through deep snow.

The first organized municipal fire brigade in the world was established in Edinburgh, Scotland, when the Edinburgh Fire Engine Establishment was formed in 1824. London was formed 9 years later in 1833.

The fire service is deep in rich history.

Firefighters have been helping in the community and engaging in charitable causes through generations. An early example is firefighter Royal Tunbridge Wells helping to raise money for widows and orphans. He used his dog ‘Jack’ and cat ‘Arthur’ to help encourage donations.

Speaking personally, I joined after the Gatlinburg fires… after our mountain, Signal Mountain was on fire. I still remember driving with my family on 153 towards the mountain and seeing the plumes of smoke. Our mountain was on fire. At that moment I had to help. Not just something to do but a deeper calling from within. To help my

family, to help my community. To protect us all. I am a protector. Maybe 6 or 8 months after that… I remember Captain Jody Clift out at one of our trainings and he said to me, “You’ve got the fire bug. I see it.” He was right. And that bug burns hotter now than ever. I’ve taken many classes, gotten certifications and am in rookie school. I’m planning on attending many conferences and seminars to continue to learn. I’m also working on transitioning my career to help fire service organizations (but that’s another story for another time). I am a protector and part of the fire service and part of the Lone Oak Volunteer Fire Department.

Why are you here? Why are you part of the fire service?

Regardless of the fire service history and changes through the years. And the reasons on why we are here. There is one constant thing that will never change. Courage, Compassion and Community.

This is our fire hall. This is our fire family. We are here to help the community in which we live. We are here to be an integral part of our community. And when I talk of this, I don’t mean just the members. I’m talking about everyone in this room – our families. They give to and help our community. They share us. When the call comes in the middle of the night or when we’re just sitting down to dinner. They share us and give to our community too. Thank you to my wife and kids, and all of our families from the bottom of my heart.

This is our fire hall. This is our fire family.

SAFER Grant application period announced

8THIRTYFOUR on February 11, 2019

The FY 2018 SAFER application period will open on Friday, February 15, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. ET and will close on Friday, March 22, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Start planning your FY 2018 SAFER Grant application now by reviewing the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), and Economic Hardship Waivers Information Bulletin (IB), and technical assistance tools below. These tools were produced specifically to help potential applicants begin to plan their 2018 applications ahead of the application period. The tools can be viewed on the AFG website or downloaded to your computer.

SAFER Grants Help Desk:If you have questions about the technical assistance tools listed below, call or e-mail the SAFER Grants help Desk. The toll-free number is 1-866-274-0960; the e-mail address for questions is firegrants@fema.dhs.gov.

Social Media and the PIO

8THIRTYFOUR on February 6, 2019

To show and not show through social media?

One of the challenges I have been wrestling with lately is what and what not to show through social media on my departments pages. I understand the need to show the community a glimpse into the life of a firefighter but also have a strong sensitivity to the victims of a fire and the need for their privacy. Putting myself in the shoes of someone who just lost their house and belongings I’m not sure I’d want the remains or flames posted for the world to see. I believe there needs to be a balance between what we do vs. privacy but I’m not exactly sure what that is.

I do know it’s appropriate to show training photos/videos, along with community events and education. That helps awareness, recruitment, community engagement and value we bring to a community. But on scene or during overhaul… I’m not sure.

The NFPA 1600 illustrates the Standard on Continuity, Emergency, and Crisis Management which is more about the dissemination of public information during emergencies rather than day-to-day operations.

I also found a couple good articles on the subject. One from Chief Miller on Does Social Media Belong in Today’s Fire Service? Another from Linda Willing on 3 simple ways to avoid a fire department PR nightmare. And one from John Kosiak on Fire PIOs Taking Advantage of Social Media.

Take a look at these for reference. I would also love to hear your opinions and what your department policy on social media is.

Stay safe!

Cancer Awareness & Prevention

8THIRTYFOUR on December 19, 2018

This is some great information from Firehouse Magazine to help keep yourself, your department and your families safe.

A new supplement in Firehouse magazine looks at cancer in the fire service and provides tips and information to help firefighters protect themselves and their crew. The NVFC served as a cornerstone sponsor for the project. View supplement. You can also learn the 11 best practices for preventing firefighter cancer in the Lavender Ribbon Report; download here. 

Firefighters protected in an ILDH

Unique Challenges? Try Extreme Cold.

8THIRTYFOUR on December 18, 2018

Every department faces their own unique set of challenges. Whether it be a high-density urban wildland interface or mountainous terrain, we must all overcome these special circumstances within our districts. Here’s an interesting article I came across regarding an Antarctic firefighter.

What special challenges do you face? Comment below!

Antarctic firefighter discusses unique challenges on continent of extremes

Lt. John Piper, who is on his third austral summer season working at McMurdo Station, explains a typical day working as a firefighter in Antarctica.
John R Kowalski: Integrative Marketing Fusion
John R Kowalski: Integrative Marketing Fusion

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