Bullard TIC

February 22nd, 2010
T3Max

T3Max

Here it is the executive summary:

 To turn on hit the button below the screen.  That’s it your ready to use in a fire.

Now for the long version:

You will get the best image from the unit when the environment has many thermal differences. Once the unit picks up temperatures above 500 degrees it will use yellow, orange, and red to show temperature differences.

Color Legend:

Red > 1000 degrees

Orange > 800 degrees

Yellow > 500 degrees

There are some issues that all TIC’s have problems with:

  1. They are unable to see through water. This means you will be unable to search for victims that are underwater during lake rescues. In addition a sprinkler that is going off will act as a curtain and may block your view to a fire beyond it.
  2. They cannot see through glass…you will get a reflection
  3. Metal will also not show the true heat and will give a reflection

The camera will freeze for a split second when there is huge differences in temperatures this is caused by the camera compensating for these diffrences and adjusting the picture.

The button arrows on top of the unit will allow you to fine tune the screen to show shades of blue. This is mainly used during overhaul and searches. Once activated the unit will only show in blue and gray scales and can be reset by turning the unit off and back on OR by hitting both arrows at the same time.

Chris Bugert Fireground Operations

Free Wildland Firefighting Classes

January 30th, 2010

Reading Smoke

January 19th, 2010

Here is another video to supplement the video we saw at the meeting.

Here is another version that skips a lot of the fluff and gets right to the good info and has some really good examples.

I am also including some examples so you can try to read what is happening

Chris Bugert Fireground Operations

Fire Classifications – Refresher

November 27th, 2009

It is always good for us all to do a little refresher with regards to the classifications of fire and how we handle them. Take note of the symbols and classes as you will see them in a future Fire Extinguisher post.

Fire Classifications

Fire type A.svg Class A (Ordinary Combustibles). Typically the most common fire type as fuels for Class A fires include wood, paper, non-pertroleum based plastics, rubber and textiles. Class A fires can be extinguished with water or water-based agents.

Fire type B.svg Class B (Flammable/Combustible Liquids & Gases). Fires involving alchohol, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), gasoline, and lubricating oils. Direct water streams are not advised as the fuel source is easily spread. Increased fire hazards occur with Class B fires when pressurized liquids and gases are involved. Eliminate the fuel source whenever possible and extinguish using Class B foam, CO2, or dry chemical.

Class C fire icon.svg Class C (Electrical). Class C fires can be considered Class A or B fires created by electrical energy. The important thing to remember is that water and water-based agents can not be safely used until the energy source is terminated. These fires pose a severe shock risk. The first step in attacking Class C fires is typically to remove the electrical energy source, evaluate the remaining burning material and extinguish using the method associated with class of fire, typically Class A.

Class D fire icon.svgClass D (Combustible Metals). Class D fires are those involving certain combustible metals and alloys. Examples: sodium, magnesium, potassium, uranium, titanium, lithium, and calcium. This classification of fire is worth reading up on. Materials used in modern cars have changed in recent years (some older models have similar risks) and a car fire can quickly turn into a Class D fire. These fires can be quickly identified by an intense bright white burning. See the recent post about car fires for a video example. Using water and water-based agents on these materials can excite the fire and cause further spreading. Dry powder extinguishers and agents that absorb heat/smother fire are typically the best choice for Class D fires.

Class K fire icon.svg Class K (Kitchen or Cooking Oil). Class K fires involve combustible cooking oils such as vegetable or animal fat oils. Class K fires are a subclass of Class B fires but have special characteristics (higher burning temperatures) that set them apart. Most Class K fires are found in industrial/commercial kitchens but residential turkey fryers also pose a risk. Saponification/wet chemicals are typically used to extinguish Class K fires.

For more information, check out these links:

Gallagher Fireground Operations

Car Fires

October 16th, 2009

My experience tells me the first tire that ever blows out on you will scare the living daylights out of you…each one after that is routine. Short lesson: remember to always attack a car fire from the side or diagonally…never directly in the back or the front.



Bonus: Magnesium fires react violently with water

Chris Bugert Fireground Operations

New Response SOG

October 7th, 2009

Residential

Engine 1 -> Ladder 1 (Hydrant) -> Engine 4 -> Truck 7

Commercial / Multi-family

Ladder 1 -> Engine 1 (Hydrant) -> Engine 4 -> Truck 7
Apparatus placement based on pre-plan or IC

Mutual Aid

Engine 4 -> Whatever they request next

MVA / Manpower Assist

Engine 1 -> Ladder 1 (Hydrant) -> Engine 4 -> Truck 7

Brush Fires

Engine 1 -> Ladder 1 (Hydrant) -> Engine 4 -> Truck 7

Chris Bugert Driving

New Hose Lay on Engine 4

September 1st, 2009

It seems that everyone loves and hates the Triple lay. It is easy to deploy but a bit of a pain to load.  We have already put into practice using the Cleveland load (also called “the bundle”) for our high-rise packs. We found this new hose load called the “Roundabout” that is easy to deploy and easy to pack. Check out the video and then go take a look at it on Engine 4.

Chris Bugert Fireground Operations

NIMS Online Courses

September 1st, 2009

I am sure everyone has taken the NIMS courses but if you haven’t here are the links to take the courses and get your certificate.

Everyone should take:

IS-100.a – http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is100a.asp
IS-200.a – http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is200a.asp
IS-700.a – http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is700a.asp

Officers should also take IS-800.b (http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is800b.asp)

IS-700.a

Chris Bugert Uncategorized

Air Bags

May 17th, 2009

Alex

I thought I would go for a little change of pace and teach my son Alex how to use the airbags on Engine 1. He did really well and if you have any questions I think he will be able to answer them for you. He is still learning but soon he will be a top notch fireman.

What you need to get

What you need to get

Everything, except the air cylinder (these are all over), can be found in the rear compartment of the drivers side.

Get the hoses out

Get the hoses out

There is a red and blue hose

Select the right airbag(s)

Select the right airbag(s)

Only 2 airbags can be used at a time. They have capacities and lift heights listed on them. Maximum lift is 23″ with the largest bags.

Air hose connection

Air hose connection (notice notch)

Hook everything up! Inside the yellow case is a black hose already connected to the controls. This hose connects to your air cylinder. The red hose goes to the red connection and the blue to the blue. This is done so the controls make more sense.

Hooked up and ready to go

Hooked up and ready to go

Open air cylinder. Now the system is charged. To fill bag operate lever of bag you want filled. Never stack more then 2 bags.

Air Bag Controls

Air Bag Controls

Alex test the airbag

Alex test the airbag

To quit using the air bags and bleed the system. Turn off the air cylinder and then deflate the bags. Do you know something Alex don’t. If so add it to the comments so everyone can learn.

Chris Bugert Engine 1, Extrication

One year ago today

April 4th, 2009

Two Firefighters died one year ago today in Ohio.  Read the report, look at the pictures, and ask yourself what would you do different?

http://www.coleraintwp.org/uploads/LODDPriliminaryReportFinalVersion4.pdf

Chris Bugert Fireground Operations