July Fire Dept. Newsletter
This past month the fire department was able to get in some crucial fire ground training. On June 13th, the C-shift boys, along with a handful of fellas from the other two shifts, performed a training burn on a residential structure on Carney Street. We were able to complete two practice burns and observe the fire growth before we ignited the final fire and let the structure burn to the ground. Just telling someone how a fire builds, reacts to its environment and how it feels to be in a structure that’s on fire, can be helpful but showing them in person is invaluable. The training burns and final fire, that ultimately demolished the structure, both were performed without incident. This training burn was provided by Habitat for Humanity, who recently received the property when the previous owner graciously donated it to their cause. Now that the old run down structure has been demolished, a new one will be built in its place. This is your basic win-win scenario, the fire department received some valuable training and now Habitat for Humanity has a place to build a new home for a family in need.
Earlier this month the Rope Rescue team trained at the Zip the Snake facility near Centennial Park. This training and incident preplan proved to be quite useful. Prior to this training, just being able to integrate their equipment with ours was an obstacle that we were not sure of the outcome. We now know the answer to that question as well as many others such as; what type of harness the patient will likely be wearing, where the best anchor spots would be, and how to efficiently rescue someone if the need ever arose. Now the need for a rescue at this place of recreation is slim, due to the fact that it is quite safe and all equipment and structures are inspected and evaluated on a regular basis, but it was still good training and provided for a little change of scenery from our usual training locations.
The anniversary of the day our country declared its independence is just around the corner and we’ll celebrate it by lighting fireworks and spooking the neighbor’s dog. With all this big fun comes the potential for some big harm. So in an effort to make your celebration a bit more safe and enjoyable, here are a few fireworks safety tips:
- Fireworks are for outside use only. Your average sparkler burns at about 1800 degrees and could spell disaster for your new couch.
- Be aware of your surroundings. You don’t want your display of patriotism catching your home on fire or the neighbor’s home for that matter.
- Obey state and local laws pertaining to fireworks. Idaho law states that the only fireworks permitted in this state for consumer use are safe and sane, meaning non-aerial.
- Always have water handy; a bucketful of water or a garden hose works great.
- Never modify fireworks you have purchased from a vendor. They are designed to work the way they come and modifying them puts you at risk for injury.
- Do not try to relight dud fireworks, I know you paid $12 for that pack of ground bloomers but just let it lie and move on to the next one.
- Keep a safe distance when enjoying your fireworks display and always keep a close eye on children, kids are like moths-they see a bright light and just have to get closer to it.
- Friends don’t let friends drive drunk or light fireworks drunk.
Last but not least, if you by chance do experience a mishap and need assistance, don’t hesitate to call the fire boys. We typically staff two extra crews the night of July 4th to assist if and when the mishaps happen.
That’s about it for this month, and until next time, don't forget to wave to the boys in the BRT.