Barn Fire At The Woodmont Country Club

At 10:57 PM on Thursday, February 11 MCFRS Units were dispatched to the Woodmont Country Club, 1201 Rockville Pike, for the report of a structure fire. Units arrived on the scene and encountered heavy fire in a large (approximately 300'x60') two story maintenance barn. First arriving units quickly called for a second alarm.

Crews went to work from outside the structure, protecting exposures as well using 'ladder pipes' & tower ladder, and quickly contained the fire to the barn. Due to roof collapse and environmental issues it was decided that the fire would be allowed to burn out in a controlled burn. A fire watch was then established to monitor.

More than 75 firefighters responded to the scene and there were no reported injuries. Due to the frigid conditions, wind chill was reported to be seven degrees at the time, the Medical Ambulance Bus (MAB) was on scene to provide an immediate on-scene firefighter shelter and rehab from the cold.

Due to the unsafe condition of the barn, an Origin and Cause investigation by Fire Investigators will be delayed until circumstances allow. Damage estimates will also be assessed at that time though the total dollar loss is expected to be significant.

Videos and photos from the scene are below.

Sledding 101 - Avoid Landing in the ER

After any kind of significant snow storm, MCFRS personnel are inevitably called to assist injured sledders. The injuries have ranged from minor to very serious. Please take a moment to review the below tips before you and/or your loved ones go sledding over the next few days.

Choose the Right Sledding Hill

• When hills get coated with snow, they may all look like great locations for sledding, but be very careful when choosing a location for your kids to sled. Not all hills are safe.
• Select a hill that is not too steep and has a long flat area at the bottom for your kids to glide to a stop.
• Avoid hillsides that end near a street or parking lot. Make sure the bottom of the slope is far from streets, traffic and frozen or partially frozen ponds, lakes or creeks.
• Avoid hillsides that end near ponds, trees, fences, or other hazards.
• Make sure the hill is free of obstacles such as jumps, bumps, rocks, poles, or trees before your kids   begin sledding.
• Choose hills that are snowy rather than icy. Icy slopes make for hard landings if kids fall off a sled.

The Sled

• Use equipment that is sturdy and safely constructed. Avoid equipment with sharp and jagged edges.
• Look for energy-absorbing pads on sled seats.
• Examine handholds on sleds to be sure they are secure.
• Ensure sleds and toboggans have steering devices that work easily and don't jam.
• Only sled feet first while sitting up. Sledding head first can increase the risk of head injury.
• Never ride in a sled pulled by a motorized vehicle and always sled during the daytime, when visibility is better.

MCFRS Seeks Good Samaritans

This morning at 10:02 am MCFRS units were alerted to an auto fire at Rockville Pike and Grosvenor Lane. Montgomery County Emergency Communications Center also advised responding units that there was possibly one person trapped in the vehicle.

MCFRS units arrived and found an auto fire that was well involved but found no one trapped inside the vehicle. The sole occupant of the vehicle was standing by near the fire uninjured.

After the fire was extinguished the driver of the vehicle was asked about how the fire started. He said that he was stopped at the traffic light and when the light turned green the vehicle would not accelerate. Bystanders in other vehicles started to point at him and the front of his vehicle. The gentleman did not realize his vehicle was on fire until the smoke started to enter the passenger compartment of his vehicle.

He said he attempted to unlock the vehicle door with the electric lock switch but they did not work. At that juncture, he said he panicked and did not think to manually unlock the door.

Bystanders on the scene stated that two African-American males came to the occupants’ aid and broke out the rear driver's side window. The two men removed the driver from the burning car. Upon the arrival of fire department personnel, these two Good Samaritan’s were not on the scene.

MCFRS would like to learn the identity of these two heroes in order to honor their heroic deed.  If you have any information regarding this, please email fire.pio@montgomerycountymd.gov

It Only Takes ONE To Save Your Life!

It is that time of year again! While testing your smoke alarms should be a monthly occurrence, at the minimum, we here at MCFRS want to make extra sure that you take time this weekend to do so. So as you think about the hour of sleep you will GAIN this weekend please also think how this would be a very good time to make sure critical life safety devices in your home are working properly.

Just before you move that clock hand back an hour also make sure you push the test button on the smoke and carbon monoxide alarm(s). If not working, please replace the battery -- unless it is a sealed 10 year lithium battery at which point you will have to get a new alarm.

Also remember that if your smoke alarm is 10 years of age, or older, it needs to be replaced

What Time is It 2015

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 

It's Fire Prevention Week!

It's that time of year again - Fire Prevention Week (October 4 - 10)!  This years theme and focus is: "Hear the Beep where you Sleep! Every Bedroom needs a Working Smoke Alarm."

Below is a good video from our partners in safety at the National Fire Protection Association.  Please take a couple of minutes to watch and learn important potential life saving information.

Learning To Become A Firefighter

Meaghan Mooney from Great Day Washington spent some time with us learning what it takes to become a firefighter. See below videos from the show that aired last week.

Division Chief Scott Goldstein To Serve As Acting Fire Chief

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett selected Division Chief Scott Goldstein to serve as the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) Acting Fire Chief, effective January 1, 2015. Most recently Chief Goldstein was assigned as the Operations Division Chief responsible for all field delivery of fire, medical and emergency response services to a community of just over one (1) million citizens spread out over 500 square miles.

The Operations Division is the largest Division within MCFRS and provides nearly 300 daily staffing positions spread over Montgomery County's 37 fire and rescue stations. Daily staffing includes over 50 pieces of large fire and rescue apparatus, 40 EMS transport units, and several dozen specialized and support units. The Department responds to more than 110,000 emergency calls for service annually with a departmental budget of about $218 million dollars.

Prior to his assignment as the Division Chief for Operations, Chief Goldstein served as the Special Operations Section Chief, from April 2009 to May 2013. The Special Operations Section includes; hazardous materials, technical rescue, water rescue, and bomb squad response, interoperability radio cache, Emergency Operations Center liaison and staffing, as well as fire and rescue involvement in all mass gatherings/special events. In Chief Goldstein’s over 23 years with MCFRS he has also been assigned as the Operations Chief Executive Officer, Field Operations Battalion Chief, Deputy Safety Officer, shift supervisor and fire fighter.

Chief Goldstein is actively involved in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Fire/Police Chiefs subcommittees and was the co-chair of the Law Enforcement and EMS working group that developed a model policy on intergrated operations of law enforcement and fire and rescue personnel during law enforcement incidents.

Since 1990, Chief Goldstein has been a member of the Maryland Urban Search and Rescue Task Force. He has been an Assistant Task Force Leader, Logistics Manager, and Logistics Specialist. Chief Goldstein was instrumental in equipment research and purchasing and the development of its task force cache. He responded as a member of the FEMA Incident Support Team to the Oklahoma City bombing and Hurricane Opal and deployed as a member of MD‑TF1 to the Northridge Earthquake, Hurricanes Charley, Fran, Floyd, Marilyn, and George and to the Pentagon terrorist incident on September 11, 2001.

Chief Goldstein holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland University College and is presently enrolled in the Naval Post Graduate School working towards a Master Degree in Homeland Security with a planned graduation in December 2015.

He, his wife and children reside in Montgomery County.

Give A Space Heater Space (VIDEO)

From our friends at MyMCMedia, MCFRS Spokesperson Pete Piringer says it is important to give space heaters space. Take a look and listen:

House Fire 301 S. Horners Lane

At approximately 1:20 pm on Wednesday, November 19 units from the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched for a house fire at 301 S. Horners Lane in Rockville.  First arriving units reported heavy smoke as they approached the scene, which is only several blocks from Rockville Fire Station #3, and upon arrival reported fire showing and requested additional resources, which eventually escalated to a second alarm.   Three (3) occupants were in the house at the time of the fire and escaped unharmed prior to the arrival of firefighters.  

Approximately seventy-five (75) firefighters responded to the scene. It took firefighters about 25 minutes to 'knock down' the bulk of the fire. There were no injuries.  During the extinguishing efforts a male subject approached a news camera crew and Police Officer and confessed to starting the fire along with some other details.

The on duty Fire Investigators were advised of the confession and other statements made to the cameraman and the subject was taken into custody and transported to Rockville City Police Station for questioning.  An accelerant K9 was requested from Howard County to assist Montgomery County Fire Investigators with the on scene investigation.

Fire Investigators believe the cause of the fire is incendiary in nature and resulted in more than $400,000 in damage.  There were no injuries and the Red Cross assisted six (6) adults who were displaced.  Rockville Fire Marshals & Code Enforcement posted the house unsafe to occupy.

Montgomery County Fire Investigators have charged Carlos Peralta, age 27, of S. Horners Lane with Arson - First Degree and three counts of Reckless Endangerment.  He was being detained at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, in Rockville.

A video can be found on the MCFRS News and Information Page as well.

Fire/Carbon Monoxide Risks During Cold Weather

Cold temperatures may prompt families to turn to drastic measures to heat their homes. Even traditional alternative heating sources, such as a fireplace or space heaters can be dangerous if not used properly. As temperatures drop in your community, some simple tips can help keep families safer.

Winter months in particular are the peak time for house fires and carbon monoxide poisonings, with most incidents due to improperly ventilated or malfunctioning heating sources. Families can better protect themselves by having working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home and in sleeping areas. In addition, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and experts at Kidde recommend the following heating safety tips:

Carbon Monoxide Prevention

• Do not use ovens or stoves to heat your home.
• Do not use charcoal or gas grills inside or operate outdoors near a window where CO fumes could seep in through a window.
• Keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves and residue to ensure proper venting. Have all fireplaces cleaned and inspected by a licensed professional annually.
• Have a licensed professional inspect heating systems and other fuel-burning appliances annually.
• Have qualified professionals install fuel-burning appliances and operate according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not use unvented gas or kerosene space heaters in enclosed spaces. Keep doors open to the rest of the house to help promote proper ventilation.
• Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire, and keep it open until the ashes are cool to avert the buildup of carbon monoxide, especially at night while families sleep.
• Do not run a fuel-powered engine, such as a vehicle or generator, inside the home or in an attached garage or carport. CO fumes can seep into the home through air intake valves, baseboards, doors and windows.

Fire Prevention

• Ensure that space heaters meet the latest safety standards, which would include having an automatic cut-off device and protective guarding around the heating coils and burners.
• Place space heaters on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, and keep them at least three feet away from bedding, drapes, furniture and other flammable materials.
• Turn off space heaters when you leave the room or before going to sleep. Keep children and pets away.
• Never use gasoline, charcoal lighter or other fuel to light or relight a fire because the vapors could explode. Keep all flammable materials away.

Captain Rick Triplett Receives Recognition From Firefighter Cancer Support Network

Yesterday at Fire Station #23 in Rockville, Captain Rick Triplett was honored by the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) and Honeywell First Responder Products for his innovative firefighter cancer prevention concept.

Understanding the significant cancer risks that all firefighters face, Captain Triplett came up with a concept of having firefighters wash their protective hoods once a week to help reduce their exposure to dangerous carcinogens. Captain Triplett’s concept led to FCSN’s national Wash-Your-Hood-Sunday (WYHS) initiative, with support from Honeywell First Responder Products, that launched last month.

Cancer is a very real and growing threat to every firefighter across the country as multiple studies, including the US Fire Administration and NIOSH cancer study released in 2013, have shown higher rates of multiple types of cancers in firefighters compared to the general American population.

Congratulations to Captain Triplett for receiving this recognition as well as "Thanks" for making a significant contribution to firefighter health and safety here in Montgomery County and across our great Country!


Press Release from FCSN: MCFRS Capt. Rick Triplett accepts leadership award


Photos from the event

Rescue Squad Driver Training

By: Firefighter Ryan Linville

To be allowed to drive any fire truck in MCFRS, you need to complete various classroom and practical training and tests as it relates to a particular type of fire truck.  Currently, I am working on my driver’s training portion for the Rescue Squad.  Captain Mike Green is my trainer and officer on my shift and has helped push me further to be a top notch firefighter.

On the practical portions, Captain Green goes the extra mile and sets up drills for me instead of just having me complete a basic skill. What you see in the pictures below is us lifting a four thousand pound van off a car using hydraulic jacks and then air bags. With these scenarios we have to use paratech struts and massive amount of cribbing to make the drill complete.

All the techniques are very basic to very complex. He tests my ability to know all inventory and all capacities of equipment to the smallest detail. In short, once I'm done with his training the drivers training book will be child's play.

Many thanks to all of the people involved in this drill on my shift, 3-C, to help me complete my training.  We are a very tight knit shift and I feel as though everyone on it wants to see me succeed and become a Squad driver.

                                                                                             

                                                                                                   

                                       

                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke

Extreme heat brings with it the possibility of heat-induced illnesses. During the hot, humid summer weather, the body's internal temperature can rise and can result in heat exhaustion and heatstroke. If not treated quickly, heat exhaustion can progress into heatstroke, which requires immediate medical care and can be fatal.

Signs and Symptoms:

Heat Exhaustion

• Severe thirst
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea, sometimes vomiting
• Irritability
• Headache
• Increased sweating
• Cool clammy skin
• Elevation of body temperature to 105 degrees Fahrenheit
• Weak, rapid pulse

Heatstroke

• Severe, throbbing headache
• Weakness, dizziness or confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Decreased responsiveness or loss of consciousness
• Little or no sweating
• Flush, hot, dry skin
• Elevation of body temperature to 105 degrees Fahrenheit

What to Do:

If the person has a temperature of 105 degrees Farenheit or more or shows signs and symptoms of heatstroke, seek emergency medical care immediately. In cases of heat exhaustion and while waiting for help:

1. Move the person to a cool place indoors or under the shade of a tree.
2. Loosen clothing.
3. Have the person lie down. Elevate feet slightly.
4. If the person is alert, place in cool (not cold) bath water.
5. IF the person is alert, give frequent sips of cool, clear fluids (clear juice or sports drinks are best).
6. If the person is vomiting, turn his or her body to the side to prevent choking.
7. Monitor the person's temperatures.

Think Prevention! Be sensible about how much you exert yourself in hot weather.

• Drink plenty of fluids- do not wait until you are thirsty.
• Avoid exertion in the hottest weather.
• Wear light-colored, loose clothing.

Heat Exhaustion is the result of excessive heat and dehydration. Heatstroke is a medical emergency!

1st Battalion Donation to The Don't Panic Foundation

July 13, 2013 - Battalion Chief Mark Davis (BC701-A Shift) presents Captain Jason Giza with a $450.00 donation for The Don't Panic Foundation. Captain Giza is President of the foundation. The funds were raised through the sale of the 1st Battalion Leads The Way framed photographs as well as the sale of 1st Battalion patches and window decals. This is the second of such donations to The Don't Panic Foundation this year, bringing the total to $750.00.  Photo and story courtesy of BC Mark Davis. 

Promotions

Fire Chief Steve Lohr is pleased to announce the following promotions.

The following personnel have been promoted to the rank of Captain:

• Anselmo A. Bencosme
• James J. Carpenter
• Joel A. Shackett
• Kenneth R. O'leary
• Paul E. Donaghue
• Pedro J. Meneses
• Richard C. Anthony
• Sean P. Bryan
• William Phelps
• Jason Giza

The following personnel have been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant:

• Anthony (Jake) E. Hoover
• Ashley B. Robinson
• Clinton D. Kraft
• Michael F. Doyle

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

• John J. Dunlavey
• Nelson Ortiz-Cruz
• Wayne A. Montano

Congratulations to all and be safe!

Look Before You Lock! Heatwave Can Be Especially Dangerous For Children

When temperatures rise, so does the risk of an unimaginable tragedy – children accidentally left in hot cars. Nationally, the number of children who have died in cars as a result of the heat has already DOUBLED compared to the same time last year. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue is teaming up with Safe Kids Worldwide to prevent child deaths and injuries in hot cars.

 
When outside temperatures are in the low 80s, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in only minutes even with a window rolled down two inches. With sustained and record-breaking temperatures predicted in the region, families are reminded that one of the greatest dangers is leaving a child in a car unattended on a hot day. Children’s bodies do not acclimate to the heat as well as adults and can overheat easily. Infants and children under four years old are at the greatest risk for heat-related illness.
Hard Facts

Heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children. On average, every 10 days a child dies from heatstroke in a vehicle. Children can also sustain injuries from hot cars that include permanent brain injury, blindness and loss of hearing. Heatstroke tragedies often occur when there has been a change in a family’s daily routine, a parent leaves a child in the car “for just a minute” unaware how quickly the temperature in a car can rise to dangerous levels or after a child gets into an unlocked vehicle to play unbeknownst to the parent or caregiver.

Top Tips
These tragedies are preventable. Avert and reduce the number of deaths from heatstroke by remembering to ACT:

A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child unattended in a car, not even for a minute. Make a habit of looking in the vehicle – front and back – and keep keys stored out of a child’s reach and car doors locked when the vehicle is not in use to prevent children from getting in on their own.  

C: Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child such as a briefcase, a purse or a cell phone that is needed at your final destination. This is especially important if you’re not following your normal routine. 

T: Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life.

MCFRS Significant Incident Map

Sunday, April 7 – Saturday, April 13

View MCFRS Significant Incident Map in a larger map

MCFRS Significant Incident Map

Sunday, March 24 – Saturday, March 30

View MCFRS Significant Incident Map in a larger map

Real Life Experience Minus The Real Life Risk – Every 15 Minutes Program

By: Bill Delaney

MCFRS

As those of you with a high school aged child know, the prom season is upon us.  With that also come many concerns as it relates to the safety and well being of your child.  Paramount among those concerns are impaired driving whether it be related to drugs, alcohol, or even texting.

In an effort to help educate students to make good choices many Montgomery County High Schools, partnering with the local volunteer fire department and MCFRS, put on the Every 15 Minutes program.  The program is an event designed to dramatically instill teenagers with the potentially dangerous consequences of impaired driving in a real life setting minus the real life risk.

A great example of this program was conducted at Rockville High School a couple of weeks ago.  Below, please find a tremendous student produced video that documents the program.  It is roughly 16 minutes in length and well worth the watch.  

MCFRS will be participating in a few Every 15 Minutes programs over the coming weeks.  Hope that everyone experiences a happy and SAFE prom season!