Firefighter Safety- Using your PPE

By Brad Banz, Retired Chief, Colwich, Kansas Fire Dept. and Retired Captain, Wichita, Kansas Fire Dept.

 Today’s firefighters are asked to do much more than just respond to fires.  In the modern world, we respond to automobile accidents, dangerous goods (haz-mat) incidents, various types of rescue calls, utility emergencies, EMS calls, and now add in terrorism and pandemic to the list, not to mention anything else that may occur.  

    Firefighters are exposed to a spectrum of hazards as a result of the wide variety of incidents that we respond to.  We are exposed to environmental heat from working around fire, as well as the excess heat our bodies produce from extreme exertion.  The fires today we are responding to burn hotter than they did even 30 years ago.  An example is burning a cotton mattress versus a modern sofa made of polyurethane foam and polyester fabric.  The cotton mattress when burned will release heat at a rate of 140-350 kilojoules per second.  The sofa will release heat at a rate of 3,210 kilojoules per second.  Ten times the amount of heat.  We are exposed to cold, falling objects and debris, blood and biohazards, suffocation hazards, and crushing hazards.  We are also exposed to a toxic assortment of chemicals, not only from the dangerous goods incidents we respond to, but from each fire, no matter what the contents.  

   The reason I share this is not to scare anyone from the job, but to hopefully educate everyone on the hazards that are there so they can better equip themselves to more safely do the job.  Because we respond to more incidents and are exposed to a wider variety of hazards, we must do a better job as firefighters of focusing on safety.  One of the most fundamental things firefighters can do is to wear their PPE.  

     Let’s talk a little about how PPE makes us safer.  Coats and pants are made of 3 layers of material.  The outer shell provides a first layer against heat and cold, and some protection against moisture.  The middle layer is the vapor barrier.  As the name implies, it provides a barrier against steam and some chemical vapors.  The inside layer is the thermal barrier.  The layering of it, along with the outer layers, create a stronger barrier against heat.  The level of heat protection is dependent upon the materials the coats and pants are constructed of.  They will give limited protection against some dangerous goods, but are not meant to be the primary PPE for all responses.  In any circumstance, to insure maximum protection, coats and pants should be fastened all the way.  Boots can be constructed of leather or rubber and must have steel toe and foot protection to protect from crushing injuries as well as penetrations.  Gloves are made of leather or other materials.  They are lined to protect our hands from thermal injuries and have wristlets to protect our wrists as well.  Hoods are made of Nomex or carbon fibers.  An adequate hood offers protection to our necks and overlaps down on to the tops of our shoulders, and protects our necks and all exposed skin on our heads from heat.  They should be pulled up whenever operating in a hazardous environment.  A good helmet should have an adequate face shield, chin strap and neck protection.  It should also be clean and not cracked.  The face shield should be in a down position when working in an environment where tools or equipment are being used or blood, biohazards, or other chemicals may be present.  

    Any time we are entering an environment that is filled with products of combustion, heat, fire, or unknown atmosphere we should be wearing a breathing apparatus.  This includes during the overhaul process after the fire is contained.  If your department/brigade does not have BA then you need to structure your firefighting tactics accordingly.  

    As I addressed earlier, one of the biggest hazards we face is responding to medical and trauma related emergencies, and the risk of biohazards.  We need to make sure to protect ourselves by wearing the proper gloves, protective glasses, masks, and if the situation calls for it, gowns and facial protection.

    I have briefly covered the hazards and the PPE we can use to lessen the risks that we face.  Firefighters need to consistently practice an attitude of safety every day, and watch out for each other.  Thank you, and let’s all stay safe out there.

The Importance of Firematics

by Nicholas Higgins

It has been said time and time again, "You can never train too much for a job that can kill you." As we are aware, firefighting has many aspects to it. Many of these are common to every fire department, no matter their location, size, or status (career or volunteer). Other aspects are specialized areas that not all departments focus on or specialize in, such as medical, hazardous materials or technical rescue. In any case, having a sound basis in the area of “firematics” is a stepping stone to success for yourself and for your crew. We will briefly touch on key areas every firefighter should have a sound understanding and strong knowledge of. Many of these areas are touched on briefly in probationary/training school and then oftentimes, pushed aside once graduated. However, these areas are the core foundation for everything we do as firefighters and lay the groundwork for everything else we do on the fire ground. The skills of understanding these concepts, terminology and definitions is in fact, simple in theory. The difficulty is understanding the strategies and tactics behind them in order to implement them. All good leaders and firefighters must understand these core areas of which everything else is built from. 

The areas I would like to briefly touch upon are: building construction, fire behavior, reading smoke and size-up.

Building Construction

In the American Fire Service, there are oftentimes six different types of building construction however this may be different in various parts of the world based on the materials used to build structures. As firefighters, it is imperative that we know our enemy and know everything we can about it. Without having at least an understanding of our enemy, it becomes difficult to defeat it. In almost every one of our cases, the enemy is the building structure. In order to be a successful firefighter in any capacity, on any apparatus, in any area, understanding and having a solid foundation of building construction knowledge is vital. Just as a world-class fighter studies their opponent in the months leading up to a fight, us as firefighters MUST study our buildings in our areas, so we too are prepared to fight…and WIN. 

The most vital piece of information I can provide here is simple. It makes a difference in knowing the different types of structures and how to identify the differences, however, what makes it even more important is the ability to identify the types and how they will react under fire conditions while in the moment! This leads us to fire behavior.

Fire Behavior

Fire behavior is the foundation on which all firefighter knowledge is built upon. Moreover it is our understanding of fire behavior from which we can gain an understanding of fire and how to suppress it properly. The lack of fire behavior knowledge creates an even greater risk for serious injury or death. Understanding fire behavior is truly being able to operate as a firefighter. The understanding of fire behavior is the basis for understanding fire suppression and the understanding how to properly perform other tactics such as ventilation, forcible entry on some occasions and overhaul.

As society changes or in many cases evolves, so does fire behavior. The reasoning behind this is simple - the introduction and presence of synthetic materials (also known as plastics). These materials in their solid form are petroleum- based products, therefore producing an increase in the output of thermal energy. This reasoning alone is a cause for a more rapidly spreading fire regardless of the type of structure it is in. More so than not, it is causing our enemy (the building) to have more fuel to hurt us. To understand fire behavior, it is important to understand the phases that come along with it and it’s attributes – ignition, growth, full development (flashover is present) and decay (back draft is likely). To understand these areas takes years of studying and training to become proficient but having the basic concepts down is a great start to proficiency in fire behavior for firefighters of all levels and experience.

With fire comes smoke.

Reading Smoke

An important aspect on the fireground for many reasons is understanding smoke and smoke behavior. Many clues from the smoke alone can help identify the location and status of the fire. Command and company officers, as well as firefighters, need to be able to read and interpret all of the clues while conducting their size-up upon arrival and throughout the incident. 

Here are some clues to take into consideration: potential fuel, density, color, velocity, and volume.

Smoke is fuel. In today's world and the modern-day fire service, the products of combustion are highly toxic, flammable and potentially explosive. The smoke’s chemical composition is different at each fire due to the different fuel sources yet, one thing remains the same; smoke contains high levels of carbon monoxide.

Density identifies the thickness of the smoke, it’s level of energy and if there is a potential for a flashover or for fire spread.

Color tells you how flammable the smoke is and what is burning.

Velocity tells us how fast or slow the smoke is moving and by doing so helps determine the location and its flow path.

Volume on the other hand doesn’t speak to firefighters about smoke or fire but it does give firefighters the amount of fuel that is burning. By knowing how much fuel is burning, provides insight to the size and intensity of the incident.

Understanding smoke provides the fundamentals for reading and identifying changes in fire and smoke conditions in the interior or exterior of a structure, along with identifying and possibly preventing flashover or fire spread.

Size-Up

The size-up is for all intents and purposes, our game plan or battle plan, if you will, against the structure we are working at. The size-up is where firefighters and fire officers gather information in order to make safe, efficient, and effective fireground decisions. Fireground decision making, as we know, is meant to be quick, but with an emphasis on safety and ensuring the tactics are done efficiently and effectively. This is done in three phases; the pre-incident size-up, the on-scene size-up and the after action review. All three of these have their purposes.

Pre-incident size-up allows firefighters to gather as much information as we can about the structure and contents inside and helps guide our on-scene strategies and tactics.

On-scene size-up is where firefighters utilize our pre-incident size-up and put it to work. This size-up is where more information is provided specific to the incident and can now confirm our findings from the pre-incident size-up. Further, this is where company operations are assigned and take place.

After-action-review is the final stage in the pre-planning process. This is the time for firefighters and officers to discuss and share the information obtained and to discuss the success and failures experienced at the incident. It is also a time to ask a few key questions. 

What did we expect to happen?

• What actually occurred?

• What went well and why?

• What can we improve upon and how?

The benefit of asking these questions allows for strengths to be easily identifiable and make it easier to uncover areas of weakness. By uncovering areas of weakness, you can develop ways to improve them!

In closing, I’d like to leave you with this piece of advice. If we think of firematics as an orchestra and each piece getting broken down into sections, we can identify each area as its own unique piece yet, an integral piece to the orchestra as a whole. With practice, each section sounds in harmony and sync with one another, but without practice or even a section missing, the harmony and synchronization doesn’t happen. This is the same for firematics, you cannot have one without the others.

For further information on these topics, you can refer to my book, “The 5-Tool Firefighter” where these concepts are laid out in greater detail along with other areas of interest to guide all firefighters on their journey to success.

About the author
Nicholas J. Higgins is a firefighter and district training officer for Piscataway Fire District #2 in Piscataway, NJ. He is a New Jersey State Level 2 Fire Instructor, a National Fallen Firefighters Foundation state advocate and a member of the Board of Directors for the 5-Alarm Task Force Corp. a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization. Nick is the founder and contributor of The Firehouse Tribune website.

Transitioning Leadership

by David A. Moore, Jr.

In late 2012, when I first shared the idea of creating the organization that would become Africa Fire Mission, my wife Nancy's reaction was one of bewildered amusement. 

My how things have changed since that night in 2012!  Africa Fire Mission has grown from an idea into an award-winning, international non-profit organization that has provided life saving training and personal protective equipment to thousands of firefighters on four continents.  When AFM started, all we needed was as small corner of our basement and now we occupy a professional office and storage facility. We have blossomed from a small group of volunteers in Cincinnati to a large, international, group of volunteers. 

Over the years, AFM has adapted to new opportunities and made many changes to best serve others.   January 3rd, 2022 marked a significant change in the leadership of AFM.  On that date, Nancy Moore was named Executive Director of AFM. 

As 2019 came to a close, I recognized that it was time to transition out of the role of Executive Director and we began the search for my replacement.  At this point, Nancy had taken on the role of Director of Programs for AFM and she was leading day-to-day operations.  The Board, along with Nancy and myself, recognized that she was the perfectly suited to be the next executive director. We have worked diligently to ensure a smooth transition. 

Nancy has spent years working in small business and non-profit management, social work, and the fire service. She is deeply committed to empowering our partners to continue their growth while supporting their changing needs. Nancy's diverse background gives her the mastery, leadership and vision to carry AFM into the future. 

As I step back from my role as ED and into my new role on the board of directors, I am excited to see the new places and programs that AFM is able to work in and on under Nancy's leadership.   

Please join me in congratulating Nancy on her new position and encouraging her as she grows AFM into the future.   

Sincerely,

David A. Moore Jr., MPA, CFO, MIFireE 

Founder, Africa Fire Mission

Advocating For The Needs Of Your Fire Service

by Chief Robert R. Rielage

When I was a much younger firefighter, my Chief once said, “He who doesn’t speak up, is never heard”.  These words really sum up the topic of “Advocating for the needs of your Fire Service”.  You need to make others, such as your governing council, know what you need to effectively do your job.

This is certainly not as easy as it sounds, but it is part of the job especially for the Chief and your officers.

First, no one understands your needs better than you. You are the officers and firefighters of your department.  You see every day what you need to make your service better.  The people you serve expect you to respond to countless types of emergencies, give timely safety advice, and perform your duties with dedication, professionalism and without hesitation.  

Basically, that type of department requires four things: people, training, equipment and facilities that are all properly maintained and at the ready for you to respond.

Your job is to make sure that there are an adequate number of properly trained firefighters to handle whatever the emergency; that they have the proper personal equipment to safely perform these tasks; and a budget that provides and maintains the personnel, equipment, vehicles and facilities to support your emergency operations.

Is it easy to ask for all of these things?  No, but once again, no one but you understand better the needs of your department.  So how and who do you contact to express these needs?  

The Chief, especially, must know the “politics” involved.  Note that this word has a small “p” politics in the sense of how your governing council, mayor, trustee or board of supervisors operates, not  the Politics with a capital “P” meaning the dealings of a certain political party affiliation.

We are fortunate in that in the United States, there is a class at the National Fire Academy entitled “Politics and the White Helmet” which clearly teaches the right way to express the needs of your fire department to those individuals or governing body that provides the funding to allow a department to get things done.  But at the same time, I’ve never seen a fire department that got everything it wanted – so the Chief or the officers need to prioritize their needs and requests.

In addition to this, I think it is equally important to have a working relationship with the news media: those newspapers, radio or television reporters who come out when there is a large fire, explosion, or a natural disaster that occurs in your response area.  Standing in front of a camera or a reporter with a microphone may not be comfortable for everyone.  Again, in their absence, the Chief should delegate someone in the department to be a Public Information Officer (PIO).

The PIO is a firefighter or officer authorized to discuss releasable information at the scene of an emergency.  Why is it so important?  Because a picture or a video with a story about the emergency is worth more than 100 requests for new equipment.  There are guidelines that we can discuss in another article or an upcoming training session.

The reporters can also give you some tips on how you should approach an interview, especially when the camera is on.

Some suggestions may include:

: Being in uniform or in your turnout gear – helmet, and coat which tells everyone you are an official representative of the department.

: Having the key points of what you want to say clearly in your mind, e.g. What you saw on arrival (the volume of fire, or the number of vehicles or victims involved) Were there any rescues performed?  

: Keep it brief but let the public know what your department did to make resolve the emergency and how quickly that took to bring the incident under control.

The purpose of my article is not to answer all of your questions on how to be an advocate for the needs of your department, but rather to give you a starting point.  The first lesson being, if you don’t advocate for the needs of your department, who will?

Stay safe!

About the author  Chief Robert R. Rielage, MPA, CFO, EFO, FIFireE, is the former Ohio fire marshal and has been a chief officer in several departments for more than 35 years. A graduate of the Kennedy School's Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University, Rielage holds a master's degree in public administration from Norwich University and is a past-president of the Institution of Fire Engineers – USA Branch. 

Experiencing Kenyan Firefighting First Hand

by Josh Bardwell, Glimer Texas

As an American firefighter, I have always had some level of awareness of how fortunate I have been to have decent equipment, funding, and training provided to me in my volunteer and career fire agencies. With that said, I have oftentimes fallen into the all-to-common quagmire of being jealous of what other departments or agencies have that mine did not and feeling a level of frustration that I now feel guilty of. Sure, my home department and agency could enhance our response capabilities with more funding and training than we have, but after my time in Kenya with Africa Fire Mission (AFM) I realize that I have had it pretty darn good.

I came home from Kenya with a renewed perception of the fire service as a whole and the part I play in it thanks to the camaraderie of my fellow AFM instructors and the selfless students we met.

From walking through the Nairobi slums that are prone to fatal fires, to sitting on a football pitch discussing Wildland Urban Interface issues with our students, it quickly became apparent that many of our Kenyan counterparts are dealing with fire service issues that we rarely encounter in the United States. Pre-trip research prepared me to address typical firefighting issues like unreliable water supplies, staffing deficits, need for pre-planning for incidents, and implementing public outreach programs.

In less than two days in-country conversing with our Kenyan colleagues, I was exposed to the hard truth: that most of those firefighters face more danger from the public than the fire itself. While American firefighters are typically revered as local heroes and ranked as one of the most trusted professions, our Kenyan colleagues are not afforded the same level of public trust. This issue is complex stemming from national politics, creating a public distrust of government employees and a history of fatal fires, with delayed emergency response due to staffing shortages, no timely report of an incident, congested highways, lack of building codes, etc. Despite numerous tales of fire engines being stoned, fire hoses being cut and firefighters being assaulted, these brave Kenyan firefighters show up every day to do their duty.  It was incredibly humbling to see their devotion to the firefighting profession override their fear of harm.  

One of the things every firefighter is told is to never stop learning and refine their craft in the fire service. From structural to wildland, firefighters in the United States should be accustomed to cheap and readily available in-house, regional and virtual courses to build on their current skillset and qualifications. Often times we take for granted the ease of accessibility and cost efficient classes we have at our disposal. Talking to our students at the symposium, we learned that many of them traveled from hundreds of kilometers away on their own dime, cramming into single-cab fire engines or even hitching rides from the public traveling to the capital. Once in Nairobi, some even camped out because they couldn’t afford lodging. Despite the hardships in travel and lodging, many consistently showed up everyday to learn new skills and to take that knowledge back to their fire brigades across the country. From initial introductions to the capstone live-fire exercise five days later, we were inundated with questions and real-world scenario situations from our students looking for more than book answers; they wanted our personal advice and it challenged us to step into their shoes and look at things in a different perspective. These questions ran the gamut of what to do about dangerous wildlife encounters on a wildfire to troubleshooting equipment issues without parts available. They were hungry to learn and open to thinking outside of the box. I found myself redirecting questions back to them to spur discussions, which helped getting these firefighters from different regions to begin collaborating. By the end of it, we were all fellow students learning from each other. I found that I probably learned more from the Kenyans than they learned from me, and that’s ok.

After being home for a few weeks and back on the job, I am recognizing a few personal changes that I can contribute to my AFM journey. The biggest, and probably the most natural one, is recognition that we have too much frivolous stuff compared to people in the developing world. My wife and I have already begun culling out things we do not use or wear, attempting to scale back our purchasing, and reduce eating out as much. Another big change for me has been reevaluating what training we do (or have not been doing) at my local volunteer fire department and state fire agency. From back-to-the-basics fire tactics to trauma response, we have to maximize our efforts refining our craft so we can provide the best service possible to the public, every time. The third big change has been a renewed sense of brotherhood/camaraderie throughout the fire service and recognition that everyone from volunteer to career, structural to wildland, and Kenyan to Kansan has their place in this profession and something to contribute. We are all in this together and hopefully striving with the same sense of duty, respect and integrity to do the job to best of our ability. If we can maintain that, then we might just be able to make some citizen’s worse day just a little bit better when we serve.

I encourage anyone, no matter your years of service, rank, title, or status to consider attending an AFM trip in the future, because you will find that you have something to offer and you will definitely come away better for it.

AMBULANCE SERVICES AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN SOCIETY

By Kelvin, Seru Kenya EMR

An increase in medical ailments has led to the rise in hospitals and emergency medical services. These services assist patients who require emergency medical assistance at critical moments, helping them to reach the hospital on time and thus saving their life.

Private and public ambulance transportation services are operating in large numbers today to serve patients in critical condition.

Ambulance operating centers are set up at every hospital and private EMS. These operating centers function with adequate ambulance transportation services to offer immediate medical care for patients. Private ambulance transportation services depict a consistent rise in the growth curve each year offering non-emergency services, unlike hospital ambulance transportation services which primarily function for emergency needs.

Some of the non-emergency protocols include shifting patients from one hospital to another, transporting patients for any scanning or laboratory services to the relevant facilities, and having patients with traveling disabilities ride in normal vehicles to hospitals for treatments.

Emergency ambulance services are usually equipped with adequate medical equipment and paramedical professionals. Sometimes, non-emergency ambulance transportation services are also equipped with some basic medical aids and paramedical staff to cater to the needs of immediate medical care to patients.

HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT PARAMEDICS, WHO ARE THE BACKBONE OF AMBULANCE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES.

1) Paramedics or paramedical professionals are the first to treat patients, even before doctors. They save patients through immediate medical procedures ensuring the vitals are stable before reaching hospitals for further treatments.

2) Paramedics are trained healthcare professionals and sometimes have equivalent training to doctors. They can be authorized to assist patients with required medications and procedures.

3) Paramedics roles were established before World War I and their services were mostly rendered to soldiers on the battlefield. In those days their function was closely associated with the military. Later, ambulance services with paramedics were put into function to offer immediate medical care for civilians as well.

4) Education level, standards, functions, and skills of paramedics vary by country. However, certain standard functionalities remain common. Such as being trained to practice CPR, procedures for cardiac arrest patients, usage of defibrillators, certain analgesic, paralytics, sedative medications for pain control, first aid to treat burns, fractures, childbirth complications, spine injury, airway management, blood control, etc.

6) Paramedics and physiotherapists have one of the noblest professions in Kenya Africa and the world at large. Earlier physiotherapy did not gain as much recognition as today where physiotherapists are looked at as saviors offering treatments as an alternate to surgical procedures in most of the cases and post-surgery maintenance for a quick recovery to a normal lifestyle.

7) One should respect the noble service of pre-hospital providers who form an integral part of ambulance services.

8) The youth of our nation should get involved in such noble services by joining community life-saving teams and getting careers rather than wasting their resource and potential indulging in unwise activities.

9) Moreover, the government should take initiatives to support the volunteer first responders at the community level and to empower them to continue saving lives at the scene, before qualified personnel arrives.

WHY SHOULD BOTH A FIRE TRUCK AND AN AMBULANCE ALWAYS SHOW UP FOR A MEDICAL EMERGENCY?

When a call comes in, dispatchers often are not given precise or complete information.

As such, units are dispatched ready for the worst-case scenario. To ensure the highest level of care, the closest fire engine station is dispatched, and EMS sends an ambulance (staffed with two paramedics).

No medical call is “routine.” At a minimum, most emergencies require assessing the patient, obtaining their vital signs, providing oxygen therapy, and moving them.
EMS may also need to place an advanced airway, administer drugs intravenously, or monitor cardiac conditions. All of these procedures are completed more efficiently when the appropriate amount of help is on the scene.

Efficient care is our goal, and it is often the difference between life and death.

Unfortunately, units have no way of knowing what they will encounter on a call until they arrive. They work in a “what if” and “all-risk” business.

Responding to the unknown is public safety.

Emergency hotlines are your instant go-to when the need arises. That’s why it is important that you keep a copy of each of the important ones with you.

Africa Fire Mission Receives Major Grant from Motorola Solutions Foundation

For Immediate Release

September 28, 2021

Africa Fire Mission Receives Major Grant from Motorola Solutions Foundation

Africa Fire Mission (AFM) is a Cincinnati-based group of firefighters from across the United States who for nearly a decade have provided fire training and equipment to several African nations.   AFM has announced that they will receive a $ 30,000 grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation to help continue its outreach to train several fire brigades in Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia through 2022.

This grant will support hands-on Fire Training and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) turnout gear scheduled for delivery in Kenya, Malawi and Zambia.  The 2021 Kenya trip that will take place from November 10th to 21st, will be partially supported by this grant, as well as four other scheduled team trips in 2022.

This distribution of needed fire equipment and training is only possible through the generosity of such organizations as the Motorola Solutions Foundation funded through the Motorola Corporation, a world-wide leader in the field of emergency communications equipment.  The AFM training staff consists of firefighters from departments that span across America, who volunteer their time and pay their own expenses to travel to Africa to teach their fellow firefighters the latest techniques in firefighting, rescue and emergency medical services.

“Africa Fire Mission is grateful to Motorola Solutions Foundations for its continued support of our programs through this grant.   We will be able to continue to impact communities and support firefighters in Africa as they strive to save lives and property” says Nancy Moore, Director of Programs for Africa Fire Mission.

AFM is a 501c3 corporation headquartered at 1373West Galbraith Road in North College Hill, Ohio.

Each year, the Motorola Solutions Foundation’s awards grants to charitable organizations such as Africa Fire Mission to support three primary areas of focus: first responder programming, technology and engineering education and programs that blend the two.

"The Motorola Solutions Foundation aims to partner with organizations that align to our values of accountability, innovation, impact, diversity and inclusion," said Karem Perez, executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. "We are proud to support organizations like Africa Fire Mission that embody these values while driving positive change in their communities.” 

For additional information:

Motorola Solutions Foundation grants program: www.motorolasolutions.com/foundation - Contact Sarah Packard at sarah.packard@motorolasolutions.com


Africa Fire Mission: www.africafiremission.org  - Contact Nancy Moore at 513-620-4236 or nancy@africafiremission.org, or Robert Rielage at 513-728-9978.

Boots on the Ground: Recognizing our Volunteers

On September 25, 2021 Africa Fire Mission during our Annual Fundraiser, the Chama, Africa Fire Mission was pleased to honor Shandy Seastone and Ed Collet.

Africa Fire Mission thrives on volunteers.   Volunteers are at the heart of our organization.   We have dozens and dozens of volunteers. We have volunteers from all across the United States, Africa and Europe that help to make AFM run on a daily basis.  These men, women, firefighters, civilians and children are all a vital part of Africa Fire Mission being able to achieve its goals and objectives. 

Shandy Seastone – Volunteer of the Year

Shandy has been helping to prepare AFM’s team for travel for 3 years. She convinced her husband Jon to come to Africa in 2017 while he was gone, started recruiting other firefighters in the Denver, CO area.   Shandy helps to connect interested team members to AFM, assists with orientation and overall communication to the team.

Thank you Shandy for all that you have done and all that you will do for Africa Fire Mission and those that we serve around the world.  

When Africa Fire Mission travels with a team to provide training in Africa or other parts of the world, our team members volunteer their time, talents and treasures to provide world class training to our partners.  Our instructors, undergo training in advance of the trip to prepare of the mission and prepare the lessons that they will teach in our week long fire training events.   We have been fortunate to have many instructors return year after year and continue to build each year on the training that they have been providing as well as to build strong relationships with firefighers and our overseas partners. 

Ed Collet, Trainer of the Year

After traveling to Kenya with AFM in 2019 to train firefighters in water supply, Ed was disappointed that we couldn’t go to Kenya in 2020. He was watching his wife, Jill, a school administrator, transition students and teachers to virtual classrooms and called Nancy to say - hey we need to do a virtual academy. That idea lead to 20 instructors providing classes to over 600 students from 19 countries - online!  Ed is headed back to Kenya with AFM in November 2021 and has made plans to help advance what he started 2 years ago. Ed said: “We don’t accomplish any of this alone. We always have people helping us. That’s ultimately our whole goal at AFM. We support the firefighters in Africa so they can do this on their own, and we are there as their support.”

Interested in volunteering with AFM in administrative roles or as one of our international instructors?

Meet Firefighter Kennedy

by Nancy Moore

I traveled to Isiolo, Kenya in July 2021, our Fire Safety Advocate, Jose and with Raphael and Steve from Missions of Hope International. It was finally time to meet with Fire Chief Wako and see face to face the young fire brigade in Northern, rural Kenya. They have formed a new fire brigade and are less than three years old.

While we were getting to know the firefighters there we noticed Kennedy. He stood out with a friendly grin and a confident presence. He also stood back - tucked behind some of the other fire fighters. José noticed right away that Kennedy had an amputated leg. As we talked with Kennedy and Chief Wako we learned that Kennedy was in a motor bike accident that resulted in the injury that led to his leg being amputated - while he was in the process of becoming a firefighter.

Chief Wako said he could see the spirit that Kennedy had and decided that he could use Kennedy on his team - in spite of his amputation. Kennedy serves as the Isiolo Fire Brigades Public Information Officer, Pump Operator and supports his team in any way he can. He wants to be fully restored to serve his community.

Will you help Africa Fire Mission by supporting this project to help get Physical Therapy and a Prosthetic for Kennedy? We are raising $10,000 to help make Kennedy’s dreams for serving his community come true!

Read Kennedy’s story in his own words:

“I applied for a vacancy of fire when I saw that advert on daily nation newspaper on August 2018 being complete with my two legs. I applied because I had passion for helping the community by fighting fire. I was given an interview in November 2018. I attended the interview and in February 2019 I received an appointment letter to report as a firefighter on 15 April 2019.

My accident occurred between my the day of picking my appointment letter and that period of reporting to my working station.

The accident was a rare accident, I was on motorbike and it happened to get a mechanical issues and we had fell into a drainage furrow. I got a normal fracture of the bone of my right leg. I was rushed to the Isiolo Referral Hospital where things turned to be worse. The doctors in charge of orthopedic messed up with my leg and the blood stopped circulating in my right leg after they put on plaster which was too tight. This resulted in the nerves not to function.

I had hoped to be transferred to one hospital but due to lack of funds I was unable to go. Later on I was transferred to a mission hospital. Things turned to be worse and worse after everyday. So there wasn't any alternative since my leg started getting worse and got rotten. I was in bad condition almost died.

It reached a point where one of the doctors came and advised me, instead of you loosing your life whereas you can get amputated and life be as normal as possible. I accepted the amputation and that things would be as normal as before even if I would not be having one leg.

So that's how I accepted for the amputation and life continued and I reported to job even if I reported late than others due to the recovering period.

So I went to work. Chief Wako shifted me to the office as an IcT manager of the fire dept of Isiolo. Sometimes I also help with pump operations and I do it to my level best regardless of being an Amputee. In some instance the county government wanted to do away with me due of me loosing the leg stating I will not be able to work as fire fighter but God fought for me and I retained my vacancy and Chief Wako insisted a lot he needs me in the department due to PASSION I had towards my career.

When I officially reported to work, I felt demotivated. Seeing others who we had applied with them same job had two leg whereas me I don't have. I was feeling much depressed and stressed but Fire Chief Wako was always there for motivating me and giving encouragement alot big morale for the job.

I want to get a prosthetic leg which can improve my performance as a firefighter. I am from a humble background which can't raise all that money to get that prosthetic. I am the one who is taking care of my family with that small amount of salary I get and am the one who pays school fees for my little sister who is in high school.

Am much humbled and may Heavenly God will Bless you Abundantly. Thank you alot as you look forward to help me.”

Yours Kenneth Mugambi Orutwa Isiolo fire and Rescue Department ICT Manager.

Experience the Magic of Africa with a Safari to South Africa!

Silent Auction Item: South African Safari for 2 People -  valued at US $5,950

Available at the Silent Auction at the Chama - See details below to bid. Silent Auction will close at 9:30PM on September 25, 2021

We have 2 opportunities to bid - live at the Chama and online on our facebook Chama event page!

Safari Details**:

• 6 days and 6 nights - accommodation for two people in a standard room at Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge/Tented Camp.  These facilities are situated in the heart of Zululand and St. Lucia/Sodwana Bay Marine reserve/Lubombo corridor - one of the richest wildlife conservation regions in Africa.

• Game Viewing activities per day, guided by your own professional game rangers in open game viewing vehicles, in Zulu Nyala game reserve. (The filming location of "I dreamed of Africa" starring Kim Basinger)

• Location:  KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

• Includes: Full board, which is three delicious meals per day, prepared by the finest international chefs - with an African flavour of course.

• Value: US$5950

• ·This donation is valid for the period of THREE years from your auction date (until 9/25/2024) and bookings can be made for any period in the year.  

• Does not include airfare, transfers, side trips, personal beverages, or phone calls. 

• Additional Information about the Safari location and accommodations:  http://zulunyala.co.za.

• If you would like more specific information about this package, please contact  tech@africafiremission.org

Bidding

Bidding is open:  Opening bid:  $2500; minimum amount to raise:  $100;

Bid now: on Facebook >

Bid in person at the Chama: Get Tickets >

Don’t have facebook or can’t attend the Chama? Bid on the Safari, email tech@africafiremission.org or text (513) 620-4236 with your bid.   AFM will post updates and send email/text updates to offline bidders. 

 Donated by Trevor Shaw, Owner Zulu Nyala 

**The Zulu Nyala auction package is non-transferable and non-refundable, may not be given to any other person or organization.  

Fire Equipment Arrives in Kirovohrad, Ukraine

On April 24, 2021 a group of volunteers gathered to load a 40’ shipping container full of over 3,500 pieces of firefighting equipment valued at over $1.5 million if new.

The equipment made it’s way across the ocean to Odessa, Ukraine and on August 11, 2021, ceremonial events were held on the occasion of handing over humanitarian aid from Africa Fire Mission to Main Department of the Civil Service of Ukraine in the Kirovohrad Region.

Deputy Chief Vadym Yanishevsky says: “We are extremely grateful to you for this significant contribution to the development of material and technical support of firefighters and rescuers of the region and increase the efficiency of their tasks.  We hope for further close and fruitful cooperation for the benefit of public interests with you.  We wish you and your organization success and prosperity!”

Thank you for partnering with AFM to help make shipment happen! The Personal Protective Equipment will help the firefighters in Ukraine be able to safely and effectively do their jobs! We are looking forward to bringing training to firefighters in Kherson and Kirovohrad region in 2022!

Learn More and Join a Mission >

What's in Your Pockets?

by Chaplain Howard A Cohen, deputy chief (ret.), Bennington Fire Department

 It is very important for us, as firefighters, to be as effective, efficient and fast as possible on the fire ground. One good rule is to never enter the fire ground without a tool in each hand.  The situation will determine whether you grab an axe, halagan bar, thermal imaging camera, rescue rope, flashlight, gas meter or some other tool. Just make sure you have one in each hand.  It’s a waste of precious time if you have to run back to your truck to get a tool.

 Another good rule is to carry small tools like a screwdriver, wire cutter, prying tool, extra chocks, webbing, rope, carabineer, and a knife in the pockets of your turnout gear.  One of my favorite conversation starters when I meet a new firefighter is to ask what they carry in their pockets.  I’m often amazed by what they tell me.

 For me, it was learning the value of multi head screwdriver that persuaded me to pay attention to what I carry in my pockets.  It was late one evening when an air vent on the roof of a nursing home malfunctioned and started filling a wing with smoke.  We needed to ladder the building to access the vent.  No big deal except that it was about 100 yards from our truck to where we needed to get on the roof.  We got the ladder up and clamored up on the roof. We needed to loosen six screws to get the malfunctioning vent off. Alas, no one had a screwdriver on them.  So back to the truck someone had to run.  Fortunately, there was no longer a fire risk because the power was shut off. 

When he returned, the firefighter climbed back up the ladder and onto the roof.  Oh no! He grabbed the wrong kind of screwdriver. Once again, down he went back to the truck, then back up the ladder to us on the roof.  If only one of us was carrying a screwdriver! What should have been a five minute task took thirty minutes!  Ever since, I carry a multi head screwdriver with me. I’m glad to say I’ve used it many times since.

 Here is a very simple, educational and fun “drill”.  Ask one another what they carry in the pockets of their turnout gear.  There is no right or wrong answer.  I guarantee you’ll learn something in the process.

There are 4 fire stations in Malawi!

by Nancy Moore

We’d last been to Malawi in 2017 when Co-Founders Dave and Nancy Moore went on a vision trip. During that trip they worked to better understand the needs of the fire service and their dreams of the future as a better fire service. Lodious - the Fire Chief in Zomba, Malawi has a vision for Malawi’s fire service and made sure to share it with us.

Malawi has four fire stations - you read that right - four. For perspective land mass wise, Malawi is about the geographic size of Pennsylvania and there are four fire stations and less than 100 firefighters in the country. Firefighters are misunderstood by their community and under equipped to serve the communities where they are located. Firefighters are often stoned and ridiculed by the communities they are trying to serve.

AFM began looking for the right partner that could help us reach out and train the firefighters and the community across Malawi. Our friends at Namikango Mission were part of that next step, and something was missing. During conversations with Parkview Global, Orland Park, IL and their initiative for Peace Plan Malawi it became clear that we’d be able to partner with Peace Plan Malawi and reach the fire service across Malawi.

Finally, in June 2021, we were ready to travel with a team from Parkview to serve in Malawi. God provided a way for us to go even when the borders were closed to foreigners due to contacts in Malawi’s National Government and Department of Health.

While we were in Malawi, we we able to provide firefighter personal protective equipment to the Zomba Fire Brigade.

We were able to train firefighters from 3 of the 4 fire departments in the country (Mzuzu, Lilongwe, Zomba)! It was difficult to see the lack of equipment, the lack of PPE and the broken equipment. At one fire station there appeared to be 4 fire trucks - as we asked questions we learned that only one was in working condition.

We were able to pray for the firefighters and share God’s love with them as we conducted training on hose operations, using ladders, and search and rescue operations.

In Lilongwe, we found out that there were new Jaws of Life (Vehicle Extrication tools) that had been sitting in storage for over a year because no one knew how to operate them - and we were asked if we could teach them - YES! In a few days time we trained on the new equipment and it was able to be put into operation at vehicle accident scenes to save lives!

We are looking forward to what our work will look like in Malawi in the future and are planning to take a team of firefighters to serve in Malawi in June 2022!! Learn more about our mission trips here >

Making a Size-up – the Most Critical Factor on an Emergency Scene

By: Robert Rielage, Retired Chief Fire Officer

A very wise former fire chief named Alan Brunacini once stated, “The first five minutes of a fire (or emergency) determines the next five hours on the incident scene”.

The size-up is performed by the officer of the first arriving company and helps provide and maintain a steady, adequate and timely stream of the resources needed to control and extinguish the fire, or handle the medical needs of patients on an emergency medical scene.

On every incident, the size-up begins with the information received by the call taker from the person reporting the emergency.  This information is then given by the radio operator to the fire crews as they dispatch the fire trucks or ambulances to the scene. With that information, the first arriving officer has a basic mental picture of what to expect – e.g. a house, apartment or commercial building on fire; or an automobile accident with one, two or more vehicles involved.

As they arrive on the fire truck, the officer should look at the scene and make a brief radio report confirming what they see, hear, or touch.  Is there smoke or fire visible?  Are there people screaming for help in a danger zone that need immediate rescue? Or is nothing visible?  The officer then makes the brief radio report telling the radio operator they have arrived on scene, giving them their exact location, and a brief description of the type of fire including the construction and number of floors of building if its involved.

As the firefighters get off their truck, the officer should try to walk around the building or accident scene, if possible, to determine such things as - is there fire or smoke in the rear or side of the building that may not be visible from the street?  Or how many vehicles are involved in the motor vehicle crash with an estimate of how many victims need medical attention?

After looking at all sides of the fire or accident, the officer makes a second brief radio report telling the radio operator the conditions they see, e.g. heavy smoke or fire from a rear window, whether the crew is going to enter the building with a fire hose (an offensive fire attack) or cool down the fire first from the outside (a defensive fire), and finally the officer tells the radio operator that he is in charge i.e. Fire Officer Kongi is in Command.

If it’s a fire, how big is it? Can it be controlled by your company alone? Or perhaps with yours and another company?  Or is it already too big for the initial assignment, and you need to start additional units to the scene?  If there are rescues to be made, are these people in immediate danger or is it better to begin putting out the fire – which may take these people out of the immediate danger to them – or it better to begin rescue and let the next company handle the fire? In either case, more resources are going to be needed because three or four firefighters on one truck aren’t going to be able to do both at the same time.

What about water?  Is there enough water of the truck to put out the fire – the water carried on your truck in most cases may be able to knock down the fire, but you will probably need a water tender or an adequate source of water from a lake, river or pond to finish the extinguishment.  Again, the size-up is intended for the officer to make that decision and get other fire trucks started to the scene so there is no interruption in extinguishing the fire or rescuing people.

At a medical scene, the officer needs to decide if the injured can receive adequate medical treatment from one or more ambulances coming to the scene, and immediately request more help, if needed.

I know that for some of you, the size-up may be more difficult to communicate to others.  I realize that some departments do not have reliable radios on their vehicles. Many of you have cell phones. While it’s not as direct, you might get together with the other fire companies to devise a way to briefly send a text message to other responding units about the type of fire and conditions you are facing.  Then they will know that you will give them an assignment that will support the strategy (offensive or defensive) when they arrive.

This is a brief description of “Size-up” and we should continue this discussion at some future time, but talk it over among the officers and decide if it is worthwhile to try, even if you have to resort to a brief text message.

Remember, it is always better to have more resources coming and turn them back if they are not needed, than being able to do very little while waiting for other companies to arrive.

Cancer in the Fire Service

By: Brad Banz-

Retired Fire Chief, Colwich Fire Dept., Retired Captain Wichita Fire Dept.

Unfortunately, as firefighters we are learning that a serious challenge we all face is cancer in the fire service.  As time and research progress, we are starting to learn how serious that threat really is to our health and wellbeing as firefighters.

A comprehensive study was conducted by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, also known as NIOSH.  This study was conducted on nearly 30,000 firefighters who were employed by the Chicago, San Francisco and Philadelphia fire departments over a period from 1950-2009.  These fire departments are some of the largest in the U.S.  The study compared cancer rates of their firefighters in specific age groups and by race to the same age groups and race to comparable civilian populations in the same regions.  The study concluded that the firefighters had greater rates of digestive, oral, respiratory, and urinary cancers than their civilian counterparts.  According to the International Association of Firefighters, the labor union which represents many career firefighters in the U.S. and Canada, 66 percent of all firefighter line of duty deaths between 2002 and 2019 in the U.S. and Canada were cancer related.

This evidence shows that cancer is a concern among firefighters.  Over our careers we are repeatedly exposed to many known cancer-causing agents and unknowns which evolve in the combustion process.  Since we can’t avoid being around these contaminants, I would like to discuss ways of lessening exposure, and perhaps decreasing our cancer risk. 

The first thing we can do is to keep ourselves clean.  The chemicals in the grime that ends up on our skin are the chemicals that can cause cancer.  The sooner we wash, the better.  While on the scene, rinse hands and face upon completing work.  Some firefighters have wipes.  If so, use them.  Upon returning to quarters and having all equipment readied for service, shower or wash as soon as possible.  Concentrate on face, throat, armpits and groin area especially.

Another thing we can do is keep our PPE clean.  Brush off loose debris at the scene and rinse away excessive grime on the scene.  Thoroughly rinse PPE at the firehouse to remove as much debris as possible.  Although many fire brigades may not have gear washing machines, for brigades which are fortunate enough to have a gear washer, launder gear according to manufacturer’s recommendations.  Whether laundered or rinsed, gear should never be dried in the sun.  Something that is often overlooked is our helmets, and admittedly, mine is dirty.  Helmets should be cleaned with soap and water only, as other cleaners could harm the shell.

Let’s talk about some rules for storage and transport of PPE.  Many firefighters like to keep PPE in sleeping quarters to have quick access during nighttime hours.  This is an unsafe practice.  When not responding to emergency calls, PPE should be stored in outside apparatus compartments while travelling.  Passenger compartments should also be cleaned after responding to a fire to remove all products of combustion. 

Cancer is an unfortunate reality of our careers in the fire service.  Because of the substances we are repeatedly exposed to, we need to do whatever we can to lessen the risk.  Hopefully these ideas for personal and PPE cleaning, and safe storage and transport of PPE will be valuable.  Stay safe out there.   

Personal Protective Equipment

“Helmets, Turnout Coat, Pants, Gloves and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus”

- Robert Rielage, Retired Chief Fire Officer

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, coats, pants, gloves, boots and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) may not be available to your department or especially not to every firefighter of your department.  It is one of our priority goals at Africa Fire Mission to ensure that every firefighter is as safe as possible on the job and that each firefighter is utilizing all of the PPE available, whether fighting a fire, working at an automobile accident, or rescuing a person in an industrial accident.

Your PPE such as your pants, coat and gloves are designed out of very tough material to keep you safe from several things such as from being cut by broken glass, wood or metal.  They are also designed to protect you from the heat of the fire so you can get closer to where those who may need to be rescued are located.  Your helmet and eye shields are to protect both your head and eyes from falling or flying objects, much the same as your hands and feet are protected by your gloves and boots.

All of your PPE is designed to be worn on every call. Every piece is needed to be worn every time to  protect you.  It also provides better protection should your fire truck be involved in a traffic accident. 

There are also hidden dangers that you may not realize.  The smoke and hot gases released by a fire also contain contaminates – hazardous or poisonous chemicals like cyanide or carcinogenic particles released by the foam in burning furniture can cause you over time to develop cancer – one of the leading causes of death among firefighters.  Unfortunately, while PPE can help protect you, these chemicals produced by the smoke and fire can also cling to your PPE causing an indirect exposure that can also make you sick.

What can you do?  The best thing is to briefly wash down your PPE with water at the fire scene.  This is called “gross decontamination” and it washes off the majority of the bad chemicals, soot and smoke from your PPE.  Washing your PPE afterwards with a brush, soap and water is even better at keeping it clean. 

If your department has self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) you should wear it anytime there is fire and smoke present – even on an automobile fire.  This protects your lungs from these same deadly chemicals.  After using your SCBA, the face piece needs to be cleaned, again with soap and water, and the bottle and harness at minimum needs to be hosed off to keep it clean.

If you do not have SCBA, then always try to approach a fire with the wind at your back to blow the smoke and hot gases away from you.  Remember, your health and safety as firefighters are very important. You protect the citizens of your district from harm.  Wearing your full PPE is one of the most important things you can do to not only protect yourself, but also everyone in your community.

The Privilege to Drive the Big Red Truck

by Edward Collet

Jackson Township Fire Department Firefighter/EMT, Ohio; Ohio Fire Chiefs Association Water Supply Technical Advisory Committee Co-Chair

Safe Driving in the Fire Service

It seems not a day goes by without there being news of fire apparatus being involved in an accident.  Often firefighters and civilians are injured or killed.  The apparatus is always damaged to some extent either requiring minor repairs or putting it permanently out for service.   Some of these are truly accidents were the apparatus driver had not fault in the accident, yet many times the driver and officer have control of factors leading to an accident. 

Firefighting is one of the most trusted professions.  The day you earn the privilege to drive the big red truck, or whatever color the rig might be painted, your department entrusts you with very expensive and critical piece of equipment.  Your fellow firefighters and their families entrusts you to get them to the fire and back home safely.  The public entrusts you to get to the emergency without causing other crisis to address.  As the driver you have a huge responsibility.   How do you keep this trust and fulfill your responsibility?  Easy, check your apparatus and drive with due regard.

Anyone who has taken my class has heard my soapbox about safe driving, so here we go again.  There is absolutely no reason for firefighters to be injured and killed in accidents involving excessive speed and running through intersections.   Getting to the fire is not a race to see who gets there first.  Many have argued “we must drive fast because seconds count”.   Well what happens when seconds turn to minutes, turns to hours, turns to no one shows up because the fire department was in an accident.  Not much was gained by driving fast was it?  Speed is also the responsibility of the officer.  If the driver is going faster than you feel is safe make him slow down, you are the boss and ultimately responsible for the actions of your crew. 

Think about how you would feel if you had to visit the family of you brother or sister firefighter in the hospital, or worse, because your driving caused an accident.  Heavy things to think about, but it is the reality of being a driver.  If you do not drive carefully and defensively this could happen.  So how do we prevent this?  First is being familiar with your apparatus.  Engines and tender have a higher center of gravity than cars.  This means you cannot go around corners fast and they behave differently as you stop.  Fire apparatus are heavy and do not stop quickly.  Drive your apparatus when it is not an emergency to become familiar with how it handles. 

It is not enough to know your apparatus, you must drive like you are invisible to other drivers.  The fact is most drivers are distracted; listen to loud music, talking to passengers, talking on mobile phones, and even texting.  This means they will not see or hear you even with flashing lights and sirens.  We must drive like no one sees us and will not stop or get out of our way.  When you come to an intersection, stop until you make sure all traffic sees you and is stopped.  Even if you have the right-away, slow down before going through the intersection.   Even if cars pull over for you assume they will do something unexpected like pull out in front of you at the last second.

It is a great honor and responsibility to drive a piece of fire apparatus.  Do everything in your power to keep the trust given to you.  Know your apparatus, slow down, drive defensively, and pretend no one see you. 

Oh, I almost forgot.  When other drivers do not behave as they should in the presence of an emergency vehicle, stay calm and do your job in a professional manner.  Do not yell and gesture at other drivers.  I had an officer early in my career that would lean out the window and yell at drivers not getting out of the way.  Embarrassing, yes.  Unprofessional, yes.  Great way for the public to be mad at the fire department, yes.  Firefighters are supposed to embody what is best in society, so reflect that.

Stay safe and keep those in your apparatus safe.

Using Good Fire to Improve Ecology and Reduce Hazard Fuels

By Jonathan Thomas

Jonathan is an AFM volunteer instructor and most recently participated in #afmvirtual2020; is works for the U.S Forest Service as a Wildlife Biologist

Wildfires do more than threaten our communities, destroy crops, and run-away wildlife, which might supplement some of our food, the fires help the ecology.   Over the many years before we began to strive diligently to stop wildfires from burning up our resources and threatening our homes, fires burned of a large area of the landscaped uncheck by nothing but nature.  These fires often during high periods of fire danger were not as destructive as we see in fires today. The reason fires then were so less destructive was due to the frequent burning that was happening, these fires continually burned up the hazard fuels allowing both fresh undergrowth to come back and be nurtured on the fresh ash.  The fires then before we humans decided to stop the natural wildfires were often less destructive and lead to a healthier ecosystem.    Well let us step into today and talk wildfires today.  Today wildfires are extremely more destructive and growing into the megafires of the past, despite us, firefighters’ best efforts.  The reason for this is due in no small part to hazard fuel build up across the landscape.   I remember the old saying in the United States, “Keep em’ Small, and catch them in 24.”   The saying often used around my agency was meant to keep a fire as small as possible and do our best to have contained the fire in 24 hours.  This philosophy, although going out the door by the time I started, was what lead to our problems, but the agency decided to help solve this huge buildup of hazard fuels and to improve ecology by putting needed fire back on the ground.   

Here is what presents it problem how to put fire on the ground to improve ecology.  To address this issue the fire staff looks at the multiple factors on where and when to put fire on the ground.   First is to find a place that needs hazard fuel reduction and some burning to help improve ecology, (Ask any farmer as they burn their fields to improve production) once an area is determined the fire staff generally starts building control lines same as a wildfire, except they work to exclude infrastructure and any ecological sensitive areas from the fire.  After that the fire staff has to go out and watch the weather, do determine the best time to burn, when fuel conditions provide the best opportunity to maintain control over the fire while also allowing the fire to consume the fuel build up. 

Then comes the impact from the prescribed fire to the local community and to the people working the fire.  The community must be informed of what is happening and why, as seeing smoke start popping up can cause panic.  Also the folks on the ground need both training and a understanding of the different aspects of everything happening that day, from ignition patterns, weather information, safety zones, pressure lines, holding forces, and who and where everyone is along with their role on the fire.   

Successful prescribed fires bring good fire back on the landscape by reducing fuel buildup all while improving the ecology of an area.  Studies and experience have shown that good fires slow or stop the bad fires that we are all used to trying to stop.  Good fire also renews the ecosystem and allows for it’s dead and down to be returned to the soil to promote fresh new vegetation that improves the ecosystem.  Good fire is something we must look into not only to help the ecosystem dependent on natural fires to return nutrients to the soil and clear away old build up but also to reduce hazard fuels making firefighters and communities safer.   

There is no “I” in leader - Leadership in the Fire Service

by: Deputy Chief, Howard Cohen - Bennington, Vermont

Howard has been volunteering with AFM since 2020.   He is the Chaplain and Deputy Chief of the Bennington Fire Department in Vermont.   Additionally, Howard is a Rabbi and Life Coach.   

There is no “I” in leader - Leadership in the Fire Service

Around firehouses all over the world, and translated into many different languages, one will hear the phrase “there is no I in team.”  Every firefighter knows that we work together as a team when we are combating our universal enemy, out of control fire.  We even have a name for the firefighter who thinks s/he can do it on their own.  We call them rogue firefighters.  Similarly, when it comes to leadership every team needs to  have leaders, there is “no I in leader.”  A leader is always part of the team.  

Leadership is an earned privilege.  A title does not make a leader.  A title gives you authority and a specific set of responsibilities. As firefighters we are trained to work within a command structure.  We do what we are instructed to do.  A leader, however, motivates and inspires his/her team members to work together toward a common goal.  A leader challenges and inspires us to grow as a person and as a firefighter.

There are many qualities good leaders share.  These include, dependability, reliability, empathy, good listening skills, patience, good communication skills, creativity, positivity, and an ability to teach and mentor.  Above all, a leader must be a person of integrity and vision.  Not every leader is equally strong in all these areas.  But every leader has strong skills in at least some of these areas. 

Leadership also involves a set of skills.  Anyone who is interested and motivated can learn leadership skills.  However, knowing how to use these skills is no different than learning any other set of skills. It requires practice, practice and more practice.  Contrary to what some people like to believe, no one is a born leader.  Leaders arise out of a combination of circumstances such as a situation that requires leadership, cultivation of leadership skills and the awareness that this is now your moment to step up and lead.

So how does one acquire leadership skills?  The same way one learns any new set of skills. Find yourself a teacher or mentor.  Read leadership books.  Take leadership training courses. Finally, practice, practice and practice some more, your new skills.  Even if you do not aspire to a leadership role within your department, developing the essential skills of a leader will make you a better and stronger team member. There is no downside to cultivating your leadership potential.

There is also another, less formal way, to nurture your leadership potential.  It is actually a thought exercise. Think of three to five leaders you admire.  These leaders can come from all walks of life and they do not even need to still be living.  You just need to admire their leadership abilities.  Once you have identified these three to five, people ask yourself, “what leadership qualities of these leaders do I admire the most?”  Now seek out ways to develop those same skills within yourself. 

To sum up, effective leadership is about simple things like being a good listener, being honest, trustworthy, humble and recognizing one’s role on the team - how interact with and impact others.  At the end of the day, if your actions inspire others to do more, to be better, and to learn more then you are a leader.

Equipment Needs

Recently I received a message from one of the Fire Chief’s in an area where we serve.   The Fire Department had responded to the scene of a vehicle accident.    It was a terrible accident scene with entrapment and the Fire Chief told me that they were unable to rescue a severely injured person.   He said – “we weren’t able to save her, not because we did not have the knowledge, but because we did not have the equipment and the closest station with equipment was more than an hour and a half away – it was traumatic to have the skills and not be able to save her because we did not have the equipment.”

AFM’s mission to Train, Empower, Support and Encourage firefighters in developing communities continues.   Training is part of our work. Advocating with firefighters in developing communities to procure appropriate equipment is a part or the mission. And providing appropriate equipment is part of that mission.   Right now, AFM is in the process of preparing several shipments of equipment to Africa and Ukraine to help to meet the need for equipment.

We regularly collect Personal Protecting Equipment from Fire Departments across the United States.   Now we need your help to provide specialty equipment.   Some of these items are special to the fire department, others are equipment that can be available in many places. 

Here is a list of equipment we are currently looking for shipments this spring and summer: 

·      Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment

·      ARFF – Personal Protective Equipment

·      Wildland Fire – Personal Protective Equipment

·      Flashlights

·      Incident Tents

·      Generators - power from 40 to 100 kW.

·      Smoke Extrication Fans

·      Rescue Tripods

·      Hand Winches

·      Chainsaws

·      Scene Lighting

·      Axes

·      Ceiling Hooks

·      Halligan Bars

·      Bolt Cutters

·      Forcible Entry Tools

·      Other Firefighter Hand Tools

·      Wildland Firefighting Hand Tools

·      Vehicle Extrication Tools

·      Thermal Imaging Cameras

·      Water Rescue Equipment: 

o   Life Jackets

o   Life Preservers

o   Wetsuits

Items we do not accept:

• Dirty or well worn bunker coats, pants, gloves, boots, helmets, hoods

• SCBA’s

• Fire Apparatus

• Ladders

• Magazines

• Outdated books

• VHS and cassette materials

• Medical Equipment & Supplies (contact our partners at FAME https://www.fameworld.org or Matthew 25 Ministries https://m25m.org to donate)

If you are able to provide any of this equipment please complete this form and we will be in touch with you to determine the best way to get it to our storage locations in Cincinnati, OH.