Rolltide? Roll Safety! Alabama Style.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue was honored to have Jim Resnick invited to attend and present at the Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs Leadership Conference on Fire Prevention and Community Risk Reduction this week.

Jim presented to over 100 Fire Chiefs and other fire service leaders from across Alabama. He outlined the proactive Community Risk Reduction strategies, initiatives and educational programs that are having big impact in Montgomery County and resulting in a safer, resilient and engaged community. While Community Risk Reduction is a growing concept in many fire departments, Fire Chief Scott Goldstein ensures it's a tactical priority and part of each morning's roll call.

 

 

Installation Begins On New Fire Station Alerting System

By: Battalion Chief Stacey Daniel

January of 2016 MCFRS began installation of a new fire station alerting system.
The new alerting system will be a modern heart healthy system with many advanced features allowing station personnel to be alerted in a variety of ways all while meeting NFPA and OSHA/MOSH standards. The system will include multi-zoned audio and visual alerts as well as automated voice technology. The system will have many new features that will enhance the alerting experience getting our firefighters on the street faster.

This system is being installed in all 38 existing county fire stations, 5 federal stations and all future stations.

The system is manufactured by PURVIS Systems Inc. PURVIS is based out of Rhode Island who have installed fire station alerting systems in New York City, Boston, Plano, Texas and Charleston, South Carolina to name a few.

The new system will offer new features such as:
• Display monitors throughout the station to provide fire fighters dispatch information
• Colored light towers to provide a visual cue as to which units are being dispatched
• Red night vision lighting for bunk rooms to allow firefighters to gradually adjust to the light               after waking up to an alarm
• Red strobe lights in noise heavy areas to provide a visual cue of an alert
• Ramped up audio alarms to provide heart healthy NFPA recommended alarms
• Multiple speaker feeds allowing fire fighters to maintain situational awareness
• A camera doorbell to allow ECC tom communicate and see a citizen at the front door in the                 event the fire station is empty

The new fire station alerting project is a CIP project under the Public Safety Systems Modernization Project. The FSA project is a full infrastructure and hardware replacement allowing us to decommission the aging system we have today. The FSA project has a 5.3 million dollar budget, currently we are under budget and on schedule. The new FSA will tie directly to the new Motorola Premier 1 CAD system which is currently being implemented to replace our existing CAD.

On June 1 we performed the first of many acceptance tests. This acceptance test included the software configuration testing and a demonstration of the hardware at Fire Stations 31 and 8 both of which are the Architectural Proof of Concept stations. Fire Chief Scott Goldstein, Chief Alan Hinde and Chief Steve Jones were given a demonstration of the system showing off the features that will benefit all field personnel, career and volunteer.

Click on the photo album below to learn more. Double click on each photo to see description.

Ladies Night Out Event At The PSTA Today

A great start to the day at the Public Safety Training Academy. It all started at 8 a.m. this morning with our first group. The first session will run until Noon and we have a second session starting at 1 p.m. and running until 5 p.m.

Walk ins are welcome to join us this afternoon.

Below, Battalion Chief Beth Sanford and Fire Chief Scott Goldstein welcome the group as they start their day.

Exit Drills In The Home - Have Two Ways Out!

Having working smoke alarms and residential fire sprinklers play a large role in you and your loved ones surviving a fire in your home. Another crucial part of surviving a fire in your home is developing a home fire escape plan and then PRACTICING the plan! As they say in sports: "If you fail to prepare than prepare to fail!"

While we hope you never experience a fire in your home, the women and men of MCFRS hope that you prepare the right way so as to increase the chances you and your loved ones will survive if fire does occur.

You can go here to learn how to develop a plan: Develop a Home Escape Plan

Once you develop that plan and familiarize all occupants of the home with the plan, make sure you hold a fire drill -- just like you did in school -- to practice the plan!

Below is a great video from our partners in safety at FEMA and the US Fire Administration that provides more information.

Meet Rockville Fire Station 33 A-Shift

By: Captain Scott Buchholz

I have a great shift at Fire Station 33 A-Shift.  While not responding to emergency calls, they are constantly taking care of firehouse business, map work, learning first due areas and buildings, engine company drills, drivers training, station maintenance, vehicle check outs, station pride projects and other general duties that reflect a professional and positive attitude.

I could not ask for a better group to get work done while having fun doing it.

The positive and can do attitude continues on emergency calls as well as changing flat tires for residents, checking smoke alarms, and any other form of public service that we find.

Thanks to my shift at 33-A for the hard work you do! 

Left to right, FF Charles "Chazz " Smith, MFF Jaymie Birney, Me, FF Roger Hohman, FF Kyle Dixon, FF Perry Power.  Not pictured: FF Katie Null and FF Sean Cramer. Photo Courtesy of Jontell Buchholz 

Family

By: Lieutenant Rob Furst

One attribute of the fire department is that you have two families; your blood and marriage family and your fire department family. In times of need, both families (blood and FD) will provide support at full force for their brother or sister.

Such is that case for MFF Brian Vane (Fire Station 1-A). His son requires treatment for a medical condition. This treatment includes a brief hospitalization. Brian's shift came to his side to provide support and a brief reprieve from hospital food. Brian and his (blood) family were very appreciative of the surprise visit.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery for young Blake!  #Blakestrong

Brian (far L) and shift mates.

Unit Citations

Today, Fire Chief Goldstein had the privilege to preside over two Unit Citation presentations at Fire Station #31.

The presentations were for two separate challenging vehicular crash incidents that occurred on the same day: June 25, 2015.  Both plaques are in the photo book below describing the events and highlighting personnel who responded.

Please also find a video of the live feed we shot during the first presentation.

Join Us -- Virtual Ride-a-Long This Friday

On Friday, August 14, at approximately 7:00 AM personnel at Fire Station #29 in Germantown will be participating in our latest “Virtual Ride-a-Long“ that will be broadcast via Montgomery County Fire and Rescue (MCFRS)  @MCFRS Twitter Page as well as occasional posts to the MCFRS Facebook Page. The hashtag for this event will be #mcfrs so that all of you can follow along, and engage us, without having to 'follow' or be 'followed' on the particular social platforms.

The purpose behind this initiative is to engage you, the residents we serve, in an innovative way and provide an almost real time view as to what occurs during a “typical” 24-hour shift.  Social media allows us a unique opportunity to bring you, in a “virtual” manner, into “our world.” and allows us to interact with the community.  You will “visit” a fire and rescue station and, where appropriate, be able to observe various 911 responses which highlight the outstanding work Montgomery County firefighters provide on a daily basis.

Lieutenant Tim Burns, with some support from our Office of Public Information and Outreach, will be the lead “tweeter” on this initiative. He will be sending “tweets from the street.”

It must be emphasized that Lieutenant Burn’s primary responsibility will be to his operational obligations and he will not be engaging in tweets/social media of any kind that would distract from the response too, and mitigation of, any emergency situations. Lieutenant Burns anticipates providing public updates until approximately 9:00 PM and will only provide social interaction after that if he feels appropriate.

We look forward to providing you 'A day in the life.......'

ALL Fireworks Are Illegal In Montgomery County

The Fourth of July is right around the corner and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue wants to remind residents that ALL fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County. 

Here’s what you should know:

The Law:

It is illegal for any person to manufacture, possess, store, offer for sale, sell, discharge, use, burn or explode any fireworks in Montgomery County, Maryland, except that an authorized display may be conducted by a licensed pyrotechnic professional with a permit. Penalties for violations of the law include a fine up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail. All fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and the City of Baltimore. Montgomery County Fire Safety Code: Section 22-70: Fireworks.

What fireworks are legal?

In Montgomery County, ALL fireworks are illegal to possess or discharge including gold label sparklers. Snap-and-pop noise makers, snakes and party poppers are the only exception to this law.

Can I receive fireworks at my home through the mail?

No. Use of the mail for the transportation of fireworks for use in the State of Maryland is illegal.

Can I have a private fireworks display at my residence with proper permits?

No. You can not have a private display; however, you can apply to have a public display with proper permits and insurance.

Can I receive fireworks at my residence delivered by a public carrier?

No. It doesn't matter where the fireworks are purchased or how they are brought into Maryland.  Fireworks are still illegal in Montgomery County.

Where do I report violations involving fireworks?

Residents should call 301-279-8000. Do NOT call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help. Non-emergency 911 calls can delay getting assistance to people with actual emergencies.

Where can I go in Montgomery County to see the fireworks?

MCFRS and safety experts agree that the best way to celebrate is to enjoy one of the many free, public fireworks displays in the area on July 4th.  Public fireworks displays, conducted by trained professionals, are the smartest and safest way to view fireworks because they are established under controlled settings and safety regulations and monitored by public safety organizations.

What You Need to Know About Fireworks

The Fourth of July is right around the corner and Montgomery County Fire Chief Scott Goldstein is reminding residents that ALL fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County and that the County will be continuing its ‘zero tolerance’ policy regarding illegal fireworks.

  

In an effort to stress the seriousness posed by the use of dangerous and illegal fireworks, Fire Officials across the region launched a comprehensive effort several years ago to inform and educate the public about illegal fireworks. “The law in Montgomery County is clear and the safest, and smartest, way to enjoy fireworks is at one of the many public displays in the area,” said Fire Chief Goldstein.

Here’s what you should know:

The Law:

It is illegal for any person to manufacture, possess, store, offer for sale, sell, discharge, use, burn or explode any fireworks in Montgomery County, Maryland, except that an authorized display may be conducted by a licensed pyrotechnic professional with a permit. Penalties for violations of the law include a fine up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail. All fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and the City of Baltimore. Montgomery County Fire Safety Code: Section 22-70: Fireworks.

What fireworks are legal?

In Montgomery County, ALL fireworks are illegal to possess or discharge including gold label sparklers. Snap-and-pop noise makers, snakes and party poppers are the only exception to this law.

Can I receive fireworks at my home through the mail?

No. Use of the mail for the transportation of fireworks for use in the State of Maryland is illegal.

Can I have a private fireworks display at my residence with proper permits?

No. You can not have a private display; however, you can apply to have a public display with proper permits and insurance.

Can I receive fireworks at my residence delivered by a public carrier?

No. It doesn't matter where the fireworks are purchased or how they are brought into Maryland.  Fireworks are still illegal in Montgomery County.

Where do I report violations involving fireworks?

Residents should call 301-279-8000. Do NOT call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help. Non-emergency 911 calls can delay getting assistance to people with actual emergencies.

Where can I go in Montgomery County to see the fireworks?

The Fire Chief and safety experts agree that the best way to celebrate is to enjoy one of the many free, public fireworks displays in the area on July 4th.  Public fireworks displays, conducted by trained professionals, are the smartest and safest way to view fireworks because they are established under controlled settings and safety regulations and monitored by public safety organizations.

Smoke Alarm Saves!

At a townhouse fire earlier this morning on Knoll Mist Lane, a smoke alarm alerted two sleeping children, in the basement, who then escaped with no injury! Cause - unattended cooking. Area was the 1st floor kitchen. Damage estimated at $100k with one family, two adults and two children, displaced. Approximately 45 Firefighters responded to extinguish the fire.  

E701 Responding To Fire Alarm

As part of the virtual ride-a-long today, here is a view from inside E701 responding to a fire alarm sounding in a building. You can follow todays ride-a-long via Twitter @MCFRSchat or hashtag #mcfrs.

See yesterday's post on how you can follow along via text.

 

Master Firefighter Branzell Signs Off

Master Firefighter John Branzell is retiring after 27 years with MCFRS. His current and last assignment was with the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) on B Shift. 

ECC is the primary link between a resident, who reports an emergency via 9-1-1, and the fire and rescue personnel and equipment, who respond to an incident scene. The ECC's mission is to obtain the necessary information to dispatch the proper response quickly, provide appropriate pre-arrival instructions, ensure fire and rescue response personnel have adequate situational awareness of the dispatched event, and to manage all response communications and technologies. Master Firefighter Branzell was considered one of the best in this business.

Master Firefighter Branzell, known to all as JB, provided one last transmission to all MCFRS personnel just prior to leaving (below).

JB will be missed and everyone in MCFRS wishes him a happy and healthy retirement.

JB (r) talking with co-workers at ECC 3/12/15

Local Brownie Troop Earns First Aid Merit Badge

Bethesda Fire Station #20 personnel helped the young ladies earn the First Aid Merit Badge. Great job girls!

Photo Courtesy of Captain Penny Ingles

Wood Stove and Fireplace Safe Use

Wood stoves and fireplaces are becoming a very common heat source in homes. Careful attention to safety can minimize fire hazards.

To use them safely:

• Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly. Wood stoves should have adequate clearance (36 inches) from combustible surfaces and proper floor support and protection.
• Wood stoves should be of good quality, solid construction and design, and should be UL listed.
• Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.
• Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.
• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening, to prevent embers or sparks from escaping, unwanted material from going in, and to help prevent the possibility of burns to occupants.
• The stove should be burned hot twice a day for 15-30 minutes to reduce the amount of creosote buildup.
• Don't use excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires in fireplaces. It is possible to ignite creosote in the chimney by overbuilding the fire.
• Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.
• Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel. A spark from the fireplace could easily ignite theses materials.
• Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. NEVER close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house.
• If synthetic logs are used, follow the directions on the package. NEVER break a synthetic log apart to quicken the fire or use more than one log at a time. They often burn unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide.

House Fire 13600 Block of Mills Avenue

Just after 6 am this morning (November 3) MCFRS Units were dispatched for a report of a fire on the roof of a house in the 13600 Block of Mills Avenue.

Firefighters arrived on scene with heavy fire evident in a two-story ranch-style house.  Additional fire/rescue units were immediately requested.

It was quickly determined that the house was a residential group home with some special needs residents.  ALL occupants – five (5) total -- were safely out of the house upon MCFRS arrival with care-takers assisting/rescuing three (3) mobility challenged residents.  EMS evaluated residents and found all in good shape.

Initial fire attack was implemented to knock down the well-advanced fire using large diameter hoses and was safely accomplished, at first, from the outside.  Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down, an interior attack to extinguish numerous 'hotspots' was undertaken. 

Damage estimated in excess of $500K to the home.  Approximately 65 firefighters were on the scene.  All group home occupants were relocated to another house.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.  Album of photos below.

Exit Drills In The Home - Have Two Ways Out!

Having working smoke alarms and residential fire sprinklers play a large role in you and your loved ones surviving a fire in your home. Another crucial part of surviving a fire in your home is developing a home fire escape plan and then PRACTICING the plan! As they say in sports: "If you fail to prepare than prepare to fail!"

While we hope you never experience a fire in your home, the women and men of MCFRS hope that you prepare the right way so as to increase the chances you and your loved ones will survive if fire does occur.

You can go here to learn how to develop a plan: Develop a Home Escape Plan

Once you develop that plan and familiarize all occupants of the home with the plan, make sure you hold a fire drill -- just like you did in school -- to practice the plan!

Below is a great video from our partners in safety at FEMA and the US Fire Administration that provides more information.

MCFRS Holds Promotional Ceremony

Last Thursday, October 23, a special ceremony was held by MCFRS to honor department members who were competitively promoted over the last several months. 

The process to get promoted typically is a long and draining one with several months of intense study, a written test and, for those who score high, an assessment center (practical).  Once completed personnel are placed on an eligibility list and are selected, for some positions after an interview, when openings arise. 

A lot of hard work and dedication, along with the support of family and friends, go into the process and it is certainly appropriate to recognize and celebrate all involved!

Help Needed - Arson Fire at St. Paul's Park

Information needed regarding Monday nights fire in Town of Kensington at St Paul's Park on Plyers Mill Rd. Call MCFRS Arson Tipline 240.777.2263

NEED INFO RE Mon nite's fire Town of Kensington St Paul's Pk on Plyers Mill Rd Call #mcfrs Arson Tipline 240.777.2263 pic.twitter.com/KmKJc4dG99
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) October 21, 2014

Fire Lieutenant Graduates From Montgomery County Police Training Academy

Lt. Gettig (c) receiving certificate from
Chief Lohr (r) and MCP Chief Manger (l)

Fire Chief Lohr is extremely proud to announce the graduation of Lieutenant (Lt) Andrew Gettig, assigned to the Fire Investigation and Explosives section of the MCFRS, from the Montgomery County Police Training Academy, Session 60 yesterday.

Lt. Gettig was selected several months ago to fill a vacancy in the Fire Investigation and Explosives section.  One key requirement to fill this role is certification as a law enforcement officer in Montgomery County.  To obtain that certification Lt. Gettig was placed in the intensive, 27-week Police Training Academy program for all new law enforcement recruits that is designed to challenge the recruit physically, academically, and mentally.

If that was not enough, Lt. Gettig went a step further and distinguished himself as he was selected by Montgomery County Police Academy Instructors to receive the prominent Captain James E. Daly Award.  The award, created in memory of Captain James E. Daly who was tragically killed in the line of duty in 1972, is presented to the recruit who best exemplifies the ideals of guidance, knowledge, courage, skill, and dedication to public service. 

Lt. Gettig was presented this award by Mrs. Fran Daly, Captain Daly's widow, in a very moving ceremony.

Congratulations on a job well done Andy! 

Mrs. Daly presenting Lt Gettig w/Daly Award

left to right AC Van Gieson, Chief Lohr, Lt Gettig
DC Steckel and BC Frazier