Fire Service History

Change in the Fire Service

2007-01-09T17:48:00.000-05:00

Actually this post is all about changes in our blog. The blog here is going to experience some changes. I have been promising this for a long time but it finally coming along and I will be changing the method and location of the website and I will be changing the way the information is gathered and displayed.

Please be patient.

Fire Prevention Week

2006-10-16T23:17:00.000-04:00

I have been very busy taking care of some changes that are coming on this site and with life in general. I absolutely forgot Fire Prevention Week. Did you know that the week for prevention was brought about by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871? This year would mark the 135th anniversary of the fire.

On October 9, 1871 the conflagration took place and resulted in sweeping changes throughout the fire service. The death and destruction that resulted aside, the initial fire was, unfortunately, a grand event and one of the best things to happen to the fire service. I know that the destruction of someone’s personal property and the seemingly needless and tragic death of civilians can hardly be viewed as a good thing.

If you think about this from another perspective, try to imagine how the world changes due to tragedy. When thinking about this fire consider the changes that were effected. Wooden chimneys and thatch roofs were banned. Walls were ordered to be built of stone and mortar rather than wood. Fire codes were enacted. Fire Prevention Week was instituted and fire education became a paramount of municipal departments across the country.

In every disaster there are lessons to be learned and problems that are resolved. Yes, the people of the moment are affected and yes they suffer tremendously, but one of our greatest assets is the ability to adapt and overcome.

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 has been rumored to have been started by Mrs. Oleary’s cow when it knocked over a lantern. This is an urban legend born of misinformation and speculation by unknowledgeable individuals. What did start the fire? No-one knows exactly. There has been many theories and conspiracy theories abound. One thing is for sure the men of the Chicago Fire Department worked tirelessly in a futile effort to contain and extinguish the fire.

For more information on this and other historic fires from Chicago’s history look to the websites noted to the right of my blog. There are, as with any event, many websites dedicated to this fire and ones like it.

2006-09-10T17:48:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is September 11, 2006. Unless you have been living in a coma or under a rock for the last 5 years you know it is the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Five years ago I was firmly planted in a training class to become a CPR instructor again. When the attacks happened we all gathered in our rescue supervisor’s office and watched and waited just like everyone else in the country. We were transfixed at the sight of the 2 tallest buildings in the world set aflame by 2 planes. Then the unimaginable happened, they collapsed. All of this and the many stories on 9/11 have been played out millions of times on many levels and a lot of people have voiced their experiences.

I went to NYC a 3 days after 9/11 with a group of volunteers from my hometown in an effort to help in any way I could. We spent 3 days in New York and didn’t get to participate in the rescue efforts or help much at all. I can tell you that the sights coming into the city were horrible, the colorful city I had seen in previous visits was gone, and the buildings all around the parts of Manhattan I saw were a dull lusterless gray and held an eerie silence that just wasn’t right. The men and women of FDNY were concerned with the lost and dead but still had a cordial tone about them. I was able to listen as the men of a particular engine company discussed a missing guy that had transferred to another company and was lost in the collapse. Due to his status and the sensitive nature of this I will not include company names or personal names, the stories are the same all across the city and the department. Good men were lost and good companies were broken up. As the fifth anniversary draws nigh I wonder how many of the guys I met are suffering with the media attention and the memories that haunt most of the responders from that time. I have been thinking about this posting for several weeks and I have intentionally not posted for a while trying to do justice to the victims and citizens of New York. The tragic details have played across many TVs and movie theaters all around the world. Some jackasses have tried to put an evil spin on the response to the attacks and tried to call the FDNY a group of ‘cowboys’ that rushed to their deaths needlessly and that the fueding with the police was part of the reason for so many dead first responders. They were partially right, they did die needlessly not because of the squabbling but because of the cowards that planned and carried out the attacks.

There is really nothing I can post on, having witnessed the post attack destruction first hand and having men I had previously met perish. The fact is that thousands of people died in the attacks and millions of people have similar stories and I cannot do justice to the memory of the dead and the event.

I have decided to focus on some other events and try to focus on some more upbeat historical events of September 11. Personally, my sister's birthday is tomorrow.

On September 11 1991 2 other planes crashed 1 went down near Houston, the Contenential Express crashed and resulted in the death of 14 commuters. The other plane crashed at Djeddah, Saudi Arabia and killed 263 people. In 1950 33 died in a train crash in Coshocton, Ohio. And obviously pay respect to the over 3,000 people that died in the 2001 attacks.

On brighter notes September 11 is the anniversary of the last baseball game at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, the game was between the Yankees and the Os. It is also the date that Ty Cobb played his last game and popped out against the Yankees in his last plate experience. Coincidentally, it is also the same date that Pete Rose got his 4,192nd hit off of Eric Show of the San Diego Padres to beat Cobb’s record. It was the beginning of an 86 year drought for the Boston Red Sox and the start of the curse. Unfortunately the curse ended.

If you are interested in the events of 9/11 from a FDNY firefighters point of view please visit here for a great site for FDNY inside information and a unique look at everything FDNY and an insiders stance on 9/11. I would also suggest visiting CNN's website, they have a great deal of coverage and live video from 9/11/01 and interviews with various people.

There are other events of the past that should be noted but the important fact is that so many gave their lives in defense of the citizens of New York and they deserve a hero’s remembrance. Some people have tried to ban the french film-makers video from being aired on CBS. I think it is up to the men and women of FDNY and the widows of the guys that gave all that day to decide if it should be aired. Myself, I think it should be viewed often so the images and sounds don't fade and the patriotism stays the way it was for the few months following the attacks and everyone remembers the price some gave for them.

Take a moment of silence to reflect on this date and say a prayer for the living and the lost.

William 'Billy' E Obenchain poem

2006-08-23T19:44:00.000-04:00

If you want to be a clown
you'd better be lookin' for a circus.
If you're lookin' for a free ride,
here's a dollar call a cab.
If you want to be a showman
Vegas will welcome you with open arms.
If fullfillment of an ego is high on your priority list
Might I suggest Hollywood.
And if you want to be a millionaire
by all means this ain't for you.
But, if you don't mind hard work, sweating in freezing weather,
getting back less than half of what you give, and finding
your name at the bottom of your own priority list, then stick around!

I believe you could be a firefighter!!!

The above poem was written and delivered to every recruit over the last 25 years. This was delivered off the cuff and used to relieve the tensons of new guys. The author, Bat. Chief Obenchain has been battling Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma for a couple years. Recently, he has become hospitalized because of secondary effects of this disease process. I thought I would make this a post for all to enjoy and reflect. The simple nature of the poem reflects the light hearted and fun loving nature of Chief Obenchain.

Chief Obenchain is without doubt the most respected officer, the most respected fireman in Roanoke City Fire Department. His dedication and contribution to the fire service is so far above par, that acheiving the status as his peer is almost impossible. He has truely set the bar for those of us that attempt to follow in his footsteps. Chief Obenchain has taught classes throughout the state of Virginia and is known for his abilities and contributions to the fire service.

RoanokeFire.Com has this post on a fund raising effort for research on his particular disease. Please visit RoanokeFire's site and if possible place an order for a T-Shirt.

August 9th events in history

2006-08-09T19:26:00.000-04:00

August 9, 1965 A fire at a Titan II missile base near Little Rock, Arkansas killed 53 construction workers. This is one of relatively few accidents with related deaths in our space program. The program as a whole has experienced several injuries and deaths but when compared to other occupations and the overwhelming number of people that have and currently work for the various agencies it is amazing they do not have more.

August 9, 1841 Erie boat in Buffalo New York catches fire; 242 die. I haven't found much information on this event.

On August 9th 1987 9 people were shot dead & 17 more injured as 19-year old Julian Knight opens fire at random in the 'Hoddle Street Massacre' in Clifton Hill

Recent Anniversaries of LODDs

2006-08-08T16:50:00.000-04:00

Aug. 4, 1949: 13 firefighters were killed in a wildfire at Mann Gulch, Montana

Roseburg, Oregon - 18 Fire Fighters lost their lives on August 7, 1959 when a truck loaded with fertilizer exploded as they were attacking a fire at a truck shop.

I didn't want to let the dates get lost while I was on a recent vacation.

Often we focus on the bigger events of 9/11 and other headline grabbing events like that. The events that happen in wildfires and single incidents that claim the lives of firefighters are overlooked and that is the true tragedy.

LAFD TalkRadio

2006-07-31T16:44:00.000-04:00

I just found this website on Firehouse.com

The Site is supposed to be news and events related to LAFD and their area.

It may be worth visiting. Give me some feedback on it.

2 months in 1889

2006-07-31T14:50:00.000-04:00

In a matter of 2 months in 1889 Washington State experienced 3 major fire that changed the face of Spokane, Ellensburg, and Seattle.

On June 6, 1889, around 245pm in Seattle a man (John E. Back) accidentally started a fire in a building at the southwest corner of Madison & Front (renamed 1st Ave). The reports indicate that a pot of glue erupted in fire. By prompting new development and construction, this fire, known as the Great Seattle Fire, ironically transformed Seattle from a town to a city. By morning, the fire burned 29 square blocks of wooden buildings and about 10 brick buildings, including almost all of the business district, all but 4 of the city’s wharves, & its railroad terminals. The area covered by the fire extended over 64 acres. In a miracle no one died, but it was rumored that a million rats were killed in the fire. The fire began in Clairmont & Company cabinet shop, located in the basement of the wooden Pontius building at 922 Front Street at the southwest corner of the intersection with Madison St. In under a year the city population jumped from 25,000 to 43,000.

The evening of July 4, 1889, a devastating fire swept through the town of Ellensburg, destroying approximately 200 Victorian-era homes & leveling 10 business blocks. The fire began about 10:30 p.m. in a grocery store & spread to frame buildings nearby. Despite efforts by townspeople to fight the fire using the town’s limited mid-summer water supply, the morning of July 5 saw Ellensburg in ruins. The Ellensburg National Bank and the City Hotel survived the blaze. A tent city sprang up & like many towns destroyed by fire, the town quickly rebuilt using less flammable materials. I have no information on injuries during this blaze.

On Sunday, August 4, 1889, a fire destroyed most of downtown Spokane Falls. It began in an area of flimsy wooden structures & quickly spread. Property losses were huge, & 1 death was reported. The fire began shortly after 6PM. The most believable account of its origin is that it started at Wolfe’s lunchroom. Water pressure issues & the main operator of the water control system was away & unavailable. Firefighters fought desperately to control the fire but were unable & had to begin dynamiting buildings trying to deprive the fire of fuel, but flames jumped the open spaces & created a firestorm. In a matter of a few hours the Great Spokane Fire destroyed 32 square blocks, virtually the entire downtown. There were reports of many injuries & property damages of $5-10 million were reported. After the fire, as with all major events like this city officials banned wooden structures in or near the new downtown area, installed an electric fire alarm system, & established a paid fire department, with modern horse-drawn equipment.

The sad fact of the historic fires such as these 3 is that, in any city, your mine or wherever, a major incident, with huge loss of life & property has to happen before most governments will make positive changes & hire more firefighters.

Photos & more information on this post can be found on this website.

July 22, 1997 Fire breaks out at Palais de Chaillot in Paris

2006-07-22T18:57:00.000-04:00

In the 3rd museum fire in less than 2 months, this was the largest. In the early hours of July 22, 1997 firefighters were called to the Palais de Chaillot in Paris for a report of a fire in the roof area of the museum. The museum had been under construction and was expecting to expand its offerings. The 120 firefighters that responded to this blaze fought for over 3 hours before bringing the estimated 40,000 sq ft of involved structure to a point they could manage. Reports indicate that the framing of windows and large portions of the roofing fell onto, destroying many artifacts and displays. The museum itself is located in the Trocadero square (established in the 1930s) overlooking the Seine river towards the Eiffel Tower. The fire broke out in an area of the roof that was being renovated. Two firefighters were injured slightly during the suppression efforts, neither was serious. The cause of the blaze was ruled accidental.

missed events

2006-07-18T21:02:00.000-04:00

In my haste to create a post for this site yesterday I made a grievous error in not marking a couple anniversaries:

The Port Chicago Explosion of ships carrying approximately 4606 tons of Ammonium Nitrate that killed 322 people. You can read more on this incident here and here and here and here

A collapse of a pair of walkways above the lobby of the Kansas City Hyatt Regency Hotel that resulted in the deaths of 114 people during a ‘tea dance’ in 1981. A detailed report on this incident can be found here, here, here, and here. As hard to accept as it is, this incident is helping to protecting people in the future and help to build better structures down the road. Various engineering schools are studying the results of the investigations to learn from past mistakes.

And today is the 5th anniversary of the 60 car train derailment on July 18 2001 in the Harvard Street tunnel in Blatimore Maryland. This crash caught fire and burned so hot that firefighters were unable to get to the fire for 8 hours. The NTSB has a report here that covers the investigation. More can be viewed here. During the incident streets were closed, traffic rerouted, and the baseball game at Camden Yards was cancelled. Baltimore FD responded in force and with their HazMat Team did a great job containing and extinguishing the blaze, damage totals are estimated at $12 million.

Pomeroy Washington Conflagration - July 18, 1900

2006-07-18T19:30:00.000-04:00

On July 18, 1900, an accidental fire started in a saloon in downtown Pomeroy Washington and destroyed almost half of the town. During fire suppression efforts four people were overcome by heat, and several others sustained minor injuries, no fatalities were reported. The cost of the damages was estimated to have been at least $135,800 (in 1900 dollars). Pomeroy, located in Garfield County in southeastern Washington was the center of an agricultural region.

Pomeroy’s economic base was agriculture, and was booming in the summer of 1900; just 22 years old it was experiencing a population boom with new buildings being constructed.

Wednesday afternoon, July 18, 1900, a fire broke out at E. J. Rice’s Saloon on Main Street. Rice and an associate were filling a gas light generator tank in the saloon. They had put some gasoline into an open container, and some of it spilled onto the floor. Evidently Kirby forgot the hazard, and struck a match. The gasoline fumes in the room flashed igniting the gasoline container. Flames quickly spread through the building creating a thick cloud of smoke and fire that shot out of the north end of the building halfway into the street. Firefighters that arrived at the scene minutes later with two hose carts and a hook and ladder truck noted the entire front of the saloon was ablaze.

The Chief and his firefighters worked “manfully,” the wooden buildings on either side of the saloon were “rapidly licked up like a large quantity of shavings”. The buildings east of the saloon suffered from the fire the most. Stiff westerly winds fanned the flames soon devouring the County Courthouse and spreading to the remaining buildings east of the courthouse on the north side of Main except for a blacksmith shop and a wagon shop.

At least 39 businesses were damaged or destroyed. Pomeroy made an amazing recovery from the conflagration. Shortly before the fire, city council passed a resolution requiring all new construction downtown to be of fireproof material. Even after seeing the destruction of this conflagration some people tried to repeal the new law to allow wooden structures to be built. The Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company granted a 1/3 reduction in freight rates for shipping building materials for 2 months to assist in rebuilding efforts.
Within 4 years a large majority of the business district had been reconstructed, in bigger and better fashion, showing a great benefit from the fire and reconstruction.

TWA Flight 800 - 10 Years ago

2006-07-17T15:20:00.000-04:00

This photo is taken from another site, it shows the reconstruction efforts of NTSB and the investigation into this crash.

On July 17, 1996, 10 years ago today, at around 8:45pm TWA flight 800, a Boeing 747-100, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off Long Island shortly after takeoff from Kennedy International. The plane was on a flight to Paris. Initial reports indicate a witnesses saw an explosion, then debris falling into the ocean. No reports of problems were raised by the flight crew to air traffic control. The plane was built in November 1971. It had logged about 93,000 flight hours and almost 17,000 cycles. There were 212 passengers on board the airplane and 18 crew members. The plane was destroyed and there were no survivors.

The crash was rumored to have been caused by a surface to air missle, sabotage, tracking missles, enemy jets, planted bombs, US military jets to start war, and an variety of other causes. In the end the investigation revealed the explosion that brought this plane down was a malfunction and short in an electrical wire.

The clean-up efforts took weeks and the invvestigation saw interviews with over 150 credible and non-credible witnesses, including other pilots in the air at the time of the explosion. Most of these witnesses reported a bright flash of light and other reported hearing a 'boom' and seeing the debris falling into the ocean.

In the end the rumors and speculation of impending attacks proved false and fruitless. The result of the investigation showed that, as tragic as it is, this was simply an accident that resulted in 230 deaths.

This is a website that posts fact and fiction on major incidents, it is called 'Whatreallyhappened.com'. The site provides links to other sites that provide similar vantage points into major events. There are a number of sites that are posting varying information on this crash and the response to it.

I do not have a quality picture of the event itself or further pictures of the investigation into it. Please follow up on other sites and pay your respect to the victims and their families.

A belated Day in History

2006-07-11T17:44:00.000-04:00

I was slacking yesterday. The date in history that I am posting on for everyone to remember is: the 26th birthday of Jessica Simpson. Several of us owe many lengthy conversations in the fire house about her. She is one of the best things to happen to the fire service in a long time. This photo is taken from the Internet Movie Database Website, which you can view here.

Fact is that the firehouse conversations are usually ones for the records. When I was hired another fireman told me that there are 4 things you need to talk about in the firehouse and you'll do fine: Women, Guns, Trucks, and all 3 together.

88 years ago today in Nashville, TN

2006-07-09T12:42:00.000-04:00

July 9, 1980 7 die in a stampede to see Pope in Brazil

Eighty-Eight years ago today on July 9, 1918 101 people were killed and 171 injured in a train wreck in Nashville, Tennessee. The Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis train No.4 was preparing for its trip toward Memphis and was running behind by 7 minutes as train No. 1 was running late by 30-35 minutes coming into Nashville. The train station was very crowded, as most were during this time period due to World War I. Both trains were carrying workers to and from plants to support the war effort. A miscommunication from a signaling tower and the fact both trains were running behind led to both trains being on the same track near Duchman's Curve.

There is a tradition in alot of fire departments where a fireman retires the last day he holds back and doesn't respond and then takes the remainder of the day off after a well prepared steak dinner. On this day the Engineer of Train No. 1 William Floyd died on his last day before retirement. This is why we watch out for each other on our last day.

Anniversary of past fire storms

2006-07-07T14:46:00.000-04:00

Fifty-three years ago this Sunday, 15 firefighters were killed in a wildfire in the Mendocino National Forest in California and unfortunately I was unable to post last night on the anniversary of the 14 fire fighters that lost their lives while operating at a major wildfire on Storm King Mountain when shifting 70-mph winds trapped them and the fire swept over their position. I have made mention to the Storm King Mountain fire in a previous post and there are several sites that give the proper time and information that would give justice and proper respect to the memories of the brave firefighters that gave their lives in service to all of us.

Please take a moment to remember those folks who have passed in the line.

Fire Department and station pride

2006-07-05T11:42:00.000-04:00

Over the past several months my posts have varied greatly from post to post. I have been thinking about what people like to see and read. The truth is that I have no idea what people want so, I am just trying to put out as much information as possible.

Departmental and station pride has been an issue for several departments. My FD has had several issues with the guys making signs, patches, shirts, hats, and other stuff in reference to their stations. The FD says that none of this is acceptable and tries to crush the efforts. Our stance is that this makes the brotherhood and station happiness grow, but the department says this causes too much arguing and thereby disrupts the operations of the department.

Other departments promote the ideas of station identity and pride. FDNY for example has a logo or mascot for each house (and most units). I found a website that has pictures of each emblem or logo, you can see it here

Other FDs out there do the same thing and each specialized team has its own logo. Our patch is our patch regardless of Haz Mat, technical rescue team, fire marshall's office, inspections, or whatever.

While researching this post I found a blog about LAFD with breaking news and interesting articles. I suggest everyone check it out here and enjoy expanding your knowledge of the various departments and the history of the fire service.

Rapid Intervention Safety and Command (RISC)

2006-06-28T13:00:00.000-04:00

RISC is a highly trained and dedicated team of secret service agents that work in and around the White House. The folks on this team respond to chemical, biological and radiological threats; fire hazards; physical entrapments and other life-threatening emergencies. There have been wide spread rumors as to the reason for the formation of this team, including the replacement of DC Fire-EMS units and restricting DCFD access to White House grounds. There has been statements made that DCFD hasn't required FBI background checks on its employees since 1992, thus a great reason in my mind to limit their access. The official statements are that RISC would be a rapid intervention team that stabilizes any emergency until the FD arrives and would be 'limiting the day to day responses for "lesser" emergencies'.

This group was formed October 2004 (if I am mistaken please correct me) and to my knowledge there hasn't been a major conflict since its formation (event). In my opinion this is a great idea and all companies and organizations should create teams like what the Secret Service did.

The basis for this post is this: Change is different, not bad. Embrace the changes and try to make the most of them. It may benefit you more than you know. I recently spoke with a guy in my department that (when speaking of another new guy that got kicked out of a medic class) said that if no punishment was dealt out to the guys that were (like him) required to take the class he was going to drop his card as well. If one person will not do a job then someone around the corner will. RISC, Fire/Medic cross training, Tech Rescue, Haz Mat, and all of the other specialty areas are all different (changes) and they are all needed. Embrace the change and join the team to make our jobs better and safer.

Great Train Crashes Since 1900

2006-06-25T15:16:00.000-04:00

I have been searching for incidents on and about this time frame across the web. I found this website. There are several listings on various incidents out there, so I am trying to vary the content and context of my postings. Woorking off of a previous post on the Hammond Circus Train Crash I decided to post on train crashes. I am sorry I haven't posted photographs of these events or elaborated on the incidents, some I do not have a great deal of knowledge while others I may post on in the future.

Here is a list of some of the major train disasters since 1900:
May 22, 1915: Passenger train collides with a troop train in Gretna, Scotland killing 227.
Dec. 12, 1917: A troop train derailed near the entrance of Mt. Cenis tunnel in Modane, France and killed 543 soliders.
Jan. 16, 1944: Train wrecks in the Torro Tunnel in Leon Province, Spain. More than 500 people were killed.
Mar. 2, 1944: A train broke down in a tunnel in Salerno, Italy, causing 521 passengers to suffocate.
Oct. 22, 1949: The Danzig-Warsaw express derails in Nr. Dwor, Poland. Resulting in the death of more than 200.
Apr. 3, 1955: A delrailed train plunged into a canyon in Guadalajara, Mexico killing 300.
Sept. 29, 1957: An express train collided with a stationary oil train in Montgomery, West Pakistan killing 250.
Feb. 1, 1970: An express train ramed into a stationary commuter train in Buenos Aires, Argentina killing 236 people.
Oct. 6, 1972: A train carrying religious pilgrims derailed and caught fire in Saltillo, Mexico killing 208.
June 6, 1981: A train crashes after a bridge collapsed in flash floods from a monsoon in Bihar, India. Reports state that more than 800 people were killed in what is reported as the worst train disaster in history.
June 3, 1989: A liquefied gas pipeline exploded and engulfed two Trans-Siberian Railroad trains that were parked outside the Central Asian city of Ufa (previously a part of the Soviet Union) killing 575 people.
Jan. 4, 1990: An overcrowded 16-car passenger train collided with stationary freight train in Sindh Province, Pakistan resulting in the death of more than 210.
Sept 22, 1994: Faulty brakes are reported to have caused a train to crash in a ravine in Tolunda, Angola killing 300.
Aug. 20, 1995: A speeding passenger train crashed into a train which had struck a cow, then stalling out in Firozabad, India resulting in the death of 358.
Aug. 2, 1999: Two express trains collided head-on in Gauhati, India, reports states that more than 285 people were killed.
Feb. 20, 2002: An overcrowded train traveling from Cairo to the Egyptian city of Luxor erupted into flames, then traveled 2 1/2 miles before the driver was able to bring it to a stop. More than 360 people died in this incident.
Feb. 18, 2004: Runaway train cars bearing fuel and industrial chemicals derailed, causing explosions resulting in the destruction of five villages in Neyshabur, Iran. At least 200 people were killed.

The Fire Service on TV

2006-06-23T20:01:00.000-04:00

In an earlier post I wrote about Fire Service based movies. I decided to create a post about the various television series that contain and address the fire service.

The first series I am listing in the great classic EMERGENCY. There are no other shows that boasts a following as large as Emergency. This show inspired thousands to enter the fire service and become EMS certified responders.

Others:
Code Red
LA Firefighters (aired on Fox)
Third Watch (aired on NBC)
Rescue Me (airs on FX)
Saved (airs on TNT)
Boston Firefighters
Paramedics

I am sure there are others out there that I have failed to list but I am unable to think of them. I do know that there was a firefighter drama, kind of like a soap opera that aired in England, but I do not know the name or particulars.

Any one that wants to share other TV show names or wants to comment or make reccomendations, please feel free to contact me.

Question about a fire hydrant

2006-06-23T16:57:00.000-04:00

I had a question about a particular style of fire hydrant (Rensselaer, above). The hydrant itself is not one I have been able to operate or service. From what I have learned, the company that makes this style isn't in operation any more. I managed to find pictures and information you can access at Firehydrant.org here, the folks that operate this website have really done their homework. Most of the fire hydrant photos I have posted are from their website. I reccomend visiting FireHydrants.Org for any research into fire hydrants.

The Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus Train Wreck

2006-06-21T22:08:00.000-04:00

Just before 4 a.m. 88 years ago tomorrow Hammond Indiana suffered one of its worst tragedies ever and the worst ever circus train wreck. It happened just beyond the city's eastern border in Ivanhoe, Indiana. The Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus train was parked on a rail siding waiting to switch over to a track that would take it into Hammond.

The train was scheduled to stop at Calumet Avenue and 150th Street to set up their tents and perform for the scores of children and adults expected to attend. The train was not clear of the Michigan Central Railroad line, which it had just turned off, and right behind it was an empty troop train heading from Kalamazoo to Chicago. The troop train engineer didn’t see the circus train blocking his right of way, because he had just fallen asleep at the throttle. It took very few minutes for the troop train to plow full steam, an estimated 60 mph into the parked circus train. Reports state that 86 of the 300 passengers on board the circus train were killed and 127 were injured. Many were charred beyond recognition. Kerosene lanterns, used to light the sleeper cars on the circus train caused fire to break out, which spread rapidly. Another contributing factor was that most of the Pullman cars were made of wood.

The scene, as with all disasters, drew large crowds of curious onlookers. The scene took several days to control and clean up. The Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus had to only cancel 2 performances. The one in Hammond and its next stop Monroe, Wisconsin. This was due in part by the assistance by many of its competitors, including Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Shows lending needed equipment and performers so that the show could go on. Many of the city's residents and shop keepers gave food and clothing as well.

June 22 1918 will be remembered in Hammond Indiana as a day of death and sorrow. The sight of the accident will be forever burned in the eyes of its townspeople. The information for this article came from the Hammond Historical Society. If you want to learn more you can contact the Hammond Historical Society for more.
Contact the:
Hammond Historical Society
564 State Street
Hammond, IN 46320 USA
Phone: (219) 931-5100

June Fire History

2006-06-19T09:21:00.000-04:00

I have been taking a break from everything lately and have neglected my site. I haven't found anything I can post about the history of June 19th, so I decided to post on the month of June as a whole. I am only posting things I haven't posted on before and ones I think may be a little obscure or otherwise unknown to most.
Here is the partial list so far in order of event:

June 8 1783 the Laki Volcanic System in Iceland began erupting setting off a chain reaction of volcanic eruptions & leaving a dusty haze creating massive food shortages & the death of 9,350 people (mostly due to starvation) by February 1784
June 20, 1877 fire in St John NB Canada killed 100
June 20 1919 Mayguez Theater Fire in San Juan kills 150
June 19 1932 Hailstones kill 200 in the Hunan Province in China
June 5 1946 fire at LaSalle Hotel in Chicago killed 61
June 26 1957 category 4 Hurricane Audrey swept through Texas & Louisiana leaving 390 dead secondary to 12 foot storm surges that moved inland as far as 25 miles.
June 23 1959 fire at Resort Hotel in Stalheim Norway killed 34
June 1 1965 coal mine explosion killed 236 near Fukuoka Japan
June 6 1972 coal mine explosion killed 427 in Wankie Rhodesia
June 19 1972 Hurricane Agnes kills 118 in New York and Florida
June 24 1973 bar fire in New Orleans killed 32
June 30 1974 Discotheque fire kills 24 in Port Chester New York
June 9 1977 fire in nightclub in Abidjan, Ivory Coast
June 26 1977 Jailhouse fire in Columbia Tennessee killed 42
June 19 1980 saw a battle between police & demonstrators in Capetown leaving 34 dead
June 7 1997 Temple fire in Thanjavur India killed over 60
June 13 1997 movie theater fire in New Dehli India kills 60
June 30 1999 camp dormitory fire killed 23 in Hwasung South Korea
June 23 2000 hotel fire killed 15 in Queensland Australia

In doing the research for this post I learned a few facts on some of these events that I may post on in the future. If you have photos or information on any of these please feel free to contact me, I would love to include more.

The events I post on are generally ones that make widespread news and result in massive monetary and life loss. There are millions of events throughout history that effect the lives of people that make little or no great effect to the world as a whole but inflict terrible loss to the people effected. My site does not intend to show deminished respect to those people, only to highlight the highly technical and lengthy response of fire and emergency responders.

Hangin' at the station

2006-06-13T00:13:00.000-04:00

The picture above was taken from a website showing pictures from the Atlanta Photojournalism contest. I can't remember the name of the young lady that took it. The picture shows FF Jimmy Jennings, Lt Gary LaPrad, Capt Riley Peters, and FF Willie Wines Sr from Roanoke City Fire EMS Department in Roanoke City Virginia in front of Fire Station 1.

Recently I was returning in my apparatus from our central service center after much needed repairs when I passed another one of our stations. The station is in one of the worst neighborhoods in the city filled with gangs, violence, and system abusers in an EMS sense. The guys at #9 stay on the go most days. This particular day I noted that all 5 of the guys on duty this day were sitting in front of the house relaxing and talking.

This sight spawned a thought process. How often do we just sit out front and hang out talking about.... whatever. The old days that everyone often tout as so grand are made so by the friendships and fondness for each other that we share. None of us have the time to sit and 'chew the fat' with each other like we used to, but we should make an effort to keep the spirit of brotherhood and the station spirits high.

I think this is an important part of history. After all, the fire service 'Band of Brothers' is a real group and it exists in each and every department and we all need to just relax and hang out.

The national stand down is approaching quickly (June 21) so my challenge is this: Take the day slow and appreciate the break from training and all the other stuff your departments send your way and get the guys together and pull some chairs out in front of the station and just hang out. Watch the cars, the people, the sky, or whatever you want and just chat it up with your station-mates, and watch the bonding taking place before your eyes.

Oklahoma City Memorial Pictures

2006-06-06T21:06:00.000-04:00

Roanokefire.Com sent links to these photos of the memorial. As you can see there are 168 chairs facing the reflecting pool and a large monument to the victims. It also appears that each chair is lighted at night. I have never been to the memorial, but from the pictures it is moving.

All of these photos come from

Alfred P Murrah Building

2006-06-05T19:06:00.000-04:00

Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma Publishing Company (OPUBCO) http://www.newsok.com/At 902 AM on April 19 1995 a tremendous explosion rocked the foundations of America and played havoc with the residents of Oklahoma City. A rental truck with the sole and evil intent to kill and wound was driven to this building and parked intentionally on the side that a child care center was housed and detonated. The result, 168 deaths and over 490 injuries. Among the dead were 19 young children that had their lives stolen from them and the lives of their siblings and friends forever altered. The response to this event was enormous, bringing responders from across the country.

Recently, I was able to attend a class with a Captain from Fairfax County (VA) Fire Department who happened to respond with the task force to this incident. I didn't pry, even though I was interested, about the response and what he saw. He did speak of the unforgetable sights of devastation and tragic loss of life he saw. The scene was huge and chaotic, even after it was organized. He did tell me of the Oklahoma Firefighters that were on scene with him. He spoke highly of the men and women that took the event in stride and managed to live through this tragic event and operate in extreme conditions that most departments would crumble under.

He told me of men that would pull a 24 hour shift on duty then report to the site and pull 16 hours digging through the rubble, then go home for 6-7 hours and report back to work for 24 more hours. The Pyschological stress of the initial response alone should have crippled the department and the physical strain on manpower had to be overwhelming, but somehow the department and its membership managed to survive and mitigate the situation quickly and in an effective fashion.

Please visit the memorial site here and you can view Oklahoma City FD here

Here is a page dedicated to the investigation. Oklahoma City fire Capt. Chris Fields carries 1-year-old Baylee Almon (who later died as a result of her injuries), injured in the bombing at the Alfred Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995. This photo was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for photographer Charles H. Porter IV. The massive response to the bombing and support services on scene Unidentified rescuer taking a break with his K9. After a report of another possible bomb staff from hospital retreat to a safer location

There is a very nice memorial with a reflecting pond and 168 seats that provides the families of the victims a place to mourn on the site of the building. I haven't been able to find a picture of it for this post, but if I do I will post it.

EMS Memorial Service

2006-05-31T16:32:00.000-04:00

Every year, as I have pointed out in the previous post, there are multiple line of duty deaths in public safety. The EMS sector has it's share as well as the fire service and police divisions around the world. The National EMS Memorial service was this past weekend in Roanoke, Virginia. An annual EMS Memorial bike ride to raise awareness and support of the fallen was held ending at the service in Roanoke. NAEMT has a daily log of one of the bike riders posted on its website and also shows alot of other ongoing events you might find interesting. The service is hosted and housed in the 'To the Rescue Museum' in Roanoke. Currently, To the Rescue has no home, they are running low on funds and can no longer afford to pay the rent at the mall they were housed in. I know my site is about fire history, but I think EMS is as much a part of fire history as Dry Chemical extinguishers (not ancient, but a part neverless). We are all brothers and sisters regardless of our training or status (Fire/EMS - paid, volunteer, or combo), our goal is to protect and serve the citizens of our areas.

If you get a chance to check out the exhibits of To the Rescue online Here and if you are able drop them a donation, no matter the size. I would hate to see the exhibits fall into disrepair and never be seen again. The memorial tree needs to be kept on display to honor the fallen EMS workers across the country that are posted on it.

"Remember those who went before us and all who sacrifice every day for the benefit of the public’s health." NAEMT Board member and ride participant Jennifer Frenette (from NAEMT.Org).

Fallen Firefighter Memorial

2006-05-29T10:46:00.000-04:00

On memorial day I thought I would post a simple picture of the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial and a link to the USFA National Fallen Firefighter Memorial webpage. Please pay your respects.

Memorial Day

2006-05-27T21:59:00.000-04:00

Every year there are around 100 Line of Duty Deaths in the fire service. I know several EMS workers die each year but I cannot qoute an average. These folks need to be in our thoughts, but this weekend is about remembering the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in service of our country and our people. One stat that isn't kept is how many are active firefighters, EMS workers, and police officers. I know of several in my department that serve in the National Gaurd/Reserves and I'm sure there are hundreds across the country in other departments. Take one quick minute this weekend to think about the folks that aren't awarded the LODD benifits and that aren't recognized as firemen when they die in military service. These folks don't deserve more respect or rememberance than the other men and women do, they just hit closeer to home.

More Fire Hydrants

2006-05-23T18:25:00.000-04:00

Thought I would throw out some more pictures of the fire hydrants that I have found. These aren't as traditional though, I figured that I could show some of the more humorous ones. They are from several different locations and sources, I can't qoute which ones they are from.

Lake View School Fire

2006-05-20T17:04:00.000-04:00

On Ash Wednesday March 4, 1908, the 63rd day of the year the Lake View School in Collinwood Ohio experienced a massive fire that ended in the destruction of the town’s school and the death of 172 students, 2 teachers, and a rescuer. The photo above is one of the school prior to the fire and the one at the end of this post is of the school after the fire. To date this was the deadliest fire of this type in recorded US history.

The Lake View School was built with load bearing masonary outer walls, but much of the four story building’s floor structure system used wood joists. The fire started in a wooden joist that caught fire when a steam pipe caused it to be overheated. The main stair case extended from the front doors of the building to the third floor; without fire doors, the stairwell acted like a chimney and caused the fire to spread quickly. Oiled wooden hall and classroom floors also helped to fuel the fire. It was believed that those killed were trapped by the building's vestibule doors, which opened inward, not outward. Doors to the building were equipped with common door knob latches, not modern crash bar latches. Panic caused a large number of students in stairwell vestibules to be crushed which contributed to the death toll, some also died from smoke inhalation and direct fire burns. Some children died as they jumped from 2nd and 3rd story windows. People watched as victims that were trapped in the building were burned beyond recognition.

The aftermath of the fire saw the advent of a mass grave site due to the inability to identify the remains of some of the children and some people being unable to afford burial. Some of the parents of children chose to bury their children alongside their peers. This mass grave was constructed in Lakeview Cemetary in Cleveland. After the fire the remains of the building was razed and memorial gardens were constructed on the grounds of the new school.

The effects of this fire reached all across the Unites States and helped to establish safer schools for our children today. The events at this school and others such as the Our Lady of Angels School fire shaped the future.

Silsby Steam Fire Engine

2006-05-20T11:05:00.000-04:00

Silsby Manufacturing Company desgined and built their first Steam Fire Engine in 1856. The company was founded in 1845 running through 1890. Their first engine weighed 10,000 pounds and was a marvel of the day. Over the course of steam engine history no other company manufactured more steam operated fire engines than Silsby. Producing well over 1,000 steam powered fire engines Silsby introduced original and effective technology into the production of steam engines that was challenged by the constructors of the day. The Silsby machines went through 9 model changes and have several dozen still around today. You can go to the Silsby website Here The website has links to parts directories and lists of existing steam engines. They also have photos (which is where all of the photos I have posted are from)

The machines that Silsby have produced are remarkable in their endurance and design.

Fire Hydrants, Fire Plugs, and Johnny Pumps

2006-05-18T15:05:00.000-04:00

The guys at my station started discussing our hydrants and water supply and it eventually spread to a history lesson. Some of the history I knew, some I had to research. Before there were municipal water systems fighting fire with water took some strategy. In China, firefighting cauldrons were used to store water in locations around the cities and during outbreaks of fire people would carry their buckets to the cauldron and dip out water to use for firefighting. The municipal water system debuted and resembled a faucet, from which the old bucket brigade method would operate, filling the buckets and shuttling them to the fire. This system was used as a public water supply, until fire broke out. In the colonial era fire cisterns, large underground tanks or structures, were employed to hold water to be pumped for fighting fires. One source notes that Louisville, KY employed 124 cisterns and no hydrants, and some cities still have operating fire cisterns.

The term ‘fire plug’ is a colloquial for fire hydrant, as is ‘johnny pump’. The origin of the fire plug is from the 1600s. During this time responding firefighters, upon arrival at a fire scene would dig up the existing water main and drill/bore/smash a hole into it for the purpose of securing water for firefighting operations. This was utilized via bucket brigades and later hand operated fire pumps. After the firefighting operations were finished the holes were plugged with stoppers that eventually became known as fire plugs which is how fire hydrants eventually became known as fire plugs. London, in 1666, experienced the “great fire of London” and afterwards installed water mains with predrilled holes at given intervals and risers and they installed plugs at the street level to reduce the time it took to get water.

The inventor of the fire hydrant system is a mystery. There have been several people credited with innovations regarding hydrants. Hydrants come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. In our area, as with most, our hydrants are color coded (Blue, Green, Yellow/Orange, and Red in descending GPM rates) to help identify the amount of available water. There are several underground variations at places like airports. In the UK hydrants are located in the ground and have yellow ‘H’ signs to indicate the location for firefighters. In Finland they use a similar system, only their signs are blue. The signs (or other signs nearby) also note 2 numbers which indicates the size of the water main in millimeters (a top number) and the distance it is from the hydrant (the bottom number). Some of the older signs may express the numbers in Imperial Units.

I have found several styles of hydrants from around the world. There are many different colors and shapes of each type. I have listed as many as I can find below. There is a link to a great information site on the right and it has links to information pages for each of the listed copanies. This site has a wealth of information that I can’t give enough justice to.

American Darling Valve
American Foundry and Mfg. Co
American Valve & Hydrant
American AVK Company
AVK
H.W. Clark Co (Illinos)
Barbará (Brazil)
Bayard
Clow Canada
Clow Valve CorpCulan Slan Iron Works
Danfoss Esco AS (Norway)
East Jordan Iron Works (EJIW) (Michigan)
Eddy Valve Co.
Elkhart Brass Mfg Co
Eisenwerk Rödinghausen (Germany)
Erhard (Germany)
FUMOSAC (Peru)
Fumosa (Peru)Fundición Gamboa (Mexico)
James Jones Co. (California)
J.J.N. Ltda. (Columbia)John Fox & Co – NYC
Karya Puyasa (Indonesia)
Kennedy Valve (New York)
Kitagawa Iron Works Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Knowsley SK, LTD (UK)
Kupferle Foundry (Missouri)
Ludlow-Rensselaer (Ohio)
M&H Valve & Fitting Co. (Alabama)Gould HydrantGratz-Bohm
E. Hawle & Co Armaturenwerke (Austria)Hays Mfg. Co. - Erie, PA J.H.Heathman - LondonHinman Hydraulic Mfg (Colorado)Ideal Hydrants and StreetwashersC. M. Kemp Iron and Wood Case HydrantsShand Mason & Co - UK McKim Foundry & Machine Co (New York)
McNamara Pattern HydrantsMerryweather - London, UKModern Iron Works - Quincy, ILMonarch Forge & Machine Works (Oregon)Mueller (Alabama)
A.J. Morse and SonNapa Pump and Mfg CoPacific Tank & Pipe Co (Oregon)Pittsburgh Filter Mfg Co (Pennsylvania)
Plueger & Henger Mfg. CoSomerville & Leitch - Washington, DC
Saint-Gobain CanalizaçãoT & S
Maezawa (Japan)Tibb
Thomas McAvity & CompanyWaterworks Equipment Co – NYC
Mittelmann Armaturen (Germany)
Mueller Canada Canada Valve Ltd.Canada Valve and Hydrant Co. Ltd.Dominion Steel Products Company (Canada)
Murdock, Inc. (Ohio)
Olympic Foundry Company (Washington)
Penn-Troy Machine Corp. (Pennsylvania)
Pont-à-Mousson (France)
Raphael Valves Industries Ltd. (Israel)
Saint-Gobain PAM (France)
De Sanno Industries
Service Brass
Desco
Shilla Fire Co., Ltd. (Korea)
Terminal City Iron Works ACS Inc (Canada)
Universal Flow Engineering (Canada)
US Pipe and Foundry (Tennessee)
VAG-Armaturen GmbH (Germany)
Bopp & Reuther GmbH (Germany)
Vazhod J.S.C. (Bulgaria)
Von Roll (Switzerland)
Waterous Engine Works Co., Ltd (Minnesota)Waterous Company (Minnesota)
Yokoi Mfg. Ltd. (Japan)
ZET Marketing & Trade (Japan)
Glenfield & Kennedy, Ltd. (Scotland)
Ham Baker & Co. Limited (England)
Johnson City Foundry & Machine Works, Inc. (Tennessee)
Cayuta Wheel and Foundry Company (Pennsylvania)National Car Wheel Company (Pennsylvania)
Ramsay's Machine Works (Canada)
Tamaqua Mfg. Co. (Pennsylvania)
Wolff & Zwicker Iron Works (Oregon)
Windsor Foundry (Nova Scotia)
The Vulcan (Canada)
Utica Pipe Foundry Company (New York)
J. Tylor & Sons (England)Tylors of London (England)Tylors (Water & Sanitary) Limited (England)Tylors (Division of Crane) (England)Crane, Tylors Division (England)
Three Rivers Iron Works (Canada)

Some of these companies are the results of mergers and renaming efforts of the existing companies. There are definitely more companies that make hydrants but I haven’t found their names yet. If you know of more feel free to drop me a line and I will add them to my list. A picture from Eygpt (I think) showing the old 'faucet' style hydrants
I don't know the ake of this hydrant but it is different

I hope whoever this hydrant belongs to has a strong main attached to it with that many connections

Artist rendering of working fire with the firemen using a flip top style hydrant

Drawing of an old 'faucet' type hydrant

Cauldron (from China) used for bucket brigades

2 events on this date

2006-05-16T22:39:00.000-04:00

May 16 is the date of 2 noteworthy events. The first is the 1st recorded dam disaster in U.S. is caused by a landslide collapsing a 43 foot high earthen dam above Williamsburg, Mass. The other is the Terminal Hotel Fire of 1938 in Atlanta GA that killed 38 people. The details of both of these events are sketchy at best for me. The picture above is the Terminal Hotel which was built in 1908. Of the dead, most were railroad men that were waiting on the morning train. If there are more pictures or details that you can give me, I will gladly add them to my posting.

The picture above is from: "Atlanta and Environs, A Chronicle of Its People and Events, Vol II" by Franklin M. Garrett, ©1954 by Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc., Rep 1969 by University of Georgia Press.

More extinguishers

2006-05-14T11:20:00.000-04:00

Soda Acid extinguishers are covered below. But while thinking about them I decided to post a few pictures of other styles of extinguishers. The history of fire exinguishers is varied. As you can tell by the photos here there are many styles and many methods of operation. There are links on the right for an extinguisher museum and I will be adding more links, photos, and information on this subject later on. enjoy the pictures.

Standard Water Extinguisher

This is a Pyrene Fire extinguisher showing in closed and open positions. This was manufactured in NYC. They are run by Kiddie Corp. which falls under Angus Fire. This particular extinguisher was manufactured in the early 1900s. The chemical used to put out fires was Benzo(def)phenanthrene and -pyrene, known in this use as Pyrene. The chemical itself is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) which is derived from coal tar. It is a neurotoxin, skin and sense toxin as well as having carcenogenic properties. The extinguisher is made of brass and is about a foot long and 4 inches in diamter. I am not sure exactly the nature of the manufacture of the chemicals or what relation the current owners had to the original production of these extinguishers. All of the chemical information I have posted is gleaned from another website.

This little extinguisher is a Presto "C B" extinguisher. It uses Chlorobromomethane to extinguish fires. It uses a small twisting knob to discharge the chemical to smother the fire. Merolite Industries from NYC made this. The extinguisher is made of brass and is around 5 inches long with a diameter of about 1 1/4 inches.

This is a Liberty Fire Extinguisher. It was made in Wawanesa, Manitoba, Canada for the Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company. It lists that is contains a dry chemical in it, but I cannot find out what chemical it had in it. The extinguisher is about 1 1/2 feet long and around 2 inches in diameter, and has a pull tab at one end, which I assume is to activate the discharge.

Soda Acid Fire Extinguishers

2006-05-13T15:03:00.000-04:00

Several people have asked me about these extinguishers. The Soda Acid extinguisher was the hottest thing going at the time of its emergence. The problem was that you were using acid that reacted with other chemicals to fight fire. This is crazy by today’s standards but then it was the best thing on the market. The process was simple you filled the barrel of the canister with the soda, then a glass bottle with the acid, placed a lead 'stopper' on top of it the screwed on the lid and hung it on a wall to wait for someone to come along and use it. When a fire broke out someone would remove the extinguisher from its bracket and turn it upside down to grasp the handle. The upside down action would cause the lead stopper to fall from the bottle releasing the acid into the soda for mixing causing it to expand and discharge from a rubber hose attached to the side. In the normal fashion a sweeping motion would be used to cover the fire with the solution smothering it out.

There were several variations of these extinguishers including miniature versions. Mostly they were constructed of brass, but could be found in stainless steel variations towards the end of their use. People have wondered how to restore one of these historical extinguishers. My advice it to pay someone that knows how to restore antique brass, because the process is long and can go very wrong if you aren't careful. Most people have (and I myself have used this technique, and it works) gathered the brass parts and placed them into a large watertight container. The next step is to get a large amount of vinegar, enough to completely cover the brass, and fill the container just enough to cover the brass parts.

Depending on the condition of the brass the soaking required could take anywhere from hours to days. But, eventually the vinegar will cut the crude off of the brass and restore a semi-luster to the brass. After the vinegar has been wiped from the brass, use Brasso or some other marketed polishing agent to put a shine on it.

The only problem with this process is that eventually the dull nature of brass from being exposed to air will return unless you seal it. This is the problem that people run into. If you apply the sealant or glaze incorrectly you will ruin the brass, as it is very hard to remove even with chemicals which will permanently alter the brass's shine, this is why I suggest using a professional. If done right, this will be the best-looking extinguisher around, if done wrong, it's scrap.

Posted above are photos of some of my Soda Acid extinguishers in varying stages of restoration, one of which you can see is in need of a good polishing. There is a series of shots showing the Bottle, the Carriage for the bottle, the plug, and the handle to help show the workings of the extinguisher.

Changing times

2006-05-08T18:15:00.000-04:00

In keeping with the last couple posts, I have decided to continue to note the changes and advances in technology regarding the fire service. Lighting for example is one that is still a mystery to me. A short time ago we had lights that were so dim the watch I am wearing now put out more light and candle power was really CANDLE POWER. The picture above was the latest and most modern equipment of the day (1936) when my department got these (touted as the best equiped ladder truck in Virginia). The light I have clipped to my turnout coat is around 300 times brighter than all of these put together, and might I say a heck of alot lighter and doesn't require a 125 pound generator.

Today is significantly easier thanks to the innovations of brilliant engineers. The advanced equipment we use is a direct reflection of the world around us.

GPS units are installed on ambulances, ladders, and engines. There are mobile computers mounted in trucks to view pre-fire plans and maps. Radios have emergency signals and tracking devices.

SCBA last an hour and are 1/10 of the weight they used to and have lighted displays in your mask to warn you of low air. Gloves have progressed from nothing to light leather to super heavy elbow length asbestos gloves to modern firefighting gloves that allow freer movements and greater dexterity.

Helmets have evolved from nothing to plastic helmets then into ‘spaceman’ helmets that have retractable shields and integrated communication devices. The movement of many departments is towards a more traditional styling and modern appeal is pushed to the side in favor of a traditional helmet with modern construction.

Protective gear has been redesigned to include turnout pants and coats. This is a huge improvement from the ¾ boots and long rubber coats that I donned during my firefighting beginnings. On the subject of boots, the good ol’ days weren’t so good, the ¾ boots made of rubber were cold and made turning your ankle easier and offered far less protection than the turnout gear of today. Today we have leather boots that support and protect our feet and ankles.

All in all the changes we have seen are making things safer and better for all of us. I have said many times that you can’t know where you’re going until you understand where you have been and this applies to incidents as well as the little things we take for granted. Innovations and technological advances are as much a part of history as the men and women we remember for creating the history we venerate.

Alarm Traditions and Antiques

2006-05-07T21:44:00.000-04:00

Ever look around your firehouse?
Our firehouse, isn't that old. It was built in 1973, occupied 24/7 ever since, 27 guys calling it home and protecting our town.

Up until a few years ago we were being alerted by 'red phones' a ring down system where a dispatcher picks up a telephone and it alerts station buzzers and we would pick up a red phone and the dispatcher would talk to us telling us where to go. This was the 'new' system that replaced waking up and counting bells and gongs (one is pictured below, hidden in the bookcase) in telegraph style to know who was needed and where (general addresses, usually) which was just 10 years ago (roughly). When I look around my house I see a Gamewell Fire Alarm box on the front, which sends a signal to dispatch for the CAD system instead of taps to say we need help. I also see the Protectolarm boxes Some are pictured below) on the walls for our red phone system. Currently, we use a CAD system that sets off bells and whistles in the houses across the city and a printer by our apparatus that prints out our destination and call information, then the information is sent to a computer and is ready and waiting for us to do our paperwork after the call. The red phones are history except for extreme emergencies and tested twice daily. Our radio system used to be tested every morning, dispatch would signal test time and do a 1-2-3-4-5----5-4-3-2-1 count and each unit starting with mobile radios would converse with dispatch then going to each of the 3 portable radios (even the out of service or as needed units). We have alarm boxes all over our station. Some of the pictures show the random placements to maximize the deafening level of noise that sounds when we get a call.

We have guys that think the '800' radio system is all we have ever had, truth is that this is the newest and greatest radio change we have had in years, before this the change from portables weighing 4-5 pounds to 1 pound was the best thing ever. Things change daily in this job, pay attention or things will change and pass you by. Right below is a picture of the horns that are all over the station to blast the alarms. They aren't quiet. If you think about it all of our changes are great, but why not use the old historical instruments we have in place and retain some of the traditional look and appeal we have had for so long.

My point in all this is that when you look at your station and in your closets and in the storage sheds behind your firehouses, think about the guys that used the stuff prior to you. Think about the advantages you have over the old guys and think about how they survived as long as they did. And think about the history you are creating. Most of our alarm systems would be considered antiques by most people, but I and most of our guys see them as our house bells and the way things should be.... traditional. To steal a phrase, one mans trash is another mans treasure.

The Fire Service in the Movies

2006-05-06T08:43:00.000-04:00

An important part of history is how the populous is effected by the entertainment industry. In the King Richard the Lion-Hearted type era, stories and events of the time were often lamented through the musings of traveling artists and showmen. Today we have CNN and other news sources, TV, and Movies.

In the last I know of several TV shows regarding firefighting and EMS and also several movies (as many as I can think of are listed below).
TV:
LA Firefighters
Rescue Me
Paramedics
Third Watch (I know it turned more towards PD aspect towards the end)
Firehouse Boston
Emergency
Code Red

Movies:
Point of Origin
Backdraft
Ladder 49
Towering Inferno
Arson
Ablaze
Firestorm
Firehouse (recent addition) reported to have been from the 1960s or early 70s

There are several movies where the lead/title character is in the emergency services field and the movie is based in part on that:
Frequency
Daylight
Cliffhanger
Volcano

I’m sure there are a lot more I haven’t mentioned but I have listed the ones I see on my shelves that are related & ones I can think of, if I have skipped some please let me know. The point I am making is that history is influenced by the present. Your actions today and the movies made about us is the determining factor in how we are remembered and how the future historical events are viewed. If we allow ourselves to fall into a state of lawless actions or act as if we are unintelligible thugs, then that is how our profession will be viewed. If we are to advance the fire service another step towards the best possible then we must learn from our past and learn from the media, entertainment industry how we are perceived. After 9/11 the world, specifically the U.S., saw firemen as heroes and people to thank and love. The shine has worn off of that diamond. The guys in DC that went to the bar, the junior firemen setting fires, the assaults in fire houses, the thefts, and an endless number of incidents are leading to a downward spiral of the fire service. Please think about what you are doing and what it will look like if and when you see it on TV. Our future and past depend on a measure of decorum and self-control.

New Links

2006-05-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

I am adding more and more links to the site. I have recently added FireWhirl as a link on the right. FireWhirl provides alot of good information with breaking news and some humor, there are a great deal of links on this site, check it out. Look for more links to other fire-related sites and points of interest here. I am making plans to redesign the site and (I hope) provide an easier to navigate experience. More to come.......

Seagrave Fire Apparatus

2006-05-02T21:12:00.000-04:00

The Seagrave Fire Apparatus Company was started in Detroit, Michigan, in 1881 by Frederic S. Seagrave. Originally building ladders for use in harvesting fruit, Seagrave began building two-wheeled hand-carts for transporting firemen’s ladders, then later 4-wheeled, horse-drawn ladder carts. This simple start led to the foundation of a major force in the business of fire apparatus manufacturing. If you look at a classic antique Seagrave it is the model of what an old-time fire truck looks like. I have worked on a few Seagrave trucks in the past and found each of them to be qaulity units. Seagrave enjoys wide-spread business and popularity, and the growing trend to collect antique fire trucks has certainly presented a large share of Seagrave collectors.

Photos are from Here as well as The Firehouse Museum, Santa Clara, CA FD and show some Seagrave trucks from 1927 through 1987.
More information can be gained from the Seagrave museums. I have posted contact information below:

FWD/Seagrave Museum
c/o FWD Corporation105 East 12th StreetClintonville, WI 54929
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day. By appointment only.
American Museum of Fire Fighting
117 Harry Howard Ave.Hudson, NY 12534
Tel: (518) 828-7695Fax: (518) 828-1092
Open year round, 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed on major holidays.
Central Ohio Fire Museum
Columbus, OH
Tel: (614) 464-4099
Open 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday-Friday

Today's date in history

2006-04-30T08:50:00.000-04:00

In 1888 Hailstones kill about 250 in Moradabad district of Delhi India. Today I am at a loss as to what I should be writing. I have researched and looked in all the normal spots and few out of the way places and this and a mine explosion killing 97 in Everetteville WV (1927) are the only facts I can find that relates to the fire service. Obviously the riots in 1992 were still going on on this date. The picture above is of the mine that exploded, I have no idea where this photo is from (sorry to the photographer/owner) or during what time period it was taken.

April 29 1992

2006-04-29T12:06:00.000-04:00

Warning some of the images shown on this post may be graphic and disturbing to some.

Blatant disregard for authority and peace
A sad day when PD officers on the scene of a fire outnumber the firefighters
Gaurdsmen watch for snipers as suspects are arrested
Postal Police gaurd the main post office while hundreds attempt to get their 'Government Checks' that were due to come out on May 1st, I guess at this point the checks meant more than the stance they were taking a few hours/days before.
Incredible
LAs bravest trying to do their best
A fire raging unchecked due to the volume of fires LAFD responded to
A local store owner exchanges gunfire with looters
Victims lay dead on the street while PD interviews friends (also wounded)
Snipers gaurding the burgers

On April 29th the verdict and aquital of the officers involved in the Rodney King beating trial came out. For 4 days the citizens of LA and really most of the country lived in fear. The fear wasn't that the mayhem would spread, it was based on the fact that this, monster that was loose in LA could grow and breed into other monsters across the country. In all over 50 were killed (53 I believe), over 4,000 suffered injuries, and 12,000 were arrested, and a record estimate of (in 1992 dollars) $1 billion in damages. A total of 35 people died from gunfire, 8 by PD and 2 by gaurdsmen. Multiple deaths were reported due to traffic accidents including people run over in the streets and left. Stabbings, stranglings, and beatings were common. The fire department ran thousands of fire calls. Highly trained police helicopters were forced to the ground by gunfire, noise violation parties turned into shots fired calls then into gunfights with police and party goers.

The governer activated 4,000 National Gaurdsmen and marched them into the city along side of county, and city PD as well as CHP officers. Businesses across the city were closed, post offices shut down, schools let out, curfews imposed, and relative martial law followed. Millions of Americans tuned in fixated on the television by the unreal events unfolding before them. In the photos you can see the total disregard for safety and the amazing events that unfolded. Take note of the army sniper on the roof of a Burger King, the soldiers marching the streets with bayonets attached to M16s, note the raging fires, and the various scenes of mayhem. The events inspired sweeping changes in the handling of rioting people and the stance the fire service would approach scenes such as these. The music group Sublime performed a song based on and entitled April 29 1992. Books have been written to document the days of the riots and careers have ended due to the entrie case and riots.

Shooting and arson photos from this website: http://www.kang.org/LARiot.html

other sites of interest on this day of destruction are: http://www.citivu.com/ktla/sc-ch1.html
http://www.urbanvoyeur.com/lariots/
this last site offers a range of information and insights on the riots a link to photos is provided that show before and after shots of the destroyed businesses and homes.

http://www.streetgangs.com/topics/2002/042902tenyearslater.html

The photos posted here are from the previously mentioned websites and are only a few of the amazing photo documents that exist displaying the tragic events of these days of violence. Hats off to the men and women who risked their lives to protect and serve during this lawless day, and condolences to the families of the innocents who perished by the few that took to the streets.

This date in history

2006-04-28T18:31:00.000-04:00

While searching for information on the posts below I found several other moments of note on this the 118th day of the year.
1996 Martin Bryant shoots and kills 35 in Port Arthur Tasmania
1995 Sri Lankaan BAE748 crashes at Palaly, 52 die
1995 Gas explosion in South Korean metro, 103 die
1993 Zambian plane crashes at Libreville, Gabon, 30 soccer players die
1988 Aloha Airlines Boeing 737 roof tears off in flight; kills stewardess
1944 Exercise "Tiger" ends with 750 U.S. soldiers dead in D-Day rehearsal after their convoy ships were attacked by German torpedo boats
1924 119 die in Benwood West Virginia coal mine disaster

AND my personal favorite:
1988 Baltimore Orioles lose AL record 21 games in a row

There are several websites that note this date in history and some provide links to further information on the events that they list.

Coal Mine collapse 91 years ago

2006-04-28T18:24:00.000-04:00

On April 28 1914 a collapse in the Eccles #5 & #6 coal mine killed 181 in Eccles, WV. This mining accident is ranked as the #8 deadly mining accident in the US. The MSA has listings on several fires, collapses, and explosions in mines, but I cannot find further information except that 181 men lost their lives. Anyone that can send me pictures or further information I would be glad to post more.
I have added a photo I found on line. I do not know the owner/photographer or I would give them proper credit, I also have no idea which time period this is from. I do know that it is of the mine facility that experienced the incident.

S.S. Sultana 141 years ago

2006-04-28T18:00:00.000-04:00

The above photo is from the Library of Congress

On April 27 1865 the steamship S.S. Sultana was sailing just above Memphis TN and experienced an explosion killing 1,547 people. The source was from a boiler that blew up and caused a rapidly spreading fire that engulfed the entire ship. The disaster is the #1 ranked sea-going vessel accident in US history, surpassing the more commonly known Titanic crash. No other single accident has resulted in more fatalities (war time sinkings not included).

The reason for the number of victims on this ship was due in most part to the fact that it was chartered to carry returning soliders from the confederate prisoner of war camp at Andersonville at the end of the Civil War. A large portion of the men were weak from starvation and disease and the deep dark waters swallowed them. The ship was launched in 1863 and was used to transport men and supplies for the war effort. The numbers exceeded 2,200 men, 60 horses, and 100 hogs and was supposed to only transport 376 people.

Two books on the disaster that are good to read on this are "The Sultana Tragedy: America's Greatest Maritime Disaster by Jerry O. Potter" and "Disaster on the Mississippi: The Sultana Explosion, April 27, 1865 by Gene Eric Salecker"

Chernobyl 20 Years Later

2006-04-28T11:40:00.000-04:00

photos from This site
I must admit I did not even think to post yesterday on the accident at Chernobyl 20 years ago (April 26, 1986). "By 2005, according to the report, about 50 people – most of them emergency workers – are known to have died of either Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) or cancer as a direct consequence of the accident. A considerable increase in thyroid cancer has been observed especially among local children, though the survival rate has been high. In the long term, is the report estimates that the accident might lead to about 4000 cancer deaths among the 600 000 most exposed people." The preceeding qoute was from the link posted on the right. I have been through hundreds of hours for Hazardous Materials Response training and i have seen the potential effects of radiation poisoning and the long term health effects that manifest from it. My understanding is that the potential cancer risk is higher among people suffering radiation exposure, the town surrounding the plant has a reported 4,000 children with Thyroid cancer, 4,000 in one town think about that for minute --- 1 in 4 kids suffering Thyroid cancer, and a another portion getting another form.

Of the pictures above one shows an open photo album with an inscription that reads "May our children -- Our happiness, our joy -- live on a sunny planet!". One picture shows a fair ground ride that was part of an amusement park that was scheduled to open 5 days after the accident and was never used. One photo shows the abandoned town 2 1/2 kilometers away. One photo shows a fire truck that responded to the accident while others show the evidence of the lives that once lived in these abadoned homes and walked the streets. Rows and rows of new vehicles and buildings stand where people held their most fond memories. The government established a 30Km exclusion zone around the plant to attempt to safe-gaurd the contaiminated grounds. Currently published reports have the areas over grown with wild boars ruling the streets.

An NPR report on the accident can be found Here

There are many websites and news organizations that are reporting on the accident and showing the endless horrible photos of the dead and dying people and worse, the surviving people. The people that had to remain to clean up and get further exposure. This isn't just a Soviet Union disaster, this is one for the world. The winds of the planet are shared by every country and the earth is still exposed to the same terrible particles that injured so many. The nuclear age has been around for a while, yet is still in its infancy. To steal a qoute from a movie (I can't remember which) we have harnessed a force of nature and weild it like a kid that has found his father's gun.

Take some time and visit these websites and look up some of the more detailed postings on this event. It foreshadows the coming storm of disaster that our children and grandchildren will have to live (and die) with.

Storm King Mountain

2006-04-25T12:34:00.000-04:00

Storm King Mountain, a rocky beautiful mountain in Colorado was the site of 14 firefighter fatalities on July 6 1994. The men and women that perished were caught by the raging fire trying to out run it. A couple of the firefighters attempted to deploy shelters which were of no use to them. The fire was just too hot to survive with or without a shelter. A book call "Fire on the Mountain" details the events and lives of the firefighters that battled the South Canyon Fire that took place on Storm King Mountain and does a good job investigating the fire, I reccomend reading it.

Who are the heros?

2006-04-24T16:51:00.000-04:00

A Battalion Chief from FDNY named John Moran once said after the Father's Day LODD in FDNY that in the course of his or her career a firefighter only makes 1 act of courage and heroism, that is the day that they take their oath and pledge to serve and protect others, after that everything else is just doing the job. Chief Moran lost his life a few months later in the World Trade Center attacks that took the lives of 343 heros. The word hero is thrown around alot these days, maybe the guys that die in the line of duty are heros, maybe someone can go above and beyond, but I believe each and every one of us are heros and do our job to the best of our abilities without concern for heroism. Celebrate yourself and your crew, you are heros and deserve a pat on the back. Just remeber that there are other heros out there that are waiting to take your place one day, so pat them on the back and help them through the door and show them the traditions and things that make us special.

The Station Fire

2006-04-23T10:47:00.000-04:00

On February 20 2003 The Station, a nightclub in Rhode Island experienced a tragic fire that claimed the lives of 96 people. The band Great White was on stage playing a set when pyrotechincs ignited the sound proofing material on the walls and rapidly spread throughout the structure. The victims were caught in a fire storm and forced to fight for escape. The responding units reported seeing people crawling over one another to flee the building. The artists of Great White lost a member of their band and suffered injury while escaping, even though an exit door was less than 5 feet from their stage. There are several sites referencing this fire. It is a more recent event that most folks are already familiar with. I cannot find pictures or solid details of the fire other than the fatality numbers.

MGM Grand Hotel Fire

2006-04-21T23:10:00.000-04:00

This photo is from the official fire report about the cause and origin of the fire.

On November 21 1980 at 7am the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas NV experienced every hotel manager's worst nightmare, a raging fire, multiple fatalities, and no end in the immediate future. The hotel was a 26 story structure with over 2,000,000 square feet and had been aged less than 7 years. The ground floor held a casino and showroom which encompassed an open area bigger than a football field. The fire began in hte 'Deli' an unsprinklered restaurant on the casino level in a wall soffit due to an electrical fault. At the onset of the fire there were over 5,000 people inside this hotel. In the end 87 people would be dead and over 650 injured people would have been transported to area hospitals making this fire the second most deadly hotel blaze in US history. In the top photo above you can see the helicopters circling the hotel and the construction area to add 780 guest rooms (to augment the existing 2,076).

The photos above have been gleaned from other sites and have been credits as courtesy Las Vegas Review Journal and show the fire in progress at the top then the rows of burnt slot machines and another scene photo. I will be posting more links and information on this fire in the future.

Ahrens Fox Fire Trucks

2006-04-21T16:19:00.000-04:00

Ahrens-Fox fire engines were manufactured in Cincinnati, Ohio, from 1852 to 1977. From 1869-1903, & outsold all but two other brands of steam fire engines in the
U.S.: Silsby & Amoskeag. From 1915 to 1939, Ahrens-Fox was the third largest selling motor fire apparatus make in the U.S., after American-LaFrance & Seagrave, with the fire engine division of Mack Trucks finishing a very close fourth. The pictures above are from various places & show the true nature of the truck. I believe they were one of the better looking trucks due in large part to their unique look. The company manufactured fire trucks until they ceased production in March 1940, & under the name, Ahrens-Fox Corporation, started making lathes for boring holes in battleship guns during WW II. When they reopend the doors to make fire trucks the advertising skill wasn't there to sell the trucks.

In 1923, Ahrens-Fox perfected the air-hoist aerial ladder, which provided quicker & smoother operation of a ladder apparatus than the spring styles. They also unveiled the double-banked ladder rank, which allowed ladders to be stacked side-by-side, lowering a ladder truck's center of gravity, & reducing the risk of overturning while turning around tight street corners. Another innovation that is now taken for granted in the fire service around the world was the booster tank (1913), which was faster to deliver water than soda-and-acid chemicaltanks, & eliminated the need for firefighters to handle dangerous sulphuric acid bottles. The booster tank made triple-combination pumpers (pump, hose, and booster tank) practical, & the first such triple was a 1916 model for Carlisle, PA. Adding their double-banked ladder racks to the triple made the world's first Qaudruple Combination or 'quad' fire engine possible, which they made in 1927 & sold to Walpole,MA, in 1928. Both the first triple & quad survive today owned by private antique fire truck collectors.

History is a Hit

2006-04-21T15:35:00.000-04:00

I thought there might be a little interest in a history oriented website but I had no idea that the response would be this huge. A short time after I started posting I installed a counter (like most people do)and the results surprised me. In the begining I had a dozen or so people visiting a week, this jumped to a dozen or so a day to a couple hundred a day now. I want to say thanks to everyone for looking this site up and learning something new or getting a flashback to something they might have forgotten. Tune in for more articles on historical events and interesting facts. Feel free to suggest a topic to post.

The Hindenburg Disaster

2006-04-21T11:46:00.000-04:00

The Hindenburg was a great airship built by the Zeppelin Company. It held over 7 million cubic feet of gas and was 882 feet long only 78 feet shorter than the Titanic. To put the size of this airship into perspective, it was slightly longer than 3 747s placed nose to tail. The power for this massive ship was from 4 1200hp Mercedes motors making her capable of reaching 84.4 mph. The Hindenburg was supposed to be the finest example of German engineering and show the world the superiority of the Third Reich. The picture below illustrates the sizes. The picture above is a photo shot of the Hindenburg less than 10 seconds after the fire started.

On May 6, 1937 at 7pm the historic journey of the Hindenburg came to an end in Lakehurst New Jersey. As the ship prepared to land a spark of flame broke out on the upper tail fin. In a matter of minutes the entire ship was a smoldering wreck laying on the New Jersey soil beneath it. In all 36 people perished in this fire, 35 onboard the ship and 1 US Naval groundsman who was killed by falling debris. The Hindenburg was the fastest and largest airship of the day, a modern and shining example of safety and comfort. The fixtures in the ship were of the highest quality. There was an asbestos lined smoking room in which passengers could enjoy their cigars, pipes, and cigarettes without the fear of blowing everyone up.

Many rumors have circulated about the cause of the fire/explosion ranging from sabotage to industrial accident to alien attack. The fact is that it wasn't a bomb or someone (something) attacking it was simple physics playing the key role. The state of the art fabric used to cover the hull of the ship in conjunction with the painted on coating that was placed on the fabric created a static situation that resulted in a spark that ignited the millions of cubic feet of Hydrogen gas on board. The shocking point of this tragedy is that there was 97 people on the Hindenburg at the time of the explosion and 45 or so under it.

One of the most famous radio broadcasts in history was recorded during the Hindenburg's tragic end. Herbert Morrison, a correspondent with Chicago's WLS, witnessed the terrifying event, along with his sound engineer, Charlie Nehlson.

"It's practically standing still now. They've dropped ropes out of the nose of the ship, and it's been taken a hold of down on the field by a number of men. It's starting to rain again; the rain had slacked up a little bit. The back motors of the ship are just holding it, just enough to keep it from --"

"It burst into flames! Get out of the way! Get out of the way! Get this, Charlie! Get this, Charlie! It's fire and it's crashing! It's crashing terrible! Oh, my! Get out of the way, please! It's burning, bursting into flames and is falling on the mooring mast, and all the folks agree that this is terrible. This is the worst of the worst catastrophes in the world! Oh, it's crashing...oh, four or five hundred feet into the sky, and it's a terrific crash, ladies and gentlemen. There's smoke, and there's flames, now, and the frame is crashing to the ground, not quite to the mooring mast...Oh, the humanity, and all the passengers screaming around here!"

"I told you...I can't even talk to people...around there. It's -- I can't talk, ladies and gentlemen. Honest, it's just laying there, a mass of smoking wreckage, and everybody can hardly breathe and talk...I, I'm sorry. Honest, I can hardly breathe. I'm going to step inside where I cannot see it. Charlie, that's terrible. I -- Listen folks, I'm going to have to stop for a minute, because I've lost my voice...This is the worst thing I've ever witnessed....."

This was a portion of the recording from that evening. On the right there are 2 links to information about this fire and crash. One is a link to a page that has the text and a recording of Mr Morrison that day. The other link leads you to indepth information on the crash.

Triangle Shirt Waist Factory Fire

2006-04-19T11:50:00.000-04:00

On the morning of March 25 1911 fire broke out in the Triangle Shirtwaist Company. The harsh working conditions and the locked doors, combined with the crowded and confined quarters resulted in the death of 146 workers (I do not have inury reports). Some of the young women serving the company fled the fire by any means they could. Some of these young women flung themselves out the windows to fall to their deaths on the street below. This fire is one of many examples of inward swinging doors and locks blocking the exits of a building and resulting in fatalities.

The photos above are historic images and can be found from many different sources. One is of the Asch Building on the corner of Greene Street and Washington Place where the company was located. The others show the temporary morgue and scenes from the fire.

The Big One - 100 years later

2006-04-18T12:34:00.000-04:00

On this date 100 years ago the face of engineering principles was forever altered. The lives of over 3400 ended and millions of others were touched.

In one of the greatest natural disasters ever recorded an earthquake, 8.3 magnitude on the Richter scale, struck San Francisco, know as the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 the foreshock started at 0512 on the morning of April 18, 1906 and intensified about 30 seconds after beginning lasting only 1 - 1 1/2 minutes the quake centered itself in and around San Francisco. The rupture line was 296 miles long. In comparison the rupture line for the earthquake of 1989 in Loma Prieta was only 25 miles.

This mega quake was responsible for killing over 3400 people, destroying over 28,000 buildings and leaving over 225,000 homeless. The pictures above show first the San Francisco City Hall after the quake and subsequent pictures of the tent cities that developed to temporarily house the homeless. The photos also show the buckled streets and tracks for the famous trolley cars. The devastation was massive and the life loss was enormous, but imagine "the big one" striking today, would we be prepared? Would your department be able to handle a disaster of this type?

I know the actions and history of natural disasters aren't directly related to the fire service but our response to these events is of utmost importance to our development as responders and educators. The education of the people results in the construction of earthquake (or more recently hurricane) proof buildings and precautions. We also need to train our responders in basic triage techniques for EMS responses, we need to develop specialized tactical teams to handle the building collapses and Haz Mat teams to handle the potential run offs.

The lessons I have picked up from the 1906 quake are that no matter what has happened and what you plan for, something new is always out there for you to mitigate in the coming and foreseeable future so plan for events that do not fit your Emergency Operations Plan and provide for impromptu decision making.

The Star of Life

2006-04-14T22:58:00.000-04:00

This is another article by another article. The best reference and credit I can offer is given. The star of life is a symbol of the EMS service, I know this is about the fire service history, but as the days pass the role of EMS is entering into the fire service more and more. EMS is as important as basic firefighting skills.

The Blue "Star of Life" -- The Emergency Medical Care Symbol
by Arline Zatz

Just as a pharmacists have the mortar and pestle and doctors have the caduceus, Emergency Medical
Technicians have a symbol, its use is encouraged both by the American Medical Association and the Advisory
Council within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. The symbol applies to all emergency medical
goods and services which are funded under the DOT/EMS program.

We see the "Star of Life" constantly, whether it be on ambulances or uniforms. But, how many realize what
this symbol represents and how it was born? Not too many, judging from the random survey I conducted after having
realized I had no idea myself.

Designed by Leo R. Schwartz, Chief of the EMS Branch, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), the "Star of Life" was created after the American National Red Cross complained in 1973 that they
objected to the common use of an Omaha orange cross on a square background of reflectorized white which clearly
imitated the Red Cross symbol. NHTSA investigated and felt the complaint was justified.

The newly designed, six barred cross, was adapted from the Medical Identification Symbol of the American
Medical Association and was registered as a certification mark on February 1, 1977 with the Commissioner of
Patents and Trade-marks in the name of the National Highway Traffic Safety and Administration. The trademark
will remain in effect for twenty years from this date.

Each of the bars of the blue "Star of Life" represents the six system function of the EMS, as illustrated
below: The capitol letter "R" enclosed in the circle on the right represents the fact that the symbol is a "registered"
certification.

The snake and staff in the center of the symbol portray the staff Asclepius who, according to Greek
mythology, was the son of Apollo (god of light, truth and prophecy). Supposedly Asclepius learned the art of healing
from the centaur Cheron; but Zeus - king of the gods, was fearful that because of the Asclepius knowledge, all men
might be rendered immortal. Rather than have this occur, Zeus slew Asclepius with a thunderbolt. Later, Asclepius
was worshipped as a god and people slept in his temples, as it was rumored that he effected cures of prescribed
remedies to the sick during their dreams.Eventually, Zues restored Asclepius to life, making him a god.

Asclepius was usually shown in a standing position, dressed in a long cloat, holding a staff with a serpent
coiled around it. The staff has since come to represent medicine's only symbol. In the Caduceus, used by physicians
and the Military Medical Corp., the staff is winged and has two serpents intertwined. Even though this does not hold
any medical relevance in origin, it represents the magic wand of the Greek deity, Hermes, messenger of the gods.

The staff with the single serpent is the symbol for Medicine and Health and the winged staff is the symbol for
peace. The Staff with the single serpent represents the time when Asclepius had a very difficult patient that he could
not cure, so he consulted a snake for advice and the patient survived. The snake had coiled around Asclepius's staff
in order to be head to head with him as an equal when talking. The Winged staff came about when Mercury saw two
serpents fighting,and unable to stop them any other way placed his staff between them causing them to coil up his
winged staff.

The Bible, in Numbers 21:9, makes reference to a serpent on a staff: "Moses accordingly made a bronze
serpent and mounted it on a pole and whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at the bronze
serpent, he recovered.

Who may use the "Star of Life" symbol? NHTSA has exclusive rights to monitor its use throughout the
United States. Its use on emergency medical vehicles certifies that such vehicles meet the U.S. Department of
Transportation standards and certify that the emergency medical care personnel who use it have been trained to
meet these standards. Its use on road maps and highway signs indicates the location or access to qualified
emergency care services. No other use of the symbol is allowed, except as listed below:

States and Federal agencies which have emergency medical services involvement are authorized to permit use
of the "Star of Life" symbol summarized as follows:

1. As a means of identification for medical equipment and supplies for installation and use in the Emergency
Medical Care Vehicle-Ambulance.

2. To point to the location of qualified medical care services and access to such facilities.

3. For use on shoulder patches worn only by personnel who have satisfactorily completed DOT training courses or
approved equivalents, and for persons who by title and function administer, directly supervise, or participate in all or
part of National, State, or community EMS programs.

4. On EMS personnel items - badges, plaques, buckles, etc.

5. Books, pamphlets, manuals, reports or other printed material having direct EMS application.

6. The "Star of Life" symbol may be worn by administrative personnel, project directors and staff, councils and
advisory groups. If shoulder patches are worn, they should be plain blue "Star of Life" on a white square or round
background. The function, identifying letters or words should be printed on bars and attached across the bottom
separately. The edges of the basic patch and functional bars are to be embroidered.

Special function identification and physical characteristics must be adhered to when applying the "Star of Life" to
personal items, as follows:

a) Administrative and dispatcher personnel must use a silver colored edge, and the staff of Asclepius should be with
a silver colored serpent. These items do not need a white background.

b) The shoulder patches and other EMS patches may be displayed on uniform pockets and the symbol can also be
placed on collars and headgear.

This article was taken from Rescue-EMS Magazine, July-August 1992

THE STAR OF LIFE

Each of the six "points" of the star represents an aspect of the EMS System. They are:

Detection
Reporting
Response
On Scene Care
Care in Transit
Transfer to Definitive Care

The staff on the star represents Medicine and Healing.

History of the Maltese Cross

2006-04-14T22:50:00.000-04:00

I ran across this article tonight while looking for another article to post on. The entire article is gleaned from another website from along time ago, I wish I could reference and give proper credit to the original author, web-host, and the contributors. Some people have asked about the origins of the fire service. This symbol is an ancient representation of the fire service.
The Maltese Cross

The eight-point Maltese Cross is the international symbol of the fire service's willingness to make great
sacrifices in order to protect others from the ravages of fire. It is a badge of courage and honor and it story is
hundreds of years old.

This honored symbol originated with a group of eleventh century knights who were serving in a Jerusalem
hospital. They became known as the Order of Knights Hospitaller and later became the Knights of St. John. This
charitable organization cared for the ill with great compassion.

Later, they assisted the Knights of the Crusades in their effort to win back the Holy Land. As the Knights of
St. John and Knights of the Crusades attacked the city walls, the Saracens first threw glass bombs containing highly
flammable liquids and then flaming torches. Many knights were severely burned, some suffering agonizing deaths.
Risking horrible death, those knights who were able struggled desperately to help their burning comrades, beating
out the flames and dragging them to safety. In acknowledgment of their heroic deeds of rescuing fellow knights and
fighting fires, the cross they wore was decorated and inscribed.

In 1530, the Island of Malta was given to the courageous knights. The symbol on their flag, the eight-point
cross, became known as the "Maltese Cross." The cross, which had originally helped the knights distinguish
between friend and foe, became the ultimate symbol of heroism and service. The cross, which is considered sacred,
represents the principles of charity, loyalty, chivalry, gallantry, generosity to friend and foe, protection of the weak
and dexterity in service.

Today, firefighters wear the Maltese Cross to symbolize their willingness to risk their lives to save others from the
ravages of fire. The Maltese Cross is also the symbol used by St John Ambulance across the world. This is an
organization that developed out of the crusades, and has been known as the Nights of St John. In Australia, St John
Ambulance is a First Aid organization involved in teaching and performing first aid. Most members are volunteers
although in some states they still run the primary ambulance services.

Maltese Cross research was compiled by Shirley Sheridan with the assistance of the following fire service
chaplains:

Denny Burris, Dallas Fire Department
Wayne Collins, Houston Fire Department
Ed Stauffer, Retired, Fort Worth Fire Department

Anniv of the past

2006-04-14T11:30:00.000-04:00

In the coming week we will have 2 remembrances. The first as I have pointed out is the Anniversary of the first firepole being installed 128 years ago (April 21 1878) and the anniversary of the Texas City Texas explosion killing 26 firefighters on April 28 1947 (59 years). Take a moment and reflect on these events. The firepole in a way has impacted all of us from the observations at the firehouse or from the citizens. The other is a tragic loss of firefighter lives. These folks paved the way and gave all for the job.

Passing on history

2006-04-12T21:25:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I was able to participate in a breakfast for our retirees. Our union decided to host this event for the guys that came before us. They all loved it and felt blessed to be invited to an event such as this. While visiting with these guys the stories started being told, the hijinks started showing and the history rolled out of the shadows.

One particular retiree visits our station frequently and knew I was going to be there. So he brought me a gift.

Interlude: There are many traditions in the fire service; such as the tradition of passing on the torch and tools of the trade. In our city we still have and use the old fashion snap couplings (we also use more modern stuff but alot of our inner city hydrants have these couplings) and they had a hose pick tool and this tool sometimes would be passed from one retiring or older member to a younger man.

Fast forward to the story:
This day I was able to particpate in both a new tradition (the retiree breakfast) and an old one recieving a hose pick from a retired member. This member reitred in 1982 and I was hired in 1997, so we both were a little past the traditional time frame (and hadn't met except in his visits to the station) but it was still an honor to have him think of me and bring me his old hose pick. So now it is as much a part of my uniform as my boots and belt.

If you have the chance to share a moment and a tradition such as this then you are very lucky. If you can give or recieve this type of history or an event like this please do so, show the younger folks what the brotherhood means and what tradition is.

John J Harvey Fireboat

2006-04-10T19:43:00.000-04:00

The picture above is of the Fireboat John J Harvey which is now out of service. The boat was named after JJ Harvey who died while fighting a fire in NYC aboard the Fireboat Thomas Willett in Feb 11 1930. The fire was onboard the North German Lloyd liner Muenchen docked at Pier 42 Morton Street, North River. The pilot of the Willett (JJ Harvey) was swept overboard when an explosion on the Muenchen sent a large piece of scrap through the pikot house and died as a result. All other swept overboard survived.

This boat was saved from the scrapyard and still sails the waters. There are numerous ways to support the restoration projects for these old war horses. Visit the Fireboat website through my link above.

Important Fire History Dates

2006-04-10T14:28:00.000-04:00

These dates are some important ones from history. There are several dates that made impacts on daily life as we know it. The instances here aren’t ones that required responses but rather set the stage for the evolution of the fire service as we know it.

First fire prevention legislation passed, Cambridge (MA), Mar 1631
First ad for a fire insurance agent, Philadelphia (PA), May 1721
First US chartered fire insurance company, Philadelphia (PA), Feb 1768
First state-level insurance regulatory act passes Massachusetts, Feb 1799
First fireboats arrive in the US, New York (NY), Sep 1800
First joint stock fire insurance company, Philadelphia (PA), Feb 1810
First use of gooseneck piping for fire engines, Boston (MA), Sep 1815
First rubber-lined cotton web fire hose patented by J. Boyd, Boston (MA), May 1821
First steam fire engine’s public test by designer P. Hodge,New York (NY), Mar 1841
First alarm received from first fire box alarm system, Boston (MA), Apr 1851
First salaried fire department established, Cincinnati (OH), Apr 1853
First US patent on an automatic fire alarm system issued, May 1857
First municipal law on fire escapes from tenements passes New York (NY), Apr 1860
First fire extinguisher patent issued to Alanson Crane, Jan 1863
First meeting of National Board of Fire Underwriters, Apr 1866
First Fire Prevention Day, 1911, marks end of two-day Great Chicago Fire, Oct 1871
First sprinkler system patented by P.W. Pratt, Sep 1872
First sprinkler head patented by H.S. Parmelee, Aug 1874
First Firehouse Pole installed on April 21, 1878, installed in New York City considered the nation’s first
First mechanical water tower built New York (NY), Jul 1879
First recorded use is made of a mechanical water tower, New York (NY), Nov 1879
First fog nozzle is patented, Sep 1894
First forest fire lookout tower staffed Squaw Mountain (ME), Jun 1905
First NFPA Committee on Safety to Life is appointed, Jun 1913
First national Fire Prevention Week proclaimed by President Warren Harding, Oct 1922
First state law banning public use of fireworks passes, Michigan, Mar 1929
First Firefighting Foam used World War II. Percy Julian used a soy protein to produce AeroFoam, which suffocates gasoline and oil fires.
First Society of Fire Protection Engineers chapter is formed, Chicago (IL), May 1953
First Fire Fighters Memorial Sunday is held, Oct 1979
First Volunteer Fire Fighter Recognition Day is held, Aug 1984

One of the things that stands out to me would be the first Firehouse Pole installed in New York City. The Fire Pole is an outstanding reminder and example of tradition. For nearly 128 years the fire pole has stood as a lasting example of firehouse traditions that are being thrown to the side as progress advances with no regard to historical preservation. While they are being taken out of stations nationwide, the fire pole is shines and reminds me of childhood and the firemen sliding down the freshly polished pole to ride on the big red fire engine. The fire pole seems to have been in existance forever, but in reality it has only been around a short time.

There are only a few events listed. If you know of any others please feel free to email me and I will update this list.

NFPA History site

2006-04-10T12:32:00.000-04:00

For it's centennial celebration the NFPA created a webpage of important dates in fire history. This list is by far not complete or all encompassing. The list does however contain some interesting facts. If you view the page you can note that the damage estimates are figured in 2003 dollar amounts. So, for example, if $1 million damage is done in 1903 it may equal $65 million today (not an actual estimate). There are a few disasters and big histroical fires that are not listed on this page but it can give you a head start on any paper or project you may want to research. The link 'NFPA History' on the right will take you right to it.

Hercules Powder Plant Kenvil, NJ

2006-04-10T09:21:00.000-04:00

The Hercules Powder plant at Kenvil New Jersey exploded on September 12 1940 killing 55 people. This event was happened at a ammunition production plant. There are other instances of Hercules powder plants exploding, such as the one in Radford, Virginia on May 7 1981 that seriously injured 4 workers and damaged a $5million building. Another flash fire & explosion happened on March 28 1988 that resulted in the death of another worker.

THE HISTORY OF HERCULES (from Hercules Chamber of Commerce)
The name Hercules comes from a potent and explosive black powder made by the California Powder Works. The company named their product after Hercules, the Greek mythological hero known for his strength, in order to signify how powerful the black powder was. What began as a California Powder Works plant site on the shores of San Pablo Bay grew into the company town of Hercules, which thrived through one hundred years, three transferals of ownership, and five wars.

The company Hercules Powder has been known under several names in different areas. The link on the right leads you to the newspaper accountings of the event from the day. The picture above is the actual newspaper from the day after.

There are several sites of information on the internet about these explosion but none have detailed histories of the explosions or of the victims and the responses.

Port Chicago, California Peir explosion

2006-04-10T09:07:00.000-04:00

While researching for something to write about I found a reference for an explosion at a pier in Port Chicago California. Ammonium nitrate (Possiby 4606 tons?) exploded killing 322 people. There are a few references out there for this event but I cannot find the details. Anyone knowing anything please email and I can work something up.

Iroquois Theater Fire

2006-04-05T12:09:00.000-04:00

On December 30 1903 during a performance at the Iroquois Theater an oil lamp fell and ignited curtains which spread rapidly. During the fire 603 people perished and countless others were injured. This is amazing in and of itself, but the fact that over 1,900 people were in attendace (mostly women and children) and over 500 performers were backstage, 2,400 people were packed into one location and the only performers backstage during the fire that perished was the tightrope walker. Photos of this era are hard to come by in good quality, if I find one I will post it.

Texas City Texas Explosion

2006-04-05T09:30:00.000-04:00

On April 16 1947 a small fire onboard a ship call the Grandcamp spread to its cargo which was Ammonium Nitrate (fertilizer) and this was combined with the deisel fuel in the ship and resulted in a large explosion which ignited fires in a local chemical company then to another ship with the same cargo which ignited a secondary explosion. The end result of these explosions was the death of 522 people, 26 of which was the entire local volunteer fire company. This event has been the subject of multiple documentaries on The History Channel and the subject of teachings in various Fire & Rescue classes. The lessons learned set an industry standard for fighting these types of fires. The pictures above show the devestation of the explosion and the responses to the scene. If you note the picture of the ship with guys fighting fire on it, this is the actual supression efforts aboard the Grandcamp. The picture of the firefighter looking back at the camera is rumored to be the last picture ever taken of the fire scene before the explosion. The mushroom and smoke cloud noted in the one picture is from across the bay in Galveston Texas. I have posted links to the anniv. page and the historical archives page, as well as the link to the Texas City Firefighters page.

Please visit these pages and pay your respect to them. The people here set the pace for learning and development in the fire service, as did all of the victims and surviving members/families of each of the events I have been posting about.

New London Texas School Explosion

2006-04-03T21:56:00.000-04:00

On the afternoon of March 18 1937 a shop teacher at New London Elementary school switched on a power sander and triggered a massive explosion that ultimately killed an estimated 298 teachers and pupils. Of the 540+ people in the building only 120 escaped serious injury. The pictures above show the school immediately after the explosion and the recovery efforts afterward. The tasks these people accomplished is amazing especially under the circumstances of a very small town with 1930s technology.

Happy Land Nightclub Fire

2006-04-01T19:00:00.000-05:00

March 25, 1990 a distraught Julio González after vowing to "shut this place down" after a fight with his girlfriend walked to a corner gas station and bought $1 worth of gasoline in a plastic bottle and came back and poured it just inside the entrance, then lit it on fire. Aside from the 87 fatalities the most sad part of the fire was that González's girlfriend and 4 others were the only survivors. There are many sites with information on this fire and a link to Sun Tzu's Newswire which is with the links listings.

Cocoanut Grove Nightclub Fire

2006-04-01T18:43:00.000-05:00

This fire resulted in the death of 492 people on November 28 1942. The club was packed with over 1000 people, an estimated 300 of the dead could have been saved if the exit doors had swung outward rather than inward. The fire exit door at the top of the stairs was bolted shut and the revolving doors prevented exit. The diner presented people that were not even able to leave their seats. The club was packed at double the rated occupancy. Many articles exist on this fire, I will try to find links to lead you to a good site.

Gothenburg Sweeden Halloween Fire

2006-04-01T17:38:00.000-05:00

On the evening of October 28 1998 at a Halloween party in Gothenburg Sweeden a fire broke out killing 63 people. This party packed in over 400 people into a small 32 by 9.5 meters hall that was designed and liscensed to hold 150 people. The room was lined with accustical tiles that allowed for the rapid spread and combustion of fire. The fire resuled in widespread panic and along with the deaths injured 180 people. The responding Fire Brigade rescued an estimated 60 people from the fire. A link has been created on the right to the NFPA report on the fire. I am still searching for pictures and websites for the victims.

Our Lady of Angels School Fire

2006-04-01T17:20:00.000-05:00

The fire that swept through Our Lady of Angels Catholic School on December 1 1958 was a tragic event that forever changed the way schools around the country were built and maintained. The tragic events of that December day burned horrible memories in the minds of the children involved and totured the teachers and staff of the school. Several books and articles have been written regarding this fire and there are numerous sites that publish and share information on this fire. The fire claimed the lives of 92 children and 3 of the nuns. No fire alarms or sprinklers were present, no quick escape doors, no smoke detectors, fire extinguishers were mounted 7 feet off the floor, the gates of the courtyard remained locked during school hours, and only one fire escape (to name a few contributing factors). There was 1600 children packed into rooms designed to hold far less. The photo above is an over head picture gleaned from the linked website in the links section that shows the extent of the fire.

Hartford Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus Fire

2006-04-01T17:08:00.000-05:00

The Hartford Circus fire was July 6 1944. In this fire there was 167 deaths (many of whom were trampled in the stampede to escape) and only a reported 100 were over the age of 15. There was thousands of people packed into the Big Top to see the show. Today the site of the fire is a housing project. To the right in the links section there is a link to Hartford's History website. The picture posted on here is from the website at Hartford History, it is an photo of the scene that day that so many people died. Please check out the website and send a note to those who perished in the fire, these are some of the people that gave their lives to make a safer life for us today.

Information needed

2006-04-01T16:21:00.000-05:00

Feel free to sned web addresses or information from your area or any site you would like to see posted. I can and will post all information on here for everyone to enjoy and use.

Future plans

2006-03-27T11:15:00.000-05:00

In the future I am planning on creating links to the various sites that have information to the great disasters of history and some of the larger fires. These will include the Texas City Texas explosion, 9/11 attacks, the Hartford Circus fire, Coconut Grove fire, Iroqouis Theater Fire, and the Great Chicago Fire to name a few. I will be listing the dates and death totals and location of the larger natural and man made disasters of the past for reference purposes. If you have an idea of what to write about or questions feel free to email me.

IAFF History Website

2006-03-09T21:23:00.000-05:00

The IAFF has a website dedicated to the History of the IAFF and contains some good pictures and information. There are some pictures of some guys from the Roanoke City Fire Department where I work.

Triangle Shirt Waist Factory Fire

2006-03-07T20:51:00.000-05:00

I found another great link to this fire I thought I would add to this blog. The authors have done a wonderful job in research and provide a bunch of pictures to view and behind the scenes information that shows the fire from several sides and discusses the issues at hand during the time period. Check it out in the link on the right side of the page.

Links

2006-03-07T20:10:00.000-05:00

I am striving to make a list of links to quality websites that will not infect your computer with viruses or make a problem for you. I will try to include photos and other tidbits of informaiton for anyone to use. Look for future posts, increasing in depth and quality, and the links page.

History additions

2006-03-07T19:37:00.000-05:00

I am currently attempting to gather and add more historical data both from Roanoke Fire EMS department and from around the country.

Welcome to the Fire History Website

2006-01-04T21:33:00.000-05:00

Recently a Volunteer came to me asking for assistance with a fire history paper for his class in Fire Technology. He had no idea what to write about. He had considered the 9/11 attacks, The Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island, the cold storage warehouse in Mass., and a generalized major event paper. My recommendation was the school fire at Our Lady of Angels. It is a historic event that forever changed the face of not only firefighting but also every day life for all Americans. The over-crowding of classrooms and the wide range of fire hazards created the perfect conditions for this terrible fire. That conversation planted the seed for this website. I thought that most of our younger people that haven't been educated on fire history can use another resource for researching fire history. This is the first in a series of posts that will provide details on major disasters that forged the molds by which fire service is delivered today.