Monday, August 19, 2013

Beaver Creek Fire in Idaho

Beaver Creek Fire in Idaho
Credit: Great Basin Incident Mgmt Team
 It started back on August 7th.  It is now raging into its 12th day.

The Beaver Creek Fire in Idaho has burned over 100,000 acres (nearly 160 square miles).

Over 2,000 home have been evacuated.

More than 1,100 firefighters are battling this blaze.

Local tourist towns are currently threatened, including Sun Valley and Ketchum.

But the fire is only 10% contained.

Beth Lund is Incident Commander with the US Forest Service, and she has nonetheless expressed some optimism that the crew may begin to make meaningful progress in fighting this fire.

It reminds us that we are well into Wildfire Season.  Wasn't long ago we were reporting on the Black Forest Fire in Colorado and the Powerhouse Fire in California.

Currently, the NIFC says 47 active (and large) fires have burned over 800,000 acres.

Year-to-date, more than 31,000 fires have burned over 3.3 million acres.

To those on the front-lines, your work is greatly appreciated.  Be safe as you fight on!!


Beaver Creek Fire in Idaho
Credit: KIVITV
Beaver Creek Fire in Idaho
Credit: Darin Oswald/Idaho Statesman
Beaver Creek Fire in Idaho
Credit: Ashley Smith/Times-News

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Fire Chiefs of the Year 2013


Each year many Fire Chiefs (career and volunteer) are nominated to be CHIEF OF THE YEAR.  The winners are then announced at the Fire-Rescue International conference.

This year there were 12 career nominees and 5 volunteer nominees.

The 2013 winners have been announced!  They are... (career chief) RANDY MIROWSKI and (volunteer chief) FREDDY JOHNSON SR

Congrats to all of you!! 

Career nominees included:
  • Joe Florentine -- Little Elm (TX) Fire Dept
  • Randall Groves -- Eugene (OR) Fire Dept
  • David Hall -- Springfield (MO) Fire Dept
  • Joanne Hayes-White -- San Francisco (CA) Fire Dept
  • Rhoda Mae Kerr -- Austin (TX) Fire Dept
  • Rich Marinucci -- Northville Township (MI) Fire Dept
  • Mark Melvin -- Fort Bragg (NC) Fire & Emergency Services
  • RANDY MIROWSKI -- Loveland (CO) Fire Rescue Authority
  • Wayne Senter -- South Kitsap (WA) Fire Dept
  • Floyd Shotwell -- Bruce-Romeo (MI) Fire Dept
  • Paul Syx -- Bessemer (AL) Fire Dept
  • Adam Thiel -- Alexandria (VA) Fire Dept

Volunteer nominees included:
  • Charles Addington II -- Wolfforth (TX) Fire & EMS
  • Greg Ball -- Oktibbeha County (MS) Fire/Rescue Dept
  • FREDDY JOHNSON SR -- Stoney Point, Parkton (NC) Volunteer Fire Dept
  • Thomas Renz -- Barnes (WI) Fire Dept
  • Chad Sonnier -- Scott (LA) Fire Dept

Friday, August 9, 2013

Smokey the Bear

Smokey the Bear
All Photos Credit: US Forest Service

Smokey the Bear celebrates his 69th birthday today (Aug 8, 2013)!!

Born in 1944, Smokey the Bear is the longest running PSA campaign in US history!

The first campaign catch-phrase was "Smokey Says - Care Will Prevent 9 of out 10 Forest Fires."

In 1947 this changed to "Remember ... Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires."

In 2001 this shifted to "Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires."

Here's a look at Smokey the Bear through the years...

Smokey the Bear
Smokey the Bear 1944
Smokey the Bear
Smokey the Bear 1948
Smokey the Bear
Smokey the Bear 1950
Smokey the Bear
Smokey the Bear 1953
Smokey the Bear
Smokey the Bear 1954
Smokey the Bear
Smokey the Bear 1964
Smokey the Bear
Smokey the Bear 1967
Smokey the Bear
Smokey the Bear 1983
Smokey the Bear
Smokey the Bear 1984
Smokey the Bear
Smokey the Bear 1985
Smokey the Bear
Smokey the Bear 1994
Smokey the Bear
Smokey the Bear 2011


Tuesday, August 6, 2013

World Police and Fire Games 2013

World Police and Fire Games 2013

Going on now...

The 2nd largest sporting event in the world (behind the Olympics).

The World Police and Fire Games 2013 has drawn:
  • 25,000 visitors
  • 10,000 competitors
  • in 57 sports
  • from 70 countries
  • to Belfast, Northern Ireland

Its a great way for Police Officers and Firefighters to (1) promote good health (2) reduce stress and (3) expand competitive skills and abilities.

Next up... World Police and Fire Games 2015... in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Start training soon!!


Friday, August 2, 2013

The Star Spangled Banner

Star Spangled Banner
Credit: Mort Kunstler
The Star Spangled Banner is now the national anthem of the USA.  But do you know its story?

In 1812 the United States went to war with Great Britain.  In 1814 the British took Washington DC, then moved north to Baltimore.  They came upon Fort McHenry where 1,000 US soldiers guarded the harbor.

Meanwhile, the British were holding Dr William Beanes - an elderly American physician - as a prisoner on one of their ships.  But the doctor had a young American lawyer friend who came to the ship to discuss his release.  That was Francis Scott Key.

The British captain was willing to negotiate the doctor's release, but not until the next morning.

That night, aboard a British ship in the Baltimore Harbor, the words of The Star Spangled Banner were penned.  Dr Beanes and Mr Key witnessed a perilous fight while they watched an American flag disappear into the night.  They saw the red glare of rockets and the bursting of bombs.  Finally, they awoke to the morning light, looking to see if the American flag was still flying high.

The 1st stanza of our national anthem asks their question.

Oh! say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
Oh! say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

You may not have heard this... but the 2nd stanza answers their question.

On the shore, dimly seen thro' the mist of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep.
As it fitfully flows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream.
'Tis the star-spangled banner.  Oh! long may it wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

We hope you enjoy these memorable images from the 1st stanza...

Oh! say, can you see, by the dawn's early light
Star Spangled Banner
Credit: Unknown
What so proudly we hailed
Star Spangled Banner
Credit: Michael Draper
At the twilight's last gleaming
Star Spangled Banner
Credit: Unkown
Whose broad stripes and bright stars
Star Spangled Banner
Credit: Smithsonian
Through the perilous fight
Star Spangled Banner
Credit: Unknown
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming
Star Spangled Banner
Credit: National Park Service
And the rocket's red glare
Star Spangled Banner
Credit: Unknown
The bombs bursting in air
Star Spangled Banner
Credit: Unknown
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there
Star Spangled Banner
Credit: Unknown
Oh! say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
Star Spangled Banner
Credit: Uknown
O'er the land of the free
Star Spangled Banner
Credit: Library of Congress
And the home of the brave
Star Spangled Banner
Credit: Unknown


Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Old Fire Apparatus Photos

Credit: Rick Decorie
A retired firefighter kindly shared with us his photos of Old Fire Apparatus... thanks Rick Decorie!

Now we want to see your photos of Old Fire Apparatus and Equipment!

Post them to our Facebook Page for Public Safety Stores!!

Here are the rest of Rick's photos... enjoy!

Credit: Rick Decorie
Credit: Rick Decorie
Credit: Rick Decorie
Credit: Rick Decorie
Credit: Rick Decorie
Credit: Rick Decorie
Credit: Rick Decorie
Credit: Rick Decorie


California Firefighter Summer Olympics 2013


Early this year we mentioned the California Fire and Police Winter Olympics.

Right now, as we speak, the California Firefighters Summer Olympics are happening in San Diego!

Of course, we have not mentioned many other competitions, like the Texas Firefighter Summer Games and more.

If you want us to mention a competition you have competed in, let us know through our Facebook Page!

If you're in San Diego now, be safe and enjoy yourself!

Monday, July 1, 2013

Gettysburg: 150 Years Later

Credit: Matt Rourke/AP
This year is the 150th Anniversary since the Battle of Gettysburg, which occurred over three days in July 1863.

The Union sent 93,000 soldiers.  The Confederates sent 71,000 soldiers.

All told, 8,000 of these died.  27,000 were wounded.  11,000 were captured or missing.

It was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War.  It was a distinct turning point in the war.  And it became the setting for President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address in November 1863.

Today, Gettysburg is a town of about 7,000 people.

But this past weekend it attracted 250,000 visitors for its annual re-enactment of the Battle, and its commemoration of the 150th Anniversary.

Here's a music video remembering the brave soldiers who dramatically shaped American History...




In Memory of the Granite Mountain Hotshot Crew

Granite Mountain Hotshot Crew
See the Facebook Page in their Memory - CLICK HERE

We have written about big wildfires this year - the Black Forest Fire and the Powerhouse Fire.

But last night (June 30, 2013) we all witnessed the worst news of all ... 19 Wildland Firefighters were killed battling a wildfire in Arizona.

They were from the Prescott Fire Department, specifically the Granite Mountain Hotshot Crew.

They were fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire.

They were digging a fire line and building a safety zone with an escape route.  But unfortunately, their safety zone and escape route were overtaken by the fire.

The outpouring of love and support for these brave firefighters and their families has been powerful.

Just 15 hours ago a Facebook page was established in their memory.  That page has over 200,000 'Likes' already.  And that number is rapidly growing.

This is the largest loss of Firefighters since 9/11.

This is the largest loss of Wildland Firefighters since 1933.

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers sincerely go out to the families and friends of these courageous Hotshots.

Granite Mountain Hotshot Crew
Credit: Julie Jacobson/AP

Friday, June 28, 2013

Avoid Heat Stress this Summer

Heat Stress
Credit: Richard Lautens/Toronto Star

Hot summer days are upon us!  That means you may be exposed to extreme heat.

See these tips from NIOSH to help you (and your friends) avoid Heat Stress:


  • Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton
  • Avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing
  • Gradually build up to heavy work.  Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day
  • Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity.  Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible
  • Drink water frequently.  Drink enough water that you never become thirsty.  Approximately 1 cup every 15-20 minutes
  • Avoid alcohol, and drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar
  • Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress
  • Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers

  • And don't forget to check out the Ergodyne Chill-Its products!

    Be safe!  Stay cool!  And pass this along to someone else...


    Thursday, June 27, 2013

    SERVE Act of 2013


    The SERVE Act of 2013 is a bill recently introduced to the US Congress

    It is also known as the Supporting Emergency Volunteer Efforts Act of 2013.

    If passed, this would allow Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders to claim a $1,000 federal income tax credit for personal purchases related to volunteer efforts.

    These are expenditures such as training clothes, equipment and gas for your personal vehicle.

    This would go a long way toward saying THANKS to current volunteers.  And it would help recruit new volunteers.

    This bill has been endorsed by the National Volunteer Fire Council.

    We're with you - we hope it passes too!


    Wednesday, June 26, 2013

    Wildfire Conditions : HIGH ALERT

    Southern California Wildfires
    Credit: Jonathan Alcorn/Reuters
    The Black Forest Fire in Colorado, the Powerhouse Fire in California and many other wildfires this year, have combined to put Fire Officials in the Western US on HIGH ALERT Wildfire Season.

    So they are letting the public know!

    Fire Chiefs in Southern California announced they expect this Wildfire Season could be the worst in 100 years!  They blame this extreme warning on rising temperatures, dry winds and drought conditions.  In fact, they're preparing for 2,600 fires across 51,000 acres.

    And perhaps the public is taking notice.

    Yahoo! says in the 7 days ending 6/24/13 they saw the following:

    • Searches for "Southern California Wildfires" were up +2,844%
    • Searches for "Wildfires in Colorado" were up +380%

    What the future holds, we don't know.

    We hope for the best.  But Firefighters are wisely planning for the worst.

    Southern California Wildfires
    Credit: Unknown


    Monday, June 17, 2013

    Black Forest Fire : UPDATE

    Black Forest Fire
    Credit: Helen Richardson/Denver Post
    Last week we reported on the new worst wildfire in Colorado history - the Black Forest Fire of 2013.

    It surpasses the Waldo Canyon Fire of 2012.

    As of June 17, 2013 here's an update on the Black Forest Fire...

    • 75% contained
    • 14,280 acres burned (22 sq mi)
    • 457 firefighters involved
    • 483 homes destroyed
    • 2 people dead
    • 38,000 people evacuated from 13,000 homes across 147 sq miles
    Obviously the best news is that Wildland Firefighters have brought this blaze to 75% containment.

    Black Forest Fire
    Credit: Helen Richardson/Denver Post
    Black Forest Fire
    Credit: Helen Richardson/Denver Post
    Black Forest Fire
    Credit: Helen Richardson/Denver Post
    Black Forest Fire
    Credit: Helen Richardson/Denver Post
    Black Forest Fire
    Credit: Hyoung Chang/Denver Post
    Black Forest Fire
    Credit: John Wark/Denver Post
    Black Forest Fire
    Credit: Hyoung Chang/Denver Post
    Black Forest Fire
    Credit: AAron Ontiveroz/Denver Post
    Black Forest Fire
    Credit: Rick Wilking/Reuters
    Black Forest Fire
    Credit: Helen Richardson/Denver Post
    Black Forest Fire
    Credit: Helen Richardson/Denver Post