NEEDA - National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association

The US Internal Revenue Service has issued the 2008 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Kenton Pattie, NEEDA Executive Director: "Every dealer should keep daily logs of miles driven for your company, 50.5 cents per mile amounts of a lot of money and with gas costing over $3 per gallon it is to your advantage to document your business miles. The IRS mileage rate was 36 cents per mile in 2003!"

Beginning January 1, 2008, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (including vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

50.5 cents per mile for business miles driven;
19 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes; and
14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations.
The new rate for business miles has gone up two cents from a rate of 48.5 cents per mile for 2007. The new rate for medical and moving purposes has gone down a cent from 20 cents in 2007. The rate for miles driven in service of charitable organizations has remained the same.

The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile; the standard rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs as determined by the same study. Runzheimer International, an independent contractor, conducted the study for the IRS.

The mileage rate for charitable miles is set by law.

A taxpayer may not use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS), after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle, for any vehicle used for hire, or for more than four vehicles used simultaneously. Revenue Procedure 2007-70 contains additional information on these standard mileage rates.

CONGRESSIONAL FIRE SERVICE INSTITUTE OFFERS NEW GOVERNMENT RELATIONS SECTION ON WWW.CFSI.ORG
Originally Posted: November 30, 2007 11:42 AM
Last Updated: November 30, 2007 11:42 AM

The Congressional Fire Services Institute recently posted the newly designed Government Relations section of its website (www.cfsi.org/govt_affairs.asp). Providing a broad range of information about the federal government, the redesigned section is an excellent educational tool for individuals interested in learning about the legislative process and the types of federal programs available to the fire and rescue services.

NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie is Membership Chair of the CFSI Advisory Committee: "CFSI is an excellent meeting place and resource for everyone committed to strong fire and emergency response in the United States. As CFSI strengthens its service to the nation and to the Congress, we are all helped in the work we do for all first responders."

The section will feature monthly articles from the leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus under the title of the Congressional Alarm. Congressman Rob Andrews (NJ) is featured in this months section with an article on childrens sleepwear. Congressman Andrews has been actively advocating for the Consumer Product Safety Commission to revise the standard on childrens sleepwear, recognizing that the existing standard needs to be strengthened in order to reduce the number burn-related injuries and deaths attributed to the types of sleepwear that meet current CPSC standards.

The newly designed section contains a current membership list for the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and the CFSI National Advisory Committee. The caucus directory will enable readers to access their Congressional members website that explains scheduling information and positions on important federal issues.

The section also features a video message, titled CFSI Week-In-Review. Each week, the message will be delivered by the CFSI staff or Caucus leaders, reviewing events that occurred on Capitol Hill that impact the fire and emergency services.

Established in 1989, CFSI is a nonpartisan, non-profit policy institute designed to educate Congress about the challenges and needs of our nations fire and emergency services. CFSI is not membership-based, but offers an array of services without charge to firefighters and rescue personnel seeking information about Congress and current legislation.

MORE INFO? www.cfsi.org/govt_affairs.asp

REP. ANDREWS ASKS CPSC TO ENACT TOUGHER REGS ON FLAMMABLE SLEEPWEAR WORN BY CHILDREN: 99% OF SLEEPWEAR IS IMPORTED!
Originally Posted: November 30, 2007 11:35 AM
Last Updated: November 30, 2007 11:35 AM

From the Office of U.S. Congressman Robert E. Andrews

As a Co-Chairman for the Congressional Fire Services Caucus in the House of Representatives, it is my privilege and responsibility to respond to critical fire safety issues. In the interest of protecting the lives and safety of Americas children, I want to revisit the perplexing subject of flammable childrens sleepwear. Fires and burns are the fifth leading cause of accidental injury-related death among children under age 15. Because of this, safeguarding our children against the risk of fire is a matter of crucial importance.

One way to reduce the estimated 40,000 children who are injured by fire in the home each year is to call on the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to tighten regulations on flammable sleepwear. Under the current CPSC regulation, sleepwear that is not fire resistant can be imported and sold provided it is not labeled as sleepwear or is tight-fitting. Infant sleepwear size zero to nine months has no standard for fire resistance. Because children age five and under are twice as likely to die in a fire as the rest of the population, they need as much protection from fire as possible.

The current standard, implemented in 1996, backpedaled on the original regulation for the flammability of childrens sleepwear mandated in 1972. Between 2002 and 2005, 540 children ages 14 and under died and 1,600 more were injured in home structure fires. Such numbers show that the relaxed CPSC standard is failing our nations young and vulnerable, increasing the likelihood of death and injury by fire.

In a one year period of time between July of 2002 and June of 2003, hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 3,895 injuries caused by fires starting with worn clothing. These injuries are largely preventable. Legislation that raises the standard of flammable childrens sleepwear is a precautionary measure that can help preserve the health and safety of Americas 73 million children.

In the past year, the U.S. imported almost 99% of sleepwear on the market. Those imports included flammable pajamas that fall short of todays CPSC standards. Thirty percent of all childrens product recalls in the last five years relating to fire, burn and electrical shock hazards were articles of clothing that failed to meet the requirements of the Flammable Fabrics Act. The number of children injured by these products has nearly doubled in the last five years, in comparison with the previous decade. By implementing stronger regulations on flammable pajamas, the CPSC can safeguard childrens sleepwear against the risk of fire.

In my 17 years of service as the Representative of New Jerseys 1st District, I have collaborated with my fellow members of Congress to continually advocate for increased fire safety and prevention. I am dedicated to protecting my constituents, the American people and our nations children in particular against the dangers posed by fire.

Be safe,
Rep. Rob Andrews
NORTH CAROLINA

SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS AND WIFI HELPED IN RECENT WILDFIRE RESPONSE EFFORTS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Originally Posted: November 30, 2007 7:54 AM
Last Updated: November 30, 2007 7:54 AM

Globecomm Systems Inc., a provider of satellite-based communications infrastructure solutions and services on a global basis donated satellite equipment and technical support to relieve and support workers, including firefighters, agencies and business owners during the October 2007 wildfires in Southern California.

Over 500,000 people are reported to have fled the wind-whipped wildfires, which destroyed over 1,400 homes and cost at least two lives.

Globecomm supported the Christ in Action ministry's relief efforts. It has allowed residents who have lost everything to pay their bills and remain in contact with loved ones. Globecomm has enabled relief agencies working in the area, including FEMA and the Red Cross, to perform their tasks through access to WiFi.

Globecomm president Ken Miller said he is pleased that he could quickly provide some level of assistance through our knowledge of satellite communications. In this case a little bit of satellite and a lot of compassion went a long way toward bringing those communities back to normalcy.

Based in Hauppauge, New York, Globecomm Systems also maintains offices in Washington, DC, Maryland, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan.

FIRE KILLS 4,000 AMERICANS; FIRE LOSSES ARE 8.6 BILLION A YEAR
Originally Posted: November 30, 2007 7:41 AM
Last Updated: November 30, 2007 7:41 AM

Each year, more than 4,000 Americans die and more than 25,000 are injured in fires, many of which could be prevented. Direct property loss due to fires is estimated at $8.6 billion annually.

To protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire. Fire spreads quickly; there is no time to gather valuables or make a phone call. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.

Heat and smoke from fire can be more dangerous than the flames. Inhaling the super-hot air can sear your lungs. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Instead of being awakened by a fire, you may fall into a deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.

GARTH BROOKS SINGS TO RAISE MONEY FOR FIRE RELIEF CAMPAIGN; SOME FUNDS TO BE USED TO REPLACE FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT LOST IN OCTOBER 2007 WILDFIRES
Originally Posted: November 30, 2007 7:33 AM
Last Updated: November 30, 2007 7:37 AM

Music star Garth Brooks will perform a benefit concert to raise money for the recent fire victims in the state of California.

Tickets for the January 26, 2008 9:00 PM benefit concert at Los Angeles' STAPLES Center starring Brooks go on sale Saturday, December 1 at 9:00 AM, Pacific Time at www.ticketmaster.com.

Proceeds from the concert sponsored by American Express and official media sponsor the Los Angeles Times, will be donated to the "Southern California 2008 Fire Relief Campaign," a campaign of the McCormick Tribune Foundation. The funds will be granted to agencies providing aid to victims and the first responders of the Los Angeles and San Diego wildfires in addition to providing financial assistance to California firefighting departments and organizations in need of additional or replacement firefighting equipment to better perform their heroic duties.

American Express will donate $20 for each ticket purchased with an American Express card with a guaranteed commitment to the fund of $1 million. The McCormick Foundation has pledged to match the first $2 million raised at 50 cents on the dollar (up to a $1 million match) in addition to promotional support from the Los Angeles Times. AEG has donated the use of STAPLES Center for the night of music starring Brooks who last appeared in Los Angeles in 2001.

"Please let everyone know I hate to ask so much for a ticket but, 100% of the money is going to victims of the recent fires and to the firefighters facing future fires," said Brooks.

"The Times is honored to join Garth Brooks, AEG, American Express and the McCormick Tribune Foundation in this effort to bring much needed fire-relief aid to Southern Californians." said David D. Hiller, Los Angeles Times Publisher and CEO."

WILDFIRE THREAT CONTINUES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA; CREWS ON WATCH
Originally Posted: November 30, 2007 7:22 AM
Last Updated: November 30, 2007 7:22 AM

Fire crews are on standby after putting out some flames which hit a 4,901 acre area which had already burned in the Malibu area of Southern California. Santa Ana winds of 74 miles an hour threaten the area with their dramatic power to spread fire faster than fire crews can be deployed.

A week ago, a fire in Malibu spread by the Santa Anas destroyed 53 homes, 33 outbuildings, one mobile home and 37 vehicles.

In October, 2007, seven southern California counties in and around San Diego thad fires over 800 square miles which destroyed 2,196 homes.

DIVERSITY IMPROVES AMONG FIREFIGHTERS IN FIRE DEPARTMENT OF NEW YORK
Originally Posted: November 28, 2007 7:20 PM
Last Updated: November 28, 2007 10:04 PM

COPYRIGHT NY Post (November 28, 2007)

With a federal discrimination lawsuit looming, the FDNY announced yesterday that the last firefighter exam had produced the most diverse group of applicants in its history, with minorities expected to account for one-third of future hires.

"We are finally making strides in increasing diversity," declared Mayor Bloomberg at FDNY Headquarters in Downtown Brooklyn.

"This is an unprecedented result," agreed Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. "The numbers are really quite spectacular."

Of 21,183 applicants who passed the written firefighter exam last January, 38 percent were minorities - nearly double the 21 percent who passed the previous exam, in 2002.

More importantly, according to the mayor, minorities held 33 percent of the slots among the 4,000 highest scorers, the group most likely to be hired off the civil-service list over the next four years.

FIREFIGHTER FATALITIES REACH 107 BY END OF NOVEMBER, 2007
Originally Posted: November 28, 2007 7:12 PM
Last Updated: November 28, 2007 7:12 PM

To date (Nov 28, 2007), 107 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2007 as a result of incidents that occurred in 2007. Please note, running totals of firefighter fatalities used on these initial notices do not necessarily reflect the number of firefighter fatalities used in totals for the (provisional) monthly year-to-date USFA firefighter fatality reports, or year-end (provisional) reports posted online (http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/ff_stats.shtm)

NEW LOBBY RULES AFFECT THE WAY NEEDA HAS CONTACT WITH LEGISLATORS
Originally Posted: November 28, 2007 1:25 PM
Last Updated: November 28, 2007 1:25 PM

NEEDA keeps up with current laws affecting the way we communicate with legislators. Here are some new rules.

The House and the Senate have posted-or plan to post-new forms to help members of Congress and lobbyists comply with the new Honest Leadership and Open Government Act.
In This Issue:
New Travel Sponsorship Forms Released by Senate This Month and House Early Summer
New Disclosure Forms Available Dec. 10
Post Employment Forms Available on House and Senate Sites
Senate Ethics Committee Issues New Travel Forms

Senators, officers, and staff members planning to travel after Dec. 3 must fill out new forms if their trips will be funded by private sponsors.

A new checklist posted Nov. 11 on the Senate Ethics Committee web site details the steps senators must take before the committee approves their trips. Senate travelers must provide the committee with copies of the private sponsor invitation, the private sponsor travel certification form, and the first part of the employee travel advance authorization and disclosure form 30 days before a trip.

Before a senator or an employee embarks on a trip, the ethics committee must send an approval letter. Within 30 days of returning from a trip, employees must fill out the second part of the employee advance travel authorization and disclosure form. Senators and officers must fill out a different disclosure form.

The House made changes to its internal rules regarding travel in January. These changes took effect March 1. The House Standards of Official Conduct Committee posted new forms on April 6 for private sponsors to fill out before approval of trips. Congressmen, officers and employees must file a traveler form 30 days before a trip and a post-travel disclosure form 15 days after a trip's completion with the committee.

For copies of the following forms, please visit the web sites below:
Senate Private Sponsor Traveler Certification Form: ethics.senate.gov/Sponsored_Travel
Senate Privately Sponsored Travel Checklist: ethics.senate.gov/Sponsored_Travel_Checklist
Senate Travel Expenses Form for Members and Officers: ethics.senate.gov/Travel_Members_Officers
Senate Employee Advanced Travel Authorization and Disclosure Form: ethics.senate.gov/Employee_Travel_Authorization
House Post-Travel Disclosure Form for Members and Officers: www.house.gov/ethics/Form_Member_PostTravel_Apr_2007.pdf
House Post-Travel Disclosure Form for Employees: www.house.gov/ethics/Form_Employee_PostTravel_Apr_2007.pdf

New Lobbying Disclosure Forms Available in December

The Senate Office of Public Records and the House Office of the
Clerk will provide new lobbying disclosure forms on their web sites Dec. 10.

Beginning in April, lobbyists must file quarterly lobbying reports
electronically. Lobbyists can use these forms to file their 2007 year-end reports, although they will still have the option of using the current forms. The old forms will be accepted until March 15, 2008.

For more information, and to download the new forms when
they are made public, please visit the Senate's lobbying disclosure site at http://www.senate.gov/disclosure.htm and the House's lobbying disclosure site at http://lobbyingdisclosure.house.gov/.
New Employment Negotiation Forms Available on House and Senate Web Sites

The House Standards of Official Conduct Committee posted three new forms for members and staff involved in job negotiations with lobbying entities on Sept. 28.

HLOGA requires members, officers and senior staff to inform the committee of any job negotiations within three days of their start. They must also recuse themselves from any matters where a conflict of interest may exist. Congressmen and employees need to file this recusal with the House Standards of Official Conduct Committee and with the House Office of the Clerk.

The Senate Ethics Committee released a form on Sept. 25 for senior staffers to disclose their future employment negotiations within three days of the contact. Under HLOGA, senators are banned from job negotiations involving lobbying until their successors are elected. For other professions, senators must file a statement with the Secretary of the Senate detailing their negotiations.

For copies of the new forms, please visit the web sites below:
House Notification of Negotiations or Agreement for Future Employment: www.house.gov/ethics/Form_Employment_Negotiation.pdf
House Statement of Recusal for Members: www.house.gov/ethics/Form_Member_Recusal.pdf
House Statement of Recusal for Employees: www.house.gov/ethics/Form_Employee_Recusal.pdf
Senate Disclosure by Senior Staff of Employment Negotiations and Recusal: ethics.senate.gov/Sr._Staff_Negotiations_Recusal

Lobbyists.info is the leading provider of reference information on the government relations and lobbying industry. For more than 40 years, Lobbyists.info has tracked information on the ever-expanding industry and now maintains the most in-depth database of federal lobbyists, government relations professionals, their firms, clients, and legislative issue areas. For more information, visit www.lobbyists.info, Washington Representatives online.

SEN. FEINSTEIN CRITICIZES SAN DIEGO'S READINESS TO RESPOND TO WILDFIRES
Originally Posted: November 28, 2007 12:08 PM
Last Updated: November 28, 2007 12:08 PM

By Tony Manolatos
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Copyright San Diego Union-Tribune
November 28, 2007
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said yesterday that more firefighting resources are necessary to prevent "a loss of life on a major scale."
If changes aren't made quickly, Feinstein warned the result could be a loss of life on a major scale.

Feinstein, D-Calif., was joined by Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo., Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Simi Valley, and Rep. Bob Filner, D-San Diego. The federal lawmakers are trying to correct problems that surfaced during the October 07 wildfires.

A dozen people testified, including San Diego City Council President Scott Peters, county Supervisor Ron Roberts and former San Diego fire chief Jeff Bowman.

The 3½-hour hearing opened with Feinstein criticizing the city and the county. Feinstein said the city doesn't have enough firefighters or fire stations. She said San Diego County is one of the largest in California without a unified fire department.

Peters pointed out that voters have twice refused to pay for more fire protection. Feinstein suggested the third time might be the charm.

I think people now see this is a pattern, and everything they hold dear could go, she said.

What seemed to trouble Feinstein most was finding out that the fire station in Rancho Bernardo is responsible for protecting 24 square miles. Standards set by the National Fire Protection Association, which accredits departments across the country, say a station shouldn't cover an area larger than 9 square miles.

All of the 365 homes burned in San Diego last month were in Rancho Bernardo. Most were destroyed, which Feinstein said indicates that firefighters didn't get in.

Obviously, the fire wasn't fought there, she said.

She asked Peters if an additional fire station in the area would have helped. Peters said the city is trying to answer that question.

At least four stations in Paradise Hills, Tierrasanta, La Jolla and University City cover areas larger than 9 square miles, fire officials said.

The National Fire Protection Association has set a five-minute response goal for firefighters. In Rancho Bernardo, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department meets or exceeds that goal 37 percent of the time. Across the city, the department meets or exceeds that mark 47 percent of the time.

In Mission Valley, an area lined with strip malls and office buildings, firefighters have trouble responding to 911 calls within 10 minutes, Fire Chief Tracy Jarman testified.

Some municipalities in the county steer more resources to fire protection than San Diego.

In Escondido, for example, five fire stations cover 50 square miles. In Chula Vista, nine stations defend approximately 52 square miles, although there has been talk of closing one of those stations due to budget concerns.

After the 2003 wildfires, the National Fire Protection Association studied the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department to see if it qualified for accreditation. It didn't.

The city needs at least 20 additional fire stations, the association said. It would cost about $100 million to build and staff the stations, and $40 million a year to run them.

Since the 2003 wildfires, two stations have been built, including a temporary structure at the Qualcomm Stadium parking lot. A third station is expected to open in January in Carmel Valley.

Money, or a lack of it, has been the biggest stumbling block. San Diego is hamstrung by a mountain of debt and other financial problems that have made borrowing money an expensive exercise.

The fire department has a $181 million annual budget, up from $171 million a year ago. If the stations were built, about 240 firefighters would be hired to join the 924 men and women who staff 46 stations.

But that still wouldn't be enough manpower to turn back firestorms like those that burned across the county last month, department spokesman Maurice Luque said.

It's unfair to put the onus of solving all the fire protection issues on the backs of the city, Luque said. This is a regional issue that's going to take state and federal support to resolve.

Luque said the lack of personnel isn't nearly as worrisome as the lack of fire engines.

We had firefighters trying to sneak on engines because there weren't enough, he said.

As much as Feinstein would like to see more resources in the city, she said she's just as concerned about the county's decision not to form a regional fire department.

During the hearing, when Roberts interrupted the senator and said he had a suggestion, Feinstein pointed at him, smiled and took a playful stab.

Like a county fire department in your district? she said.

Roberts, chairman of the board of supervisors, has said he is reluctant to focus on that goal because of resistance from several rural fire protection districts.

However, he said he is interested in improving the use of military aircraft, which barely got off the ground during the first two days of last month's fires. He also wants Cal Fire, the state agency, to use more military technology to gauge the direction and magnitude of wildfires. And Roberts said he would like military assets to arrive before the fires start, instead of days afterward.

Roberts also expressed interest in an idea that Bowman, the former fire chief, raised at the hearing. Bowman suggested that the county buy 50 fire engines and spread them among the fire departments.

After the meeting, Roberts said he'll take the first step toward making such a purchase in the next two weeks and ask the board to approve a proposal to review funding options and legal obligations. Roberts said it's possible that federal funding could be used. It's an idea he plans to discuss further with Feinstein.

It doesn't necessarily hinge on federal funding, but she seems determined to assist in making some changes, and I'm delighted with that, Roberts said.

Bowman, who resigned 18 months ago as San Diego's fire chief, in part because he couldn't get more resources, reminded Feinstein that the two of them were members of the Blue Ribbon Commission formed after the 2003 wildfires to determine what needed correcting. The commission came up with dozens of recommendations, but several suggestions were only partially implemented or ignored.

One called for adding 150 engines to Cal Fire's fleet. To date, 19 have been ordered.

This is like déjà vu we have these meetings, but nothing happens, Bowman said. What needs to happen here is action.

Feinstein thanked Bowman for his candor.

Now the challenge will be to see whether there is the leadership to take us where we need to be, she said.

Tony Manolatos: (619) 542-4559; tony.manolatos@uniontrib.com

FIRE-RESCUE EAST JAN 22-26 IN JACKSONVILLE, FL
Originally Posted: November 28, 2007 8:22 AM
Last Updated: November 28, 2007 8:22 AM

Here are some of the interesting sessions being presented at Fire-Rescue East, 22 Jan 2008 8:00 AM - 26 Jan 2008 5:00 PM Prime Osborn Center, 1000 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL. MORE INFO? http://www.ffca.org/

Radiation Emergencies for EMS Responders - Responding to an emergency at an industrial complex where radioactive materials are present can be a frightening experience for EMS providers who are unfamiliar with the possible hazards involved. This session will begin with basic information on types of hazardous materials you might encounter in an industrial setting, then continues with what materials are being transported; the hazards they pose; and signs that alert you to the presence of radioactive materials. The session will also include discussions and demonstrations on how to package, treat, and transport patients that are radiologically contaminated or have been irradiated. U.S. Department of Energy

Radiological Decontamination for Emergency Responders - Conducting decontamination of victims and responders at a hazardous materials incident is challenging and requires the right amount of planning and training. Should you be prepared and trained to do anything different if the hazmat incident involves radioactive material? This session will explain the difference between traditional hazmat decontamination procedures and the dry dressdown decontamination method for entry team responder. You will learn how to conduct responder decontamination in the absence of radiological survey instruments, learn about the advantages of the dry decontamination method, how to handle the concern of first responders limited air supply and most importantly how to control the spread of radioactive contamination within the decontamination corridor. U.S. Department of Energy

I-35W Bridge Collapse and Response - On August 1, 2007 at 6:00 PM, the unthinkable happened in downtown Minneapolis. A major 8-lane interstate bridge over the Mississippi suddenly collapsed during rush hour. There were 190 people and over 100 vehicles on the bridge when it fell into the river. In a matter of a few seconds, thirteen people lost their lives and over 100 more were injured. This disaster captured the attention of the international media and reporters from around the world were on site within 24 hours. The response by local fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies has been described as a model of effectiveness by Unified Incident Commander. His message will give participants a new appreciation for the importance of developing effective relationships outside your own organization, which is the key factor in effective disaster response. Jim Clack, Fire Chief, Minneapolis Fire Department

Engine Company Gallons per Seconds - The focus is on managing water during the crucial initial hose line advancement in an interior offensive attack. Every second counts! Since the nozzle often is open only for seconds at a time during this operation, the fire officer and nozzle man must think in terms of "three gallons per second, which can add up quickly. Strategies for managing the booster tank supply until a sustainable water supply has been established are presented. Battalion Chief Kirk Isakson, Escambia County Fire Rescue

SPARTAN DISPLAYS FURION CHASSIS AND BOOMER FIRE TRUCK IN NEW YORK CITY DECEMBER 17, 2007
Originally Posted: November 28, 2007 7:40 AM
Last Updated: November 28, 2007 7:40 AM

Specialty vehicle and chassis maker Spartan Motors, Inc. (Charlotte, MI) goes to New York's Wall Street crowd to discuss its 2008 outlook.

The prentation at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Dec. 17, 2007 is from
12 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. ET, and includes a display of next generation
vehicles -- a MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) military vehicle, a
Spartan Furion chassis, a first-of-its-kind Boomer fire truck and the new
multifunctional Newmar motorhome riding on a Spartan mid-engine chassis.

John Sztykiel, president and CEO
of Spartan Motors: "This company and industry-focused event is an opportunity for the investment community to literally kick the tires on our products, learn about two of our largest markets from industry experts and hear about our growth prospects in all three of our core markets -- emergency-rescue, recreational vehicle and military. From an RV perspective, we are on track to ship more motorhome chassis in 2007 than we shipped in 2006. Later this week we will be at the RV industry's largest trade show, RVIA, with a record 40 models featuring a Spartan Chassis, which is exciting, and our emergency-rescue business continues to move in the right direction.

Sztykiel: "The challenges related to growth in production and backlog in the
third quarter are either behind us or substantially improving. Our
consolidated backlog, which includes last week's order announcement, is at
$356.7 million as of Nov. 20, 2007. This reduction in consolidated backlog
compared with the end of the third quarter, despite new orders, is an
indication of our improving execution as we turn the backlog into
profitable sales."

Sztykiel: "We expect these improvements to continue with 2008 as another record year. While the challenges are significant, Spartan has a history of
managing growth, and we believe we have the opportunity to grow sales by
more than 30 percent on a consolidated basis in fiscal 2008. We also have
an opportunity for even higher percentage growth for our specialty chassis
for military customers, based on our current orders and recent increases in
production capacity."

Guest speakers including Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers and a nationally recognized expert on the RV industry.

Curtin also publishes periodic forecasts on the industry for the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). The event also will feature presentations by Brigadier General D. Michael Kelleher, U.S. Army (Ret.), an expert on military vehicles and logistics, as well as a U.S. Marine who had firsthand experience surviving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Iraq.

MORE INFO? Ryan McGrath 616-233-0500 or rmcgrath@lambert-edwards.com. www.spartanmotors.com.

GAO SAYS US AGENCIES COULD DO A BETTER JOB ON WILDFIRE PREVENTION
Originally Posted: November 27, 2007 7:33 PM
Last Updated: November 27, 2007 7:34 PM

Better Information and a Systematic Process Could
Improve Agencies Approach to Allocating Fuel
Reduction Funds and Selecting Projects Highlights of GAO-07-1168, a report to
congressional requesters
Recognizing that millions of acres
are at risk from wildland fire, the
federal government expends
substantial resources on thinning
brush, trees, and other potentially
hazardous fuels to reduce the fire
risk to communities and the
environment. However, questions
have been raised about how the
agencies responsible for wildland
fire managementthe Department
of Agricultures Forest Service and
the Department of the Interiors
(Interior) Bureau of Indian Affairs
(BIA), Bureau of Land Management
(BLM), Fish and Wildlife Service
(FWS), and National Park Service
(NPS)allocate their fuel
reduction budgets and select
projects.

GAO was asked to report on the
agencies processes for allocating
funds and selecting projects, and
on how, if at all, these processes
could be improved to better ensure
that they contribute to the
agencies overall goal of reducing
risk. To obtain this information,
GAO visited headquarters and field
offices of all five agencies; obtained
data on fuel reduction funding and
accomplishments; and reviewed
previous evaluations of the fuel
reduction program.
What GAO Recommends
GAO is recommending a number of
actions to improve the agencies
ability to ensure that fuel reduction
funds are directed where they will
most effectively reduce risk from
wildland fire. In commenting on a
draft of this report, the Forest
Service and Interior agreed with its
findings and recommendations.
In allocating fuel reduction funds and selecting projects, the Forest Service,
Interior, and the four Interior agencies use both quantitative processes (such
as computer models or scoring systems) and professional judgment. At the
national level, the Forest Service uses a computer model to help determine
the amount of each regional offices allocation, although the model is being
refined and the agency still relies largely on past funding levels. Interior and
BLM are also developing computer modelsbased in part on the Forest
Servicesto help allocate funds; of Interiors other agencies, BIA allocates
funds based on past regional performance in reducing fuels, FWS uses a
computer model, and NPS relies on historical funding levels that were based
on a now-discontinued model. At the regional and local levels, the agencies
use a variety of quantitative and judgmental processes.

Although the Forest Service and Interior are taking steps to enhance their
funding allocation and project selection processes, there are several
improvements they could make to better ensure that they allocate fuel
reduction funds to effectively reduce risk. Specifically, when allocating funds
and selecting projects, the agencies could improve their processes by

" consistently assessing all elements of wildland fire riskincluding
hazard, risk, and valuesat the national, regional, and local levels, in
order to identify those lands at highest risk from wildland fire and
incorporate this information in the allocation and project selection
process;

" developing and using measures of the effectiveness of fuel reduction
treatments in order to estimate how much risk reduction is likely to be
achieved through particular treatments and for how long;

" using this information on effectiveness, once developed, in
combination with existing information on treatment costs, to assess
and compare the cost-effectiveness of potential treatments in deciding
how to optimally allocate funds;

" clarifying the relative importance of the numerous factors they use in
allocating funds, including those factors (such as funding stability and
the use of forest products resulting from fuel reduction activities) that
are unrelated to risk, treatment effectiveness, or cost effectiveness;
and

" following a more systematic process in allocating fundsthat is, a
process that is methodical, based on criteria, and applied
consistentlyto ensure that funds are directed to locations where risk
can be reduced most effectively.
MORE INFO ON GAO-07-1168?
Robin M. Nazzaro (202) 512-3841 or
nazzaror@gao.gov.

FOR A COMPLETE COPY OF THE GAO REPORT ON WILDFIRE PREVENTION, CLICK ON THE NEEDA NEWSLETTER HEADLINE FOR THIS STORY.

GLICK IS SELECTED PENNSYLVANIA DEALER FOR MEDTEC AMBULANCE
Originally Posted: November 27, 2007 7:14 PM
Last Updated: November 27, 2007 7:14 PM

Medtec Ambulance Corporation, a leading North American manufacturer of custom ambulances, announced that Glick Fire Equipment Company, Inc. has been awarded dealer sales and service for the state of Pennsylvania. Glick will provide sales and service for the entire Medtec lineup of ambulances, including Type I, II and III models within the Additional Duty, Pro Duty and Field Duty series.

Glick is well-prepared to support ambulance and EMS customers in its service facilities in both eastern and western Pennsylvania. Glick also operates eight mobile service trucks throughout the state to conveniently bring service directly to the customer.

We are pleased to have Glick join our dealer network in Pennsylvania, said Mike Dufrane, vice president of sales for Medtec® and the Pierce Contender® brand. Glicks high level of customer commitment and extensive industry experience as a Pierce dealer will serve as a strong complement in Medtecs ambulance markets.

Our 20 years in the emergency vehicle business is built on a foundation of customer service, and taking on the Medtec brand is a perfect fit for us, said David Glick, president of Glick Fire Equipment Company, Inc. Our staff is excited about this new opportunity to grow our customer base in Pennsylvania.

Medtec Ambulance Corporation, a subsidiary of Oshkosh Truck Corporation [NYSE:OSK], is a North American manufacturer of custom ambulance vehicles. Medtec offers a full product line of Type I, II, III and Additional Duty ambulances custom-built to customer specifications and backed by a strong network of dealers.

SENATOR LOTT MAKES SURPRISE RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT IN MISSISSIPPI
Originally Posted: November 27, 2007 7:02 PM
Last Updated: November 27, 2007 7:02 PM

Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS) will resign his seat by the end of the year, he announced in his home town of Pascagoula, Mississippi, on Monday, November 26, 2007.

The announcement took Capitol Hill by surprise because Lott, the former majority leader, seemed to be relishing his job as minority whip, the second-ranking GOP leadership job.

He had regained a post in leadership after he resigned following racially insensitive remarks at a birthday party for the late Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.).

A Lott friend said part of the reason, and a factor in the timing, is a new lobbying regulation, signed by President Bush in September, extending the existing lobbying ban for former members of Congress from one to two years. The lobbying ban takes effect at the end of this year.

At a press conference announcing his decision, Lott said he simply believed it was time for him to move on, and that he was not resigning becuse of illness or lurking scandals.

SOURCE: POLITICO

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION: 2006 FIRE FIGHTER INJURIES UP 4.1 PERCENT: 83,400 LIND OF DUTY INJURIES
Originally Posted: November 27, 2007 6:40 PM
Last Updated: November 27, 2007 6:40 PM

83,400 fire fighter injuries occurred in the line of duty in 2006, an increase of 4.1 percent from the year before.
44,210 or 53.0 percent of all fire fighter injuries occurred during fireground operations. An estimated 13,690 occurred during other on duty activities, while 13,090 occurred at non-fire emergency incidents.
Regionally, the Northeast had the highest fireground injury rate with 5.0 injuries occurring per 100 fires; this was more than twice the rate for the rest of the country.
The major types of injuries received during fireground operations were: strain, sprain, muscular pain (46.7 percent); wound, cut, bleeding, bruise (17.3 percent); burns (5.9 percent); smoke or gas inhalation (5.6 percent). Strains, sprains, and muscular pain accounted for 56.7 percent of all nonfireground injuries.
Background
Fire fighters work in varied and complex environments that increase their risk of on-the-job death and injury. A better understanding of how these fatal accidents, nonfatal injuries, and illnesses occur can help identify corrective actions, which may minimize the inherent risks.

Each year, NFPA studies fire fighter deaths and injuries to provide national statistics on their frequency, extent, and characteristics. Earlier this year, the NFPA reported 89 fire fighters died on duty (See, "2006 Fire Fighter Fatalities ," NFPA Journal®, July/August 2007).

MORE INFO? CLICK ON THE HEADLINE OF THIS NEEDA NEWSLETTER STORY TO READ THE COMPLETE REPORT

STAND DOWN WEEK RENAMED: FIRE/EMS SAFETY, HEALTH AND SURVIVAL WEEK: JUNE 22-28, 2008
Originally Posted: November 27, 2007 9:22 AM
Last Updated: November 27, 2007 9:23 AM

The Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week formerly known as the Safety Stand Down is now one of three components of the new comprehensive Fire/EMS Safety Support System, developed this year by the IAFCs Safety, Health and Survival Section. As announced in a recent member alert, Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week is scheduled for June 22-28, 2008.

The Fire/EMS Safety Support Systems three components include:

Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week (June 22-28, 2008)
Safety, Health and Survival Take 5 Safety Drills
FIRE/EMS Stand Down: Priority Survival Notification

As described in the November 16 member alert, Safety Stand Down Week will now be known as Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week. It will be devoted to reviewing safety policies, evaluating the progress of existing initiatives and discussing health and fitness. Fire/EMS personnel should make a concerted effort to correct safety deficiencies and to provide training, particularly on the safety items pointed out in near-miss events.

Another component of the program will utilize a series of Safety, Health and Survival bulletins each month called Take 5 for Safety. These prepackaged 5-minute safety drills will be posted on www.iafc.org and www.iafcsafety.org starting in January 2008. Each month, a different topic will be covered to ensure pertinent topics are addressed during the year.

The third component is the FIRE/EMS Stand Down: Priority Survival Notifications. These are the red alert/lookouts for major emergency safety issues that arise during the year. Priority Survival Notifications will be emailed to all IAFC members to explain the need for immediate action to ensure the safety of fire/EMS professionals.

The IAFC is proud to share these additional resources with the fire service to improve health and safety of fire/EMS personnel.

BUSH FIRE CREATES DRIVING HAZARD IN YELLAGONGA REGIONAL PARK, AUSTRALIA
Originally Posted: November 26, 2007 5:05 PM
Last Updated: November 26, 2007 5:05 PM

Fire has damaged Yellagonga Regional Park, Australia, and roads are hazardous due to heavy smoke as firefighters work on stopping the fire.

NEEDA Executive Director, visisted Australia in November 2006: "They face many of the same problems we do, particularly with wildfires in forested areas or where dry vegetation is vulnerable to manmade fires, heat, and lightening."

Motorists travelling from Grand Boulevard along Joondalup Drive to Burns Beach Road should take extreme caution when driving through smoke and low visibility.

All motorists:
" Turn headlights on to make your vehicle more visible to others;
" Drive slowly at walking pace;
" Keep a close watch for firefighters and emergency service vehicles on the
road;
" Always follow any directions given by firefighters or the police; and
" If you cannot see clearly, pull over to the side of the road, keep the headlights and hazard lights on, and wait until the smoke clears.

A bush fire burning in the north east corner of the Yellagonga Regional Park was contained on the western side adjacent to Joondalup Drive.

Crews are mopping up and firefighters will monitor the area for the rest of the day.

MORE INFO: Australia: 1800 022 222 ir Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

SAN DIEGO HAS LOWEST NUMEBER OF FIREFIGHTERS PER 1000 POPULATION IN CALIFORNIA
Originally Posted: November 26, 2007 1:53 PM
Last Updated: November 26, 2007 1:53 PM

In my research on the question: How prepared is Southern California for wildfires and mud slides? I came across this. Kenton Pattie, NEEDA Executive Director 703 850 8552 KentonP1@aol.com

The Bottom Line: Solutions for San Diegos Budget Crisis by Murtaza H. Baxamusa, AICP, Senior Planner, Center on Policy Initiatives 619 584 5714
Copyright, April 2005

Annual expenditure on fire fighting per person in the city of San Diego
($101) is the third lowest among the ten largest California cities, above
only Fresno and Santa Ana. Although expenditures on fire fighting
increased 18.75 percent in the last budget following the Cedar fires,
expenditure per person is still among the lowest in the State and far
below the state average of $140. The number of firefighters per 1,000
people (0.69) is the lowest in San Diego among any city in California
for which data are available.

RURAL METRO WINS CONTRACT TO CONTINUE AMBULANCE SERVED IN ROCHESTER, NEW YORK
Originally Posted: November 26, 2007 9:54 AM
Last Updated: November 26, 2007 9:54 AM

Rural/Metro Corporation (Scottsdale, AZ), a provider of ambulance and private fire protection services, has been awarded a new contract term to continue as the exclusive provider of 911 emergency ambulance services in Rochester, New York.

The contract is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2008 for an initial
2-year period, followed by two one-year renewal terms, for a total possible
length of four years. The contract is estimated to generate approximately
$15.0 million in net revenue annually.

Jack Brucker, President and Chief Executive Officer: "We are very
pleased to continue delivering high-quality ambulance services to the
citizens of Rochester and appreciate the Rochester City Council's
recognition of the commitment Rural/Metro and its employees have made in
the nearly two decades we have served the community."

Rural/Metro has provided emergency and non-emergency ambulance services
to the Rochester area since 1952, first as National Ambulance and then
Rural/Metro Medical Services beginning in 1994. The Company employs more
than 300 ambulance service professionals in the community and responds to
approximately 60,000 calls for assistance each year. Rural/Metro's
Rochester operation is the only ambulance service in the region to be
nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance
Services.

Todd Walker, Group President: "We are proud to be a partner to
the Rochester community and to continue to build on our strong record of
exceptional patient care and customer service. We look forward to the
opportunity to further contribute to the local emergency response system."

Barry Palatas, Division General Manager: "Our employees are
highly dedicated to the Rochester community and its citizens, and we were
very pleased that the City Council's thorough and diligent analysis found
it was in the best interests of the community to retain Rural/Metro."

Rural/Metro Corporation provides emergency and non-emergency ambulance
services and private fire protection services in 23 states and
approximately 400 communities throughout the United States.

MORE INFO? www.ruralmetro.com or Liz Merritt (480) 606-3337

LOS ANGELES TIMES REPORTS NOVEMBER, 07 FIRE STRIKES MALIBU: "MOST DESTRUCTIVE IN 15 YEARS
Originally Posted: November 25, 2007 10:07 AM
Last Updated: November 25, 2007 10:07 AM

(This is an excellent story and we are very grateful to the LA Times for sharing this information through the internet. Wildfires threaten other areas of the nation and we all learn from each incident what we can do to improve. NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie)

By Bettina Boxall, Jason Song and Matt Lait, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers
November 25, 2007 COPYRIGHT, LOS ANGELES TIMES

Related Stories cover this incident in depth: you'll find them find in the LA Times:
- Malibu fire closes roads
- Flea, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist, loses home in Malibu fire
- Malibu's past is laced with blazes
- Firefighters spend holiday waiting in San Bernardino
- What your fire insurance and FEMA can do
- Help available in taxing times after the fires
- L.A. County offers tax relief to property owners
- What fire victims need to know about their animals
- Ash and soot could ruin your vehicle's finish

The most destructive fire in Malibu in nearly 15 years raced through parched canyons Saturday, (November 24, 2007), consuming 49 homes and forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents.

The so-called Corral fire burned 4,700 acres before the fierce Santa Ana winds died down, allowing firefighters to make a stand. By evening, the blaze, which investigators said was started by "human activity," was 25% contained. Six firefighters sustained minor injuries, authorities said.

Meteorologists said the winds were subsiding and not expected to return today. A red flag warning, issued when the humidity level drops below 8%, would remain in effect in Los Angeles and Ventura counties until this evening.

October 07's wildfires ignited in multiple areas throughout Southern California and stretched limited firefighting resources thin. This time, only Malibu was ablaze. As a result, two dozen firefighting aircraft and hundreds of ground crews were able to concentrate their attacks.

U.S. Forest Service spokesman Jim Wilkins: "It helped that nothing else is going on. We have a lot of assets put in place."

Knowing that Santa Ana winds and low humidity were in the forecast, fire officials started preparing days ago.

More than 600 firefighters from around California and the Western United States had gathered at the National Orange Show grounds in San Bernardino before Thanksgiving, officials said.

About 1,750 firefighters, at least 45 fire engines, numerous hand crews, 23 water-dropping helicopters and two fixed-wing planes battled the blaze.

Wilkins: "This was remarkable. In my 35 years of doing this, it was an unprecedented mobilization. We've been doing this type of thing for many years. I just don't remember it on this type of scale."

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, in a statement released Saturday afternoon November 24, said he was reactivating the state of emergency he declared in October in response to the California wildfires in Los Angeles, Ventura and San Diego counties.

Saturday's fire, the third significant blaze in Malibu in 2007, started about 3:30 AM. south of Malibou Lake and was driven by 60-mph winds.

The cause was still under investigation, but arson investigators were looking into a report that campers in the area might have started the blaze.

There was no indication that the fire was caused by downed power lines, although lines and toppled poles had blocked roads, fire officials said.

One of the homes lost in the fire belonged to Flea, longtime bassist for the rock group Red Hot Chili Peppers. In a text message to a Times reporter, Flea wrote that the home had "burnt to a crisp."

In addition to the 49 homes destroyed, two outbuildings were demolished and 27 residences were damaged, fire officials said. Most of the devastation occurred in the fire's early hours in Latigo Canyon and the neighborhoods along Newell Road and Sea Breeze Drive.

Los Angeles County Fire Department Capt. Bob Goldman and his crew, Engine 70 out of Carbon Canyon, reached the Malibu Bowl area about 5 a.m. No houses had yet burned, but the hills were ablaze.

The firefighters took a stand in front of three houses at the end of Lookout Road as the last of the families who lived there fled. As required, the owners had cleared brush from within 100 feet of the structures.

"We thought that would protect us," Goldman said.

It didn't.

Driven by the strong winds, the fire bore down on them. It leaped the cleared area and went straight for the firefighters. The flames, Goldman said, were 75 to 100 feet high -- except they were being blown horizontally.

FIREFIGHTERS SHOULD NOT LOSE THEIR REGULAR JOBS BECAUSE OF RESPONDING TO A FIRE OR EMERGENCY
Originally Posted: November 24, 2007 12:52 PM
Last Updated: November 24, 2007 12:52 PM

A bill to prohibit termination of employment of volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel responding to emergencies has not been adopted by the US Congress. HR 1643 was introduced March 22, 07 by Rep Robert E. Andrews (NJ) and was referred to the House Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions.

Firing a firefighter for being late for work or for missing work due to his or her response to a fire should be prohibited.

It is hard to understand why Congress cannot complete action on this bill which now appears to be delayed for consideration until 2008.

For a copy of the bill, click on the headline above

SPARTAN CHASSIS GETS $49 MILLION SUBCONTRACT FOR MINE RESISTANT MILITARY VEHICLES
Originally Posted: November 24, 2007 11:01 AM
Last Updated: November 24, 2007 11:01 AM

Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Charlotte, MI), has
received a $49 million subcontract order from General Dynamics Land Systems to supply and integrate key chassis components in the production of
advanced tactical vehicles under the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected, or
MRAP, program.

The vehicles under this order will be utilized by multiple branches of
the U.S. military. MRAPs are used by the military for their V-shaped
hulls, raised chassis and improved armor, which help protect servicemen and
women from improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, mines and other hazards
of war.

Richard Schalter, president of Spartan Chassis: "This latest contract award is further validation of Spartan's expertise and responsiveness in the critical role we play in the production of MRAP vehicles,"

"These vehicles continue to be the U.S. military's highest priority and we
are honored to be among the suppliers selected to provide products that
safeguard the lives of our military men and women."

General Dynamics Land Systems, headquartered in Sterling Heights,
Michigan, is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics Corporation
(NYSE: GD). The company designs and builds armored vehicles and subsystems for the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and international customers, and is the defense industry's largest supplier of armored military vehicles.

Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. , is a developer and manufacturer of custom chassis for recreational vehicles, fire trucks and specialty vehicles.

Spartan Motors, which also manufactures emergency rescue vehicles under the brand names of Crimson Fire, Crimson Fire Aerials and Road Rescue, reported sales of $445 million in 2006.

NEW JERSEY CONSIDERS RAISING TO $25,000 MAXIMUM DEATH AMOUNT FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS
Originally Posted: November 23, 2007 5:37 PM
Last Updated: November 23, 2007 5:37 PM

Under current law, New Jersey fire districts with a volunteer fire department and municipalities that defray the costs of group life insurance policies for their volunteer fire departments are authorized to appropriate money for the premiums of a group life insurance policy for the members. But, the maximum death benefit permitted under the law upon the death of each person insured under the policy is $10,000.

The New Jersey legislature is not considering a bill A 3182 to raise the maximum death benefit to $25,000.

For a copy of this bill, click above on the title of this NEEDA newsletter report.

ATLANTIC CITY PICKS FIRE CHIEF AS NEW MAYOR
Originally Posted: November 23, 2007 2:17 PM
Last Updated: November 23, 2007 4:09 PM

Fire Department Battalion Chief Scott K. Evans is the new mayor of Atlantic City, the third in two months. He succeeds Mayor Robert Levy, whose term expires in December, 2008.

Evans will take a leave of absence - and a $20,000 pay cut - from his job as a battalion chief with the city's fire department to serve as mayor, a job that pays $100,000 per year.

The New Jersey Conference of Mayors, as of November 23, 2007, still lists as Atlantic City Mayor: Robert W. Levy, Sr. so the word has not spread in the state of New Jersey about the sudden changes in Atlantic City.

Levy has been absent but recently turned up in a psychiatric hospital. Levy left the Somerset County (North Jersey) clinic, known for substance abuse treatment. Levy's lawyer was quoted by the news media on the whereabouts of his client.

Without public disclosure, Levy checked himself into the clinic on either Sept. 26 or 27, 2007. The mayor was last seen in public on Sept. 26, 2007 when he signed several ordinances at Atlantic City Hall.

Atlantic City officials told a court that Levy had abandoned his office and they wanted it vacated so they could appoint Chief Evans.

Century old Carrier Clinic in Belle Mead is a private behavioral health care system providing psychiatric and addiction treatment."

The Press of Atlantic City investigated Levy's accounts of his wartime service and used military records to verify that Levy was a 20-year Army veteran with two Bronze Stars and two tours of duty in Vietnam. But the newspaper found he was not a member of the storied Green Berets, as he had claimed.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is investigating whether Levy's embellishment of his Vietnam War record illegally fattened veteran's benefit payments he received.

Gov. Corzine Tuesday weighed in on the controversy: "It's time to clean up this situation. It needs to be brought to a conclusion."

Levy's wife, Hazel, who also works at Atlantic City Hall, said Tuesday she does not know whether the mayor plans to resign.

City Business Administrator Domenic Cappella has been acting as Atlantic City Mayor since the mysterious disappearance of Levy.

During a special meeting, City Council named Fire Department Battalion Chief Scott K. Evans to serve as mayor of this beleaguered city, becoming the third person in two months to assume that post.

Evans, who was sworn in after the vote, will serve the remainder of former Mayor Bob Levy's term, which ends in December 2008.

Evans: "I'm going to hit the ground running. My first order of business is to come to work every day. I can't over-emphasize the need for a stable government in Atlantic City."

Evans, chairman of the local Democratic Party, was selected on a 6-2 vote at the end of a 30-minute meeting. Council considered two other candidates.

Evans, 42, said he will take a leave of absence from the fire department.

Bob McDevitt, president of one of the most powerful casino workers' union in the city, Local 54: "It was a very difficult choice because none of the candidates were qualified for the job. I believe when you're picking among Larry, Moe and Curly, this is what you get."

Tonight's vote was mandated by the Superior Court when it ruled that Council was required to select a mayor from a list proffered by the Atlantic City Democratic Committee.

The list also included former City Councilwoman Barbara L. Hudgins, 70, and City Business Administrator Domenic F. Cappella, 65. Cappella had come under fire after unofficially appointing himself mayor when Levy disappeared in September, 2007.

Evans is an ally of the storied Callaway organization, whose leader, former City Council President Craig Callaway, is serving a prison term for taking bribes.

Marsh had been sworn in to serve in the temporary vacancy after Levy resigned the $100,000-a-year post on Oct. 10, following his admission that he was being investigated on charges that he lied about his military service record in order to collect a bigger pension.

But by state law, the local majority party - in this case, the Democrats - had 45 days to nominate three people for City Council to consider filling the term of the former mayor. Levy is a Democrat.

The city Democratic Committee named Cappella, Hudgins and Evans during a closed-door meeting as the three candidates.

After the choices were announced the state Democratic Committee and a member of the local committee, John Devlin, sued the local Democratic Committee, claiming that it had improperly made its nominations.

Superior Court Judge Valerie H. Armstrong upheld the nominations, saying that state law is purposely vague on the exact nomination process and that nothing wrong had been done.

Devlin appealed the ruling this week, but Appellate Judge Joseph F. Lisa denied that appeal.

HALE OFFERS PUMP OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE SEMINARS IN 2008
Originally Posted: November 23, 2007 10:59 AM
Last Updated: November 23, 2007 10:59 AM

The Hale Pump Operation and Maintenance Seminar covers the following topics:

Preventative Maintenance Functions
Basics on Midship Pump Design and Construction
Detailed information and hands-on training on various pump components such as the gearbox, impeller assembly, and pressure relief valve. Exercises such as the proper setting of relief valves, a pump installation inspection, and a pump service test are included.

Valves and accessories

Troubleshooting

NFPA 1911 Pump Service Testing

Class 1 Electronic Governors

Optional EVT (Emergency Vehicle Technician) Testing (Friday AM. You must register with EVT directly. If you are not taking the exam, you may leave on Thursday afternoon)

Optional additional CAFS/Foam classroom and hands-on training. This will take place on Monday from 1-4 PM. If you are not taking this class, your first day of class will be on Tuesday at 8:30 AM

Class Dates 2008

April 14 - 18 (14th is the optional CAFS/Foam, 18th is optional EVT)
April 21 - 25 (21st is the optional CAFS/Foam, 25th is optional EVT)
May 5 - 9 (5th is the optional CAFS/Foam, 9th is optional EVT)
May 12 - 16 (12th is the optional CAFS/Foam, 16th is optional EVT)
June 23 - 27 (23th is the optional CAFS/Foam, 27th is optional EVT)
July 14 - 18 (14th is the optional CAFS/Foam, 18th is optional EVT)
August 11 - 15 (11th is the optional CAFS/Foam, 15th is optional EVT)
August 25 - 29 (25th is the optional CAFS/Foam, 29th is optional EVT)
September 8 - 12 (8th is the optional CAFS/Foam, 12th is optional EVT)
September 22 - 26 (22nd is the optional CAFS/Foam, 26th is optional EVT)
October 6 - 10 (6th is the optional CAFS/Foam, 10th is optional EVT)
October 20 - 24 (20th is the optional CAFS/Foam, 24th is optional EVT)

COST: $300.00 Per Person

For fees and information regarding the EVT test, go to www.evtcc.org. (EVT #847-426-4075)

Hotels and transportation are not included in the costs. Lunch is included for all three days of the seminar. A plant tour will be held on the third day.

Classes are held at the Montgomery County Fire Academy, Conshohocken, PA. The closest airport is the Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia, PA, about 25 miles from Conshohocken,

Space is limited and classes are available on a first come basis. If space is not available in the class you selected, you will be notified by phone and given the opportunity to choose another class.

Payment must be received prior to class date. Payment may be made by check or credit card. After receipt of payment, information regarding local hotels will be mailed out.

$300.00 Registration Fee Includes:

Three day seminar. (And additional optional half day classes for Foam/CAFS and the EVT certification, if chosen)

Lunch for three days
Hands on training
Seminar Materials
Friction Loss Cards
Student manual with pump engineering drawings.
Water Flow Poster
Maintenance Materials on Disc
Hale Service Chart

PAYMENT

Payment may be made with a check or credit card. A faxable form is available.

Hale has made arrangements with the Hampton Inn in Plymouth Meeting, the Courtyard by Marriott, and the Residence Inn by Marriott in Conshohocken for attendees at the Hale Pump School. To make your hotel reservations on line for the Residence Inn, use the link below and enter the Corporate/Promotional code H40 to get the special school rate.

Residence Inn by Marriott

To make arrangements with the Hampton Inn, call 610-567-0900 and say that you are with the Hale pump classes. You can also make reservations directly with the Hampton Inn via the internet at:

Hampton Inn

To make arrangements with the Courtyard by Marriott, call 610-238-0695 and say that you are with the Hale pump classes. You can also make reservations at the Courtyard by Marriot via the internet at:
Courtyard by Marriott.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: DRY WILDFIRE RAVAGED LANDS THREATENED BY MUD SLIDES
Originally Posted: November 22, 2007 4:47 PM
Last Updated: November 22, 2007 4:48 PM

Following severe wildfires in Southern California, $6 million will be used to fight mud slides in dry areas where forests, bushes and grasses no longer cover the land.

Dry La Nina winter winds will contribute to the danger in the drought-stricken area.

SHOULD I OFFER MY EMPLOYEES A HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (HSA)?
Originally Posted: November 21, 2007 12:32 PM
Last Updated: November 21, 2007 12:32 PM

Fall is open-enrollment time, and you may be offering your employees an option called a Health Savings Account, or HSA, for the first time. Its an alternative to traditional health insurance that gives consumers a way to pay for their own health care while reaping tax benefits.

These HSAs allow your employees to save money in an interest-bearing savings account set aside for health care expenses. HSAs come with a high-deductible health plan. Monthly premiums are lower because the deductibles are high, with minimums of $1,100 for an individual or $2,200 for a family.

The up side is that the lower monthly premiums make it easier for employees to make contributions to their HSA. When the time comes to spend the money, health care costs are paid for out of the HSA account with pre-tax dollars. The funds in HSAs roll over from year to year.

Choosing an HSA could result in serious savings on monthly premiums, and some employers are even kicking in matching money, similar to a 401(k), Kiplinger Newsletter reports.

The down side is saving enough money in the HSA to cover the high deductible.

According to Hewitt Associates, 20 percent of U.S. employers will offer high-deductible plans by the end of the year, but about half anticipate doing so in the future. Just 3 percent of employees chose such plans last year.

Anyone under age 65 who buys a high-deductible policy meeting IRS requirements can open an HSA. People can buy these policies on their own, through banks, credit unions or insurance companies, or through you their employer.

Andrew Housser, a co-founder and CEO of Bills.com, suggested that families switch to an HSA to save the difference in their monthly premium. Putting that money into the HSA would amount to stockpiling savings without a change in lifestyle. He advises automating the process, through checking account deductions.

The 2008 rules allow contributions of up to $2,900 for individuals or $5,800 for families.

Peter Ferrigno, president and CEO of Alexander & Richardson, a Warren, N.J.-based marketing and communications company, said rising health-care costs forced the company into high deductible health plans. The company contributes $500 to each employees deductible.

Outside of rent, health insurance is probably our single largest cost, Ferrigno told the Courier News. It seems over the last three, four years, weve had double-digit increases, year after year. You look at the package you have and try to tweak it to find that magic formula every year and many times you have to give up something to make it affordable.

Kiplinger reported that the longer you can keep the money in the HSA, the bigger the tax benefits. You can contribute pre-tax money to the account, where it grows tax deferred and can then be used tax free for medical expensea triple tax benefit that's tough to find anywhere else.

MORE INFO?
hsainsider.com or www.healthdecisions.org/hsa/

NIST STUDY SHOWS SPRINKLER SYSTEMS SAVE PROPERTY AND LIVES IN ONE- AND TWO- FAMILY DWELLINGS
Originally Posted: November 20, 2007 7:22 PM
Last Updated: November 20, 2007 7:22 PM

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has issued a "Benefit-Cost Analysis of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems" (NISTIR 7451. NIST (Gaithersburg, MD) is part of the Department of Homeland Security. The study was done by David T. Butry, M. Hayden Brown, and Sieglinde K. Fuller.

Results of the benefit-cost analysis show that multipurpose network sprinkler systems are economical. The expected present value of net benefits in 2005 dollars is estimated as $2,919 for a colonial-style house, $3,099 for a townhouse and $4,166 for a ranch-style house. The present value of net benefits range from $704 to $4,801 for the colonial-style house, from $884 to $4,981 for the townhouse and from $1,950 to $6,048 for the ranch style house.

Multipurpose network systems are the lowest life-cycle cost systems because homeowners can perform their own regular inspections and maintenance, and thereby save on costs they would incur with other systems. Given that they provide a similar level of performance, in terms of fire-risk mitigation, multipurpose network systems then achieve greater cost-effectiveness over alternate systems

Maintenance and repair costs were not examined in the study because they are negligible.

The quantified benefits of a fire sprinkler system used in a single-family dwelling are based on reported fire incident data contained within the US Fire Administration's National Fire Incident Reporting System 5.0, and calibrated with reported data based on the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) annual survey of fire departments over the period of 2002-2005.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2002 and 2005, on averge, there were 296,000 residential fires (one and two family dwellings) causing 10,188 civilian injuries and 2566 civilian deaths each year. These fires were responsible for $5.3 billion (2005 dollars) in direct residential property losses on average each year.

The National fire Sprinkler Association (NFSP) says 200 communities in the US have regulations requiring residential sprinkler systems. For example, in Scottsdale, AZ and Prince George's County, MD it was shown that residences with sprinkler systems suffered fewer deaths, injuries, and property damages than those without. In fact, no civilian fatalities were reported in residences with sprinkler systems in either study. But, while there is growing recognition of the ability of residential sprinkler systems to protect life and property from fires, less than 1% of all existing one- and two- family dwellings involved in a structure fire in 2005 had a sprinkler system.

MORE INFO?
www.bfrl.nist.gov/oae/publications/nistirs/NISTIR_7451_Oct07.pdf

REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR 08 APRIL 12 HONOR GUARD COMPETITION: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2008
Originally Posted: November 20, 2007 4:30 PM
Last Updated: November 20, 2007 4:30 PM

PennWell/Fire Engineering announces the Annual National Fire
Department Honor Guard Competition.

The competition will take place in the Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN, Sagamore Ballroom 3-4-5 on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 8:00 a.m.

The competition is limited to fire department honor guards consisting of at least 60% fire service personnel, should the honor guard be of a public service nature. Individuals will be judged on uniformity, neatness, cleanliness, and military bearing. Drills will be judged on precision and symmetry using the demerit accounting system. Categories will include first, second, and third place.

All team members will receive a complimentary weekend exhibit pass (Friday & Saturday).

Honor guards must register for the competition by March 12, 2008.
For more information contact Mary McCormack at FDSOA, 508-881-3543.

FLORIDA FACES POSSIBLE RECORD WILDFIRE SEASON DUE TO DROUTH
Originally Posted: November 20, 2007 4:23 PM
Last Updated: November 20, 2007 4:23 PM

Florida's State Forester Michael Long: "Florida faces the most serious fire conditions we have had in many years."

Long: "Last year was very, very bad. The prediction for the coming year is for it to be that bad or worse."

In 2006, Florida had 4,796 wildfires that burned more than 221,000 acres. South Florida had 175 wildfires, scorching more than 135,000 acres in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties.

State wildfire fighters work alongside municipal and county fire crews, who are often first responders in suburban areas, as well as other state agencies, including the Florida National Guard, which has more helicopters and more crews available than in 06.

Florida Meteorologist Ben Nelson: prospects for Florida's wildfire season are very gloomy.

The drought will continue in Florida. Water temperatures in the Pacific are cooer which usually predicts low rainfall in Florida.

STAPH INFECTIONS: FACTS, PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
Originally Posted: November 20, 2007 3:17 PM
Last Updated: November 20, 2007 3:17 PM

By Dr. Jasmine Moghissi, MD Fairfax, VA

Methacillin resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) has caused quite a stir recently. On Oct 15th, 2007, an otherwise healthy teenager in Bedford County (central Virginia, near Lynchburg) died of complications from MRSA, and 2 days later JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) published an article citing a huge increase in the number of infections in recent years.

More reports surfaced; several cases have been reported in the metropolitan DC area, including several in local schools. School districts have had massive cleaning operations, some closing down briefly.

Whats really going on here?

Staph aureaus is a bacteria that is found in the environment, and likes to live in human noses. Official statistics say that 20-30% of people will grow out staph aureaus if you culture their noses, but informal studies have shown that if the investigator is aggressive, over 90% of people will grow out staph aureaus. Those people are considered colonized, meaning that the bacteria live there, but does not make them sick. When a colonized person scratches their nose, the bacteria get on the fingers and under the fingernails. If they then scratch other parts of their body, and the skin has a break in it, the bacteria can enter and cause an infection. This scratching often happens during sleep, and people typically will scratch the face and thighs. Kids are especially prone to this.

What is MRSA?

When Penicillin was discovered, it would cure staph infections. Over time, some of the bacteria were able to develop defense mechanisms against penicillin, making some infections harder to cure. More antibiotics were developed to treat resistant infections. Methacillin (a beta lactam antibiotic) was introduced in 1959 to treat penicillin resistant staph aureaus. A year later there were already strains resistant to the methacillin. These strains were named methacillin resistant, hence MRSA.

At first MRSA was only found in hospitals or other health care settings, because thats where the most antibiotics were used. In the past 20 years though, the resistant strains have become more common in people who have not been in the hospital, (community acquired) and they have become resistant to a wider variety of antibiotics. Today it is thought that more than 50% of staph aureaus infections are methacillin resistant.

Unfortunately, not only are there fewer antibiotics available to treat MRSA, but it is also more aggressive. MRSA has developed a special gene that allows it to resist many antibiotics, and this same gene produces a toxin that is actually increased with use of beta lactam antibiotics. This means that not only is an infection with MRSA more serious and progresses more quickly than regular (non-resistant) staph, but treating it with beta lactam antitiobics can cause the infection to become even more dangerous.

Since 90% of people are colonized with staph, and many (most?) of those probably have MRSA, why arent we all dead?

Healthy people with intact immune systems rarely get systemic (in the blood stream) infections. Our bodies are constantly successfully fighting off bacteria and viruses. Most people who die of MRSA have other medical issues that compromise their immune systems. For example, they may have cancer, be very old, or have illnesses like AIDs. Rarely, an otherwise healthy person may get sick, which is apparently what happened to that teenager last month. We really dont know why some people get very sick, and others are fine. Thats what makes this so scary.

What does MRSA infection look like?

MRSA most commonly will look like impetigo; that is a pimple or boil often on a red warm base. It will often have pus, may drain and be red, swollen and painful. More serious infections will be internal, and the person will be very sick. Here is a picture of a typical MRSA skin infection.

So what can I do to protect myself and my family?

The most important thing is to wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers will protect also, but be careful using these around children, as they have a very high alcohol content. If you have any open wounds, make sure you keep them covered. Not only does that help protect you from infection, but it also protects others from potential infections you might have. Finally, dont share personal items such as razors, towels, or any items of clothing that may have come into contact with an infected wound. To properly clean linens, wash with water and laundry detergent, and dry in a hot dryer.

BTW these recommendations are just good sense, and are good precautions to use to prevent most any type of infection.

If you, an employee, or first responder you know thinks MRSA is happening to them get them to see a doctor.

The doctor will most likely take a culture of the wound; that is the only way to diagnose MRSA. If you are given an antibiotic, finish it; do not take a few days and save the rest for next time. MRSA evolved because staph aureaus was protecting itself from antibiotics (we are, after all, giving antibiotics to kill it). Do not take antibiotics unless you really need them, and if you do, make sure you take enough to completely kill it.

MORE INFO?
http://www.vdh.state.va.us/epidemiology/Surveillance/MRSA/index.htm(http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca.html(http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/comdis/staph.htm http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/mrsa/book.html

copyright 2007, Jasmine Moghissi, MD

POSSIBLE WILDFIRE OUTBREAK IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SPURS PREPARATIONS BY FOUR C-130 CAPABLE OF CARRYING WATER
Originally Posted: November 20, 2007 1:00 PM
Last Updated: November 20, 2007 2:44 PM

Copyrighted story in the San Francisco Chronicle by Tom Chorneau

A Thanksgiving Day forecast for the same dry, high-wind conditions that drove last month's epic Southern California fires has prompted the U.S. military to deploy four C-130 firefighting aircraft to the West Coast starting Thursday, November 22, 2007.

Military leaders drew criticism in the aftermath of the October 2007 firestorm for what some local officials believed to have been a slow response to the disaster.

The C-130 aircraft, capable of dropping 3,000 gallons of fire retardant liquid, had to fly in from remote stations and didn't begin helping crews during the October fires until two days after the blaze began.

Although California wildfires are an almost annual event, the military has based all of its six C-130 aircraft in Colorado, Wyoming and North Carolina.

"The idea is to be there in case the assets are needed," said Michael Kucharek, spokesman for the U.S. Northern Command, the Colorado military command responsible for homeland security and providing support to civil authorities.
The U.S. Weather Service expects Santa Ana winds to pick up later in the week and continue through the weekend in Southern California, said Stuart Seto, service spokesman.

It is not clear now strong those winds might be, but because there were models suggesting that gusts could be similar to the October conditions, California officials requested that the military move the big planes into the state.

Two of the aircraft will come from the Cheyenne, Wyo., Air National Guard and two from the Air Force Reserves in Colorado Springs. The units will begin flying missions out of the Channel Island base in Ventura County as soon as Thanksgiving Day 2007.

A date for when the planes will return to their home bases was not available.

Military officials defended their efforts last month, arguing that the extraordinary strong winds caused the fires to accelerate far faster than anyone expected. The strong winds also kept the aircraft grounded at times during the first days, military officials said, and could not be used sooner anyway.

California normally has its own C-130 crew based in Ventura County. But that plane was taken out of service two years ago because of its age, and federal officials are training a crew on a new model of the aircraft. That plane and crew are expected to be up and running by next autumn.

The 23 major wildfires, which began Oct. 21, 2007 and continued for a week, killed 10 people, destroyed 2,233 homes mostly in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties, and burned more than 500,000 acres.

A preliminary report on the state's response to the fire, released during the weekend (Nov. 17-18, 2007), showed that many National Guard helicopters did not get into the air during the first hours of the fire because of staffing problems.

Still, Cal Fire Director Ruben Grijalva said his agency did all it could given the extraordinary circumstances.

"Ninety-seven percent of what we did went right. Three percent didn't. And that's what we're working on," Grijalva said.

MAYOR'S RESPONSE TO THE ATTACK ON WORLD TRADE CENTER BECOMES AN ISSUE RAISED BY NY CITY FIREFIGHTERS
Originally Posted: November 20, 2007 12:41 PM
Last Updated: November 20, 2007 12:43 PM

In an unusual move, some firefighters in New York City are critical of Republican Presidential Candidate Rudy Giuliani. NEEDA is not involved in Presidential or any political matters, but the involvement of firefighters and the pros and cons of the New York fire response to attacks on the city 9-11-01 is of potential interest to emergency equipment dealers.

In 2001 NEEDA reported that NEEDA member dealers in New York and New Jersey reponded with huge contributions to the attack on the World Trade Center. I have told their story repeatedly since then as our dealers made many sacrifices to help the first responders respond to that shocking incident. Many manufacturers and suppliers in the fire industry also responded at that time with contributions to the recovery effort. Kenton Pattie, NEEDA Executive Director

The story was carried in The Guardian November 19, 2007.

To see the article, click on the headline above of this NEEDA Newsletter story.

FIRFIGHTERS AND MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITIES
Originally Posted: November 20, 2007 12:07 PM
Last Updated: November 20, 2007 12:12 PM

Tuesday, November 27, 2007 1:30 pm
Eastern Standard Time (GMT -05:00, New York)

FIRE 20/20", a research and education nonprofit recently studied risk, injuries and the loss of life to both firefighters and community members in multicultural communities. Funded by a DHS Fire Prevention and Safety Grant, the research explored the safety challenges faced by the fire service and members of communities with multiple languages, differing cultural traditions and generational differences. By participating in the November Webinar, you'll hear the results of this new research and learn best practices for working more effectively with multicultural communities, as well as strategies for developing and implementing multicultural recruitment programs, and prevention and public service campaigns to reduce the toll of fire-related injuries and deaths.

Presenters: (Meri-K Appy,
President of the Home Safety Council (Larry Sagen, Director of FIRE 20/20"

MORE INFO? www.homesafetycouncil.org/index.aspx

HERE ARE THE AMENDMENTS CONSIDERED TO HR 3867 THE HOUSE SMALL BUSINESS CONTRACTING IMPROVEMENT ACT PASSED 334-80
Originally Posted: November 20, 2007 11:33 AM
Last Updated: November 20, 2007 11:34 AM

The House has passed legislation giving severely disabled veterams special consideration in getting Federal contracts. Minorities and women will also benefit from additional opportunities. Anyone hiring or recruiting an unauthoried alien will be barred from winning future Federal contracts, the bill says.
Click on headline for full list of the Amendments.

The Senate has not acted on this bill.

COLUMBIA MUSIC HALL FIRE WAS ARSON, ATF, STATE AND LOCAL FIRE OFFICIALS SAY
Originally Posted: November 17, 2007 4:01 PM
Last Updated: November 17, 2007 4:07 PM

Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Division of State Fire Marshal, Scioto County Prosecutors Office and the Portsmouth (Ohio) Fire and Police Departments completed the on-scene investigation of the Nov. 11, 2007, fire at the Columbia Music Hall by saying that the fire was intentionally set.

Special Agent in Charge of the ATF National Response Team (NRT) Jeffrey
Fulton, Randy Duncan, Acting Chief of the Portsmouth Fire Department, Mark
Kuhn, Scioto County Prosecutor, Charles Horner, Chief of the Portsmouth
Police Department and State Fire Marshal Michael Bell said the
blaze was ruled arson.

State Fire Marshal Michael Bell: "The team of investigators completed their on-scene investigation. The investigators fully analyzed the evidence gathered at the scene and the information provided in the more than 50 interviews that were conducted."

"This Investigation is another example of what can be achieved when
local, state and federal agencies work together," said ATF Columbus Field
Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Sadowski.

Sadowski further committed local ATF special agents to continue the
investigation with Portsmouth Police and Fire investigators and the Ohio
Division of the State Fire Marshal until the investigation is completed and
the individual(s) responsible are brought to justice.

Acting Fire Department Chief Duncan and Police Chief Horner said the
ATF NRT and the State Fire Marshal's Office has been a real asset to the
investigation. "The resources and assistance by these specialists is
greatly appreciated; this comprehensive investigation would not have been
able to be conducted without Federal and state support," said Duncan.

ATF's NRT comprises ATF personnel from across the country who responded
to the scene to work alongside state and local investigators. The NRT
includes a canine team, forensic chemist, cause and origin specialists,
electrical and fire protection engineers, and additional specialists. This
NRT activation was the third this fiscal year and the 642nd since the 1978
inception of the NRT program.

MORE INFO? Kim Riddell, ATF PIO 330-707-2308 or Shane Cartmill, State Fire Marshal PIO 614-752-7179 or www.atf.gov.

CALIFORNIA AND FLORIDA PROJECT BILLION DOLLAR LOSSES IN 08 REVENUES
Originally Posted: November 17, 2007 3:49 PM
Last Updated: November 17, 2007 3:49 PM

Californias top budget analyst, Elizabeth Hill, released a report last week projecting a $9.8 billion hole in next years budget, $3.8 billion more than the Schwarzenegger administration had previously indicated.

Hill told the Sacrmento Bee the deficit has grown because government expenses are increasing faster than revenues in an economy weakened by the slumping real estate market.

Meanwhile state economists in Florida downgraded their tax
revenue projection for the next two years another $2.5 billion last week, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

The revised forecast means that despite lawmakers making $1 billion in cuts during a special session just weeks ago, the state will still end the fiscal year on June 30 $1 billion short.

FIRE GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE NOV. 30, 2007: TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR GRANT APPLICATION IS AVAILABLE
Originally Posted: November 17, 2007 11:49 AM
Last Updated: November 17, 2007 11:49 AM

There is still time to submit an application for the Department of Homeland Security, FY 07 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants! Applications for these grants must be received by November 30, 2007, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Fire Prevention and Safety Grants are competitive. Projects can include arson prevention, sprinkler awareness, smoke alarm installation, burn prevention and fire prevention public education.

NEEDA has previously announced the deadline for the fire grant applications. Also, this information flashes across the NEEDA website constatly in our news banner. But the fact is there are still fire departments who have not submitted their applications for grants. Deadline is Nov 30, 2007!

Grant writing technical assistance is available, including an online tutorial at www.firegrantsupport.com. The tutorial will provide you with valuable grant information and will walk you through the preparation and submittal of competitive applications. In addition, the applicant tutorial will provide an overview of the funding priorities and evaluation criteria. Applicants who have questions regarding the Fire Prevention and Safety Grants opportunity should call the help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or send an email to firegrants@dhs.gov. During the application period, the help desk will operate Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (eastern time), but is prepared to revise hours of operation based on call volume, demand and holidays

NJ FIRE COMMISSIONERS STEAL TRUCKS FROM LITTLE EGG HARBOR FIRE DEPARTMENT
Originally Posted: November 17, 2007 9:06 AM
Last Updated: November 17, 2007 9:06 AM

Two fire commissioners from Little Egg Harbor Township (Toms River, NJ) stole vehicles owned by the fire department.

Edward A. Kluver, 48, a commissioner for Little Egg Harbor Township Fire District No. 2 and former chief of the Mystic Island Volunteer Fire Company, pleaded guilty to official misconduct in Superior Court in Ocean County, NJ.

On Oct. 1, 2007 another Fire District No. 2 commissioner and former member of the Mystic Island Volunteer Fire Company, Leroy Kaufman, 66, pleaded guilty to third-degree theft in the same case.

Kluver and Kaufman used their official positions as commissioners to sign over to each other two trucks that were owned by the fire district.

Kluver took title to a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck; Kaufman took a 1993 Chevrolet Blazer.

Each man re-registered the truck in his own name, claiming he paid $250 for it, when in fact, no payment was made for either truck, authorities said. The truck Kluver stole was worth more than $10,000.

Sentencing will be Nov. 30, 2007.

NATIONAL FORESTS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILL BE CLOSED FOR AT LEAST A YEAR DUE TO WILDFIRE THREAT
Originally Posted: November 17, 2007 8:50 AM
Last Updated: November 17, 2007 8:50 AM

A copyrighted story by Janet Wilson in the Los Angeles Times says portions of the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino forests will be closed for a year or longer because of threats from smoldering hot spots, flash floods and erosion, and to allow damaged habitat and wildlife to recover, U.S. Forest Service officials said.

Guards will not be posted at the entrances but the public is expected to stay away on the honor system.

Nearly half of the Cleveland National Forest, which stretches from the Mexican border through Orange and Riverside counties, will be closed for a year, the LA Times reports.

"The Harding and Maple Springs truck trails and other heavily used weekend recreation routes will be off-limits in the Cleveland National Forest until mid-November 2008.

"In the Angeles National Forest, the Rowher Flat off-highway vehicle and Drinkwater Flat areas, affected by the Buckweed and Ranch fires, will remain closed until rehabilitation efforts are complete.

"Lands east of Piru Lake and Piru Creek affected by the Ranch fire will remain closed for one year.

"In Los Padres National Forest, most of the San Rafael Wilderness and all of the Dick Smith Wilderness, as well as some surrounding land affected by the Zaca fire will remain closed through April.

"Several areas affected by the Grass Valley and Slide fires in the San Bernardino National Forest also will remain closed until rehabilitation is completed, including trails near Green Valley as well as the Fisherman's and Tent Peg campgrounds."

MARCH 9-12, 2008 CONFERENCE ON HOW NEW MAPPING TECHNOLOGIES SUCH AS GIS AND GPS CAN HELP EMERGENCY RESPONDERS
Originally Posted: November 17, 2007 8:32 AM
Last Updated: November 17, 2007 8:37 AM

The Geospatial Dimensions of Emergency Response Symposium takes place in conjunction with the Geospatial Infrastructure Solutions Conference.

This event will be the first ever to address the application of mapping technologies such as GIS, GPS, and remote sensing to emergency and disaster response.

The Symposium will kick off with half-day seminars on Sunday and Monday, March 9 and 10. Technical sessions will continue through Tuesday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 12, 2008.

In offering this specialized education, GITA is seeking to meet the following critical goals:

Provide educational sessions about the application of geospatial technologies to emergency and disaster response that are applicable to individual responders, operational managers, and support personnel in both communities,

Draw the geospatial professional and emergency response communities together in an effort to improve communication between the two groups,

Foster a better understanding between the two communities of the roles and responsibilities of each, and

Encourage and assist the communities to maintain an ongoing dialogue so that all are better prepared to assist and achieve maximum efficiency in times of disaster and emergency.

The Geospatial Dimensions of Emergency Response Symposium will be held as a separate event, but will be conducted in parallel with GITAs Geospatial Infrastructure Solutions Conference.

There will be a shared exhibit floor and registration, and social events will be open to attendees of both conferences. GITA will make every effort to facilitate crossover.

Emergency responders will see to the various technologies available to enable their efforts in an emergency situations, while simultaneously giving the geospatial community direct ground-zero information about the geospatial needs and requirements of emergency response teams.

The Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) is a nonprofit educational association serving the global geospatial community. GITA provides a stable source of important member contacts, industry news, and association-related ongoing programs, such as our Geospatial Infrastructure Solutions Conference.

MORE INFO? Geospatial Infrastructure Solutions Conference
303-337-0513 or Fax: 303-337-1001 or info@gita.org

CONGRESS FAILS TO TAKE AWAY UNFAIR INSIDE TRACK THAT FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES USE TO GET CONTRACTS: FPI CAN STILL TAKE WORK AWAY FROM SMALL BUSINESSES UNTIL CONGRESS CLOSES THE DOOR
Originally Posted: November 15, 2007 6:25 PM
Last Updated: November 15, 2007 6:25 PM

US Senator Carl Levin's (D-Michigan) provision has succeeded in Senate-House Conference committee . But the House language, supported by NEEDA, offering comprehensive reform to unfair advantages enjoyed by Federal Prison Industries was not adopted. (FPI Reform/Sec824 Conference)

First and foremost, Section 824 (Modification of the Competition Requirements for Purchases from Federal Prison Industries), Senator Levin's provision, will be included in the Conference Report to H.R. 1585, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008.

Chairman Levin and his Committee General Counsel, Peter Levine, have made possible this important additional relief from Federal Prison Industry's status as a mandatory source of supply.

Industry representatives and some top government executives have objected to the FPI prisoner shops having an automatic inside track when selling products to Federal agencies in competition with private firms. FPI gets a lot of contracts from inside deals which exclude consideration of offers from private firms.

Because of the leadership of Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-MI), all of the lead cosponsors, and others in the Michigan Delegation, Chairman John Conyers withdrew his jurisdictional opposition to Section 824 and agreed to offer the text of House-passed bill from the 109th Congress, H.R. 2965, the Hoekstra-Frank-Maloney-Sensenbrenner-Conyers-Coble Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2007, for addition to the Conference Report on H.R. 1585.

The National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA) supports the Hoekstra-Frank-Maloney-Sensenbrenner-Conyers-Coble Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2007. NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie has been a critic of the extensive unfair advantages that Federal Prison factories have. They compete unfairly against small businesses, Pattie said.

Revised and more restrictive Rule 28 of the Standing Rules of the Senate, however, will prevent Congress from adopting the changes supported by NEEDA. The House offer of the text of H.R. 2965 (109th Cong.) has been determined to be outside the scope of the Senate-House Conference. The new more restrictive Rule 28 has been vigorously and consistently applied by the Senate conferees throughout the Conference on H.R. 1585.

Similarly, the application of the revised Rule 28 also forecloses a potential
House-offered provision, substantively identical to the Harkin-Grassley
amendment, that would have assured that the important improvements to Section 2410n of Title 10, United States Code, made by Section 824, are given Government-wide application through the Government-wide Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

So, bottom line: the fundamental and comprehensive reform of FPI, though supported by many House and Senate members, has again failed in the US Congress.

MORE INFO? William B. Montalto, Special Counsel to Rep. Peter Hoekstra (MI-2nd), U.S. House of Representatives
2234 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-2202
Main: (202) 225-4401
FAX: (202) 226-0779
Voicemail: (202) 226-8490
House e-mail: Bill.Montalto@mail.house.gov
Personal e-mail: WBMontalto@aol.com

211 SERVICE MEETS NEEDS OF CITIZENS AFTER DISASTERS AND EMERGENCIES
Originally Posted: November 15, 2007 5:28 PM
Last Updated: November 15, 2007 5:28 PM

2-1-1 is the FCC-designated three-digit number for free information and referrals on health and human services.

2-1-1 has played a critical role in the aftermath of natural disasters and other emergencies. During and after the hurricanes in Florida and Hurricane Katrina, 2-1-1 was a critical link to help connect people to food, water, shelter, and other vital services. Just this last week, during the wildfires in California, 2-1-1 San Diego took over 50,000 calls from desperate residents.

CrisisLink has been selected to provide 2-1-1 services for Northern Virginia, with service to begin in February 2008.

NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie is associated with Crisis-Link through joint membership on the Youth Suicide and Depression Task Force of the Fairfax Partnership for Youth. "Crisis-Link has a terrific outreach program as they have trained hundreds of others to spot the the signs of and respond to depression and suicide. It is quite natural that they were selected for the 211 service as they are experts at helping people in need." (KentonP1@aol.com, 703 850 8552) Pattie is Execuitive Director of the National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association, a trade association dedicated to meeting the emergency needs of the fire, public safety, emergency medical services, and law enforcement community in the United States.

People call 9-1-1 in an emergency, and call 4-1-1 when they need directory assistance. Now, there will be a number to call when people need help from a community agency but dont know where to call 2-1-1. Its an easy-to-remember number to help people navigate the complex maze of government, nonprofit, and faith-based programs.

Nationwide, 2-1-1 serves over 198 million Americans, about 65% of the population. The five other regions in Virginia have been served by 2-1-1 since February 2006, but now 2-1-1 will become available in Northern Virginia in February 2008 as part of the 2-1-1 VIRGINIA Statewide Information and Referral system.

Carol Loftur-Thun, executive director of CrisisLink: We are very excited to be chosen as the 2-1-1 provider for Northern Virginia. The social services maze is so complicated to navigate that many people in need dont even know where to start. If they are elderly, disabled, homeless, sick, or in crisis, it can be overwhelming to try to access help to keep problems from getting worse. CrisisLink has been linking people to community resources for over 38 years, so this is a natural extension of our Hotlines, and were grateful to our state legislators and the Virginia Department of Social Services for helping to make 2-1-1 possible in Northern Virginia.

2-1-1 VIRGINIA can help officials efficiently and effectively plan for social services based on the types of requests received by 2-1-1 centers like CrisisLink.

CrisisLink recently doubled the size of its call center and installed a new phone system to expand capacity to provide 2-1-1 as well as CrisisLinks five existing 24/7 Hotlines.

Loftur-Thun: We are grateful to our in-kind donors who made this expansion possibleJack Bays, Inc., ARG, Inc., Virginia Hospital Center, Black Box Network Systems, Design:W, FBI, Divecha Painting, Inc., and Washington Workplace. 2-1-1 will be a tremendous asset for Northern Virginians once it is launched in February 2008 and were honored to be chosen to provide 2-1-1 for our region and be part of 2-1-1 VIRGINIA statewide.

LEGAL SERVICES FOR VICTIMS OF DISASTERS PROVIDED BY YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION OF THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION
Originally Posted: November 15, 2007 2:16 PM
Last Updated: November 15, 2007 2:16 PM

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Bar Association (ABA), on behalf of its Young Lawyers Division (YLD), signed a Memorandum of Agreement increasing the reach and array of legal services delivered to low-income victims of major disasters.

Through this agreement, the YLD, when requested by FEMA, now has authority to coordinate and manage the delivery of legal services to disaster victims by collaborating with other qualified organizations, such as the Legal Services Corporation, law firms, not-for-profit legal services providers, state and local bar associations, and pro bono organizations.

Carlos J. Castillo, assistant administrator for disaster assistance at FEMA: Offering easily accessible legal services is a key part of FEMAs mission to offer the best level of support to individuals affected by disasters.

"Coordinating with partners such as the ABA expands the range of assistance FEMA provides in support of our most important mission helping people recover from disasters as soon as possible.

ABA President William H. Neukom: This 2007 agreement represents a significant step forward in the systematic and coordinated delivery of legal services to victims of major disasters in America. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with other groups in these efforts.

Beginning with a 1978 agreement between FEMA and the ABA, volunteer attorneys working under the auspices of the ABA have coordinated the delivery of free legal assistance to disaster victims. When the president of the United States declares a major disaster and authorizes Disaster Legal Services, the ABA YLD recruits and coordinates volunteer attorneys to assist in providing legal assistance through telephone hotlines and at disaster recovery centers.

Services rendered include assistance with insurance claims, counseling on landlord/tenant problems, assisting in consumer protection matters, remedies, and procedures, and the replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in a major disaster.

Under the new agreement, volunteer attorneys also may provide assistance in securing FEMA and other governmental benefits available to disaster victims.

Over the past two years, volunteers working under the program have fielded more than 75,000 calls from 19 designated disasters, including the recent California wildfires. Volunteers have also aided victims of numerous other disasters, including hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Andrew and Isabel, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the September 11 terrorist attacks.

FEMA coordinates the federal governments role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

MORE INFO? www.abanet.org/disaster/docsfema_aba_agreement_11_07.pdf.

TYCO FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES FULL YEAR REVENUE UP 7%
Originally Posted: November 15, 2007 8:20 AM
Last Updated: November 15, 2007 2:07 PM

Tyco Fire Protection Services designs, sells, installs and services fire detection and fire suppression systems to commercial, industrial and governmental customers. Revenue increased 5% to a quarterly sales record of
$944 million. The fiscal fourth quarter is traditionally the strongest quarter of the year for this business due to higher levels of service and installation activity during the summer months. Organic revenue growth in the quarter was 2% with relatively similar growth rates across the North American SimplexGrinnell business and the international fire businesses.

Operating income was $82 million and the operating margin was 8.7%. Special items in the quarter consisted of $8 million in restructuring charges. Before special items, the operating income was $90 million and the operating margin was 9.5%.

For the full year, revenue increased 7% to $3.5 billion with organic revenue growth of 5%. Operating income was 253 million for the full year and the operating margin was 7.2%. Operating income before special items increased 21% to 287 million and the operating margin before special items
improved 90 basis points to 8.2% driven by strong performance in the SimplexGrinnell business.

Tyco employs 950 research & development engineers, 33,000 service engineers, 90,000 employees and earns $11 billion annual in sales....35 manufacturing locations.

Tyco had 600 new products and product extensions this year, has 1,200 offices in 100 countries.

Tyco Fire & Security protects 5 million homes worldwide, transportation Systems on 5 continents, 300 International airportsm, 1 million firefighters worldwide, and 80% of the vessels at sea.

SAFECO ESTIMATES INSURANCE CLAIMS OF$35 MILLION
Originally Posted: November 14, 2007 5:49 PM
Last Updated: November 14, 2007 5:49 PM

Safeco (Seattle, WA) says claims stemming from the October 2007 California wildfires are estimated at $35 million in pretax catastrophe losses.

Safeco, in business since 1923, is a Fortune 500 property and casualty insurance company based in Seattle. The company sells insurance to drivers, home owners, and owners of small- and mid-sized businesses principally through a national network of independent distribution partners.

This figure represents the estimated losses both from claims received through Nov. 6, 2007 and future expected claims. The estimated effect on fourth-quarter net income is $23 million after tax, or $0.24 per diluted share.

The pretax estimated losses include:
$30 million in personal lines property; and
$5 million in commercial property.

Paula Rosput Reynolds, Safeco president and chief executive officerz Safeco has been on the ground with our customers since Day One of the fires. We appreciate the support of the Department of Insurance and local law enforcement in allowing us to respond quickly to our customers.

Safecos National Catastrophe Team arrived on the scene shortly after the 07 wildfires were reported, answering questions from displaced homeowners, as well as contacting Safeco customers with information on how to file their claims. After the wildfires were contained, Safeco adjusters were among the first to enter damaged regions. The company also announced a package of donations to local chapters of the Red Cross totaling up to $250,000.

Safeco estimated losses are based on the value of property in areas with fire damage, its knowledge of the severity and reporting patterns from similar catastrophes in the past, damage projections based on home values, anticipated costs for a surge in demand for goods and labor to complete repairs, and other factors requiring considerable judgment. Given the uncertainties affecting the estimation of losses, Safeco may refine its estimates and assumptions in the future.

Safeco will announce its fourth-quarter financial results on January 31, 2008.

RURAL/METRO AMBULANCE SERVICE NET INCOME UP 4.5%
Originally Posted: November 14, 2007 5:29 PM
Last Updated: November 14, 2007 5:33 PM

Rural/Metro Corporation (Scottsdale, AZ), a leading provider of ambulance and private fire protection services, results for its fiscal 2008 first quarter, which ended September 30, 2007: growth in net revenue, a reduction in uncompensated care and significant growth in cash collections per transport.

Consolidated net revenue for the first quarter ended September 30, 2007 increased 4.5 percent, or $5.2 million, to $119.5 million, compared to $114.3 million for the prior year. Ambulance services revenue for the quarter increased 4.3 percent, or $4.1 million, to $100.8 million, compared
to $96.7 million for the same period of the prior year. Other services revenue, which includes fire services revenue, increased 6.1 percent, or $1.1 million, to $18.7 million, compared to $17.6 million for the same period of the prior year. On a consolidated basis, period-over-period net
revenue growth was driven primarily by same-service area market expansion; new contracts for emergency and non-emergency ambulance services, as well as one new contract for airport fire protection services; higher subsidies
negotiated under 911-emergency contracts; and rate increases on master and subscription fire contracts.

Jack Brucker, President and Chief Executive Officer: "During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 and the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we continued to produce steady year-over-year growth in net revenue through new contract wins, renewals, and same-market expansion efforts; to execute on key strategies to minimize exposure to uncompensated care; and to generate predictable cash flows, as the initiatives we are implementing to improve ambulance collections continue to gain momentum.

Brucker: "We continued to trend positively with respect to our ongoing efforts to improve collections and made significant strides in the key operating metrics we use to measure uncompensated care. During the first quarter, we were also successful in increasing ambulance subsidies by $0.9 million over the prior year to help offset compensated care related to uninsured patients."

The Company's results reflected:

APC increased by $22 per transport to $348 in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 from $326 in the fiscal 2007 third quarter ended March 31, 2007.

DSO, a measurement of the average time it takes to collect per transport, improved by three days, to 64 days in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 from 67 days in the fiscal 2007 third quarter.

Uncompensated care as a percentage of gross revenue improved to 15.0 percent in the first quarter from 15.2 percent in the third quarter ended March 31, 2007.

Consolidated net revenue for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 ended June 30, 2007 increased 3.9 percent, or $4.4 million, to $118.1 million, compared to $113.7 million for the same period of the prior year. Ambulance services revenue increased 3.3 percent, or $3.2 million, to $99.2 million, compared to $96.0 million for the prior year. Other services revenue, which includes fire services, increased 6.9 percent, or $1.2 million, to $18.9 million, compared to $17.7 million for the same prior-year period. On a consolidated basis, period-over-period net revenue growth was driven primarily by same-service area market expansion, new contracts for emergency and non- mergency ambulance services, higher subsidies negotiated under 911-emergency contracts, and rate increases on master and subscription fire contracts.

Rural/Metro Corporation provides emergency and non-emergency ambulance services and private fire protection services in 23 states and 400 communities throughout the United States.

MORE INFO? http://www.ruralmetro.com.

HOW MUCH PAID TIME OFF SHOULD A DEALER GIVE EMPLOYEES?
Originally Posted: November 14, 2007 4:53 PM
Last Updated: November 14, 2007 4:54 PM

In 2005 and 2006, surveyed companies with paid time off programs most commonly gave employees with less than a year's service 11-15 days of leave. In 2007, surveyed companies with paid time off programs most commonly gave first-year employees five or fewer days of leave. Surveyed companies with traditional programs most commonly gave new employees 6-10 vacation days in 2005 and five or fewer vacation days in 2006 and 2007. The survey found that for employees with five years' service, the most common paid time off range was 16-20 days, while the most common vacation range was 11-15 days.

RURAL/METRO REPORTS ON FIRE AND AMBULANCE SERVICE IN 23 STATES ON NOVEMBER 14, 2007 11 AM EASTERN
Originally Posted: November 12, 2007 9:10 AM
Last Updated: November 12, 2007 9:13 AM

Rural/Metro Corporation will release results for the fiscal 2008 first quarter ended September 30, 2007 and fiscal 2007 fourth quarter and 12 months ended June 30, 2007 before the opening of markets on November 14, 2007.

Rural/Metro will host a conference call and webcast to discuss these results beginning at 8 a.m. (Pacific)/ 11 a.m.(Eastern).

Also on that day, Rural/Metro will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 and amended quarterly reports on Form 10-Q/A for the quarters ended September 30, 2006, December 31, 2006, and March 31, 2007. These amended reports will include restated consolidated financial information for the interim periods and the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006.

The Company has requested an extension to file its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter ended September 30, 2007, so that it may complete the above-referenced documents and submit all filings to the SEC
on November 14, 2007.

Individuals wishing to join the Company's conference call should dial (888) 819-8015 (domestic) or (913) 981-5519 (international). For interested individuals unable to join the call, a replay will be available until midnight (Eastern) November 15, 2007.

To access the replay, dial (888) 203-1112 (domestic) or (719) 457-0820 (international). The required pass code to access the replay is 3642507. A live audio webcast also will be made available at http://www.ruralmetro.com, with a replay available for 90 days following the call.

Rural/Metro Corporation provides emergency and non-emergency ambulance services, and private fire protection services in 23 states and approximately 400 communities throughout the United States.

MORE INFO? www.ruralmetro.com.
Liz Merritt 480-606-3337 or Jeff Stanlis 480-510-7228

FIRE SUPPRESSANT COMPANY SUMMIT ENVIRONMENTAL CORPORATION OF SAN DIEGO FACING DIFFICULTY WITH SALES MAY SELL PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY
Originally Posted: November 11, 2007 5:13 PM
Last Updated: November 11, 2007 5:13 PM

Summit Environmental Corporation (San Diego, CA) has never operated at a profit, its primary product: fire suppressant.

The company says: We have existed on funds raised from investors from time to time.

-- In early 2006 we bought an office building and adjacent premises for
$250,000. On August 18, 2006, we replaced the $250,000 indebtedness
with a promissory note for $560,000 payable to a shareholder that
agreed to provide such funds.
-- Our sales did not improve. On October 17, 2006 our chief financial
officer resigned.
-- October 19, 2006: Don Jordan of Dallas, Texas was elected CFO to fill
the vacancy thereby created.
-- November 21, 2006: With no immediate prospects of needed sales, Keith
and Paula Parker resigned as CEO and vice president, respectively.
Doug Cox of San Diego was elected CEO in an effort to bring new
leadership to the company, and Don Jordon, our CFO, was also elected
president.
-- April 2007: The Parkers each resigned as directors.
-- April 12, 2007: We received notice of default on our $560,000
promissory note of August 18, 2006 for failure to make monthly payments of interest and principal for six months.
-- April 16, 2007: We filed our annual Form 10-KSB with the SEC but
without the required Report of Independent Accountant. We disclosed
that we were continuing to operate at a loss, that our new management
intended to concentrate on sales of our fire suppressant, that the fire
suppressant was subject to a "cease and desist" order issued by Applied
Research Laboratories for future manufacturing of the product until we
complied with new certification standards, that we intended to
concentrate selling our inventory to the California local fire
departments, that we had lost the licensing rights to our other
products for alleged breaches of contracts, and that we projected
significant increases of sales of the fire suppressant product by the
third quarter of 2008.
-- April 23, 2007: The National Association of Securities Dealers, which
owns and operates the Bulletin Board, advised us that we were being
delisted from the Bulletin Board
-- June 1, 2007: Doug Cox, our CEO, reported on his efforts with the
California fire departments. He stated that the several demonstrations
he gave fire chiefs resulted in no sales, due most particularly to the
fact that the fire suppressant did not perform as well as it did much
earlier in our company's history. We investigated as to what might
have happened to the manufacturing of our product. It was at this time
that we learned that the fire suppressant's formula now being used is
different than what was previously being used, which was new
information to the overall board of directors. With this new
information and dissatisfaction being presented to Doug Cox for the
first time, he resigned as CEO, and the leadership of Summit continued
with Don Jordan as President and CFO.
-- October 5, 2007: Don Jordan resigned as President and CFO but remains as a director as does Doug Cox.
-- October 31, 2007: The directors contemplate what course the company
should take. There are presently no funds in the company and
indebtedness of approximately $750,000. The principal asset of the
company is the intellectual rights to the fire suppressant technology.
Despite the recent problems with the fire suppressant, we believe the
problems are correctable and that the patent to the technology is
valuable. Among other possibilities, we may sell all rights to the
technology.

LOS ANGELES TIMES: REBUILDING BEGINS IN HIGH RISK WILDFIRE ZONES
Originally Posted: November 11, 2007 12:26 PM
Last Updated: November 11, 2007 12:27 PM

Thank you: Sharon Bernstein, Molly Hennessy-Fiske and Janet Wilson, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers. Copyright, Los Angeles Times
November 11, 2007

Reprinted because these developments summarized by the LA Times will be crucial points in the Task Force and State Legislature studies of the October, 2007 wildfires and the development of new recommendations to improve fire safety in California and other areas of the country facing similar challenges from wildfires. NEEDA newsletter recently reported on the 2003-2004 recommendations and the upcoming review of the 2007 fires. Kenton Pattie, Executive Director, NEEDA

"Much of the new development in Los Angeles and Orange counties is occurring on land the state says is at high risk for wildfires, according to records and interviews.

"With little raw land available in flat areas, builders are planning huge tracts of homes on or just below the rough hillsides that fringe the region's metropolitan areas.

""Hillside living is popular with home buyers because of the sweeping views, country feel and proximity to nature. But with their tall brush and trees, and steep terrain that can act as a wind tunnel to speed along a blaze, these are the very areas likely to burn.

"A symbol of how the suburban building boom has stretched to meet the fire danger can be found off Plum Canyon Road near Canyon Country, where last month's fires blackened land being graded for new homes. The fire left the distorted remains of water sprinklers coated with ash and dirt.

"But no sooner had the flames died than construction workers were back out, cleaning the site in unincorporated Santa Clarita and preparing to build 600 homes.

"The project, called Monte Verde, is in what L.A. County planners and fire officials call a "very high fire hazard severity zone," the riskiest designation.

"In the wake of the October blazes that burned more than 2,000 homes, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger asked a state wildfire task force to consider whether construction should be limited in the riskiest zones, joining a growing chorus of safety advocates and environmentalists who have also proposed tougher hillside building rules.

"About 60,000 new homes are proposed for the hills, canyons and scrubby flats of northern Los Angeles County over the next few years.

"These include two mega- developments along what is now a sparsely populated stretch of the 5 Freeway: Centennial, near Tejon Ranch; and Newhall Ranch, north of Santa Clarita.

"In Orange County, more than 20,000 homes are planned by the Irvine Co. and Mission Viejo Co. in zones considered at high risk for brush fires.

"Fire prevention officials say they require homes built in such areas to include a long list of safety features, including landscaping meant to keep flames away from houses and the use of flame-retardant building materials. They note these are precautions that newer communities, including Foothill Ranch, Portola Hills and Stevenson Ranch, have taken to protect homes.

"Michael LeBlanc of the Irvine Co. said he watched with some satisfaction last month as news reports showed the Santiago fire racing across a toll road and around a bend toward the first phase of the firm's 4,500-home Portola Springs project, and then dying.

"It reached the fuel modification zone and it stopped," he said. "The fire just stopped."

"But some longtime safety advocates say building in fire zones puts people at risk and costs society billions for firefighting and rescue efforts.

"This is a land rush into danger," said Roger Kennedy, former director of the National Park Service and author of a recent book on wildfires. "A land rush by people who do not understand what they are doing and who are subsidized by others to do it. It's crazy."

"Even if firefighters can save these homes, the firefighting costs are expected to continue to rise.

"The state legislative analyst's office estimated that it would cost about $869 million to fight wildfires in fiscal 2007-08 -- an 83% increase over the cost 10 years ago.

"In a report released earlier this year, the legislative analyst recommended that local governments that approve development in high-risk fire zones be required to pay for the cost of firefighting. Homeowners should also pay an extra firefighting fee if they choose to move to such areas, the report recommended.

"Schwarzenegger last week asked the blue-ribbon commission set up after the 2003 wildfires to reexamine rules for building in high-severity fire zones, although a spokesman said it was too soon to say what changes might be needed."

US FIRE ADMINISTRATION WARNS PUBLIC ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING CAUSED BY IMPROPER GENERATOR USE
Originally Posted: November 10, 2007 7:48 PM
Last Updated: November 10, 2007 7:48 PM

When a member of your community is killed or injured from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning as the result of improper generator use, it is important to let others know how they can prevent a similar tragedy. As you continue to report on the incident, the U.S. Fire Administration encourages you to remind your audience that many CO deaths are preventable.

From 1990-2003, 228 CO poisoning deaths were associated with portable generators.

From 2001 to 2003, the number of reported CO poisoning deaths associated with portable generators doubled.

The most common improper placement of portable generators that result in injury or death are in crawl spaces, basements, and attached garages (within or in close proximity to the home).

The following generator safety tips could make a big difference to your audience. By incorporating them in your story now, you could help save a life. Please share them with your readers because knowledge is the best protection.

SUTPHEN'S WEBSITE OFFERS FIRE DEPARTMENTS WAY TO CONFIGURE NEW FIRE APPARATUS ORDER
Originally Posted: November 10, 2007 9:23 AM
Last Updated: November 10, 2007 9:23 AM

Sutphen Corporation (Amlin, OH) is offers the Virtual Firehouse and Truck Configurator on its website.

The Shield Series Configurator, a first phase to the Virtual Firehouse allows customers to create a log in to their own Virtual Firehouse within the Sutphen website. From there they can choose the Shield Series model that they wish to configure and then customize it with the options they want. The system allows them to save that configuration to their Firehouse or submit it for a quote.

"We are very excited about this addition to our website." says Alissa McGlone, Marketing Coordinator for Sutphen Corporation. "Our goal is to use our website to educate and entertain current and potential Sutphen customers. The new configuration tool gives our web-based audience a chance to be more interactive with the website and will allow us to get a better profile of that audience so that we can continue to improve the site to be a better marketing tool."

The tool is also being used by Sutphen's sales force in the field. " With the ease of use and online access our dealers can work with their current and potential customers to help them create their own Shield Series Fire Truck. Dealers can easily capture the preliminary order information and the customer can visualize what their truck could look like with their desired options." Said Ken Creese Director of Sales and Marketing.
The Virtual Firehouse, developed with the assistance of Pontis Group in Dublin OH, will eventually incorporate more truck models for configuration as well as an online community where people can share stories and post questions in a forum style setting.

INSURANCE INDUSTRY OPPOSES PLAN FOR BACK UP INSURANCE IN HURRICANE PRONE AREAS
Originally Posted: November 10, 2007 9:15 AM
Last Updated: November 10, 2007 9:15 AM

US House of Representatives Democrats claim that the Homeowners Defense Act will turn the tide of skyrocketing homeowners insurance premiums, fleeing providers and canceled policies that surged in Katrinas aftermath.

Naturally, lobbyists for the insurance industry and real estate interests, both residential and commercial, have been jockeying for position on the legislation.

Only, in this case, no one believes the bill has the slightest chance of becoming reality this year.

The concept at the heart of the insurance bill in question making the federal government the insurer of last resort for the insurers has been kicked around Congress for more than a decade.

Industry groups continue to push, and play, the issue in hopes of being in the best position when the proposal inevitably pops up again.

If you want to be part of the debate moving forward, you really got to engage on this, said one lobbyist.

Insurance issues carry a big political bang these days as lawmakers from Long Island to Mississippi find their offices flooded with complaints about the availability and affordability of homeowners insurance.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has made responding to Katrina-related issues a priority for her caucus.

In fact, many lobbyists see the Homeowners Defense Act as nothing more than a political maneuver. Pelosi ordered the bill up from Florida Democratic Reps. Ron Klein and Tim Mahoney and timed its introduction and consideration to coincide with hurricane season, they say.

Gulf Coast lawmakers are under particular pressure to show their constituents theyre doing something to rein in big bad insurance companies; passing this natural catastrophe measure will give those lawmakers something to talk about back home, lobbyists say.

House Democrats did all this knowing perfectly well that the Senate gatekeeper on the issue has gone as far as he is willing to go at the moment.

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) has authored legislation, approved by his committee, to convene a bipartisan commission to study what, if any, role the feds should have in natural disaster insurance.

Dodds home state, by the way, is teeming with some big insurers such as Travelers Cos. and The Hartford that dont like the Klein-Mahoney bill. Dodd has had absenses from the Senate to participate in the Democratic Primary elections as a candidate for President of the United States.

Both Connecticut companies are members of the American Insurance Association, a trade association that says the Klein-Mahoney bill causes big concerns among its 350 member companies.

The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, which generally represents smaller underwriters than AIA, shares its apprehension, as do other industry groups.

These industry critics say the federal role envisioned by the bill could crowd out private reinsurers companies that insure insurance companies and stifle market innovation.

While we appreciate the efforts of Congressmen Klein and Mahoney to address homeowners insurance issues, the private insurance system continues to be well-positioned to manage natural catastrophic risk, AIA president and former Montana Gov. Marc Racicot said in a statement after the House Financial Services Committee approved the bill.

Other groups are taking a more nuanced approach.

The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, for instance, has limited its comments to support for one conceptual element of the bill.

(SOURCE: Victoria McGrane (POLITICO)
Nov 8, 2007)

CALIFORNIA GETS $5.6 MILLION IN FEMA HELP FOLLOWING THE $2 BILLION WILDFIRE DISASTER THAT HIT SEVEN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COUNTIES
Originally Posted: November 10, 2007 8:32 AM
Last Updated: November 10, 2007 8:32 AM

Two weeks after wildfires tore through seven California counties, more than $5.6 million in federal funds is in the hands of individuals and families affected by the disaster. More than 14,500 Californians have registered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for federal and state disaster assistance.

"We're very pleased that we've been able to get help to so many people so quickly," said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall of FEMA. "This is why we're here. Our goal is to help people get their lives back together as quickly and efficiently as possible."

"Our county, state and federal partners have worked hard to expedite the needed help," said State Coordinating Officer Henry Renteria, Executive Director of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. "The state and FEMA are committed to a unified strategy to resolve each and every challenge presented during this recovery effort."

As a result of President Bush's disaster declaration of Oct. 24, 2007 at the request of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, residents and business owners of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, who were affected by the wildfires, are eligible to apply for federal and state individual assistance.

The funds can be used to help: find temporary housing when homes are either destroyed or made unlivable by the fires; pay for home rebuilding or repairs; replace personal property not covered by insurance; and assist with necessary disaster-related expenses.

Here are current disaster recovery efforts:

14,728 Californians registered for disaster.
$5,625,790 in grants approved for Californians that includes $4,571,714 for housing and $1,054,076 for other needs assistance.
$11,784,700 in Small Business Administration loans to individuals and businesses.
9 assistance centers set up as close as possible to the hardest-hit areas: Fallbrook, Rancho Bernardo, Ramona and El Cajon (San Diego County), National Orange Fairgrounds and Running Springs (San Bernardino County), Santa Clarita and Malibu (Los Angeles County), and Irvine (Orange County).
156 community relations specialists in the community, meeting with people affected by the disaster, local officials, community, and business and religious leaders, to answer questions, explain recovery programs and help solve problems.
2 multi-disciplinary assessment teams from state agencies in San Diego County to evaluate the needs of communities without electrical power and other services.
5,638 inspections completed of damaged or destroyed residences.

Californians in the seven declared counties are urged to register with FEMA for assistance by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. The FEMA lines are open 24/7 every day until further notice.

It's also possible to register online at www.fema.gov. Callers should have pen and paper ready, social security number, insurance information and phones numbers where they can be contacted.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

KENTUCKY DEMOCRAT WINS WITH TV COMMERCIAL SHOWING HIMSELF IN HUNTING CLOTHES
Originally Posted: November 10, 2007 8:22 AM
Last Updated: November 10, 2007 8:22 AM

The LexingtonCourier-Journal (Kentucky) reports that Republican incumbent Ernie Fletcher and Democratic challenger Steve Beshear locked horns over which of the men was the best model for Kentucky's love of the outdoors.

With 300,000 hunting enthusiasts who vote in mind, Fletcher took time out of a televised debate with Beshear to note that he had recently bagged a wild turkey. Not to be outdone on the hunter Woo-Woo! scale, Beshear quickly fired off a TV commercial showing himself in full camouflage and carrying a shotgun.

The two continued to trade barbs over their love of woodland huning right through the election. Beshear, however, got the last laugh
by beating Fletcher by almost 20 points.

So, how about having candidates debate the future of the fire service wearing fire turnout gear from their favorite fire department? Or better yet, the uniform they earned as a volunteer or paid firefighter?

LOUISIANA STRUGGLES TO PROVIDE FEDERALLY FUNDED HOUSING YEARS AFTER KATRINA
Originally Posted: November 10, 2007 8:04 AM
Last Updated: November 10, 2007 8:05 AM

(The aftermath of FEMA trailers either undelivered or delivered with noxious gasses has kept the spotlight on the restoration of housing in Louisiana and other areas hit by the Katrina hurricane. Kenton Pattie, Executive Director, National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)

Outgoing Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco (D) has ordered the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency (LHFA) to begin construction on a federally funded $74.5 million alternative housing program for Hurricane Katrina victims by the end of this month or face losing control of the project. Congress approved funding for the 534-unit LOUISIANA cottages project in December 2006, but infighting among Pelican State housing officials and contractors has kept shovels out of the ground. In a letter to LHFA officials, a clearly angered Blanco said the first groundbreaking a year after the grant
award is reprehensible and I will not stand for it. In contrast, the same program in Mississippi has produced 600 units, with 478 already occupied. Source: TIMES- PICAYUNE NEW ORLEANS

GOV. SWARZENEGGER ORDERS BUDGET CUTS; REDUCTIONS THROW SHADOW OVER RECOMMENDATIONS TO STRENGTHEN THE STATE'S RESPONSE TO WILDFIRES
Originally Posted: November 10, 2007 7:54 AM
Last Updated: November 10, 2007 7:54 AM

Amidst the aftermath of the October 2007 wildfires which destroyed a substantial portion of Southern California, the state has run into financial problems. The response to these problems will probably limit what the state does to strengthen the fire and emergency response capabilities in Southern California. Just as the state is reviewing the failure to follow all the 2003-2004 wildfire recommendations, the lack of funding may result in inability to follow the 2007-2008 recommendations generated by the October 2007 wildfires.

Last month, finance officials in California announced that revenue collections for the first two months of the new fiscal year indicate the state is facing an operating deficit of $8.6 billion or more in 2008-09, 40 percent more than the $6.1 billion gap they had predicted a couple of months earlier.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) was alarmed by the news.
He has justs ordered all state departments to draft plans specifying how to cut 10 percent from their budgets for 2008, which could mean substantial reductions in state programs, including education, health care and transportation.

Some believe the Golden States fiscal problems are actually likely to worsen.
We are among a handful of states that has a lot of exposure to the housing crash, said Ted Gibson, a former economist for the state.

US INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AND 29 STATES AGREE TO SWAP EMPLOYMENT TAX INFORMATION
Originally Posted: November 9, 2007 9:02 PM
Last Updated: November 9, 2007 9:02 PM

Officials from the Internal Revenue Service and more than two dozen state workforce agencies have announced they have entered into agreements to share the results of employment tax examinations.

The agreements, part of the Questionable Employment Tax Practice (QETP) initiative, provide a centralized, uniform means for the IRS and state employment officials to exchange data, thereby leveraging resources and encouraging businesses to comply with federal and state employment tax requirements.

So far, 29 states have entered into individual information-sharing agreements with the IRS. The states that have signed partnership agreements with the IRS thus far are:

Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

"These agreements present a united front for the IRS and its state partners to improve compliance in the employment tax arena," said Kathy Petronchak, commissioner of the IRS Small Business/Self-Employed Division. "Combining resources will help IRS and the states reduce fraudulent filings, uncover employment tax avoidance schemes and ensure proper worker classification."

"As the first state to sign a memorandum of understanding, Michigan has already begun to forge a much closer working relationship with the IRS, which has significantly increased the sharing of tax and audit information between the IRS and our unemployment insurance program," said Keith W. Cooley, director, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth. "The exchange of data is helping to strengthen employer compliance with our unemployment insurance tax law by reducing the ability for some to manipulate the system, which burdens honest taxpaying employers with extra costs. Our objective is an unemployment tax system that is fair for all employers."

"New York State is pleased to work with the IRS and other pilot states on the QETP initiative," New York State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith said. "We are committed to the development of federal-state partnerships that are crucial to effective tax enforcement."

California, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and North Carolina all are part of the team that developed the strategy, and they were instrumental in helping make sure the agreements meet the needs of the participating states as well as the needs of the IRS.

In addition to coordinating compliance activities, the agreements call for collaborative outreach and education activities designed to help businesses understand their employment and unemployment tax responsibilities.

The state agencies, the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, the Federation of Tax Administrators and the IRS worked together on various facets of the exchange agreements.

The exchange agreements are the first result of the Questionable Employment Tax Practice (QETP) initiative. The QETP team will use the results of the project to find new opportunities for collaboration and to work toward improved employment tax compliance.

HOUSE TEMPORARY TAX RELIEF AMENDMENT SAYS NO TO RAISING THE ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX BUT AT THIS POINT WILL PROBABLY FAIL OR BE CHANGED IN THE SENATE
Originally Posted: November 9, 2007 8:54 PM
Last Updated: November 9, 2007 8:55 PM

This is the follow-up to the earlier NEEDA Newsletter article about the Alternative Minimum Tax. We are watching developments closely on changes in the Federal tax system that could affect small and medium sized businesses like yours. Kenton Pattie, Executive Director, National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA), PO Box 220, Annandale VA 22003, KentonP1@aol.com, 703 850 8552

The House Ways and Means Committee authored legislation that would protect millions of taxpayers from paying the Alternative Minimum Tax for 2007. The bill is to be funded by raising taxes in other areas so that the net effect of the legislation will be revenue neutral. Revenue neutral is a quaint term used in Congress to justify their actions -- if it doesn't cut Federal income or if it potentially increases Federal income the proposal is OK. But, if Federal income is reduced by the proposed action, and thus the US Budget or the money Congress has to spend is cut, the proposed action will be axed. Period.

The House bill on the Adjusted Minumum Tax is not expected to pass in its current form.

One of the features of the House AMT bill is to change the method of taxation on carried interest of private equity fund managers from the current capital gain tax rates to ordinary income tax rates.

Senator Max Baucus, D-MO, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, has indicated he is against this aspect of the legislation and will prevent the legislation from becoming law.

"Chairman Baucus' comments clearly indicate that such a bill is dead on arrival in the Senate," said Ways and Means ranking member Jim McCrery, R-LA.

The House legislation, known as the Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007, is designed to provide a bandaid by protecting an estimated 21 million people from paying the higher AMT tax this year while Congress hashes out a more definitive tax bill in 2008.

HOUSE HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE HOLDS HEARINGS ON THE ADVANTAGES OF MUTUAL AID
Originally Posted: November 9, 2007 7:56 PM
Last Updated: November 9, 2007 7:56 PM

When I met in Florida two years ago with fire chiefs and local officials from the Katrina Hurricane Disaster zone, there was a lot of discussion about how mutual aid during Katrina incident worked but the Federal government interfered with and sometimes undermined the effectiveness of mutual aid agreements. In some instances, mutual aid responders following long-standing pre arrangement agreements arrived on the scene only to be stopped or redirected by Federal officials. (There is a NEEDA Newsletter article about the meetings I attended in Florida.)

Chiefs felt that the Federal government had little respect for the mutual aid system.

It is therefore very encouraging that the House Homeland Security Committee is holding hearings on Mutual Aid during the week of November 12-16, 2007. If anything, the House and Senate should strengthen the Federal support for the Mutual Aid system in which firefighters in one state agree to help firefighters in another state in event of an emergency. The system is well established in the hurrican impact zone of the United States and is a respected and effective tool to getting manpower promptly to where it is needed.

If you have comments concerning Mutual Aid, its effectiveness or failures, and your view of the future role for Mutual Aid: please communicate with NEEDA and we will forward your views to the US House of Representatives.

Kenton Pattie, Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)
PO Box 220
Annandale VA 22003
Kentonp1@aol.com
703 850 8552

Homeland Security Committee Schedule: Week of November 12-16, 2007

Leveraging Mutual Aid for Effective Emergency Response
US Hosue Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response

Witnesses (partial): Mr. Marko Bourne, Director of Policy and Program Analysis, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Kenneth Murphy, National Emergency Management Association President and Director of the Oregon Office of Emergency Management; Chief Steven P. Westermann, CFO, President, International Association of Fire Chiefs; Mr. Jim McPartlan, President, American Ambulance Association

MORE INFO?:
Dena Graziano or Adam Comis (202) 225-9978.

ENGINE 3387 DESTROYED, FOUR FIREFIGHTERS SURVIVE AMAZING WILDFIRE INCIDENT REPORTED BY THE LOS ANGELES TIMES' RICHARD MAROSI
Originally Posted: November 9, 2007 12:57 PM
Last Updated: November 9, 2007 12:57 PM

The Los Angeles Times reported this amazingly exceptional copyrighted story by Richard Marosi. This story and Richard Marosi should win an award and I hope it is nominated as it is truly a phenomenal testament to the bravery of firefighters. Kenton Pattie, Executive Director, National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA) KentonP1@aol.com 703 850 8552

Firefighters battling to save a home from last month's Harris fire were so overwhelmed that they took refuge in their fire engine, only to see the flames blow out the windows and fill the cab with smoke and fire, according to a preliminary report of the incident released by the state forestry department.

The report describes a heroic effort turned tragic by rough terrain, fast-moving flames fueled by 51-mph wind gusts, and the fatal decision of one man to try to save his home.

The report, called a Green Sheet, doesn't identify civilians. But the incident took place at the residence of Thomas Varshok, a 52-year-old geological engineer who died in the blaze. His 15-year-old son remains in critical condition at the UC San Diego Regional Burn Unit.

The incident occurred in the early hours of the Harris fire, which ignited about 9:37 a.m. on Oct. 21. Within two hours, the fire had consumed thousands of acres in the rugged backcountry along the U.S.-Mexico border and was threatening Varshok's home.

The four firefighters assigned to Engine 3387, the report said, were on California 94 when the man and a juvenile asked them to help save the home. The unit's captain advised the civilians to evacuate the area. Instead, they followed the engine in an all-terrain vehicle, according to the report.

After their ATV broke down, the report said, the two were instructed to stay in the fire engine while the firefighters tried to save the home.

Seeing the home erupt in smoke and flames, the captain ordered the firefighters to get back into the engine. But their exit route down the narrow driveway was blocked by a tractor, the report said. The captain said he saw a civilian operating the tractor just before getting in the engine.

With flames licking at the side of the vehicle, the captain tried to back out another way, but a lack of oxygen cut off the motor. Inside the cab, two firefighters tried to cover the windows with fire shelters, but the windows broke due to the heat, the report said.

The firefighters and the boy ran to safety as flames engulfed the vehicle, according to the report.

The adult civilian was found dead near the front of the destroyed engine, according to the report.

The four firefighters -- who suffered severe to critical burns -- were airlifted to the burn unit, where two are in good condition and one remains in critical condition. One firefighter has been released.

GRYPHON INVESTORS SELLS $200 MILLION INCOME CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTION OF LOS ANGELES TO MINIMAX
Originally Posted: November 9, 2007 12:29 PM
Last Updated: November 9, 2007 12:40 PM

Minimax (Bad Oldesloe, Germany) a supplier for industrial fire protection solutions, has acquired Consolidated Fire Protection (Los Angeles, CA) from Gryphon Investors. CFP, with $200 million in sales, is in 23 locations in 15 Western US states.

Klaus Hofmann, CEO of the Minimax Group: "This is our breakthrough in the US market where we had a below-average market share in the past. We were particularly attracted to the interesting mix of revenue between new
installation, modernisation and service

Both companies, Minimax and CFP, showed double-digit growth rates over the last few years.

Rob Salek, CEO of CFP "There are many opportunities for us to increase market shares. Organic growth and reasonable acquisitions remain on our agenda, moreover we can leverage the know-how Minimax has in certain industrial segments.

Detlef Dinsel, Partner at Industri Kapital, the majority shareholder of the Minimax Group, confirms that the CFP deal strengthens the international orientation of the whole company: "The entry into the US is an important and natural step in Minimax's internationalisation process. This was exactly our idea when we purchased Minimax in mid-2006. Minimax has a strong track record of organic growth but add-on-acquisitions are necessary to become a true global player."

Industri Kapital and co-investors own about 80% of the shares of the Minimax Group, the rest is held by the Minimax management.

CFP, a service providers in the North American fire and life safety industry was founded in 1959 in Los Angeles and has 23 locations across 15 western and south-western states. CFP offers services for fire suppression systems and alarm and detection services.

For the business year 2007, CFP expects a turnover of about US $200 million. The company employs 1,200.

Founded in 1902 and based in Bad Oldesloe,North Germany, Minimax is an international full-service provider in the fire protection sector and is present in markets throughout the world. In 2007, Minimax will generate a turnover of around EUR 530 million. The group employs 3,300.

A Minimax ad states: In wood processing, power stations, industrial kitchens, server rooms and ships, at wind energy converters, printing machinery, paint spraying plant - wherever there is a fire risk, Minimax is protecting people, machines, buildings and the environment. Thanks to the special solutions it has developed the company is a world leader in many market sectors. Intensive development work carried out in its own fire research centre ensures that the company will continue to develop trend-setting innovative solutions in the future. You can rely on fire protection from Minimax.

Industri Kapital is a European private equity firm, having raised a total of EUR 5.7 billion, including EUR 1.7 billion in the latest fund IK2007. Since 1989, Industri Kapital has been engaged in 64 European companies. The current portfolio encompasses 19 companies with a total
turnover close to EUR 6.5 billion. Industri Kapital invests mainly in mid-sized companies with strong cash flow and profit improvement potential, operating in mature industries with fundamental underlying growth. Previous IK investments in Germany include Sport Group, Gardena, Dywidag Systems International GmbH (DSI), Poggenpohl (via Nobia) and Pfaff Haushaltsnahmaschinen (via VSM Group).

Headquartered near Los Angeles in Irvine, Southern California, Consolidated Fire Protection's team of project managers, engineers, designers, technicians, installers, and inspectors is one of the industry's largest and most experienced.

The Company installs and services every type of fire suppression and alarm and detection system, including:

Suppression Systems
Wet Fire Sprinkler Systems, Dry Pipe Systems, Pre-Action Systems, Underground Supplies, Standpipe Systems, Fire Pumps, Chemical, Gaseous, and Foam Special Hazard Suppression Systems, Restaurant Kitchen Hood Systems, and Fire Extinguisher

Alarm And Detection Systems
Conventional and Addressable Detection Products, Audio/Visual Notification Appliances, Smoke and Fan Controls, Elevator Recall, UL Certification, Fire Alarm Control Panels, Fire Alarm System Networks, Test, Inspect, and Monitoring Devices, Emergency Voice Evacuation Systems, Access Control and Security

Consolidated Fire Protection installs and services fire protection and life safety system upgrades, expansions and new construction projects in a range of facilities:

Office Buildings
Manufacturing Facilities
Hospitals and Extended Care Facilities
Schools, Colleges and Universities
Retail Shopping Malls
Government Complexes
Military Facilities
Multi-Building Residences

The Company's fire protection and life safety systems are state-of-the-art, cost-efficient, and designed to meet or exceed current code requirements.

To schedule a design review, repair, service, or inspection, simply call our 24/7 Customer Service Department at (949) 727-3277.

MORE INFO? www.minimax.de. orwww.industrikapital.com
Airi Loddoch
+49(0)4531-803-495
Fax: +49(0)4531-803-581
LoddochA@minimax.de

REWARDS OFFERED FOR INFORMATION ON CALIFORNIA'S SANTA ROSA WILDFIRE STARTED BY ARSON
Originally Posted: November 9, 2007 11:59 AM
Last Updated: November 9, 2007 11:59 AM

CAL FIRE and Riverside County Fire Investigators have determined that arson is the cause of the Rosa Fires, which began Monday, October 22, at 11:00 pm. The three separate fires were located at: Via Santa Rosa and Via Peregrino, Via Vaquero and Calle La Paz, and Via Barranca at Sandia Creek, all in the De Luz area. Riverside County Sherriff's department in cooperation with CAL FIRE and Riverside County Fire evacuated 150-200 residents.

Firefighters fought this fire in 30-35 mph winds. These fires were contained to a total of 411 acres, and an estimated 1.41 million dollars of damage was sustained to avocado groves and farming equipment in the area.

"Arson is a hideous crime that should be clearly viewed as an act
against both life and property. We are very thankful for the constant
support of Governor Schwarzenegger for the arson reward and for his
constant support of all firefighters. I expect that the American conscience
will rally to provide critical information to help apprehend and convict
all arsonists," said Chief John Hawkins.

On November 2, 2007, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced a $50,000 reward for information leading toward the arrest and conviction, in a
California Court of the person or persons responsible for setting the Rosa
Fire.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has
matched that reward. ATF is offering a reward of $50,000 for information
leading to the identification, arrest and/or conviction of the person(s)
responsible for setting the Rosa Fire.

"We can not, and will not, tolerate this type of destructive behavior.
Whether the loss is 500 acres or 500,000 acres, ATF will dedicate all
available resources toward the apprehension of the cowardly individual(s)
responsible for this arson fire," stated John A. Torres, ATF Special Agent
in Charge.

We are asking for the public's assistance in providing any information
leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals
responsible for the ROSA Fires. Callers are encouraged to call the 24
hour-a-day staffed ATF Arson hot line at 1-888-ATF-FIRE or 1-888-283-3473.

CAL FIRE and Riverside County Fire Investigators are working with agents
from ATF.

MORE INFO?
Captain Julie Hutchinson
951-940-6985
or PIO Susan Raichel
213-925-4547

NEW UP TO DATE INFO ON WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAWS
Originally Posted: November 9, 2007 11:51 AM
Last Updated: November 9, 2007 11:51 AM

The Analysis of Workers' Compensation Laws, by the US Chamber of Commerce, compiles the most up-to-date information on workers' compensation laws. The Analysis covers the laws of all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as the Virgin Islands and the Canadian Provinces and Territories.

The report includes 15 user-friendly charts and tables that break down the complex laws of each state by income benefits, coverage of occupational diseases, and more. This comprehensive publication is an indispensable reference guide for employers and employees.

Learn more about past Analysis of Workers' Compensation Laws reports.

The 2007 Analysis of Workers' Compensation Laws contains the most comprehensive, up-to-date information on state and provincial workers' compensation laws and indemnity benefits.

It is an indispensable reference for answering the workers' compensation questions your company faces.

The information contained in the publication is verified and approved by each state or province, ensuring accurate and fair representation of the law.

Please call 800-638-6582.

SHOULD CONGRESS CREATE A NATIONAL CATASTROPHE FUND FOR EVENTS SUCH AS WILDFIRES IN CALIFORNIA AND HURRICANES IN FLORIDA?
Originally Posted: November 8, 2007 4:38 PM
Last Updated: November 8, 2007 4:38 PM

Should Congress create a national catastrophe fund to help ease the cost of homeowner insurance as a response to disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes in Florida and the wildfire damage to hundreds of homes in Southern California?

Democratic leaders are pushing the bill along a fast track to show they are addressing homeowner concerns about the cost and limited availability of insurance in storm-prone areas. The Senate, however, is taking a more cautious approach, while The Bush Administration opposes such an idea as does the insurance industry lobbyists.

James Lee Witt, ex-director at Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): "If we can do this on a national level, it will take the burden off taxpayers who have to fund a recovery."

Democratic Reps. Tim Mahoney (FL) and Ron Klein (FL) propose creating a national insurance pool funded by the federal treasury and participating states. Money from the fund would be spent covering the costs of disasters.
In contrast to what Mahoney and Klein seek in the House, Congress is considering a bill to help pay for firefighting and reconstruction in Southern California.

If insurance companies absorb the costs of the Southern California fires, public interest in the fund idea will diminish. But what if insurance companies say wildfires are not covered by their policies?

Hurricane Katrina cost insurers billions of dollars and there has been Federal financial assistance to the area including help for homeowners who lost property. Estimates on the 2007 losses in California go over $2 billion.
The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, is supportive of a national fund.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton D-NY supports a national insurance fund, as does Republican former Governor Mitt Romney.

CALIFORNIA TASK FORCE EXAMINES RECOMMENDATIONS FROM 2003 FIRES . . . WERE THEY FOLLOWED?
Originally Posted: November 7, 2007 7:28 PM
Last Updated: November 7, 2007 8:11 PM

Following the October 2007 wildfires in California, NEEDA Newsletter reported that many of the recommendations generated by the 2003 wildfires in Southern California were not followed in the years leading up to the 2007 fires. For example, in 2007 there were still not enough fire trucks nor enough firefighters nor enough aircraft to make water drops despite the recommendations developed after the 2003 wildfires in the same areas.

Some readers of NEEDA Newsletter asked me "What did they recommend after the 2003 wildfires?" I have researched this question and on the Internet I found a report from the Governor which contains the old ecommendations summarized along with actions the Governor took at that time.

The Governor's report is dated September 14, 2004.

As I have mentioned in NEEDA Newsletter, the Governor has convened a Task Force to review 2007 experience, to review the previous recommendations and to make new recommendations for the future. The 2007 Task Force intends to produce its report by early 2008. Meanwhile, the California legislature will be holding hearings on the 2007 wildfires.

If you have suggestions you believe the 2007 Task Force should consider, please forward them to NEEDA, PO Box 220, Annandale VA 22003, or Kentonp1@aol.com. I will put all your ideas together and forward them directly to the 2007 California Wilfire Task Force which had its first meeting a few days ago.

Kenton Pattie, Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)
PO Box 220
Annandale VA 22003
703 850 8552
KentonP1@aol.com

California Fire Prevention and Suppression
Action Plan

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
September 10, 2004

California Resources Agency

California Department of Forestry
and Fire Protection

Governors Office of Emergency Services

California Fire Protection and Suppression Action Plan, September 10, 2004

Priority Actions Completed and Currently Underway

1. Increased Assistance for Fire Response: Executive Order S-9-04 was issued on May 7, 2004 to increase the assistance provided by the state for fire response in Southern California during the 2004 Fire Season. The Governors order assigns four firefighters to CDF engines in Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego Counties; Provides additional resources in Los Angeles and Orange Counties based on fire threat conditions; Redeploys 10 refurbished fire engines to increase engine resources in
San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego Counties; Adds four CDF Conservation Camp fire crews in Southern California; and provides for an additional helicopter based in San Diego County.

2. Call to Local Governments: Governor Schwarzenegger sent a letter to the Chairmen of the Boards of Supervisors for Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego Counties calling upon them to work with him to encourage residents of their counties to be fire safe and to engage in tasks to protect their homes.

3. Removing Institutional Barriers: The California Biodiversity Council, co-chaired by Resources Secretary Mike Chrisman and Bureau of Land Management Director Mike Poole, met in Lake Arrowhead in June 2004 and launched a project to help lessen any institutional barriers to the speedy removal of bark beetle-killed trees in the Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego areas. Thousands of trees have been removed and CDF and OES are making these models and experience available to other areas.

4. Fuel Reduction Progress: Utilizing federal, state and local resources, more than 86,000 dead and dying trees have been removed from over 663,000 acres in the Southern California areas most heavily impacted by the drought and the bark beetle infestation. Forest areas at risk to impacts from insects, disease and other factors have been mapped and evaluated. Evacuation routes and centers, and critical infrastructure have been treated to maximize public safety. CDF has provided education and enforcement of the California Forest Practice Rules, targeting tree service contractors and licensed timber operators from all over the United States who have worked in the area during the past 10 months.

5. Restoration of U.S. Forest Service Air Tankers: CDF and the U.S. Forest Service have worked together to adjust to the loss of U.S. Forest Service Air Tankers. The U.S. Forest Service has authorized nine of the air tankers for service again and has entered into contracts with private companies with helicopters capable of fire fighting to fill the remaining void.

6. Extended Flight Day: CDF has clarified its process relating to aircraft operational times and has implemented new policies. These policies provide for longer flight windows while still preserving pilot safety.

7. Improved Public Information: OES provided four training courses on crisis communication in 2004 to state and local public information officers; more courses are planned. OES is continuing its work with local governments to emphasize the importance of evacuation pre-planning and early warning systems. In addition, OES and CDF are working with local and federal ounterparts to improve integration of public information functions at incidents.

8. Fuel Reduction in the Sierra Nevadas: The Legislature approved the Administrations proposal to provide CDF with $39 million from Proposition 40 funding to reduce hazardous fuel build up in the Sierra Nevada range over the next five years.

9. Restore Camp Crew Strength: Working with the Department of Corrections and the California Conservation Corps, CDF is maintaining its fire conservation crews at nearly full strength.

Conservation crews at CDF camps provide a cost effective means to mitigate the effects of wildland fires through vegetation management and initial attack. Without a vigorous program to reduce decadent fuel buildups before a fire starts, the danger of major fire activity is dramatically
increased.

10. Facilitate Use of Military Resources: OES has been involved in discussions with CDF, the California National Guard (CNG), the U.S. Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Defense on the process for the use of federal resources and for accessing active duty and reserve military assets.

Currently, OES is reviewing existing procedures for use of the CNG Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS) and helicopters to ensure that all avenues of access are identified and the numerous ways of accessing federal assets are also identified, clarified, and documented (FEMA, CNG, USFS, etc.).

OES is documenting the thresholds that trigger the use of federal assets and the scope of use for equipment and personnel. CDF developed an ongoing training plan and has already provided training for U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps aircrews in aerial wildland fire fighting.

11. Strengthen Fire Safe Councils: As they become available, CDF and OES are providing more resources to create new Fire Safe Councils and to enhance the ability of existing councils to develop and implement mitigation plans. As part of this action, in the 2004-05 fiscal year:

CDF has directed $100,000 to assist in development of an integrated Community Wildfire Protection Plan for the Lake Tahoe Basin:

CDF will allocate $250,000 for new Community Wildfire Protection Plans that incorporate a watershed rotection/fuel treatment project element or for modifications to existing fire plans to develop watershed protection/fuel treatment elements; and

CDF will deliver $1.2 million to local Fire Safe Councils for use on community fuel reduction projects in the Sierra Nevada.

12. Provide OES Equipment with New Technology _ OES will continue efforts to ensure that its mutual aid deployed equipment has the capability to utilize newer technologies such as foams and gels. OES has already equipped 50 of the 110 fire engines and 12 water tenders in its local government fleet with this capability.

Modifications to the remaining 72 engines and tenders will be completed over the next several months. OES is also sharing best practices on this technology with local governments. Financial constraints have made it improbable for the state to fund this effort on the local level.

13. Vegetation Management Plan: CDF is updating its current Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) to include the treatment of all fuels on non-federally owned land and for all treatment types. In doing this, CDF is consulting with
private, local, state and federal interests. Watershed values, life and property values, and high fire hazard areas are intermingled throughout the state, but are particularly concentrated in Southern California and the Sierra Nevada foothills.

CDF has several programs that provide for the treatment of fuels to reduce fire hazard. Each of these programs operates under the CEQA process to obtain authority to be implemented within the VMP. CDF is looking to update the VMPs Programmatic Environmental Impact Report to expand CDFs ability to treat fuels on a broad variety of landscapes and ownerships with differing treatments.

Lessons learned from this effort can be used in other state, local and federal programs as time and resources permit.

14. Improve Public Fire Prevention Education: CDF is preparing an analysis of the effectiveness of current public education programs for fire prevention.

15. Emerging Technologies: OES is modernizing its Operational Area Satellite Information System (OASIS) emergency communication system. OES is replacing the outdated equipment in OASIS with state-of-the art technology to increase statewide communication capability to allow for high-speed wireless data and voice exchange during emergencies.

16. Disposal of Biomass: CDF is providing $100,000 in the 2004-05 fiscal year to the California Biomass Collaborative to develop proposals, including legislation, to improve the ability to dispose of biomass related to fuel reduction.

17. Requests for Federal Action: The Administration will work with Congress and the President to Insure full funding of Title I of the Healthy Forest Restoration Act (HFRA); secure fair and equitable distribution of HFRA Title I monies to California; secure continued funding under the National Fire Plans Community Assistance Grant program to support operations of Fire Safe Councils; reduce the
match requirements for federal hazard mitigation programs; and secure continued funding for training, fire equipment, apparatus, and safety gear.

18. Enhanced Aerial Fire Fighting: CDF, working through the California Fire Alliance (an advisory group including all levels of government) and the California Wildfire Working Group, is updating agreements for the employment of aerial assets used in the WUI. FIRESCOPE (Fire Fighting Resources of California Organized for Potential Emergencies) is working with local governments to develop a statewide strategy to increase local air resources capability.

19. Protective Gear and Communication Equipment: OES and CDF, with FIRESCOPE, are creating a survey for local governments to identify the status and the need for wildland personal protective gear, safety and communications
equipment.

20. Use of MAFFS as a Model: CDF and OES are promoting the use of the MAFFS program as a model for other air assets. OES and CDF will continue ongoing efforts to assess emergency technologies that may be applied to other aerial firefighting systems.

21. Additional Fire Engines for Local Government Use: OES is developing recommendations on the need for additional fire engines to be used in Californias WUI fire suppression efforts.

22. Expanding Model Training Agreements: CDF has developed effective model training agreements and is working to expand the use of those agreements with federal agencies.

23. Training Needs Assessment: OES and CDF, with FIRESCOPE, are preparing a training needs assessment coordinated through the State Board of Fire Services and will explore funding sources for state and local fire fighter training.

24. Training Exercises: CDF is preparing a needs assessment for training exercises with the California National Guard and military resources.

25. Local Government Reimbursements: CDF and OES are developing a statewide agreement covering the use of local governments by federal and state agencies to request, utilize, and reimburse local governments in a manner that does not conflict with Californias master mutual aid system.

26. Structure Protection and Perimeter Control: CDF and OES are working with FIRESCOPE to reach consensus on defining responsibility for structure protection and perimeter control. They are also working to clarify the release of mutual aid resources back to their original jurisdictions.

27. Mutual Aid Agreements: CDF and OES will continue to update mutual aid and cooperative agreements with federal and local governments and assess associated needs and costs.

28. Emergency Medical Services Authority: OES is evaluating the Emergency Medical Services Authority's role in mutual aid including identifying obstacles and impacts to private ambulance companies.

29. Volunteer Programs: OES is working with CDF, FEMA, and the California Fire Alliance to educate local governments on the value of implementing volunteer programs in support of disaster prevention, recovery and rebuilding. OES will work with victim advocates and other relevant organizations to address issues facing victims and will explore the development of a disaster recovery model.

30. Technical Assistance: CDF will continue to provide staff and technical assistance to WUI communities to prepare new community wildfire protection plans.

31. National Fire Plan: Through FIRESCOPE, CDF and OES will continue working toward consensus and agreement among federal fire agencies on issues and inconsistencies in the National Fire Plan, Wildland Fire Policy, structure protection and the cost apportionment process.

Priority Actions Subject to Funding Availability

1. Create Year-Round Firefighter Capacity in Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego Counties: Through the budget process, CDF will work toward a year-round operational capability in Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego Counties for wildland fire fighting. The continued increases in population in the WUI make it increasingly difficult to fight fires, especially in Southern California. During the past three years, funding for an extended fire season in this area has been authorized by gubernatorial executive order. Providing this coverage has likely saved millions of dollars in extra fire suppression costs to battle what likely would be much larger fires under normal funding and staffing situations. Fires are kept smaller and less destructive, which means significant cost savings to the state for fighting the fires and to residents for loss of life and property.

2. Replace Obsolete CDF Fire Engines: Through the budget process, CDF will work toward replacing its obsolete fire engines over a five-year period. CDF
operates a total of 390 fire engines from 231 fire stations throughout the state.

The current CDF fire engine fleet replacement budget has not significantly changed since 1982-83 due to limited General Fund resources and budget reductions and has therefore caused CDF to fall behind in its equipment
replacement schedule.

3. Replace Outdated Helicopters: CDF operates 11 1960 vintage Bell UH-1 Hueys which have been converted for aerial fire fighting work by the state and are designated CDF Super Huey helicopters.

Acquired as excess military aircraft, they were later specially modified to meet CDFs mission and have served the department well. However, because of their age and the lack of spare parts, airframes and support mechanisms within the federal and civilian markets have become scarce. Thus, they are nearing the end of their useful service life.

4. Telecommunications and Fire Resource Management Plans: CDF and OES are developing comprehensive telecommunications and resource management plans that will provide for updated equipment, provide for common cross-jurisdictional use and allow tracking of all fire fighting assets and resources available for mutual aid. These plans will provide for a phasing-in of new systems and will provide for a statewide handheld radio deployment system strategically located for use by local cooperators until a longer term solution can be found to issues related to frequency and interoperability.

5. Plan for 4.0 Fire Engine Staffing: CDF will develop a proposal to provide for the appropriate expanded staffing for all CDF fire engines statewide. Current budget allocations allow CDF to staff each fire engine with a crew of three (3.0 staffing). As a general rule, fire engines are staffed for eight months out of the year on the theory that the risk of fire starts in the winter months is very low.

However, investing in additional staff and providing coverage over a longer period of time, facilitated by several executive orders, has proven its effectiveness in keeping fires smaller by allowing CDF fire engine companies to be more productive and efficient in pre-fire protection activities. The additional staffing also enhances fire fighter safety during emergency response operations.

6. Strengthen the California Fire Plan: Working with the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, CDF will accelerate and enhance the California Fire Plan as a tool for statewide analysis of wildland fire safety and level-of-service needs. The goal of the California Fire Plan is to reduce the total costs and losses from wildland fire by protecting assets at risk through prefire management and increased initial attack success. At its core, the solution is to integrate competing objectives, streamline environmental review and increase the scale and scope of implementation.

7. Propose a Comprehensive Post Fire Assessment Team: CDF will prepare a proposal for a Post Fire Assessment Team for major wildland fires. The expectation is that this team will prepare a report for each of these events that
outline what pre-fire efforts conducted under the California Fire Plan were effective in reducing damage to property and resources, as well as those efforts that were not effective. The scope of these reports would include land use patterns, infrastructure, fuels management, building standards, fire prevention engineering, and suppression tactics and strategy. The reports would be provided to each private, local, state, and federal organization that may be able to contribute to increased pre fire effectiveness.

1975 SEAGRAVE LADDER TRUCK IS MOBILE FIREFIGHTERS' STAGE TO PROMOTE VOTES FOR PRO-UNION CANDIDATES
Originally Posted: November 7, 2007 11:51 AM
Last Updated: November 7, 2007 11:52 AM

A 1975 Seagrave 100-foot ladder firetruck helped urge citizens to vote on Election Day, November 6, 2007.

St. Paul firefighter Art Baumeister used the truck's public address system for the 400-member International Association of Firefighters Local 21.

The New Jersey truck was at New York World Trade Center attack September 11, 2001, and is owned by Maplewood firefighter Jeff Schadt who rents it out for parades, parties, elections and weddings.

The St. Paul fire union rents truck to promote candidates they support.

Some citizens in St. Paul, MN complain to city hall thinking the truck is city owned, campaigning on city time at city expense.

Use of the truck during the election was reported in a copyrighted story by
the Saint Paul Pioneer Press, Minn. (November 7, 2007). Tim Nelson is the author (tnelson@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-5489).

MORE INFO? www.twincities.com.

TAXING YOUR ACCESS TO THE INTERNET HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL 2013! CONGRESS WAITED UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO EXTEND THE MORATORIUM . . . BUT WATCH OUT FOR THIS ISSUE IN SEVEN YEARS
Originally Posted: November 6, 2007 6:52 PM
Last Updated: November 6, 2007 7:01 PM

by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association
Kentonp1@aol.com
703 850 8552

I often get asked "Is there is going to be a Federal tax on the use of the Internet?"

Up to now, there has been a moratorium on Internet access taxes. This moratorium has just been extended by Congress for seven more years.

The current moratorium would have expired October 30, 2007 and this date of doom stirred up some questions from NEEDA Newsletter readers. Thanks!

The House approved a Senate bill extending the moratorium. It is frightening to think that 7,000 jurisdiction in the US could have begun to tax access to the internet had the moratorium not been extended. The moratorium first went into effect in 1998 at the request of many small businesses like yours and other business organizations. It was extended in 2001 and 2004. But count on the issue coming up again by 2013!

Congress has overwhelmingly approved, and President Bush has signed, a 7-year extension of the moratorium on internet access taxes. Strongly backed by the US Chamber of Commerce (to which NEEDA belongs), this legislation will help ensure access to online information, education, services, and commerce for all Americans.

SALES PEOPLE GET SIDETRACKED SAYS PEAK PERFORMANCE
Originally Posted: November 6, 2007 6:28 PM
Last Updated: November 6, 2007 6:28 PM

From Peak Performance, some comments on your sales force:

When asked to list the important steps in completing a successful sales meeting, many sales professionals respond with the following:

1) To develop trust, rapport and a strong foundation for a long relationship. 2) To ask the prospect questions and actively listen to determine needs. 3) To target my features and benefits towards those needs. 4) To differentiate my company from my competitor's by creating a unique edge.

Where Sales Professionals Go Wrong...
Unfortunately traditional sales people do certain things, and fail to do others that quickly erode these important factors. Although most sales professionals believe they have some sort of "system" or "selling strategy" to follow during the meeting with a potential client, most in fact are unknowingly following the system used by the prospect and find themselves in "react" or response" mode.

Sales people are unfortunately not most effective at closing deals, or getting through objections, or setting appointments. They are most effective, at what we here at Peak Performance refer to as the "effective conversion". They unknowingly and very effectively convert decision makers into procrastinators. What is it that we are chasing them for?

1) The decision we failed to get! 2) To fix their problem!

More Sales Help
Why it Happens

Sales people will admit that they don't always challenge the prospect's "system". Although they know what should be done, or what could be done to turn the tables, they fail to do so. Why?

What occurs is that salespeople, somewhere during the process are led down a side street. In other words they are led astray by the prospect and have difficulty getting back on track. This is where they begin to sell emotionally opposed to instinctively. This is the moment they begin to react and this is the moment that the game is over. Upon hearing their first objection or obstacle, something happens: They begin to defend themselves from what they believe inevitably will be the beginning of a barrage of questions. Although they have read all the sales self help books and may have in the past attended sales seminars they immediately revert back to old ineffective selling habits.

CALIFORNIA TASK FORCE BEGINS EXAMINATION OF RESPONSE TO OCTOBER 2007 WILDFIRES; MANY RECOMMENDATIONS FROM 2003 FIRES WERE NOT FOLLOWED; THEIR REPORT DUE EARLY 2008 . . . LEGISLATIVE HEARINGS IN SACRAMENTO WILL BE HELD
Originally Posted: November 6, 2007 6:09 PM
Last Updated: November 6, 2007 6:09 PM

California is considering more radical fire-prevention efforts to respond to catastrophic blazes after suffering two in four years. A task force on wildfires is meeting in Orange County, California to consider if California has enough fire engines and firefighters, and to puzzle over letting people build businesses and homes near wildfire danger zones. They will likely consider the issues of making buildings and other structures fire resistant and the need to get more aircraft delivering water to the fire zones.

Schwarzenegger staffer Aaron McLear: the governor is calling on experts to examine the most recent fires and to make additional recommendations to ensure we are always improving our fire response.

At first the Governor felt the response to the 2007 Southern California fires was going well. But, fire officials said they needed more support and The Associated Press said government rules delayed dozens of water-dumping aircraft from reaching the blazes. At this point, Schwarzenegger became concerned about the quality of the response.

The states Blue Ribbon Task Force was set up after a review of Californias response to the 2003 fires that destroyed 3,600 homes.

Meanwhile, the California legislature will be holding public hearings on the wildfire disaster in Southern California.

Mike Warren, chief of the Corona Fire Department and past president of the California Fire Chiefs Association, said the Task Force will review the 48 recommendations generated after the 2003 round of fires and determine what was implemented and whether or not it worked in the recent fires.

NEEDA reported in an earlier NEEDA Newsletter story that many of the 2003 recommendations had not been adopted. In particular, experts on the wildfire scene said there were not enough fire trucks and not enough firefighters.

Aircraft, ground response and cooperation among all those who responded will be reviewed by the Blue Ribbon task force.

Los Angeles Times in a copyrighted story: We are going to be taking a look at the most recent fires, lessons learned, Warren said. Among the recommendations the task force may have to revisit is better coordination to quickly begin aerial attacks on wildfires.

After the 2003 wildfires, experts called for immediate deployment of military helicopters and planes to fight wildfires. But in October 2007, this lesson learned from 2003 was not put to use due to poor planning. The task force will look into this and many other issues and report in early 2008.

CONRESS TO RANGEL OVER TAX REDUCTIONS AND TAX INCREASES DUE 2008
Originally Posted: November 6, 2007 5:30 PM
Last Updated: November 6, 2007 6:41 PM

By Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)
KentonP1@aol.com
703 850 8552

Looking forward to 2008, Congress is very likely to repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) and replace it with a 4% surcharge on income above $150,000 for single taxpayers and $200,000 for married couples. Above those limits taxpayers with higher incomes will pay 4.6% surcharge.

Small business owners who own S corporations, partnerships or sole proprietorships will pay higher taxes because their company income passes directly to the owners who pay the taxes.

Further, small business owners who have been using a Section 179 deduction for $125,00 or less in capital investments may pay a higher tax on income over $25,000 after 2010.

Congress will consider reducing the maximium corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 30.5 percent.

Congress is looking at ways to increase taxes on real estate investments and carried interest.

Watch for the name of Rep. Charles Rangel in the news because he is the chair of the House Ways and Means Committee which has the main job of passing a tax bill in 2008.

Any increases in taxes in a Presidential election year will have serious negative ramifications for House and Senate members running for re-election or running for President. In the current economy, hurt by plumeting real estate prices and rising oil prices, there is no clear basis for raising taxes. But currently the majority party in Congress is looking at "taxing the rich" plans and that is driving the goal of replacing the alternative minimum tax.

By a vote of 22-13, the House Ways and Means Committee has already passed legislation that would provide a patch to the Alternative Minimum Tax for the 2007 tax year. The Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007 provides an offset to the funds that would be generated by the AMT by raising revenue in a number of areas.

The TTRA would set AMT exemption amounts at $42,350 for single and head of household taxpayers, down from $42,500 in 2006, and $66,250 for married taxpayers filing jointly and surviving widow(er)s (and half that amount for married taxpayers filing separately), up from $62,550 in 2006.

Other features of the legislation include:

A maximum $350 (single) or $700 (married) non-itemizer's additional standard deduction for real estate taxes.

Exclusion from income tax of discharges of mortgages in bankruptcy.

Extension through 2014 of the deduction for private mortgage insurance.

Revision of tax rules on expatriation of individuals - impose mark-to-market and 10-year income inclusion rule on generally individuals who expatriate.

Treating income of partners for performing
investment management services as ordinary income received for performance of services.

Application of section 1239 to partnership interests and tax sharing agreements of rule treating certain gain on sales between related generally persons as ordinary income.

Broker reporting of customer's basis in securities transactions.
In addition, many tax features that are scheduled to expire this year would be extended for one more year by the legislation.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson: expressed dissatisfaction with the legislation, indicating that raising taxes to correct the injustice created by the Alternative Minimum Tax is not a program that the Bush administration will endorse. "Since February, we've asked for an AMT patch that does not raise other taxes," he is quoted as saying in a Forbes.com article. "I still believe this is the right policy."

Paulsen: "With only weeks to act to avoid the risk of 25 million taxpayers facing unintended tax increases, or millions more facing significant delays receiving refunds, Congress must quickly pass a patch that does not raise other taxes."

"The legislation passed through the Ways and Means Committee does not meet that criteria. I again call on the leaders of both the House and the Senate to act quickly on an AMT patch that the President can sign for this year," he concluded.

Others disagreed with the legislation as well. "This so-called 'fix' is not a fix at all," declared House Minority Leader John A. Boehner, R-OH, in a statement. The Democrats' AMT patch, he said, "includes job-killing tax hikes on entrepreneurs and risk-takers who invest and create family-wage jobs for working families. The American people won't support it, Republicans will strongly oppose it, and it will never be signed into law."

The legislation is expected to be addressed on the House floor this week and could move on to the Senate by mid November 2007.

SIX YEAR OLD DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY MAY GET $3 BILLION NEW HOME ON MENTAL HOSPITAL CAMPUS IN WASHINGTON DC
Originally Posted: November 6, 2007 5:11 PM
Last Updated: November 6, 2007 5:11 PM

After almost six years, the Department of Homeland Security, formed in the wake of the 9/11/01 attack on the Pentagon and World Trade Center, is getting close to building new 4.5 million square feet headquarters on an old mental hospital campus near RFK stadium, Washington DC.

The department involved the consolidation of 22 Federal agencies. It is currently working from 50 rented locations in the Washington DC area.

The mental hospital property was acquired December 2004 and is 176 acres. Construction there will permit 100 foot setbacks to meet the new Federal security perimiter reqired of all security agencies. Approximately 14,000 will work at the new Department of Homeland Security headquarters. The area is accessed from nearby Interstate 295.

The Department of Transportation and US General Services Administration are working on changes to traffic in the area.

Currently the historic mental hospital campus has 60 buildings. Some will be preserved or rehabilitated. Construction is expected to cost $3 billion.

The final go or no-go decision on this plan will be made April, 2008. Adjacent to the massive DHS building will be new HQ for the US Coast Guard whose building plans will be finalized in the summer of 2008.

SURVEY PUBLISHED BY CAPITAL ONE: SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS NEED ADDITIONAL CAPITAL TO GROW
Originally Posted: November 6, 2007 4:58 PM
Last Updated: November 6, 2007 4:58 PM

"Most small businesses anticipate that their business costs will remain stable or decrease slightly, which may facilitate small business growth. Specifically, half of small businesses owners experct their firm's overall operating costs to stay the same or decrease, and seven out of ten expect costs to remain flat for advertising, marketing, technology, staffing, energy, and business space."

"Almost six out of ten small business owners (56%) say that it would be easier for their business to grow if they had access to additional capital. Part of the problem is that small businesses tend to tap into a narrow range of funding sources to finance growth, with most businesses choosing to rely on their own personal savings, and only about one-quarter choosing to tap into commercial banks, lenders or financial companies.

Almost half of small businesses (47%) even say thet they don't feel valued or appreciated by their banks. In addition, about one out of ten small businesses use credit cards to finance their business growth, but two out of ten card users miss out by not receiving rewards for their business purchases. And small businesses say that their most difficult growth issues include: delivering more products and services (40%), staffing (25%), and managing technology (12%)."

MORE INFO knowledgecenter.businessweek.com/smallbizconfidence

BUS TOURS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DELIVERING DRUGS AND HELP TO OCTOBER 07 WILDFIRE VICTIMS
Originally Posted: November 6, 2007 4:45 PM
Last Updated: November 6, 2007 4:45 PM

The "Help is Here Express" bus is touring wildfire-ravaged Southern California to help uninsured and under-insured victims access medicines.

This marks the seventh time the Partnership for Prescription Assistance
(PPA), sponsored by America's pharmaceutical research companies, has been to California.

America's pharmaceutical research companies contribute millions of dollars to California's fire victims spearheaded by three California-based companies -- Amgen Inc., Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Valeant Pharmaceuticals International.

The "Help is Here Express" bus traveling through Southern California is
equipped with computer terminals, phones, and trained specialists.

Patients who can't make it to the bus can call toll-free: 1-888-4PPA-NOW.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
represents the country's pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies.

PhRMA members invested $43 billion in 2006 to discover and develop new medicines. Industry-wide research and investment reached a record $55.2 billion in 2006.

MORE INFO? www.pparx.org or www.phrma.org or www.innovation.org

ICL ACQUIRES BIOGEMA: MAKERS OF WILDFIRE RETARDANTS & FIRE FOAMS IN NORTH AMERICA
Originally Posted: November 6, 2007 1:23 PM
Last Updated: November 6, 2007 1:26 PM

ICL Performance Products, a division of Israel Chemicals Ltd. Tel-Aviv, Israel, signed an agreement with the owners of Biogema S. A., a company based at Aix-en-Provence, France, to acquire the company effective 01/01/2008.

The acquired business will be integrated into ICL Performance Products' existing Fire Safety division.

This acquisition follows the acquisition of Fire-Trol earlier in 2007. Fire-Trol is a Canadian producer of wildfire retardants that was integrated with the North American Fire Safety division acquired as part of Astaris in
2005.

Biogema adds an important European manufacturing, logistics and support group to ICL' Performance Products' current Fire Safety business.

ICL, a leader in the Fire Safety business in North America with the acquisition of Fire-Trol, says this is a strategic acquisition for ICL Performance Products both widens their product portfolio.

Biogema sells wildfire retardants and fire foams to extinguish wildfires and protect nature, houses and villages against wildfires.

Major products are formulations, based on phosphates.

After the sale, Mr. Patrice Oegema will stay involved with the business and consult the new management of Biogema S. A.

ICL Performance Products, a fertilizer and specialty chemicals company, is a leading producer of specialty phosphates and purified phosphoric acid for various industrial and food applications; the segment reported revenues of $1,028 billion in 2006 with major markets in Europe, North and South America and Asia.

MORE INFO? Amiram Fleisher+972-3-6241241or amiram@fleisher-pr.com

NEEDA RECOMMENDS ANSWERING ECONOMIC CENSUS MAILED TO BUSINESSES IN DECEMBER 07: DUE FEB. 12, 2008
Originally Posted: November 5, 2007 5:19 PM
Last Updated: November 5, 2007 5:19 PM

In December, 2007 more than 4 million American businesses, including 200,000 manufacturers, will receive 2007 Economic Census forms.

Responses to the questionnaire are required by law (Title 13, U.S. Code), and are to be returned by February 12, 2008.

Every 5 years, the Economic Census develops a comprehensive portrait of American business, from the national to the local level. Timely and accurate data are vital to effective public policy and important to your association and your members.

There is a special Web page at to tell NEEDA members about the Economic Census, and to provide statistics you can use to assess and grow your business operations.

NEEDA recommends that you participate in this survey.

WASHINGTON STATE FIRE DEPARTMENTS GET FEDERAL GRANTS
Originally Posted: November 5, 2007 10:40 AM
Last Updated: November 5, 2007 10:40 AM

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded a total of $383,914 in an Assistance-to-Firefighters Grant (AFG) to three fire departments in Washington State, for those departments' operations and safety initiatives.

"The AFG program is an important part of FEMA's larger, coordinated effort to strengthen homeland security preparedness, including the security of America's critical infrastructure, and the people living in our rural communities," says Susan Reinertson, FEMA regional administrator for Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. "As a part of that goal, the AFG grant program is designed to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public, with respect to fire and other hazards."

AFG grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles. AFG also supports regional projects in which multiple organizations serving more than one local jurisdiction benefit directly from activities implemented with grant funds. AFG is administered cooperatively by two FEMA components: the National Preparedness Directorate and the United States Fire Administration.

SPARTAN IS ADDED TO STANDARD AND POOR'S SMALLCAP 600 INDEX: RECOGNITION THAT THE FIRE INDUSTRY IS IMPORTANT PART OF US COMMERCIAL SUCCESS STORY
Originally Posted: November 5, 2007 10:30 AM
Last Updated: November 5, 2007 10:32 AM

by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)
KentonP1@aol.com

Congratulations to Spartan Motors, Inc. and John Sztykiel, chief executive officer of Spartan Motors on being added to the Standard & Poor's S&P SmallCap 600 Index.

Introduced in 1994, the S&P SmallCap 600 covers approximately 3 percent of the domestic equities market.

CENTER ON POLICY INITIATIVES CITES FAILURES TO SUPPORT FIRE STATIONS AND FIREFIGHTERS IN SAN DIEGO AFTER 2003 WILDFIRES
Originally Posted: November 5, 2007 9:25 AM
Last Updated: November 5, 2007 9:25 AM

Then-San Diego Fire Chief Jeff Bowman resigned last year because the city refused to fund additional firefighters and equipment he said were needed after the disastrous Cedar fire of 2003. For the city's size, Bowman said, San Diego is short 22 fire stations and hundreds of firefighters.

The city has failed to implement many of the recommendations for increased funding in reports following the 2003 fire by both the city's own staff and a state Blue Ribbon Fire Commission. The city budget in 2005 identified a long-term need for $478 million in new funding for public safety services -- a need that remains unfilled. Only one station and seven firefighters were added to the city budget this year.

Just this spring, Mayor of Jerry Sanders refused to give firefighters any pay raise while giving all other city employees cost of living increases.

"San Diego firefighters were beginning to look for jobs elsewhere because of low morale and inadequate resources," Cohen said. "They have performed heroically despite repeated failures by the City to invest in public safety. Together with other emergency responders, they have done an outstanding job in responding with new systems, efficient coordination between agencies, orderly evacuations and round-the-clock shifts."

San Diego County does not have a countywide fire department, but depends on a patchwork of 17 municipal fire departments, 28 special fire districts and many volunteer agencies. A 2003 report from the San Diego Local Agency Formation Commission detailed the funding difficulties faced by these agencies because of Proposition 13 restrictions and voter reluctance to approve tax measures.

The Center on Policy Initiatives is a nonprofit think tank founded 10 years ago to address local policy issues affecting working people and communities in San Diego. CPI has successfully advocated for a living wage ordinance, affordable housing and community benefits tied to development.

MORE INFO? www.onlinecpi.org

BANK SUSPENDS LATE FEES, OFFERS REDUCED INTEREST HOME EQUITY CREDIT FOR CALIFORNIA VICTIMS OF WILDFIRES IN SEVEN COUNTIES
Originally Posted: November 5, 2007 9:10 AM
Last Updated: November 5, 2007 9:10 AM

Washington Mutuals assistance to customers living in Californias seven federally declared disaster counties will get loan payment relief, suspension of late charges, and suspension of credit reporting on loans.

The bank will also waive certain CD withdrawal penalties and reimburse customers for fees charged for ATM use.

WaMu is donating $500,000 to assist recovery efforts in the affected counties. The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army will be recipients of $100,000 each. Grants in the amount of $200,000 will go to local nonprofits, including $100,000 to the San Diego Foundations After the Fires Fund.

Finally, WaMu will match employee donations to California fire relief up to a total of $100,000.

Seven California counties comprise the federally declared disaster area -- Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura.

For general information or assistance, call 1-800-788-7000. Inquiries regarding mortgage loan payment plans call 1-866-926-8937 24 hours daily.

MORE INFO? www.newsroom.wamu.com.

GEOSPATIAL DATA HELPS FIGHT WILDFIRES
Originally Posted: November 5, 2007 8:14 AM
Last Updated: November 5, 2007 8:14 AM

The use of three-dimensional geospatial data is providing value in the fire fighting in California.

Intermap Technologies have access to high-resolution elevation data for the state of California on-the-shelf as part of its U.S. and Western European NEXTMap® geospatial data collection program.

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) uses these maps for high resolution terrain data to support fighting wildfires in Southern California.
Intermaps NEXTMap USA terrain data is being used to plan aerial water missions for aircraft deployed to California.

The data is also providing highly detailed terrain mapping and 3D visualization for decision makers at the national, state, and local levels. Intermap authorized Department of Defense Agencies to share the data at no cost for a limited time with Department of Homeland Security, state, county, and local government agencies to fight the California fires and for initial remediation efforts.

Included in the high-resolution datasets are digital surface models depicting the earths surface (including cultural features such as vegetation, buildings, and roads), digital terrain models displaying the bare earth (with all cultural features digitally removed), and orthorectified radar images (grayscale images that accentuate topographic features). The 1-meter vertically accurate and 5-meter posted digital elevation models (DEMs) enables a variety of solutions for the agency, including, but not limited to, geographic planning and disaster preparedness/management.

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Intermap employs 550 people worldwide, with additional offices in Calgary, Detroit, Jakarta, London, Munich, Ottawa, and Prague.

MORE INFO? www.Intermap.com

PRACTICAL AND LEGAL ADVICE FOR CALIFORNIANS WHO LOST THEIR HOMES IN OCTOBER'S WILDFIRES
Originally Posted: November 5, 2007 7:59 AM
Last Updated: November 5, 2007 7:59 AM

n an interview with former CNN anchor Jane Akre for Injury Report, Alexander Hawes, LLP attorney Richard Alexander offered advice to homeowners who lost their houses to California wildfires.

1. Create an inventory of your belongings. Do not bulldoze the ashes and debris. Pitch fork through the wreckage, identify what burned and photograph it. The debris will also jog your memory of other items that were consumed.

2. Hire a public adjuster. They have experience in appraising property and operate like lawyers. They represent you in a contractual basis -- usually 10 percent. They know how to prepare and present a claim and will provide the guidance on how to document the claim. They interface with the carrier in a knowledgeable manner.

3. Rent a house FAST! The market is going to dry up very fast. There are not going to be 1,800 houses to rent. All California carriers have to pay the cost of hotels, meals and daily expenses you incur from the evacuation. But there might be a limit. Many people are going to find they are underinsured.

4. Put the insurance carrier and mortgagor on notice of the loss. Get a copy of the policy from the carrier, since it probably burned up in the fire. Have someone read it who understands coverage. That could be a public adjustor or an attorney with experience. Don't pick just any lawyer. It's very important to quiz them extensively about their experience. You want experience, experience, experience -- someone who knows exactly what to do, who's been there and done that.

5. Find and deal with a contractor. Most will be charging outrageous rates, which are to be expected because of the huge demand, and they will be coming in from all around the western United States. And you must understand the policy before the contract with the builder is negotiated. You want to make sure, especially in California, that you don't stipulate to arbitration. And obviously don't sign anything from an insurance company saying "general release."

6. Recognize that psychologically, you and your family will suffer substantial emotional distress. Keep your eyes open to post-traumatic-stress-syndrome. Get counseling if needed.

7. Protect your new house. Clear brush to at least 30 feet from the house. Consider using Barricade, a fire resistant emulsion that stops houses from catching fire at a cost of $350 to $500 a home. Make an inventory of your possessions, photograph them and keep the records off-site, in a safe deposit box if possible.

Alexander has been a California attorney since 1972, He authored 200 articles on personal injury. Alexander is dedicated to public education.

MORE INFO? www.consumerlawpage.com

HOW PREPARED IS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FOR WILDFIRE DISASTER?
Originally Posted: November 5, 2007 6:52 AM
Last Updated: November 5, 2007 6:52 AM

Was southern California unprepared for a foreseeable disaster?

Orange County (CA) Chief Chip Prather: "It is an absolute fact, had we had more air resources we would have been able to control this fire." Prather feels he could have stopped the first blazes with rapid aircraft strikes.

Prather said there was a lack of an overarching scheme to attack several large fires at once.

Prather: "What we need to have is a national strategy and a state strategy.

His assessment, echoed by some other firefighters, raises the question: How can California protect itself against wildfires?

Prather: Many recommendations made following 2003 blazes that killed 24 people and destroyed 3,361 residences were ignored.

US Senator Diane Finestein: Air tankers and other aircraft couldn't be used at first because of thick smoke and strong winds.

Ruben Grijalva, director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: Eight of the state's nine water-dumping helicopters were in Southern California the first day of the October 2007 wildfires, along with 13 air tankers.

Grijalva suggested these fires, which have burned the equivalent of about 600 square miles, would have overwhelmed most efforts to fight them.

Grijalva: "They are fighting nature here. This is not something that can be easily eliminated with a few additional aircraft or firefighters," he told the Associated Press in a copyrighted story written by Jacob Adelman in Santa Clarita, Allison Hoffman in San Diego, and National Writer Martha Mendoza in Lake Arrowhead. AP coverage of the October 2007 fires was excellent.

Dave Gillotte, President of the International Association of Firefighters Local 1014 Los Angeles County Fire Department: "With 100 mph winds, you can only do so much."

Los Angeles County firefighters didnt respond to fire at Lake Arrowhead because they were fighting fire at Santa Clarita, Malibu.

Bob Shidelar, a fire operations branch director: Crews fighting a fire in San Bernardino County were vastly understaffed. "Crews, engines, helicopters came in from all over the country,"

Steve Heil, a state commander at the Harris Fire: Helicopter orders placed Sunday shortly after a fire erupted weren't satisfied until early Tuesday by two Navy Seahawks, four National Guard Blackhawk Los Alamitos helicopters and C-130 jets outfitted to fight fires. But, commanders had a hard time finding qualified firefighters to direct helicopter pilots.

AUSTRALIANS TAKE A NEW LOOK AT DEALING WITH WILDFIRES IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Originally Posted: November 3, 2007 9:59 PM
Last Updated: November 3, 2007 10:03 PM

Fire and Emergency Services of Australia (FESA) is working with experts in land protection to manage emergencies in Western Australia.

NEEDA appreciates the news provided from Australia fire officials. NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie visited Australia and New Zealand in 2006. "We have a lot in common and we can learn from each other," Pattie said.

Stations across the Kimberley are being urged to adopt new guidelines on bush fire management developed by FESA and experienced local pastoralists.

The two groups have been working together to share information and expertise to provide pastoralists with more options for identifying and managing bush fire threats.

Regional Director Rob Cox said by sharing knowledge pastoralists and FESA had developed best practice guidelines that would protect people and property across the region.

Some fires in the Kimberley can take days to control because grasslands become highly combustible during the dry season, Mr Cox said.

In the process vast pastrol rangelands and sensitive environmental belts can be lost.

This collaborative approach will mean the risk of fire emergency is reduced as the community is better prepared for and more aware of bush fire management.

The guidelines include advice on undertaking aerial burning, construction and maintenance of fire breaks, and templates for the development of station specific pastoral fire management plans.

Practical fire experience from local pastoralists combined with FESAs environmental advice and emergency management expertise means improved fire safety._

This project is now providing the basis for a similar project in the Pilbara.

FESA is holding workshops with pastoralists across the region from October 29 to November 7, 2007 to help them develop fire management plans for their stations.

The new Kimberley Bush Fire Guidelines and regional geospatial data on fuel loading will be available at the workshops.

MORE INFO? (Australia) Ralph Smith on 0428100478 or Robert Cox on 0407388413

EMS RESPONDS IN CALIFORNIA AS FOG CAUSES MASSIVE HIGHWAY 99 CRASH: THREE DOZEN TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITALS
Originally Posted: November 3, 2007 9:45 PM
Last Updated: November 3, 2007 9:45 PM

Eighteen big rigs and 100 cars and trucks were in a November 3, 2007 pileup on Central Valleys Highway 99 south of Fresno, CA. Dense Tule fog was blamed. EMS took three dozen victims to hospitals according to the Fresno Fire Department. Two trucks leaked fuel on the freeway. Fog has caused other crashes along the same highway including an 87 vehicle pileup in 2002, according to the Associated Press.

NEW YORK FIREFIGHTERS AND SURVIVORS SAY THANKS BY VOLUNTEERING IN SAN DIEGO WILDFIRE RECOVERY EFFORT
Originally Posted: November 3, 2007 9:55 AM
Last Updated: November 3, 2007 9:59 AM

FFDNY firefighters and 9/11 survivors in San Diego County, California, to help rebuilding homes following October's 07 wildfires.

The New York Says Thank You Foundation sends NYC firefighters as away of saying "Thank You" for all the love and support Americans gave to New Yorkers in the days following September 11, 2001.

The group will spend the weekend in San Diego County helping to clean up the Dulzura home of Earl Carter, a carpenter who volunteered to help rebuild 20 homes after the 2003 Cedar Fire, and Dan Lachenbruch, the La Mesa firefighter whose Rancho Bernardo home burned to the ground while he was working to save other people's homes from the Harris Fire.

The weekend's clean-up and recovery efforts are being made possible through support of JetBlue Airways, the Lions Clubs, and the La Mesa Fire Department.

"So many people from California and San Diego County went out of their way to help New Yorkers following 9/11. This is our simple way to 'Pay It Forward' while helping these wonderful families start the long process of rebuilding," stated Jeff Parness, founder of The New York Says Thank You Foundation.

The New York group flew JetBlue Airways to Long Beach, CA on Friday Nov. 2 to stay in Harbison Canyon.

Saturday they are at Earl Carter's home at 19070 HWY 94 (Campo Road) in Dulzura at 8AM to clean up.

Sunday they will be at Dan Lachenbruch's home at 17787 Creciente Way in Rancho Bernardo at 8AM to work alongside La Mesa firefighters in the clean up effort.

Started by the suggestion of a 5-year-old New York boy who wanted to help children following the Cedar Fire, The New York Says Thank You Foundation has helped rebuild communities following the 2003 San Diego wildfires, the 2004 Utica, IL, 2005 Evansville, IN and 2006 Groesbeck, TX tornadoes.

The group also helped rebuild a number of homes following Hurricane Katrina including the home of a 6-year-old boy in Slidell, LA battling Leukemia.

The New York Says Thank You Foundation is registered as
a charitable tax-exempt organization under section 01(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is incorporated under section 402 of the New York State Not-For-Profit Corporation Law.

www.NewYorkSaysThankYou.org.

MISSISSIPPI FIRE FIGHTERS ENDORSE GOV. BARBOUR FOR SECOND TERM: FIRST TIME TO BACK REPUBLICAN FOR GOVERNOR
Originally Posted: November 3, 2007 9:11 AM
Last Updated: November 3, 2007 9:13 AM

Mississippi's paid, professional fire fighters today endorsed Gov. Haley Barbour, who is running for a second term.

Professional Fire Fighters Association of Mississippi's (PFFAM) endorsement is a result of the work Gov. Barbour did to help the state recover following Hurricane Katrina.

"Governor Barbour was there for us. Our fire fighters in the Gulf Coast feel like he's been a friend, and we want to stay friends," says Johnny Bass, president of the Professional Fire Fighters Association of Mississippi.

"Governor Barbour has done a good job helping the Gulf Coast recover. That's important to Mississippi's fire fighters and important to all residents of the state," says George Emile, executive vice president of the PFFAM.

The Professional Fire Fighters Association of Mississippi represents more than 700 fire fighters in 11 locals.

Their endorsement of Gov. Barbour marks the first time the PFFAM has backed a Republican candidate for governor. It also speaks to the union's bipartisan political approach.

"We support those who support us, and Gov. Barbour supported us in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina," President Bass says.

The International Association of Fire Fighters, eadquartered in Washington, DC, represents more than 281,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect 80 ercent of the nation's population.

MORE INFO? www.iaff.org

FIRE EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS' ASSOCIATION ISSUES ADVICE FOR TURNING BACK CLOCKS DAY: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2007
Originally Posted: November 2, 2007 5:31 PM
Last Updated: November 2, 2007 5:31 PM

On Sunday, November 4, 2007 most of the United States will turn their clocks back an hour to mark the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST).

The Fire Equipment Manufacturers' Association (FEMA, The Life Safety Group) reminds everyone that when turning the clocks back it is also a good time to review some cyclical safety chores, such as inspection of the fire extinguishers in your home and office, and a check of the batteries in your smoke detectors.

"Portable fire extinguishers are proven to save lives and protect property when a fire strikes," said Joe Beranek, President of FEMA.

"Extinguishers give people an essential, defend-in-place tool to either
extinguish a small fire before it becomes a tragedy, or to give them the
help they need to get out of a burning building before it's too late."

In the home, FEMA recommends that fire extinguishers are installed in
or near your kitchen and that you know how to use one. A multipurpose fire
extinguisher should be located on each floor near an exterior door or in
the exit path. Extinguishers located in the kitchen must be a type suitable
for residential cooking fires and must carry a UL Listing. Remember that
your first priority is to make sure everyone has evacuated safely and that
you or someone else has called the fire department before attempting to
fight the fire.

In the office, portable fire extinguishers are an integral part of any
balanced fire protection plan and must be accessible and available every 75
feet in a commercial structure, according to NFPA 1 Fire Prevention Code
and NFPA 10 The Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers.

All fire extinguishers must be inspected regularly to ensure proper
operation. NFPA 10, The Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, reminds
us that fire extinguishers shall be inspected at a minimum of 30-day
intervals. The procedure is as simple as reviewing the following questions:
- Is the fire extinguisher visible and easily accessible?
- Is the safety seal broken or missing?
- Does the gauge or pressure indicator show the arrow pointing towards
the green section indicating correct pressure?
- Is there any obvious damage such as corrosion or leakage?
- Are the operating instructions legible and facing forward?

If you are unsure as to the condition of your fire extinguisher,
consult a company that is experienced in performing inspection and
maintenance on these products. These companies can be identified in your
local phone directory. Having portable fire extinguishers available in case
of an emergency provides numerous benefits. This manual, easy-to-operate
tool can extinguish a small and contained fire in those first critical
minutes - when disaster strikes.

FEMA, The Life Safety Group is a non-profit trade association dedicated
to saving lives and protecting property through balanced fire protection
education.

MORE INFO? www.fireextinguisher.com.or www.femalifesafety.org.

BOSS BOOT CLEARS UL TEST
Originally Posted: November 2, 2007 1:23 PM
Last Updated: November 2, 2007 1:26 PM

BOSS boots have been certified by Underwriters Labratories (UL) to comply with the NFPA 1994 Standard on Protective Ensembles for First Responders to
CBRN Terrorism Incidents, 2007 edition.

BOSS was rated compliant level 2 & 3 for CBRN protection by UL, which is the highest level of protection afforded by the NFPA 1994 standard.

BOSS is certified by UL to be compliant with the NFPA 1994 standard as a stand alone product. It is made of butyl compound layered with natural rubber.

The Department of Defense has chosen AirBoss-Defense to be the provider of both CBRN hand wear & CBRN footwear to US military facilities. BOSS provides more than 1 hour protection against CBRN agents.

AirBoss-Defense has already had the BOSS tested to military standards (TOP 8- 2-501, Def Stan 93-55 & Whole Boot Test) which have confirmed that the BOSS provides 24 hours of protection against CBRN agents. The UL certification means that the BOSS can now be used in
conjunction with all NFPA 1994 certified suits.

HEALTH CARE COSTS UP 8.7 PERCENT; EMPLOYEES SHARE INCREASES; SOME EMPLOYEES DROP COMPANY HEALTH PLAN AS TOO EXPENSIVE
Originally Posted: November 1, 2007 6:31 PM
Last Updated: November 1, 2007 6:31 PM

Health care costs are expected to increase in two ways: up as much as 8.7 percent deducted from paychecks for monthly premiums and in your employee's out-of-pocket expenses as deductibles rise. Many employees are getting this bad news now, during open enrollment season for next years benefits elections.

Dallas Morning News: Some employees are dropping their employers health-care plans altogether because theyre too expensive.

"Increasing employee contributions, deductibles, co-pays and premiums are causing many workers to opt out of their employers' health plans," said David Guilmette, a consultant with Towers Perrin, a human resources company based in Stamford, Conn.

Kansas City Star: The practice of passing costs on to the employees results in workers foregoing preventive care. Some are delaying going to their doctor, and about one-fourth arent filling their prescriptions, according to the 10th annual Health Confidence Survey.

Green Bay Press Gazette: "It's critical companies design their health care programs in a way that encourages employees to use them wisely. Otherwise, they are essentially trading preventive care now for 'rescue care' later and ultimately higher health care costs, Jim Winkler, practice leader of Hewitts Health Management Consulting business.

Some doctors are offering patients the option of zero-interest loans to pay for their bigger-ticket medical needs.

New York Times: More than 10,000 doctors and dentists offer financing for laser eye surgery, ceramic tooth implants and other procedures not covered by insurance. This type of medical financing has become one of the fastest-growing parts of consumer credit.

Nearly one-third of the 1,000 adults surveyed by the nonprofit Employee Benefit Research Institute said they were contributing less to their retirement accounts due to high health-care costs. More than half said they are saving less overall.

The survey also said 81 percent of respondents are trying to take better care of themselves.

Good intentions may not translate into better health, though. Michelle Willis, associate director of human resources with a Portland, OR engineering firm, said David Evans and Associates in January 07 offered employees a high-deductible plan with a health-savings account, with about one-fifth taking advantage of this so-called consumer-driven plan.

She says the greatest pitfall is assuming that a consumer-driven health plan is a cure-all. Her company fully covers preventive care. Not all do, and some consumers may avoid doctor visits to save money.

"It is really just one tool," she said, to be with other efforts, including programs to educate workers, help them lose weight, quit smoking, exercise more and take control of chronic illnesses.

As dealer owner or manager, if you have a reaction to this column or have suggestions for other dealers, based on your health care experience, please let NEEDA know: KentonP1@aol.com or 703 850 8552 or PO Box 220, Annandale VA 22003

TWO COBRA HELICOPTERS FITTED WITH $1.3 MILLION IN LASERS HELP MAP AND MONITOR FOREST FIRES
Originally Posted: November 1, 2007 4:26 PM
Last Updated: November 1, 2007 4:26 PM

The Cobra helicopter shoots lasers that help map forest fires. There are only two U.S. Forest Service helicopters outfitted with color and infrared cameras, laser range finders and global positional system equipment that can outline the perimeter of a fire in real time with the precise detail.

In the past, ground crews relied on verbal descriptions of a fire's location and behavior from spotters in the air. Now, with the help of a remote receiver and a monitor, firefighters can get a better perspective on a fire's movements. They can even see through the smoke with infrared video in order to pinpoint the front edge of the fire through a live video feed. The infrared video can tell them exactly what they're facing so smoke billowing over a ridge will not obscure the ground crews' knowledge of exactly where the fire is on the other side.

As specially equipped Cobra helicopter flies along the perimeter of a fire, GPS equipment feeds its location into the computer and draws the fire line. If smoke or other firefighting aircraft prevent the helicopter from flying directly over the fire line, the laser range finder can be switched to manual to pinpoint its location. The information is transmitted not only to the field units, but also to a ground-based van that can analyze and print the maps.

Fire officials at the command center also use the maps to look at a fire's progression and strategize.

The first helicopter with this equipment was placed in service in Redding, CA. The second helicopter started flying a year later and is based in Lancaster CA. It cost the Forest Service $1.3 million to add the equipment to the Cobras. The U.S. Army transferred the helicopters to the Forest Service for $1 each.

Piloting and support services for the craft are contracted through Dynacorp, a Florida-based company.

HAZMAT FUSION CENTER CREATED: FIRE CHIEFS AND US TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT CREATE DATA CENTER TO HELP FIRST RESPONDERS DEAL WITH HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS
Originally Posted: November 1, 2007 4:12 PM
Last Updated: November 1, 2007 4:12 PM

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has a new agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHSMA) to develop a new data center. The center will collect and analyze hazardous-materials incident data to help first-responder tactics, operations, policy and training.

The Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Fusion Center (Hazmat Fusion Center) will build a secure, web-based network to facilitate information sharing for first responders training for and responding to hazardous materials incidents. This knowledge-base will help ensure that hazmat incidents are handled safely and securely. It will be the first such hazmat data center for the first-responder community, but both the effort to create it and the results it will produce will encompass a broader range of stakeholders. It will provide crucial knowledge for all decision makers on the transportation and delivery of hazardous materials.

Under the agreement, IAFC will spearhead the project, providing program management, technical advisors and subject matter expertise, and will establish initial data-collection efforts. The cooperative agreement is for a one-year period, with options to renew for four additional one-year terms.

Year One of the program will focus on establishing the data center' technical and human elements from the ground-up.

The Hazmat Fusion Center will serve three purposes.

1. Information collection, which will include:

Developing a central location for the collection of information on the nation's hazmat teams (location, capabilities, equipment, etc.)

Creating a repository for hazmat incident reporting on a secure web portal and a toll-free phone number for incident reporting

Forming Regional Incident Survey Teams (RIST), which will be deployed to serious hazmat incidents to collect information on first-responder activity

Developing a method for increased communication and trust-building among the nation's first-responder hazmat community

Incorporating information from various sources (utilizing the Enterprise Approach of the U.S. Department of Transportation), including federal agencies and the private sector

2. Analysis of information collected, which will include:

Developing effective practices, planning tools and resources for first responders

Creating after-action reports from RIST-investigated hazmat incidents
Providing recommended requirements for equipment and training for hazmat teams

Identifying trends and patterns for the prevention and mitigation of hazmat incidents

Interpreting data to assist the development of high-tech hazmat response equipment and training

Ensuring that multi-agency reporting is streamlined so a redundant reporting system is not created

3. Dissemination of information and analysis, which will include:

Recommendations for safely responding to hazmat incidents

Training materials for first responders (such as quarterly curriculum materials, training drills, conferences, and email blasts)

Identification of the most frequently shipped and most hazardous materials
Data-based recommendations to industry and transporters for improved safety of shipping containers and processes

Data for use inclusion in national-level decision-making processes

Established in 1873, the International Association of Fire Chiefs represents the leadership of over 1.2 million firefighters. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation.

WILDERNESS SOCIETY SAYS STATE FIRE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM HELPS PURCHASE EQUIPEMENT AND TRAINING BUT BUSH ADMINISTRATION WANTS 14% CUT FOR 08
Originally Posted: November 1, 2007 3:42 PM
Last Updated: November 1, 2007 4:36 PM

Wilderness Society National Forest Program Director Michael Francis told Congress that the State Fire Assistance (SFA) program needs additional funding to help cost-sharing programs for states and communities needing to prepare for wildland fires, including purchasing equipment and providing firefighter training.

State Fire Assistance funding is also used to support Community Wildland Fire Protection Planning (CWPP) and hazardous fuels reduction (reducing dense vegetation build-up) near communities.

But SFA funding has been cut. The Bush administration proposed a 30-percent reduction for 2007 and a 14-percent cut for 2008 in SFA funding. Those cuts are compounded by the fact that federal funding which helps non-federal partnerships in forest and fire management amounted to less than 10 percent of the $14 billion appropriated to the National Fire Plan in the last five years.

"There is no question that global warming is heating up the forests and sparking more fires," Wilderness Society's Michael Francis said to the US House Select Energy Independence and Global Warming Committee.

Francis: "Fire management is often perceived to be a federal issue, but fires do not respect jurisdictional lines on a map. To make saving homes and lives truly the top priority, we need policies that get federal money to local communities so that they can play a role in their own defense. Let's empower those communities to enact collaborative protection strategies in their own back yards."

State foresters estimate that funding for SFA needs to increase by nearly 85 percent -- to $145 million -- in order to meet current and emerging needs.

Problems associated with global warming and the increasing number of citizens moving to fire-prone areas make immediate action even more critical, Francis added. Global warming will raise temperatures 1-4 degrees
over the next century, while 8 million new homes are expected to be built in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) by 2010.

Enacting better fire policies will also give Mother Nature and the federal budget a hand.

"Wildland fire is as natural and necessary as sunshine or rain to a healthy forest," Francis said. "Nature uses fire to transform dead and dying material into nutrients, to control insect populations, and to provide living conditions for wildlife. Burned trees provide critical habitat for many animals and the slow decay of burned trees provides
nutrients essential to rejuvenating growth."

Increased population in the WUI, meanwhile, has contributed to skyrocketing suppression costs that have otaled over $1 billion in four of the last seven years. Communities that are "firesafe", or well-prepared for wildland fire, are key to protecting people's homes - and ultimately restoring functional, and fire-resilient, wildlands.

MORE INFO? www.wilderness.org/Library/Documents/upload/Wildland-Fire-Challenge-report-without-covers.pdf and /www.wilderness.org/Library/Documents/upload/Testimony-Fire-071101.pdf and www.wilderness.org/Library/Documents/upload/BudgetOverview-NewDirectionWildfireMgt.pdf

FREE MASKS FOR CLEANING UP SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FIRE ASH
Originally Posted: November 1, 2007 1:37 PM
Last Updated: November 1, 2007 1:37 PM

The Governor's Office of Emergency Services is making available free breathing masks for Southern Californians to use while cleaning up ash around their home or business. The masks, donated by Cardinal Health and delivered free of charge by UPS, will be available at any of the nine local assistance centers that were announced by Governor Schwarzenegger last week.

State and public health officials recommend that anyone cleaning up ash from around their home or spending time in ash-covered areas wear at a minimum a well-fitted paper mask or bandana to protect their nose and mouth. Keeping skin covered by wearing long sleeves, full length pants and gloves is also recommended. Special protections such as N95 or P100 respirators are recommended to help protect the lungs from ash and soot if spending long periods of time sifting through a site. Individuals with pre-existing heart and lung conditions should seek advice from their physician regarding use of special protections.

The local assistance centers were opened last week to serve as efficient one-stop sources for disaster relief services including information on how to replace records lost in the fires, file insurance claims and apply for assistance and housing. A wide range of state, federal, and local agencies are represented at the centers.

"With 5,000 employees and major operations across the state of California, we are well aware of the impact from the wildfires and are pleased to assist in the recovery efforts that are already underway in Southern California," said R. Kerry Clark, chief executive officer of Cardinal Health.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

CONGRESSIONAL FIRE SERVICES INSTITUTE DINNER: THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2008
Originally Posted: November 1, 2007 12:40 PM
Last Updated: November 1, 2007 12:40 PM

The next National Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday, April 4, 2008 following the 20th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner & Seminars on Thursday, April 3 in Washington DC. A showcase event on the national mall, Washington DC, is planned for Wednesday, April 2, 2008.

NEEDA is a member of the CFSI National Advisory Committee. NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie is CFSI Membership Chairman. Pattie: "The Mall display on Wednesday and the seminars all day on Thursday (before the dinner) will be extremely interesting. Various top speakers will be featured. This is the biggest week for the fire service to meet with and discuss issues with Senators, Members of the House, and top Federal officials. Fire leaders from throughout the United States, including your area, will be attending. NEEDA will be there and we encourage every dealer to attend the 20th anniversary of this popular and very successful fundraising and information event."

MORE INFO?www.cfsi.org/dinner_about.asp.

REPLACE THE ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX? BAN TAX ON INTERNET? TAX RELIEF FOR WILDFIRE SCORCHED SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA?
Originally Posted: November 1, 2007 9:35 AM
Last Updated: November 1, 2007 11:33 AM

Here is some brief Washington News:

ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX

The US House Ways and Means Committee estimates that the cost of
permanent repeal of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) will be
$795 billion over ten years, and while there is widespread
agreement that the AMT should be repealed, few in Congress
believe that it will be possible to make up for the lost
revenue through cuts in spending. New taxes and deduction limitations may replace AMT revenue but reaching agreement on a new taxing scheme will take time and political ammunition.

BAN TAX ON INTERNET

Leaders in the U.S. House will support extending a moratorium
on taxing Internet services for another seven years. The House
had earlier approved a four-year extension, but October 2997, the
U.S. Senate approved a seven-year extension, surprising some
observers.

TAX RELIEF FOR WILDLIFE SCORCHED SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

The Internal Revenue Service has extended relief to California
wildfire victims by extending tax return filing and payment
deadlines. Taxpayers in the Presidential Disaster Area -
consisting of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino,
San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties - have been
given automatic extensions and casualty loss options.