Video From Fireworks Press Event

Below is a great video from a fireworks Press Conference MCFRS hosted.  Fire Officials from across the region came together to highlight the dangers of fireworks.  Bomb squads from the ATF, MCFRS, and PG Fire and Rescue helped to demonstrate the potential destructive impact of explosive fireworks, as well as sparklers, can have.  This video is from the Gaithersburg Patch.

Remember, all fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County!

Promotion Congratulations!

MCFRS is pleased to recognize the below individuals who have been recently promoted. Best of luck, and be safe, in your new assignments!

The following personnel have been promoted to the rank of Master Firefighter:

• Michael E. Schwab

• Robert W. Scott

• Terryl A. Haynes

• Maria L. Brown

Safety, Health and Survival Week

Today Monday June 20, 2011, through Saturday June 25, 2011, is the annual Firefighter/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week. MCFRS will observe this week in several ways to help ensure our fire fighters safety and well being.

One of the ways MCFRS will be doing this is by honoring those in the past who paid the ultimate sacrifice while in the performance of their duties. On the hour this week, our Emergency Communications Center (9-1-1 Call Center) will make an announcement on our main radio channel remembering a Fire Fighter who lost their life in the line of duty serving the residents of Montgomery County. The announcement will include name, the date and how that Fire Fighter perished and a related safety message.

A good week to honor, remember, and learn.

MCFRS is Accepting Applications for Firefighter/Rescuer I

Candidates Must Possess Specific Levels of Training/Certification

Closing Date: July 8, 2011

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service is recruiting for the position of Firefighter/Rescuer I (Recruit). All applicants must meet specific levels of training and certification in order to qualify for consideration. This recruitment will be used to establish an eligibility list for two upcoming recruit classes.

Employment Information:

Starting Salary for all applicants hired: $41,613

The Firefighter/Rescuer I (Recruit) position is an entry level position. Applicants must possess the following certifications to be considered eligible for the position:

1) NFPA Firefighter II Certification

2) NFPA Hazardous Material Operations Certification (minimum of 24 hours)

3) Maryland Certified EMT-B, CRT, or EMT-P*

• Must be documented with a photocopy of your current certification (Maryland EMT-B, CRT or EMT-P).

* Maryland State Certification of EMT-B, CRT or EMT-P must be maintained throughout the hiring process.

For important information regarding the recruitment process, required certifications/documentations, critical dates and exam information, applicants should access the job posting at: www.montgomerycountymd.gov and click on careers. Applications that do not meet the specific requirements of this recruitment will be deemed ineligible.

Montgomery County is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.  It is the policy of Montgomery County to conduct all employment activities in a manner that will ensure equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, genetic status, or political affiliation.

MCFRS Hiring

Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service is currently accepting applications for the position of Firefighter/Rescuer I (Recruit), which is limited to applicants who already meet specific levels of training.  Applications must be submitted online by July 8.  To be considered for this recruitment, applicants must possess the following certifications:

1)   NFPA Firefighter II Certification
2)      NFPA Hazardous Material Operations Certification (minimum of 24 hours)

3)   Maryland certified EMT-B, CRT, or EMT-P

Please view the job posting on Montgomery County MD's iRecruitment website for specific details at 

www.montgomerycountymd.gov and click on careers.

Please read the job announcement carefully to ensure you provide the necessary certification documents on time.  

Applicants for Recruit Class 35, class B (summer of 2010) must reapply for this position and create a new account on iRecruitment. 


Stay Safe,

Bill
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Current Hiring Status

Are You Ready to Love Your Career?

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service offers an exciting work environment, outstanding benefits, and top-notch training.

The Montgomery County Council has recently allocated funds for two abbreviated recruit classes of pre-trained firefighter/EMTs. For these classes, MCFRS will be seeking applicants with some pre-existing certifications. The specific requirements and certifications necessary to be considered for this recruit class have not been announced, but may include firefighting, hazardous material and EMT experience. Applications for the pre-trained classes may be accepted during the month of June, 2011.

To learn more, please click HERE

Cool Tips for Hot Weather

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service personnel are reminding residents to stay cool and stay hydrated as the forecast calls for record heat and unusually high temperatures in the metropolitan area. Staying hydrated is essential all year long but is particularly important when temperatures soar. During hot weather and extreme heat, keep informed by listening to local weather and news channels and take a minute to review the tips below. 

1. Pre-hydrate, hydrate and re-hydrate.
During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Drink plenty of fluids in advance, during and after activities and don’t wait until you're thirsty to hydrate. 

2.  Dress for the heat.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect some of the sun’s energy. Limit your direct exposure to the sun and wear a hat for extra protection.

3.  Monitor those at high risk.

Extreme heat can be hazardous to your health and although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Those most at risk for heat-related illnesses include children, older adults, those that work or exercise outside and those with pre-existing medical conditions.Elderly or disabled residents in need of a free fan can call 311 for info. 

4. Children and cars - use common sense.
Never, ever leave infants, children, pets or the elderly in a parked car where temperatures can become life-threatening in minutes, even with the windows rolled down. Additionally, hot interior surfaces of a car can burn a child’s skin. Before you put your child in a car that has been parked in a warm/sunny spot, check the temperature of the carseat or upholstery first.

5. Avoid strenuous activity.
Take regular breaks when exercising or engaged in physical activity on warm days. If you recognize that you, or someone else, is showing signs of a heat-related illness, stop the activity immediately, find a cool place to rest, hydrate and seek medical attention if necessary.

Remember, heat stroke is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY that can be fatal if not treated promptly. The American Red Cross advises that warning signs can vary among individuals but common signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke may include:  

Heat Exhaustion:

      -  Heavy sweating

      -  Muscle cramps

     -   Pulse rate: fast and weak

     -   Breathing: fast and shallow

      -  Nausea or vomiting

-  Fatigue

-  Weakness

-  Headache and/or dizziness

Heat Stroke:

-          An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees)

-          The absence of sweating

-          Rapid pulse

-          Difficulty breathing

-          Throbbing headache

-          Strange behavior and/or hallucinations
-    Confusion, agitation and disorientation
-    Unconscious                                        

6. Be a good neighbor.
Isolated, elderly adults are at a much higher risk of health-related issues. Be a good neighbor and take a minute to check in with your neighbors.

7. Remember your pets.
Hot weather can affect the well-being of pets making them susceptible to overheating which can lead to very dangerous heat stroke. Always provide a source of water and a cool, ventilated  place for your pet. Leaving your pet inside a parked car, even for a few minutes, can be fatal. The inside of a car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.

8. Stay indoors, if possible.
Stay indoors and, if possible, in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider going to the shopping mall, community center or public library. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you return to the heat. 

Significant Fire & EMS Incidents From May 30 through June 5

Battalion 1 Incidents

• Motor Vehicle Crash on the OL495 @ Route 29 - Truck overturned - single truck accident, truck on it's side with no injuries and hazardous materials unit involved for leaking fuel tank.

• House Fire in the 3000 block of Mozart Drive - Town House (2nd from end) - Small Kitchen Fire in the Stove/Microwave that was quickly extinguished. No Civilian or FD injuries with a structural loss of roughly $3,000.

Battalion 2 Incidents

• Motor Vehicle Crash on the IL495 CONN AVE-GEORGIA AVE - Fire Units arrived to find a multi-vehicle collision on the inner loop prior to Georgia Avenue with 9 patients total; 5 traumatically injured patients and 4 patients with minor injuries. All transported to local area hospitals.

• Apartment Fire in the 8100 block of Connecticut Ave – Fire Units responded for reported smoke from an apartment. Fire Fighters found burned paper in a microwave extinguished by the sprinkler system. No civilian or FD injuries. $10K structural loss.

Battalion 3 Incidents

• Motorcycle Crash at Hurley Ave / Rte 28 - Trauma Code patient transported to local hospital.

• Suspicious Package in the 30 block of Courthouse Square - Package with powder at law office. Fire Fighters found non hazardous powder and turned over to MCPD.

• River Rescue at Violetts Lock - Assist MCPD with Search of River, Canal & Cliffs at Block House Point.

• Building Fire in the16100 block of Frederick Ave - Transfer Station. Fire Units found a small fire contained in trash pit. Fire isolated to small area and extinguished.

• Deck Collapse in the 18900 block of Treebranch Terr - to the rear of the townhouse. 4 total patients evaluated with 2 transported to a local hospital with scratches and bruises. Building Inspector evaluating design and code issues.

Battalion 4 Incidents

No significant incidents

Battalion 5 Incidents

• Pediatric homicide - minimal FD interaction with patient and/or scene.

• Motor Vehicle Crash at Redland & Mill Run – Fire Units found 2 cars involved in a crash. 6 total patients all with minor injuries transported to a local hospital.

• Water Rescue at Tridelphia Lake – Fire Units arrived with a missing swimmer witnessed going under by friends. Water and land search conducted until dusk. Person found deceased on June 7.

• 8209 Hedge Apple Way - Report of fire on the rear deck of a SFH w/people trapped - Units arrived to find 2-story split level w/exterior fire on the deck on Side C that had extended into the attic. Cause was accidental - unattended candle on deck. There were no injuries. $300K loss to the structure and $100K to contents. 3 adult’s displaced.

MCFRS Significant Fire & EMS Incidents From May 23 through May 29

Battalion 1 Incidents

• Building Fire in the 1100 block of Spring St. – Fire units responded to a building under construction and found water proofing, insulation and wood forms on fire below grade. No extension to rest of building. $10K in damages

• Apartment Fire in the 1100 block of Fidler Lane - Report of fire on the 9th floor. Fire units arrived to find a natural gas leak which resulted in an explosion and fire involving 2 apartments on the 11th floor. Small fire extinguished quickly and 2nd alarm called and utilized. 2 Fire Fighter injuries (Minor knee and heat related) with both transported to a local hospital. 1 civilian injury that was evaluated and patient refused treatment. 2 families displaced and being assisted by building management. Damages were $50K to the structure and $50K to contents.

Battalion 2 Incidents

No significant incidents

Battalion 3 Incidents

• POTOMAC RIVER RESCUE at RILEYS LOCK @ 22800 C AND O CANAL - Units arrived on scene with 4 boaters who required assistance to the Virginia side. Non emergency.

• STABBING in the 14100 block of TRAVILAH RD – Units arrived to find 1 patient DOA. Suspect in custody & transported to a local hospital.

• Car into the building in the 9700 block of Traville Gateway Dr – Units arrived to find a sheared off gas meter with a 2 1/2" open main from shear - significant leak. Evacuated several mercantile occupancies downwind and addressed threatened businesses and apartments on Traville Garden & University of MD on Guldesky which reported strong odor. Incident mitigated quickly. 1 person from collision to a local area hospital.

• Hazardous Materials Incident in the 19300 block of Mateny Hill Road - CSX Freight Train with slow fuel leak from locomotive fuel cell. Haz Mat Unit mitigated with plug kit; total product lost about 150 gallons over entire route of travel.

• House fire in the 700 block of Wilson Ave – Fire Units arrived to find heavy fire on first floor of 1,100 sq ft Rancher. 1 civilian injury and 1 Fire Fighter injury. $280K in total damages.

• Barn Fire in the 9800 block of Fields Road. Barn well involved. Loss pending - cause under investigation.

Battalion 4 Incidents

• Pedestrians struck at Veirs Mill Rd / Centerhill St – Units arrived to find 2 pedestrians who had been struck by an auto. 1 trauma code and 1 priority 2 transported to a local area hospital.

• 12731 Layhill Rd Garden Apt Fire from roofers using torches. Box Alarm and RID. Loss: $50K Structure and $10k contents. Occupants of 2-3 units displaced and relocated within complex.
• 14809 Pennfield Circle - Original dispatch of adaptive, upgraded to box assignment for a high-rise apartment building - Units on scene w/nothing evident and building being evacuated - Food on stove with one sprinkler head activated, no extension - CE requested to scene - $5K loss.

Battalion 5 Incidents

• House Fire in the 16400 block of Keats Terrace – Fire units arrived on scene to find a fire in the kitchen. Fire quickly extinguished. Cause was food left on the stove. 1 adult displaced with $50K in Structure damage and $15K for contents.

• House Fire in the 1 block of Observation Ct- Fire units responded for alarm bells sounding and arrived on scene to find a kitchen fire with extension to the cabinets. Fire sprinkler system contained fire and limited damage to only $3K.

• Motor Vehicle Crash at Goshen & Midcounty - 2 car collision with 1 person trapped. 2 persons transported to a local area hospital.

• Motor Vehicle Crash at Woodfield Rd & Brink Rd. Single Vehicle crash -van into tree. Adult male Trauma Code transported to a local area hospital.

• Motor Vehicle Crash at MIDCOUNTY HWY & SHADY GROVE RD. Fire Units arrived with one person trapped. Transported 2 patients including 1 Truama and 1 minor injury with a third patient who refused transport.

• Injury from a fall at High Point Farm – Units arrived to find a pediatric trauma from fall at a large festival gathering (10,000 people) - transported to an area trauma center by MD State Police aviation.