Author: John
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Fire safety on construction sites: What firefighters need to know
May not yet install and functioning Sprinkler systems, smoke detection, and fire alarms. Rarely don’t hear about significant fires in buildings under construction, renovation, or demolition for more than a week. These incidents are more common than we realize. There have been several fires in recent months in Idaho’s commercial buildings, as well as in…
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People first or water first?
Water first or people first? A critical question for the first-arriving crewmember People first or water first? This is a crucial issue for the crew member who is first to arrive. Three priorities should be at the forefront: life safety, accident stabilization, and property conservation. The most important one is safety for life. Life security…
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Why so many firefighters don’t become paramedics?
Within fire-based EMS systems everywhere, the number of firefighter paramedics is dwindling. Fire departments are trying to fill the vacancies by recruiting new paramedics. Campaigns for recruitment that promise great rewards, sign-on bonuses, and assured shifts away ambulances are loading Facebook feeds. Ten years ago, when jobs in the fire service weren’t plentiful, efforts such…
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Family of died firefighter in Cancun Mexico last summer files lawsuit
Family of Arlington firefighter who died in Mexico last summer files lawsuit TARRANT COUNTY, Texas. A little over one calendar year back. Arlington firefighters Elijah Snow and his wife Jamie Snow traveled to a Cancun resort to commemorate their 10th anniversary of marriage. Jamie Snow didn’t know, this would be her last day with her…
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Few things to know before buying a rotary saw
What is a Rotary SAW? A Rotary saw is an electrical machine that we use in different industries to cut, shape, and finish wood, metal, plastic, and other materials. The rotary SAW most of the time we use in rescue operations when people are trapped in confined spaces. The user used this to cut the…
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What is the Fire Triangle?
Fire Triangle A fire needs three things to sustain it: fuel, heat, and oxygen. These three factors are called the fire triangle. The Carbon Dioxide (CO2) produced by combustion is one of the leading products of the fire triangle. Many firefighters use this principle to extinguish fires by removing one of the elements from the…
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Different Types of Ladders
Ladder used in rescue operations A ladder is a vertical or inclined set of steps, usually made of wood, metal, or plastic. They are used to access a higher level that is otherwise unreachable. Ladders are used in rescue operations as well. In these operations, ladders are used to provide access to the victim who…
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How to put out an electrical fire in six steps
Electrical Fire An electrical fire can be a hazardous situation. If you are not careful, it can spread and cause severe damage to your home and property. However, there are a few things that you can do to put out an electrical fire before it gets out of control. Electrical fires are a common occurrence…
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It’s water rescue season: Are you prepared?
What is water rescue season? Water rescue season begins in April and goes through September. Are you ready for the inevitable flood? Central Texas is seeing the effects of a hot summer. The average for July was over a hundred. Now that fall is on the way. There is a lot of rain. More rain…
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Flashover: Know when it’s time to get out
What is Flashover? A flashover is a sudden, usually explosive, and short-lived increase in temperature that occurs when something catches fire. It happens quickly in small spaces, often within only a few moments. Flashover can be caused by one source of ignition or by many. In most cases, flashover burns do not spread beyond the…