Winter Community Newsletter 2007frenchtownfire.org/newsletters/Winter_Community... · 2018. 5. 31. · Inside this Issue: • Standout Volunteers • Winter Heating Safety • Winter

Inside this Issue: • Standout Volunteers • Winter Heating Safety • Winter Outdoor Safety • Frequently Asked questions • Tip of the Month

Standout Volunteers: Over the last several months, things have been very busy around the fire house. One thing that continues to remain a constant is the incredible, unselfish dedication of our volunteer personnel. During the Black Cat incident many of those remarkable contributions were highlighted, but after the smoke cleared, and the once black grasses turned green, our volunteers remained vigilant in their commitment to serve this community. Each and every one of our volunteers deserves praise for their daily efforts to become trained for and response to emergency incidents, however, some continually go above and beyond our expectations. These standout volunteers are rewarded with being elected volunteers of the month. Since this newsletter will no longer be monthly, we

will present the volunteers of the month in the time

since the last publication.

Gordon Gieser, who is a relatively new face to Frenchtown Fire, but not to fire and emergency services, was nominated as volunteer of the month for his continued dedication, and advanced skills. Gordon is a non-traditional volunteer who lives outside the District boundaries. Gordon spends one night a week at Station 5 in Petty Creek and provides coverage of the west end ambulance and structure engine. Gordon is a Firefighter/EMT intermediate 99 and has been involved in the fire service for over twenty years; we are honored to have all the experience and expertise he brings to the table. Dennis Davis, a volunteer Battalion Chief with Frenchtown Fire for almost 10 years, was nominated as a standout officer for his

un-wavering civic service during his tenure with FRFD. Dennis has always been a steadfast volunteer willing to step up whenever he is asked. Dennis’s leadership through the years has help mold and guide many firefighters and EMTs. Bill Lunn, a volunteer Captain with Frenchtown Fire for almost 5 years, was recognized for his efforts during this past summer’s events. Due to surgery, Bill was unable to participate in Fire Department activities for nearly 5 months. However, Bill remained extremely active in support roles for his fellow firefighters and officers; conducting and attending training and making sure their needs were met during emergency incidents with support of food and water. With Bill recently coming off the injured list, we are anxious to get him back under a helmet. Craig Jeppson, no stranger to the fire service, recently moved into our District after retiring from a career in firefighting from West Valley Fire Department in Utah. Craig is now employed by State Fire Services Training School and conducts training to local fire departments including FRFD. During the Black Cat fire, Craig recognized our needs, provided our District with the necessary support,

joined the volunteer ranks and was a tremendous asset throughout the entire process; he intuitively continues to “show up” whenever he is needed. Jenny Ross has been with Frenchtown fire for over 12 years and her dedication has never wavered. Jenny, a volunteer Captain on the east end of the Fire District consistently is the most active response volunteer, responding in all conditions to all locations in our District to provide emergency service to her community. We frequently rely on her advanced medical skills; Jenny is very close to completing schooling to become a Registered Nurse. Bruce Winter has been with Frenchtown Fire for over 5 years and in that time has shown a personal dedication unmatched by many of his peers. Bruce is always the first to step up to take extra shifts, help provide additional coverage, or staff the ambulance. Bruce is committed to training often traveling across the country to attend advanced training, as he will do in February when travels to Washington D.C. Roy Robinson has been a volunteer with Frenchtown Fire since 1982 and is our most tenured volunteer! In his nearly 26 years of service, Roy has climbed the ladder to become a Battalion Chief. His leadership and experience continue to be a valuable asset to Frenchtown Fire. Libby Lausch has been very instrumental in EMT trainings for several years, ensuring that the new generations of EMTs are well trained and prepared to serve this community and this year has been no exception. Libby, although already an EMT, has attended nearly every class to assist in teaching. Libby is also passionate about community CPR and often instructs classes for the public. These Standout volunteers embody the true essence of civic service, self sacrifice, and genuine volunteerism; we are all better and safer because of their spirit of service and continued generosity to this organization and our community.

Trustee Elections Two positions are up for election on May 6, 2008. Forms are available at

Station 1 or the Missoula County Elections Office.

Filings are due on or before February 21st. A great way to serve your community!

Proudly serving the communities of Evaro, The

Wye, Frenchtown, Huson, and Alberton

HEATING SAFETY

More than 4,000 Americans die each year

in fires and more than 25,000 are injured.

Many of them might be alive today if they

had the information they needed to avoid a

disaster.

Did You Know? • Eighty percent of all fire deaths

occur in the home. • Electrical fires are of special

concern during the winter months which call for more indoor activities and increases in lighting, heating, and appliance safety.

• Deaths caused by winter fires are particularly avoidable!

Safety Tips For the Home

The high cost of home heating fuels and utilities have caused many Americans to search for alternate sources of home heating. The use of wood burning stoves is growing and space heaters are selling rapidly, or coming out of storage. These alternate methods of heating may be acceptable, however, they are a major contributing factor in residential fires. Many of these fires can be prevented. The following fire safety tips can help you maintain a fire-safe home this winter.

KEROSENE HEATERS • Be sure your heater is in good working

condition. Inspect exhaust parts for carbon buildup. Be sure the heater has an emergency shut off in case the heater is tipped over.

• Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room venting. Burning fuel (coal, kerosene or propane, for example) can produce deadly fumes.

• Use ONLY the fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer.

• NEVER INTRODUCE A FUEL

INTO A UNIT NOT DESIGNED

FOR THAT TYPE FUEL.

• Keep kerosene, or other flammable liquids stored in approved metal containers, in well ventilated storage areas, outside of the house.

• NEVER fill the heater while it is operating or hot. When refueling an oil or kerosene unit, avoid overfilling. DO NOT use cold fuel; it may expand in the tank as it warms up.

• Refueling should be done outside of the home (or outdoors).

• Keep young children away from space heaters—especially when they are wearing night gowns or other loose clothing that can be easily ignited.

• When using a fuel burning appliance in the bedroom, be sure there is proper ventilation to prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide.

WOOD STOVES AND

FIREPLACES Wood stoves and fireplaces are becoming a

very common heat source in homes. Careful

attention to safety can minimize their fire

hazard.

To use woodstoves and fireplaces safely:

• Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly. Woodstoves should have adequate clearance from combustible surfaces, and proper floor support and protection [see manufacturer’s guidelines.]

• Woodstoves should be of good quality, solid construction and design, and should be UL listed.

• Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.

• Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.

• The stove should be burned hot twice a day for 15-30 minutes to reduce the amount of creosote buildup.

• Don’t use excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires in fireplaces. It is possible to ignite creosote in the chimney by overbuilding the fire.

• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening, to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out, unwanted material from going in, and help prevent the possibility of burns to occupants.

• Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.

• Keep flammable materials away

from your fireplace mantel. A

spark from the fireplace could

easily ignite these materials. • Before you go to sleep, be sure

your fireplace fire is out. NEVER

close your damper with hot

ashes in the fireplace. A closed

damper will help the fire to heat

up again and will force toxic

carbon monoxide into the house. • If synthetic logs are used, follow

the directions on the package.

NEVER break a synthetic log

apart to quicken the fire or use

more than one log at a time. They

often burn unevenly, releasing

higher levels of carbon monoxide.

FURNACE HEATING • Be sure all furnace controls and

emergency shutoffs are in a proper working condition.

• Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists. Do not attempt repairs yourself unless you are qualified.

• Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, additional pipe insulation or clearance may be required.

• Check the flue pipe and pipe seams. Are they well supported; free of holes, and cracks? Soot along or around seams may be an indicator of a leak.

• All unused flue openings should be sealed with solid masonry.

• Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.

• Follow manufacturers guidelines for filter replacement. Changing the filter every 3 months will prevent dangerous overheating.

• BE SURE YOU HAVE A

WORKING SMOKE DETECTOR.

IF YOU DON’T, CALL STATION

ONE. 626-5791

FRENCHTOWN RURAL FIRE DISTRICT COMMUNITY NEWS

www.frenchtownfire.org

Page 2

However you stay warm this winter, please be safe!

OTHER FIRE SAFETY TIPS

• Never discard hot ashes inside or

near the home. Place them in a metal container outside and well away from the house.

• Never use a range or an oven as a

supplemental heating device. Not only is it a safety hazard, it can be a source of potentially toxic flumes.

• If you use an electric heater, be sure not

to overload the circuit. Only use extension cords which have the necessary rating to carry the amp load. TIP: Choose an extension cord the same size or larger than the appliance electrical cord.

• Avoid using electrical space heaters in

bathrooms, or other areas where they may come in contact with water.

• Frozen water pipes? Never try to thaw

them with a blow torch or other open flame, (the pipe could conduct the heat and ignite the wall structure inside the wall space). Use hot water or a UL labeled device such as a hand held dryer for thawing.

• If there is a fire hydrant near your home you can assist the fire department by keeping the hydrant clear of snow so in the event it is needed, it can be located.

FINALLY…

• Be sure every level of your home has a

working smoke alarm, and be sure to check and clean it on a monthly basis.

• Plan and practice a home escape plan

with your family.

Contact Cindy Crittendon at

Frenchtown Fire for advice if you have

a question on Home Fire Safety. Cindy

can be reached at Station One by phone,

626-5791 or e-mail [email protected]

To test and change your smoke detector batteries when you re-set your clocks for Daylight savings time?

KIDS CORNER



Page 3

Wildland Fire Season

Wrap Up Wildland Fire Season finally came to a close for the Fire District when our engine returned from a fire assignment to California on November 27, 2007. This is the latest we have ever had an engine out on a wildland fire in our history. The engine and crew assisted with the devastating fires in Southern California from October 24th to November 27th with a short break in the middle for a crew change.

Fire Season started in June for the Fire District with local escape debris fires and engine fire assignments to Superior and soon after to Utah and Nevada. Fire District personnel assisted on fires in Superior, Seeley Lake, Clinton, Utah, Nevada and California during the 2007 fire season. This was an incredible effort by our volunteers, residents and staff to provide personnel to help others in need. Maintaining readiness for fires within the Fire District is always our top priority, in addition to assisting other areas in need. That preparedness was brought home on August 14th when the Black Cat fire started. All FRFD personnel and engines were brought home from fire assignments at the Jocko Fire in Seeley Lake to prepare for the possibility of the fire moving into the Fire District. Some of the Fire District engines were assigned to work for the incident management team and other Fire District engines were assigned specifically to protect structures. When the Black Cat fire blew up on August 16th, the Fire District was as prepared as we could be for that challenging night. Volunteers and Staff manned a total of 13 engines, and 5 support vehicles on the fire.

In addition, volunteers maintained staffing of ambulances and engines for other re-sponses. This was very difficult to accom-plish with the limited number of volunteers we have but they went above and beyond the call to serve. In addition to Fire District engines that fought the Black Cat Fire, mutual aid engines came on three different occasions to assist in structure protection. These resources came from 23 different fire departments. They responded from Gallatin, Lewis and Clark, Butte, Cascade, Lake, Flathead, Mineral, Ravalli and Missoula Counties. This mutual aid response played a big part in the saving of structures from the fire between August 16th and 18th. The large and intense fires we are experiencing cannot be managed by individual fire departments and requires the assistance of others. Whether it is fire departments coming to our aid or Frenchtown engines going to assist others, none of us can manage these large complex fires alone. One of the benefits the Fire District receives from wildland response to large fires is financial gain. While the numbers have not been finalized from our FEMA application, the Fire District will have a net revenue of approximately $250,000 after paying payroll. Cost for meals, fuel and lodging on fire assignments is fully reimbursable to the Fire District.

The Board of Trustees approved the use of some of these monies to replace old engines. A 1987 brush truck will be replaced with a new 2007 Ford Chassis and body. This engine will be built by the Maintenance Specialist and staff of the Fire District for approximately $44,000. Building the engine

in our shop will provide savings of approximately $20,000 when compared to an outright purchase. In addition to this wildland engine, the Fire District will also purchase a chassis, body and equipment to build a larger engine specially designed for wildland urban interface structure protection. This engine will replace a 1981 engine that is currently out of service. This larger engine is still in the development stage but is estimated to cost approximately $100,000.

Although the engines are back from the fires, the paperwork continues. We have concluded the submittal of FEMA required documentation for the Black Cat Fire in early January. This will make us eligible for recovery of approximately 75% of the Fire District’s costs for the August Black Cat fire. This process includes documentation of engine and time for Fire District personnel and our mutual aid providers. It also includes the costs incurred by the Fire District for non-fire staff, copying of documents and supplies the Fire District purchased or used during the fire.

We would like to thank the residents of the Fire District for your support during some challenging times. The Black Cat Fire required all the personnel, training, experience and equipment available. This was not the first major fire we have had to deal with and it won’t be the last. Please do your part to protect your property by reducing fuels around you home. We were glad to be there for you and know that you will do your part when we need your support.



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Black Cat Fire August 16, 2007

Nevada Fire Assignment July 18, 2007 This 1987 engine will be replaced with

revenue earned from wildland fires.

Fire Department Access Access to your Home during an emergency is dependent on you making it possible for us to get to you. Emergency response is a partnership between responders and property owners. This partnership means that the fire department will respond with the resources available to assist you. The public’s part requires you to provide a means by which we can find and access the property to provide the care or assistance you requested. If you fail to have a visible address and street signs, or to maintain your road or bridge, then you complicate the Fire District’s ability to help you in a timely fashion.

• Whether your bridge is reinforced concrete or log timbers, Bridges should be capable of supporting our 50,000 pound water tenders.

• Road grades should be less than 10% with an all weather surface capable of supporting heavy fire engines.

• Access roads and driveways should be capable of allowing traffic to pass. We recommend 20’ to allow fire engines the ability to enter while other vehicles are leaving. Fire District apparatus met some difficulty during the Black Cat Fire because driveways were blocked with automobiles.

• Driveways should also be designed and built so fire engines can turn around at the home and other locations where it may be necessary. Driveways should allow a fire engine to gain close proximity to the home so hoses from the engines will reach into the structure.

• Clearance of trees and high branches may also be necessary on some driveways. Our engines and water tenders exceed 10’ in height and low hanging branches can limit access or cause damage to the vehicles.

• Winter access is difficult at best in our area. Homeowners must keep driveways plowed and sanded so access can be accomplished. We have already had some difficulty because of steep, un-maintained driveways.

Street Sign Theft There have been a number of street signs stolen from around the community. In addition to some being stolen many have been bent or vandalized making them difficult or impossible to read. This is hampering the Fire District’s ability to respond quickly to emergency calls and is a dangerous trend that may result in serious consequences to those who live on roads where signs are missing.

If you notice someone stealing a sign

please report it immediately to the

Sheriff’s Office. If your street sign is

missing, pleases call the Fire Department

at 626-5791 we can work with the county

to get it replaced.

If we can’t find you,

we can’t help you. Make sure you have a visible, reflectorized street sign and address sign posted. If you need an address sign we can make one in approximately 5 minuets at Station 1 in Frenchtown for $7.00



Page 5

Concrete Reinforced Bridge

Wooden Bridge

These house movers found out the hard way what happens

when a bridge is not built strong enough for the load.

Stay Safe this Winter With another Montana winter upon us, it is time to think about staying safe. Winter time holds a number of outdoor activities and fun, but with this fun comes a certain level of danger. It is important to know how to identify and prevent the hazards associated with winter months as well as care for yourself and others during these events. Winter dangers can include anything from avalanches to hypothermia. Winter can also put us at risk for less severe but agitating illnesses. In this article we will discuss some of the dangers associated with winter; how to recognize these dangers, and ultimately how to care for these wintertime ailments.

ILLNESS AND INJURIES • Dehydration

• Frost Bite

• Hypothermia

Dehydration

It is very easy to lose body fluids during the winter months. Sweating and body temperature regulation through breathing are some of the most common ways people lose fluids. If individuals are burdened with the common winter cold, diarrhea or the flu, there ability to regulate fluids is addition-ally hampered. Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration:

• Minimal urination or dark colored urine

• Fatigue

• Rapid heart rate

• Increased thirst

• Headache Care for dehydration:

• Continue to drink water even when not thirsty.

• Stay away from alcohol or tobacco products.

• Eat high nutritional foods (small meals throughout the day).

• Wear layered clothing to prevent excessive sweating.

Frost Bite

Frostbite is injury to tissue caused from prolonged exposure to below freezing

temperatures. Severe frostbite can result in loss of affected body parts such as fingers, toes, hands, nose or feet. Frostbite starts with a discoloration of the skin of the nose, ears, cheeks, fingers, or toes. This is followed by a tingling sensation for a short time and then numbness.

Signs and Symptoms of Frost Bite

• The skin may briefly appear red for light skinned individuals, or grayish for dark skinned individuals, and then become pale or waxy white. Upon thawing, the signs vary with the degree of injury.

• Mild to moderate frostbite injury appears red and swollen, has blisters, and is painful.

• Severe frostbite injuries have blue-black discoloration, blood-filled blisters, and an absence of pain.

Care for Frost Bite

• Remove tight clothing or boots from the injured area.

• Warm the frozen body part by placing it next to the skin of another person.

• Keep the victim warm and covered to prevent further injury.

• Do not massage, expose to open fire, rub with snow, or soak injuries in cold water.

• Frozen tissue should only be thawed if there is no chance that it will refreeze. Thawing and refreezing cycles cause significantly greater damage.

Hypothermia

HYPOTHERMIA IS A MEDICAL

EMERGENCY AND PROMPT

MEDICAL TREATMENT IS

NECESSARY. Hypothermia is a state in which core temperature is below normal because an individual is losing heat faster than they can produce it. The body cools to a temperature below 95°F during continued exposure to low or rapidly dropping temperatures, rain, snow, or ice. Hypothermia can also occur in seemingly mild conditions (e.g., 60°F air with heavily falling rain, as the rain degrades the clothing insulation and increases cooling). Shivering is an effective means of raising body temperature and is a good sign that the body is still compensating the loss of heat. When an individual stops shivering, they are no longer capable of producing heat and will become severely hypothermic unless

corrective action is taken.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia As the body cools, the following progressive stages of discomfort and impairment occur:

• shivering

• faint pulse

• mental confusion

• slurred speech

• glossy eyes

• slow, shallow breathing

• uncoordinated movements; unconsciousness

• irregular heart beat.

Care for Hypothermia Immediate treatment for all serious hypothermic individuals must include calling for an ambulance, rapidly removing wet garments, applying blankets and available insulating equipment, maintaining the horizontal position, and avoiding rough movement and excess activity. Responsiveness, breathing, and pulse must be assessed. Pulse and breathing can be difficult to detect. However, if victim is not breathing, rescue breathing must be started immediately without hesitation.

ENSURE APPROPRIATE CLOTHING

• Loose and in layers.

• Clean.

• Ensure proper boots are worn.

• Ensure boots are dry.

• Clothes do not have holes, broken

zippers, etc.

• Hands, fingers, and head are covered

and protected.

• Avoid spilling liquids on skin or

clothes; liquid stains will reduce clothing's protective efforts.

• Change wet/damp clothes as soon as

possible (ASAP).

• Keep socks clean and dry.

• Wash feet daily, if possible.

• Carry extra pairs of socks.



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• Change wet or damp socks ASAP; use

foot powder on feet and boots.

• Avoid tight socks and boots; do not

over tighten boots or shoes. KEEP WARM

• Keep moving.

• Exercise big muscles (arms, shoulders,

trunk, and legs) to keep warm.

• Avoid alcohol use (your body loses heat

faster).

• Avoid standing on cold, wet ground.

• Avoid all tobacco products. They

decrease blood flow to skin.

• Eat all meals, to maintain energy.

• Drink water/and or warm nonalcoholic

fluids, to prevent dehydration.

Although Winter can pose some

very uncomfortable and dangerous

situations, it can also be fun if you

dress for the weather and know

what to

watch out

for. So get

out there

and enjoy

the season!

Winter Travel Tips It always seems that around this time of year

we are reminded of the awesome power of winter, and the havoc it can reap on travel conditions. Every year motorist become stranded in

winter conditions and while most are rescued, some are not so lucky. Here are some tips to help you prevent becoming another victim of winter travel.

• Let others know of your travel route and destination.

• Carry plenty of food and water in your vehicle, even during routine travel.

• Stay on well traveled roadways. Avoid all off road travel.

• Carry flashlights, snow shovel and tire chains during all winter travel.

• If you become stuck, attempt to stay

with your vehicle. It will be easier for searchers to find your vehicle tracks and vehicle.

• Try to keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle throughout the winter months.

• Stay tuned to television and radio for current weather information prior to departing or check in with these sources.

• Call 721-3939

• Visit http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/missoula//

Know your weather terms and

understand what they mean:

• Watch vs. Warning: A watch means that weather conditions are favorable for a storm, blizzard, tornado, or whatever. A warning means that the hazard is currently happening.

• Heavy Snow Warning: A snowfall of at least 6 inches in 12 hours, or 8 inches in 24 hours is expected.

• Blizzard Warning: Considerable falling / blowing snow and sustained winds of at least 35 miles per hour are expected for several hours.

• High Wind Warning: Sustained winds at least 40 miles per hour with gusts of at least 50 miles per hour are expected to last for one hour.

• Winter Weather Advisory: Weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous.

For further winter driving and safety information, check out and print off the Montana Department Of Transportation’s winter survival guide found at the following web site. http://www.mdt.mt.gov/publications/docs/brochures/winter_maint/winter_survival.pdf.

AT YOUR REQUEST What are the Hazards with Hybrid

Electric Vehicles? A couple of readers have requested safety information on Hybrid and Electric Vehicles involved in an accident. With fuel prices at an all time high, we are starting to see more and more alternative fuel vehicles on the roadways. Although these vehicles have many advantages, they do pose some risk to helpful bystanders, and emergency responders when they are

involved in accidents. The following is some information to keep you safer should you be involved in an accident with a hybrid/electric vehicle. Please remember, these vehicles do pose a substantial risk, and emergency personnel should be summoned to properly deal with all hazards associated with these vehicles.

• Identify that the vehicle is a Hybrid

or Electric vehicle. Look for an electric charging port on the side or front of vehicle, the electric logo, a stepped up roof line or a distinctive profile.

• Locating the Electric Batteries These vehicles are powered by batteries, as high as 300 volts. Usually located under the hood, in the trunk or under the vehicle. A separate, traditional 12 volt battery is still needed to operate the vehicle's electric features such as the radio and headlights.

• Handling emergency incidents Call 911 immediately. If there is no fire or battery liquid leak, carefully approach the vehicle, turn off the driver’s off/on switch, and set the parking break or use wheel chocks to secure the vehicle.

• IF SMOKE IS VISIBLE: Call 911. DO NOT APPROACH THE VEHILCE. No one should approach the vehicle without a self contained breathing apparatus. Toxic fumes and vapors from damaged batteries can be carried in the smoke or steam.

• IF THE VEHILCE IS ON FIRE or an obvious leak is detected, DO NOT APPROACH THE VEHICLE. Call 911. When an electric vehicle has been involved in crash, the normal safety features could have been compromised. Avoid approaching the vehicle when there is arcing under the hood.

• Never cut into the battery pack or the traction cable, even if the high voltage has been shut down; the battery pack can remain charged. Since there may still be toxic fumes present around the vehicle after the fire is contained, only those people with proper



Page 7

protective gear, equipment and training should be around the vehicle.

• When approaching or working around any alternative-fueled vehicle, first stabilize and secure it by setting the brakes and utilizing wheel chocks or other forms of cribbing. Electric cars can start up unexpectedly, and are very quiet. If a vehicle is not stabilized, or is left in gear, the vehicle may move without warning. TURN OFF THE IGNITION.

• Alternate fuel emergencies require non-sparking items such as cones to secure the scene. DO NOT USE FLARES.

• When approaching electric vehicles, be aware of toxic vapors, gasses, and fumes, even after a fire is extinguished.

• Avoid contact with fluids on the vehicle or the ground run-off, as some may cause burns. However, if there is no fire, smoke, or battery liquid leaks, you may approach the vehicle, turn off the off/on switch, set the drive train parking brake and look for a switch to shut down the high voltage.

Frenchtown Fire To Offer

CPR Classes To Public. In an effort to reach more people, we will be offering bi-monthly CPR classes to the public on the 3rd Monday of every month. These classes will cost residents of the Fire District $5.00 and will be held at station One from 9am-1pm. Participants of this course will receive certification from the Ameri-can Heart Association for CPR and Auto-mated External Defibrillator (AED) use. Quick initiation of CPR in the event of a heart attack can mean the difference in life or death. Please call EMS Coordinator Jim

Burdick at 626-5791 or e-mail him at [email protected] for further information. If you plan on attending a CPR class, please call Jim so he knows how many people he can expect for any given class. Upcoming class dates are:

February 18th, April 21st & June 16th

Volunteers Needed Emergency response in the Frenchtown Fire District requires Fire Stations, Emergency Vehicles, but most importantly, Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Technicians. Emergencies require adequate personnel to extinguish the fire, treat and transport the patient or perform extrication at a vehicle accident. Without adequate staffing, increased losses occur to life and property and the risks to firefighters increases as well. The Frenchtown Fire District frequently finds incidents where we lack sufficient numbers of trained personnel to complete the required tasks. While we continue to recruit volunteers, residents are not responding to fill the immediate needs. If we do not have the necessary personnel our capabilities as an emergency provider will suffer. Please take time to come and investigate being a volunteer. It is important to you and your family that we have trained volunteers responding to emergencies. Call, e-mail, or stop by station one in Frenchtown for more information. You will be surprised at all the different volunteer opportunities we have to offer, and need to fill.

Emergency Response Information How many responders does it take to mitigate an emergency ? The National Fire Protection Association 1720 Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Response for Volunteer Departments recommends 10 personnel arriving within 10 minutes 80% of the time. Most response protocols recognize the importance of having both adequate numbers of emergency responders and also getting them their in a timely fashion. Arriving within 4 minutes provides an opportunity to initiate life saving medical care or to bring a fire under control before it grows too large to manage quickly. In Rural areas of western Montana that important timely response requires neighbors to help neighbors by volunteering. The Fire District has difficulty meeting these minimum response requirements. Over the past year, our records show the following average response by personnel to various incidents as well as what we believe we need to be safe and effective. Motor Vehicle Crash averaged 5 per call Minimum needed 13 Wildland Fire averaged 3.5 per call Minimum of 8 for initial attack Medical Aid averaged 4 per call Minimum needed 4 Structure Fire averaged 5 per call Minimum needed 14 In addition to the to the low number of responders, all of the incident response reflect staff personnel on day time response and overtime at night as part of the average number of responders. Without staff response at night there would be some incidents where we would not be able to get the job done. Safety of responders and being effective in providing service are greatly reduced when you lack adequate numbers of fire fighters or EMT’s. One of the most critical scenes is a motor vehicle accident on Hwy 93 or I-90. Responders are exposed to serious injury or death by vehicle traffic. It requires a number of our responders just to manage traffic and protect the care providers. Your help is needed to maintain a viable volunteer program. Take the opportunity to volunteer today.



Page 8

CPR Classes on The 3rd

Monday of Every Other

Month. FRFD Station 1

in Frenchtown 9am-1pm

Call 626-5791 For

More Information

For More Information about Volunteer

opportunities with Frenchtown Fire

District Please Call Volunteer

Coordinator Adriane Miller or stop by

station one in Frenchtown to speak with

her directly.

Phone: 406-626-5791

[email protected]

Fire News and Issues

Wildfire under investigation By Gazette News Services

A rare January wildfire that burned about 600 acres near the Yellowstone-Musselshell county line Friday remains under investigation. Dick Moore, area manager for the Southern Land Office, said Monday that a Bureau of Land Management investigator had been asked to try to determine the cause. The Marsh Assist fire threatened three structures north of Shepherd as it burned through grassy, rugged terrain. Musselshell County was in charge of managing the fire with assistance from other local, state and federal agencies. Snow on Friday and Saturday ended the danger, and the last firefighters left the scene Saturday

afternoon.

Legislative Fire Suppression

Interim Committee While the

legislature doesn’t meet every year committees work to prepare information for the general session on important State issues. Currently meeting is a committee looking into wildland fire suppression operations and costs. Included in the discussion is structure protection and who is going to pay it. There appears to be a desire on the agencies part to shift that responsibility, including cost, to the local fire departments and communities. People should pay particular attention to this committee because it could have a significant impact on the Frenchtown Fire District residents.

The Fire Suppression Interim Committee was created to investigate the following

issues:

1. Firefighting operations in Montana, including operations on tribal land and private land, by the state and federal governments and the management policies affecting the success of those

operations.

2. The efficient use of fire suppression resources, including equipment and

firefighters.

3. Impacts of operations on private land and on the effective use of private resources to fight fire.

4. State and federal forest management policies and how they contribute to an increased number of wildfires, greater safety risk to firefighters, or compromised effectiveness of fire suppression efforts.

The committee wants input. Write to them at Fire Suppression Committee

C/O Leanne Heisel, Legislative Services Division;

P.O. Box 201706 Helena MT 59620-1720 Or go to the website http://leg.mt.gov/css/committees iterim/2007_2008/fire_suppression/default.asp

Fourth home burned in five weeks By Jennifer McBride - Leader Staff The fourth house fire in five weeks destroyed another Polson-area home Sunday morning, as local fire crew had to battle icy roads as much as the fire itself. The house, which was located near mile marker seven off Highway 35, on Holmes Creek Road, was built around 1957 and made of log and clapboard siding. Unfortunately for the resident, the road leading to the house was too slick for the Finley Point Fire Department's larger trucks to navigate when they first responded at about 10:30 Sunday morning. "It was a very difficult situation from the get-go as far as access on the roads," said Chris Ricciardi, Finley Point Fire Chief. "The road going up to the house was complete ice." Between the snow, the two sharp turns and the 35-degree slope, the only trucks that could make it up to the scene from the Finley Point Fire Department were a pair of Type-6 brush trucks with four-wheel drive, both of them designed to fight wildfires. Because the brush trucks are made for maneuverability, not carrying capacity, the trucks ran out of water before the fire ran out of fuel, Ricciardi said. In the end, they had to have a sanding truck drive backwards up the road, laying sand from the rear because of the slick conditions. Ricciardi said he also ferried men and air tanks up in a pick-up truck with 4-wheel-drive. Polson Fire Department was also able to get trucks up the slope after the sanding, and provided assistance, although the old log structure was fully engulfed within minutes. Ricciardi said they didn't have 100 percent containment until 9:25 p.m., due to flare ups in the structure. The blaze ended up destroying the house com-pletely, causing about $250,000 of property damage and $50,000 damage to the house's contents. The resident did not have

insurance.

Juneau, Alaska My turn: Fire

sprinkler system prevents tragedy While it is good to see a nice story about the quick actions of a former Juneau volunteer firefighter on page three of the Empire, the real story here was missed. The real story, which should have run on the front page, would have read "Fire sprinkler system prevents tragedy." Fire sprinkler systems are not sexy, and I doubt they have ever garnished front page news, unless, that is, someone is trying to make them mandatory. Statistic after statistic after statistic proves that the most effective way to reduce fire losses primarily the loss of life, but also the loss of property is the installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems. There has never been a multiple fatality in a building with a functioning, full-coverage fire sprinkler system. Even with all the data proving the value of fire sprinklers, Juneau, like far too many U.S. communities, does not even require fire sprinklers in all new construction much less have a plan to retrofit existing structures. If this building had not had a functioning fire sprinkler system, here is how the story might have gone. A Heritage Coffee Company employee died last night and 15 patrons of the Juneau Bowling Center were transported to Bartlett Regional Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. The fire, which started due to a faulty coffee roaster, quickly spread from the Heritage Coffee building into the Salvation Army Thrift Store and the bowling center. Extinguishing the fire required the efforts of 37 Capital City firefighters over nearly four hours. The owner of Heritage Coffee Co. estimated that it would take two to three months to have new roasting equipment shipped to Juneau and installed. He said that his stores may have to close if he cannot quickly find a supplier to ship already roasted beans for his six Juneau locations. Juneau Bowling Center's owner could not estimate how long his business would be closed. The fire sprinklers on West Seventh Street did their job Friday night, but it did not garner front page news. I sincerely hope the Juneau Assembly will not wait for a front page tragedy before they begin to improve the safety of Juneau citizens by at least incrementally increasing fire sprinkler

requirements throughout the city.



Page 9

Missoula County Works on

Updating Subdivision Fire

Regulations: RESIDENTIAL FIRE

PROTECTION

REQUIREMENTS The Office of Planning and Grants in conjunction with the Missoula County Fire Protections Association is working on County subdivision regulations. The following is a draft of the proposals.

Water Supply For Fire Protection The sub-divider shall provide a water supply for fire protection via a hydrant system that produces 1,000 GPM fire flow with 30,000 gallons of storage, approved by the fire district having authority. In lieu of a water supply with hydrant, the sub divider shall request approval from the fire jurisdiction having authority to install interior residential fire sprinklers that meet NFPA 13D standards in each new home. Plans for a water supply and hydrant location shall be approved by the fire jurisdiction having authority. Plans for the installation of interior residential fire sprinklers shall be approved by the fire jurisdiction having authority and the development covenants shall include the following language: “Residential Fire Sprinklers: Installation of interior residential fire sprinklers that meet NFPA 13D standards are required in each new home for the purpose of fire protection. Plans for installation of interior residential fire sprinklers shall be approved by the fire jurisdiction having authority prior to Building Permit approval. Failure to install residential fire sprinklers in any new home may subject the entire subdivision to the cost of installation of a shared water source for fire fighting purposes.” This section of the covenants may not be changed or deleted without governing body approval.

Access Roads

2 lots: Roads serving 2 lots shall have a 14’ surface width and 3 foot shoulders on each side of the road providing a 20’ minimum unobstructed surface width capable of supporting emergency vehicles in all weather conditions. 3-5 lots: Roads serving 3-5 lots shall have 18’ surface width and 2 foot shoulders on

each side providing a road access capable of supporting emergency vehicles in all weather conditions.

Driveways All driveways must be a minimum of 20 feet of unobstructed width and a vertical clearance of 13 feet 6 inches. The maximum grade shall be no more then 10% with a stabilized sub-grade and appropriate surfacing to support all emergency vehicles. All roads should be maintained year round. All roads must meet the approval of the Missoula County Public Works Department for construction. Driveways that exceed 150 feet in length must have a turnaround that will accommodate fire apparatus such as a hammerhead or cul-de-sac turnaround.

Wildland Urban Interface

If a subdivision is located within the wildland urban interface it will require fuel mitigation work to be completed prior to the construction of any homes. Fuel mitigation requirements will be applied to all home sites and at a minimum must meet the Montana Department of Natural Resources

Fire Protection Guidelines for Wildland

Residential Interface Development. In addition to fuel mitigation the fire jurisdiction having authority may require on site water storage for wildland fire suppression.

Addressing

All homes and roads within the subdivision must comply with a county approved address signage plan for emergency response. The signage plan shall require address signs to be affixed to the home, with numbers at least five inches in height and of a contrasting to the background. Lot owners shall affix a reflective sign to the mailbox post or other post near the driveway entrance, the type as approved by the fire jurisdiction having authority, to be easily visible from the road or street in all light conditions and must clearly identify the associated property. The signs must be posted before any combustible construction begins. The signage plan shall be reviewed and approved by the fire jurisdiction having authority.

Montana State Department of

Labor and Industry is drafting construction requirements for those who build in the wildland urban interface. During the 2007 legislature House Bill 51 directed the development of construction standards for homes being built in forested areas. These standards will detail construction requirements for non-combustible materials. These constructions standards, their adoption and how they are to be enforced will be part of the next legislature. Some proposed options are the use of zoning or designating areas similar to how flood plains are identified. This work will continue over the next few months and when they become available we will provide copies in our future newsletters.

Budget Information Governmental budgeting is unique in some areas and one that is a bit confusing is the use of cash reserves. Because public entities get their funding primarily from taxes that are received twice per year it requires us to set aside money in reserve. Since most of our revenue comes in November and June agencies must budget to have money to pay their bills from the end of the fiscal year, June 30, until money is received in November. In the Montana Codes Annotated 7-6-4034 it states; (b) adding an additional amount, subject to the provisions of subsection (2), as a

reserve to meet expenditures made from the

fund during the months of July to November

of the next fiscal year;

(2) after deducting from the amount of

the appropriations and authorized

expenditures the total amount appropriated

and authorized to be spent for election

expenses and payment of emergency

warrants, the amount that may be added as

a reserve, as provided in subsection (1)(b),

to:

(a) a county's fund may not exceed

one-third of the total amount appropriated

and authorized to be spent from the fund

during the current fiscal year; and …

After the budget has been approved for expenses, including capital purchases, money can be set aside to pay expenses. The total amount that can be kept in reserve cannot exceed 1/3rd of the budget. The Fire District currently budgets a $200,000 cash reserve.



Page 10



Page 11

Date Day Emergency type 8/23 Thursday Wildland Fire 8/23 Thursday Vehicle Accident 8/23 Thursday Wildland Fire 8/24 Friday Wildland Fire 8/24 Friday Medical Aid 8/25 Saturday Medical Aid 8/25 Saturday Medical Aid 8/25 Saturday Wildland Fire 8/25 Saturday Medical Aid 8/27 Monday Wildland Fire 8/28 Tuesday Wildland Fire 8/28 Tuesday Wildland Fire 8/30 Wednesday Vehicle Accident 8/31 Thursday Illegal Burning 8/31 Thursday Vehicle Accident 8/31 Thursday Vehicle Accident 09/01 Friday Medical Aid 09/01 Friday Illegal Burning 09/02 Saturday Vehicle Accident 09/02 Saturday Vehicle Accident 09/02 Saturday Wildland Fire 09/02 Saturday Wildland Fire 09/03 Sunday Vehicle Accident 09/03 Sunday Medical Aid 09/03 Sunday Structure Fire 09/04 Monday Wildland Fire 09/05 Tuesday Medical Aid 09/05 Tuesday Wildland Fire 09/06 Wednesday Wildland Fire 09/06 Wednesday Wildland Fire 09/06 Wednesday Medical Aid 09/07 Thursday Structure Fire 09/07 Thursday Medical Aid 09/07 Thursday Wildland Fire 09/08 Friday Fire Alarm 09/09 Saturday Illegal Burning 09/09 Saturday Vehicle Accident 09/10 Sunday Vehicle Accident 09/10 Sunday Medical Aid 09/10 Sunday Medical Aid 09/10 Sunday Vehicle Accident 09/10 Sunday Vehicle Accident 09/11 Monday Medical Aid 09/12 Tuesday Medical Aid 09/12 Tuesday Fire Alarm 09/12 Tuesday Wildland Fire 09/14 Thursday Medical Aid 09/14 Thursday Medical Aid 09/15 Friday Vehicle Accident 09/17 Sunday Medical Aid 09/18 Monday Medical Aid 09/18 Monday Medical Aid 09/21 Thursday Medical Aid

Date Day Emergency type 09/21 Thursday Wildland Fire 09/22 Friday Medical Aid 09/22 Friday Industrial response 09/23 Saturday Medical Transport 09/26 Wednesday Medical Aid 09/26 Wednesday Illegal Burning 09/30 Sunday Wildland Fire 10/02 Tuesday Medical Aid 10/02 Tuesday Medical Aid 10/03 Wednesday Medical Aid 10/03 Wednesday Medical Aid 10/03 Wednesday Structure Fire 10/03 Wednesday Medical Aid 10/04 Thursday Medical Aid 10/05 Friday Wildland Fire 10/05 Friday Wildland Fire 10/05 Friday Wildland Fire 10/05 Friday Medical Aid 10/06 Saturday Wildland Fire 10/08 Monday Vehicle Accident 10/08 Monday Medical Aid 10/09 Tuesday Industrial response 10/09 Tuesday Medical Aid 10/10 Wednesday Medical Aid 10/10 Wednesday Wildland Fire 10/10 Wednesday Gas Leak 10/10 Wednesday Structure Fire 10/12 Friday Wildland Fire 10/12 Friday Medical Aid 10/12 Friday Medical Aid 10/13 Saturday Wildland Fire 10/13 Saturday Medical Aid 10/14 Sunday Vehicle Accident 10/15 Monday Vehicle Accident 10/16 Tuesday Medical Aid 10/17 Wednesday Medical Aid 10/17 Wednesday Vehicle Accident 10/18 Thursday Medical Aid 10/19 Friday Medical Aid 10/20 Saturday Vehicle Fire 10/20 Saturday Public Assist 10/20 Saturday Vehicle Accident 10/20 Saturday Medical Aid 10/21 Sunday Vehicle Accident 10/23 Tuesday Medical Aid 10/23 Tuesday Medical Aid 10/23 Tuesday Vehicle Accident 10/24 Wednesday Vehicle Accident 10/26 Friday Vehicle Accident 10/26 Friday Medical Aid 10/28 Sunday Vehicle Accident 10/29 Monday Medical Aid 10/30 Tuesday Wildland Fire

Date Day Emergency type 10/31 Wednesday Vehicle Fire 11/1 Thursday Medical Aid 11/5 Monday Wildland Fire 11/6 Tuesday Medical Aid 11/7 Wednesday Medical Aid 11/8 Thursday Medical Aid 11/8 Thursday Medical Aid 11/8 Thursday Medical Aid 11/8 Thursday Medical Aid 11/9 Friday Medical Aid 11/10 Saturday Wildland Fire 11/10 Saturday Medical Aid 11/11 Sunday Medical Aid 11/11 Sunday Vehicle Accident 11/11 Sunday Fire Alarm 11/12 Monday Wildland Fire 11/12 Monday Wildland Fire 11/12 Monday Medical Aid 11/13 Tuesday Vehicle Accident 11/15 Thursday Gas Smell 11/15 Thursday Fire Alarm 11/16 Friday Suicide 11/18 Sunday Structure Fire 11/19 Monday Vehicle Accident 11/19 Monday Vehicle Accident 11/19 Monday Medical Aid 11/19 Monday Medical Aid 11/19 Monday Vehicle Accident 11/20 Tuesday Vehicle Accident 11/21 Wednesday Industrial response 11/21 Wednesday Medical Aid 11/22 Thursday Gas Flush 11.23 Friday Vehicle Accident 11/23 Friday Vehicle Accident 11/24 Saturday Vehicle Accident 11/25 Sunday Industrial response 11/26 Monday Public Assist 11/26 Monday Vehicle Accident 11/27 Tuesday Industrial response 11/27 Tuesday Medical Transport 11/29 Thursday Medical Aid 11/29 Thursday Structure Fire 11/30 Friday Medical Aid 11/30 Friday Medical Aid 12/01 Saturday Vehicle Accident 12/02 Sunday Structure Fire 12/02 Sunday Vehicle Accident 12/03 Monday Medical Aid 12/04 Tuesday Medical Aid 12/04 Tuesday Medical Aid 12/04 Tuesday Fire Alarm 12/05 Wednesday Public Assist

FRFD Emergency Response from 8/23/2007-12/05/2008

Frenchtown Fire District

P.O. Box 119

16875 Marion St

Frenchtown, MT 59834

Phone: 406-626-5791 Fax: 406-626-6355

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S

POSTAGE

PAID

MISSOULA, MT PERMIT NUMBER

569

****ECRWSS**

POSTAL CUSTOMER

FRFD Emergency Response from 12/06/2007-01/27/2008

Date Day Emergency Type

12/06 Thursday Medical Aid 12/06 Thursday Medical Aid 12/07 Friday Vehicle Accident 12/09 Sunday Vehicle Accident 12/09 Sunday Vehicle Accident 12/09 Sunday Vehicle Accident 12/09 Sunday Vehicle Accident 12/12 Wednesday Medical Aid 12/13 Thursday Fire Alarm 12/14 Friday Medical Aid 12/14 Friday Fire Alarm 12/14 Friday Medical Aid 12/14 Friday Medical Aid 12/14 Friday Medical Aid 12/15 Saturday Structure Fire 12/15 Saturday Vehicle Fire 12/15 Saturday Fire Alarm 12/15 Saturday Medical Aid 12/17 Monday Airport Response 12/18 Tuesday Vehicle Fire 12/18 Tuesday Medical Aid 12/18 Tuesday Structure Fire 12/18 Tuesday Vehicle Accident 12/19 Wednesday Vehicle Accident 12/20 Thursday Fire Alarm 12/21 Friday Medical Aid 21/21 Friday Vehicle Accident 12/22 Saturday Medical Aid 12/22 Saturday Medical Aid 12/22 Saturday Illegal Burning 12/22 Saturday Wildland Fire 12/24 Monday Medical Aid 12/26 Wednesday Public Assist 12/26 Wednesday Gas Flush 12/27 Thursday Structure Fire 12/27 Thursday Medical Aid 12/27 Thursday Medical Aid 12./29 Saturday Vehicle Accident 12/30 Sunday Medical Aid 12/30 Sunday Medical Aid 12/31 Monday Medical Aid 12/31 Monday Vehicle Accident

Date Day Emergency Type

01/01 Tuesday Medical Aid 01/01 Tuesday Vehicle Fire 01/01 Tuesday Vehicle Accident 01/01 Tuesday Vehicle Accident 01/01 Tuesday Medical Aid 01/01 Tuesday Medical Aid 01/03 Thursday Medical Aid 01/03 Thursday Medical Aid 01/03 Thursday Public Assist 01/04 Friday Vehicle Accident 01/04 Friday Vehicle Accident 01/04 Friday Medical Aid 01/04 Friday Illegal Burning 01/05 Saturday Medical Aid 01/06 Sunday Public Assist 01/06 Sunday Public Assist 01/07 Monday Medical Aid 01/10 Thursday Medical Aid 01/10 Thursday Medical Aid 01/11 Friday Vehicle Accident 01/12 Saturday Public Assist 01/12 Saturday Vehicle Accident 01/13 Sunday Vehicle Accident 01/14 Monday Medical Aid 01/15 Tuesday Airport Response 01/16 Wednesday Medical Aid 01/17 Thursday Vehicle Fire 01/17 Thursday Medical Aid 01/18 Friday Vehicle Accident 01/18 Friday Medical Transport 01/18 Friday Medical Aid 01/18 Friday Medical Aid 01/19 Saturday Vehicle Accident 01/19 Saturday Medical Aid 01/19 Saturday Medical Aid 01/22 Tuesday Medical Aid 01/23 Wednesday Medical Aid 01/25 Friday Medical Aid 01/25 Friday Medical Aid 01/25 Friday Medical Aid 01/26 Saturday Gas Smell 01/27 Sunday Medical Aid 01/27 Sunday Medical Aid

Frenchtown Rural Fire

District Board of Trustees Chairman: Tom Mahlum

Phone: 549-9775

Vice Chairman: Harlan Ockler

Phone: 626-5992

Trustee: Mitchell Hicks

Phone: 864-2175

Trustee: Dan Pattee

Phone: 626-4745

Trustee: Dee Woods

Phone: 722-4531

Documents

Winter Community Newsletter 2007frenchtownfire.org/newsletters/Winter_Community... · 2018. 5. 31. · Inside this Issue: • Standout Volunteers • Winter Heating Safety • Winter