For the Record 3/23

Lithium-ion Battery Fires Training

UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute’s “The Science of Fire and Explosion Hazards from Lithium-ion Batteries” online training course provides actionable insights from foundational research into battery cell construction and how fire and explosion hazards can develop. After taking the course, firefighters will be able to develop strategies to reduce the risk that’s associated with thermal runaway, including fire and explosion hazards, among other competencies.

For more information, go to training.fsri.org/course/035-science-lib

ESO: Video/Simulation with Live Training

The evolution of continuing education in the fire service will include a blend of video and simulation interaction that’s delivered in an on-demand format with live skill performance. This is one technology-oriented prediction of several for 2023 by data and software company ESO. The company says organizations also will rely more on technology for response, safety and recruiting.

ESO’s predictions support a number of other expectations that Firehouse and its contributors have noted as 2022 concluded and 2023 began. These include staffing issues and supply chain and logistics problems that will affect equipment availability.

See the white paper at tinyurl.com/eso-predictions

IAFF’s ‘Forever Chemicals’ Legal Moves

Changes to regulatory standards, a demand for PFAS-free gear and compensation for victims of cancer are the goals of IAFF retaining three toxic tort law firms. Motley Rice LLC, Simmons Hanly Conroy LLC and Sullivan Papain Block McGrath Coffinas & Cannavo PC established a website, PFASLawFirms.com for members who seek information regarding the effort.

“The IAFF will do whatever is necessary to remove PFAS from our gear [and] protect the health of our members and the wellbeing of our families,” IAFF General President Edward A. Kelly said.

NVFC Summit Expands

As previously, the National Volunteer Fire Council’s 2023 Training Summit (June 23–24, 2023) will focus on physical and behavioral health and safety considerations during different types of response and training. However, this year, courses also will relate to volunteer recruit and retention, which were covered in a separate event in years past.

Stipends of as much as $900 for conference-related expenses are available to attend the Oklahoma City event.

Learn more at nvfc.org/summit.

LODDS

Six U.S. firefighters died in the line of duty. Three died from a health-related incident, one died after suffering injuries while responding to emergency calls during flash floods, one died from injuries that were sustained in a motor vehicle accident while returning from a response and one died after suffering a medical emergency after a training exercise. This issue of Firehouse is dedicated to these firefighters.

CAPT. CHARLES "CHAD" CATE, 46, of the Clallam County, WA, Fire District 3, died on Jan. 12. At approximately 2:25 a.m., Cate returned to the firehouse after he responded to a fire alarm activation. At approximately 4 a.m., at the scene of an earlier house fire, he texted fellow officers to confirm that all was well at the scene. At 7 a.m., Cate was found deceased in his bunk. The cause of death wasn’t determined at press time.

SAFETY OFFICE KEVIN DAILEY, 72, of the Middleport, OH, Fire Department, died on Jan. 24. On Sept. 18, 2022, Dailey was returning from a call when the fire apparatus that he was driving crashed. Other firefighters who were returning from the same call saw the truck on its side and used airbags to lift it and to pull Dailey out. He underwent surgery and remained in the hospital until his death. Dailey previously was the fire chief of the Richland Township Fire Department in Johnstown, PA.

DISTRICT CHIEF HOMER "LARRY" CROSS, 74, of Fortsmouth Volunteer Fire and Rescue in Strasburg, VA, died on Jan. 26. Cross was found unresponsive at the fire station. Members’ lifesaving efforts didn’t revive him. The cause of death was under investigation at press time.

FIREFIGHTER ROBERT "BOB" THOMAS GARDNER JR., 55, of the Richmond-Carolina Fire District in Carolina, RI, died on Jan. 26. Following a residential structure fire on Jan. 25, Gardner put apparatus and equipment back into service at the firehouse. He then went home. During the night, he suffered an apparent heart attack and died.

FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC BRANDON NORBURY, 50, of Gresham, OR, Fire and Emergency Services, died on Feb. 3. After performing hose evolutions at the training center, Norbury was pale. He told coworkers that he didn’t feel well. A short time later, he collapsed. Lifesaving efforts were performed immediately. He was rushed to Adventist Health Portland, where resuscitation efforts continued. Norbury passed away a short time later from cardiac arrest.

FIREFIGHTER TRE' EVANS-DUMARAN, 24, of the Maui County Fire Department, died on Feb. 4. On Jan. 27, Evans-Dumaran was swept into a storm drain by floodwaters while he assisted public safety employees. The floodwaters dragged him more than 800 feet through the drain and out into the ocean. Evans-Dumaran was rescued by members of his crew, who immediately began resuscitation efforts and regained a pulse. He was transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center, where he remained in the critical care unit until he died.