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    What to Do If You Are the Victim of a Fire Accident

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    A fire accident can turn your life upside down, resulting in catastrophic injuries and devastating property loss. It takes only one small mistake to get a fire going, and once it does, it can quickly spread and destroy anything in its path. Fire accidents can also result in death, due to smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning. While it is unfortunate that so many people are killed or injured in fire accidents, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of getting burned.

    A common cause of home fires is candles and space heaters, which should be kept away from children, pets, and drapery. You should also check electrical outlets regularly for any frayed cords that could potentially spark a fire. In addition, it is a good idea to have a fire extinguisher in your house and know how to use it properly.

    Workplace fires are often caused by a lack of safety precautions, poor maintenance of equipment, or unsafe handling of combustible materials. In addition to the loss of property, fires can cause significant damage to a business and disrupt operations, causing a loss of productivity. There may be insurance claims and paperwork to deal with, which can take valuable time from staff members that could otherwise be spent on their regular duties.

    If a fire breaks out at your workplace, you should immediately notify your supervisor and/or manager. You should provide a detailed account of the incident and any injuries you or your coworkers sustained. It is important that you stick to the facts, as adding opinions can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings in the future.

    When possible, try to capture photographs of the scene of the fire and any damage that occurred. This evidence will be useful in establishing the facts of your case and identifying potential liable parties. In addition to taking photos, you can also record eyewitness testimony that may be helpful in your case.

    Injuries from fires and explosions can be very severe, resulting in permanent complications and lifelong expenses. You deserve compensation for your losses, including current and future medical and rehabilitation bills, all forms of lost income, and non-tangible damages like pain and suffering. While no amount of money can make up for your losses, a successful lawsuit can help cover your financial costs and set an example to prevent future accidents. A seasoned New York fire accident lawyer from our firm can provide the legal representation you need to secure maximum compensation for your losses. Contact us today to get started. We’ve secured record verdicts and settlements for victims of New York fire accidents. The attorneys at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom Hershenhorn, Steigman and Mackauf are ready to put their experience to work for you. We handle these complex cases, which involve a wide range of federal and state laws and industry standards. Not all law firms have the skills and resources needed to effectively pursue these claims.

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    The Dangers of Fire

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    Fire is a useful source of heat and light. Humans use it in cooking to prepare food more quickly and efficiently, as well as for safety reasons (such as boiling water to prevent illness). We also depend on it to create electricity from fossil fuels that are burned in thermal power stations.

    The reason that we are attracted to fire is not the flickering light, crackling sounds and distinctive smell – although these all add to its appeal – but the sense of security and comfort it gives us. This may be a result of our evolutionary past, when Stone Age men socialised around camp fires and felt safe and warm, allowing them to focus on hunting, gathering and building their homes.

    In our modern lives, we are even more dependent on the energy and safety provided by fire. Most of the world’s population now drives internal combustion vehicles that use fuel and oxygen to produce fire, which produces the electricity we all use in our homes.

    However, it is important to remember that, despite its many benefits, fire is dangerous. Even a small fire can quickly spread and be dangerously hot. And it only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a room, or for a home to be engulfed in flames.

    During a fire, the temperature of the flames and surrounding air can rise to 1000 degrees Celsius, which is enough to burn skin and lungs. This intense heat can cause serious injuries, including loss of life and property.

    Fire is not just dangerous because of its high temperatures, however, but because of the chemical reactions it causes. As the atoms of the fuel react with oxygen, they rearrange irreversibly and give off heat. This is called a chemical reaction, and it is the same kind of reaction that happens when an apple left on the kitchen counter browns or silver tarnishes.

    Class A: Ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber and some plastics, that burn at a lower temperature than Class B. These can be extinguished by cooling them to below their ignition temperature.

    Class D: Metals that, because of their chemical composition or structure, are prone to melting, exploding or catching fire. These can be extinguished using special powders based on sodium chloride or other salts; clean dry sand can also be used.

    The best way to control fire is to prevent it from starting. Check daily burning restrictions before lighting your outdoor fire, and make sure that it is in a clear, well-fenced area with non-combustible material on the ground around it. If you start a fire, keep it under control by constantly monitoring it, and never leave it unattended. If you get burned, smother the flames with a blanket or towel and immediately rinse your burn in cool water for three to five minutes. Then, seek medical attention. Finally, always have a fire escape plan and review it with family members and guests regularly.

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    Amazing Facts About Fire Trucks

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    Firefighters are constantly on the move, responding to calls for help, whether they’re battling flames or dealing with another type of emergency. They must be ready to take on whatever challenge comes their way and the vehicle that carries all of their gear to each call is the fire truck. This seemingly simple and massive vehicle consists of many key components that serve an extremely vital function. Discover amazing facts about fire trucks that will make you appreciate this powerful tool even more!

    When we think of a fire truck, the first thing that pops into mind is a long ladder on the back and water pumps that are continuously spraying water. But this huge vehicle is also filled with other equipment like firefighting tools, fire extinguishers and first aid kits. It is because of all the various tools that the firefighting professionals carry in the fire truck that they are able to help save lives in emergency situations.

    There are many different types of fire trucks, each designed with specific functions and tools to meet the needs of their community. Pierce Manufacturing is proud to work closely with fire departments across the country to design and build custom fire trucks based on their unique requirements. Some of the most common fire trucks include Type 1 engines, Type 2 engines and wildland fire trucks. These vehicles can be grouped together because they all have similar features, but each fire truck ‘type’ has its own unique specifications and equipment.

    Type 1 fire trucks, also known as combination rigs or single-engine engines, are the most commonly used firetrucks found in cities and towns. They are built to handle a variety of fires, including structure fires, brushfires and hazardous materials incidents. This is the most versatile fire truck type and can handle a number of different tasks, including providing a rapid response to medical emergencies as well as structural collapses.

    The most important feature of a fire truck is the ability to supply firefighters with enough water to complete their work. This is done through the fire truck’s water tank, which can range from 500 to 3,000 gallons depending on the model. Most fire trucks use hydraulic systems to open and close the water tank, making them easy to refill. This is much quicker than using a manual valve.

    A fire truck is also likely to have a foam system, which can be used in a number of ways to reduce the damage caused by burning materials. It can saturate materials to prevent re-ignition or it can be used to control spills and leaks.

    Fire trucks are also often equipped with a hydraulic platform to access difficult-to-reach areas. This includes roofs, attics and other areas where a ladder cannot reach. Firefighters can also use this equipment to perform rescue and extrication operations. Finally, all fire trucks are fitted with radio systems for communication purposes. This is crucial because it allows fire fighters to stay in contact with their crew and headquarters at all times, even while on the go.

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    What Type of Fire Extinguisher Should You Use?

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    A fire extinguisher is an important tool for keeping your home safe from the danger of a fire. There are many different types of fire extinguishers, each designed for a specific type of fire. Knowing which type of fire extinguisher to use can save lives and prevent hefty property damage.

    A basic fire extinguisher is a pressurised container holding a fire-suppressant agent. When you pull the pin on the handle, it activates a spring-loaded valve threaded into the pressure cylinder. This allows the pressure of stored gas to push the agent out through a nozzle.

    There are four common fire extinguishers: water, foam, dry powder and carbon dioxide. Each is designed to be used on a certain class of fire, and carries a numerical rating to indicate the amount of fire it can suppress.

    Water Extinguishers

    Water extinguishers are used on Class A fires, which are ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cloth and most plastics. Water also cools the fire and removes heat, slowing or stopping its spread. This is the best extinguisher to use on a small kitchen fire, as it can be easily operated and won’t contaminate food.

    Foam Extinguishers

    Foam extinguishers have a distinctive white appearance and are typically used on Class B and Class C fires, which involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, oils and grease. The insulating property of the foam smothers the fire by cutting off its oxygen supply, and it also absorbs heat to further reduce the fire’s temperature. Foam is also useful on electrical fires, as it does not conduct electricity, avoiding the potential shock hazard to you.

    Dry Powder Extinguishers

    Dry chemical extinguishers contain a powdered agent such as sodium bicarbonate (normal baking soda), potassium bicarbonate, or monoammonium phosphate. When discharged on a fire, the powder forms a coating over the fuel to cut off its supply of oxygen and smother it. This is the most popular type of fire extinguisher.

    Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers

    These contain pure pressurised carbon dioxide gas, which does not leave any residue and is a good choice for electrical fires, such as those involving computers or large electric equipment. The low pressure and short range of CO2 make it effective for a much smaller area than other extinguishers. It’s also practical for offices because it doesn’t contaminate delicate and expensive electronic equipment.

    Electric Fire Extinguishers

    These fire extinguishers use an electrically nonconductive solvent to interrupt the flow of current, thereby preventing the fire from starting or spreading. The nozzle on an electric fire extinguisher is designed to deliver a spray rather than a jet, to cover a larger surface area more quickly.

    If you decide to use a fire extinguisher, always remember that the best way to prevent serious injury or death is to escape the fire. Only use an extinguisher if: The fire department has been notified, there is a clear exit from the fire, you know what is burning, you have the correct type of fire extinguisher for that material and you’ve been trained on proper use within the past year.

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    The Fire Stations of the FDNY

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    A fire station (also known as a fire hall, firemen’s hall, firehouse or engine house) is a structure or area for storing firefighting apparatuses such as fire engines and related vehicles, personal protective equipment, fire hoses and other specialized equipment. It frequently contains working and living space for firefighters and support staff.

    Firefighters from a fire station are called to a call in many ways, depending on the emergency. Typically, civilians dial 9-1-1 to report a fire, and then the fire department dispatchers determine the appropriate response unit. Alternatively, people may dial 0 to speak with the FDNY EMS communications office directly, or they can use one of the other three numbers published in each borough.

    The FDNY is not only responsible for responding to fires, but it also responds to emergencies such as medical incidents, hazardous materials incidents and disasters. The FDNY also has an important role in protecting the city’s infrastructure including buildings, bridges, tunnels, highways, parks, public transit systems and other large structures.

    Each of the five boroughs in New York City has a dedicated fire department with its own firehouse. The FDNY’s firehouses are organized into battalions, with each having one to three fire companies. Each fire company is commanded by an officer, usually a lieutenant or captain. The company has between 12 and 20 firefighters who are staffed for night or day tours on a rotating basis.

    Generally, most fire stations have a brush fire unit, which is a four-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicle with specialized firefighting gear and other items to assist in fighting brush fires in hilly or remote areas. Some have a water rescue unit, which is equipped with specialized tools and equipment to help in flood and marine rescues. Other units include fire boats and fireboat engines, which are used in the water or on rivers, and Haz-Mat teams.

    Most of the FDNY’s calls are for emergency medical services, such as ambulance transport or medical assistance to sick and injured persons. The FDNY operates more than 400 EMS units, and EMTs work side by side with firefighters at all scenes of emergencies. The FDNY has two disasters operations centers that are located at fire stations, where staffers handle coordination and logistical issues with state agencies and other departments involved in large-scale events such as natural or man-made disasters.

    Ideally, fire departments want their stations to be strategically placed in order to reach the most people quickly, which means they should be close to schools, homes, commercial areas and businesses. In addition, each station should be positioned in an area where the crews can meet the city’s goal of getting on scene within four minutes 80 percent of the time. For example, when the fire department built Fire Station 8 in Scottsdale, it was strategically positioned to serve the Shea corridor with its high-rise apartments, schools and other densely populated residential communities. The station was designed and constructed to achieve LEED Platinum certification, which is the highest level of recognition for green building practices.

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    How to Become a Firefighter

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    Firefighters are on call 24/7 to fight fires, rescue people and animals, and protect property. They work behind the scenes as well, preventing fires through surveys and inspections and training people to avoid disasters. They also respond to medical emergencies and perform first aid. They are often certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Their job sometimes overlaps with police and other first responders.

    The smell of smoke, the sound of crackling and exploding glass and light bulbs, the taste of soot in your mouth – these are the physical sensations of being a firefighter. And the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment when you save a life is just as powerful and memorable.

    To be a firefighter, you need to be physically fit and have excellent stamina. You also need to be good at making quick decisions under pressure. Firefighting is a dangerous profession, and firefighters must be prepared for the possibility of injury or death.

    Once firefighters receive an alert on their pagers that there is a fire, they suit up and head to the scene. They may drive one of several types of fire trucks — pumper trucks that carry water, “aerial ladder” trucks that extend ladders to upper floors of a building, or rescue trucks that transport injured people to the hospital.

    As they approach the scene, firefighters must assess the situation and determine whether it is safe to enter. They have to make many quick decisions under intense pressure, such as determining how to quickly evacuate the building and what routes to take to do so. They must also evaluate the scene and identify the cause of the fire and how to extinguish it.

    After they reach the scene, firefighters fight the fire by spraying water or a fire-retardant chemical. They may use a water hose or a fire hydrant to do so. They may also break windows to gain entry to a burning building or cut through walls and ceilings to reach a fire in hard-to-reach areas. Firefighters also clean up the scene, removing debris and contaminated materials and restoring undamaged items as they go.

    In addition to fighting fires, firefighters respond to medical emergencies and educate the public about fire safety. They also investigate the causes of fires and prepare detailed incident reports. They often inspect buildings and other structures, ensure hydrants are working properly, train people in fire prevention, and help enforce fire codes and regulations.

    To become a firefighter, you need to complete an extensive training period before becoming certified. You must pass a written exam and a physical examination. You must also meet minimum age and height requirements. Then you’ll need to be hired by a local fire department. The selection process is competitive, and firefighters are usually on a 24 hours on, 48 hours off schedule. During this time, they’re required to attend training sessions, drills, and community talks. In some departments, you can earn promotions by serving as a volunteer firefighter or by taking a promotional exam.

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    What Is Fire Protection?

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    Fire protection is a huge field and encompasses all of the various ways that humans try to mitigate unwanted fires from happening in their facilities. Some of these methods focus on prevention, while others deal with suppression or evacuation procedures during an emergency. There are also maintenance requirements associated with a variety of fire safety equipment, and regular property inspections are an important part of this process.

    Passive fire protection systems are mostly built right into the building during construction, using materials that are fire retardant or that take a long time to be affected by flames. These include cinder block walls, fire-rated doors and fire barriers like smoke baffles. Some passive systems can combine active and passive systems, such as fire curtains that deploy from ceilings in warehouses or other tall buildings after an alarm is activated.

    Most workplaces have fire hazards in one form or another. For example, electrical outlets that are overloaded with appliances or overheated machinery can be a risk, and chemicals stored incorrectly or improperly handled in kitchens may cause an accident. Having fire hazard assessments conducted regularly helps prevent these types of problems from becoming major disasters. A common way to do this is by distributing a checklist that employees can use to identify potential fire hazards. The checklists should include questions such as whether the work area has adequate ventilation, if it is cluttered with unnecessary items or if the building’s exits are clearly marked and easy to find.

    Unlike passive fire protection systems, active fire suppression systems are designed to directly fight the fire and keep it contained until emergency personnel can arrive on scene. The most familiar type of active fire suppression system is a sprinkler, which can be installed in a facility based on criteria such as occupancy and the size of the structure.

    In addition to putting out the fire, these systems can be used to notify emergency responders and alert people to the situation. They can also be used to evacuate the building, and many of them are connected to other fire safety systems, such as fire alarms.

    Some buildings have specific requirements that require specialized fire suppression systems, such as those that use carbon dioxide or dry chemical systems rather than water. These are often found in commercial cooking areas, laboratories and hazardous or chemical storage rooms. Some computer server rooms also need this type of specialized fire protection system, as well.

    In Minecraft, the Fire Protection enchantment reduces damage taken from sources of fire, including lava and magma blocks, being set on fire and melee attack damage from mobs that deal fire damage. This enchantment works with all armor, except for iron. The reduction in damage is increased with higher levels of the enchantment. It is not available to players below level 10, however. Fire protection is a great enchantment for those that want to survive longer in an environment where there are multiple sources of damage and can be quite dangerous.

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    What Happens When a Fire Accident Occurs?

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    When a fire accident occurs, the consequences may be devastating. Injuries from burns can lead to pain and suffering, permanent scarring or disfigurement, disability, the need for long-term care, and death. For families, it can be financially devastating as medical and household bills continue to pile up. It is all the more tragic when a fire could have been prevented and was due to someone else’s negligence or fault.

    A fire accident can happen anywhere, but most often it happens at home or in the workplace. Many residential fires are caused by space heaters, faulty electrical wiring, or cooking accidents. Other common causes of fire accidents in the workplace include defective equipment or appliances, smoking, and flammable chemicals.

    Workplace fires often result in serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and other surgical procedures. Injuries from smoke inhalation can also be severe and life threatening, especially for those with existing respiratory conditions.

    If you or a loved one has been injured in a fire accident, it is important to seek legal help right away. A lawyer can investigate the cause of the fire and determine if there is a way to recover damages from responsible parties. These cases can involve workers’ compensation claims, negligence lawsuits, or wrongful death claims.

    After a fire, homeowners may find their homes damaged by both the flames and the firefighters’ efforts to extinguish the fire. Firefighters often need to break windows and cut holes in walls and roofs to allow for ventilation and to extinguish the fire. This can damage the property, and if water is left on the property for too long it can create secondary damage such as mold.

    A fire in a house can be very scary, and even more so if the residents are forced to evacuate. When people are evacuated from their home, they often want to save their possessions. Seven out of 10 people will try to save their belongings from a house fire, with more than a third of those opting to save electronic devices such as their phone or laptop. Other popular items to save are photographs and jewellery.

    After a fire, a person will need to focus on getting their lives back together. If they have been displaced from their home, it is important to help them with the basics such as finding a new place to live and restocking essentials like clothing, shoes, and bedding. It is also important to offer emotional support and to help them deal with any stress and anxiety that they are experiencing. It is also important to help them organize their belongings so they can keep receipts and other documentation for the insurance claim. In addition, it is important to remind them to take care of themselves and to see a mental health professional if needed.

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    The Basics of Fire Science

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    Fire is the chemical reaction of a fuel and oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water vapor and heat. It is a self-sustaining chain reaction that can continue as long as fuel and oxygen are available.

    Fire Science is a branch of physical science that deals with the study of fire behavior, combustion, and flame evolution. Its applications include fire investigation, wildfire management, and fire protection.

    The most obvious properties of fire are its visible light and radiant energy. It is also very hot and may produce a loud sound when it expands quickly. Some materials, such as metals and plastics, are able to burn but do not release much light or heat. They can be extinguished with water or other non-flammable liquids and chemicals.

    Most people are familiar with the concept of burning wood, but not all know that any type of combustible material can burn, even water. The first step in a fire is to create heat, which can be done with a match, a flashlight or another source of concentrated heat. The heat causes the atoms in the fuel to vibrate until they break free of the bonds holding them together and are released as volatile gases. The released atoms then react with the oxygen in the air to form the chemical reaction of combustion. This chemical reaction releases a lot of heat, which is why it generates flames and intense heat.

    The heat generated by the fire keeps the remaining fuel at its ignition temperature and the reactions that produce it can keep generating more heat. This is how a fire can sustain itself as it spreads through a building or forest. If enough of the fuel is consumed or the rate of the reaction slows down, the fire will stop releasing heat and eventually turn into ash.

    There are three essential elements that are needed for fire to exist: a flammable or combustible fuel in combination with oxygen gas or another oxygen-rich substance (called an oxidizer) and sufficient heat. This is called the Fire Triangle. Without one of these, fire cannot start or continue.

    During the process of a fire, heat energy is transferred from hot vaporized fuel to nearby objects by conduction and radiation, as well as by convection. The result is a wave of heat that moves through the air and can cause the walls of a room to feel warm, or even hot. The radiated heat can also be used to control the flames, by placing a piece of cloth over the flames and letting it absorb the heat until it dries out.

    Incomplete combustion of the fuel gas can result in black soot, and incomplete combustion of organic molecules produces a flame with a blue color that comes from the emission of single-wavelength electromagnetic radiation. Both of these features give a fire its characteristic glow. The chemical composition of a flame depends on the fuel and the oxidizer used in it, but typically contains carbon dioxide, water vapor, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen.

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    Keep Your Community Safe With Fire Trucks

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    When you see a fire truck coming down the road, honking its horn and flashing its lights, you know that it’s time to move over and make way. The red vehicle will quickly escort firefighters and important tools to the scene of the fire. Fire trucks are essential in any city, but they come in many different types and sizes. Some of these vehicles are even used for specialized rescue missions, such as fighting brush fires.

    While red is the most common color for fire emergency vehicles, these trucks can also be found in yellow, green, blue, orange and black. These vehicles may be outfitted with different kinds of equipment depending on the needs of the fire department, such as foam units, extinguishing powder units and more. Some fire trucks can be equipped with a hydraulic boom, which extends from the back of the vehicle. This can be very useful in situations where a fire is located in hard-to-reach areas.

    Most people are familiar with the conventional fire truck that you can see at every fire scene. It’s the vehicle that carries firefighters and their equipment to the fire scene, including ladders, fire extinguishers, breathing apparatuses, water supplies and more. Often, this firetruck will also include a fixed deluge gun or master stream that allows for a heavy spray of water to be directed toward the fire. When this onboard water supply runs low, these fire trucks are often connected to external fire hydrants and other sources of water.

    Fire trucks can also be equipped with various other kinds of specialized equipment, including fire suppression systems, mobile command centers, hazmat units and more. Some fire departments will even convert a vehicle like a helicopter, boat or ATV into a firefighting apparatus for more unique emergencies.

    Traditionally, firefighters sat on the side of or stood on the rear of fire trucks, which was a very dangerous arrangement. Today, most firetrucks have fully enclosed seating areas that protect the crew from the elements and ensure their safety while responding to an emergency call.

    When you’re ready to find a fire truck that can help you keep your community safe, check out our selection at Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus. We sell thousands of new and used fire apparatuses each year.

    Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Roberta, who wondered, “Why are firetrucks red?”

    In the past, it was common for fire trucks to be painted in bright colors in order to stand out from other cars on the road and make it easier for firefighters to spot them at a scene. However, modern studies have shown that it’s actually safer and more effective for firetrucks to be painted in lime green or yellow. In fact, a study that looked at over 750,000 emergency vehicle trips showed that vehicles in these colors were half as likely to be involved in intersection accidents as red firetrucks.

    Fire trucks are essential to any city, and they can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes. We hope this article has helped you learn more about these vital vehicles.

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