Harrods Creek Fire Protection District – HCFD.ORG

Harrods Creek Fire Protection District - HCFD.ORGUnder the leadership of Chief Kevin Tyler, the Harrods Creek Fire Protection District serves approximately 20 square miles of Eastern Jefferson County in Louisville, KY. We provide Fire & Rescue services as well as ALS first response to our District and surrounding areas.

Our Mission
Preserve Life and Property Through Prevention, Education and Response.

Our Vision
The Harrods Creek Fire Protection District will continue to serve our community without prejudice of social, economic, or cultural backgrounds. Through uncertain economic times we are committed to developing all of our resources – both internal and external – to their fullest potential, while empowering each member with the authority needed to effectively and efficiently perform the duties with which we are entrusted.

As Fire Chief of the Harrods Creek Fire Protection District (HCFPD), I have the opportunity to serve in a destination community for both citizens and visitors.  The Harrods Creek Fire Protection District is fortunate to have the finest fire service professionals in the state. The men and women of the HCFPD are highly trained, extremely motivated, well educated, and loyally focused on their core mission of serving the community.

HCFPD has a rich history of service to a growing community and now offers comprehensive fire, hazardous incident response and emergency medical services in a community of approximately 22,000 citizens in a 20 square mile area.

The HCFPD is a core member of the Jefferson County Fire Service and participates in automatic aid with neighboring fire districts.  This system ensures that the closest available appropriate resource responds to calls for service regardless of municipal jurisdiction and that an orderly and reliable incident command system is utilized.

Your HCFPD Firefighters have bravely and successfully confronted the hazards of our growing suburban environment, and continue to mitigate complex life safety problems through risk management, strategic planning, disciplined deployment, and an aggressive fire attack and rescue philosophy. The hard-working professionals of the HCFPD are dedicated first and foremost to guarding the quality of life for the citizens and visitors of our community through multi-dimensional emergency response and the protection of life, property, and the environment.

It is our mission to Preserve Life and Property through Prevention, Education and Response.

Training, Health and Safety

Training for the Harrods Creek Fire District is jointly conducted with the St. Matthews and Worthington Fire Districts. Training is coordinated by Training Major Mike Richardson (St. Matthews). Monthly training includes:

  1. Week 1 – Annual/Mandatory training
  2. Week 2 – Crew/Operational Training (Technical Rescue included)
  3. Week 3 – EMS Continuing Education Training
  4. Week 4 – Speciality Training (Instructed by Company Officers)

Training is conducted in two groups with Companies from Station(s) 1 training in the morning and Companies from Station(s) 2 participating in the afternoon.

Health and Safety

Department Health and Safety is coordinated by Major Keith Brooks (Harrods Creek) and includes yearly medical physicals, infection and exposure control as well as the department Physical Fitness program which utilizes IAFF Certified Peer Fitness Trainers who perform annual evaluations and program design for our members.

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  • What Is Fire and Why Is It Important?
    Fire is an ancient and vital ecological process that occurs in a wide variety of ecosystems. Many people have an innate fear of it, but under the right conditions it can be a beneficial and useful tool for land management. Prescribed fire, for instance, is a valuable tool used to manage wildlife habitat by removing accumulated debris and encouraging new growth. It also reduces competition from species that can’t tolerate fire, minimizes insect pests and diseases, and recycles nutrients back into the soil. Some species thrive in post-fire environments, such as the whitetail deer that requires open grasslands with shrubby patches to hunt, or the Karner blue butterfly caterpillar (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) which only hatches out of pine cones that have been melted by smoke. The word “fire” describes a fascinating and mysterious phenomenon that is both magical and deadly. While it may appear solid and substantial, the flame is actually a formless vapor that exists only in the transitional space where combustion takes place. This invisible and enigmatic phenomenon produces light and heat by the energizing chemical reaction of combustible fuels with oxygen. In addition to producing light and heat, fire is also the source of much of the energy used by humans on our planet. Most of the electricity generated by our power plants is a result of burning coal, oil and other fossil fuels in a process called combustion. Fire is also used in everyday cooking, and in cars by igniting a combustible fuel, such as gasoline, to generate heat. Besides the fact that it’s a fascinating, scary and useful thing to observe, we use fire to help us survive and prosper in modern life. But it’s important to remember that even in a safe contained environment, such as a kitchen stove or a gas fired furnace, fire is dangerous and can quickly become uncontrolled. Fire is most similar to a plasma, the fourth state of matter that forms when gaseous atoms and molecules lose their electrons and roam freely. Just like a plasma, fire is hot and incandescent but unlike a plasma it can’t sustain itself without an external source of energy. Fire’s need for external energy is essentially the reason why it can’t exist in air that’s saturated with water, which can smother the flame by choking out the oxygen it needs to burn.
  • Types of Fire Trucks
    Firefighters use a variety of tools to fight the flames and save lives. One of those essential tools is a fire truck. It is the vehicle that sprays water to put out fires and helps firefighters get to the scene quickly. The most common fire trucks you see are called engine trucks. They are often used for structural fires in homes and businesses, but they also help with some medical emergencies. They carry equipment like the Jaws of Life to free trapped victims. Fire trucks are highly customized and specialized vehicles that can be modified to meet the needs of different firefighting departments. The main differences are based on the type of fires and other tasks that are typically performed in an area. For instance, those working in urban areas may need to transport equipment that can mitigate hazardous materials and perform technical rescue operations, while departments that work in wildland-urban interface may require specialized gear to handle brush fires. The fire truck you see most commonly is a Type 1 engine, which is mainly used to support firefighting and initial emergency medical services at the site of a structure fire. These vehicles can be seen on the road in cities, towns and rural areas. They are equipped with a pump, water tanks and a deck gun, which can be used to extinguish a fire using water at high pressure. They are usually parked close to the fire to make it easier for firefighters to access the building. Other types of fire trucks include Types 5, 6, and 7. These are pick-up truck-based and designed to handle the specialized needs of wildland firefighting. They can be found in both metropolitan and rural areas and are able to transport large amounts of water with maneuverability and accessibility that isn’t possible with larger Type 3 fire engines. In addition to their ability to transport water and other supplies, most fire trucks are fitted with audible warning systems that alert motorists of their presence on the road. These systems are commonly known as sirens and can vary in sound based on the conditions of the roadway and the maneuver being performed. Firefighters need to be able to operate the fire truck safely, which is why many of them have been given ergonomic features to improve their experience inside the vehicle. These include gripped steps for safe and easy movement around the vehicle and a wraparound dash that provides excellent visibility from all sides of the cab. Some other popular features in modern fire trucks include barrier or full-height cab doors, HAAS Alert collision avoidance technology, and a variety of seating options to ensure that firefighters can find the most comfortable position for their job. The cab is also often outfitted with features to keep the crew safe, including side and front airbags as well as a protective cab enclosure.
  • The Importance of Having a Fire Extinguisher
    The fire extinguisher is an important safety tool in fighting small, localized fires that threaten a property or people. It can also save lives by preventing them from spreading to other areas and potentially causing more serious injuries. It is recommended to have a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen, garage and other rooms where the risk of fire is higher. Each fire extinguisher type is designed to tackle a specific class of fire. Before using a fire extinguisher, ensure that everyone has left the area and that the fire is small, contained and not spreading. It is also important to know what is burning, as attempting to use an extinguisher on the wrong type of fire can cause it to spread or re-ignite. There are a number of different types of fire extinguisher, each containing a different chemical agent to tackle the corresponding type of fire. Dry powder fire extinguishers (Class A, B and C) contain chemicals such as monoammonium phosphate, potassium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate. These types of fire extinguishers work by forming a barrier that smothers the fire. They are not suitable to be used on electrical fires as the water can act as a conductor, posing an electrocution hazard. Water fire extinguishers dispense a spray of microscopic, de-mineralized water particles to put out a fire by cooling it and preventing re-ignition. They are effective on Class A and Class B fires, but they cannot be used on electrical fires as the water may pose an electrocution hazard. Specialist powder fire extinguishers (Class D) contain bromochlorodifluoromethane, commonly known as halon, to fight Class D fires involving metals such as magnesium or aluminium. They work by creating a smothering seal to stop the fire from getting air and also by breaking down metal oxides. Halon is a clean agent and leaves no residue, making it a good choice for computer equipment. Halon extinguishers must be serviced regularly to ensure that they continue to work effectively. This involves monthly inspections to check that the fire extinguisher is still properly pressurized, free from damage, with a working nozzle and hose, and that the seal is not broken. It is also necessary to replace the cylinder every six years. Whenever using a fire extinguisher, follow the PASS system: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. Be sure to position yourself with an unobstructed escape route at your back, and stand six to eight feet (two to three meters) away from the fire. Remember to read the instructions and re-check the fire class before using the extinguisher. If you are unable to control the fire, evacuate the area and call 911. If you have a portable fire extinguisher, only attempt to use it when it is safe to do so, others have already evacuated the area and the fire has not spread. If a fire is spreading rapidly, if it is producing large amounts of toxic smoke or if it is in an enclosed area, leave the space and exit immediately.
  • Fire Stations and EMS Stations
    A fire station (also called a fire hall, firehouse, or firemen’s hall) is a building that houses firefighting apparatuses, and may also contain living and working spaces for firefighters. Some also have a library of reference materials, and a case or “trophy wall” to display memorabilia and awards. Fire stations are the headquarters of fire departments, and are the primary firefighting resource for an area. They are sometimes used as community meeting places. During the 19th century, cities began to organize their own municipal fire departments as a civil service to the public. Private fire companies merged into the new department, which was often organized by geographic areas of the city, and became known as the “fire department” or “fire brigade”. The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is one of the largest in the world. FDNY has 218 firehouses and 37 EMS stations, covering the city’s 302 square miles. The Department’s fire academy is located on Manhattan’s Randall’s Island, and its EMS Academy is at Fort Totten in Queens. Firefighters are dispatched through a telephone alarm system. When a civilian observes an emergency, they can either call 9-1-1 which will be answered by NYPD dispatchers, or dial a special seven-digit number that will be routed to the corresponding borough fire alarm central office. Dispatchers will then assign a crew and equipment to the incident. Once the crew has been assigned to a call, the dispatcher will notify firefighters and other personnel by means of pagers or sirens. The firehouse will then be prepared for the arrival of the firefighters and their apparatuses. The firefighters will be gathered in the engine or ladder company’s quarters, where they will wait for the pager or siren to go off. The firefighters will then respond to the call, which can be a fire, medical emergency, or other crisis. Once they arrive at the scene, they will evaluate the situation and determine the appropriate response. If the emergency involves a life-threatening situation, they will notify EMS services and proceed to rescue and extinguish any fires or other hazardous situations. After the emergency, the firefighter will return to their firehouse to clean up and secure their apparatus. If they are not called out for a further call, they will take a break and return to their quarters. Most firefighters work a 24-hour shift followed by three days off. Besides being responsible for their own districts, most firehouses support one another to ensure they are operationally ready at all times. This is accomplished through a system of “shift swapping” in which the crews switch their night and day tours. During these periods, firefighters may visit other firehouses in their district or in other parts of the city. Firefighters also receive training at their home stations, at the Fire Academy and EMS Academy, and through other resources. These include a library of reference materials, training videos and simulators. They also participate in a regular regimen of physical fitness and drills to maintain their skills and stamina.
  • What Does it Take to Be a Firefighter?
    Firefighters put their lives on the line to save people and property from harm, and they work in some of the most challenging environments imaginable. They are on-call for 24 hours a day, and they must be ready to respond to calls involving emergencies or hazardous materials. The profession is demanding and can be hazardous, but those who do it find fulfillment in serving their communities by responding to emergency situations and preventing disasters. Firefighter jobs require excellent physical fitness and a high level of mental stamina. They also involve working with heavy equipment, including ladders, hoses, and vehicles, and they often work under extreme pressure. The work requires extensive training, and the career offers opportunities for promotion to positions of increasing rank and responsibility. A person who chooses to become a firefighter must meet minimum qualifications, which typically include having corrected 20/20 eyesight and a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as passing a background check and drug screening. Many departments recruit candidates through a formal apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Firefighter training is offered by state and local fire agencies as well as private academies. The primary job duties of a firefighter include putting out and preventing fires, conducting search and rescue operations for injured or trapped civilians, and providing emergency medical care and services. In addition, they must be able to identify potential hazards and provide safety recommendations. Firefighters use specialized equipment, such as thermal imaging cameras and cutting tools, to extricate victims from burning buildings or other dangerous situations. They are also trained to respond to chemical spills and other hazardous materials incidents, including decontamination procedures. Firefighters may also be responsible for inspecting business buildings and other structures, as well as deploying fire suppression, fire prevention, and traffic control equipment. They must be able to communicate effectively and perform their duties in low-visibility conditions, such as during power outages or in thick smoke. They must also keep tabs on their fellow firefighters while navigating through burning structures and other dangerous situations. The role of a firefighter often involves traveling between stations on a shift rotation. They must live or work no more than five minutes from their station, so they can be alerted if the pager goes off. Most firefighters are full-time employees, but part-time and on-call firefighters must be available to respond to calls as needed. These individuals typically have other job responsibilities, such as working in the construction or manufacturing industry and operate as security officers at their assigned companies. They must also pass regular physical examinations and participate in ongoing training.
  • The Importance of Fire Protection in Building Design
    Fire protection is an important component of building design. Many factors are taken into account, including the layout of rooms and hallways, egress routes, and sprinkler system design requirements. Additionally, flammable materials and equipment are also carefully considered during the building design process. This can help prevent costly products or delicate technology from being destroyed by fire in the event of a disaster. It’s no secret that fire is deadly. Even a small blaze can cause injuries, property loss and significant financial burdens. That’s why fire safety is so important for businesses. Implementing the right measures can not only save lives, but it can also reduce financial losses incurred due to damage and repairs as well as insurance claims. In addition to preventing the spread of fire, it is vital that all staff members know what to do in case of a fire outbreak. This includes evacuation protocols and fire drills. It is also essential that fire safety equipment is maintained and easily located, such as smoke detectors, alarm points, fire extinguishers and evacuation routes. Whether you’re in charge of an office building, warehouse or industrial space, you need to have effective fire prevention measures in place. These are vital to ensure that your products and expensive equipment remain unharmed and that employees can quickly evacuate to avoid injury and death. Investing in the right fire protection systems can also prevent costly downtime and business interruptions, helping you keep your customers or clients happy and your employees safe. One of the biggest causes of fire in the workplace is human error. Whether it’s someone forgetting to put out the trash, a kitchen accident or mishandling chemicals, fires can start quickly and without warning. Fire safety training can help to minimise the risk of these types of fires by educating workers on how to operate machinery, store and handle combustible materials. While it is impossible to eliminate all the risks, fire safety measures can drastically reduce them. Active fire protection systems such as smoke and heat detectors, audible signals and strobes can alert people to the presence of a potential disaster early on, giving them enough time to escape the building to safety. By installing a fire sprinkler system, these same systems can contain, suppress and even extinguish fires, keeping the destruction of your precious assets to a minimum. Passive fire protection systems include structural features such as compartmentalisation, which can help to keep flames and smoke contained within a specific area. This is especially important in high-rise buildings or areas with a lot of people. Other passive measures include fire barriers that can absorb the heat of a fire, as well as fire-resistant construction materials. If a fire breaks out in your building, it is important to stay calm and follow the evacuation procedures as directed. If possible, try to find a window to escape through if the doors are locked or blocked. If you have time, try placing a wet rag over your mouth and nose to filter out the toxic gases from the smoke.
  • Personal Injury Lawyers for Fire Accident Victims
    A fire accident can leave victims with extensive and often severe injuries. Victims can be left with permanent pain and suffering, emotional trauma, disfigurement, loss of limbs, significant scarring and a long period of rehabilitation. In addition, victims may have to pay for expensive medical care and ongoing household expenses while they recover from their injuries. When the fire accident was caused by another person’s negligence or fault, a victim can file a lawsuit to obtain compensation for their losses. In the United States, there are approximately 16,000 fire-related deaths and over 500,000 injuries that require medical treatment each year. Most of these fire accidents occur in the home or workplace and involve combustible materials such as wood, paper, fabric or electrical wiring. Many fires are the result of human error, including poor maintenance, faulty equipment, smoking in bed or near flammable materials, and leaving appliances turned on or plugged in when not in use. Some fires are set deliberately through arson or other criminal acts. While every accident is a tragedy, burn injuries are especially traumatic as they can cause irreparable damage to tissues and organs, leading to a lifetime of physical discomfort, disfigurement and depression. The pain and suffering of victims of a fire accident can also be financially devastating, resulting in lost income and loss of property. The fire accident lawyers of TorkLaw can help clients get fair compensation for their losses. The firm will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, obtaining photos and video footage, police and fire department reports, safety inspections, and medical records and interviews. The firm will also consult experts to assess the extent of your injuries and the future costs for medical and rehabilitative care. It will also negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and opposing attorneys to secure the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. If a fire accident was caused by the negligent or reckless actions of another, a personal injury lawyer can help you hold that party responsible for your losses. These claims can include claims for damages for both economic and non-economic losses, such as the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged property, the cost of ongoing medical care, loss of quality of life, lost wages, and other associated financial damages. In some cases, victims can also be awarded punitive damages, which are designed to punish a defendant for particularly bad or reprehensible behavior. Almost any type of appliance or piece of equipment can catch fire, but a major culprit is household cooking appliances, space heaters and central heating/air systems, office equipment like computers, printers and copy machines, torches and burners, welding gear, clothing dryers and washing machines and chemical substances. The best way to treat a burn is to immediately soak the burned area with cool water as soon as possible. Avoid applying ointment, butter or ice to the burn because these do not allow the skin to properly cool, and can actually trap heat under the surface of the damaged tissue.
  • The Importance of Fire
    Many people associate fire with danger, but in reality it is an important part of most ecosystems. Whether it comes from lightning or a match, fire is a chemical reaction that burns fuel to produce heat and light. It also releases a lot of energy, making it self-sustaining as long as there is a fuel source and oxygen to keep the reaction going. It creates nutrients in the soil. Fire helps to reduce the amount of vegetation by removing dead and dying plant material. This allows new, healthier plants to grow in the area. In addition, fires help to break down and recycle nutrients from dead plants into the soil, thus aiding in nutrient cycling. Fire reduces the population of invasive and non-native plants. It clears underbrush to allow sunlight and water to reach the forest floor. This promotes healthy, natural habitats and can help prevent erosion. Fires can even change the carrying capacity of forests by removing diseased or overcrowded trees, allowing room for healthy tree growth. The heat of a fire can be used to cook food or provide warmth and comfort for humans. It can even be used to power electrical generators. Fire can also be beneficial for human health, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. It can also be used to clean up hazardous waste, a process known as incineration. When a fire is started, it begins as a small flame or smolder, and it continues to grow as the result of a chain reaction that converts oxygen and fuel into carbon dioxide and water. This produces more heat energy than the original fuel source, and that additional energy is released as a visible flame. As the fire grows, its size and temperature increase. Heat from the flame transfers to nearby combustible material, and it spreads through convection and radiation. It can be hard to control fires, especially wildfires that occur naturally. However, humans can take steps to control fires by clearing away combustible material around their homes and yards and storing any flammable materials securely. It is also a good idea to have an escape plan in case of a fire or disaster and to practice it regularly. Finally, it is a good idea to be aware of the daily fire restrictions in your area and never leave a fire unattended.
  • What Makes Fire Trucks Special?
    Fire trucks are amazing pieces of machinery that make it possible for firefighters to get to the scenes of emergencies and do their jobs. But have you ever thought about how many different kinds of fire trucks there are and what sets them apart? In this article, we’ll take a look at eight of the most common types of firetrucks and what makes them unique. A fire truck (also known as a fire fighting apparatus, firefighting appliance or fire engine) is any vehicle that has been modified to carry equipment used in the fight against fires and other emergency situations. They are usually based on commercial vehicles but can also be designed from the ground up for specific duties. Fire trucks can be fitted with a variety of lights, sirens and other warning devices, including thermal imaging cameras that let firefighters see a situation before they enter a building and detect victims’ body heat to ensure their safety. Most firetrucks have a large water tank equipped with thousands of gallons of water and long hose lines that can expel the water at high rates of pressure, depending on the type of nozzle and diameter. The water tank can be filled directly from a nearby fire hydrant or by pumping from a smaller on-board supply reservoir. The type of firetruck a department chooses to use depends on its needs, which may be dictated by its geographic location and the types of emergency calls it receives. For instance, fire departments located in urban areas often need a fire truck that can mitigate hazardous materials and effect technical rescue operations, while those in rural environments require a fire truck with specialized gear for wildland firefighting. Another consideration is the size of a firetruck’s crew. The number of firefighters a firetruck can carry is determined by the gross vehicle weight rating when fully loaded and by state regulations. For example, a Type 1 firetruck requires a chassis with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds when fully loaded. This is to ensure the vehicle can support its full complement of equipment, which includes self-contained breathing apparatus, chainsaws and forcible entry tools. Ladder trucks feature long ladders mounted on the roof, allowing firefighters quick access to tall buildings to rescue people who are trapped or otherwise in danger. These are the trucks most people think of when they imagine a firetruck, and similar vehicles called quintuples — which combine ladder trucks with pumper engines — offer additional capabilities for fighting fires in high-rise buildings. Ladder trucks are commonly equipped with a hydraulic platform to lower the ladder and a deck gun mounted on top of the truck that sprays up to 1,000 gallons of water per minute. They are surrounded by gripped steps, which allow firefighters to climb safely into and around the truck. They are also equipped with a hydraulic winch to haul away damaged or burning cars.
  • How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
    Fire extinguishers are the best and most affordable way to protect property from fire damage. They are often fitted in buildings, but are also commonly carried by motor vehicles and watercrafts. There are a variety of different types of fire extinguishers, each designed for specific groups of fuel. When selecting a fire extinguisher, choose one with a UL rating and number that indicates its ability to put out the type of fire you are fighting. Before attempting to use the fire extinguisher, ensure it is in good working order by inspecting the pressure gauge on the bottom of the unit. A low pressure gauge may indicate that it is time to recharge the extinguisher. A higher pressure gauge means the unit is more fully charged and ready to be used. When using a fire extinguisher, it is important to remember the acronym PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep. These steps help ensure that the fire is actually extinguished and the hazard is eliminated. In addition, always remember to evacuate the area once the fire has been put out; even if it appears to have been extinguished, the flames could reignite at any moment. First, locate the nearest exit and make sure it is clear. Then, stand with your back to the exit so you can escape quickly if the fire should grow out of control. Next, move the fire extinguisher within its effective range of the fire. Keep in mind that the fire can double in size every 60 seconds, so it is important to act fast. If the fire is not already out, sound the fire alarm and call the fire department (Triple Zero). Next, identify a safe evacuation path and keep the fire and smoke from blocking this route. Once you have a clear evacuation path, move away from the fire and stand at least 8 feet (2.44 m) from it. Next, remove the pin or breaking a tamper seal on the top of the fire extinguisher (some have no pin). Aim low and point the nozzle or horn of the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire. Finally, squeeze the handle (some have a button instead of a lever). This depresses a mechanism that releases the pressurized agent inside the fire extinguisher. After discharging the fire extinguisher, sweep the nozzle side to side over the fire to distribute the agent evenly. If the fire has not been extinguished, repeat the PASS process until the fire is out. If the fire continues to rage, call the fire department or evacuate the area and meet up with your evacuation plan outside of the building. Always remember to replace any empty fire extinguisher as soon as possible after use. A smoky residue from a discharged extinguisher can be as dangerous as the fire itself. It is a good idea to have extra fire extinguishers at hand, so you can easily access them when needed. The fire department can help you select the right kind of fire extinguisher for your particular needs.
  • What Are Fire Stations?
    A fire station is a building where firefighters keep their vehicles and equipment and where they stay while on duty. Typically, it also has living and working space for the firefighters. Fire stations may look very different from one another, but all have the same basic features. A typical fire station includes several different kinds of spaces: Apparatus bay support and vehicle maintenance spaces; administrative and training areas; residential areas; and specialized facilities such as the air operations room and the rescue tower. Each of these areas serves a particular purpose in the overall operation of the fire department. An apparatus bay is a dedicated space for cleaning and maintenance of fire fighting vehicles and equipment. It often has a heavy-duty lift and all utility connections required to work on large, cumbersome machinery. These industrial spaces are often part of the fire station complex and are located adjacent to living spaces such as dorm rooms, day rooms/kitchens, and residential support areas. The term “fire station” is used in many jurisdictions, although some departments use the terms firehouse or fire hall instead. In New York City, the buildings that house fire companies are known as fire houses. Fire stations are primarily located in urban areas. They are typically designed to blend in with the surrounding community, and from a distance, can be mistaken for private homes. During a wet down ceremony, a new fire engine or other piece of equipment is placed in service by pushing it out, wetting it down and turning the bell to its new position. This is a time-honored tradition that dates back to the days when fire engines were pulled by hand and pumped with a bucket brigade. Turnout gear (turnouts) is the protective clothing that firefighters wear while on duty and when they respond to an alarm. It consists of a full set of firefighting equipment, including masks, helmets, gloves, and long pants. A water supply system is a means of pumping water to the fire scene from an outside source, rather than from a fire hydrant. This may be needed in large buildings or in a situation where a hydrant is not available. This is sometimes referred to as a high-rise pack. Rollover: The point at which flammable gases in ceilings can ignite, possibly leading to fire spread or collapse of the structure. Also called flashover or pyrolysis. Cockloft: A space above a ceiling or below rafters that connects adjacent occupancies and allows fire to spread laterally. A fire buff is someone who has considerable interest in the fire services and/or emergency response, but is not an active member of the fire service. Two-in, two-out: The standard safety practice in which two firefighters enter a hazardous structure and at least two others stand by outside to ensure that they can escape should the first pair become trapped. This is in contrast to interior attack, which requires that at least four firefighters be on scene before starting.
  • What Does it Take to Be a Firefighter?
    Firefighters are a highly trained and skilled group of professionals who respond to emergency calls, such as fires, medical emergencies and hazardous materials incidents. Their work is physically demanding and dangerous, requiring them to work in extreme weather conditions and lift heavy equipment. The job also requires a significant amount of time away from home and family. Firefighters often earn competitive compensation and benefits, including healthcare coverage and retirement plans. Fires are complex and dangerous, requiring firefighters to work quickly and efficiently as part of a team to control and extinguish them. They must also be prepared to face other emergencies, such as automobile accidents and medical crises. In addition, they must perform routine duties such as inspecting buildings and hydrants, training, cleaning equipment, and providing public education on fire safety. A firefighter is an incredibly versatile and valuable member of any community, and a well-rounded career in this field can be extremely rewarding. Despite the popular image of firefighters as brave heroes who rescue people from burning buildings, the reality is much more complex and diverse. Modern firefighters are like the Swiss army knives of the world’s emergency services, capable of responding to any emergency and completing many other important tasks that help keep their communities safe. The majority of a firefighter’s day is spent outside the station on call and at the scene of an emergency. The typical shift starts with roll call (an exchange of information and a physical fitness check), followed by inspection and maintenance of the trucks and equipment, fire drills, training and public talks. Firefighters may also spend the day answering calls, assisting with other emergencies or conducting investigations, or preparing reports. Many firefighters are trained in basic life support, which they use to assess and treat injured or ill people at the scene of an accident or disaster. Firefighters are also trained in the use of specialized equipment, such as thermal imaging cameras and cutting tools. They are often the first responders to chemical spills or other hazardous material incidents, and they can assist police in directing traffic and protecting bystanders from harm. A fire department is organized into several parts based on their function, and it’s not uncommon for each part to be further divided into units called companies. Each company consists of one major vehicle and its firefighting or emergency personnel, and it’s typically led by a lieutenant or captain. The rank structure of a fire department is similar to that of the military, and it can be hard to move up to higher ranks without extensive experience on the job. Firefighters with a bachelor’s degree in fire science have an advantage when applying for promotion to battalion chief or above. These higher-ranking positions typically require additional training and experience, as well as written examinations and interviews with superior officers. Generally, only firefighters with a degree in fire science are considered for promotion to these roles.