dwcfireman

A friend and I were discussing the new Tesla solar roof tiles recently (The website is https://www.tesla.com/solarroof for anyone that wants to take a closer look).  But our discussion of cost versus benefit turned to firefighting tactics as we realized some hard facts about the newer solar technology that is out there.  There are four things that stuck out to me that are going to hinder us at structure fires in the near future, especially as solar power companies start to mimic the Tesla Roof:
 
1.  The panels are damn near indestructible.  They have a Class 4 FM 4473 hail rating, which is the highest rating on the market.  This means that the panels can withstand a 2 inch diameter ice ball with an impact speed of 100mph.  This is coupled with the Class F ASTM D3161  wind rating, also the highest at 110mph.
 
2.  The panels are Class A UL 790 rated....the highest fire rating.  This means that they can withstand 1400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.  These things are going to absorb a lot of heat energy during a fire, which may result in runoff electrical production (increased amperage).
 
3.  The panels are INVISIBLE!!!  That's right.  Just go to the website above and take a look for yourself.  You're not going to know that it's a solar roof until you're already at the roof.  This is even more dangerous as they are covered in coated glass, which is slippery even before it gets wet.
 
4.  The last issue that is going to hinder us is the addition of home batteries.  Tesla markets that you should add the Tesla Power Wall with your solar roof, which means the house is going to remain energized as we work (that's right, not just the solar panels, but the whole house!).
 
So, what are we left with?  The need to train.  We need to learn our districts and know which homes and structures have solar panels.  We need to learn about the solar systems, especially as to how to shut them down.  And we need to start re-thinking vertical ventilation, as it may not be possible.

I can see this new law being 100% acceptable if it solely targeted the the issue of the re-purposed ambulance still having emergency markings on it.  It should be the responsibility of the new owner to remove all emergency decals and striping prior to the reuse of the ambulance for other ventures.  This would make more sense as old ambulances have been re-purposed for many things around the country, including contractor vans, ice cream trucks, and DPW vehicles.
 
With that said, could this ban on "slambulances" eventually include other former emergency or governmental vehicles from becoming party venues on wheels?  How long until school buses make the list?  Or walk-in rescues?  Or garbage trucks?  Yes, I'm being a bit satirical, but the long arm of the law seems to be reaching a little too far.

A friend and I were discussing the new Tesla solar roof tiles recently (The website is https://www.tesla.com/solarroof for anyone that wants to take a closer look).  But our discussion of cost versus benefit turned to firefighting tactics as we realized some hard facts about the newer solar technology that is out there.  There are four things that stuck out to me that are going to hinder us at structure fires in the near future, especially as solar power companies start to mimic the Tesla Roof:
 
1.  The panels are damn near indestructible.  They have a Class 4 FM 4473 hail rating, which is the highest rating on the market.  This means that the panels can withstand a 2 inch diameter ice ball with an impact speed of 100mph.  This is coupled with the Class F ASTM D3161  wind rating, also the highest at 110mph.
 
2.  The panels are Class A UL 790 rated....the highest fire rating.  This means that they can withstand 1400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.  These things are going to absorb a lot of heat energy during a fire, which may result in runoff electrical production (increased amperage).
 
3.  The panels are INVISIBLE!!!  That's right.  Just go to the website above and take a look for yourself.  You're not going to know that it's a solar roof until you're already at the roof.  This is even more dangerous as they are covered in coated glass, which is slippery even before it gets wet.
 
4.  The last issue that is going to hinder us is the addition of home batteries.  Tesla markets that you should add the Tesla Power Wall with your solar roof, which means the house is going to remain energized as we work (that's right, not just the solar panels, but the whole house!).
 
So, what are we left with?  The need to train.  We need to learn our districts and know which homes and structures have solar panels.  We need to learn about the solar systems, especially as to how to shut them down.  And we need to start re-thinking vertical ventilation, as it may not be possible.

A friend and I were discussing the new Tesla solar roof tiles recently (The website is https://www.tesla.com/solarroof for anyone that wants to take a closer look).  But our discussion of cost versus benefit turned to firefighting tactics as we realized some hard facts about the newer solar technology that is out there.  There are four things that stuck out to me that are going to hinder us at structure fires in the near future, especially as solar power companies start to mimic the Tesla Roof:
 
1.  The panels are damn near indestructible.  They have a Class 4 FM 4473 hail rating, which is the highest rating on the market.  This means that the panels can withstand a 2 inch diameter ice ball with an impact speed of 100mph.  This is coupled with the Class F ASTM D3161  wind rating, also the highest at 110mph.
 
2.  The panels are Class A UL 790 rated....the highest fire rating.  This means that they can withstand 1400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.  These things are going to absorb a lot of heat energy during a fire, which may result in runoff electrical production (increased amperage).
 
3.  The panels are INVISIBLE!!!  That's right.  Just go to the website above and take a look for yourself.  You're not going to know that it's a solar roof until you're already at the roof.  This is even more dangerous as they are covered in coated glass, which is slippery even before it gets wet.
 
4.  The last issue that is going to hinder us is the addition of home batteries.  Tesla markets that you should add the Tesla Power Wall with your solar roof, which means the house is going to remain energized as we work (that's right, not just the solar panels, but the whole house!).
 
So, what are we left with?  The need to train.  We need to learn our districts and know which homes and structures have solar panels.  We need to learn about the solar systems, especially as to how to shut them down.  And we need to start re-thinking vertical ventilation, as it may not be possible.

A friend and I were discussing the new Tesla solar roof tiles recently (The website is https://www.tesla.com/solarroof for anyone that wants to take a closer look).  But our discussion of cost versus benefit turned to firefighting tactics as we realized some hard facts about the newer solar technology that is out there.  There are four things that stuck out to me that are going to hinder us at structure fires in the near future, especially as solar power companies start to mimic the Tesla Roof:
 
1.  The panels are damn near indestructible.  They have a Class 4 FM 4473 hail rating, which is the highest rating on the market.  This means that the panels can withstand a 2 inch diameter ice ball with an impact speed of 100mph.  This is coupled with the Class F ASTM D3161  wind rating, also the highest at 110mph.
 
2.  The panels are Class A UL 790 rated....the highest fire rating.  This means that they can withstand 1400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.  These things are going to absorb a lot of heat energy during a fire, which may result in runoff electrical production (increased amperage).
 
3.  The panels are INVISIBLE!!!  That's right.  Just go to the website above and take a look for yourself.  You're not going to know that it's a solar roof until you're already at the roof.  This is even more dangerous as they are covered in coated glass, which is slippery even before it gets wet.
 
4.  The last issue that is going to hinder us is the addition of home batteries.  Tesla markets that you should add the Tesla Power Wall with your solar roof, which means the house is going to remain energized as we work (that's right, not just the solar panels, but the whole house!).
 
So, what are we left with?  The need to train.  We need to learn our districts and know which homes and structures have solar panels.  We need to learn about the solar systems, especially as to how to shut them down.  And we need to start re-thinking vertical ventilation, as it may not be possible.

A friend and I were discussing the new Tesla solar roof tiles recently (The website is https://www.tesla.com/solarroof for anyone that wants to take a closer look).  But our discussion of cost versus benefit turned to firefighting tactics as we realized some hard facts about the newer solar technology that is out there.  There are four things that stuck out to me that are going to hinder us at structure fires in the near future, especially as solar power companies start to mimic the Tesla Roof:
 
1.  The panels are damn near indestructible.  They have a Class 4 FM 4473 hail rating, which is the highest rating on the market.  This means that the panels can withstand a 2 inch diameter ice ball with an impact speed of 100mph.  This is coupled with the Class F ASTM D3161  wind rating, also the highest at 110mph.
 
2.  The panels are Class A UL 790 rated....the highest fire rating.  This means that they can withstand 1400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.  These things are going to absorb a lot of heat energy during a fire, which may result in runoff electrical production (increased amperage).
 
3.  The panels are INVISIBLE!!!  That's right.  Just go to the website above and take a look for yourself.  You're not going to know that it's a solar roof until you're already at the roof.  This is even more dangerous as they are covered in coated glass, which is slippery even before it gets wet.
 
4.  The last issue that is going to hinder us is the addition of home batteries.  Tesla markets that you should add the Tesla Power Wall with your solar roof, which means the house is going to remain energized as we work (that's right, not just the solar panels, but the whole house!).
 
So, what are we left with?  The need to train.  We need to learn our districts and know which homes and structures have solar panels.  We need to learn about the solar systems, especially as to how to shut them down.  And we need to start re-thinking vertical ventilation, as it may not be possible.

I can see this new law being 100% acceptable if it solely targeted the the issue of the re-purposed ambulance still having emergency markings on it.  It should be the responsibility of the new owner to remove all emergency decals and striping prior to the reuse of the ambulance for other ventures.  This would make more sense as old ambulances have been re-purposed for many things around the country, including contractor vans, ice cream trucks, and DPW vehicles.
 
With that said, could this ban on "slambulances" eventually include other former emergency or governmental vehicles from becoming party venues on wheels?  How long until school buses make the list?  Or walk-in rescues?  Or garbage trucks?  Yes, I'm being a bit satirical, but the long arm of the law seems to be reaching a little too far.

Actually that is a good idea if you have several members responding direct with units already on-scene... park out of the way and turn the lights off.  The few cases where I go direct I typically am the first emergency responder on-scene.

 
Funny thing about that, one of the proposals I am dealing with is that lights be turned off once you arrive at the scene.

Connecticut requires permits for blue lights, the route getting the permit is through the Chief to sign off on it. In our department it was at the Chief's discretion to decide on each individual based on their maturity level and role in the department.  No probationary members could get one, so the soonest it could happen was 6 months.    

We have a department policy on blue lights with an overview below:
 
- Must live in town (we accept members from neighboring towns but require they staff at the stations).
- Must have completed Driver/Operator certification and be checked off the drive our apparatus Code 3 (emergent).
- Must have a good driving record.
- Then requires Fire Chief approval.  He also has to approve the type of light installed (we don't allow anything more than a dash light) and the member has to purchase the light.
- Lights can be used to respond to the station for Code 3 (emergent) calls only and can only be used in the city limits.
- The Fire Chief may revoke any blue light permit if there are complaints.
 
For the record I think there are only three people on our department who have a blue light permit including myself.  I rarely use my light for response but being an officer I occasionally end up going direct to the scene (or come across an incident) and will use it then for visibility on-scene.  We are probably going to eventually phase out blue lights, more of a liability then benefit.

But this one will hopefully be a productive one. 
 
I am looking for any departments that have internal rules separate from the relevant statutes about display / use of blue lights (or any color for that matter). Looking up the actual laws is a relatively easy matter to deal with, but I am trying to help with a project where some internal rules are being proposed in a department. Never having dealt with this, I am hoping I can find if other departments have thought this was important enough to make a rule about and make sure proposals are reasonable based on whatever consensus I can come up with.
 
Not looking to have a debate on if lights should be allowed, just looking to see how others may have regulated their use.

This is nothing new 
New Rochelle's local did this against a few if it's members about 25 years ago. They dropped the charges. 

 
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/five-firefighters-face-union-charges-for-volunteering-in-home-communities/article35002323/

Date:6/27/17
Time:03:06 
Location: NJ Turnpike Vince Lombardi Service Atea
District: Company #1
Battalion:
Channel:154.355 501.7602
Weather: partly cloudy 
Units: All 3 Ridgefield Fire Companies Cliffside Park Ladder 1 Palisades Park Engine 2 Ridgefield Ambulance Corps New Jersey State Police
Writer:  vodoly

Description: At approximately 03:06 am Bergen county. communications received a call about a Tractor Trailer possibility into the building & on fire Ridgefield  Chief of Dept RF9 reported he had a good coloum of smoke showing as he made way down the Turnpike to scene Once on scene he confirmed that he had a fully involved Tractor Trailer extending into the truck stop area & Requested  an in town 2nd alarm (retone & 1 ladder & Engine Mutual Aid) to the scene RF 2 1st engine on scene began to fight the fire in the cab of the tractor & then Trailer was joined by RF 3 witch laid bed of LDH Engine 4 stretched line off of engine 3 into the truck stop  There was auto exposure damage to the truck stop but no fire made. It inside Cliffside park  ladder 1 went to roof confirming negative extension to roof   Units had to cut holes into the trailer to get all of the fire knocked witch took about 2 hours  news article on the fire itself http://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2017/05/truck_fire_temporarily_closes_vince_lombardi_servi.html#incart_river_home Another story with  aftermath  pics http://englewood.dailyvoice.com/police-fire/vince-lombardi-service-area-reopens-following-early-morning-truck-fire/712129/

Never let a few bad apples, whether career or volunteer, spoil the entire barrel because to the core in our hearts we are all there to help those during their time of need.

Deputy Thanks DC Firefighters for Saving His Life After Suffering Heart Attack During Hockey Game
By: Fox DC Staff
May 23, 2017
 
 
 
 
Nice job by the DCFD Hockey Team.
       

First, it's nice to see someone return to their roots and help the people of his/her hometown.  It's definitely a heartwarming story.  More importantly, this is not just someone who lucked out and got the job.  This is someone who cares not only for the city that employs him, but the firefighters that he commands.  Commissioner Thiel seems like someone that we should pay attention to for guidance and ideas.

First, it's nice to see someone return to their roots and help the people of his/her hometown.  It's definitely a heartwarming story.  More importantly, this is not just someone who lucked out and got the job.  This is someone who cares not only for the city that employs him, but the firefighters that he commands.  Commissioner Thiel seems like someone that we should pay attention to for guidance and ideas.

I recall a few article from the past where departments did this.  I think it's an awesome, outside of the box idea!  Not only does it save the taxpayers money, but it makes the fire house fit into the neighborhood.  I think it looks a bit gawdy when a large, brick building is just plopped into the middle of a residential neighborhood.

Great idea! Reduce, re-use, recycle!

Interesting story from the city I used to reside in. The city of Round Rock Texas is very progressive and proactive.
 
 
FULL STORY: http://www.kvue.com/news/local/family-home-turned-into-fire-station/435744706

I pondered this for a while, and I'm coming to the same conclusion as antiquefirlt.  Unless Boston ordered new engines with some sort of roof turret, they're still going to have to get up close and personal with the fire.  This doesn't change much other than the speed that the fire is smothered (not extinguished, as foam application doesn't necessarily mean the fire is out, rather it's suppressed efficiently enough to conduct rescue operations).
 
Dumpster fires and car fires are easily resolved with water.  I can understand with cars that the application of a class B foam will help in the event of an engine fire or fuel system fire, but the cost versus efficiency is not worth it.  Today's norm is to use AFFF or AFFF-AR, both of which are expensive and are designed for large class B fires, such as a burning pool of jet fuel or a tanker of ethanol that is on fire.
 
As for the picture associated with the article, it seems to be a stock photo of sorts that was used because the firefighters are using foam.  The applicator they are using on the nozzle is used for a higher expansion ration (more air agitation).  Quite honestly, the standard combination nozzle works great for foam application, as you can get extra froth with a fog pattern and the reach with the straight stream.

Remember that a lot of newer aerials tend to have other fixtures at the tip, like scene lighting and beacons, that could be broken off during this tactic.  This would just be more falling debris that could injure someone on the ground (like the cupola in the video above!).

 
I really don't like the way that the AC unit is just knocked around and falls to the ground.  Granted, there was no one underneath it, but it's just sketchy to me that using the stick in this manner can cause something heavy to fall.  I'm sure someone was watching to see where it would go so no one would get hurt.
 
This video is a first for me as I've only seen the aerial be used to break out windows, not venting the actual roof.