Helicopter Training

By: Lieutenant Rob Tobin
      Fire Station 10 B-Shift

Throughout the year, the United States Park Police (USPP) and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue work very closely together all along the Potomac River. As a result, each year, the personnel from Fire Station's 10 and 30 have to recertify in helicopter tactics and safety with the USPP.

Yesterday, personnel reported to the Headquarters of USPP in Washington DC. to recertify. The training varies from 4-6 hours depending on the size of the group.

All personnel were provided a review of the different pieces of equipment that we may utilize throughout the year. The equipment is not just for injured residents visiting Great Falls Park, but also distressed individuals who may have fallen into the Potomac River. Also we, as rescuers, can be placed in dangerous situations that may require immediate removal from the river.

That's why it is important that we recertify with this equipment each year. It's also an excellent opportunity to get know one another from each agency. As the relationships strengthens, the safety for both the residents and rescuers grows.

Pool and Water Safety Week

As part of our Summer of Safety initiative announced last week by Fire Chief Lohr, each week will have a different safety theme.  This week it is Pool and Water Safety.

Below, please take a moment to watch a report from FOX 5 News that was done last week with personnel from our River Rescue Team as well as Division Chief Scott Goldstein.  This report clearly highlights the dangers associated with the Potomac River in and around the Great Falls Park area and all along the C & O Canal.

Please heed the warning as otherwise we may end up meeting you by "accident!"

  

DC News FOX 5 DC WTTG

Potomac River Safety

Last week MCFRS participated in a joint press conference with the National Park Service, Park Police, and Fairfax County Fire & Rescue that highlighted the dangers of the Potomac River.  Video highlights are below.

From County Council Cable:




From MCFRS:

River Training

By: Fire Fighter Kris Kostura

Getting ready for river training this morning.  Swift water training with Fire Station 10 and Fire Station 30.  Today's topics are shallow water operations, crossings and navigation. 

Our Fire and Rescue personnel are always training to fine tune techniques and knowledge to ensure we are always ready to respond to all types of emergencies! 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                

                             

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.

Potomac River - - Just Stay Out!

Firefighters Distribute Safety Tips Over the Holiday Weekend

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service personnel were out in force over the Memorial Day weekend in and around the Potomac River reminding visitors of the inherent dangers associated with the river and passing out safety tips aimed at informing and educating visitors to stay out of the Potomac River.

Considerable interagency cooperation at the local, county, state and federal levels has focused attention on methods to prevent drownings in and around the Potomac River since 2004. The presence of Montgomery County Firefighters distributing bi-lingual educational materials over the holiday weekend served to underscore the continued commitment and importance of this initiative and the goal of “zero” drownings as the summer season kicks off in the Washington Metropolitan area.

A copy of the safety tips in both English and Spanish (2nd page) are below.

Great Falls Warning

Raw Video of Potomac River Rescue from NBC4

A good video of MCFRS River Rescue Team rescuing a women whose kayak had overturned.

View more videos at: http://nbcwashington.com/?__source=embedCode.

Potomac Flooding Update, Roads That May Flood & Safety Tips

Due to the rainfall in the last 24 hours and the forecasted rise in the Potomac River level all County residents are urged to be alert and heed all warnings and recommendations from officials.  Flash floods can come without warning and sometimes without weather.

In addition, the Potomac River is extremely dangerous and no one should consider any activity near the banks of the river! 

The Potomac will hit flood stage on Monday and crest at about 11 feet mid to late day Monday.  Current river level at Little Falls Dam – 7.8 feet at 0645 April 17^th, with crest at 11 feet during the early evening hours on Monday April 18^th.  People living in low laying areas along the Potomac River should ensure they are aware of the rising water level and the impact on access and egress to their homes should they need to evacuate OR have a need for emergency fire, rescue, or police response. 

Fire and Rescue personnel from Fire Stations 31(Darnestown), 30 and 10 (Cabin John/Potomac) will be going to their low flood prone areas and ensure the residents in those areas are aware that they have  less than 24 hours before access will be limited to their areas.  They will also check all boat launching areas - twice a day until Wednesday – to assess any limitations of vehicle access and boat launching for the MCFRS River Rescue Team.

Know areas of concern when the Potomac River reaches or exceeds flood stage include:     

      

•             Riley's Lock Road (Seneca Boat Ramp)
•             Lock 10
•             Park areas near Swains Lock
•             Park areas near Pennyfield Lock
•             Park/Picnic area at Violets Lock

Also please note: List of Roads in Montgomery County Subject to Periodic Flooding

Remember, never drive through a flooded road or bridge. Turn Around - Don’t Drown!  Try an alternate route!  

Potomac River Safety and Rescue

Master Fire Fighter Donnie Simmons appeared recently on the County show “What’s Brewin” to discuss the varied dangers of the Potomac River. Please take a moment and watch the video to learn more about this beautiful, yet potentially deadly, natural wonder.

Have A SAFE Holiday Weekend!

As we get ready to head into this fantastic holiday weekend, I wanted to take a moment to remind everyone that fire and serious injury never take a holiday off! I know, call me party pooper but my job is to prevent the 9-1-1 call! : )

Everyone should know by now that fireworks are illegal in the County. Please leave fireworks to the professionals! If you decide to light off fire works in the County and we find you, misdemeanor charges and fines not to exceed $500 are in store. You Light It, We’ll Write It!

The County will again this year host two Independence Day fireworks displays on Sunday, July 4: County Fireworks Displays in Germantown and Kensington

If you are headed out anywhere around the Potomac River please be careful and do not even think about entering the water. Swimming, or wading, in the Potomac River is both deadly and illegal and citations will be issued for violations. Our Fire and Rescue Crews will be at several locations along the river this Saturday handing out bi-lingual tip sheets (on right) to visitors warning of the dangers and ramifications of entering the water.

Here’s hoping you and your loved ones enjoy a Happy and SAFE Holiday weekend!

Stay Safe,

Bill Delaney

Program Manager – Community Safety Education

Media Advisory - Press Conference Today at 11 AM

LEGGETT TO JOIN REGIONAL OFFICIALS BEFORE JULY 4 HOLIDAY TO WARN OF DROWNING DANGERS IN POTOMAC RIVER

Thursday, July 1, 2010, 11 a.m.

Potomac River Overlook at Great Falls Tavern, 11710 MacArthur Boulevard., Potomac

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett will join regional officials to highlight the ever-present dangers in the Potomac River Gorge in light of the two drownings on Memorial Day. Many out-of-town visitors, who may not be aware of the risks, are expected in the Washington area for the July 4 holiday weekend.

Officials will emphasize that swimming in the Potomac River is both deadly and illegal, that citations will continue to be issued for violations, and that entering the Potomac River to swim or cool off can result in death.

National Park Service and U.S. Park Police will release an updated DVD about the hazards of the Potomac River Gorge. The video is also available in Spanish and Vietnamese. These communities have had the highest number of recent drownings.

In additino to Leggett, speakers will include Kevin Brandt, superintendent, C &O Canal National Historical Park; Jon G. James, deputy superintendent, George Washington Memorial Parkway; William Lynch, assistant chief, United States Park Police; Richard Bowers, chief, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service; John Caussin, assistant fire chief, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department; and Sgt. Jeffrey Blevins, Metropolitan Police Department Harbor Patrol Unit

NOTE TO EDITORS: Spanish and Vietnamese speakers will be available onsite for news media interviews.

News photographers and reporters are strongly advised to wear appropriate footwear, rain gear and clothing for wet and muddy conditions.

Directions and Parking: The Potomac River Overlook at Great Falls Tavern is located at the corner of MacArthur Boulevard and Falls Road in Potomac. Parking will be available in the Great Falls Tavern parking lot. News media microwave trucks or satellite trucks may drive across the bridge at Lock #19 (at Great Falls Tavern). All other crew cars must remain parked in the main parking lot at the Great Falls Tavern.

# # #

Media Contacts: National Park Service, Bill Line/Toni Braxton, 202-619-7400 or
U.S. Park Police, Sgt. David Schlosser, 202-619-7163

# # #

Press Conference Today

National Park Service, United States Park Police, Montgomery and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Departments, D. C. Police Harbor Patrol, and Partner Organizations Renew Effort to Eliminate Potomac Gorge Preventable Drowning and Increase Hiking Trail Safety Awareness

• WHAT: Press conference to provide context and background for wide-spread effort to prevent incidents of drowning in the Potomac River Gorge and to reduce the number of hiking accidents on the Billy Goat Trail before the height of the recreational boating, kayaking and hiking seasons begin.

News photographers will have a photo opportunity with Montgomery and Fairfax County Fire & Rescue swift water rescue boats providing access onto the river to show the hazards of the Potomac River Gorge and of the Billy Goat Trail, part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park.

National Park Service and U.S. Park Police will unveil a new video product designed to show all visitors the hazards and dangers of the Potomac River Gorge. Besides English, the video has been translated into Spanish and Vietnamese, as these communities have provided the largest number of persons recently lost to drowning. Copies in all three languages will be made available.

• WHEN: Thursday, April 29, 2010. 11:00 a.m.

• WHERE: Old Angler’s Inn, 10800-block of MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD. Park in C &O Canal parking lot, walk downhill and across the C&O Canal’s Tow Path down to the Potomac River to press conference site at River’s edge. News media will board the rescue boats after the press conference.

• WHO: Representatives from the National Park Service, United States Park Police, Montgomery County, MD, Fairfax County, VA and District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department’s Harbor Patrol Unit.

NOTE: The NPS, U.S. Park Police, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue and Fairfax County Fire & Rescue will have Spanish language personnel available onsite, and the U.S. Park Police will also have Vietnamese language personnel available and on-site for news media interviews.

BACKGROUND: Rescue boats will be available providing photographer and reporter access onto the river to show the danger and hazards of the Potomac River Gorge and of the hiking challenges with the C&O Canal’s Billy Goat Trail. The NPS, the USPP and Montgomery County have recorded an increase in the number of preventable hiking accidents in this area resulting in broken and sprained ankles, broken legs, head injuries including concussions and other serious injuries that result in governmental agency efforts to treat and airlift injured hikers out of the river and from the Billy Goat Trail.

Sadly and regrettably, six (6) persons drown accidentally in the Potomac River Gorge in 2009. Between 2005 and 2008, there had been no accidental drownings in the Potomac River Gorge. Prior to 2005, between two and six persons accidentally drown, on average, in the Potomac River Gorge annually. The Potomac River Gorge is a 14-mile stretch of the Potomac River defined as immediately north of Key Bridge to just north of Great Falls on the Potomac.

Federal, county, city agencies and partner organizations play a large role in helping to ensure river and trail safety and want to remind all visitors of the dangerous conditions present, and to have visitors take necessary measures to prevent hiking accidents and to prevent drowning.

NOTE: News photographers and reporters are strongly advised to wear appropriate footwear, rain gear and clothing for wet and muddy conditions!

From the National Park Service Media Advisory

-NPS-