I
BIG LINE FIRE
Timeless truths from the Fire House and Beyond: Seasoned with Salty War Stories and Sarcasm
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Mile Stones
Though this topic is not my normal fair, I wanted to take time and share a personal mile stone. This adventure stated 40 years ago, and I have been wanting to closed the door on this task for a long time. I have completed my BS Degree I started on when I was 18 years old. A girl, beer and life got in the way, but I was determined to fulfill this life goal, and I have now completed that task.
You should never give up on your goals. It may take much longer for you to achieve them than you originally thought It may. Goal setting is important for your development as a leader. You set goals and objectives and get people to join on the journey…. That is what leading is about.
Always remember what you do is more important than what you say, lead by example, and do the right thing, even if no one is there to the you do it.
JB
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Firefighter Safety and Utility Control: The Unseen Dangers of Alternative Power Sources
Typical fireground operations are centered on creating safety and eliminating threats. The fire
departments have time tested tools like Layman’s RECEO VS to give the incident commander a
reference point. Departments drill to save lives, with hose line deployment and fire attack skills as well
as search and rescue methods to save potential victims. Additional duties include securing a water
supply, meeting the two-in and two-out standard, ventilating, and salvage and overhaul operations.
Often overlooked or an afterthought is securing the utilities.
In
California the typical home and business is serviced by natural gas and
electricity. In the more rural areas propane is typically used for heating,
cooking, and cleaning. In some areas heating oil is used in the furnace. With
consumer solar systems, battery and generator back-up power systems being used
more often, what was once a simple turn of a valve and flip of a breaker to
secure the utilities has now become complicated.
My
volunteer company responded to a gas leak at a local seed research facility. We
arrived at the scene and were met by the staff who reported that a gas valve in
a laboratory had been damaged and had been releasing gas for well over an hour
before it was discovered. The crew ensured that all the staff was accounted
for, and conducted a hazard assessment, determined if there was anyone needing
medical attention and secured both the natural gas and power, eliminating
potential fuel and ignition sources. At first glance they believed that the
major hazards had been controlled, but it was not until later in the incident that
the company officer realized the computer workstations were still powered. They
all had an uninterruptible power supply or UPS system.
The building was charged
with natural gas, but because the department did not have monitoring equipment
the firefighters did not know if the gas concentration was above, below or
within the flammable range. The container was full of flammable gas and whether
the UPS could provide an ignition source is unknown, but we were not as safe as
we first thought. As the crew completed their operations, now aware of the
missed power supplies, they noticed additional battery powered equipment
including the emergency egress lighting and the exit lights. As the incident
commander it is critical to consider the devices as potential ignition sources.
Given the right conditions they could provide the means to create an explosion
and/or fire.
Though exit and emergency
lights and UPS units are common items in commercial occupancies, many people
use the UPS for their home computers also. There are two common systems in use
today: standby UPS and continuous UPS. A standby UPS runs the computer on the
normal utility power until it detects a problem. At that point, it very quickly
(in five milliseconds or less) turns on the power inverter and runs the
computer off the UPS's battery. A power inverter simply turns the DC
power delivered by the battery into 120-volt, 60-Hertz AC power.
In a continuous UPS, the
computer is always running off of battery power and the battery is continuously
being recharged. The battery charger continuously produces DC power, which the
inverter continuously turns back into 120-volt AC power. If the power fails,
the battery provides power to the inverter. There is no switch-over time in a
continuous UPS. This setup provides a very stable source of power.
Standby UPS systems are far
more common for home or small-business use because they tend to cost about half
as much as a continuous system. Continuous systems provide extremely clean,
stable power, so they tend to be used in server rooms and mission critical
applications. The hazard to firefighters from the UPS can come from electric
shock, heat generation and the chemical reaction from the charging process.
Other locations where you will find UPS and battery back-up systems are at cell
phone sites and electric utility sub-stations.
These
systems typically use a wet cell lead-acid battery. When these batteries
charge, they produce hydrogen gas, which is the same gas that created the Hindenburg
disaster. If this gas is not properly ventilated it will accumulate and find an
ignition source. In March 2001, the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District
responded to a report of a building explosion in Rancho Cordova, CA.
Upon further investigation they found a computer company’s battery back-up
system had exploded. They found several walls blown over and visible smoke from
a room that housed several large batteries. Firefighters also reported that a
40-foot section of the roof was missing just over the area of the explosion.
The energy released by an
explosion can injure and even kill responders. Other concerns for firefighters
can include back-up generator systems. These systems are designed to supply
power to the building in the event of a power system failure. These systems
must have a system to switch between the power sources- the utility company or
the generator. This switch is typically automatic and will activate when there
is any interruption in the utility power supply like when we turn off the
power. This can prove to be a problem when firefighters are attempting to
eliminate the electrical hazards at an emergency scene.
Preplanning and onsite training
with the building maintenance personnel will give fire companies an opportunity
to understand how the system works and how to overcome the automatic operation.
Even more dangerous to the firefighters is the illegal generator hookups,
without the required switch; the power can come from either source. It is
common for the do-it-yourselfer to create what is morbidly referred to as a suicide
plug, an extension cord with two male ends, one that plugs into the generator
and the other into a receptacle in the home. Also associated with the illegal
hook up is the improper use of the gasoline powered generator. The generator is
a common cause of CO poisoning, and was the origin of a recent house fire,
caused from the heat from the generator’s engine operation and exhaust. The
potential for a generator illegally installed, remote from where a company is
operating, may back feed an entire block of homes leading to an unseen
electrocution hazard. Many utility companies may use capacitor banks that store
engery to keep a power system energized. Despite the assurance that the power
is secured, it may be preferable that the crews ensure the power is off before
performing over-haul operations. One option is a personal electrical power
sensor. (See Fig 1) that allows for non-contact method to determine if a power
line is energized.
The
use of Lithium-Ion battery systems is an emerging threat with many documented
fatal fires from personal mobility devices; e-bikes and scooters that have
exploded and burned after thermal run-a-way of the batteries. The number of
electric vehicles on the road, powered by Li-on batteries is growing and are
exposing the public and firefighters to uncontrolled fire hazards from a run-away
battery condition. My agency responded to a collision involving a Tesla sedan.
The resulting fire required four hours and 10,000 gallons of water to stop the
battery run-away and resulting fire.
The
use of Li-on battery systems to power homes is also a growing trend. The Tesla
Powerwall was the original purpose-built home battery back-up energy storage system
(ESS). The homeowner who could not afford a Tesla system created home-made
battery system that may lack the safety and engineering standards of a
commercial product. The Tesla system produces 350 to 450 volts of direct current
(DC) and 9.4 amps, enough to kill a person, direct current or not. Tesla in no longer
the sole provider of energy storage systems. The market has many other options
including better chemistry other than the Li-On. A new battery chemistry is the
Lithium Iron Phosphate (Li Fe Po), which has a longer life span that can be
recharged 10-fold more than the Li-On battery. To date Li Fe Po batteries have not
created a battery run-away condition and the associated fires and other
dangerous conditions. DC power requires an inverter to transition the power to
the common 120 volts of alternating current (AC) to power the home or business.
The inverter may be integrated into the home’s power system, or it may be used
to convert the stored energy from an ESS to power the residence. The power
company may use a “smart meter” that prevents the solar panels from directly
powering a home when the grid is down. This system also prevents the
back-feeding into the grid which may endanger power company and fire personnel
working where the power system is apparently deenergized.
Most
battery systems are charged via photovoltaic solar panels. The panels are
typically placed on the roof of a new home, especially in California where the
building code requires the installation of the panels. The issue with solar panels
is that there is no “off” switch. When the panels are receiving sunlight, power
is being produced. The panel may produce dangerous voltages and damaged wires
on the roof top may expose firefighters to the hazards of the power generated by the panels. To stop the power
production the panel will need to be shielded from the sun. A heavy opaque salvage
cover may be the best method to cover the panels and prevent the production of
power.
Another
power generation option is the use of a hydrogen fuel cell to create a
micro-grid to support operations of businesses to reduce the companies carbon
footprint. A noted business using this technology is Home Depot, where the
company plans on using the fuel cell system to power a warehouse in Texas and other
systems supported the operation of several locations in New York state during a
blackout.
The
off-grid lifestyle may also pose an issue with securing power supplies to those
homes. Many people living off grid are accomplished do-it-your-selfers, who
create their own power sources that lack the safety features of a commercial
application. It may be a small hydroelectric generator, wind turbine, solar
panels or a combination of all three that powers the home and creates
independence from the power companies.
So,
the next time that you are assigned to secure the utilities, realize that you
may have not completely de-energized the building. The use of UPS, battery
backups or generator systems may continue to provide power and ignition sources
in the building. There are many alternative means to power homes and businesses
and what was once a simple task has become complicated and may require
additional training to safely secure the power and ensure that the firefighters
can operate with out fear of being injured by an electric shock or an arc that
may create an unexpected ignition source.
Sunday, April 30, 2023
FDIC in The Rear-view
I was blessed with the opportunity to finally attend FDIC. I has been on my to do list for some time. My opportunity to attend was made possible by the leadership and vision demonstrated by my Fire Chief. Indy became FDIC with building high banners and 38,000 Firefighters filling downtown streets, restaurants, and of course spots to "network".
The heart of
the international fire service was FDIC. The streets and buildings were filled
with firefighters from all walks of life- big city career, volunteer
companies, young and old, salty and bright eyed all with one mission, to serve
people. It was also a memorial service for the late Bobby Halton. For those who
are not in the know he was the heart and soul of FDIC and the Fire Engineering
magazine. Grown men were wiping their eyes as his words filled the halls of
FDIC one last time. Hearts pounded with pride and big smiles crossed faces
of hard men as a montage of his impassioned opening statements were
played out on the big screens, but even those large displays were not big
enough to fill the hole left by his passing.
The lectures and
presentations offered a wide variety of topics from accountability to how to
manage Gen Z firefighters. There was every gadget reinvented, revised, and
retooled on display or for purchase lining the hallways. I listen to old
mentors, met new people, generated networks, but the most important of all
reconfirmed why I have committed well over have my life to the job.
Looking back
on the blur of those three days spent breathing in the spirt of the brother and
sisterhood: my batteries are recharged, my focus is clearer and my purpose is
redefined. Now to help move the people I serve forward, preparing them for
their next steps.
Friday, April 28, 2023
What’s Wrong With Being A Fireman?
I
was involved in a fire house conversation, in which I called myself a
“Fireman”. The reaction from some was swift and scathing. It was as if I swore
during High Mass or shouted fire in the theater or set fire to the Stars and
Stripes. I was told that I am not a Fireman but a Firefighter. When I began to
defend my position, my argument fell upon death ears. So when did it become a
Sin to refer to yourself or a co-worker as a “Fireman”?
I ask you, what is wrong with
using the term Fireman? I am sure there are many who would say that it is a
passé, sexist throw back to times past and others would ask what the difference
is between a firefighter and a fireman. The short answer: attitude. There are
many firefighters in the world, all with the same attitude: they have the
cookie-cutter hair cut, sun glasses and the “I fight what you fear” tattoo.
They have the patch, the tee shirt and the badge but lack the true meaning of
what is required to succeed at this job, what it means to be a Fireman.
So what is the real difference is between a Firefighter and a Fireman? Firemen understand not just the how, but the why operations are preformed on the fireground. We have text books and power points that show the how to fight a fire, but it is not until the firefighter takes it upon themselves to understand the why of the operation, that they may then call themselves a fireman. Firemen are street smart and understand the importance of the roots of our job: Hot, dirty, hard work that every generation has done before us. The title Fireman is rooted in these traditions. (Yes I know the real root is from the company member who kept the steamer hot and ready to pump water, but I digress.)
Too many in the fire services,
from the probie to chief officer, take fire ground operations for granted; they
find themselves tied to an SOP or the “we always do it that way” operating
mode. They have not made the investment in themselves and their careers: to go
beyond the how-to phase to the understanding why phase, and despite a long
tenure on the job, they still find themselves fighting the fire vs. beating the
fire. So I guess they are truly Firefighters.
So the only sin committed is not
being prepared to do the job and not taking pride in your work. I challenge you
to renew your commitment to yourself, our profession and your community and be
proud of your commitment to not just doing your job but knowing why you are
taking action and be proud to call yourself a FIREMAN.
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Live From FDIC
“If you are damned if you do or damned if you don’t…
Why not just do..”
Paul Combs 2023
Monday, April 24, 2023
Quick Bit- Humility
It is much easier being humble that it is getting humbled
A hard lesson to learn is that no matter how confident you are about your actions/position, when your actions exceed your competence is when you will be humbled.
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The two things Firemen , I mean Firefighters, hate are CHANGE and the Way Things Are... There has never been a more accurate st...
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I always stress that the job of being a Firefighter should be focused first on people. When we speak of peop...
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The views expressed are those of the author, and do not represent my employer, or other members of the fire service although maybe they sh...