Bill Shaw: 69 Years in the Fire Service

Photo Credit: Jeff Murray / Star Gazette

Bill Shaw is 86 years old, and still an 'active' member of the Elmira Heights (NY) Fire Department.  In fact, he has served on the department for 69 years!

He started when he was in high school, at 17 years old.  He was a ladder boy, and was allowed to leave high school to go on calls.  He says it was great because he then returned to school as a "big shot!"

Many things have changed over the years.  Bill remembers the days when there was little training, no gas masks, less than enough boots and a limited supply of turnout gear.  The gear was first-come first-serve.  So the first guys to the station got the boots and other equipment.

But he says firefighters today are much better equipped to respond to fires and other emergencies.  He would certainly know!

In addition, other firefighters and community members say Bill has been a terrific mentor, great friend, valuable resource and wonderful citizen!

Hats off to Mr Bill Shaw's 69 years of fire service!

Hero In Action - Rob Verhelst

We have brought you many American Heroes... Injured military vets, Ative military personnel, Police officers, Firefighters, EMTs, Off-duty officers, and more.

This time its Rob Verhelst - a US Air Force veteran and current Madison, WI firefighter.

But Rob has big ambitions beyond fighting fires and responding to medical emergencies.  Rob is a husband, father, motivational speaker, fitness trainer, life coach... and now he's an ambassador for the non-profit organization Code 3 For A Cure.

Code 3 For A Cure helps firefighters diagnosed with cancer, especially those facing financial hardship.  Code 3 For A Cure does this by "providing support, giving encouragement, and sharing experiences."  They also provide financial assistance to firefighters and select non-profit cancer organizations.

So what is Rob doing as an ambassador?  He's raising awareness and money!  Pretty effectively!!

Rob is competing in multiple Ironman Triathlon's.  Don't forget, the Ironman is:

• 2.4 mile swim
• 112 mile bike
• 26.2 mile marathon

But after his 2.4 mile swims and 112 mile bikes, Rob runs the 26.2 mile marathons in full firefighter gear!!  Complete with turnout gear, air tank and fire helmet!!

Seriously!

On his website - www.FiremanRob.com - he says, "Your strength is your passion."

His next event is in a few days... the Ironman World Championship in Kona, HI on October 13, 2012.

Go Rob... for the benefit of Code 3 For A Cure!!

And check out this video of Rob finishing the Ironman Wisconsin on 9/11/11 ... exactly 10 years after Rob went to NYC to personally work at Ground Zero for 8 straight days!

Significant Wildland Fire Potential

As we and many others have said, expect this wildfire season to be active!

For current evidence, see the Active Fire Map provided by the USDA Forest Service.   As of today (6/12/12) there are 23 large incidents listed.  The most significant of these:

• the Whitewater-Baldy fire
• in New Mexico
• has burnt nearly 280,000 acres
• is less than 40% contained

And further evidence can be found in the June 2012 National Wildland Significant Fire Potential Outlook report from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).  This report points primarily to the Southwest quarter of the US as being highly vulnerable to wildfire due to its "severe to extreme drought" conditions.

Read up and prepare adequately, you might be working some Overtime this summer!!

Get the right wildland firefighting gear early, including turnout gear, boots, helmets, gloves and more!

Quick Stats on the Largest Wildfire in New Mexico History

The current wildfire burning in New Mexico is the largest in state history.

Here are the quick stats so far:

• been burning for 2 weeks in the Gila National Forest
• burned 200,000+ acres
• destroyed 20+ structures
• being fought by 1,200 firefighters
• injured 6 people

But ... only 10% contained!

Some say this could be a preview of what's to come.  Given the dryness of this past winter in the Western US and several state's drought conditions, this could be an especially active wildfire season.

It is important to be sure the public is prepared to respond to local wildfires.  For example, look at the awareness campaign from CAL FIRE: Ready, Set, Go!

And remember, it is also important to be sure wildland firefighters stock up on wildland firefighting equipment, like turnout gear and other firefighting supplies.

New Fire Stations in Santa Clarita, California!!

Remember a series of huge wildfires burning across Southern California in October 2007?  If not, you can refresh your memory here!

Together these fires:

• destroyed 1,500+ homes
• burned 500,000+ acres
• injured 85 people (including 60+ firefighters)
• and killed 9 people

They were devastating to say the least.  Among these was the "Buckweed Fire" in northern LA County.  The Buckweed Fire alone burned 38,000 acres and destroyed 63 structures - all in our hometown of Santa Clarita.

Well, a little hometown news ... two new Fire Stations opened in Santa Clarita this week.  One of the fire stations is just a few hundred feet from the burn area of the Buckweed Fire.  And another new station is set to open in Santa Clarita later this year.

These stations are much needed in a dry part of Southern California with a long history of wildfires.

Keep in mind, this year is expected to be a very active wildfire season.  Choose your turnout gear carefully.  And stock up now with the proper wildland firefighting equipment.

2 Keys to Turnout Gear

#1 - COMFORT vs PROTECTION

While its vitally important to prioritize heat protection when choosing turnout gear, its also important to remember added layers of protection can make turnouts much less comfortable and less breathable.  Too much protection can come at the cost of your ability to move and perform optimally.

Its a constant battle to find the right balance of Comfort and Protection when producing turnout gear for firefighters.  In fact, the TPACC (Textile Protection and Comfort Center) at NC State specializes in researching how these competing attributes can be balanced.  Take a look at their site for more in-depth research.

#2 - STRUCTURAL FIREFIGHTING vs WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING

Structural Firefighting often incurs direct flame contact in bursts of 3 - 10 seconds.  Whereas Wildland Firefighting often incurs indirect radiant heat exposure over several minutes.  So the thermal protective performance of flame-resistant fabrics and fibers in turnout gear needs to be evaluated differently.

Keep this in mind when you go to choose your own turnout gear.  Consider the uniqueness of the fire conditions you'll be facing.  Find out how other firefighters have managed these factors when choosing their turnout gear.

Ask your turnout gear supplier for information about how their turnouts will perform in different conditions.  Its likely to be an active wildfire season, be informed when choosing your turnout gear!