Friday, July 25, 2008
Charleston: Making Sense of it
Industry experts weigh in on the Charleston Post-Incident Assessment and Review Team’s Phase II Report
Mutual Aid
Mutual Aid is a blog of news and views from FIRE CHIEF staff and industry experts. Click below to see what our experts have to say and leave your comments.
The Last Rung
The fire service takes ladders for granted — until one fails. Boyd Cole saw too many aerial ladder problems as a volunteer firefighter. Consequently, he spent his career raising industry awareness and advocating safer ladders for firefighters to climb and crawl on. More... Comments
Universally Good Idea
Glenn Bischoff
Brian Fontes, the new CEO of the National Emergency Number Association, told Urgent Communications Senior Writer Donny Jackson that creating a universal service fund could solve the funding woes that long have plagued the public safety answering point sector. It's a great idea, and long overdue. More... Comments
Buckle Up
Gregory Cade
On any given day as U.S. Fire Administrator, I receive an abundance of information regarding the nation's fire service. As one can imagine, some of the information is good — and some is tragic. More... Comments
Click here to view earlier posts.
Charleston Fire Reports
Download the taskforce's Phase 2 Report (PDF format) and the ATF investigation report (PDF format) examining the June 18, 2007 Sofa Super Store fire that killed nine Charleston (S.C.) firefighters.
Latest News
Wis. Chief Dies in Accident
Pulaski (Wis.) Tri-County Fire Chief Frank Wichlacz died July 23 after an out-of-control pickup pinned him between a garage door and a parked water tanker at the station....
Fire Protection Engineers in High Demand
Fire protections engineers use their own skills and the latest technology....
Fresno Apparatus get Police Escort
On June 20, the Fresno, Calif., fire and police departments increased enforcement of the law requiring motorist to pull to the right for emergency vehicles....
States Need New Response to Economic Decline, Report Shows
As the economy continues to decline, states may begin to make budget cuts that could affect local government funding. ...
California Adopts First Statewide Green Building Code
The code will require builders to include energy efficiency and water conservation elements in every project well beyond current building standards....
Off-Site News
ATF Blames Smoker for Charleston Fire
A newly released federal investigation report says a discarded cigarette started the Charleston Sofa Super Store fire and that firefighters made it worse.
Firefighter Layoffs Might Mean Rescinded Funds
A Georgia fire department may have to pay back more than $1 million in federal funds if recent layoffs are found to have violated the original agreement under which the grant was made.
Firefighter gets Jail Time for Prank
A former New York firefighter will serve three years in prison for his role in setting fire to a fire station door. The incident was said to be a prank.
Interim Fire Chief Named in Charleston
Charleston, S.C., Mayor Joseph Riley named a 37-year veteran to lead the fire department while the city conducts a nationwide search to replace Rusty Thomas.
Georgia Chief Reprimanded
An accident involving a firefighter who is a councilman's son, a positive drug test, a deceptive letter of reference and an altered incident report led Columbus, Ga., mayor to reprimand his fire chief.
ISO to Audit Alaskan Fire Dept.
Accusations that an Alaskan fire chief borrowed equipment to improve the town's ISO rating has sparked an investigation.
S.F. has Troubled EMS
A San Francisco Chronicle study of the city's EMS department found an overtaxed 911 dispatch center and sevaral other troublesome areas.
ISO to Audit Alaskan Fire Dept.
Accusations that an Alaskan fire chief borrowed equipment to improve the town's ISO rating has sparked an investigation.









