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!

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

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.

Credit: Julie Jacobson/AP

Avoid Heat Stress this Summer

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...

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!

Wildfire Conditions : HIGH ALERT

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.

Credit: Unknown

Black Forest Fire : UPDATE

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.

Credit: Helen Richardson/Denver Post

Credit: Helen Richardson/Denver Post

Credit: Helen Richardson/Denver Post

Credit: Helen Richardson/Denver Post

Credit: Hyoung Chang/Denver Post

Credit: John Wark/Denver Post

Credit: Hyoung Chang/Denver Post

Credit: AAron Ontiveroz/Denver Post

Credit: Rick Wilking/Reuters

Credit: Helen Richardson/Denver Post

Credit: Helen Richardson/Denver Post