What's in Your Pockets?

by Chaplain Howard A Cohen, deputy chief (ret.), Bennington Fire Department

 It is very important for us, as firefighters, to be as effective, efficient and fast as possible on the fire ground. One good rule is to never enter the fire ground without a tool in each hand.  The situation will determine whether you grab an axe, halagan bar, thermal imaging camera, rescue rope, flashlight, gas meter or some other tool. Just make sure you have one in each hand.  It’s a waste of precious time if you have to run back to your truck to get a tool.

 Another good rule is to carry small tools like a screwdriver, wire cutter, prying tool, extra chocks, webbing, rope, carabineer, and a knife in the pockets of your turnout gear.  One of my favorite conversation starters when I meet a new firefighter is to ask what they carry in their pockets.  I’m often amazed by what they tell me.

 For me, it was learning the value of multi head screwdriver that persuaded me to pay attention to what I carry in my pockets.  It was late one evening when an air vent on the roof of a nursing home malfunctioned and started filling a wing with smoke.  We needed to ladder the building to access the vent.  No big deal except that it was about 100 yards from our truck to where we needed to get on the roof.  We got the ladder up and clamored up on the roof. We needed to loosen six screws to get the malfunctioning vent off. Alas, no one had a screwdriver on them.  So back to the truck someone had to run.  Fortunately, there was no longer a fire risk because the power was shut off. 

When he returned, the firefighter climbed back up the ladder and onto the roof.  Oh no! He grabbed the wrong kind of screwdriver. Once again, down he went back to the truck, then back up the ladder to us on the roof.  If only one of us was carrying a screwdriver! What should have been a five minute task took thirty minutes!  Ever since, I carry a multi head screwdriver with me. I’m glad to say I’ve used it many times since.

 Here is a very simple, educational and fun “drill”.  Ask one another what they carry in the pockets of their turnout gear.  There is no right or wrong answer.  I guarantee you’ll learn something in the process.

Making a Size-up – the Most Critical Factor on an Emergency Scene

By: Robert Rielage, Retired Chief Fire Officer

A very wise former fire chief named Alan Brunacini once stated, “The first five minutes of a fire (or emergency) determines the next five hours on the incident scene”.

The size-up is performed by the officer of the first arriving company and helps provide and maintain a steady, adequate and timely stream of the resources needed to control and extinguish the fire, or handle the medical needs of patients on an emergency medical scene.

On every incident, the size-up begins with the information received by the call taker from the person reporting the emergency.  This information is then given by the radio operator to the fire crews as they dispatch the fire trucks or ambulances to the scene. With that information, the first arriving officer has a basic mental picture of what to expect – e.g. a house, apartment or commercial building on fire; or an automobile accident with one, two or more vehicles involved.

As they arrive on the fire truck, the officer should look at the scene and make a brief radio report confirming what they see, hear, or touch.  Is there smoke or fire visible?  Are there people screaming for help in a danger zone that need immediate rescue? Or is nothing visible?  The officer then makes the brief radio report telling the radio operator they have arrived on scene, giving them their exact location, and a brief description of the type of fire including the construction and number of floors of building if its involved.

As the firefighters get off their truck, the officer should try to walk around the building or accident scene, if possible, to determine such things as - is there fire or smoke in the rear or side of the building that may not be visible from the street?  Or how many vehicles are involved in the motor vehicle crash with an estimate of how many victims need medical attention?

After looking at all sides of the fire or accident, the officer makes a second brief radio report telling the radio operator the conditions they see, e.g. heavy smoke or fire from a rear window, whether the crew is going to enter the building with a fire hose (an offensive fire attack) or cool down the fire first from the outside (a defensive fire), and finally the officer tells the radio operator that he is in charge i.e. Fire Officer Kongi is in Command.

If it’s a fire, how big is it? Can it be controlled by your company alone? Or perhaps with yours and another company?  Or is it already too big for the initial assignment, and you need to start additional units to the scene?  If there are rescues to be made, are these people in immediate danger or is it better to begin putting out the fire – which may take these people out of the immediate danger to them – or it better to begin rescue and let the next company handle the fire? In either case, more resources are going to be needed because three or four firefighters on one truck aren’t going to be able to do both at the same time.

What about water?  Is there enough water of the truck to put out the fire – the water carried on your truck in most cases may be able to knock down the fire, but you will probably need a water tender or an adequate source of water from a lake, river or pond to finish the extinguishment.  Again, the size-up is intended for the officer to make that decision and get other fire trucks started to the scene so there is no interruption in extinguishing the fire or rescuing people.

At a medical scene, the officer needs to decide if the injured can receive adequate medical treatment from one or more ambulances coming to the scene, and immediately request more help, if needed.

I know that for some of you, the size-up may be more difficult to communicate to others.  I realize that some departments do not have reliable radios on their vehicles. Many of you have cell phones. While it’s not as direct, you might get together with the other fire companies to devise a way to briefly send a text message to other responding units about the type of fire and conditions you are facing.  Then they will know that you will give them an assignment that will support the strategy (offensive or defensive) when they arrive.

This is a brief description of “Size-up” and we should continue this discussion at some future time, but talk it over among the officers and decide if it is worthwhile to try, even if you have to resort to a brief text message.

Remember, it is always better to have more resources coming and turn them back if they are not needed, than being able to do very little while waiting for other companies to arrive.

Cancer in the Fire Service

By: Brad Banz-

Retired Fire Chief, Colwich Fire Dept., Retired Captain Wichita Fire Dept.

Unfortunately, as firefighters we are learning that a serious challenge we all face is cancer in the fire service.  As time and research progress, we are starting to learn how serious that threat really is to our health and wellbeing as firefighters.

A comprehensive study was conducted by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, also known as NIOSH.  This study was conducted on nearly 30,000 firefighters who were employed by the Chicago, San Francisco and Philadelphia fire departments over a period from 1950-2009.  These fire departments are some of the largest in the U.S.  The study compared cancer rates of their firefighters in specific age groups and by race to the same age groups and race to comparable civilian populations in the same regions.  The study concluded that the firefighters had greater rates of digestive, oral, respiratory, and urinary cancers than their civilian counterparts.  According to the International Association of Firefighters, the labor union which represents many career firefighters in the U.S. and Canada, 66 percent of all firefighter line of duty deaths between 2002 and 2019 in the U.S. and Canada were cancer related.

This evidence shows that cancer is a concern among firefighters.  Over our careers we are repeatedly exposed to many known cancer-causing agents and unknowns which evolve in the combustion process.  Since we can’t avoid being around these contaminants, I would like to discuss ways of lessening exposure, and perhaps decreasing our cancer risk. 

The first thing we can do is to keep ourselves clean.  The chemicals in the grime that ends up on our skin are the chemicals that can cause cancer.  The sooner we wash, the better.  While on the scene, rinse hands and face upon completing work.  Some firefighters have wipes.  If so, use them.  Upon returning to quarters and having all equipment readied for service, shower or wash as soon as possible.  Concentrate on face, throat, armpits and groin area especially.

Another thing we can do is keep our PPE clean.  Brush off loose debris at the scene and rinse away excessive grime on the scene.  Thoroughly rinse PPE at the firehouse to remove as much debris as possible.  Although many fire brigades may not have gear washing machines, for brigades which are fortunate enough to have a gear washer, launder gear according to manufacturer’s recommendations.  Whether laundered or rinsed, gear should never be dried in the sun.  Something that is often overlooked is our helmets, and admittedly, mine is dirty.  Helmets should be cleaned with soap and water only, as other cleaners could harm the shell.

Let’s talk about some rules for storage and transport of PPE.  Many firefighters like to keep PPE in sleeping quarters to have quick access during nighttime hours.  This is an unsafe practice.  When not responding to emergency calls, PPE should be stored in outside apparatus compartments while travelling.  Passenger compartments should also be cleaned after responding to a fire to remove all products of combustion. 

Cancer is an unfortunate reality of our careers in the fire service.  Because of the substances we are repeatedly exposed to, we need to do whatever we can to lessen the risk.  Hopefully these ideas for personal and PPE cleaning, and safe storage and transport of PPE will be valuable.  Stay safe out there.   

Personal Protective Equipment

“Helmets, Turnout Coat, Pants, Gloves and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus”

- Robert Rielage, Retired Chief Fire Officer

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, coats, pants, gloves, boots and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) may not be available to your department or especially not to every firefighter of your department.  It is one of our priority goals at Africa Fire Mission to ensure that every firefighter is as safe as possible on the job and that each firefighter is utilizing all of the PPE available, whether fighting a fire, working at an automobile accident, or rescuing a person in an industrial accident.

Your PPE such as your pants, coat and gloves are designed out of very tough material to keep you safe from several things such as from being cut by broken glass, wood or metal.  They are also designed to protect you from the heat of the fire so you can get closer to where those who may need to be rescued are located.  Your helmet and eye shields are to protect both your head and eyes from falling or flying objects, much the same as your hands and feet are protected by your gloves and boots.

All of your PPE is designed to be worn on every call. Every piece is needed to be worn every time to  protect you.  It also provides better protection should your fire truck be involved in a traffic accident. 

There are also hidden dangers that you may not realize.  The smoke and hot gases released by a fire also contain contaminates – hazardous or poisonous chemicals like cyanide or carcinogenic particles released by the foam in burning furniture can cause you over time to develop cancer – one of the leading causes of death among firefighters.  Unfortunately, while PPE can help protect you, these chemicals produced by the smoke and fire can also cling to your PPE causing an indirect exposure that can also make you sick.

What can you do?  The best thing is to briefly wash down your PPE with water at the fire scene.  This is called “gross decontamination” and it washes off the majority of the bad chemicals, soot and smoke from your PPE.  Washing your PPE afterwards with a brush, soap and water is even better at keeping it clean. 

If your department has self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) you should wear it anytime there is fire and smoke present – even on an automobile fire.  This protects your lungs from these same deadly chemicals.  After using your SCBA, the face piece needs to be cleaned, again with soap and water, and the bottle and harness at minimum needs to be hosed off to keep it clean.

If you do not have SCBA, then always try to approach a fire with the wind at your back to blow the smoke and hot gases away from you.  Remember, your health and safety as firefighters are very important. You protect the citizens of your district from harm.  Wearing your full PPE is one of the most important things you can do to not only protect yourself, but also everyone in your community.

The Privilege to Drive the Big Red Truck

by Edward Collet

Jackson Township Fire Department Firefighter/EMT, Ohio; Ohio Fire Chiefs Association Water Supply Technical Advisory Committee Co-Chair

Safe Driving in the Fire Service

It seems not a day goes by without there being news of fire apparatus being involved in an accident.  Often firefighters and civilians are injured or killed.  The apparatus is always damaged to some extent either requiring minor repairs or putting it permanently out for service.   Some of these are truly accidents were the apparatus driver had not fault in the accident, yet many times the driver and officer have control of factors leading to an accident. 

Firefighting is one of the most trusted professions.  The day you earn the privilege to drive the big red truck, or whatever color the rig might be painted, your department entrusts you with very expensive and critical piece of equipment.  Your fellow firefighters and their families entrusts you to get them to the fire and back home safely.  The public entrusts you to get to the emergency without causing other crisis to address.  As the driver you have a huge responsibility.   How do you keep this trust and fulfill your responsibility?  Easy, check your apparatus and drive with due regard.

Anyone who has taken my class has heard my soapbox about safe driving, so here we go again.  There is absolutely no reason for firefighters to be injured and killed in accidents involving excessive speed and running through intersections.   Getting to the fire is not a race to see who gets there first.  Many have argued “we must drive fast because seconds count”.   Well what happens when seconds turn to minutes, turns to hours, turns to no one shows up because the fire department was in an accident.  Not much was gained by driving fast was it?  Speed is also the responsibility of the officer.  If the driver is going faster than you feel is safe make him slow down, you are the boss and ultimately responsible for the actions of your crew. 

Think about how you would feel if you had to visit the family of you brother or sister firefighter in the hospital, or worse, because your driving caused an accident.  Heavy things to think about, but it is the reality of being a driver.  If you do not drive carefully and defensively this could happen.  So how do we prevent this?  First is being familiar with your apparatus.  Engines and tender have a higher center of gravity than cars.  This means you cannot go around corners fast and they behave differently as you stop.  Fire apparatus are heavy and do not stop quickly.  Drive your apparatus when it is not an emergency to become familiar with how it handles. 

It is not enough to know your apparatus, you must drive like you are invisible to other drivers.  The fact is most drivers are distracted; listen to loud music, talking to passengers, talking on mobile phones, and even texting.  This means they will not see or hear you even with flashing lights and sirens.  We must drive like no one sees us and will not stop or get out of our way.  When you come to an intersection, stop until you make sure all traffic sees you and is stopped.  Even if you have the right-away, slow down before going through the intersection.   Even if cars pull over for you assume they will do something unexpected like pull out in front of you at the last second.

It is a great honor and responsibility to drive a piece of fire apparatus.  Do everything in your power to keep the trust given to you.  Know your apparatus, slow down, drive defensively, and pretend no one see you. 

Oh, I almost forgot.  When other drivers do not behave as they should in the presence of an emergency vehicle, stay calm and do your job in a professional manner.  Do not yell and gesture at other drivers.  I had an officer early in my career that would lean out the window and yell at drivers not getting out of the way.  Embarrassing, yes.  Unprofessional, yes.  Great way for the public to be mad at the fire department, yes.  Firefighters are supposed to embody what is best in society, so reflect that.

Stay safe and keep those in your apparatus safe.

Wildfire Preparedness Starts at Home

by Josh Bardwell

Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator; West Mountain Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician

Wildfires occur on almost all of Earth’s continents (with the exception of Antarctica) affecting people no matter their culture, language, and social status. With humans living in rural and interface areas where wildfires occur, it is not a matter of if, but when the need to be prepared will be tested.

Firefighters can have all the funding, water, training and staffing in the world, but still encounter challenges with preserving life and property from wildfires. Unlike a structure fire or rubbish fire relegated to a specific area and under limited environmental effects, wildfires can have unlimited fuel and oxygen which can cause them to grow large and move under their own weather which can be challenging to combat. Firefighters stand a better chance of saving lives and property when the public has made the effort well in advance of a fire even occurring. Prevention and preparedness programs are critical to educating and encouraging the public to take some responsibility in being part of the wildfire solution. Preventing fires is critical, but the public’s knowledge and ability to make their homes and communities less susceptible to wildfire damage is equally crucial. https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire

Basic things that can be done now can make all the difference in the world.

·      Create defensible space around homes/buildings

·      Use fire resistant construction

·      Improve access for emergency responders

·      Have an action plan: 

o   https://www.iafc.org/docs/default-source/pdf/rsg-eag-v9.pdf

Sometimes it takes a friendly face or mascot for people to form an emotional bond with, which helps get the message across. In 1944, the United States Forest Service created the beloved Smokey Bear as a charismatic mascot that captured the attention of children and adults. His message has had minor verbiage changes over the years but nearly every American adult and child can recite his motto of “Only YOU can prevent wildfires.” Smokey Bear’s website is chocked full of wildfire prevention and safety tips for adults and children that is pertinent to people globally: https://smokeybear.com

As firefighters, we are mission driven to put fires out and save the day, but we must recognize our limitations. In my area of rural East Texas, 90% of our firefighters are volunteers and the expectations of the public we serve expect prompt and professional service. In order to maximize our effectiveness, we have to engage our communities with education and resources. 

The better prepared the residents of our community are before a wildfire occurs, the better our chances of success in combating a wildfire are with minimizing losses. When the community takes a proactive approach to wildfire mitigation and personal planning, the more effective we all are a cohesive team!

Using Good Fire to Improve Ecology and Reduce Hazard Fuels

By Jonathan Thomas

Jonathan is an AFM volunteer instructor and most recently participated in #afmvirtual2020; is works for the U.S Forest Service as a Wildlife Biologist

Wildfires do more than threaten our communities, destroy crops, and run-away wildlife, which might supplement some of our food, the fires help the ecology.   Over the many years before we began to strive diligently to stop wildfires from burning up our resources and threatening our homes, fires burned of a large area of the landscaped uncheck by nothing but nature.  These fires often during high periods of fire danger were not as destructive as we see in fires today. The reason fires then were so less destructive was due to the frequent burning that was happening, these fires continually burned up the hazard fuels allowing both fresh undergrowth to come back and be nurtured on the fresh ash.  The fires then before we humans decided to stop the natural wildfires were often less destructive and lead to a healthier ecosystem.    Well let us step into today and talk wildfires today.  Today wildfires are extremely more destructive and growing into the megafires of the past, despite us, firefighters’ best efforts.  The reason for this is due in no small part to hazard fuel build up across the landscape.   I remember the old saying in the United States, “Keep em’ Small, and catch them in 24.”   The saying often used around my agency was meant to keep a fire as small as possible and do our best to have contained the fire in 24 hours.  This philosophy, although going out the door by the time I started, was what lead to our problems, but the agency decided to help solve this huge buildup of hazard fuels and to improve ecology by putting needed fire back on the ground.   

Here is what presents it problem how to put fire on the ground to improve ecology.  To address this issue the fire staff looks at the multiple factors on where and when to put fire on the ground.   First is to find a place that needs hazard fuel reduction and some burning to help improve ecology, (Ask any farmer as they burn their fields to improve production) once an area is determined the fire staff generally starts building control lines same as a wildfire, except they work to exclude infrastructure and any ecological sensitive areas from the fire.  After that the fire staff has to go out and watch the weather, do determine the best time to burn, when fuel conditions provide the best opportunity to maintain control over the fire while also allowing the fire to consume the fuel build up. 

Then comes the impact from the prescribed fire to the local community and to the people working the fire.  The community must be informed of what is happening and why, as seeing smoke start popping up can cause panic.  Also the folks on the ground need both training and a understanding of the different aspects of everything happening that day, from ignition patterns, weather information, safety zones, pressure lines, holding forces, and who and where everyone is along with their role on the fire.   

Successful prescribed fires bring good fire back on the landscape by reducing fuel buildup all while improving the ecology of an area.  Studies and experience have shown that good fires slow or stop the bad fires that we are all used to trying to stop.  Good fire also renews the ecosystem and allows for it’s dead and down to be returned to the soil to promote fresh new vegetation that improves the ecosystem.  Good fire is something we must look into not only to help the ecosystem dependent on natural fires to return nutrients to the soil and clear away old build up but also to reduce hazard fuels making firefighters and communities safer.   

There is no “I” in leader - Leadership in the Fire Service

by: Deputy Chief, Howard Cohen - Bennington, Vermont

Howard has been volunteering with AFM since 2020.   He is the Chaplain and Deputy Chief of the Bennington Fire Department in Vermont.   Additionally, Howard is a Rabbi and Life Coach.   

There is no “I” in leader - Leadership in the Fire Service

Around firehouses all over the world, and translated into many different languages, one will hear the phrase “there is no I in team.”  Every firefighter knows that we work together as a team when we are combating our universal enemy, out of control fire.  We even have a name for the firefighter who thinks s/he can do it on their own.  We call them rogue firefighters.  Similarly, when it comes to leadership every team needs to  have leaders, there is “no I in leader.”  A leader is always part of the team.  

Leadership is an earned privilege.  A title does not make a leader.  A title gives you authority and a specific set of responsibilities. As firefighters we are trained to work within a command structure.  We do what we are instructed to do.  A leader, however, motivates and inspires his/her team members to work together toward a common goal.  A leader challenges and inspires us to grow as a person and as a firefighter.

There are many qualities good leaders share.  These include, dependability, reliability, empathy, good listening skills, patience, good communication skills, creativity, positivity, and an ability to teach and mentor.  Above all, a leader must be a person of integrity and vision.  Not every leader is equally strong in all these areas.  But every leader has strong skills in at least some of these areas. 

Leadership also involves a set of skills.  Anyone who is interested and motivated can learn leadership skills.  However, knowing how to use these skills is no different than learning any other set of skills. It requires practice, practice and more practice.  Contrary to what some people like to believe, no one is a born leader.  Leaders arise out of a combination of circumstances such as a situation that requires leadership, cultivation of leadership skills and the awareness that this is now your moment to step up and lead.

So how does one acquire leadership skills?  The same way one learns any new set of skills. Find yourself a teacher or mentor.  Read leadership books.  Take leadership training courses. Finally, practice, practice and practice some more, your new skills.  Even if you do not aspire to a leadership role within your department, developing the essential skills of a leader will make you a better and stronger team member. There is no downside to cultivating your leadership potential.

There is also another, less formal way, to nurture your leadership potential.  It is actually a thought exercise. Think of three to five leaders you admire.  These leaders can come from all walks of life and they do not even need to still be living.  You just need to admire their leadership abilities.  Once you have identified these three to five, people ask yourself, “what leadership qualities of these leaders do I admire the most?”  Now seek out ways to develop those same skills within yourself. 

To sum up, effective leadership is about simple things like being a good listener, being honest, trustworthy, humble and recognizing one’s role on the team - how interact with and impact others.  At the end of the day, if your actions inspire others to do more, to be better, and to learn more then you are a leader.

Using Water Efficiently to Put Out Fire

by Edward Collet

Jackson Township Fire Department Firefighter/EMT, Ohio; Ohio Fire Chiefs Association Water Supply Technical Advisory Committee Co-Chair

Using Water Efficiently to Put Out Fire

The question of what to do when water is limited has plagued firefighters since the first bucket of water was thrown on a fire.  Early on the full bucket of water was used no matter how many more were available.  All available resources were used to extinguish the fire as fast as possible.  Even before science told us about the need to match the thermal energy released by the fuel with the energy absorption of water, early firefighters knew a big fire needed a lot of water.  Over time firefighters became hesitant to ever run out of water fearing they would look bad.  This lead to low pressure, low flow nozzles (high pressure low flow is another topic) and smaller hose, often a 1” (25mm) “red” line from a hose reel being the weapon of choice to fight most fires.   Fire departments stopped running out of water, but fires burned longer and more property was destroyed. 

All fires go out, they either run out of fuel and/or oxygen, or enough heat is absorbed by water to lower the temperature below the ignition temperature.  The question we must ask ourselves as firefighters is “are we overwhelming the fire with water to cool it or is the fire consuming fuel till the energy is low enough for our stream to extinguish the flames.”  If we are effective in our job, we will put enough water on the fire to absorb all the energy being released and maybe a little more so we are the ones putting out the fire.

I experienced this dilemma first hand.  A call came in for a garage on fire during one of our monthly trainings.  Something like this never happens, a fire when there are enough people at the station to put two fully manned engines, a squad, and the tender on the road.  Unfortunately, the tender was at the other station requiring two firefighters to drive to the station on the north side of the township to retrieve it.  The fire was on the south side of the township, so it would be some time before the extra 3000 gallons (11,356 liters) of water arrived.  Until then we would have to make due with 1,000 gallons (3,786 liters) on one engine and, 1250 gallons (4,731 liters) on the other.  While we were still a distance from the scene a glow could be seen on the horizon letting us know this was a major fire.  When we arrived, command instructed both engines to pull quick attack monitor and hit the fire.  Our quick attack monitor flows 500 gallons (1,900 liters) a minute so our water was gone in roughly 2 minutes.  But the fire was knocked down from a massive inferno to a minor fire.  The building was already a loss when we arrived but using all our water to overwhelm the fire helped to protect nearby exposures.  Had we been worried about looking bad by running out of water a couple 1 ¾” attack lines would have been pulled to put 300gpm (1,135lpm) on a fire needed over 750gpm (2,840 lpm) to quench it.  The fire would have burned much longer placing exposures in greater danger.   

Use the water you have to put the greatest portion of fire out as fast as possible.   Firefighters must apply water in quantities great enough to overwhelm the fire; otherwise we are just wasting water waiting for the fire to burn down to match our fire flows.   Always ask, am I putting out the fire or is the fire burning down to meet my flow.  

It may seem counter intuitive to use higher flows when water will run out compared to using low flow and conserving water.  Putting more water on the fire will put it out faster and protect the exposures.  Train on techniques to stream application to become more proficient at using the available water.  

Stay safe, train hard, and always ask is there a better way to do the job. 

Media and the Role of a Public Information Officer

By Chief Robert Rielage, retired

Chief Rielage is the former State Fire Marshall of Ohio and Fire Chief of Wyoming Ohio. He currently serves the community of Colerain Township, Ohio.

Media and the Role of a Public Information Officer

Have you ever wondered after a really serious fire, why your fire department has not gotten the credit that it deserved for doing a great job of controlling the fire and its spread to other areas?

After a mass casualty incident, whether a major automobile accident, a mass shooting, or a civil unrest where your department played a critical role in medical patient care, have you wondered why credit was not given to the fire department or even worse that no member of the fire department even took part in the press conference?

The answer may be that your department needs to have a Public Information Officer (PIO) – a person authorized by the Chief Fire Officer to make statements to the news media on the roles you play at major fires or medical incidents.  This person must know what can and what cannot be released to the press, but is authorized to comment and give details on the contributions your fire department made by delivering timely professional services to those affected by the incident.

What does a PIO do?  Here is a brief list that can help raise the awareness of the public that you do far more than fighting fires:

1)    In most cases, the PIO is a regular firefighter or fire officer with an outgoing, and friendly nature; the ability to write a simple press release, collect the email addresses or twitter accounts to send releases to news outlets or reporters, and to be able to speak clearly and precisely in front of a camera. (That comes with practice and can be learned – you just have to try)

2)    Being the official spokesperson on major fires, motor vehicle accidents or other emergency incidents who explains the role or roles that the fire service provided.

3)    Being properly dressed when acting as the PIO, either in a uniform or your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including at minimum your helmet and turnout coat.

4)    To issue timely fire safety messages in advance of holidays or other celebrations that may bring an increase in fires or other safety hazards to the general public. 

5)    To convey regular safety messages using social media, and keeping the public informed via a – Facebook, Twitter, or other platforms in the name of the fire department.  Examples may be posting after visiting a school to instruct students on safety, or just covering a training session showing firefighters practicing their skills.

6)    Sending out a press release on any honors given to the department or individuals for outstanding service such as a Firefighter of the Year recognition.

7)    To build relationships with other governmental departments, outside agencies such as the Red Cross, hospitals, faith-based organizations and other community or civic agencies interested in the safety or welfare of citizens.

While this may sound like a significant amount of additional work, once the PIO has established his or her self with these individuals or groups, the interaction becomes almost second nature.

By way of example, here is a video of Fire Lieutenant Jonathan Baxter after a recent significant fire along the wharf in San Francisco, California. The fire lieutenant’s comments start at @ 1:16 minute mark, end at 4:40, and then he comes back at @ 8:38 minutes until it concludes. Note as well, his several references to the department’s postings on social media that help explain the tactics deployed at this fire.

Please look at his appearance - he’s dressed in his PPE; his demeanor – very friendly, informative and knowledgeable; and the way he answers questions – by first repeating the question and then giving the answer in clear and concise statements.

https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/video/4562891-fishermans-wharf-pier-45-fire-sffd-news-conference/

What steps can you improve the image of the fire department in your area?   

Reflections on AFM’s first Virtual Fire Training Symposium

by: Hank Clemmensen, Board Member AFM; Retired Fire Chief, Palatine Rural Fire Protection District, IL

What a year 2020 has been in the United States, from COVID-19 to the protests and riots to some of the worst Western wildfires and hurricanes in the golf shores.  At times, we forget that it hasn’t been any better in other parts of the world and some of those places are not as prepared to handle these types of disasters.  

This is one of driving forces behind what we do at the Africa Fire Mission, why since 2012 we have traveled halfway around the world to help support the fire service in Africa. I’ve been participating in team trips with AFM since 2015.  During the fall of 2019, I spent more than 5 weeks in Africa working with fire fighters in Zambia and Kenya, sharing leadership skills that I have learned in the United States during my career in the fire service.  As difficult as that was for 5 weeks being in different countries and away from family, I would almost prefer it then teaching virtually.  

Although Kenyans speak English, they prefer to speak Swahili with their own dialytic.  When teaching in person, you pick up quick on their expression when you say something that they don’t understand.  However, when doing a virtual class, not until you get their homework or quiz back that you realize they missed some of main points of the lecture.

It was not until late summer that the final decision was made that we would not be traveling, and we were going to do a virtual symposium for the firefighters in Kenya.  Now how do we this virtual online training with volunteer instructors, no budget for IT support, little or no experience with putting together a virtual training symposium, and about 4 months to put it all together.  Not to mention the 9-hour time difference and the limited internet access in Kenya.

My first thought was that if my grandkids can do remote learning at home, I should be able to handle one forty-hour class.  A big thanks to Nancy Moore and the hours she put into setting up Google Classroom for this virtual learning.  The first challenge was to learn all I could about Google Classroom, and then figure out how to record the training since it would not be practical to try to do this live with the time difference.  Then of course, editing of those videos we recorded, which was a real learning process.   Let us not forget we had to come up with the class content, quizzes, and homework.  Now I remember why I gave up on secondary education and went into the fire service.

The good news was that most of the instructors for the different classes worked in teams.  I was fortunate enough to have Chief Kevin Milan, with the South Metro Fire Rescue in Colorado and Rick Best from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation working with me on the Leadership class.  We created are videos with Zoom, which allowed us to have guest speakers join in and with some of my new video editing skills, it looked like we did it all in one take.

Another big issue was Internet access for our students and having enough band width to play all the videos and being to download the Google Classroom documents.  It appeared that most of the students used their cell phones to access Google and complete their homework assignments/quizzes.  It was amazing to see how hard they worked to make sure that homework was completed and submitted.  Although we may have better Internet access in the US, the firefighters in Africa really have the drive to make the technology work for them.

Being the first virtual Fire Symposium in Africa by Africa Fire Mission with more than 600 students from around the world (more than 16 countries represented), 20 volunteer instructors, and in the middle of a Covid-19 pandemic, I believe it was a great success.  Firefighters in Africa have proven again that they are extremely motivated to continue their mission to learn and improve the fire service their countries.  Every year I make new friends and learn so much from our brothers and sisters in Africa which is why I look forward to returning to Africa in the Fall of 2021.

For more information about AFM’s Mission’s in 2021 check out: Join a Mission

The New Normal: Virtual Fire Training Symposium

Errol Sianga, ICT Fire and Rescue, Kenya

14 December 2020

The year 2020 began on an extremely high gear and as in previous years, I was looking forward to having a great and wonderful experience in the world of firefighting.  Suddenly the world was hit by the strange virus known as the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) that affected and infected many people and countries making the whole world come to a standstill because of the rapid spread and highly contagious virus.

Traveling was impossible and social gatherings were also not happening.  Everyone was restricted and advised to STAY AT HOME, wash their hands with soap and water, sanitize as well and not forget to put on their mask, so that became the NEW NORMAL.

Life took a different turn in which I had to adjust my way of life. The coronavirus was spreading like a wildland fire.  I was trying to be safe and at the same time many countries were trying to figure out what type of a virus it is and the rush to come up with a vaccine started.

At this point, Africa Fire Mission began weekly VIRTUAL classes that were being held each Wednesday.  The weekly virtual classes were very informative and very refreshing. As the weekly classes were ongoing that is when the major announcement was made for the AFM VIRTUAL FIRE TRAINING SYMPOSIUM that was going to be held in the month of NOVEMBER from 16th-20th.  I was so excited and very anxious and looking forward to attending my first ever virtual symposium ever.   So, we were urged to register for the class through GOOGLE CLASSROOM.

The virtual symposium was very exciting with great and very knowledgeable instructors and wonderful reading materials. The sessions were very engaging and not forgetting the HOMEWORK part that was a good indicator to gauge how well I understood the subject and the content being delivered.

The awesome experience I gained from the symposium was a unique one and a memorable one in my firefighting career.  It was also a great networking platform. I have been sharing with my friends and colleagues the materials that I got from the symposium and the notes that I gathered from the symposium. I am looking forward to next year and more virtual training from Africa Fire Mission.

AFM Receives Motorola Solutions Foundation Grant

Africa Fire Mission Receives Motorola Solutions Foundation Grant

October 15, 2020

We are pleased to announce that Africa Fire Mission has received a grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation, the charitable arm of Motorola Solutions. Through the grant, Africa Fire Mission will continue training efforts across Africa with fire training symposiums aimed at increasing the capacity of the fire service in Africa.

AFM’s Executive Director Dave Moore is grateful for this grant award “This funding will allow us to increase firefighter education and knowledge in several developing countries; and in addition to our traditional programs we will be able to focus on COVID 19 prevention as well. Many of our programs have transitioned to virtual due to the global pandemic, so this funding could not have come at a better time to help support these important programs in a virtual format.”

The Motorola Solutions Foundation awards grants each year to organizations, such as Africa Fire Mission, that support and advance education initiatives in public safety and technology and engineering. Additionally, the Foundation has a long-standing commitment to supporting programs that benefit underrepresented populations, including females, people of color, people with disabilities, veterans and others.

“This year, the Foundation’s grants will support programs that help millions of students, teachers, first responders and community members around the globe,” said Karem Perez, executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. “We are thrilled to partner with organizations like Africa Fire Mission that are actively making a positive difference in their communities.”

About the Motorola Solutions Foundation

The Motorola Solutions Foundation is the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions. With employees located around the globe, Motorola Solutions seeks to benefit the communities where it operates. The Foundation achieves this by making strategic grants, forging strong community partnerships and fostering innovation. The Motorola Solutions Foundation prioritizes its funding on public safety education, technology & engineering education, disaster relief, and employee volunteerism. For more information on Motorola Solutions corporate and foundation giving, visit our website: www.motorolasolutions.com/foundation

About Africa Fire Mission

Africa Fire Mission is a 501(c)(3) committed to increasing the sustainable capacity of fire department in developing communities. We accomplish this through training, empowerment, support and encouragement.  Africa Fire Mission leverages our knowledge of the fire service, non-profits, humanitarian development, social justice, public administration, and social work to create unique and innovative transformation in the fire services and communities where we are working. For more information on Africa Fire Mission visit our webpage https://www.africafiremission.org

Mission Critical: Recognizing our Volunteers

On October 10, 2020 Africa Fire Mission during our Annual Fundraiser, Africa Fire Mission was pleased to honor Amelia Smith and Jonathan Seastone.   (watch the 2020 Chama on Facebook >)

Africa Fire Mission thrives on volunteers.   Volunteers are really the heart of our organization.   We have dozens and dozens of volunteers. We have volunteers from all across the United States, Africa and Europe that help to make AFM run on a daily basis.   In 2019, Africa Fire Mission logged 8851 volunteer hours!   These men, women, firefighters, civilians and children are all a vital part of Africa Fire Mission being able to achieve its goals and objectives. 

Amelia Smith – Volunteer of the Year

Amelia is resourceful, relentless, takes on tasks with little direction, helps us to implement new projects that expand our mission.   Amelia traveled with LifeSpring Christian Church and Africa Fire Mission to Kenya several years ago and since then has been a dedicated volunteer along with her husband, Andy.  Thank you Amelia for all that you have done and all that you will do for Africa Fire Mission and those that we serve around the world.  Amelia says:  “It has been great to watch Africa Fire Mission grow and adapt through the years.  I’m grateful to be able to support AFM behind the scenes.”

When Africa Fire Mission travels with a team to provide training in Africa or other parts of the world, our team members volunteer their time, talents and treasures to provide world class training to our partners.  Our instructors, undergo training in advance of the trip to prepare of the mission and prepare the lessons that they will teach in our week long fire training events.   We have been fortunate to have many instructors return year after year and continue to build each year on the training that they have been providing as well as to build strong relationships with firefighers and our overseas partners. 

Jonathan Seastone, Trainer of the Year Denver Fire Department –

Jon has gone above and beyond the call of duty.  He has been on multiple missions and has recruited instructors for our work in Kenya, Zambia and Ukraine.   He has led new instructors to challenge themselves to teach the right material at the right level for the firefighters we serve.   Jon pushes and encourages the firefighters he teaches at our training events to push themselves beyond their limits, to be stronger than they think they are.   Jon is not afraid to hold Chief Fire Officers, in the countries where we serve, accountable for safe and advanced training for their firefighters so that their firefighters are able to serve their communities and to protect themselves from the dangers of fire. Jon and his wife Shandy, who serves as AFM’s volunteer Mission Teams Coordinator, have both helped to grow AFM’s programs in countless ways.   Jon says: “With every trip I’ve wanted to something bigger (with the training) and we are accomplishing that.   This award means alot.” 

Interested in volunteering with AFM in administrative roles or as one of our international instructors?

Importance knowing the Fire Department Emergency Contact

By Kelvin, Seru Kenya EMR

Picture how you would react in your local area, home, learning institutions, office or work one day when a fire broke out and you hadn’t the faintest clue where to start, what to do or who to contact about the situation. Imagine running to the area local administrator, manager or director’s office to obtain a point-of-contact information about the fire department only to be told there is none available.

Or maybe you are headed home and a fire broke out. Concerned bystanders try to help and would like to contact the Fire and Rescue Services but no information is found. This is often the case for many in Kenya, Africa.

Fire emergency contact information and numbers are very important for every individual, institution and organization to know, yet it is easily overlooked and forgotten by many—both employees and managers. Fire emergency contacts are the phone number or numbers for your local Fire and Rescue Services (access emergency numbers for Kenya here) . It is also important to know what to say when you call, using 4WCT.

W- who you are

W- what you need

W- what happened or is happening

W- where the incident is

C- confirmation of the information

T- time the incident took place

It is important to ensure each employee, local community group or volunteer, organization, institution, and office has accessible, well-written fire department emergency numbers placed at every corner; and also an action plan which indicates a step-by-step procedure of what to do in case of a fire outbreak. Also, having individuals who are trained as fire marshals in your local community, company, organization or institution will help in a long way.

From experience, it is also advisable for every County’s fire service to have a toll-free Emergency number for everyone in the community to reach them.

Most of the time the fire department would respond to a fire late due to the delay in contacting the fire department. As a result, the fire engine ends up being stoned by the local community and even at times even stealing items from the fire engine. Community members tend not to understand our response time starts from the time we receive the call but not when the fire starts. It is critical that we educate community members on the local contact numbers (see Kenya fire brigade numbers here)

For every individual, community volunteer, organization head, and institutional management: please make this a part of your monthly announcements to your employees and the general public the importance of having with them their respective area’s fire department emergency numbers, which will make it easier for everyone to reach First Responders.

As a Chinese proverb says, “Better a thousand times careful, than once dead”, so please do what you need to do to be safe, rather than sorry.

#TogetherForSafety