Venting the Roof

While on duty, or serving in an official capacity, one must act accordingly. Recently a number of firefighters have been in the news for making remarks about President-elect Obama. These comments do the fire service no favors.

Political machinations are at best boring for most firefighters. A few, now in the media, have taken it upon themselves to send out emails or make remarks about Mr. Obama. While it is within the rights of a person to say how they feel with that right comes the responsibility to answer for comments viewed as problematic by leadership. In short you have the freedom to say what you wish but you are not protected from the consequences if you make those comments in a professional capacity.

Sending out “joke” emails from city accounts or from business accounts is a bad idea. Put some thought into what you are going to send. This isn’t political correctness but rather speaks to common sense. When, as a firefighter, you make a mistake revealed in the media all firefighters are often painted with the same broad stroke.

Further, if the best you can do is make fun of someones skin color think about investing in education. Wake up before you put brothers and sisters in the position of defending your stupid comments.

A 17 year veteran of the Detroit Fire Department perished this morning after falling through the roof of a vacant home on the east side of the city. A member of Engine 23, Harris responded with other units to gain control of the fire.

Venting the Roof extends our deepest sympathies to the men and women of Detroit and to the Harris family and friends.

FROM NIOSH:

NIOSH will hold a public stakeholders’ meeting on November 19, 2008 in Rosemont, IL, to seek stakeholder input on the progress and strategic goals of the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP)

The meeting will be held from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Chicago O’Hare, 5440 North River Road.

Stakeholder input is being sought to ensure that the program is meeting the needs of the stakeholders, and to identify ways in which the program can be improved to increase its impact on the safety and health of fire fighters across the United States.

NIOSH will compile and consider all comments received at the meeting and through the NIOSH Docket Office and use them in making decisions on how to proceed with the FFFIPP. NIOSH convened a similar stakeholders’ meeting in March 2006 to seek input on the progress and future directions of the FFFIPP.

The input provided by stakeholders at that meeting was useful in providing insight into stakeholder needs and in helping to improve the FFFIPP. The November 2008 meeting will be held to again seek stakeholder input.

Acceptability of Risk

1. No building or property is worth the life of a firefighter.
2. All interior fire fighting involves an inherent risk.
3. Some risk is acceptable, in a measured and controlled manner.
4. No level of risk is acceptable where there is no potential to save lives or savable property.
5. Firefighters shall not be committed to interior offensive fire fighting operations in abandoned or derelict buildings.

Risk Assessment

1. All feasible measures shall be taken to limit or avoid risks through risk assessment by a qualified officer.
2. It is the responsibility of the Incident Commander to evaluate the level of risk in every situation.
3. Risk assessment is a continuous process for the entire duration of each incident.
4. If conditions change, and risk increases, change strategy and tactics.
5. No building or property is worth the life of a firefighter.

Everyone knows about the kitchen table in a firehouse. Stories, training and laughter are always found around the table.

FireRescue1.com is running a blog called The Kitchen Tableand this author is proud to be a contributor. In fact two people from South Carolina are on board as Mick Mayers, Chief of the Hilton Head Fire Department, is also a contributor.

Check it out.

When Tom Carr becomes fire chief in Charleston he will face a number of issues. Here are five thoughts Venting the Roof offers to help him get started:

1. Out with old and in with the new is a motto for the command staff.
2. Show firefighters you will stand up for them.
3. Reverse the transfers that took place as payback.
4. Implement a safety officer program and have a safety officer respond to all building fires. This will require three safety officers.
5. Don’t allow a “group” of firefighters to hang out at headquarters. This is one area firefighters will watch closely.

The Kannapolis Fire Department in North Carolina operates nine engines and one ladder truck protecting more than 39,000 people. The department operates out of five stations and answers more than 3500 calls per year for an average of around 9 calls per day.

There are 54 full time firefighters and nearly 40 volunteers. Chief Ernie Hiers is in charge.

As you arrive at a one story brick, single family dwelling, smoke is issuing from the bravo side via an open window. Thinking this is an easy knockdown you pull an attack line without doing a 360 degree size up. As you prepare to enter the neighbor runs up and tells you the entire back of the house, concealed from view, as well as an apartment in back are both burning furiously. As you turn to call for a larger line you note a person with a camera standing, videoing your every move.

In the past four years the use of video uploads to the Internet, as well as news sites, has dramatically increased. It means first responders are now potential stars on the evening news or in court. The old days of ignoring policy without worrying are over. Every move made is a potential exhibit for a jury.

This isn’t an attempt to frighten. Instead it’s a fact of modern life. What you do will likely be part of at least a photography collection. Sites like Venting the Roof and FirefighterHourly.com receive pictures from firefighters who are using their mobile phones to record incidents. Imagine the consequences if a digital image highlights failure to follow procedures.

It drives home a simple point in the digital age. On every call treat it like a professional would and never fail to follow best practices.