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Newletters From November, 2009
FIRES THREATEN HOMES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Originally Posted: November 25, 2009 9:53 AM
Last Updated: November 25, 2009 9:53 AM
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for Orange County, California. Low humidity and winds gusting to 50 MPH threaten southern California with wildfires.
A wind-driven fire near Anaheim Hills has already consumed more than 50 acres. Firefighters work to prevent flames from reaching homes.
The Los Angeles Times reported that as of 3 AM, the fire was 10% contained and had not burned any structures. But the 241 Toll Road remained closed, and officials at the Orange County Fire Authority were concerned that dry, hot winds could push the fire toward homes.
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UNDERWRITERS LABRATORIES WARNS OF ILLEGAL "UL" MARKS ON FOAM LIQUID CONCENTRATES: "U.S. FIRST STRIKE" IS ONE EXAMPLE OF ILLEGALLY MARKED FOAM
Originally Posted: November 25, 2009 5:56 AM
Last Updated: November 25, 2009 5:56 AM
Underwriters Labratories (Northbook, IL) says that many Foam Liquid Concentrates bear an unauthorized UL Mark for use in the United States.
UL says these fire fighting foam products have not been evaluated by UL to the appropriate standards for safety and are not authorized to bear the UL Mark.
Without the UL testing, it is unknown if this foam product complies with the United States safety requirements.
Foam liquid concentrate is added to water and mechanically mixed with air within a foam discharge device to produce a foam solution for use fightibng fires. The product is often distributed in five-gallon pails, 275-gallon totes or 55-gallon drums.
UL says the products that have the unauthorized UL marking appear as follows:
U.S. First Strike 3% AFFF-MS Type: US-FC3MS
U.S. First Strike 3% AFFF Type: US-FC3
U.S. First Strike 3%-6% ATC Type: US-FCAR36
U.S. First Strike A/B Type: US-FC-FS
U.S. The "A-B" "Foam Solution" Type: US-FC-FS
U.S. 6% AFFF Type: US-FC6
U.S. 3%-3% AFFF Type: US-FCAR33
On the container: A surface marking displays the unauthorized UL Mark and the following:
US-FC3MS
(UL) Listed
Foam
Liquid
Concentrate
68P6
US-FC3
(UL) Listed
Foam
Liquid
Concentrate
86R6
US-FCAR36
(UL) Listed
Foam
Liquid
Concentrate
86R6
US-FC-FS
(UL) Listed
Foam
Liquid
Concentrate
86R6
US-FC6
(UL) Listed
Foam
Liquid
Concentrate
879G
US-FCAR33
(UL) Listed
Foam
Liquid
Concentrate
879G
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an independent product safety certification organization that has been testing products and writing Standards for Safety for over 100 years. UL evaluates more than 19,000 types of products, components, materials and systems annually with 20 billion UL Marks appearing on 72,000 manufacturers' products each year. UL's worldwide family of companies and network of service providers includes 64 laboratory, testing and certification facilities serving customers in 98 countries.
MORE INFO? www.UL.com/newsroom
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FIRE MARSHALL STATUTE UP FOR CHANGES IN THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE 2010
Originally Posted: November 24, 2009 9:34 PM
Last Updated: November 24, 2009 9:34 PM
FL HB 401 has been prefiled in Florida for consideration in the 2010 legislative Session:
Session: 2010 (3/2/10 thru 5/7/10 Prefiled)
Sponsor: Garcia
Summary:
State Fire Marshal; Revises & creates various provisions of law relating to State Fire Marshal, including building & equipment inspection duties, establishment of Fire Code Interpretation Committee, requirements for nonbinding & binding interpretations of Florida Fire Prevention Code, firefighter eligibility, examination, training, level, certification, employment, & supplemental compensation requirements, etc. EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/01/2010.
History:
** 11/23/09 HOUSE Filed **
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FLAME SEAL PRODUCTS GETS UNITED SUBCONTRACTORS ENDORSEMENT
Originally Posted: November 24, 2009 7:34 PM
Last Updated: November 24, 2009 7:34 PM
Flame Seal-TB Endorsed by USI, a Spray Foam Contractor Group of U.S.Flame Seal Products, (Houston, Texas). got the exclusive endorsement of USI (United Subcontractors, Inc.), a consortium of 45 Spray Foam Insulation contracting firms, formalized at a USI Conference.
Cliff Haskins, and Michael Kiser, President of Flame Seal did a live fire demonstration of the product.
Mike Kiser: Since Flame Seal-TB currently has ICC Certifications over Bayer SPUF, USI supports the use of the coating of foam by USI on particular surfaces. When Flame Seal receives ICC Certifications over BASF foam, USI will expand its recommendation to that application.
Michael D. Kiser, President, Flame Seal Products, Inc.: Flame Seal is a Fire Retardant Technology Company that offers products and technology solutions for applications and industries. Products are used currently on foam, pastic, fabric, wood, paper, metals. The company offers customized fire retardant solutions for construction, as well as providing fire protection for many industrial uses.
For over 20 years Flame Seal Products have been water based, non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and based on unique raw materials that allow for easy adaptation to diverse industries and applications.
MORE INFO? 949-233-3229 or Flame Seal Products www.flameseal.com
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AS FIRE BIZ LAGS, SPARTAN SHIFTS $45 MILLION INVESTMENT INTO SPECIALTY VEHICLE MARKET THAT DOESN'T DEPEND ON GOVERNMENT FUNDING
Originally Posted: November 24, 2009 6:54 PM
Last Updated: November 24, 2009 6:54 PM
Spartan Motors, Inc. (Charlotte, Michigan) is paying $45 million for Utilimaster Corporation, a manufacturer of specialty vehicles made to customer specifications in the delivery and service market, including walk-in vans and hi-cube vans, and truck bodies.
Spartan says Utilimaster will add $105 million to Spartan's annual revenue. Utilimaster has 550 employees and 550,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing capacity at its headquarters in Wakarusa, Indiana.
John Sztykiel, president and CEO of Spartan Motors: "This acquisition represents . . . new end markets that offer growth potential and are not directly dependent on government funding or consumer spending.
Sztykiel: "The two companies . . . focus on premium products and innovation, . . . We also gain entry into the North American delivery and service market, add fabrication and vehicle body expertise, benefit from Utilimaster's strong brand, market share position and blue-chip customer base, and create opportunities to leverage future Spartan chassis growth."
Most of Utilimaster's revenues are in the delivery and service market, which includes walk-in vans for the package delivery, bakery/snack delivery and linen/uniform rental markets.
Its remaining revenues come from commercial truck bodies, along with service, parts and accessories.
Under the terms of the purchase agreement, Spartan will pay $50 million in cash, less a net working capital adjustment. In addition, Spartan has agreed to pay contingent earn-out payments of up to $7 million based primarily on the Utilimaster operation exceeding revenue milestones. The acquisition will be financed with a combination of cash and debt.
Mike Kitson, Utilimaster President and CEO. "Spartan and Utilimaster share a similar business model, complementary team culture and financial discipline - focused on return on invested capital - that bode well for our continued momentum in the marketplace. Based on the excellent strategic fit, I am convinced our organizations will be stronger together as we seek to leverage operational best practices and attack new growth markets beyond those we could penetrate individually."
Established in 1973, Utilimaster is a manufacturer of walk-in vans and commercial truck bodies for the delivery and service market place. Utilimaster designs, develops and manufactures products to customer specifications for use in the package delivery, one-way truck rental, bakery/snack delivery, utility and linen/uniform rental businesses. The company serves a diverse customer base and also sells aftermarket parts and accessories.
Spartan Motors, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis and vehicles for the recreational vehicle, fire truck, ambulance, emergency-rescue and defense/specialty markets. The company's brand names are Spartan(TM), Crimson Fire(TM), Crimson Fire Aerials(TM), and Road Rescue(TM) Spartan employs 1,000 at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota and Texas. Spartan had sales of $844.4 million in 2008.
MORE INFO? www.utilimaster.com or www.spartanmotors.com
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FIRE BOAT MANUFACTURER USES FEDERAL GSA SYSTEM TO REACH STATE AND LOCAL BUYERS: NEEDA SEEKS REPEAL OF GSA'S POWER TO TAKE BUSINESS AWAY FROM LOCAL EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT DEALERS
Originally Posted: November 24, 2009 6:28 PM
Last Updated: November 24, 2009 6:28 PM
Harbor Guard Boats, Inc., (Costa Mesa, California) has an OK from the US General Services Administration to be added to the GSA Schedule of products that can be bought by all governments through GSA's Multiple Award system rather than through emergency equipment dealers.
GSA has set itself up to take over sales from dealers in all aspects of emergency equipment. NEEDA has opposed GSA's unfair competition with emergency equipment dealers. The GSA system is a direct competitor with local dealers and GSA has a national campaign underway to take away as much business as possible from dealers.
Most GSA contracts are with manufacturers. Buyers are offered GSA manufactureer prices and sales through the product's manufacturers rather than through dealers. NEEDA supports legislation to repeal GSA's authority to take local and state business away from dealers.
Daniel Medina, CEO of Medina International Holdings, Inc.: "This acceptance of our updated boat line and price schedule is a very significant and advantageous achievement for our company."
Medina says it is "mandatory that all government organizations and military purchases" be made only from the approved GSA schedule. If he is right about "mandatory," that means there is no market for independent dealers who do not have all their products listed on the GSA schedule. Most GSA schedule holders are manufacturers with nationwide coverage. Usually dealers don't
offer the national coverage that GSA wants and thus dealers are excluded from the GSA marketing system.
GSA earns its supporting income by charging manufacturers a percentage of every sale. Rather than having that percentage remain with the state or local
buyer, GSA uses it to pay for its Washington DC and regional staff.
Albert Mardikian, CEO of Harbor Guard Boats Inc.: In the past we have lost many orders because we were not approved with the GSA program. Now that Harbor Guard Boats Inc received this approval, from GSA, this will increase the opportunity for Harbor Guard Boats Inc to receive orders from all state, local and Federal agencies.
Tim Spooner, VP. of Sales and Distribution: "Completion of the Harbor Guard GSA Schedule provides the Company with the opportunity of forging relationships with federal customers to meet their need for security, patrol, and mission specific small vessels."
Harbor Guard Boats, Inc. produces commercial fire, rescue, police, and patrol boats. The company's products include 12' to 37' rescue, patrol and fire equipped boats.
MORE INFO? www.medinaih.com, www.harborguardboats.com or Daniel Medina,President (909) 522-4414
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THANKSGIVING 09: COOKING FIRES AND ACCIDENTS CONTRIBUTE TO 40% OF HOME FIRES
Originally Posted: November 18, 2009 6:14 PM
Last Updated: November 18, 2009 6:14 PM
Cooking equipment was involved in 40 percent of all reported home fires, 17 percent of home fire deaths, 36 percent of home civilian injuries, and 12 percent of the direct property damage resulting from home fires.
Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in these fires.
Something that could catch fire was too close to the equipment ranked second and unintentionally turned on or not turned off ranked third.
Three-fifths (57 percent) of reported home cooking fire injuries occurred when victims tried to fight the fire themselves.The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is calling on cooks across the nation to include fire safety in their recipes because Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires.
U.S. firefighters responded to roughly 1,300 home fires involving cooking equipment on Thanksgiving in 2007, roughly three times the daily average of cooking fires, according to NFPA.
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires. During 2003-2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 150,200 home structure fires involving cooking equipment per year, according to the newly released NFPA report Home Fires Involving Cooking Equipment (PDF, 896 KB). These fires caused an annual average of 500 civilian deaths, 4,660 civilian injuries, and $756 million in direct property damage.
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GHENT FIRE DISTRICT BUYS 28 FOOT FIREBOAT FROM HARBOR GUARD BOATS TO SERVE OHIO RIVER
Originally Posted: November 18, 2009 5:27 PM
Last Updated: November 24, 2009 9:17 PM
Medina International Holdings, Inc. (Costa Mesa, CA) has Completed the sale of a Firehawk 28' boat to Ghent Fire Protection District, through its wholly owned subsidiary Harbor Guard Boats, Inc.
Mr. Daniel Medina, CEO of Medina International Holdings, Inc.: "This is a significant sale for us and we are very pleased to have completed the production in seven weeks. This boat will be put into service on the Ohio river. The Firehawk 28' is a perfect choice for the missions the Fire department anticipates, and we are certain they will be satisfied with the Firehawk 28' boat."
Medina produces commercial fire, rescue, police and patrol boats utilizing the highest design and performance standards. The company's products combine safety, power, handling and stability with a proprietary hull design and equipment features that address specific niche markets. The acquisition of Harbor Guard Boats, Inc. Company has products ranging from 12' to 37' Rescue, Patrol and fire equipped boats.
MORE INFO? www.medinaih.com or www.medinamarine.com, or www.harborguardboats.com.
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DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE BURNS PULLING PROPANE TANKS THROUGH HILLS ABOVE SAN DIEGO, CA
Originally Posted: November 18, 2009 5:57 AM
Last Updated: November 18, 2009 5:57 AM
A semi-truck pulling a flatbed trailer carrying empty propane tanks caught fire in California on the transition from eastbound Interstate 8 to northbound state Route 67. Result: huge rush-hour traffic problem.
The driver said that 4 PM , the truck's engine failed, causing a fire.
The truck engine burned completely. The driver was not injured.
The trailer was carrying a full load of commercial propane tanks.
Fire crews fought engine flames from diesel fuel to protect traffic, the tanks, and roadside eucalyptus trees. The truck's front tires exploded as the engine burned.
MORE INFO? Susan Shroder, Tribune
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TYCO DECLARES QUARTERLY DIVIDEND
Originally Posted: November 17, 2009 10:02 PM
Last Updated: November 17, 2009 10:02 PM
The Board of Directors of Tyco International Ltd. (SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland) declared a quarterly dividend of 0.23 Swiss Francs (CHF) per share, payable on November 24, 2009 to shareholders of record as of October 30, 2009.
Tyco International Ltd. provides security products, fire protection and detection products and services, valves and controls, and other industrial products. Tyco had 2009 revenue of $17 billion and has 100,000 employees worldwide.
MORE INFO? www.tyco.com
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EARLY US SMOKE JUMPER MAKES FINAL PLUNGE INTO HEAVEN AT AGE 98
Originally Posted: November 17, 2009 9:42 PM
Last Updated: November 17, 2009 9:46 PM
One of the first "smoke jumpers", Earl Cooley died at age 98. When he was 23 years old, on July 12, 1940 he jumped from a propeller driven plane into Idaho's Nez Perce forest, and despite twisted ropes threatening his life during the fall, he managed to slow up on some spruce tree limbs and land safely. After putting out the fire with Rufus Robinson who had jumped seconds earlier, he hiked 28 miles to the nearest ranger station.
The US Forest Service says he was one of the first in a new "smoke jumper" program. The act of dropping a smoke jumper into a wildfire with only picks and shovels, first tried in Russia, is still practiced.
Cooley made 48 jumps from C-47s and directed the jumps into the Mann Gulch fire near Helena, Montana. The Forest Service lost a dozen jumpers in that
fire when the flames reversed directions.
John Maclean mentions Cooley's service in the South Canyon Fire and wrote about the Mann Gulch incident.
Cooley wrote "Trimortor and Trail: Pioneer Smokejumpers" in 1984. He had retired from the Forest Service in 1975.
He was from 1911 in Sarpy Creek, Montana, one of 11 children.
One of his jobs was to train "conscientious objectors" who joined the smoke jumpers instead of signing up for the US armed forces during WW 2. They used military parachutes that had minor flaws. Cooley died leaving 13 great grandchildren.
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PRESIDENT OBAMA SHOULD CONVENE A WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON WILDFIRES
Originally Posted: November 14, 2009 12:59 PM
Last Updated: November 14, 2009 12:59 PM
by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)
Having served on a couple of US blue ribbon committees on wildfires, I currently recommend that the United States promptly convene a White House Conference on Wildfires. I hope President Obama adopts this idea: the problem is big and the need for action is urgent.
I was a participant in two White House conferences on Small Business and from those events good recommendations were generated. Similar good ideas would be produced by bringing together counties, states, businesses, wildland agencies, and fire fighters from throughout the nation.
I was present at two recent wildfires -- Washington State and Southern California -- which convinced me that our nation is not doing enough on this issue. Many people at the local level agree.
Wildfires have become such an annual spectacle in our country, we have been lulled into the belief that there is not much that can be done -- nature is having its way. Some people erroneously believe that the problem is caused because too many people live near national forests.
We leave it to teams of firefighters to wrestle with the fires, save lives, property, and valuable national resources. Federal, state and local firefighters are stretched beyond their limits to respond to all wildfires. The cost rises each year, most is spent in fighting fires and too little is spent in prevention.
Far more could and should be done.
Nothing emphasizes this problem more than 2009's Black Sunday in Victoria, Australia. This area has been hit hardest by 70 years of fires since 1939.
The Ash Wednesday fires of 1983 killed seventy five people and destroyed two thousand houses in Australia.
What's special about Australia? Like in the US, the problem in Australia is getting worse. February 7th this year temperatures reached 115.5 degrees Fahernheit in Melbourne, humidity was six percent and the wind was blowing. Six hundred fires started that day setting new world records.
Fires were burning at seven miles per hour. Over a week, the fires burned through three hundred thousand acres. Firefighting included every fire truck plus bulldozers used to build containment lines.
Arson was suspected as often is raised in the aftermath of US wildfires. Entire towns were closed for six weeks. Police were still looking for bodies eight days after the fires had passed.
Whereas in the United States most communities recommend citizens evacuate, in Australia some citizens chose to stay and fight the fire. But the stay and fight plan didn't work well in Australia this year. Victoria citizens all received a cell phone message from their police warning of extreme wildfire conditions.
But rather than leave, many Victorians stayed to "wait and see" before making the decision. As in Southern California wildfires, people who wait to the last minute before heading out on the road cause traffic problems at the wrong moment: there are more deaths during the late evacuation rush.
In San Diego, a couple I met left their home on a hillside only to be locked in by the thick smoke -- so thick the driver could not see the edge of the road. His pregnant wife had to drive inches at a time while the husband walked along side their pick up truck so as to spot the edge of the road. When they finally got down the mountain to the hospital it was closed! Patients and medical staff had been evacuated. As you can imagine they told me their story with deep and intense emotion.
Police say that most of those who died this year in Victoria wildfires had stayed inside their homes. Since then, California has not changed its mandatory evacuation rules: staying should not be an option although television is apt to show the earnest California homeowner on the deck with a hose spraying his home as flames leap on all sides.
Experts point to Global Warming as an obvious contributor to the growth of wildfires world wide. Whereas previous wildfires could be fought one by one, the new trend is hugh fires driven by huge weather patterns -- no local fire department can fight today's wildfires on their own. All fire departments need more equipment, more trained firefighters on duty, and an area-wide prevention and communication program that is respected and observed by all citizens.
The Federal wildfire fighting budget has grown in recent years. The military has contributed some tanker planes. And after each incident of wildfires there have been commissions and news analysis which point to weaknesses and strengths.
But, while American burns in the most dramatic way possible, this threat has not been addressed adequately as a national problem. I think a National Conference of decision makers, businesses, citizens and fire experts could make 2010 a year we have an effective national response to wildfires that will help in years to come. President Obama should call this conference now.
Ignoring the issue because our economy is weak just begs nature to deliver a Black Sunday fire storm that will equal the recession with the damage and loss of life that is done.
YOUR SUGGESTIONS? Write KentonP1@aol.com or call 703 850 8552
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US & AUSTRALIAN LAWYERS AGREE ON NEED TO GET SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS OF WILDFIRE ARSONISTS
Originally Posted: November 13, 2009 6:45 PM
Last Updated: November 13, 2009 6:45 PM
Earlier today, NEEDA Newsletter ran a story in which a man is accused of murder for setting a wildfire that burned 140 square miles and killed men.
In a similar case, Australian wildfires that killed more than 180 people were deliberately set officials say.
The Australian prime minister says the culprits should "rot in jail," and government officials threatened the maximum charge: murder.
Police charged a man with one count of arson causing death and intentionally lighting a wildfire near Churchill that killed 21 people. The official death toll from the fires that raged through southeastern Victoria state, Australia, Feb. 7, 2009 is 181.
A report last month by the Australian Institute of Criminology says half the 60,000 wildfires each year are either deliberately set or suspicious.
But, few arrests are made and few convictions secured.
Thomas Fee, former president of the Maryland-based International Association of Arson Investigators: Prosecutors call in experts who examine the burn damage to determine where two blazes join and their direction.
Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Jean Daly, who spent nine years prosecuting arson cases in California: "It's not as difficult as you think."
In California law, arson equals felony murder, which allows for a murder charge against a defendant who doesn't intend harm.
One man, Raymond Lee Oyler, is currently on trial in California for allegedly setting a 2006 wildfire that killed five firefighters. He has pleaded not guilty to 45 counts including murder and arson and faces the death penalty if convicted.
Investigators first hunt out eyewitnesses, said Ross Brogan, a former New South Wales state fire investigator and a fire investigation lecturer at Australia's Charles Sturt University.
Finding the fire's source depends on determining where it started. To do that, Brogan said, investigators interview firefighters who can detail the intensity of the flames, and study weather data to determine wind direction — both of which help investigators track the fire to its source.
The major problem is that physical evidence often burns up — or is removed by the arsonists themselves, Fee said.
Fee: "Arson is the hardest crime to prove. If you don't have an eyewitness, it all becomes circumstantial evidence — and the more you try to convict on circumstantial evidence, the tougher it gets."
MORE INFO? KRISTEN GELINEAU, Associated Press, who has written some excellent articles on wildfires
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SEVERAL BILLS CONSIDRED BY CONGRESS WOULD HELP FIRE SERVICE
Originally Posted: November 13, 2009 6:22 PM
Last Updated: November 13, 2009 6:22 PM
The following is a select list of fire service legislation. You may also visit Thomas, the Library of Congress Legislative Database, or the House Legislative Research Center at (202) 226-5200, fax (202) 226-4362 or the Senate Document Room at (202) 224-7860, fax (202) 228-2815.
Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009
H.R. 3791
H.R. 3791 Introduced by Congressman Harry Mitchell (AZ-5) on October 13, 2009.
Summary Reauthorizes the Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE) Grant Program and SAFER Grant Program through Fiscal Year 2014.
Title Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act
H.R. 413
S. 1611
H.R. 413 Introduced by Congressman Dale Kildee (MI-5) on January 9, 2009.
S. 1611 Introduced by Senator Judd Gregg (NH) on August 8, 2009.
Summary Provides collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by states or local governments.
Fallen Heroes Flag Act
Bill Number H.R. 415
H.R. 415 Introduced by Congressman Peter King (NY-3) on January 9, 2009.
Summary To provide Capitol-flown flags to the immediate family of firefighters, law enforcement offices, emergency medical technicians, and other rescue workers who are killed in the line of duty.
Title Protect Children from Dangerous Lighters Act
S. 723
H.R. 2050
Sponsor
S. 723 Introduced by Senator Ron Wyden on March 26, 2009.
H.R. 2050 Introduced by Congressman Michael Michaud (ME-2) on April 22, 2009.
Summary The legislation prohibits the manufacture, importation, and sale of toy-like “novelty” lighters.
Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act
Bill Number H.R. 1194
Sponsor H.R. 1194 Introduced by Congressman James Langevin (RI-2) on February 25, 2009.
Summary The legislation will classify the retrofit of automatic fire sprinkler systems as five-year property for purposes of tax depreciation.
Federal Fire Fighters Fairness Act
H.R. 948
S. 599
H.R. 948 Introduced by Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23) on February 10, 2009.
S. 599 Introduced by Senator Thomas Carper (DE) on March 16, 2009.
Amends federal law to provide that, in the case of an employee in fire protection activities: (1) heart disease, lung disease, specified cancers and infectious diseases shall be presumed to be proximately caused by the employee's employment; (2) the disability or death of an employee in fire protection activities due to such a disease shall be presumed to result from personal injury sustained while in the performance of such employee's duty; and (3) such presumptions may be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence.
Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Job Protection Act
Bill Number S. 1025
S. 1025 Introduced by Senator Thomas Carper (DE) on May 12, 2009.
Summary Protects the employment status of volunteer emergency services personnel responding to a Presidentially-declared national disaster for up to 14 days per calendar year.
Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones College Fire Prevention Act
H.R. 2136
S. 1791
Sponsor
H.R. 2136 Introduced by Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (OH-11) on April 28, 2009.
S. 1791 Introduced by Senator Sherrod Brown (OH) on October 15, 2009.
Summary Directs the Secretary of Education to make competitive demonstration grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs), fraternities, and sororities for up to half the cost of installing fire sprinkler systems, or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in student housing and dormitories owned or controlled by such entities.
Approved Legislation
Title
Fiscal Year 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations
Bill Number
H.R. 2892
H.R. 2892 Introduced by Congressman David Price (NC-4) on June 16, 2009.
Summary
Appropriates funds for programs and activities of the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2010, including the Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE) Grant Program, the SAFER Grant Program, USFA, and FEMA.
Title
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
H.R. 1
Sponsor
H.R. 1 Introduced by Congressman David Obey (WI-7) on January 26, 2009.
Summary
The legislation makes supplemental appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009 including $210 million for competitive grants to upgrade, modify or construct fire stations, grants for broadband deployment, and funding to fight wildfires. The legislation also includes a waiver on the local match for the SAFER grant program for Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010.
Establishment of September as Campus Fire Safety Month
S. Res. 40
H. Res. 167
Sponsor
S. Res. 40 Introduced by Senator Frank Lautenberg (NJ) on February 12, 2009.
H. Res. 167 Introduced by Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-8) on February 12, 2009.
A resolution supporting the establishment of September as Campus Fire Safety Month.
Title
Resolution designating a “National Firefighters Memorial Day”
Bill Number
H. Res. 729
H. Res. 729 Introduced by Congressman Ted Poe (TX-2) on September 10, 2009.
Urges the President to designate a National Firefighters Memorial Day in conjunction with the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service and encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with the appropriate ceremonies.
MORE INFORMATION? Write your US Senators and US Representatives. . .
What is the status of these bills? What are you doing to get them passed?
What additional information do you need to advocate for these bills to be passed?
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9-11-01 FIRST RESPONDER, IN LATE 30S WITH CANCER GETS NEW SCOOTER TO IMPROVE MOBILITY
Originally Posted: November 13, 2009 5:50 PM
Last Updated: November 13, 2009 5:50 PM
On Sept. 11, 2001, thousands of firefighters, police officers and other rescue workers responded to the attack on the World Trade Center's twin towers. Merrick firefighter Brian McCauley was a 9/11 first responders.
Now in his late 30s, McCauley is diagnosed with cancer. He has undergone surgery and extensive chemotherapy treatments, leaving him confined to a wheelchair and needing to carry oxygen.
His family recently remodeled their bathroom to be handicap-accessible and purchased a lift so he could go upstairs.
The FealGood Foundation, a nonprofit organization designed to educate the public about the catastrophic health effects on 9/11 first responders and provide assistance to relieve heroes of their financial burdens, held a fundraiser at the Merrick Fire Department to help the family complete additional renovations and give this 9/11 responder his dignity back.
The SCOOTER Store and the FealGood Foundation surprised McCauley at the North Merrick Fire Department with a Jazzy Select GT power chair.
On hand from SCOOTER Store's Levittown operations were Distribution Center Manager Anthony Pepe; Mobility & Service Specialists George Santos, Carl Frey, and Peter Piekarski; Field Support Specialist Nicole Sheets; and Healthcare Relations Consultant Victoria Wells to make the presentation.
The power chair was donated under The SCOOTER Store's "Gift of Mobility" program, which provides mobility equipment and assistance to those who do not have the resources or insurance to obtain power wheelchairs and scooters.
"On behalf of 9/11 hero Brian McCauley, the 9/11 responder community, and the FealGood Foundation, I wish to thank everyone at The SCOOTER Store again for their continuous support of yesterday's heroes," said John Feal, founder of the FealGood Foundation.
The power chair will help McCauley regain his freedom and independence. He can spend more time with his children. He can also once again move around the firehouse and enjoy the camaraderie of his fellow firefighters.
Doug Harrison, Founder, President and CEO of The SCOOTER Store: "When the FealGood Foundation contacted us about another 9/11 responder who needed mobility assistance, we had only one comment: Of course!"
"We started the Gift of Mobility program because we understand that mobility, and the ensuing independence, is truly a gift. We are so glad to give independence back to a true hero like Brian, one who served our nation in the darkest of times."
Harrison and his wife, Susanna, started the Gift of Mobility program in December 2002 to help people like Brian McCauley improve their quality of life by assisting in achieving their independence and mobility.
The outreach program has worked with nonprofit groups around the country to donate power wheelchairs, scooters and manual wheelchairs, valued at more than $350,000 a year.
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PRISONER CHARGED WITH 2003 WILDFIRE DEATHS AND DESTRUCTION BEFORE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS WOULD HAVE MADE INDICTMENT TOO LATE
Originally Posted: November 13, 2009 5:31 PM
Last Updated: November 13, 2009 5:31 PM
Prosecutors recently charged a prison inmate with arson and murder in connection with the 2003 California wildfire. The charges were filed days before the statute of limitations ran out on the fire incident caused when the accused man threw an emergency flare into dry brush.
San Bernardino, California, County District Attorney Michael Ramos: A criminal grand jury indicted Rickie Lee Fowler, 28-year-old prisoner, on arson and murder. His role in starting the wildfire resulted in five heart attack deaths.
He has been a suspect since February 2004, but new evidence helped law enforcement file five counts of murder, one count of aggravated arson, and one count of arson of an inhabited structure.
The wildfire at Waterman Canyon in the San Bernardino Mountains consumed 140 square miles.
Lisa McDermith, the daughter-in-law of victim James McDermith said the retired accountant had a heart attack while driving to retrieve a trailer he planned to use to evacuate from his house.
Other individuals who died in the wildfire are Charles Howard Cunningham, 93, retired fire captain Chad Leo Williams, 70, Robert Norman Taylor, 54, and Ralph Eugene McWilliams, 67.
Authorities linked the six fatal heart attacks to the distress of the evacuations.
Prosecutors may seek the death penalty if the court convicts Fowler who has been transferred from a prison in Lancaster, CA.
MORE INFO? Gilliam Flaccus, Associated Press
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CONGRESS WORKING ON 5-YEAR DEPRECIATION BY IRS FOR INSTALLATION OF AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Originally Posted: November 12, 2009 7:10 PM
Last Updated: November 12, 2009 7:10 PM
The US 111th Congress next meets on Nov 16, 2009, now half way in its 2009-2010 session.
H.R. 1194: Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2009 was introduced in House. Below is from the original text of the bill as it was written by its sponsor and submitted to the US House for consideration. This is the latest version of the bill available on this website.
H. R. 1194:
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to classify automatic fire sprinkler systems as 5-year property for purposes of depreciation.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 25, 2009
Introduced by Mr. LANGEVIN (for himself, Mr. CANTOR, Mr. ROSKAM, Mr. LOBIONDO, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. PAUL, Mr. GUTIERREZ, Ms. SUTTON, Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. HOLT, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. HONDA, Mr. HOEKSTRA, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. ROHRABACHER, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. BISHOP of New York, Ms. SCHWARTZ, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. HINOJOSA, Mr. OBERSTAR, Ms. BALDWIN, Mrs. BONO MACK, Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. DOYLE, Ms. NORTON, Mr. ANDREWS, Mr. EHLERS, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey, Mrs. LOWEY, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. CARNAHAN, Mr. WILSON of South Carolina, Mr. GORDON of Tennessee, Mr. SHIMKUS, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. BOOZMAN, Mr. BACHUS, Mr. MCINTYRE, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. FILNER, Mr. LATHAM, Mr. KING of New York, Mr. WEXLER, Mr. SPACE, Mr. CROWLEY, Mrs. MYRICK, and Mr. KIND).
Bill was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
PURPOSE: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to classify automatic fire sprinkler systems as 5-year property for purposes of depreciation.
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This bill is called the ‘Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2009’.
The Congress finds that--
(1) the publication of the original study and comprehensive list of recommendations in America Burning, written in 1974, requested advances in fire prevention through the installation of automatic sprinkler systems in existing buildings have yet to be fully implemented;
(2) fire departments responded to more than 1,500,000 fires in 2007;
(3) there were 3,430 civilian deaths and 17,675 civilian injuries resulting from fire in the United States in 2007;
(4) 114 on-duty firefighters were killed in 2008;
(5) fire caused an estimated $14,639,000,000 in direct property damage in 2007, and sprinklers are responsible for a 70 percent reduction in property damage from fires in public assembly, educational, residential, commercial, industrial and manufacturing buildings;
(6) fire departments respond to a fire every 20 seconds, a fire breaks out in a structure every 59 seconds and in a residential structure every 76 seconds in the United States;
(7) the Station Nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, did not contain an automated sprinkler system and burned down, killing 100 people on February 20, 2003;
(8) due to an automated sprinkler system, not a single person was injured from a fire beginning in the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis after the use of pyrotechnics on February 17, 2003;
(9) the National Fire Protection Association has no record of a fire killing more than 2 people in a completely sprinklered public assembly, educational, institutional or residential building where the system was properly installed and fully operational;
(10) sprinkler systems dramatically improve the chances of survival of those who cannot save themselves, specifically older adults, young children and people with disabilities;
(11) the financial cost of upgrading fire counter measures in buildings built prior to fire safety codes is prohibitive for most property owners;
(12) many State and local governments lack any requirements for existing structures to contain automatic sprinkler systems;
(13) under the present straight-line method of depreciation, there is a disincentive for building safety improvements due to an extremely low rate of return on investment; and
(14) the Nation is in need of incentives for the voluntary installation and retrofitting of buildings with automated sprinkler systems to save the lives of countless individuals and responding firefighters as well as drastically reduce the costs from property damage.
New langauge, if the bill is passed into law and signed by President Obama:
‘(viii) any automated fire sprinkler system placed in service after April 11, 2003, in a building or structure which was placed in service before such date.’.
(b) Alternative System- The table contained in section 168(g)(3)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to subparagraph (B)(vii) the following:
(c) Definition of Automatic Fire Sprinkler System- Subsection (i) of section 168 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘(20) AUTOMATED FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM- The term ‘automated fire sprinkler system’ means those sprinkler systems classified under one or more of the following publications of the National Fire Protection Association--
‘(A) NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems,
‘(B) NFPA 13 D, Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One and Two Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, and
‘(C) NFPA 13 R, Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height.’.
(d) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to property placed in service after April 11, 2003.
(e) Waiver of Limitations- If refund or credit of any overpayment of tax resulting from the amendments made by this section is prevented at any time before the close of the 1-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act by the operation of any law or rule of law (including res judicata), such refund or credit may nevertheless be made or allowed if claim therefor is filed before the close of such period.
NEEDA Source: GovTrack.us or operations@govtrack.us
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HOME FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS MANDATORY JANUARY 1, 2011: 44 STATES ARE LEGISLATING NEW BUILDING CODE
Originally Posted: November 12, 2009 6:51 PM
Last Updated: November 12, 2009 6:54 PM
October 28, 2009 the International Code Council (Patterson, NY) voted for national building codes making it mandatory for all new one- and two- family dwellings to have residential fire sprinklers starting in 2011. The meeting was held in Baltimore, MD.
NEEDA has published over 20 articles about the need for fire sprinkler systems; these stories can be found by using your SEARCH application in the upper right of your NEEDA NEWSLETTER screen.
44 states are in stages of legislation to adopt the ICC’s International
Residential Code (IRC), the national building code which includes the fire sprinkler requirement, to take effect January 1, 2011. This requirement was in danger of being removed from the 2012 code and was subject to this vote, which lifted restrictions that had the potential to block its adoption by the ICC.
Residential fire sprinkler requirements have progressed to becoming a
standard fire safety addition to homes. This initiative has the potential to
prevent 3,000 yearly fire deaths in the U.S. plus reduce serious injury and property damage.
Mandatory fire sprinklers are one cost-effective solution to the nation's fire problem. Residential fire sprinklers cost approximately $1.61 per-square-foot of finished space, or one percent of the value of the home to install. This cost is expected to account for approximately $3,500 to $5,000 of the price of a new home.
John Viniello, president of the National Fire Sprinkler Association: “It is a small price to pay to save the lives of your loved ones in the event of a fire. This is a big win for the fire service and American residents. In order to reduce this country’s fire problem, it must be attacked where fires happen the most, which is in the home."
The IRC is the model code that is adopted in 46 states as the basic building code for new homes. The IRC must be adopted at the state level. Residential
fire sprinkler ordinances already exist in municipalities in 34 states.
The inclusion of residential fire sprinklers for one- and-two-family dwellings is a
response to the growing fire problem in the U.S. About 85 percent of all fires occur in the home, fueled by new lightweight construction and more flammable home contents.
The new sprinkler regulations have been endorsed by the U.S. Fire Administration, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and the International Association of Firefighters.
Smoke detectors are no longer enough in residential fire protection, as the time to escape a house fire has dwindled from 17 minutes 20 years ago to three minutes today, and this poses a severe risk to those who cannot self-evacuate or have disabilities which reduce mobility.
NFSA joined forces with the International Residential Code Fire Sprinkler Coalition including fire chiefs and fire marshals, fire code associations, and citizen advocacy groups.
Viniello: “We are grateful to the ICC for implementing a process that allows for the call for change to be heard and provides a forum for change to take place. In addition, we thank the International Residential Code Fire Sprinkler Coalition for joining so many organizations together to bring us to victory.”
Established in 1905, the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) includes fire sprinkler contractors, manufacturers and suppliers to educate authorities with jurisdiction of fire control matters.
MORE INFO? www.nfsa.org
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ALERT BEACONS BY ALERTUS TECHNOLOGIES OFFER EMERGENCY WARNINGS
Originally Posted: November 9, 2009 5:43 AM
Last Updated: November 9, 2009 5:43 AM
Alertus Technologies, is selling wall mounted devices with sounder and strobes to capture the attention of personnel, coupled with an integrated digital message display to inform about the nature of the emergency and appropriate response.
Blake Robertson, CTO of Alertus: "When everything else is down (power, internet, cellular congestion) emergency managers can push notifications ."
Alert Beacons and fire alarm audio and voice PA interfaces include text-to-speech technology to cover occupied spaces.
"Alertus is helping DoD protect its people and assets against acts of violence and terrorism, natural disasters, biological, chemical, or nuclear emergencies, and other threats," said Jason Volk, CEO of Alertus.
The Alertus solution has been widely adopted at U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Kansas State University, Missouri Western State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, University of Virginia, and University of Kentucky together with Lexington Fayette Urban County Government.
Military installations are increasingly implementing Alert Beacons to become compliant with the Department of Defense's Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) for mass notification (MNS). The Alertus solution is also compliant with ADA requirements and the 2010 National Fire Alarm & Signaling Code (NFPA72-2010), and is featured in the official NFPA72 Code Handbook in Chapter 24 on Emergency Communications Systems.
MORE INFO? http://www.ALERTUS.com/ or Jason Volk, (866) 425-3788 ext. 51, jason@alertus.com.
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ELEVEN STATES SHOW SIGNS OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY
Originally Posted: November 9, 2009 5:32 AM
Last Updated: November 9, 2009 5:32 AM
The National Bureau of Economic Research, the private research firm that determines the official start and end dates of national recessions, has yet to declare the current economic downturn over.
Forecasting firm Moody’s Economy.com. says based on indicators such as employment rates, home prices, residential construction and manufacturing production, Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, MIissouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota are in recovery.
Steven Cochrane, managing director of Moody’s Economy.com: “If the U.S. economic recession ended in August, then some of the states had to
have ended by then or slightly before,” But Cochrane said even in states showing signs of recovery, unemployment rates are likely to linger. Producing more goods and services may indicate that a state is technically out of recession, he said, but it won’t start hiring new workers until it is
on firmer financial footing.
Cochrane: “We could see unemployment rise right through the first half of next year."
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HOLMATRO EXPERT MORRIS ADVOCATES COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT EXTRICATION TOOLS
Originally Posted: November 6, 2009 6:46 AM
Last Updated: November 6, 2009 6:46 AM
Brendon Morris, Product Manager at Holmatro and a Member of Crisis Response Journal's Editorial Advisory Panel has an article in the current edition of the magazine.
Morris: "It is essential to remember the standard safety procedures for handling hydraulic rescue equipment.
"Compact and lightweight, battery-powered extrication tools
are much more versatile, owing to their portability."
"Modern hydraulic rescue equipment is designed
with high pressure hydraulic technology.
"These kinds of technologies allow for low
volumes which, in turn, results in portable
equipment that is of a lighter weight.
"While most double-acting hydraulic rescue
tools were traditionally designed with motor
vehicle extrication rescue in mind, we now
also see a wide variety of other uses for this
equipment in various technical rescue fields. As
manufacturers develop more holistic rescue-
orientated products, many areas of technical
rescue are beginning to make more use of
hydraulic technology. Some of these other fields
of technical rescue include: Collapsed structure/
urban search and rescue (USAR); indoor rescue
operations; and confined space rescue.
"If we begin with collapsed structure or
USAR-type operations, we see an increasing
use of hydraulic tools. Considering the often
difficult terrain, the main requirement of this
application type is portability. Small portable
hand-operated combination (or combi)
tools (originally developed with vehicle
rescue in mind) or compact, lightweight,
battery-operated combi tools that come
with easy-to-carry and replaceable spare
batteries, have become invaluable pieces of
equipment in a USAR equipment cache.
In slightly less difficult circumstances, where
the terrain is not so rough, lightweight portable
pumps that can power combi tools and more
heavy duty equipment – dedicated spreaders,
cutters and rams – are a worthwhile alternative.
With this type of technology now commonplace,
the ability exists to take tools into difficult-
to-access locations and use them to cut steel
reinforcements in concrete, or to make strategic
lifts between rubble. Many of these types of
tools were used extensively in the aftermath of
the 9/11 attacks, where it was impossible to
lug full hydraulic systems onto the top of the
enormous rubble pile for this type of work.
With the advent of change-under-flow
gap has been created. Aluminium lifting
jacks that have been adapted from industrial
heavy-duty jacks can then take over from
the lifting bags. Modern shoring systems
with integrated hydraulic struts complete
this picture, with their ability to stabilise and,
where necessary, lift over larger distances.
MORE INFO? www.holmatro.com/rescue or www.crisisresponsejournal.com
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HIGH RISE ESCAPE SYSTEM SEEKS PARTNER TO PURSUE MARKETING OF FIRE EVACUATION PRODUCTS
Originally Posted: November 6, 2009 6:34 AM
Last Updated: November 6, 2009 6:34 AM
High Rise Escape System Inc was selected for an award from The U.S. Department of Homeland Security awarded HRES "Designation" as a "Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology" under the SAFETY Act in 2007, a General Services Administration (GSA) Contract with the U.S. Government in 2008 and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for using three pictures of their equipment in the 2009-2011 edition of the Life Safety Code Handbook as a textbook example of Supplemental Evacuation.
The company, seeking a partner, said: "The real reward is being able to create an evacuation solution for a person with disabilities, a nursing home or hospital that has no plan except 'evacuate in place', Stadiums or our soldiers overseas that need a portable means of egress at a moments notice. Logistically we are now seeking to align ourselves with a Fortune 500 Company that also shares an international presence in fire or defense contracting."
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