news letter - Town of Cumberland

CUMBERLAND
FIRE DEPARTMENT’S
NEWS LETTER
IN THIS EDITION
________________________
FROM THE CHIEF’S DESK
TRAINING & FIRE
PRVENTION
TO THE EDITOR
Special Ops.
Dryers
Train Crash & Photos
Notices
FIRE EXPLORERS
STATISTICS
ACTIVITY REPORT
FEBRUARY CALENDER
ASSOSIATION TREASURY
REPORT
CLOSE CALL TIP
ISSUE 2007– 3
In February of 1974 the firefighters of Cumberland responded to this
train accident. The accident crossed route 9. See more photos inside.
From The Chief’s Desk
Daniel R. Small
Chief of Department
Did you know that you are in a high-risk category for cancer? Did you also know that we can be doing a much better job about preventing cancer? Here’s how. First, wear your SCBA when necessary
and don’t take it off until we have at least metered the area. We have the air compressor so air is literally cheap. Second, wash your gear ever six months and after each incident where you may have
come in contact with contaminants. We have the gear washer and dehydrator, there’s no excuse not
to wash your gear. Lastly, take a shower at the station before you go home after a fire. DON’T take
the contaminates home to your family. We are working on improving our shower facilities but for
now be patient and wash up before getting in your vehicle to go home. Firefighter David St. Clair
has offered to provide both mainland stations with towels so there’s no excuse not to shower. We
have the sweat pants here for you to wear home. This is one of those areas where we NEED to have
the courage to hold each other accountable. Challenge your peers to comply with these simple tasks
and maybe we can prevent our department from having to deal with another cancer statistic.
We have included in this newsletter a copy of our recent notice that addresses our new accountability
system. This system was donated to our department by Higgins Office Products --- free of charge! If
you see Dave Higgins around town please thank him. This donated equipment would have cost us
about $1600.
During the month of March we will be posting an opening for a Deputy Fire Chiefs position. After
several officer meetings I believe this position will allow us to more clearly define our chain of command for our officers and thus make our department considerably more efficient. The promotion
should be announced by the end of the month.
Dispatch Supervisor Kevin Morton is recovering from a minor heart attack and is home resting. The
doctors believe that he didn’t suffer any long-term damage to his heart and he is hoping to be back to
work in the near future. Kevin is always open for phone calls or visitors so please feel free to check
in on him to see how he’s doing.
Lastly for this month, I will be undergoing knee surgery on March 7th for a torn meniscus. I should
only be out of the office for a few days but will be on light duty for approximately six weeks. This is
the point where you are probably asking, “so how will you notice a difference from every other day.”
With the exception of mutual aid fire scenes, where I occasionally have an SCBA on, you probably
won’t notice much of a difference.
Stay safe and I hope to see you all on the 24th at our annual banquet.
TRAINING FOR FEBRUARY:
EMS Training March 8, 2007 @ Public Safety Building 1900hrs
Everest Bernier— Improving Patient Relations
Officer’s Meeting March 14, 2007 @ Central Station 1900hrs
Fire Training March 15, 2007 @ Central Station 1900hrs
CMP— Power Line Safety
Day Training March 19, 2007 @ Central Station 1430hrs
FF. Sheldon Gregoire— Fire Behavior
Special Operations Training March 22, 2007 @ Central Station 1900hrs
Business Meeting April 5, 2007 @ West Station 1830hrs
Lt. Lou Croce
DAY TRAINING:
The Chief has asked that I start a day time training program. The
topics of these trainings are going to be basic Firefighter Skills, and
will be once a month starting at 1430hrs. Trainings will all start at
Central Station. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.
Firefighter Sheldon Gregoire
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU:
Chief, Officers, and Firefighters,
In the Month of January The Fire Prevention Bureau inspected and updated the preplans of all the following sites. Please review the preplans for these sites with your companies.
Wilson School, Drowne Road School, Greely Middle School, Greely High School
Cumberland Animal Clinic, Cumberland Dental Arts, Michael Frost DMD, Terry Snow PA, Verizon Sub Station,
Sweetsers Apple Barrel, Golf Learning Center, Terrison’s Apple Orchard, Auto Land Used Cars, Cumberland
House of Pizza, Central Maine (Northstar) Communication, Expert Lawn and Landscape, Logan Furniture Repair,
Cumberland Post Office, West Cumberland Community Hall.
Firefighter Sheldon Gregoire
TO THE EDITOR
Special Operations Corner
There has been a lot of equipment moved on Squad 1 over the last few months. Please take the time to review the compartments. Here’s a quick list of highlights:
• Added second stokes basked to the rear compartment.
• Added two Paratech Airtracks to the rear compartment.
• The hydraulic combi-tool was mounted in the Officer’s side rear compartment.
• The extrication tool bucket was replaced with an open tool box that now in the Officer’s side rear compartment.
• Two ice rescue suits and helmets were moved to the rear compartment.
• All ice rescue ropes were moved to the rear compartment.
• The two sets of swimming masks, snorkels, and fins were placed in diving bags and placed in the rear compartment.
• An LED flash light was mounted on each ice rescue helmet.
• The Dewalt Battery tools were placed in the saws compartment. Thank you Lt. Brooks for making the tool mount.
• The cones were placed on rear bumper. Thank you Lt. Brooks for making the cone mount.
Special Operations Training:
• On Thursday, March 22nd we hope to have Biosystems meter training from Training Technology International.
Stay tune for more RIT training opportunities.
CLOTHES DRYERS
I had a wonderful morning, the heating unit went out on my
dryer! Why does everything seem to fall apart this time of year? The guy that
fixes things went in to the dryer pulled out the lint filter. It was clean. We always clean the lint from the filter after every load of clothes. He told us that he
wanted to show us something. He took the filter over to the sink, ran hot water
over it. Now, the lint filter is made of a mesh material - I'm sure you know
what your dryer's lint filter looks like. WELL......the hot water just sat on top of
the mesh! It didn't go through it at all! He told us that dryer sheets cause a film
over that mesh that's what burns out the heating unit. You can't SEE the film,
but it's there. This is also what causes dryer units to catch fire - - - potentially
burn your house down with it! He said the best way to keep your dryer working for a very long time (& to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that filter
out & wash it with hot soapy water & an old toothbrush (or other brush) at
least every six months. He said that makes the life of the dryer at least twice as
long! You learn something new everyday! I certainly didn't know dryer sheets
would do that. So, I thought I'd share.
NOTE: I went to my dryer & tested my screen by running water on it.
The water ran through a little bit but mostly collected all the water in the mesh
screen. I washed it with warm soapy water & a nylon brush & I had it done in
30 seconds. Then when I rinsed it the water ran right thru the screen! There
wasn't any puddle of water at all! That repairman knew what he was talking
about!
PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO OTHER PEOPLE. NOT ONLY
COULD IT SAVE SOMEONE'S HOME, BUT IT COULD SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE!
We are looking for pictures of incidents from the past. If you have a great shot of a building fire, big accident, or some strange call that
happened in the past we would like a copy of that picture. We want to start posting them in the fire stations and we plan on putting some
in the news letter. If you could also send the date of the call that would be great. If you have a little bio to go with the picture (s) that
would be better. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Cumberland Fire Department
366 Tuttle Road, Cumberland Center, Maine 04021
Emergency 911
Business 829-5421
Fax 829-4256
Email dsmall@cumberlandmaine.com
Daniel R. Small
Chief
Notice # 07001
March 1, 2007
Effective March 15, 2007 the Cumberland Fire Department will be amending our emergency scene accountability
system. Through a generous donation from Higgins Office Products, we have been given all of the necessary components to establish a passport type accountability system. This Tactron® system is compatible with our existing
emergency management crew tracking equipment. The system will be utilized as follows:
Each fire company will be equipped with a passport tag that will be affixed near the officer’s riding position in
the cab. Additionally, Squad 1 and the Chief’s vehicle will be equipped with four company passports to
allow for the establishment of crews independent of fire trucks (Company A through Company D).
Each officer/firefighter will be assigned three nametags. Two of the nametags will be affixed to the inside of
their helmet and one will be left on their assigned fire company.
At all incidents, one nametag of each responding member shall be placed on the passport of:
The vehicle that they have responded on, or;
The crew that they have been assigned to upon arriving on scene and prior to a fixed command posbeing established, or;
A personnel company established by the command post/resource officer (Company A,B,C,D).
The passports should remain on the vehicles until the incident commander determines that they need to be at
the command post. At a minimum, the passports will be at the command post for “All Hands” and greater
incidents.
The existing photo ID’s on lanyards will still be required to be worn by each member at all scenes. These are
required for rehab, incidents where scene security is at an elevated concern, or when an incident commander is reviewing responder qualifications.
Use of the photo ID’s on the metal clips (helmet clips) used for our prior accountability system shall be discontinued. Company officers will be responsible for collecting and returning the metal rings and clips to
the Chief’s office. The members may keep the photo ID’s in a secure place in the event that one of their
other ID’s is damaged.
During incidents where personnel may be operating at a remote location from the scene of the actual emergency, the person in charge of this branch, group or division, shall be responsible for tracking all the
members operating under his/her authority. This may include functions such as water supply operations.
Any changes in crew staffing shall be immediately communicated to the incident commander so the passports
can be updated.
Notice # 07002
March 1, 2007
Effective today’s date, the department is posting an open Deputy Fire Chief position. This position will be open to
all SCBA qualified officers and application packets may be picked up at the Chiefs office. Applications shall be
returned by March 15th at 1600 hours. This is a newly created position and does not replace any current members.
Interviews for selected applicants will be on Wednesday, March 21st.
.
EXPLORERS
Up and coming for Explorer Post 1
Explorer Website:
The Cumberland Fire Explorer website is up and running. In the public section, people can check out our
upcoming fundraisers on our events calendar. They can also look at photos of our trainings, Fire Academy, and
more. We have links set up to the Cumberland Fire Department website, the World Trade Center Memorial Fund,
as well as other web sites such as Squad 1 and Engine 5. Another exciting aspect of the website that is being developed is the ability for people to donate to the Fire Academy via the internet.
Here is a picture of the main page of the website:
STATISTICS
December 2006
Number of Runs Assigned per Company
Last Year Total
Last Year to Date
Year to Date
Total for Current Month
14
Cumberland Engine 1
138
23
24
Cumberland Engine 2
76
20
16
5
Cumberland Engine 3
145
28
29
17
Cumberland Engine 4
26
3
2
2
Cumberland Engine 5
103
26
12
4
Cumberland Engine 6
12
2
2
2
Cumberland Engine 8
25
2
2
2
Cumberland Engine 9
13
2
2
2
Cumberland Engine 17
13
0
0
0
Cumberland Forestry 2
7
0
1
0
Cumberland Ladder 7
148
27
35
19
Cumberland Marine 1
0
2
0
0
Cumberland Squad 1
222
50
46
24
Cumberland Tank 1
12
2
2
2
Cumberland FF/EMT
84
15
18
9
Cumberland FD/PD
52
10
9
6
Cumberland SERV 1
5
0
0
0
1081
212
200
108
Apparatus Totals
Type of Incidents Reported
Structure Fire/Smoke in
Building
Last Year Total
Last Year to Date
Year to Date
Total for Current Month
26
6
4
0
Chimney Fire
4
1
5
3
Motor Vehicle Crash
36
7
5
2
Vehicle Fire
13
2
0
0
Mutual Aid
63
25
13
8
Fire Alarm Activation
55
5
12
8
Flammable Liquid Spills
6
1
1
1
Grass/Brush/Woods Fire
40
5
1
0
Water Rescue
2
1
0
0
EMS
86
7
17
9
Carbon Monoxide
17
5
12
8
Water Problems
Outside Electrical Problems
25
1
4
2
32
10
2
1
Public Assistance
28
5
0
0
LP Gas Problem
Interior Electrical Problem
3
1
0
0
2
0
4
2
Station Staffing
11
6
1
1
Outside Event Coverage
25
2
0
0
Other
Run Number - IMC Delete
2
1
10
4
Call Reason Types
0
0
0
0
476
91
91
49
Cumberland Fire Department
366 Tuttle Road, Cumberland Center, Maine 04021
Emergency 911
Business 829-5421
Fax 829-4256
Email dsmall@cumberlandmaine.com
Daniel R. Small
Chief
ACTIVITY REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2007
The Cumberland Fire Department responded to 49 calls for service in the Month of February. Mutual Aid was given 8 times and received 7 times during the month.
On February 3, 2007 @ 0829 hours Engine 3 and Squad 1 responded with the Police and Rescue Department to Greely Road near
Doughty Road for a Motor Vehicle Crash with Personal Injury. On arrival companies found all occupants out of a vehicle that had stuck
a utility pole. The occupants were not transported to the hospital.
On February 13, 2007 @ 1634 hours Engine 1, Engine 2, Rehab Bus & Squad 1 responded to 1473 North Road in the Town of North
Yarmouth for a Structure Fire. Engine 3 was staffed at Fire Headquarters during the call. The farmhouse with attached barn was a total
loss but there were no injuries reported as a result of the fire. Multiple communities assisted North Yarmouth Fire Department in the
extinguishment effort.
On February 14, 2007 @ 0700 hours the Fire Department staffed Central, West and Chebeague Island Stations as a result of a Severe
Winter Storm. There were no calls during the incident however many details were completed around those stations that other wise may
not have been completed.
On February 19, 2007 @ 1342 hours Engine 2 and Engine 5 responded to 14 Orchard Road in the Town of Windham to assist crews
with a Structure Fire. During the call Engine 3 and Company covered the West Cumberland Station.
On February 22, 2007 @ 0755 hours Engine 3 and Squad 1 responded to Main Street in the area of the Shell Station for a Motor Vehicle
Crash with Personal Injury. As a result of the accident 1 person was transported to the hospital for further evaluation.
On February 25, 2007 @ 0318 hours Engine 1, Engine 3, Ladder 7, Squad 1, Falmouth Rescue 1 and Yarmouth Engine 1 responded to
276 Foreside Road for an Electrical Smell and Smoke in the Residence. On arrival companies found smoke in the building. Power was
secured and Central Maine Power was called to the scene for an apparent problem with an electrical ‘leg’ of power originating on their
pole.
On February 25, 2007 @ 1001 hours Ladder 7 and Engine 3 responded to 32 Hillside Drive for a Carbon Monoxide Problem in a residence. Fire Alarm notified companies that several people were feeling ill effects and all were attempting to exit the residence. On arrival companies metered the building and found no Carbon Monoxide on all levels of the home.
Throughout the month of March members of the department have been using SERV 1 to patrol Val Halla. This has been a very valuable
training opportunity for those members.
TRAINING/MEETING REPORT
•
•
•
Monthly Mainland Business Meeting was held @ Fire Headquarters on February 1, 2007
Monthly Officer’s Meeting was held at Fire Headquarters on February 21, 2007.
Regular Fire Training was held on February 15, 2007 at Fire Head Quarters and Police Department Operations taught by Patrolman
Mazzone.
• Special Operations Training was held on February 22, 2007 at Fire Headquarters and Val Halla covering the use of SERV1
March Training/Meeting Schedule is as follows:
March 1, 2007 @ Central Station the Monthly Mainland Business Meeting: Captain Donald Rawnsley
March 8, 2007 @ Rescue Quarters – Improving Patient Relations: Evariste Bernier
March 14, 2007 @ Fire Headquarters: Monthly Officer’s Meeting: Chief D. Small
March 15, 2007 @ Central Station – CMP Line Safety
March 22, 2007 @ Central Station – Special Operations covering Bio Systems Gas Meters: Deputy Chief C. Copp
March 29, 2007 @ All Stations – SCBA Refresher
Sunday
28
Monday
26
Tuesday
27
Wednesday
28
Thursday
1
Friday
2
Car 27 Per Diem
210 Per Diem
210 Per Diem
Car 33 Per Diem
Car 33 Per Diem
Car 1 Office
Car 1 Office
Car 1 Office
Saturday
3
Car 1 PFD
Car 3 SPFD
Mainland Meeting
Car 33 Duty Officer Car 2 Duty Chief
4
Car 2 Duty Chief
Car 2 Duty Chief
5
6
7
Car 2 Duty Chief Car 37 Duty Officer Car 37 Duty Officer
8
9
Car 27 Per Diem
210 Per Diem
Car 33 Per Diem
210 Per Diem
Car 33 Per Diem
Car 1 Office
Car 1 Office
Car 1 Office
Car 1 PFD
10
Car 1 PFD
Car 3 SPFD
Car 3 SPFD
EMS Training
Car 37 Duty Officer Car 3 Duty Chief
11
Car 3 Duty Chief
Car 3 Duty Chief
Car 2 Duty Chief Car 23 Duty Officer Car 23 Duty Officer
12
13
14
15
16
Car 33 Per Diem
Car 33 Per Diem
210 Per Diem
210 Per Diem
Car 27 Per Diem
Car 1 Office
Car 1 Office
Car 1 Office
Officer Meeting
CMP Line Safety
17
Car 1 PFD
Car 3 SPFD
Car 23 Duty Officer Car 2 Duty Chief
18
Car 1 Duty Chief
Car 1 Duty Chief
Car 1 Duty Chief
19
20
21
22
23
Car 27 Per Diem
Car 33 Per Diem
210 Per Diem
210 Per Diem
Car 33 Per Diem
Car 1 Office
Car 1 Office
Car 1 Office
Car 1 PFD
Car 32 Duty Chief Car 32 Duty Chief
24
Car 1 PFD
Car 3 SPFD
Car 3 SPFD
Special Operations
Car 32 Duty Chief
Car 2 Duty Chief
Car 2 Duty Chief
Car 2 Duty Chief
25
26
27
28
29
30
Car 33 Per Diem
210 Per Diem
Car 33 Per Diem
210 Per Diem
Car 27 Per Diem
Car 1 Office
Car 1 Office
Car 1 Office
Car 1 PFD
Car 2 Duty Chief Car 25 Duty Officer Car 25 Duty Officer
31
Car 1 PFD
Car 3 SPFD
Car 3 SPFD
SCBA Refresher
Car 25 Duty Officer Car 2 Duty Chief
Car 3 Duty Chief
Car 3 Duty Chief
Car 3 Duty Chief Car 31 Duty Officer Car 31 Duty Officer
FLASHOVER INJURES FIREFIGHTER
Thursday, February 22, 2007
On Friday 2/2/07 I responded on a A-typical kitchen fire in the rural part of our district. I went in as a
line officer (Lt.) and assisted with the knock down on the room. I came out to change my bottle and
spoke with the Chief (command) and discussed that we thought the fire was in the walls and moving upstairs on us. I requested another fresh crew and a TIC to go back in to find the remaining fire.
I was in the upstairs searching through the packed upstairs. More like a 2nd story closet. We found the
doorway and called for the hose line to be moved from the 2nd floor hallway into the room (5-8 feet) I
opened the door and seen the fire in the opposite part of the other room. Where some of the ceiling and
windows had been opened the fire grew rapidly and toward us I seen the fire was getting ready to flash
on us and pushed a rookie out and I was following directly behind him, as I was leaving the room I could
see the fire rolling over my head and turned to the stairs and went down to the first landing and that is
where I fell about 6-8 feet landing on my back and knocking me out.
My crew rapidly seen that I (last in line) was incapacitated and did a rescue on me. We was near the
doorway. They drug me out of the Bldg. onto the porch and into the driveway. I then came to realizing that
I was injured my crew had already removed my mask/helmet/hood and was beginning to check me out.
I was removed to the Hospital and checked out. Thank God NOTHING was found to be broke/Dislocated
or tweaked. I have only bruised my lower back.