This week is the first several day stretch of beautiful Fall weather. But with this nice weather comes the potential for increased wildfire activity. Have you ever wondered What If? What if the Virginia Department of Forestry was delayed for only several hours in responding to a significant wildfire. The video linked here discusses such a possibility.
February 19, 2011 was a day inwhich ALL emergency response agencies and personnel were stretched to the limit. We took one fire from that day and said What If?
Please check out this video and thank a firefighter the next time you have the opportunity.
This copy of the presentation is not the best and I am workiong on getting it in a better format and when I do I will post it or the link to it.
Special thanks to John Miller, Dave Stone and Fred Turck for helping make this presentation possible.
Showing posts with label Fall Wildfire Season. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fall Wildfire Season. Show all posts
Monday, October 22, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Fall is here and with it Fire Prevention Week and Halloween
Before you get to this years blog about Halloween and Fall Fire Safety you might want to check out the previous posts for the archives.
This years theam for Fire Prevention Week (October8-14) is Have 2 Ways Out. Although this is specifically talking about home/building evacuations I believe it should also include knowing 2 ways out of your community/subdivision should there be an emergency like a wildfire , hurricane or tornado that might block your usual way out. Below is a coloring sheet I developed for your to talk with your children about while planning for your family's safety.
FALL SAFETY
Time Changes Mean Battery Changes
Get in the habit of changing the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors every fall and spring when changing the clocks for Daylight Savings Time. It is also a good idea to make it standard procedure in your household to verify that all fire extinguishers are fully charged and in working order when you adjust the clocks each season.Home Heating Tips
No matter what type of device you use to heat your home, making sure your heating devices and/or systems are in good working order is an important part of learning some fall fire safety tips. Many things can go wrong with heating equipment during the spring and summer months. Verify that everything you need to keep your home warm throughout fall and winter is in good working order before you experience the first cold snap of the season.Central Heating System Safety Tips
- Get your central heating system cleaned, inspected and serviced by a certified HVAC (heating, venting and air conditioning) contractor every year before using it.
- If you have a gas heater, make sure that you have a sufficient quantity of fully functioning carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home.
Space Heater Safety Tips
- Make sure that any space heaters are surrounded by at least three feet of empty space.
- Never place clothing or any other objects on a space heater to dry.
- Do not place space heaters near furniture or drapery.
- Turn space heaters off when you leave the house or go to bed.
- Avoid storing any combustible items near heaters.
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Fireplace Safety Tips
- Get your chimney inspected each year to make sure that it is safe.
- Hire a chimney sweep to clean out your chimney every fall.
- Repair any cracks in fireplaces.
- Use fireplace screens to keep sparks and fire debris inside the fireplace.
- Do not every use gasoline to start a fire in the fireplace.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Make sure that combustible materials are not stored within three feet of your fireplace.
- For natural gas fireplaces, get all connections and lines inspected before use each season.
- Remember that outdoor fireplaces can be just as dangerous as indoor units, and observe all safety precautions when using them.
Fire Safety Tips for Holiday Decorations
- Do not use candles in Halloween jack-o-lanterns. Flashlights are much safer.
- Make sure that children's costumes are made with fire retardant materials.
- Use only fire retardant holiday decorations.
- Verify that all holiday lights and extension cords have been tested by an organization such as Factory Mutual or Underwriters Laboratory.
Family Fire Safety Tips
- Teach your kids how to respond in the event of a fire.
- Make sure young children know how to dial 911.
- Establish and practice a fire escape plan with your family that includes a designated meeting area outside the home.
- Practice stop, drop and roll with your children so they learn how to escape beneath a fire.
- Teach everyone in your family multiple ways to escape from every room in the event of a fire.
- Make sure that there is a sufficient quantity of smoke detectors in your home.
- Verify each month that smoke detectors are in working order.
- Make sure everyone in your family knows how to use a fire extinguisher.
- Do not place lit candles where they can be reached by children.
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Do not leave candles burning when you go to sleep.
- Don't leave cooking food unattended on the stove.
- Keep everything that might be flammable away from your stove.
- Make sure all flammable substances are properly stored in safe containers and out of reach of youngsters.
Outdoor Fall Fire Safety Tips
- Clear your roof and gutters of unnecessary build up of debris, such as pine needles and leaves.
- Learn the outdoor burning regulations in your area, and do not engage in illegal burning of leaves and other outdoor debris.
Safety Matters
There is nothing more important than the safety of your family. Everyone in your home needs to know how to behave responsibly to reduce the likelihood of experiencing a fire. However, because fires can start at any time without warning, it is also very important that the members of your household know how to react in the event of a fire. It's a good idea to review fire prevention and safety tips with your family every fall, and several other times throughout the year.
HALLOWEEN SAFETY
When purchasing a Halloween costume, make sure the label reads "Flame Resistant."
Halloween is a fun holiday but it’s also an important time to practice fire safety. The occurrence of fire increases around Halloween due to arson and the use of candles as decorations. Follow these tips for a happy and fire-safe Halloween:- If you buy a costume, make sure the label says “Flame Resistant.” Flame Resistant means the costume will be hard to catch on fire and if it does, the fire will go out fast.
- If you make a costume, try not to make one that is big and baggy so that the material doesn’t touch candles or other flames. Use flame-resistant fabrics, such as polyester and nylon. These materials will resist burning if exposed to a flame.
- Tell kids to stay away from candles and jack-o'-lanterns that may be on steps and porches. Their costumes could catch fire if they get too close.
- Kids should never carry candles when they are trick-or-treating. Always use a flashlight, flameless candle, or light stick.
- Tell kids to let you know right away if they see other kids playing with matches or lighters.
- Don’t use candles for decorations. They’re dangerous, especially when left unattended.
- Use only decorative lights tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory. Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw away damaged sets. Don't overload extension cords.
- Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website for the latest on Halloween-related consumer product recalls.
- If you have a Halloween party, check for cigarettes under furniture cushions and in areas where people were smoking before you go to bed.
- Remove any materials around your home or property, such as garbage or excess vegetation, which an arsonist could use to start a fire.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Smokey Bear's in the Macy's Parade for the 15th time!!
More Smokey Bear connections with Thanksgiving.
Smokey Bear will be making an appearance in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. NOT as a balloon but as a character on a float. This new float, HATS OFF TO OUR HERITAGE, makes its debut in style celebrating the 85th anniversary of Macy's Parade. On board are two of the parade's most famous leaders - Jean McFaddin and Robin Hall. The stewards of the Macy's parade legacy for a combined 34 years, Macy's tips their hats to the incomparable leaders who each left an indelible mark on the procession. Depicting their famed headgear - a cowboy hat for Jean and a top hat for Robin, the float also features a host of characters that have graced the skies of New York in the line-up from the first-ever Macy's balloon of Felix the Cat to one the newest character Dora The Explorer, including Smokey Bear. The parade's balloon history comes to life on this frolicking float.
When: Thursday, November 24, 2011; 9:00 am – Noon EST
Smokey’s 15th appearance, only a small group of others have appeared more. Snoopy has appeared as a giant balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade more times than any other character in history. As the Flying Ace, Snoopy has appeared 64 times.
1966
The Smokey Bear Balloon first flew in the Macy’s Parade in 1966. The 59 foot balloon was sponsored by the General Electric Company which gave publicity to a network television animated special, “The Ballad of Smokey Bear” which was aired that evening. The balloon flew in the parade every year from 1966 through 1974 with the exception of 1971. Then he again graced the skies of NYC in 1975, 1978, 1979, 1981 and 1993. He also made an appearance, for the first time as a character NOT a balloon walking alongside of Woodsy Owl, Thermy™, BAC, and Power Panther™ (all USDA characters) in 2000.Smokey Bear will be escorted by New York State Forest Ranger Captain Eric Lahr.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Smokey Bear and Thanksgiving is there a connection?
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Wow I can’t believe that it’s been a couple of weeks since my last post. Thankfully the wildfire activity has drastically reduced in Virginia and Nationally. Louisiana is still extremely dry but a real good and effective prevention/education campaign is helping keep the fire starts down. Congratulations to the Fire Prevention and Education Teams working out of the Kisatchie National Forest. I hear they are close to producing 2 psa’s, one with the Swamp People and another with the Duck Commanders; these should be unique to say the least.
Most of the leaves are down in the higher elevations of Virginia and it’s NOW we need to have some regular rains and snows to keep the threat of wildfires down. I should say to keep the affects of wildfires down we need PEOPLE to be aware and responsible and to follow Smokey Bears messages to keep the wildfire starts down!
As we go into Thanksgiving week I hope you find the following bit of Smokey history interesting and also find the new coloring sheet fun and helpful in spreading Smokey’s message of Thanks and Wildfire Prevention.
And YES VIRGINIA and others there is a connection between Smokey Bear and Thanksgiving!!!!
And YES VIRGINIA and others there is a connection between Smokey Bear and Thanksgiving!!!!
The Ballad of Smokey The Bear Premiered on THANKSGIVING DAY (11-24-1966), 45 years ago! It was the third Rankin/Bass special on the General Electric Full Color Fantasy Hour. This special was written by a newcomer to animated entertainment named Joseph Schrank, who had worked on many classic feature films at MGM. This was the first and last animated-children’s “movie” Schrank wrote. In the tradition of such Rankin-Bass productions as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and The Little Drummer Boy, the TV holiday special The Ballad of Smokey the Bear was made in the stop-motion Animagic process (simplistically described in the TV Guide listings as "animated mechanical puppets").
Johnny Marks, composer of the songs from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer took on this project as well. Eight brand new songs, written by Mr. Marks are heard in this saga of Smokey Bear's rise from cub-hood to his emergence as an icon for the fire-prevention campaign. “Don’t Wait” (sung by Mrs. Beaver to Mr. Beaver) is especially good and sounds like it was patterned after the Rudolph song “We’re a Couple of Misfits”. Many of the other songs are not ones worth remembering. The Theme Song was very well done, “The Ballad Of Smokey The Bear”, and musical score is credited to Maury Laws. Former NBC Executive Larry Roemer, Directed the special, as he had the Rudolph special.
The story is narrated, and occasionally sung, by no less than James Cagney, here providing the voice of Big Bear. Curiously, the "official" voice of Smokey, Jackson Weaver, is not heard, though Weaver recorded an LP that was released concurrently with this program.
The Ballad of Smokey the Bear has been out of production for a long time but you might be able to find a copy from time to time on sites such as eBay. I am fortunate to have a copy and enjoy watching it from time to time. If you find a copy I am sure you will enjoy and keep a close eye out for the escaped Gorilla at the end of the special.
Cast of The Ballad of Smokey the Bear
· James Cagney - Big Bear
· Barry Pearl - Smokey the Bear
· William Marine - Turtle
· Herbert Duncan - Beaver
· Rose Marie Jun - Mrs. Beaver
· George Petrie - Fox
· Bryna Raeburn - Mama
Some of the above information was taken from an article written by Rick Goldsmith “The Ballad Of Smokey The Bear TV Special”.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Fall Wildfire Season will soon be here in Virginia. And So You Want To Be A Firefighter!
As we are preparing for our Fall Wildfire Season which traditionally beging October 15th Many wildfires continue to burn from California to Minnesotta to Texas.
A few 911 call transcripts from Bastrop TX are posted below and are very interesting.
Minnesota
Pagami Wildfire: 61% Containment!
Firefighters continue to make progress on the Pagami Creek wildfire. Current estimates have the fire at about 61% contained.
A wildfire that has consumed more than 93,000 acres of Minnesota wilderness was 61 percent containedArizona
PLEASANT VALLEY, Ariz. - The burned acreage numbers are continuing to grow on a lightning-caused northern Arizona wildfire.
Tonto National Forest officials say the so-called Tanner fire is 30 percent contained as of Thursday night after charring 6,000 acres near Young.
The fire started Aug. 20 near the peak of Armer Mountain in the Sierra Anchas.
CALLER: I've got an electrical power line down and I'm afraid it's going to spark another fire right in the area of the other one.
CALLER: I'm standing here now and it's 100 yards away if that.
DISPATCHER: Okay, all right. I will let them know.
RESPONDER: You need to get out of the smoke. Reid, back away from the house.
RESPONDER: Chief, I don't have any more units, you are going to have to get me some more units from out of town. We don't have people. I'm protecting every house I got over here.
DISPATCHER: I'm going right now okay. Hold on one second and let me talk to them right quick OK?
CALLER: OK. OK. Go get in the car. Go get in the car. I am afraid. It is a big fire. My husband is still in the house, I don't know why. We have two kids, I want to get my kids.
DISPATCHER: Calm down. Take a deep breath, everything is going to be OK. I'm sending the fire department to you right now. Grab your kids, grab your husband and then leave. OK?
So You Want To Be A Wildfire Fighter!
Here is some information that might help specific to VIRGINIA.
Become a WildlandFirefighter
What Does It Take To Become A Wildland Firefighter and Is It For You?
Is Firefighting for You?
You think it’s a wild adventure; it’s exciting and a big adrenaline rush. Maybe someone you know has been a firefighter. Maybe it’s become your dream. While firefighting can be all of these things, it is also dangerous and must be taken seriously. It’s not an easy task – it involves continuous training and experience. But most of all, it takes a great deal of perseverance, patience, persistence, dedication and good old-fashioned hard work to become a wildland firefighter.
Duties and Rewards
Several state and federal agencies in Virginia hire part-time wildland firefighters to assist in fire suppression duties. These firefighters must be trained and qualified in a number of tasks, as well as be able to pass physical fitness guidelines. As an entry level firefighter, you will be part of a larger organization with various command staff personnel directing and supervising your work. Wildland firefighting is often long hours of hard, dirty work in extreme fire environments. But, saving our valuable natural resources; protecting homes and public safety, and working in a cohesive team effort is extremely rewarding.
Deployments
In addition to working within the Commonwealth, there may be opportunities to travel to other states. In times of large natural disasters, other states request assistance. These disasters could include wildfires, hurricanes and winter snow/ice storms. Several years ago, many firefighters from Virginia assisted with the Columbia shuttle disaster recovery efforts. Sometimes, these deployments include staying in large fire camps of a few thousand people. They may have portable showers, medical facilities and dining halls with great food. Or, you might be “spiked-out” on the mountain for an extended stay with none of the fire camp amenities. Here in Virginia, personnel are provided motel rooms if away from home. More often, you are close enough to travel back to the comforts of your own home after a short deployment on the fireline. Typically, a firefighter is on the fireline for up to 16 hours in an operational period on larger fires, but smaller fires may require only a few hours of suppression work.
“Tools” of the Firefighter
Firefighters use many “tools” to aid them in their firefighting efforts. These tools may include variations of familiar hand tools, such as a rake or shovel. Other tools have been developed over time, such as the Pulaski – a combination of an axe and a hoe. Various designs of portable water pumps have been utilized for years in wildland suppression. Larger equipment, such as bulldozers, helicopters and even airplanes for dropping water or chemical fire retardant, is also used in fighting wildland fires. Another “tool” is flame-retardant clothing that firefighters wear for their safety. Your basic training will include what these tools are used for and how to safely and properly use them. Support personnel often use computer models to predict the spread and intensity of the fire. There are many “tools,” whether large and complex or small and simple, that the Virginia firefighter is exposed to on a wildland fire.
Requirements
The following are the current minimum requirements for becoming a wildland firefighter with the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF):
Level 1 (VFF1- Beginner Level)
- Complete “Ground Cover Fire Training” (8 hrs minimum)
- Complete Fire Shelter Training and Deployment
- Moderate Fitness Test (2-mile walk with 25 lb.-pack in 30 minutes or less)
- Recommendation of VDOF
Level 2 (VFF2)
- Complete Firefighter Courses (S-130/S-190/I-100/L-180)
- Fire Shelter Training and Deployment
- Minimum 5 wildland fire responses
- Moderate Fitness Test
- Recommendation of VDOF
Level 3 (VFF3)
- Qualified as VFF2
- Qualified as NWCG Crew Boss (same as Federal CRWB level below)
- Arduous Fitness Test (3-mile walk with 45 lb. pack in 45 minutes or less)
- Recommendation of VDOF
The following are the current minimum requirements for becoming a wildland firefighter with the USDA Forest Service or any other federal agency:
Level 1 (FFT2 - Beginner Level)
- Complete Wildland Firefighter Courses(S-130/S-190/I-100/L-180)
- Complete Fire Shelter Training and Deployment
- Pass Arduous Fitness Test (3-mile walk with 45 lb. pack in 45 minutes or less)
Level 2 (FFT1)
- Qualified as FFT2
- Complete Advanced Firefighter Courses (S-131 & S-133)
- Successful Completion of FFT1 Taskbook on Wildland Fires
- Arduous Fitness Test
Level 3 (CRWB)
- Qualified as FFT1
- Complete S-230 & S-215 Courses
- Successful Completion of CRWB Taskbook on Wildland Fires
- Arduous Fitness Test
Contact Information
Western Region Office, Salem: 540.387.5461
Alleghany, Bath, Bedford, Bland, Botetourt, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Grayson, Henry, Highland, Lee, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe counties
Alleghany, Bath, Bedford, Bland, Botetourt, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Grayson, Henry, Highland, Lee, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe counties
Central Region Office, Charlottesville: 434.977.5193
Albemarle, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Arlington, Augusta, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Clarke, Culpeper, Cumberland, Fairfax, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Frederick, Goochland, Greene, Halifax, Loudoun, Louisa, Lunenburg, Madison, Mecklenburg, Nelson, Nottoway, Orange, Page, Pittsylvania, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince William, Rappahannock, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Warren counties
Albemarle, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Arlington, Augusta, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Clarke, Culpeper, Cumberland, Fairfax, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Frederick, Goochland, Greene, Halifax, Loudoun, Louisa, Lunenburg, Madison, Mecklenburg, Nelson, Nottoway, Orange, Page, Pittsylvania, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince William, Rappahannock, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Warren counties
Eastern Region Office, Providence Forge: 804.966.2209
Accomack, Brunswick, Caroline, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Essex, Gloucester, Greensville, Hanover, Henrico, Isle of Wight, James City, King & Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent, Northampton, Northumberland, Prince George, Richmond, Southampton, Surry, Sussex, Westmoreland and York counties
Accomack, Brunswick, Caroline, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Essex, Gloucester, Greensville, Hanover, Henrico, Isle of Wight, James City, King & Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent, Northampton, Northumberland, Prince George, Richmond, Southampton, Surry, Sussex, Westmoreland and York counties
For More Information
For more information about becoming a wildland firefighter, please contact your local Virginia Department of Forestry office or visit the agency website at www.dof.virginia.gov.
For information about federal firefighting, contact:
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, Roanoke, VA: 540.265.5220
Shenandoah National Park, Luray, VA: 540.999.3500 #3442
US Fish & Wildlife Service, Suffolk, VA: 757.986.3480
Folks from all accross the country travel to many different states to fight wildfires and each "home unit" has their own specific requirments to becomming a wildland firefighter. Please check with your local State or Federal agency responsible for wildfire response for local requirments. Once you are "qualified nationally" in your home state you will be qualified to travel to all other states to respond to wildfires under the approval and direction of the agency that Red Carded you.
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