Tradition, Pride and Integrity

By: Lieutenant Dave Anderson
       Fire Station 16 - A

Silver Spring Fire Station 16 has decided to spruce the back stairs up with some station pride. The bottom stairs boast "Tradition", "Pride" and "Integrity." The top stairs state: "you are about to become part of something greater than yourself, welcome to Co.16."

Firefighter Bill Naugle from 16B came up with the concept, was the driving force behind this project and saw it through until it was complete. Thanks to Firefighter Naugle for his total dedication!

White Oak House Fire

At approximately 4:30 a.m. this morning, MCFRS units were dispatched for a report of a house on fire in the 11700 block of Sherbrooke Woods Lane in the White Oak area of the county.

First arriving units found heavy fire showing on the first and second floors with extension into the attic space. The single occupant of the home had self-rescued though was suffering the after effects of smoke inhalation. It was not until a short time that neighbors noticed the fire and called 911.

 
Firefighters quickly initiated an interior attack to extinguish the fire. Deteriorating conditions led command to evacuate the structure and switch to a defensive (outside) mode. Shortly thereafter, a partial collapse (roof, floors, and walls) occurred. The fire was brought under control though crews continued to mop up “hot spots” for a few hours after.

Fire investigators are currently on scene conducting a cause and origin investigation. The home is a total loss with damages estimated at $500,000 to the structure and $250,000 to the contents. There was also some heat damage to a neighboring home.

The one civilian occupant of the home was transported to a local hospital for a checkup due to smoke inhalation. There were no injuries sustained by the approximately 85 MCFRS personnel who responded to the scene.

Saturday Morning Rockville House Fire

On Saturday, April 23 at approximately 4:24 a.m. MCFRS units were dispatched to the 300 block of Carl Street in Rockville for a report of a house on fire. Units arrived on scene to find a two-story single family home with fire on the exterior of the home that had extended to the interior.

A smoke alarm had alerted six occupants of the home and all escaped uninjured. Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control and extinguished. Command on scene requested an additional two engine companies and one truck company to assist.

Fire Investigators responded to the scene to conduct a cause and origin investigation. The cause is currently under investigation.

Damages were estimated at $10,000 to the structure and $5,000 to the contents. Six people have been displaced as a result of the fire and Red Cross is assisting. There were no injuries to civilian or fire and rescue personnel.

MCFRS would like to remind all residents that smoke alarms save lives! Check yours today and make sure you have a home escape plan in case of fire.

Preventing Frozen Fire Sprinkler Pipes

Automatic fire sprinkler systems have enjoyed an enviable record of protecting life and property for over 100 years.  Since early 2004, Council Bill #25-03 requires fire sprinkler systems be installed in all new single-family homes in Montgomery County.  Several years prior required fire sprinklers in newly built apartment/condo type residential homes as well as townhouses.  

Because of this critical life safety initiative, MCFRS knows there are a good number of single and multi family homes, along with commercial buildings, that are equipped with life-saving fire sprinkler systems. 

All people who live in homes with fire sprinklers, along with apartment/commercial building owners and management companies, need to take time ensure that these systems are protected against pipes freezing.  

Preventing Frozen Fire Sprinkler Pipes 

• If fire sprinkler piping is exposed to outside temperatures, it should be heated or adequately insulated. 
• Keep doors, garage doors, windows and vents closed when not in use as resulting drafts might allow cold air to contact the piping. Repair any broken windows, doors or any cracks in exterior walls that may be near any fire sprinkler piping.
• Most fire sprinkler pipes are within the walls and/or ceilings of a home. Cold air can possibly enter these hidden spaces through small gaps in the exterior sheathing and insulation and find its way directly onto the fire sprinkler pipes. Try to find and repair these gaps.
• In attics, the pipes should be as close to the ceiling as possible with insulation placed over the top of the sprinkler pipe.  Inspect the sprinkler pipes that are in the attic and if you see pipes exposed then they need to be insulated immediately.
• Adequate heat should be provided to all areas by use of the existing heating system of the home rather than other means such as space heaters.
• Do not use temporary heating equipment such as kerosene space heaters or other un-vented portable fuel-burning space heaters as these heaters can increase the risk of fire and potential health hazards such as Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
• Do not use torches or other open flame devices to thaw pipes or other equipment.
• In case a pipe bursts ensure all family members know the location of the water shut-off valve and the proper method to turn it off to minimize damage.
• A lot of times expanding ice within the pipe can cause a crack but the ice will block the flow of water while it is frozen. In this situation, the water damage may not be apparent until after the ice melts and water is able to flow out of the cracked portion.

Window Safety – Kids Can’t Fly

Windows play a vital role in home safety, serving as a secondary escape route in the event of a fire or other emergency, but they also pose a risk for a fall if safety measures are not followed. Safety tips to help prevent window-related injuries in the home:

• Never rely on window screens to keep children from falling out of windows. A screen is not a safety device - - it is designed to keep insects out, not to keep children in.


• Keep furniture such as sofas, beds and dressers away from windows. This will discourage children from climbing near any windows.


• Keep windows closed and locked when they are not being used.


• When windows are open for ventilation, take advantage of all safety features. If possible, open windows from the top and not the bottom if you have double-hung windows – the kind that can open down from the top as well as up from the bottom.


• Install safety devices such as window guards or window stops to help prevent falls.

Window falls can happen quickly and, in some cases, can be deadly. When keeping your kids safe, MCFRS reminds parents that no device can replace active supervision. For more safety tips, visit our website at www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe.

Leisure World Apartment Fire

On September 15, 2015 at approximately 3:15 pm, MCFRS units were dispatched for a reported apartment fire in the 3600 block of Gleneagles Dr. within the Leisure World community.  Truck 725 arrived on the scene and reported fire showing from the 1st floor along with heavy smoke conditions.  Additional units were requested immediately.

Prior to fire department arrival a few nearby workers upstairs felt the heat, smelled the smoke and, after calling 911, assisted a 90 year old occupant safely from the apartment where the fire started.  Additionally, residents alerted neighbors of the fire on the first floor ensuring everybody got out unscathed prior to the arrival of MCFRS units. 

Firefighters worked quickly in containing and extinguishing the bulk of the fire while at the same time evacuating several residents from the adjoining buildings.  In addition, one dog was located inside the structure unconscious, rescued, and subsequently revived.  A cat in the fire apartment was located but had succumbed to its injuries.

During operations two (2) firefighters sustained, and were treated for, minor injuries.  There were no injuries to residents.  Approximately seventy-five (75) firefighters responded to the fire.

Approximately eleven (11) residents were displaced from ten (10) apartments. Damage was estimated at $700k to the structure and $300k to the contents. The fire is believed to be accidental and likely electrical in nature.

Firefighters will be returning to the Leisure World community today at 1 pm to conduct “After the Fire” outreach activities that include speaking with residents as well as checking their smoke alarms.

Time Again to 'Fill-the-Boot' for Muscular Dystrophy

Beginning today and continuing until Friday evening MCFRS will support International Association of FireFighters (IAFF) Local 1664 with it's efforts to collect for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

County Executive Leggett makes the first contribution 

The effort was kicked off yesterday at our Fire Station #34 with a contribution from County Executive Leggett as well as a Proclamation presented by Mr. Leggett to Fire Chief Scott Goldstein and IAFF Local 1664 President Jeff Buddle.
 
Thanks to the residents (and commuters) in Montgomery County, MCFRS is the leading Fill the Boot IAFF contributor in the Maryland and consistently has been one of the top contributors in the Country.  In the 30 year history of MCFRS supporting MDA, IAFF Career Fire Fighters Local 1664 has raised about $2.5 million!

So if you see our Firefighters out in the community over the next three days, please consider making a donation to help the cause.

All monies raised through “Fill the Boot” stays locally in the metro area to help support families dealing with neuromuscular diseases by providing research, wheelchairs, clinic treatments and most importantly allowing children to MDA Summer Camp for 1 week.

History of Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters and MDA

• Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters Association, Local 1664, joined the fight against the more
  
  than 40 neuromuscular diseases by holding its first “Fill the Boot” campaign in 1984. 


• Since the first Fill the Boot campaign in 1984 till 2006 Montgomery County Fire Fighters would donate their “off duty” time for 3 days prior to the Labor Day weekend to conduct “Fill the Boot” at various intersections around Montgomery County. During this period Local 1664 raised $783,452.00. 


• In 2007, thanks to the efforts from Past President John Sparks, Past Fire Chief Tom Carr and then Division Chief Ritchie Bowers along with the support of County Executive Ike Leggett career fire fighters were given permission to participate in “Fill the Boot” while on duty. During the period from 2007 to 2014 Local 1664 has raised, $1,540,842.00


• Local 1664 is the largest contributing IAFF Local in the state of Maryland for MDA.  


• In 2007 Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters placed # 5 in the country collecting over $234,000. 


• In 2008 Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters placed # 9 in the country collecting over $206,000.


• In 2009 Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters placed # 4 in the country collecting a record $254,102.


• In 2014 Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters placed # 10 in the country collecting over $194,000.00. 


• In the 30 year history of Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters supporting the MDA, Local 1664 has raised $2,324,294.00


• Local 1664 also supports MDA by attending MDA Summer Camp in Leonardtown, MD. During Summer Camp, Montgomery County Fire Fighters bring a fire engine to camp for kids to tour and the Locals “Beef Brothers” provide dinner to approximately 150 children and counselors. 

Help Protect Kids From Heatstroke

We had a close call today with a child left alone in a hot vehicle.  If you are not aware of it you can go here:

Child left in hot car at Md. Metro station

Child Recovering After Being Left in Parked Car at Forest Glen Metro Station

6-month-old left in car at Metro parking lot

Our partners in safety, SafeKids, has an important related message to share in light of today's event.

Reduce the number of deaths from heatstroke by remembering to ACT.

A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it so kids don’t get 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.

July Is The Peak Month For Grill Fires

Getting ready to "fire up" the grill this holiday weekend?

Did you know that July is the peak month for grill fires?  Below, please find a safety tip sheet highlighting ways to grill safely as you and your loved ones celebrate Independance Day.

Do not let your Independance Day weekend go up in flames!  Take a moment to review the below safety tips and enjoy a safely grilled meal!

  Grilling Safety

Fire Chief Turns Firefighter At House Fire

On Thursday afternoon (6/18) Fire Chief Goldstein stopped by to visit with the shift at Fire Station #22.   Tanker 722 (a truck that carries a large amount of water) had been dispatched to a large vehicle/trash truck fire on I-270, which required staffing from Engine 722's crew to get it to the scene.  This left the Engine Company with only two people thus they were one person short.

At around 4:30 pm - during a severe thunderstorm event - a call came in for a house struck by lightning in the 24700 block of Kings Valley Road.  Fire Chief Goldstein, knowing the Engine was short one person, grabbed his gear and climbed onto Engine 722 in the seat (bucket) behind Captain Brett Livingston to serve as the lineman (firefighter) on the unit.  

Engine 722 arrived on the scene, with several other fire and rescue units, and Captain Livingston and his "crew" eventually went to work.  As you can see below, they all worked up quite a sweat!

Captain Brett Livingston and the crew of E722 taking
a break (Fire Chief Goldstein in middle).

Awaiting their assignment. Chief Goldstein on left.

Taking a break at the rehab section.

Several Safety Recalls

Several safety recalls occurred yesterday that I wanted to make you aware of. They cover potential injury hazards.

I am posting these as all of us at MCFRS hope to prevent any of you from having to call 911 because you have been injured.  Help us to help YOU by reviewing the recalls below and take the recommended steps to handle the situation if you find you are impacted by any of the recalls.

As always thanks to our partners in safety, Consumer Product Safety Commission, for making this important information available.

Recalls:

1. Schylling Recalls Police Press and Go Toy Vehicles Due to Choking Hazard 
2. IKEA Recalls Pressure-Mounted Safety Gates Due to Fall Hazard 
3. Cost Plus World Market Recalls Twist Swivel Stools Due to Fall Hazard

Help Protect Kids From Heatstroke

Our partners in safety, SafeKids, has an important message to share as we head into summer. Timely for today as we expect temperatures in the upper 80's!

Reduce the number of deaths from heatstroke by remembering to ACT.

A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it so kids don’t get 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.

Thursday Is National PrepareAthon! Day

Would you and your loved ones know what to do if you heard a loud roar that sounded like a train; looked out the window and saw a tornado in the distance heading your way?

Know what to do if another Derecho hit the area and you were without power, food or water for several days?

Or would you know what actions to take if another earthquake hit the region that was stronger than the last two "minor" quakes we have experienced over the last several years?

If the above questions have caused you to think and/or left you unsure as to what you would do, please consider participating in National PrepareAthon! Day tomorrow, Thursday, April 30.  The initiative, sponsored by FEMA, will revolve around taking actions to prepare for six specific hazards:

• Earthquake
• Flood
• Hurricane
• Tornado
• Wildfire
• Winter Storm

Help us to help you when disaster strikes!  Please take time to review the information and PREPARE!  Also please take a couple of minutes to watch the powerful video below.  If that does not inspire you and your loved ones to prepare than nothing will:

Congratulations To Recruit Class 40

Acting Fire Chief Scott Goldstein to welcome 43 members of Recruit Class 40 to MCFRS after 26 weeks of training! Graduation Ceremony TODAY at 2:00 p.m. at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg.

Congratulations and stay safe!

Tied Up In Training

By: Firefighter Dan Rothermel

Fire Station 24-B Shift

Members of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) constantly train to keep their skills sharp. Here, members of Fire Station 24 (Colesville) are working with their Tower Ladder and ropes to simulate an above/below grade rescue with a stokes basket.

It is important for firefighters to practice all skills they possess for any possible fire or rescue situation. In this scenario, the wrong or improperly tied knot could mean injury or death to both the person being rescued and the firefighter.

Constant training and practice ensures the women and men of MCFRS will be ready and able to perform flawlessly when called into action.

Sledding Safety

No doubt many kids, and kids at heart, will be out sledding today and tomorrow. MCFRS hopes everyone has a fun and SAFE time doing so!

Parents and caregivers should remember the following tips:

• Make sure terrain is free of obstacles and far from traffic. Children should sled on packed snow (not ice) that is free of debris. Check carefully for snow-covered hazards such as rocks, tree limbs and stumps that could endanger sledders or skiers.
• 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.

Parents should remind children to:

• Sled only on terrain that is free of obstacles.
• Make sure the bottom of the slope is far from streets, traffic and frozen or partially frozen ponds, lakes or creeks.
• Always use a sled with a steering mechanism. Avoid makeshift sleds.
• Avoid lying flat on the sled while riding down hill. Always sit up with feet forward - lying flat increases the chance of head and abdominal injuries.
• Never ride in a sled pulled by a motorized vehicle.
• Make sure the number of children riding on the sled does not exceed the manufacturer's recommendations.

Ice & Cold Weather Safety Tips

Each year, many residents are injured during the winter months as a result of pedestrian accidents and from exposure in cold water incidents. Skaters fall through the ice; boaters and canoeists overturn their crafts and pedestrians are struck walking in roadways because sidewalks

are snow covered.

Here are a few general guidelines for use by winter recreation enthusiasts to lessen their chances for an icy dip or worse. It's impossible to judge the strength of ice by its appearance, thickness, daily temperature, or snow cover alone. Ice strength is also dependent on water depth under the ice, the size of the water and water chemistry, currents, and distribution of the load on the ice.

THE ONLY "SAFE" ICE IS AT A SKATING ARENA!

WHAT DO YOU DO IF SOMEONE FALLS THROUGH THE ICE?

• Act quickly and call 9-1-1 for help immediately. Make sure properly trained and equipped rescue personnel are alerted to respond.
• DO NOT go out onto the ice. Many times would-be rescuers become victims themselves.
• Reach, Throw, or Row. Extend a branch, pole or ladder to the victim. Throw them a buoyant object such as a life ring or float tied to a rope. If a boat is nearby row out to the victim or push it toward them.

HOW COLD IS COLD WATER?

• Any water that is cooler than normal body temperature (98.6 degrees F) is by definition "cold water"
• Cold water drains away body heat 25 to 30 times faster than air!
• The lower the temperature of the water, the faster the onset of hypothermia.

WHAT IS HYPOTHERMIA?

• Hypothermia is the excessive lowering of body temperature. A drop n core temperature below 95 degrees F., causes shivering, confusion, loss of muscle strength, and if not treated and reversed leads to unconsciousness and death.
• Safety experts estimate that half of all drowning victims die from the fatal effects of hypothermia and cold water, not the fatal effects from water filled lungs.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

• Slippery driveways and sidewalks can be particularly hazardous in the winter. Keep them well shoveled, and apply materials such as rock salt or sand to improve traction.
• Be especially careful crossing the street and wear appropriate shoes and brightly colored (not white) clothing while walking in snowy conditions.
• Use reflective clothing or stickers for maximum protection, especially at dawn and dusk.

Recent Recalls

On Thursday our partners in safety, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, announced several recalls that I wanted to make you aware of.

Please take a moment to review the below recalls and pass along to anyone you feel may benefit from this information. Certainly take a moment to make sure you do not have any of these items in your home.  If you do, please follow the instructions as to actions to take.

Kidde Recalls Disposable Plastic Fire Extinguishers Due to Failure to Discharge 

SRAM Recalls Zipp 88 Bicycle Wheel Hubs Due to Crash and Injury Hazards 

Jackco Transnational Recalls ZETA Battery Pack Due to Fire Hazard 

Preventing Frozen Fire Sprinkler Pipes

Automatic fire sprinkler systems have enjoyed an enviable record of protecting life and property for over 100 years.  Since early 2004, Council Bill #25-03 requires fire sprinkler systems be installed in all new single-family homes in Montgomery County.  Several years prior required fire sprinklers in newly built apartment/condo type residential homes as well as townhouses.  

Because of this critical life safety initiative, MCFRS knows there are a good number of single and multi family homes, along with commercial buildings, that are equipped with life-saving fire sprinkler systems. 

All people who live in homes with fire sprinklers, along with apartment/commercial building owners and management companies, need to take time to ensure that these systems are protected against pipes freezing.  

Preventing Frozen Fire Sprinkler Pipes 

• If fire sprinkler piping is exposed to outside temperatures, it should be heated or adequately insulated. 
• Keep doors, garage doors, windows and vents closed when not in use as resulting drafts might allow cold air to contact the piping. Repair any broken windows, doors or any cracks in exterior walls that may be near any fire sprinkler piping.
• Most fire sprinkler pipes are within the walls and/or ceilings of a home. Cold air can possibly enter these hidden spaces through small gaps in the exterior sheathing and insulation and find its way directly onto the fire sprinkler pipes. Try to find and repair these gaps.
• In attics, the pipes should be as close to the ceiling as possible with insulation placed over the top of the sprinkler pipe.  Inspect the sprinkler pipes that are in the attic and if you see pipes exposed then they need to be insulated immediately.
• Adequate heat should be provided to all areas by use of the existing heating system of the home rather than other means such as space heaters.
• Do not use temporary heating equipment such as kerosene space heaters or other un-vented portable fuel-burning space heaters as these heaters can increase the risk of fire and potential health hazards such as Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
• Do not use torches or other open flame devices to thaw pipes or other equipment.
• In case a pipe bursts ensure all family members know the location of the water shut-off valve and the proper method to turn it off to minimize damage.
• A lot of times expanding ice within the pipe can cause a crack but the ice will block the flow of water while it is frozen. In this situation, the water damage may not be apparent until after the ice melts and water is able to flow out of the cracked portion.

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attacks

A heart attack is a life-and-death emergency and every second counts. If you experience or see someone with any of the listed symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1. Not all these signs occur in every heart attack. Sometimes they go away and return. Heart attack victims can benefit from new medications and treatments unavailable to patients in years past. For example, clot-busting drugs can stop some heart attacks and strokes in progress, reducing disability and saving lives. But to be effective, these drugs must be given relatively quickly after heart attack or stroke symptoms first appear. So again, don't delay-get help right away! Call 9-1-1.

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

Chest discomfort:

Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body:

Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath:

May occur with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs:

These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

If you or someone with you has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don't delay -call 9-1-1 immediately.