Fire Critic An Unadulterated View of the Fire Service
WHAT: According to a Feb. 2011 report by the US Fire Administration, on average there are more than 81,000 firefighter injuries each year, with 87 percent of those injuries occurring in structure fires.
Another study showed that heavy smoke limited visibility and caused disorientation in 17 incidents in which a total of 23 firefighter fatalities occurred.
In November, firefighters will be testing new personal safety products and way guidance systems that use advanced photoluminescent technology that turns tools, equipment and signage into brightly glowing sources of light in dark conditions without using batteries or electricity.These products are designed to reduce disorientation and help firefighters improve visualization and reach victims faster when seconds can mean life or death.
The 9/11 Commission recognized photoluminescent-enhanced way guidance systems as playing a valuable role in helping occupants quickly evacuate buildings following the 9/11 attacks. This technology is being applied to other products designed to help firefighters including illuminating strips on firefighter turnout gear and glowing helmet bands that allow firefighters to find each other in a dark environment.
The test will be administered by Captain Dave Hudson of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Riverside County Fire Department. Captain Hudson is veteran firefighter who has been training other firefighters for more than 10 years.
WHEN:
Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, from 10 am – 3 pm
WHERE:
North Net Fire Training Center, 2400 E. Orangewood Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806
WHO:
Professional firefighters from throughout Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties
Local officials and media are invited to observe the test results.
Visuals:
– Firefighters suiting up with photoluminescent safety equipment.
– Firefighters entering a smoke-filled building and performing simulated rescues, drills and time trials.
– Video cameras inside the building allow observers to get a closer look at the simulated rescues. TV cameras can patch into the feed.
