News in Brief

DHS introduces National Response Plan

The National Response Plan announced by the Department of Homeland Security early in January is a comprehensive all-hazards approach for managing domestic incidents. It integrates into a unified structure best practices and procedures relative to homeland security, emergency management, firefighting, emergency medical services, law enforcement, public works, public health, responder and recovery worker health and safety, and the private sector.

The protocols presented emphasize the following primary objectives, according to the report:

to save lives and protect the health and safety of the public, responders, and recovery workers;
to ensure the security of the homeland;
to prevent an imminent incident, including acts of terrorism;
to protect and restore critical infrastructure and key resources;
to conduct law enforcement investigations to resolve the incident, apprehend the perpetrators, and collect and preserve evidence for prosecution or attribution;
to protect property and mitigate damages and the impact to individuals, communities, and the environment; and
to facilitate the recovery of individuals, families, businesses, governments, and the environment.

Download the entire report (PDF, 426 pages) or just the National Response Base Plan and Appendices (PDF, 114 pages) from the DHS Web site at www.dhs.gov. You can also download the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute online course “FEMA Emergency Management Institute National Response Plan Course” from the site, as well as other documents related to the plan. ■

GAO to study the “right to volunteer”

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is implementing a study of the issues that affect firefighters’ right to volunteer. At the request of House of Representative members Sherwood Boehlert (NY) and Curt Weldon (PA), the GAO will begin an analysis of the circumstances in which career firefighters are restricted from volunteering in fire departments during their off-duty hours and to see how limiting volunteering may affect fire departments’ ability to carry out their responsibilities.

The study will estimate the number of career firefighters who volunteer during off-duty hours, the extent and origin of any restrictions on volunteering, the number of fire departments and firefighters affected by such policies, the reasons such policies were instituted, and the staffing levels at volunteer and combination fire departments in areas where career firefighters are prohibited or discouraged from volunteering in another jurisdiction during off-duty hours.

The National Volunteer Fire Council supported language included in the legislation creating the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program that prohibits firefighters hired under the grant to be discriminated against for, or be prohibited from engaging in, volunteer activities in another jurisdiction during off-duty hours. Similar language was included in the recent House bill that reauthorized the Assistance to Firefighters grant program, but the provision was stripped when the bill went to conference with the Senate version. ■

Spokane firefighters seek to avoid layoffs

Spokane, Washington, fire union leaders have outlined a plan to save 12 firefighter jobs. The cuts proposed by the mayor would increase the risk of property loss and injury, according to the union. As many as 57 front-line firefighter positions would be lost in addition to another five jobs in the department. On-duty strength is projected to drop from 63 firefighters at the beginning of 2004 to 50 in 2005. None of the city’s 14 stations would be closed, but staffing on some engines would be cut from four to three; some trucks would be taken out of service.

The union wants to see more cuts in cell phone use and support staff, including computer technicians, training officers, and administrators.

The union is also proposing patients be charged for medical supplies used by city firefighters, who are cross-trained as EMTs or paramedics. At press time, the mayor was discussing the ideas with union officials. www.firetimes.com, Nov 13, 2004 ■

Arson ruling in doubt after Texan executed

A re-examination of an arson case ruling by the Chicago Tribune revealed that Cameron Todd Willingham, who died by lethal injection in February for allegedly setting a fire that killed his three daughters, was prosecuted and convicted primarily on the basis of arson theories that no longer are considered to be based on science.

Four fire experts say the original investigation was flawed and that the fire may have been accidental. Texas judges and the governor refused to consider a report from Gerald Hurst, a prominent fire scientist and Cambridge University-educated chemist, who questioned the conviction. Hurst and three other fire investigators-private consultants reviewed additional documents, trial testimony, and a videotape of the fire investigation scene at reporters’ requests.

Hurst maintains that “any reasonable arson investigator” would have had nothing to suggest that the fire was arson. Louisiana Fire Chief Kendall Ryland, a former fire instructor at Louisiana State University who also examined the materials, had tried to re-create the conditions described by the original fire investigators. He could not.

Willingham was charged after fire investigators concluded an accelerant had been used to set three separate fires inside the wood-frame, one-story home. The investigators’ findings were based on what they described as “more than 20 indicators of arson,” including crazed glass. It has long been believed that crazed glass is an indication that an accelerant was used to fuel a fire that became exceedingly hot. However, subsequently, analysts have established that crazed glass can be created when hot glass is sprayed with water while extinguishing the fire.

Hurst and the consultants called the crazed glass as well as other indicators such as floor burn patterns and the charring of wood under the aluminum threshold unreliable. They said evidence indicated that the fire had advanced to flashover and that accelerant patterns cannot be visually identified after flashover.

Prosecutors claim a jailhouse informant said Willingham confessed to the arson.

The fire occurred in 1991, less than two months before the National Fire Protection Association released its 921 standard, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. Other factors and witness observations contributed to circumstantial evidence against Willingham.

The local fire investigator stood by the original investigation. The original investigators said Willingham started the fire with charcoal lighter fluid and that a by-product of it was found in the wood under the aluminum threshold at the front door.

Contemporary experts say the original investigators made “grave errors in their reports and testimony.” One example cited was the statement that an accelerant must have been used to set the fire because wood could not burn hot enough to melt an aluminum threshold. The experts say it can.

According to a former Georgia crime lab analyst who testifies for prosecutors and the defense in arson trails, the original investigators used rules that have been proven false. www.kansascity.com, Chicago Tribune, article 10385197, Dec 10, 2004, Steve Mills and Maurice Possley ■

NIST to perform research in emergency radio communications

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) initiated in December research aimed at improving first responder radio communications. The work will take place before, during, and after the demolition of the old Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., which was scheduled for demolition on Dec. 18, 2004.

NIST is using realworld “laboratories”-buildings scheduled to be imploded as part of construction and recycling projects-to simulate disaster environments. The Washington Convention Center is one of a series of buildings around the nation NIST is using for such experiments.

Among the objectives are to devise methods for detecting very weak radio signals and to use improvised “antennas” made of metal found in debris to boost signals. Additional information is at www.nist.gov/. Researchers are seeking to develop reliable, cost-effective tools that can be retrofitted to existing radio systems so that emergency personnel can locate and perhaps communicate with rescuers and survivors trapped inside a collapsed building. ■

Chicago high-rise fire reveals benefits of lessons learned

The Chicago (IL) Fire Department responded to the first high-rise fire to occur since the October 2003 fire in the Cook County office building in which six people died. Lessons learned from the county building fire were applied to the later fire in the 45-story, 70-year-old LaSalle Bank headquarters building in the city. More than 300 firefighters fought the fire, which burned for five and a half hours. Some 37 people, including 22 firefighters, suffered moderate to serious injuries. There were no fatalities. The high-rise had been renovated in the early 1990s and was being retrofitted for a sprinkler system. About 400 to 500 of the building’s usual occupants were in the structure at the time of the fire.

The fire started on the 29th floor and spread to the 30th floor. The fire was determined to be accidental and electrical in nature, according to a city fire investigator. It originated in the void space above the drop ceiling among insulated acoustical ceiling tiles and wrapped insulated piping, according to a Chicago Tribune report. Flaming debris fell and ignited the office furniture below.

After the Cook County fire and a scathing critique of firefighting operations there, Fire Commissioner Cortez Trotter instituted many of the recommendations of the investigatory commission. They had a noticeable positive effect on the outcome of this fire. Among these initiatives and differences in conditions from the Cook County fire were the following:

The institution of procedures that provided for simultaneous tracking of suppression and emergency medical efforts. One criticism of the Cook County incident was that search and rescue operations had not been instituted quickly enough.

Additional radio channels were added.

Department members had completed additional training for high-rise firefighting.

None of the stairwell doors were locked.

Firefighters quickly took control of the building at a first-floor command center.

The department followed its newly implemented evacuation policy. Occupants were told to stay in their offices until firefighters arrived. Members of the newly formed Rapid Ascent Team immediately instituted a floor-by-floor search for trapped occupants. Firefighters led the occupants out of the smoke-filled building. One stairwell was designated for evacuation, the other for carrying up firefighting equipment. In contrast with the Cook building fire, firefighters were praised for quick evacuation and constant communication at the LaSalle fire. In accordance with new procedures established after the county building fire, 911 operators kept callers on the line, asked for their exact locations, and instructed the occupants to stay put until firefighters rescued them. The dispatchers then relayed the information to communications personnel on the scene.

The bank had conducted a safety drill about a month before. The department’s public education unit visited the building in October and procured floor plans of the building from the building’s managers and became acquainted with the communication system.

Among the lessons learned from the LaSalle fire are the following:

The department will look into buying “disposable” breathing devices for civilians. Firefighters at the LaSalle fire shared their breathing apparatus with occupants, leading to smoke inhalation injuries for firefighters.

Chief officers and front-line firefighters on the fire floor would be rotated to protect them from fatigue and injury.

Commissioner Trotter conducted two critiques-one with the command staff held 48 hours after the fire and one with rank-and-file firefighters and paramedics who responded to the LaSalle fire.

At press time, city officials were to vote on an ordinance that would require sprinkler systems in the city’s older high-rises. The proposed legislation already contained concessions for building owners, such as an extension of two years (from five to seven) before compliance became necessary and revisions in other life-safety measures. Also, city officials have agreed to allow buildings with fewer than 15 stories and 64 units to install one-way communications systems in stairwells instead of more expensive two-way systems. Residential buildings with indoor parking garages that lease parking spaces to outsiders for at least 30 days would be exempt from the sprinkler requirement. The mayor cites the fact that building owners must pay for costly façade repairs until Jan 1, 2012, and higher taxes for schools. www.xposed.com article 1333263 Dec. 7, 2004; www.globest.com, Dec. 7,2004;www.dailyherald.com, article 38329362 Dec. 8, 2004; www.chicagotribune.com, Dec. 21, 2004; www.chicagotribune.com, Dec. 8, 2004; www.suntimes.com, Dec. 7, 2004; www.suntimes.com, Dec. 14, 2004; www.suntimes.com, Dec.9, 2004; www.suntimes.com, Dec. 3, 2004 ■

Volunteer firefighters can now be reimbursed for DHS-sponsored training

In November, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) modified it guidelines so that Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) grant funds can be used to compensate volunteer firefighters and paid on-call firefighters participating in ODP training and exercises. The funds can be used for stipends, lost wages, and other compensation.

Volunteer firefighters are eligible for the funds if “they are completely unpaid and no legal agreement exists to support pay for training and exercise activities,” according to ODP Information Bulletin No. 141, Nov. 19, 2004. However, the ODP must receive written justification establishing the following: (1) “The difficulty states/locals are facing getting responders to participate as unpaid volunteers and (2) Why volunteers who are already willing to provide time without pay are unwilling to give extra time for training and exercises.” The justification must be based on a finding that paying volunteers is a primary factor in enticing them to participate in training and exercise activities. The justification must explain how participation in ODP-approved training and exercises makes participants better at the work they perform during their regular volunteer duties. The state should develop a policy stating the standardized stipend amount to be provided for participation in training and exercises.

This justification and policy should be provided in writing to the ODP through your preparedness officer. Virtually the same conditions apply to reimbursement of wages for other volunteer responder personnel. Additional information is available through your preparedness officer or the ODP Helpline at (1-800) 368-6498. ■

Alameda County firefighters use grant funds for fire safety education

Alameda County, CA, fire departments now have a safety house trailer that can be brought to schools and community events as a fire safety prop. The unit cost $56,000 and was one of the purchases made possible through a Fireman’s Fund insurance company grant.

Some 90 Bay Area fire departments were beneficiaries of a $925,000 grant and donation program. Thirty-two grants were awarded, including the following:

The East Bay Regional Park District Fire Department received $25,000 to develop a fire weather database and notification system, to measure wind patterns, temperature, and humidity in the East Bay hills area.

The Richmond Fire Department received $41,000 for equipment to help rescuers extricate car accident victims.

The Contra Costa County Fire District received $40,000 for thermal imaging cameras.

The Moraga-Orinda Fire District received $25,000 for a water supply tank for rural areas where water supply is inadequate.

The city of Oakland’s CORE program, which trains adults in how to respond to emergencies such as fires, earthquakes, and other disasters, received a donation that was not part of the application grant process.

San Francisco Fire Department’s Neighborhood Emergency Response also received a $100,000 donation. www.firetimes.com, Dec. 2, 2004 ■

MRC to participate in NVFC Heart-Healthy firefighter initiative

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) will assist the National Volunteer Firefighters Council’s (NFVC) Heart-Healthy firefighter program by conducting firefighters’ physical examinations and instructing them on how to live more healthful lifestyles. The NVFC’s Heart-Healthy Firefighter program, in its second year, has established a goal of reducing heart-related on-duty firefighter deaths by 25 percent by the year 2008.

According to NVFC officers, inquiries and interest in participating in the program are very high. Organizations in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, and Tennessee have already expressed interest in the program.

The NVFC developed a Heart-Healthy Firefighter Kit, which was distributed to thousands of firefighters. It includes information on fighting cholesterol and heart disease and promoting better nutrition and overall physical fitness. The kit is at www.healthy-firefighter.org. The Web site also offers other heart-healthy tools, including a medical history form firefighters can print out and provide to their doctor.

The MRC’s objective is to build teams of volunteer medical and public health professionals who will give their time and expertise at the local level. The all-volunteer units assist their communities during times of medical, environmental, or terrorist-related emergencies. The MCR was organized in 2002 under the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General and is a component of the USA Freedom Corps, formed after September 11, 2001, to foster volunteerism among U.S. citizens. ■

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Source: National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Database, United States Fire Administration.

News Glimpses

LA County Fire Department seeking recruits. The Los Angeles County Fire Department conducted its first major recruitment campaign in seven years in December. Some 30,000 applications were expected, according to a report at press time. Candidates were to take the written examination in January. www.nbc4.tv, article 3902741, Nov. 11, 2004 ● Fire truck sinks into pavement. As Jersey City, NJ, firefighters were returning to their ladder truck after extinguishing a fire in a residential structure, they noticed that the truck was listing to one side and appeared to be sinking into the pavement. Apparently, the truck was parked on a spot on the street in which the soil under the pavement had caved in, creating a sinkhole. A rescue company, the police department, the municipal utilities authority, and utility companies responded. Crews covered the street with one-inch metal plates to prevent the sinkhole from growing. A heavy-duty tow truck then lifted the apparatus so that the metal plates could be slid underneath it. Firefighters were able to drive the truck away. It had some damage to its undercarriage and lights and was taken out of service for repairs. www.nj.com, Nov. 29, 2004 ● G7 health ministers to establish vaccine bank. A 200-million-dose vaccine bank, a bioterrorism crisis center, will be established. It will be run by the World Health Organization and will be based at the G7 health ministers’ secretariat in Ottawa, Canada. The United States, Britain, France, Germany, Canada, Italy, Germany, the European Union, and Mexico will provide vaccine, which would be available to any country in need.

The United States has set aside the equivalent of 80 mi doses of smallpox vaccine. The G7 health ministers say the new crisis center could also help manage natural disasters, such as the bird flu outbreak in Asia. An around-the-clock hotline has already been established among the G7 health ministries. http.//abcnews.go.com, article 320866 Dec. 11, 2004 ● Washington, D.C. Fire and EMS to develop mobile computer system. The D.C. Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) will work with the district’s Fire and EMS to successfully deploy a mobile computer system. A previous attempt over the past two years failed, costing the district between $4 and $6 million. The agencies involved said they do not know how much the new system would cost or when it would be implemented. The objectives are to have a global positioning system to track and dispatch ambulances more effectively while providing real-time directions for emergency calls; convey information from hazardous materials and medical calls over a private, encrypted network to emergency room staff, administrators, and city agencies; and deliver triage options to first responders. It is anticipated that the computer system would also be able recognize patterns in which people from different areas of the city calling for medical attention are suffering from the same symptoms. www.washingtontimes.com, article 20041214-104818-9498r, Dec 15, 2004 ● ND gets less money for homeland security. North Dakota will be receiving $14.4 million, about $5 million less than it received in 2004, according to the state’s Division of Emergency Management.

Since the funding includes a grant formerly administered separately by FEMA, the cut is closer to $6 million. Originally, thAAdministration proposed cutting the state’s funds by $11 million, in accordance with a policy to shift federal funds to states with larger populations. The result is that jurisdictions, such as fire departments, will receive less money. The state was planning to spend some of the money on places to store equipment and for radio communications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funds for bioterrorism work in this fiscal year also will be cut about 21 percent. www.grandforks.com, article 10378589, Dec. 9, 2004 ● Tampa’s firefighting equipment in poor condition. According to a November 2004 ABC Action News report, fire trucks in Tampa, Florida, were not properly maintained and engines have broken pieces and parts. One firefighter cited the need for new equipment because the trucks are old and heavily used. Apparatus have been placed out of service. Chief Dennis Jones, who has been chief for only several months, says maintenance will be a top priority in his administration. Budget difficulties have been blamed for delays in the maintenance shop. The mayor has ordered an audit of the fire department’s maintenance shop to see why repairs are taking so long. www.abcactionnews.com, Nov. 18, 2004 ● NJ county receives grant to trace 911 cell phone calls. The Public Safety Foundation of America awarded Burlington County officials more than $100,000 to institute a system to trace the location of the origin of emergency calls made from cellular phones.

The current 911 system can trace a call only to the cell tower from which the call is received. The grant moill be used for large computer monitors to display maps, computer software, and dispatcher training. The New Jersey 911 Commission chose the county to pilot the project because it has a centralized communications system that accepts wireless calls. A cell phone must be able to transmit a signal to the global positioning system (GPS) of satellites for the call to be traced in the new system. Parts of Texas, Rhode Island, and Vermont use the GPS system. www.emsnetwork.org, article 12624, Nov. 26, 2004

USFA report on fire in the United States available

The 13th edition of the U.S. Fire Administration’s Fire in the United States is now available. This 10-year statistical overview of fires in the United States covers the years from 1992 to 2001; 2001 is emphasized. Data included were provided by the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), state fire marshals offices, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Consumer Price Index. The report can be downloaded at www.usfa.fema.gov/applications/publications (under Featured Publications). A printed version is also available.

NIMS template available online

The National Incident Management System (NIMS) Integration Center at the Federal Emergency Management Agency designed, developed, and posted online a basic NIMS Implementation Plan template for federal departments and agencies. It is recommended to states, local, and tribal organizations. It can be downloaded at www.fema.gov/doc/nims/nims.implementation.plan.template.com.

FEMA releases school fires report

A special report by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) explores the causes and characteristics of school fires. Developed by the National Fire Data Center under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s USFA, the report, part of the Topical Fire Research Series, is based on 2002 data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). All school fires, including those occurring outdoors on school property, are included.

Among information contained in the report is the following:

About 6,000 school structure fires occurred in the United States during 2002.

Thirty-seven percent of all school structure fires and 52 percent of middle and high-school structure fires are caused by incendiary or suspicious activity.

A copy of the full report can be downloaded from www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/reports/pubs/tfrs.shtm/.