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A landmark fire service study on firefighter safety and the deployment of resources was recently released by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). Because of its significance for America’s fire service, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) analyzed the salient points contained in the “Report on Residential Fireground Field Experiments,” (PDF, 8.5 MB) dated April 2010. (Note: This large document will take time to download.)
According to the NIST Release, the report is the first to quantify the effects of crew sizes and arrival times on the fire service lifesaving and firefighting operations for residential fires. “The study found that four-person firefighting crews were able to complete 22 essential firefighting and rescue tasks in a typical residential structure 30 percent faster than two-person crews and 25 percent faster than three-person crews.”
The study is the culmination of more than a year’s worth of work by NIST, the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and a broad coalition in the scientific, firefighting, and public-safety communities. The results from this rigorous study on the most common and deadly fires in the country—those in single-family residences—provide quantitative data to fire chiefs and public officials responsible for determining safe staffing levels, station locations, and appropriate funding for community and firefighter safety.
The EMR-ISAC noted that more than 60 full-scale fire experiments were conducted to determine the impact of crew size, first-due engine arrival time, and subsequent apparatus arrival times on firefighter safety and effectiveness at a low-hazard residential structure fire. Considering ongoing budget restraints or funding reductions, the results of these field experiments come at a crucial time for the fire service and should contribute significant knowledge to the firefighting industry nationwide.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) launched a new wildland fire preparedness initiative—Ready, Set, Go! (RSG)—at their annual Wildland-Urban Interface conference last month. In consultation with the RSG program administrator, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) learned the public education program is a collaborative process that can improve coordination and communication between emergency response agencies and individual residents. The program stresses fundamental actions homeowners can take to enhance property survivability in a wildland fire. Fully engaging individual homeowners and aligning program components with existing community-based programs help build partnerships, and clarify and refine priorities to protect life, property, infrastructure, and key resources.
“We’ve identified eight fire departments from across the country to run the program in their communities this year,” said IAFC Wildland Fire Policy Committee chair Chief Bob Roper. “These departments will help us fine-tune Ready, Set, Go! for a nationwide rollout next year. The eight fire departments are located in Arizona, Utah, Texas, Tennessee, Montana, Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The departments range from small volunteer companies to large municipal or county departments, but all face similar challenges from development in or near natural areas that are susceptible to wildland fires.
“We’re working with private industry and a number of local, state, and federal partners to make Ready, Set, Go! a viable national safety and awareness program,” said Chief Roper. “The U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fire Administration, National Fire Protection Association Firewise, and the Institute for Business & Home Safety have been instrumental in bringing the program to this point in its development.”
The EMR-ISAC confirmed that the 2010 fire season will be used to collect data from the departments using RSG to further define the program’s components. “If all goes as we expect, our goal is to roll out a national version of Ready, Set, Go! next year,” said Chief Roper. “Ready, Set, Go! protects lives, property, and firefighters. It’s a win-win solution for anyone living or working in the wildland-urban interface.”
Detailed program information can be found at the RSG Program Outline (PDF, 318.5 KB).
The recent failed attack on Times Square in New York City seems to highlight an increasing frequency or pattern of activity within the United States. These events may cause municipal leaders across America—including those of the Emergency Services Sector (ESS)—to examine their own levels of preparedness for emergencies involving explosive materials. Considering the potential interest of ESS departments and agencies, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) examined the current course offerings of the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP), located in Anniston, Alabama. CDP prepares cities and local emergency services personnel to protect, prevent, deter, and respond to acts of terrorism or major hazardous material accidents.
According to Captain William Brown, from the Minot (ND) Police Department, the Emergency Responder Hazardous Materials Technician (ERHM) course reinforced situational awareness, identified potential hazards, and emphasized the need to communicate with other disciplines. “First responders, especially law enforcement, must recognize the need for enhanced training regarding first response to hazardous materials.” Captain Brown added: “Whether it is a chemical spill, train derailment, or a terrorist attack, police officers must recognize the threat is real and their role is vital to ensure any threats to the public are minimized, if not mitigated.”
The EMR-ISAC verified in its description that the ERHM course is a five-day event providing students with a combination of lectures and hands-on practical exercises. The training meets requirements set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for technician-level training. This program addresses the terrorist threat, hazardous materials management system, responder health and safety, Incident Command System, site management, information management, response objectives, and terminating the incident.
Questions about the ERHM course or other CDP offerings can be directed to studentservices@cdpemail.dhs.gov or by calling 1-866-213-9553.
Recognizing the potential risks and occasional challenges to Emergency Services Sector (ESS) personnel from motor vehicles with electric drive propulsion systems, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) reviewed the “Fire Fighter Safety and Emergency Response for Electric Drive and Hybrid Electric Vehicles Final Report,” (PDF, 4.4 MB) dated May 2010, by the Fire Protection Research Foundation.
According to the Summary Observations, this report assembles best practice information for firefighters and fireground incident commanders to assist in their decision-making process with emergency events involving electric drive and hybrid electric vehicles. “It includes vehicles intended for roadway passenger use, and involving fire and/or rescue emergency situations either on the roadway or at charging/docking stations.”
Researchers for this document also collected and analyzed applicable scientific studies, training guidance, case study reports and loss data, and available emergency response guidance relating to electric drive and hybrid electric vehicles. Its deliverables are intended to serve as the basis for training program development by others.
As excerpted from the report, the EMR-ISAC summarized the following important tactics for ESS responders to consider regarding electric drive propulsion vehicles:
For more information about this and other research by the Fire Protection Research Foundation, check their website or write to foundation@nfpa.org.
The U.S. Fire Administration/EMR-ISAC does not endorse the organizations sponsoring linked websites, and does not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer.
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DHS and the FBI encourage recipients of this document to report information concerning suspicious or criminal activity to DHS and/or the FBI. The DHS National Operation Center (NOC) can be reached by telephone at 202-282-9685 or by email at NOC.Fusion@dhs.gov.
The FBI regional phone numbers can be found online at www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm
For information affecting the private sector and critical infrastructure, contact the National Infrastructure Coordinating Center (NICC), a sub-element of the NOC. The NICC can be reached by telephone at 202-282-9201 or by email at NICC@dhs.gov.
When available, each report submitted should include the date, time, location, type of activity, number of people and type of equipment used for the activity, the name of the submitting company or organization, and a designated point of contact.
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May 20, 2010 InfoGram