A newsletter for the Firefighters, Auxiliary, and Friends of Western Taney County Fire District… September 2011.

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Engine 92 has sold

I reported just last month that Engine 91,the 1983 Ford/FMC, had sold. Now Engine 92, the 1979 3D/Duplex has also sold-to the Buckville Fire Department in Buckville,Arkansas (near Hot Springs). We purchased the truck used from the Belton Fire Department in 2000, shortly after Station 8 was opened. The truck was at Station 8 for five years until 2005, when it was exchanged for current Engine 82. Since 2005, it has been at Station 9, which now operates the 1996 Freightliner/Central States truck that originally was purchased for and in front line service at Station 4 until it was replaced by the current Engine 42 in 2010. At this time, specifications are being written for a brand new Engine 92, which should arrive in the fall of 2012.

Ladder 54 still for sale

The old Ladder 54 is still for sale on govdeals.com. The district has a lot of equipment listed on this site, take a look sometime!

Old Ladder 54 was used along with the new Ladder 54 to fly a flag over the entrance of College of the Ozarks for their 9/11 ceremony on September 11, 2011. What a beautiful and stunning entry to the campus and ceremony!

Class A Foam Change

A large order has been placed for Phos Check Class A foam. This is a different brand than the current Chemguard in the blue buckets, which is currently in use. Absolutely do not mix the two! A major emulsification will take place and your entire truck will blow up! OK, this might be a little of an overstatement, however don't mix them! If more class A foam is needed, it will be necessary to come to the district office, drain the remaining in buckets, flush the system and then add the new foam.

The second change is that Phos Check is used at .25 or .3% not the current .5%. On all the Foam Pro 2002 systems. Charles or Danny will have to change the pre-set class A foam percentage.

This new foam is supposed to do more at the lower percentage. Hopefully, it will work. Please use class A foam on any fire of any significance.

5th Thursday Social

There will be a 5th Thursday social and Rookie graduation September 29 at the State Park at 6:00 p.m.

Station Residency Openings

We currently have two openings at Station Two. If you are interested, please contact the District Office to apply.

Auxiliary News

The Firefighter’s Auxiliary meets at 7:00 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at Station 5 in Hollister. Family members and friends of firefighters are always welcome to come, express support and check out what their loved ones do.

The Training Corner

Asst. Chief Bjorge

Emphasis on Rapid Intervention and Fire Fighter Safety over the coming months.

For the next two months, the training topic during district training will be firefighter safety and Rapid Intervention Crews for firefighter rescue. This topic is extremely important to ensure the safety of our own firefighters should one become injured, sick, or trapped during an emergency.

While the primary focus will be for emergencies that may occur during structure fire responses, remember, the need to call a mayday may occur at other types of emergencies also, such as natural cover fires and special team responses.

Please try to make special effort to attend this training, especially in October. Firefighters will be introduced to new SOG’s for Mayday procedures and Rapid Intervention Crew responsibilities so everyone is familiar with what is expected and how to perform according to the SOG. This training will also be different and fun, so be sure to attend!

Upcoming Course Offerings

Hazardous Materials Incident Response (Operations)- September 16-18

TaneyCounty Full Scale Haz-Mat Exercise- October 8

Large Area Search Training (LAST) hosted by Branson FD- October 14-16,Registration is Required!

Instructor’s Conference- October 14-16 atLake of the Ozarks

Officer Flashover Training- November 5 at Springfield Fire Department’s Flashover Trainer

Safety Committee Meeting

The safety committee will be meeting the end of this month. If you have any items or suggestions for the Health and Safety Committee, please submit your ideas to one of the committee members. The members are: Chief Bjorge, Chief Duckworth, Krista Hunt, Jerry Duncan, Heath Hudson and Kevin Rein.

Fire Calls for August

Alarms14Vehicle Fire 3 Investigation 8

MVA27Medical Emergencies96 Natural cover 13

Other11Res. Structure Fire 2 Com.structure 2

Total Calls 176

Prevention Division

Assistant Chief Single

Don't forget Fire Prevention month in October. I should have a schedule for our school program started next week. Lots of help is needed.

FIRE SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR HOME - from the U.S. Fire Administration:

Smoke Alarms

  • Have a working smoke alarm on each level of your home and outside bedrooms.
  • Test smoke alarms monthly and change batteries at least once a year.
  • Install smoke alarms away from air vents.
  • When affixed to walls, smoke alarms should be between 4 and 12 inches from the ceiling.
  • Never disable or remove smoke alarm batteries.

Escape Planning

  • Develop a fire escape plan with your household and practice often.
  • Know two ways to exit from every room in your home.
  • Crawl low under smoke.
  • Feel closed doors. If it's hot use another exit.
  • Never re-enter a burning building.
  • Escape first then call for emergency assistance.

Fire Safety Walk Through

  • Keep clothes, blankets, curtains, and other combustibles at least three feet from space heaters.
  • Have chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a professional.
  • Clear the area around the hearth of debris, flammables, and decorative materials.
  • Keep clothes, towels, and other combustible materials away from stove burners.
  • Never leave cooking unattended.
  • Check for frayed wiring and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
  • Never overload electrical sockets.
  • Keep lighters and matches away from children.
  • Never smoke in bed.

Thank you for helping the U.S. Fire Administration to work for a fire safe America!!!

PRACTICE FIRE SAFETY EVERYDAY!!!