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Helmet Camera: Shinnston, WV House Fire on Rockwell Lane

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Video uploaded by TheFireCritic. Video info: Firefighters from Shinnston, Marion County, and Harrison County in West Virginia battled a house fire at a rental home on Sunday May 19th. The view of the camera is that of Shinnston Firefighter Matthew Bartlett. The video was taken with the Fire Cam 1080 - http://firevideo.net

WBOY.com:

Witnesses reported that the fire started near the front of the home. No one was home at the time of the fire but the occupant was at the home prior to the fire to collect clothes, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The cause of the fire is still unknown but the State Fire Marshal’s Office is calling it suspicious.

 

Helmet Camera Video: Two Alarm Munhall, PA Apartment Fire

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Video by: munhallfire. Video info: Helmet cam footage of response to working apartment fire and knock down and interior attack at the 2nd alarm fire. STATter911.com ran this video as well (link). More news coverage here and here.

 

Helmet Camera: Lafayette County, MS House Fire with Cat Rescued in the End

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Video by: MSfirenet. Video info: This is a helmet cam video of a house fire. If you watch through to the end you will see us save a small kitten that was inside.

Raw Video: House Fire in Lac La Belle, Wisconsin

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Video by: wisn.

WISN.com: 

Neighbors on Monastery Hill Lane in the Village of Lac La Belle called firefighters around 10:30 p.m. Monday after they saw flames coming from a home.

By the time fire crews arrived, the home was fully engulfed.

Stephanie Zindl lives across the street and watched the fire spread quickly.

 

16 Firefighters Suspended in Bennington, VT For Fire at Mudders Day that was Larger Than Permit Allowed

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What do you guys think? Is this suspension warranted or not?

WCAX.com:

BENNINGTON, Vt. – The Bennington Rural Fire Department has fewer than 40 volunteers, but at a meeting Monday night, nearly half those firefighters were placed on administrative leave, all because of a mud-bogging event.

Mudder’s Day is held on Mother’s Day each year in Bennington and draws a massive crowd from around the region. Spectators say there’s a grand finale, and this year’s was the biggest yet. An old trailer was doused in gasoline, set ablaze and a Cadillac was then driven through the burning camper.

It rallied the crowd, but also got the attention of the Department of Environmental Conservation. The DEC has launched an investigation. Mudder’s Day organizer Milo Campbell claims he had proper permits for the event, but the DEC says not for a fire that large. (Read more)

Helmet Camera Video: House Fire in Kansas City, Missouri

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Video by: robbie Dill. Video info: quick knock down by pumper 24. This is Kansas City, Missouri according to STATter911.com.

Video: Hydrant Opening 101

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If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again to open it the same way! Yes, I found some humor in the fact that this guy never tries to open it the “other” way. As in the correct way. At least not in the video. Nor did anyone try to help him in the video.

It’s Counterclockwise people! Most hydrants offer the instructional arrow on the top. I am certain that once this firefighter realized what he was doing wrong he will never forget it!

 

French Firefighters Test New Technique at Fighting Fire WITHOUT Water!

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My working title was “European Firefighters Will Do Anything Not to Fight Fire with Water”. Obviously, I am kidding, yet I am sure that there will be many who won’t get the humor. The play is about how many European Firefighters believe that American Firefighters are too aggressive, take too many risks, and die when we shouldn’t.

The video was shared on SEPAF Facebook and came with the following text (translated):

Fire extinguishing demonstration car with firefighters from Saint Omer.
Coverage can be used by any public, car dealers, garages, parking, underground car park etc. …
coverage for a general public.?

The video and company who produces this product are from France.

To be completely honest, there might be a useful application for this technique…somewhere. Do they make one that fits over a house?

Has anyone used one of these? What did you think?

Some more information (translated from SEPAF Facebook page):

54M SQUARE COVER FOR FIRE CAR IS AVAILABLE AT 62 PREV SAFETY
8 March 2012, a massive fire left one vehicle ravaged the underground parking of the Place Vendome in Paris. Result: more than 100 firefighters mobilized for more than 6 hours, 25 vehicles involved, 30 vehicles destroyed, and other structures damaged by smoke and intense heat cars.

Youtube video below

 

Helmet Cam: Back-To-Back Fires in Highland Park, Michigan

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Videos by HPZ1442. Highland Park, Michigan Firefighter Scott Ziegler offers these two helmet camera videos. The first being a garage fire off of Portage Street in Highland Park. The second video is a fire on Pilgrim St. that they responded to directly from the Portage Street fire. We responded to this garage fire off of Portage street. Fire was extinguished without incident. The house was set on fire the next night. Video shot with a firecam1080 from firevideo.net

Portage Street Fire

Pilgrim Street Fire (more on the fire below the video)

This video is sure to ruffle some feathers. We are not wearing out SCBAs. Over night our crew responded to a fire in a vacant dwelling on Portage street. They burned through almost all of our air bottles while fighting this fire. During this fire, they are called to THIS fire on Pilgrim st. They arrived to find a well involved dwelling. Using the 4 bottles they had left, they mad an interior attack extinguishing fire in the basement, 1st, and 2nd floors falling short of the attic when they ran out of air. At this point they took a defensive attack, protected the exposures and when the roof was burned off went back in to clean it up. I was called into my shift early that day along with the rest of my unit. We arrived and went to work overhauling the house. Air bottles were picked up by our arson van in the AM and were being filled.
Before you preach, and leave your keyboard chief comments (which I know you still will), remember that this isnt our first fire. Some FDs are not as well equipped as the next.
Video was shot with a firecam 1080 from firevideo.net
Photo at the end is compliments ofhttps://www.facebook.com/313FirePhoto…

The Deadliest Day in Houston Fire Department’s History 5-31-13

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Yesterday marked the darkest day in the history of the Houston Fire Department. Four Firefighters lost their lives at a motel fire where they were searching for victims of a 5 alarm motel fire at the Southwest Inn Motel near the Southwest Freeway at Hillcroft. In 1929, three firefighters passed away after their engine was broadsided by a train, according to HFD officials.

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Prior Coverage on FireCritic.com

The Fallen Firefighters are:

Captain EMT Matthew Renaud (35) of Station 51 (not 68).  He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2001 and in addition to Fire Station 51 has served out of Stations 39, 83, 73, 37, 60 and 35. He had recently been recognized for valor.

Matthew Renaud (Facebook photo)

Engineer Operator EMT Robert Bebee (41) of Station 51. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in August of 2001 and in addition to Fire Station 51, has served out of Stations 37, 40, 10 and 48.

Robert Bebee was captured in this story back in September, 2012 about Houston’s new radio equipment. Photo by Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle (link here)

Firefighter EMT Robert Garner (29) of Station 68. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2010 and has served out of Fire Station 68 since. Garner played baseball in high school and went on to join the Air Force. He volunteered to accompany the Army during two tours in Afghanistan.

Robert Garner (Facebook photo)

Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan (24) of Station 68. She graduated from Houston Fire Department Academy this past April and was assigned to Fire Station 68. She is reported to have graduated from Dulles High School in Sugar Land in 2007.

Anne Sullivan (Facebook photo)

City of Houston:

The Houston Fire Department has never seen four firefighters pass away from the same incident in the history of the department. In 1929, three firefighters passed away after their Engine was broadsided by a train.

Five firefighters were initially transported to the hospital for a range of injures from heat exhaustion to a critical injuries.

Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with not only those friends and family of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice today but also those who were injured and all members of our department.

IAFF Local 341:

There were also 5 firefighters initially transported to the hospital for injuries ranging from heat exhaustion to critical injuries.

  • Captain William Dowling of Engine 68 is listed in critical condition. 

The other firefighters are:

  • Engineer Operator Anthony Livesay on Rescue 42
  • Firefighter EMT Robert Yarbrough on Rescue 42
  • Firefighter EMT Foster Santos on Rescue 11
  • Engineer Operator/Paramedic Marcus Hernandez on Medic 3

Links:

More coverage:

Houston LODD: 4 Houston, TX Firefighters Dead After 5 Alarm Motel Fire. Others Injured

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Update:

More Information on the Fallen Firefighters in Houston, Tx

KHOU.com:

  • Captain EMT Matthew Renaud, 35, of Station 51. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2001 and in addition to Fire Station 68, has served out of stations 51, 39, 83, 73, 37, 60 and 35.
  • Engineer Operator EMT Robert Bebee, 41, of Station 51. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in August of 2001 and in addition to Fire Station 51, has served out of Stations 37, 40, 10 and 48.
  • Firefighter EMT Robert Garner, 29, of Station 68. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2010 and has served out of Fire Station 68 since.
  • Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan, 24, of Station 68. She graduated from Houston Fire Department Academy this past April and was assigned to Fire Station 68.

Update:

Firefighters Identified in Deadly Houston Fire.

KHOU.com:

HOUSTON – Four Houston firefighters died Friday while battling a 5-alarm blaze in a motel near the Southwest Freeway at Hillcroft. Three bodies were found in the rubble of the Southwest Inn motel.

A fourth firefighter died after being rushed to Southwest Memorial Hermann Hospital.

The firefighters have been identified as: Captain EMT Matthew Renaud, 35, of Station 51;  Firefighter EMT Robert Garner, 29, of Station 68; Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan, 24, of Station 68; and Engineer Operator EMT Robert Bebee, 41, of Station 51.

Sullivan just graduated from the academy last month.

“Houston firefighters mourn the loss of our three brothers and our sister and will forever honor their sacrifices,” said Jeff Caynon, president of the Houston Professional Firefighters Association. “This tragedy underscores the inherent dangers of our profession. Please keep Houston firefighters in your thoughts and prayers.”

KHOU.com:

HOUSTON – Four Houston firefighters died Friday while battling a 5-alarm blaze in a motel near the Southwest Freeway at Hillcroft. The bodies of three were found in the rubble of the Southwest Inn motel. One apparently died at the hospital.

Firefighters gathered around one flag-draped casket at the scene.

Six firefighters were rushed by ambulances to area hospitals. Medics were performing CPR on one of them as he was put into an ambulance.

At least one of the injured firefighters is in very critical condition, according to an HFD captain at the scene. He is at Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Two others were taken to Memorial Hermann Southwest, just blocks from the fire. Two more went to Memorial Hermann Northwest. They are reportedly in good condition.

More Coverage:

KHOU.com: Credit: Air 11
Four Houston firefighters died Friday while battling a 5-alarm blaze in a motel near the Southwest Freeway at Hillcroft. The bodies of three were found in the rubble of the Southwest Inn motel. A fourth apparently died at the hospital.

Helmet Cam Video: East St. Louis Vacant House with Fire on Second Floor (2 Views)

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Video by: bobbybushae. Video info: This was a vacant house fire (no kidding). 1st due engine had a story and a half with the 2nd floor fully involved on arrival. Not a bit of smoke on the 1st floor since everything was vented. Quick knock down by the time 2nd due engine arrived. No injuries but a little trouble again with MSA PASS device malfunctions. Video filmed with 2 Fire Cam 1080′s from www.firevideo.net.

 

Video: North Bellmore House Fire with Evacuation Tones

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Video by: chameleon277. May 21, 2013

Bronx.News12.com:

Officials say a North Bellmore family escaped a fire that ripped through their home last night. The fire broke out on Monroe Avenue around 8 p.m. Fire officials tell News 12 that two adults and two children made it out of the home.

Moore, OK Search and Rescue Efforts in Wake of Two Mile Wide Tornado

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Moore, Oklahoma was the scene of a horrific natural disaster today. Moore is south of Oklahoma City. A mile wide EF4 tornado decimated the area. The death toll is currently 51 (11pm) including 7 children at the Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore. There are 233 reported injured.

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CNN.com:

The preliminary rating of damage created by the tornado is at least EF4 (winds 166 to 200 mph) — the second-most severe classification on a scale of zero to five

I have read a lot about it being a “recovery” effort instead of a “search” effort. I am not sure that the firefighters have the same thoughts on the ground. Word is that Tennessee Task Force 1 is being deployed to the area to assist (news link).

Moore Fire Department

Just to give you a snapshot of the Moore FD, they operate with 72 firefighters out of 4 firehouses covering 22 square miles.

The area is no stranger to tornadoes. In May of 1999, there was another huge tornado that killed dozens and recorded wind speeds of 302 miles per hour (the fastest recorded on earth).

Links and Coverage:

Video

Video: Passaic, NJ 4 Alarm House Fire on Lafayette Avenue (4 Videos)

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ABCLocal.go.com: 

PASSAIC, N.J. (WABC) – Two firefighters were hurt while battling a large apartment fire in Passaic, New Jersey. The fire started at around 8 p.m. at 77 Lafayette Avenue and quickly spread to a third alarm. Mutual aid was called in from several surrounding towns. “I look outside and see ashes forming on my window,” said Michael Fortuna, a witness. Residents say the fire started in apartment 4B and then spread from there. It didn’t take long for the building to become almost completely engulfed in flames.

Video by: demonracer2

Video by: eng641

Video by: bmxking1504

LODD – Dallas Firefighter Stanley Wilson Dies in 6 Alarm Apartment Fire

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Dallas Firefighter Stanley Wilson, 51, was found dead after radioing an emergency transmission that he was trapped in an apartment fire. Over 150 Dallas firefighters battled the 6 alarm blaze. Wilson, a 28 year veteran of the department, was stationed at firehouse 53. Wilson was married with two teenage sons.

More links and coverage:

 

Dallas Firefighter Stanley Wilson

KXAS-TV:

The body of a Dallas firefighter who radioed for help after becoming trapped in a burning condominium has been recovered.

The firefighter, whose name has not yet been released, was among the 100 Dallas firefighters who responded to a six-alarm fire at the Hearthwood Condominiums at 12363 Abrams Road Monday morning.

When firefighters arrived shortly before 3 a.m., smoke was seen billowing through the roof of the complex. Dallas Fire-Rescue’s Jason Evans said firefighters initially started to attack the fire offensively, but moved to a defensive posture due to how fast the fire was growing.

At about 5 a.m., one of the firefighters radioed that he was trapped inside the building and that he wasn’t sure where he was. Evans said crews had not been able to reach the firefighter by radio since that message.

At about 9:15 a.m., the body of the firefighter was found. He was removed from the rubble, covered in an American flag and carried to an ambulance as dozens of firefighters and onlookers flanked either side, removed their helmets and saluted the procession.

Helmet Camera Video: Plattekill (NY) Fire Rescue Structure Fire Prospect Hill Rd

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Video by: Jimmy Hopp. Video info: Plattekill Fire Rescue responded to a house fire on Prospect Hill Road in Wallkill, NY on May 14, 2013.

RecordOnline.com: Plattekill Fire Department, with assistance from area agencies were called to battle a fully involved house fire in a home at 50 Prospect Hill Road in Wallkill on Tuesday afternoon, May 14, 2013. According to Plattekill Fire Chief Chris Mancuso, the fire was discovered when City of Newburgh Fire Chief Mike Vatter, who lives nearby, noticed smoke on his property and went to investigate. Departments quickly responded, and the blaze, which started in half of the house, was put out quickly. Damage is extensive, and fire inspectors were called in to investigate as to the cause of the fire.

STATter911.com also has info on the fire here.

 

Helmet Cam: Bobo, AL Volunteer Firefighters Battle House Fire

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Video by: bubba stark. Video info: The video title mentions a rollover. The video is an interesting one. It seems like a total of two firefighters operating at this house fire searching for the seat of the fire…then they find it!

Video: The Ultimate Green Line Action from “Amateur Firefighters”

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Video by: marsh31091. Video info: none.

These self-proclaimed “amateur firefighters” actually do a pretty decent job of keeping the fire in check. So what if there is some mild chaos and cussing. And so what if it resembled “Lord of the Flies” for a minute or two…Firefighters do finally arrive and take care of business.

 

Helmet Cam: Impressive Footage of Rescue and Fire Attack at Indianapolis Apartment Fire

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Video by: Joel Harsin. Video info: Apartment fire with entrapment. Indianapolis Fire Department

More on the incident from WishTV.com here.

Hat tip to Backstep Firefighter for finding this video. They shared it here.

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Helmet Cam: Long Creek, IL House Fire a Total Loss. Water Supply Issues Hamper Firefighters Efforts

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Video by: TheMTZFD. Video info: Assisted LCFD with a vacant house fire. Had water issues throughout. No injuries to anyone involved.

More info via Mt. Zion Fire Protection District web site: Mt. Zion was called to assist Long Creek for a report of flames coming from the roof of a house. Upon arrival found the house to be heavily involved in fire. Mt. Zion assisted in fire suppression, and overhaul. The house was a complete loss. One firefighter sustained minor injuries from a large diameter hose coupling striking him in the knee. However, was checked out at the ER and was able to return to the scene. Footage is from BC Paul Hartwig’s helmet camera.

(more…)

Helmet & Dash Cam: Two Views of West Plains House Fire

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Videos by: WestPlainsFD. Helmet Camera and Dash Camera for West Plains FD responds to automatic aid with Howell County Rural Fire Dept on a structure fire.

Helmet Camera from Fire

Dash Camera from Fire

Helmet Camera Video: Quick Knockdown on House Fire

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Video by: zachary willis. No description.

LODD – Crews Recover Body of Wayne-Westland Firefighter Brian Woehlke After Building Collapse at Michigan Strip Mall Fire

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UPDATED: 1600 hours 

Freep.com:

The body of a Wayne Westland firefighter has been recovered from a blaze at a pair of businesses in a Westland strip mall today.

Brian Woehlke, 29, was found today, said Deputy Fire Chief Rob Arbini. Woehlke had been a firefighter for 10 months, Arbini said.

Mayor William Wild said he received notification of Woehlke’s recovery at about 12:40 p.m. No additional information was released.

Statement from Westland Mayor William Wild courtesy WDIV.com:

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our Westland firefighters who died in the line of duty this morning. He dedicated his life to protecting the residents of Wayne and Westland and this is a terrible loss for the firefighter’s family and our entire community. This tragedy is a reminder to us all of the sacrifice that firefighters make along with their family and friends every single day.  “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends, as well as the first responders of the Wayne-Westland Fire Department, who are mourning the loss of  fellow firefighter, Brian Woehlke.  Woehlke, 29, a Dearborn resident who was married and the father of one, had been a member of the Wayne-Westland Fire Department for ten (10) months. We are forever appreciative for the brave men and women of the Wayne-Westland Fire Department who put their lives on the line every day.”

More Coverage at STATter911.com

Firefighter Nation has coverage here

The Fire Critic is on Facebook Too!

UPDATED: 1415 hours

MyFoxDetroit.com:

Crews have recovered the body of a Wayne-Westland firefighter who triggered his distress signal while battling flames inside a Westland poker hall Wednesday.

FOX 2′s Alex Wiley says crews discovered the body among the wreckage at the Electric Stick charity poker hall in the 6500 block of North Wayne Road.

A Firefighter is missing after a collapse at a strip mall fire this morning outside of Detroit, Michigan. Crews are on scene searching for the missing firefighter.

We will update with further information as it is available.

ClickonDetroit.com:

A search and rescue team is searching for a firefighter who went missing after a roof collapsed to the burning strip mall.

Wayne-Westland Deputy Fire Chief Robert Arbini tells WWJ-AM that searchers are doing what’s needed “to find that person.”

More coverage:

video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player

Best of the Rest – ESS Review, VES Helmet Cam, Terrible FF & Leader?, Promotions, and My New Thinking Cap

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Right now is the busiest time of the year for me. It starts when Lacrosse season begins (I am the coach of a team of 23 U11 players). I do it because they don’t have enough coaches and because my son plays. I don’t even have an assistant coach. I am not the best coach in the World, but I think I get the job done.

On top of that, FDIC was just held in Indianapolis. Last year, FDIC was a blast and when I got back I felt as though I was stuck under a heap of work…that heap never let up. I have the same issue this year, and again I never dug myself out of the work last year.

I am managing though. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Currently, we are behind on about 8 reviews over at FireProductReview.com. The ESS Eye Pro review is complete and can be seen here. The 1st in Leather review will be up later today.

Keep me informed of what is going on. I try to keep up, but it isn’t happening. If you want information shared on “Best of the Rest”, email me or contact me another way.

The video below is VES Helmet Cam video out of Colorado Springs, CO. More info on it here: IronsandLadders.com offers a view and commentary on a Vent-Enter-Search (VES) Video in the latest post. Read it here.

News and Opinion

Jottings and Writings (a Firefighting blog) is looking for information to put in an article about budget cuts. If you have information to share or an opinion to share please check this out here.

Model City Firefighter continues his column “Blowin Smoke” with a newer blogger on the scene – TenSeventyFive.com. Check out the article here.

TenSeventyFive.com offers his latest post “I’m A Terrible Firefighter And An Even Worse Leader“. Read it and offer your opinion in the comments.

Box Alarm Leather has a new line of custom products out in collaboration with MN8 Foxfire. “Illuminated by Foxfire” gear can be ordered on their Facebook page. You might also check out their web site for more products.

Check out my new fire helmet straw hat with laser etched “Fire Critic” custom shield. The hat comes from Saint Florian Clothing.

FireGeezer.com is chock full of great content this past week or so. We send our condolensces to Bill on the loss of his wife. Mike Ward and the rest of the crew have been keeping the blog hopping with a ton of great stories.

IronFiremen.com’s Captain Wines wrote a great piece titled Promotions… “SILLY SEASON” is here, Recruitment, Retention and More!

BackstepFirefighter.com has several great posts up. Check them out here.

Out West, the Panther, Spring, and Summit fires have been burning. Check out Wildfire Today and Firefighter Blog for more information on these fires.

Dave Statter continues to keep it real…in true “retired guy” spirit, he shows the rest of us that he doesn’t sleep and continues to post around the clock. Check out all of the great stuff over at STATter911.com.

Firehouse Zen offers “No Trash Talking – Follow Up” in his latest post. Read it here.

Fully Involved offers another great article “Crossroads”. Read it here.

The video below was shared by a reader.

Have you ever thought about using the local park for training?