efdcapt115

The explosion took place in the lot of Bremer Manufacturing, a foundry specializing in aluminum castings;
http://www.bremermfg.com/default.htm
The article in the local Gannett paper:
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20091230/OSH0101/312310075/1987/Firefighter-killed-4-others-injured-in-explosion-at-Bremer-Manufacturing-in-Calumet-County
Photos of the scene:
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=U0&Dato=20091230&Kategori=APCNEWS&Lopenr=912300806&Ref=PH

CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES: AL
* Physical data
1. Atomic weight: 26.98
2. Boiling point (at 760 mm Hg): 2327 degrees C (4221 degrees F)
3. Specific gravity: 2.70 at 4 degrees C (39 degrees F)
4. Vapor density: Data not available.
5. Melting point: 660 degrees C (1220 degrees F)
6. Vapor pressure at 1284 degrees C (2343 degrees F): 1 mm Hg
7. Solubility: Insoluble in hot or cold water, concentrated nitric acid, and hot acetic acid; soluble in hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and alkalies.
8. Evaporation rate: Data not available.
* Reactivity
1. Conditions contributing to instability: Contact between aluminum powder and ignition sources may create a severe explosion hazard. Because it is strongly electropositive, aluminum corrodes rapidly in contact with other metals.
2. Incompatibilities: Aluminum is an extremely reactive metal. Contact between aluminum and acids, caustics, combustible materials, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and strong oxidizers should be avoided.
3. Hazardous decomposition products: None reported.
4. Special precautions: Aluminum may corrode in contact with other metals.
* Flammability The National Fire Protection Association has assigned a flammability rating of 1 (slight fire hazard) to aluminum (dust or powder).
1. Flash point: Data not available.
2. Autoignition temperature: Data not available.
3. Flammable limits in air: Data not available.
4. Extinguishant: Do not use water, carbon tetrachloride, or halon to fight fires involving aluminum. Control small fires with sand, talc, or sodium chloride. Dry chemical or carbon dioxide extinguishers are also acceptable. Fires involving aluminum should be fought upwind from the maximum distance possible. Keep unnecessary people away; isolate the hazard area and deny entry. Containers of aluminum may explode in the heat of the fire and should be moved from the fire area if it is possible to do so safely. If this is not possible, cool fire exposed containers from the sides with water until well after the fire is out, but be careful not to get water inside containers. Stay away from the ends of containers. Firefighters should wear a full set of protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving aluminum.
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthguidelines/aluminum/recognition.html

Hey Moose,
Refer the Captain to this thread if he's taking dumpster fires lightly. Good for you.
http://www.emtbravo.net/index.php?showtopic=35072

I'm an EPA (40 hour) HAZMAT tech and am applying to the New Haven Area Special Hazards Team through my membership with the Wallingford Fire Department, with hopes to take the longer NFPA 472 class, as soon as I can find someone to pay for it.. I've taken multiple HAZMAT courses in college and its definitely an area I'm interested in and have some abilities in. So yeah, by summer I'll be on a team. Besides the fact that Anniston DOESN'T require you to be a HAZMAT Technician at all. This definitely won't be my first time taking a HAZMAT course, and its a great resume builder when I go to apply for federal law enforcement.

I think its a good idea that they open it up to anyone who's interested; afterall knowledge is a good thing. We are constantly whining in these forums that many firefighters are woefully undertrained, so I think its a good idea when people take interest in taking courses like these, no matter what state they are from. If they start screening and doing the so-called "background checks", the program risks becomming elitist and I don't think thats what the government has in mind.
Furthermore, from my experience, those who take these courses, do so with the mindset to learn; sure every so often you might get one or two people who's agenda's are not on learning, but I think for the most part most people's desire to learn is genuine. I've taken federal courses before and almost to the man and woman, they are all there to learn. Just my 2 cents.

I think insurance companies write off any vehicle involved with any amount of fire large or small no? Not worth it without SCBA, worry about exposures and take the time to keep your life cycle going just that much longer.

I had the HONOR of marching in the St Patricks Day Parade with the members of the FDNY several years ago. The members of Engine 37 and Ladder 40, welcomed myself and a few other members from my own small city dept to join them. At that Harlem Firehouse in the morning, we were all treated to one Great huge Breakfast. Other on duty companies in the battalion were invited to come over and join in the feast also. After that, we got on the subway to line up for marching. It sure was an Honor to march with those Great Firefighters. It was a Great day and a Great time. As I remember, we were invited down again for the next year too. Myself and the other members of our dept have never forgotten The Class and Great Time we were given by those FDNY Harlem Guys. "Thanks Again Guy's".
Retired IAFF 892

Speaking of insurance, a well involved engine compartment fire is usually enough to total a car, so have no qualms about doing damage to the hood.
Often in these fires, the hood release fails. Forget the "thru he headlights" or "thru the radiator" methods. In a modern car, ther's too much stuff behind them for water penetration. You can use a Halligan to pry up the side of the hood.
I've found a good technique. Stand at the side of the car, and make a couple of holes in the top of the hood with the pick head of an axe, and put water in the holes. Take a good swing to make a good hole, and aim for the un-reinforced parts of the hood (single layers of metal). The way you find the single layers is the fire draws them for you. Look and you will see the single layers as triangles.
Try it on your naxt Mercedes

We had daily apparatus reports that included everything, even counting the hose-straps. Sometimes it felt silly, but for an apparatus operator, there is no better way to memorize and stay refreshed as to what and where everything is on the rig.
Daily reports should include checking the SCBAs, turning them on, checking the PASS alarms, the booster tank level, changing the portable batteries, putting the rig in pump, inventory all the equipment, run and top off or charge all power tools, check the fluids in same.
Truckies should get the stick up, daily, even/odd days, weekly, at some regular intervals.
Weekly reports should include checking ALL lighting; down to the turn signals & brake lights, fluids in the motor, the tire pressures, condition of the belts, radio checks with dispatch (including portables), and bleeding the air-brakes.
It comes down to detail. You can put it all too paper and provide the guidelines, but it's still up to the conciencious firefighter to do the extras; like checking the tension on a saw blade and making sure it is ready to go. Cleaning the gauges in the dashboard and on the pump should be done regularly, but not neccesarily put on a check sheet.
Edit: Can't forget to put the Hurst tool in MPO, or start the portable motor, fuel it, and charge the hydra-lines and make sure the individual tools are functioning properly.

Nicely put George and thanks for sharing the pics.
DC Wraftery, thanks for sharing that piece of history. However, it seems to be just that, History. You dont see too much professional courtesy much anymore and thats a shame for you guys. But as you said, it looked good on paper, until you read the "fine print."
I had gone to the NYC parade for years. Whether i was skipping High School to attend or in recent years using a personal day to get out of work lol. I must say, theres nothing like it. For guys like me that worship the fire service, its an awesome time. Seeing everyone in their Class-A's shwoing their pride of not only Irish heritage, but the fire service as well. Its always nice when i get to see some of the guys i know from around here (hudson144), or friends from the FDNY, NYPD and Troopers. That has got to be such a proud feeling marching that route.
A couple years ago, we were just about to leave the bar, when all of sudden the guys from the Westchester Police Pipes & Drums came in. Needless to say, we stayed awhile longer and had a blast.

The cool crisp air, your spiffy Class A, patent leather shoes, meeting up with brothers from all over, on the train into New York. Must be St. Patrick's Day. We used to have in the old By-Laws of our department that members had to wear their Class A to and from work everyday; but they got to ride on the trolley cars that used to cover the district, for free. Now that must have been a royal pain!
But now, the honor goes to you. Maybe the conductor gives you professional courtesy, a throw-back to the trolly days. Grand Central Station still takes your breath away as you pass through and make your way up to the "staging area." Hey, there's Ricky Lynch and the band! This day is such a wonderful celebration of the heritage of the old country, and the values brought through the ages, and proudly carried this day by the brotherhood. What a distinct honor to participate in such a great event!
FDNY

Westchester Police

Washington D.C. Fire Dept.

Emerald Society

10 days and counting!

The cool crisp air, your spiffy Class A, patent leather shoes, meeting up with brothers from all over, on the train into New York. Must be St. Patrick's Day. We used to have in the old By-Laws of our department that members had to wear their Class A to and from work everyday; but they got to ride on the trolley cars that used to cover the district, for free. Now that must have been a royal pain!
But now, the honor goes to you. Maybe the conductor gives you professional courtesy, a throw-back to the trolly days. Grand Central Station still takes your breath away as you pass through and make your way up to the "staging area." Hey, there's Ricky Lynch and the band! This day is such a wonderful celebration of the heritage of the old country, and the values brought through the ages, and proudly carried this day by the brotherhood. What a distinct honor to participate in such a great event!
FDNY

Westchester Police

Washington D.C. Fire Dept.

Emerald Society

10 days and counting!

Had a fire years ago, same situation ( actually same street a block or 2 north), two frames, heavy fire between both. 1st engine strecthed into buidling on left. As 2nd due we stretched 2 1/2 to knock down fire between buildings. Fire did extend into both buildings but the main body of fire was between the buildings.It took a while to knock the fire down because it was front to back and top to bottom in the alley. Lines in the building will control the extension but the fire in between will kept burning unless addressed.The sooner the better. The 3rd line covered the building on the right. Depending on the situation, amount of fire, rescue,ladder Co. placement, etc, lining up the deck pipe with the alley and dropping the booster is a good move. Did that at a fire also with good success. JMO

A Chief is the only one you see even attempt wearing a SCBA, granted after the fire is knocked down, just interesting to see only the Chief DTRT.

efdcapt115, Look what law is still on the books!
The mayor of each city of this state and the mayor of each incorporated village may issue, under the seal of his office, to each policeman and fireman appointed by the duly-constituted authorities of such city or village, a certificate of the appointment and qualification of such policeman or fireman as such, and specifying the duration of his term of office; and it shall thereupon be the duty of every street surface and elevated railroad company carrying on business within such city or village, to transport every such policeman or fireman free of charge while he is traveling in the course of the performance of the duties of his office. Every telegraph or telephone company engaged in business within such city or village, shall afford to such policeman or fireman the use of its telegraph lines or telephones for the purpose of making and receiving reports and communications in the course of the performance of his official duties.
Don't "flip your tin" just yet. There are a couple of bumps in the road...read close:
1. It says the Mayor "may" not "must". Good luck to you when you ask the Mayor.
2. It's only good "in the course of the performance of the duties of" our office.
The second one is definitely argueable in that I think it's every fireman's duty to go to at least once in his career to a St. Pat's Parade someplace. (And also to at least one LODD funeral)
Keep the tradition alive

Disney is the one changing approaches. Cablevision was able to secure this "FREE" channel without paying Disney for many years.
Regardless, I believe Food Network etc. is back.

The cool crisp air, your spiffy Class A, patent leather shoes, meeting up with brothers from all over, on the train into New York. Must be St. Patrick's Day. We used to have in the old By-Laws of our department that members had to wear their Class A to and from work everyday; but they got to ride on the trolley cars that used to cover the district, for free. Now that must have been a royal pain!
But now, the honor goes to you. Maybe the conductor gives you professional courtesy, a throw-back to the trolly days. Grand Central Station still takes your breath away as you pass through and make your way up to the "staging area." Hey, there's Ricky Lynch and the band! This day is such a wonderful celebration of the heritage of the old country, and the values brought through the ages, and proudly carried this day by the brotherhood. What a distinct honor to participate in such a great event!
FDNY

Westchester Police

Washington D.C. Fire Dept.

Emerald Society

10 days and counting!

http://www.thebravest.com/FDNYNewsArchive/10/03/5g.htm
Thank god she was there. Eng 79 was in a panic trying to figure out what the fire wouldn't turn off before she made an incredibly astute observation.

When FIOS became available in my area I was one of the first to switch. Cablevison claims it pays Disney a fortune already, that's for the several Disney Channels, ESPN which they own and several other channels they own as well. It's all spelled out in their contracts. Remember it was Cablevision and Charles Dolan who spent $10 Million on an ad campaign to stop the "west side stadium" because it would have effected revenue from Madison Square Garden which they also own. If you look at your cable bill you will see a charge for "basic" which includes CBS, ABC and NBC. If you get charded for it then it is right for them to get a piece of it. Cablevision has been making money giving you the basic "free" channels for years, so if the networks are asking Dolan for pay up its only right.

There are some places around Albany I believe if you are willing to travel that far, possibly one in Woodstock? I am unsure about the latter location but someone in Ulster or Greene might know better than I.

Perhaps the president can invite everyone from Newburgh to the White House for a beer summit !

Bravo!!! Points I was trying to make earlier but you did a MUCH better job....you must be a fast typer!!

Department took Del. early this week of the New Eng. 29 And believe it will be ready in a few weeks to go in service
Please help support the Brothers of Eastchester Firefighters Local 916 In this worth while fundraising event to help raise money for Child Cancer Research
www.stbaldricks.org/teams/mypage/teamid/66477

http://www.firefighterhourly.com/firefighter_hourly/2010/02/500-firefighters-police-officers-protest-in-buffalo.html