Archive for March 22nd, 2020

New ambulance for Aurora

Mar 22

Posted by Admin in Fire Department News, New Apparatus Order | 8 Comments

From the Fire Service, Inc. Facebook page:

Congratulations to Aurora -IL Fire Department Illinois on the order of their 2020 Wheeled Coach Type 1 Ambulance!

We are eager to begin the process of building an emergency vehicle your community can depend on! Thank you for your continued loyalty!

Specs: curbside forward design, squad bench action tower, IMMI retractable 4 point harnesses for occupant safety, Patented Cool Bar HVAC system, Stryker Power Load and Power Cot system and Whelen M series warning lights.

new ambulance for the Aurora FD

Tags: Aurora Fire Department, drawing of a new ambulance, Fire Service Inc., new ambulance for Aurora

Chicago Fire Department history

Mar 22

Posted by Admin in Fire Department History | 5 Comments

This from Steve Redick:

I visited Engine 42’s old house and was shocked to see the new doors on the west side of the building and the refurbished wood on the front of the house. The inside shots look they are working on the original bay doors. Looks to me like it is gonna be a restaurant or bar, anyone know?

Steve Redick photo

Chicago FD former firehouse of Engine 42

Steve Redick photo

Steve Redick photo

Tags: Chicago FD Engine 42 fire house, Chicago Fire Department history, new use for old fire house, Steve Redick

Cancer in the fire service

Mar 22

Posted by Admin in Cancer in the fire service | Comments off

Excerpts from wlos.com:

The increased rates of cancer in the fire service have been a key topic for researchers and firefighters alike. In 2015, an IAFF study found particles of soot and smoke from structure fires could penetrate a firefighter’s turnout gear and could be contributing to the spike in cancer rates among firefighters.

Data gathered from a mannequin armed with sensors known at N.C. State as Pyroman, is one tool researchers are using to better protect firefighters from carcinogens that increase their risk of cancer. At Raleigh and N.C. State, there are half a dozen ongoing research projects aimed at providing better protections for firefighters. At N.C. State’s Textile Protection and Comfort Center, researchers are using Pyroman and PyroHead to combat soot and smoke in structure fires from penetrating a firefighter’s turnout gear, which could be contributing to the spike in cancer rates among firefighters.

Researchers are studying what chemical compounds are getting stuck to and later releasing from a firefighter’s turnout gear. That could be relevant for volunteer firefighters who may store their gear in their personal vehicles and puts anyone in the vehicle, including their families, at risk for exposure to carcinogens.

N.C. State is also focusing on glands on a firefighter’s face and neck and whether protective hoods are enough. In 2018, N.C. state developed a device, a particulate filtration efficiency test, with a light meter attached, that lets fire departments check their hoods for weaknesses.

Getting soot and grime off a firefighter’s skin sooner also has more departments using wipes on scene.

The research projects at N.C. State are funded through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. To learn more about the program, click on the following link: NC State University Heat and Flame Protection TPACC

Tags: cancer in the fire service, Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, N.C. State’s Textile Protection and Comfort Center, researching firefighter PPE for carcinogen retention