Join us for the VEE'S Annual Flea Market at Station 3 Saturday and Sunday

VEE’S ANNUAL FLEA MARKET

Proceeds to support our local Volunteer

Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District

Sales dates are:

July 2o^th – Saturday 8 am to 4 pm

July 21^st – Sunday 9 am to 3 pm

At Fire Station 3, 8445 S. Hwy. 285 

We will be taking tax deductible donations of saleable items:

Friday, July 19^th –12pm-8pm

Saturday, July 20^th –8am-11am

This sale is huge.   We have clothing, home and office furniture, antiques, crafting items, books, kitchen wares, small appliances, toys, exercise equipment, tools, linens, camping gear.

SORRY, WE CAN NOT ACCEPT DONATIONS OF

NON HD TV’S, COMPUTERS, TIRES, WOODSTOVES, 

LARGE APPLIANCES, SKIS, CARSEATS, MATTRESSES, ENCYCLOPEDIAS, or TOILETS.

Change in Inter-Canyon Twitter Account to @ICFPD as of August 1

We can't help you if we can't find you! Is your address visible from the road?

Firefighters often struggle to locate a home due to a lack of a visible address at the road.  Is your home's address easily visible from the road? 

Here are some ways to evaluate the visibility of your home's address:

1.  Is the numbering and lettering large enough to be read from a vehicle at night?

2.  Is the sign reflective?  Too many address signs use dark numbering/lettering

3.  Can the address be seen from both directions?  (You may approach your home from one direction consistently yet firefighters may come from several directions.)

4.  Is the sign raised above ground to avoid being buried in snow?

5.  Can the sign be viewed as firefighters approach your home rather than visible only directly in front of the driveway.

Help us to help you.  Make sure firefighters can find your home quickly.  Here is an example of a reflective sign provided by Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District. 

You can request a sign by calling non-emergency office at 303-697-4413.

Wildland Firefighter Shelters

T

he fire shelter is a mandatory item of personal protective equipment for all wildland firefighters and must be arried on the fireline by everyone on Federal wildland fires.  State, local, and rural fire departments may have different policies regarding the fire shelter’s use.  Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District requires all wildland firefighters to carry a shelter.  The fire shelter has been required equipment for wildland firefighters since 1977. Since that time, shelters have saved the lives of more than 300 firefighters and have prevented hundreds of serious injuries.  A new generation of fire shelter now offers improved protection from both radiant and convective heat. Even so, the shelter will not protect firefighters under all fire situations.  The fire shelter should be used as a last resort if planned escape routes or safety zones become inadequate and entrapment is imminent. Carrying a fire shelter is not considered an alternative to safe firefighting.

The New Generation Fire Shelter

The new generation fire shelter protects primarily by reflecting radiant heat and trapping breathable air. The new shelter has two layers. The outer layer is aluminum foil bonded to woven silica cloth. The foil reflects radiant heat and the silica material slows the passage of heat to the inside of the shelter. An inner layer of aluminum foil laminated to fiberglass prevents heat from reradiating to the person inside the shelter. When these layers are sewn together, the air gap between them offers further insulation.

Deployment of the shelter can be difficult even int he best conditions.  High winds can whip the shelter in the wrong direction, temperatures are increasing rapidly, little to no light, and the need for a safe area for deployment are all challenges.

Deployed Fire Shelter

 

Jefferson County Stage 2 Fire Ban

Unincorporated Jefferson County is now under Stage 2 fire restrictions. For more information see:

http://jeffco.us/sheriff/documents/emergencies-documents/annual-fire-operating-plan-documents/sample-of-stage-2-fire-ban/

FInal Bear Gulch Fire Update 6:00 PM

Thanks to a great Inter-Canyon crew for their all-day work on the Bear Gulch Fire.  Great job.

Bear Gulch Fire Update 1:25 PM with new photo

New photo of Bear Gulch Fire.  You can see the retardant painted by fixed wing aircraft on the east side of the fire.  Firefighters faced challenging terrain to access the fire.

Photo courtesy of Inter-Canyon Fire Rescue

Bear Gulch Fire Update 1:05 PM

Inter-Canyon firefighters wear wildland gear designed for wildfire environments.  The firefighters on the Bear Gulch Fire are equipped with protection gear very different from traditional structural firefighting gear.  The gear includes Nomex shirt and pants, helmet, gloves, eye protection, heavy boots, and airway protection.  Typical wildland firefighting gear.

Photo courtesy NOVA

Bear Creek Fire Update 11:45 AM

Crews remain working at the Bear Creek Gulch Fire.  Working on perimeter fireline.  Rocky and steep terrain.  Six Inter-Canyon firefighters led by a Crew Boss are working the fire.  These firefighters have completed the Federal National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) S130/190 course and many have advanced training. 

Bear Gulch Fire Update 11:05 AM

The Inter-Canyon crew on scene at the Bear Gulch Fire is working on establishing a fireline around the perimeter.  You may see smoke from the interior of the fire, small fuels still burning.  The fire is not at risk for growth.

Bear Gulch Fire Update 9:20 AM

The Inter-Canyon Crew Boss working with the hand crew says the fire is approximately 200 feet x 100 feet in size on the rock wall.  Cause of the fire is lightning. 

Bear Gulch Fire Update 9:14 AM

Inter-Canyon firefighters are on scene at the Bear Gulch Fire.  Firefighters identified a shorter access route and are now assessing the fire.  Access is difficult as the fire is on an 80 ft rock wall.  Firefighters will determine the extent of any fire growth and best way to create fireline.

Bear Gulch Fire Update 8:40 AM

Inter-Canyon firefighters are carrying hand tools into the Bear Gulch Fire.  Hand tools such as the Pulaski are used to identify hot spots, dig trenches and burning roots, and extinguish the fire:

Bear Gulch Fire Update 8:30 AM

A squad of six Inter-Canyon firefighters are hiking into the Bear Gulch Fire at this time.  No smoke visible.  Air drops appear to have knocked down the fire but still requires firefighters to check on status.  Research last night identified a potential shorter route - may require only a two hour hike.

Bear Gulch Fire Update 5:00 am

ICFPD firefighters plan to hike into the Bear Gulch Fire today to check on the status of the fire.  The fire was monitored overnight and no growth was seen on the fire.

Bear Gulch Fire Update 5:50 pm

Even small brush trucks like Inter-Canyon Brush 652 cannot access the Bear Gulch Fire.  Terrain is difficult and dangerous.  Both Brush 652 and Brush 651 are scene at Incident Command. 

Bear Gulch Fire Update 5:30 pm

Incident Command is now planning for tonight and Tuesday morning.  Fighting fire at night poses a major risk for firefighters and must be weighed against the risk of the fire expanding.  Currently the fire appears to be very quiet.  Accessing the fire will be difficult.

Sign up for emergency notifications from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office:

http://jeffco.us/sheriff/code-red-emergency-notifications/

Bear Gulch Fire Update 5:25 pm

Incident Command reports the helicopter has done an excellent job with nine bucket drops of water.  No more smoke is visible at this time.  The Level 1 evacuation notice remains in place. 

Review the Jefferson County Evcuation Levels:

With large fires occurring every month of the year, evacuations have become more commonplace. We encourage the adage, ‘when in doubt, get out!’ If you feel threatened, go! Keep in mind, in some cases, there is no time for formal evacuation notifications due to quickly changing conditions.

Evacuation Levels

 Level 1: Be Ready
There is an incident in the area. Residents are advised of the level 1 evacuation and are asked to leave if they need additional time to exit an area or have health conditions (especially respiratory conditions that could be made worse by smoke). Residents are encouraged to move livestock and pets out of the area, and to prepare for a full evacuation. Evacuations are voluntary, but residents are encouraged to leave if concerned. There will be no road closures in effect in most cases.
This is when you are thankful you took appropriate planning actions, long before the threat of a wildland fire.

• You’ve already created defensible space by clearing brush and other fuels away from your home.
• You’ve used fire-resistant landscaping and hardened your home with fire-safe construction measures.
• You assembled emergency supplies and belongings in a safe spot.
• You planned escape routes and made sure all those residing within your home know the plan of action.

Level 2: Leave Soon
Residents are notified there is a full evacuation and are informed to leave. Evacuations are mandatory and entry to evacuated areas may be denied. Residents are encouraged to evacuate as soon as possible. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk.

Level 3: Leave Immediately!

Residents are notified there is immediate and imminent danger, and they should evacuate immediately. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. Leave immediately and as quickly as possible. Doing so will not only support your safety, but will allow firefighters to best maneuver resources to combat the fire.

Ready, Set, Go!

Don’t let the first time you educate yourself on wildland fire be in the aftermath. Join with us and be a part of Ready, Set, Go! Ready, Set, Go! is designed to teach individuals how to best prepare themselves and their properties against nature’s threats, and how to be best prepared to evacuate.

The Ready, Set, Go! initiative is a three step process, or action plan, to prepare properties long before a fire is upon you; get set to depart from ones home; and to understand the role of evacuation in our area. The initiative significantly increases the safety of the homeowner and family. Not to mention, it allows the firefighters to best do their job of extinguishing the fire, thus increasing the chance of saving homes and loved ones.

Ready

• Make a list of your 5P’s: People, Pets, Pills, Photos and important Papers.
• Shut off natural gas and propane.
• Place metal (not wooden) ladders against the side of your house.
• If time permits, remove combustibles (patio furniture, firewood, etc.) within 30 feet of your home.
• If you have sprinklers (with adequate water supply), place them around your home, connected and ready to be turned on.
• Put on any protective clothing and gear you are not already wearing.
• Close windows and doors to the house to prevent sparks and embers from blowing inside. Close all doors inside the house to prevent draft.
• Take down your drapes and curtains and close all blinds to deflect heat.
• Leave exterior and interior lights on to offer visibility to responders.
• Fill all bathtubs, sinks and other containers with water to deflect heat.

Set

• Take a deep breath and remember your plan. Lives always take priority over property.
• Face your car toward the street and close all windows. Keep the keys handy.
• Load your 5P’s into the car.
• Wear protective clothing made of natural fabrics such as heavy denim, cotton, and pure wool to shield you from heat, embers and flames. Wear sturdy shoes, a long-sleeved shirt tucked into pants, hat, and a handkerchief. Have thick canvas or leather gloves, and light-colored goggles on ready.
• As you leave, post a visible form of notification that identifies that you have evacuated. Hang a white cloth at the end of your driveway. If you have time, write “evacuated” on it.

Go!

• Tune in to the local news radio station and listen for instructions.
• Obey orders of law enforcement and fire department officials.
• Follow the emergency instructions regarding evacuation routes. Your normal route may not be the safest.
• Drive with your headlights on for visibility and safety.
• Do not block access to roadways for emergency vehicles or other evacuees.
• Do not abandon vehicles on the roadway.
• Do not stop to let pets have a break.
• Drive calmly, obey the rules of the road and pay special attention to fire trucks.

Bear Gulch Fire Update 5:15 pm

Incident Command reports no more smoke visible after 9 helo water drops.

Bear Gulch Fire Update 5:12 pm

Incident Command reports the helicopter is doing an excellent job.  The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office reports via Twitter that 106 homes have received calls regarding the Level 1 evacuation notice - be prepared to evacuate and monitor local media.

The IC is now working on plans for this evening and Tuesday morning. 

Bear Gulch Fire Update 5:07 PM

Picture of Bear Gulch Fire from Incident Command

Bear Gulch Fire 4:54 PM Update

The Bear Gulch Fire is located in the area of Elk Mountain Road and Kuehster Road in Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District.  An overflight by an airplane estimated the fire at 1/2 acre creeping in grass and duff.  Very slow rate of spread.  At this time the Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) has made two drops over the fire and a helicopter has also made two drops.

The fire is located on a ridge in an area with very difficult access.  The Incident Commander from ICFPD estaimtes a six hour hike into the fire for firefighters.  Due to the remote area and the difficult access firefighters will monitor the fire overnight and then hike into the area tomorrow.  Hiking in, fighting the fire and then hiking out in the dark very dangerous fire firefighters.

The  Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 1 evacuation notice to 103 phones in the Maxwell Hills Subdivison. Be ready to leave. Pay close attention to media for updates.

Level 1 Fire Restrictions

Level 1 fire restrictions are now in place in Jefferson County

Meet your new Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District Fire Chief

Randy Simpson has been appointed Fire Chief for Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District (ICFPD).  As Fire Chief he will manage the operations, stations, apparatus, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics of Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District.  

"I am honored to serve the citizens of our district and proud to lead our volunteers" Chief Simpson said following his appointment by the ICFPD Board of Directors.  Chief Simpson is a Colorado native, having grown up in the Conifer area, and graduated from Evergreen High School. Chief Simpson is a graduate of Metropolitan State College, Denver with a Bachelor's degree in Aviation Science.

Chief Simpson is a Captain at Delta Air Lines, piloting the Airbus A320.  He joined ICFPD in 1997. 

Automated External Defibrillators and Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District

What is an AED?
The automated external defibrillator (AED) is a computerized medical device. An AED can check a person’s heart rhythm. It can recognize a rhythm that requires a shock. And it can advise the rescuer when a shock is needed. The AED uses voice prompts, lights and text messages to tell the rescuer the steps to take.

AEDs are very accurate and easy to use. With a few hours of training, anyone can learn to operate an AED safely. There are many different brands of AEDs, but the same basic steps apply to all of them.

Successful use of an AED
The successful use of an AED resulting in resusciation requires multipe steps:

1.  Prompt recognition of a cardiac event

2.  Rapid notification of 911

3.  Immediate application of CPR in the event of cardiac arrest

4.  Continued CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) until and during the use of the AED

5.  Use of Advanced Life Support (ALS) for resuscitation

Bystander or family CPR is critical to a successful resuscitation.

What's the American Heart Association position on placement of AEDs?
The AHA strongly advocates that all EMS first-response vehicles and ambulances be equipped with an AED or another defibrillation device.  Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District has an AED in service at each fire station, carried on either the ambulance or the engine at the station. 

The ZOLL M Series AED, defibrillator and monitor is carried on each ICFPD ambulance

Firefighter Certification

Firefighter Certifications

According to the NFPA’s U.S. fire department profile, there are an estimated 30,125 fire departments in the United States. Of these, 2,495 departments are all-career, 1,860 are mostly career, 5,290 are mostly volunteer and 20,480 are all-volunteer. In other words, 70% of all firefighters in America are volunteers, which equates to 768,150 fire and emergency service responders.

Inter-Canyon Fire/Rescue very comprehensive training systems, professional qualifications and certifications, meet or exceed state and/or national certifications in many areas.  Meeting these requirements can be difficult in rural communities served by vounteers.  Inter-Canyon firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics invest hunderds of hours in training before ever responding to your call for assistance.

All of the vounteer firefighters serving Inter-Canyon are certified at the Colorado Firefighter I or Firefighter II level and have at least Emergency Medical Responder Certification.  Our firefighters then move into specialized certifications in areas such as Hazardous Materials, High Angle Rescue, Emergency Medical Services and Wildland firefighting.

To apply for Colorado certification the applicant must meet the general requirements of the state. These requirements include being a resident of the state and possessing a valid driver's license. General requirements to become a firefighter include passing a criminal background check. Individuals should also expect to meet the physical requirements for the job, such as running and lifting.

Firefighter Voluntary Certification Program

The Colorado Voluntary Firefighter Certification Program for Fire Fighters is now required for all firefighters within the state, including volunteer firefighters, though the title of the program continues to hold the former wording. This certification is to ensure that firefighters obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities to meet nationally recognized standards for the position. Training for certification is established by the National Fire Protection Association Standards for Professional Qualifications. Training subjects are offered according to the level of certification being obtained, such as Fire Fighter I (basic, entry level certification), driver operator, driver operator pumper, etc. Certifications must be renewed every three years through successful completion of each job performance requirement and submission of a renewal application.

Job Performance Requirements

Job Performance Requirements (JPRs)are used to prepare firefighting candidates for International Fire Service Accreditation testing. This testing is done to ensure that the candidate possesses the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of a firefighter safely and within the standards of the National Fire Protection Association. The job performance requirements are tested through performance of tasks determined by the level of certification the individual holds. For Firefighter I, certification tasks include radio transmitting, donning and doffing equipment, search and rescue, salvage, cleaning and checking equipment, and inspecting the hose.

Meet the Newest Member of the Board of Directors of Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District

Leslie Caimi

Leslie is a Colorado native – having graduated from Heritage High School and Metropolitan State College. Leslie and husband, Carl, have lived in the district for 15 years. Prior to that they lived in Ken Caryl Ranch.

Leslie is a self-employed Event Planner and has organized large events such as the Triple Bypass Bicycle Tour, MS150, Denver Century, Healing Wheels Bicycle Tour, and the Big Chili Cook-Off. Leslie is also an Executive Wine Sommelier. Leslie and Carl were previous owners of Aspen Perk Coffee House.

Read the National Wildfire Outlook for 2013

National agency: Dry winter, warming trend foretell wildfire danger across West

Two rapidly growing and unseasonably early fires burning in northern California’s wine country and another wind-whipped blaze farther south likely are a harbinger of a nasty summer fire season across the West.  Officials with the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise said Wednesday in their first 2013 summer fire outlook that a dry winter and expected warming trend mean the potential for significant fire activity will be above normal on the West Coast, in the Southwest and portions of Idaho and Montana.  A combination of a low-moisture winter and a warming and drying pattern in the West that will increase the fire potential.

In 2012, record-setting fires raged in New Mexico and Oregon, while destructive Colorado blazes torched hundreds of homes amid one of the state’s worst seasons in years.  Like 2012, Colorado experienced some of its first 2013 wildfires in March.  Outside the West, however, much of the U.S. is expected to experience normal fire conditions, with below-normal danger in the South where significant, long-duration rains saturated the landscape.

Review the Jefferson County Emergency Evacuation Levels

EVACUATION LEVELS: Jefferson County has implemented evacuation levels for use with the public. The levels are as follows:

LEVEL 1 – A Level 1 Evacuation means be ready. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area. You should make preparation and be ready to leave, and then monitor local media outlets. Residents with special needs (such as the elderly or those with a susceptibility to breathing problems) are advised to evacuate. People with livestock or pets should consider moving them out of the area. Evacuations at this time are voluntary, but if you have concerns, evacuate now.

LEVEL 2 – A Level 2 Evacuation means leave soon. There is significant potential of danger in your area, and residents should relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area. You need to leave as soon as possible.

LEVEL 3 – A Level 3 Evacuation means leave immediately. Danger in your area is current and imminent. There is no time to gather belongings. Leave immediately.

If you are concerned about a wildfire in your area, prepare for and initiate your family's evacuation early.  This is especially important if you have pets and livestock.

Rapid Intervention Team

During firefighting operations in a structural fire you may notice firefighters who appear to be all suited up, yet remain outside the active area of firefighting.  These firefighters are the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).  Inter-Canyon Fire/Rescue uses the RIT approach to firefighter safety on structure fires.

Rapid Intervention Team



Nationwide, more firefighters get in trouble while fighting residential house fires than in any other kind of structure, even though fires in these structures are considered to be a relatively routine “bread-and-butter” event. The presence of plastics and synthetics in today’s lightweight structures that make up many of today’s single-family residences generates greater quantities of toxic smoke and burn with higher rates of heat release. This can result in reduced visibility, earlier flashover, fire spread, and structural collapse. Commercial occupancies also present many unique hazards, including large and unfamiliar open spaces that can lead to a lost (and out-of-air) firefighter-a situation potentially compounded by the lack of on-site fire protection equipment, such as sprinklers, needed to keep a fire from rapidly growing and trapping firefighters inside.

The idea of having a group of dedicated and specially trained firefighters standing by to “rescue the rescuers” has been embraced by most fire departments for many years. 

RIT Practicing Firefighter Rescue

Emergency Call Boxes in Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District

Emergency telephones have been installed in Deer Creek Canyon, a popular bicycle route, allowing callers to dial 911 for assistance with the touch of a single button.  Calls go directly to the 911 public safety answering point (PSAP) in the  Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Communication Center.  The phones are located in areas where cell phone service is poor to non-existent.  The telephones are an innovative and low-cost method of enhancing emergency response, using existing telephone lines. 

The call boxes are located at four locations in Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District:

Station One – 7939 South Turkey Creek Road in Morrison.  Station one is located at the intersection of South Deer Creek Canyon Road and South Turkey Creek Canyon Road.

Station Two – 10591 South Deer Creek Canyon Road in Littleton.  Station two is located in a steep canyon with no cell phone service.
Station Four – 13877 Grizzly Drive in Littleton.  Station four is located between West Deer Creek Canyon Road and Deer Creek Canyon Park, a popular location for hikers.

Philipsburg – Located on South Deer Creek Road at West Deer Creek Canyon Road.

Emergency Call Box

The large red telephone call boxes are prominently displayed at the front of each of the three fire stations.  The caller simply opens the call box and pushes a button to place a 911 call.  The 911 call taker is presented with a screen showing the location of the caller which will speed the arrival of emergency medical services and firefighters when help is needed.

Emergency Call Box at ICFPD Station Two

Due to the lack of cell phone coverage in Deer Creek Canyon, callers had to drive out of the canyon to call for help.  This would often delay response as the caller provides their current location rather than the location of the incident.  A key advantage of these new emergency call boxes is the fact that motorists and bicyclists do not need to know their location.  Inter-Canyon Fire/Rescue can respond directly to the scene, rather than searching for the incident.

The need for an emergency telephone in the Deer Creek Canyon area was identified by residents of the area and bicyclists who use the canyon.  The Jefferson County Emergency Communications Authority funded the installation and ongoing costs of the phones
.

ICFR Firefighters win Barrel Stave Race

The Firefighter Barrel Stave Race was held on Saturday, February 23, at Meyers Ranch.  ICFR, Elk Creek and Platte Canyon firefighters competed for First Place, but ICFR brought home the prize.

Controlled burn Thursday March 7 at Hwy 285 and Sourdough

A controlled burn is taking place today, Thursday March 7, at Highway 285 and Sourdough.  Expect to see smoke.

Heavy Snow Possible in Foothills

While the danger from winter weather varies across the country, nearly all Americans, regardless of where they live, are likely to face some type of severe winter weather at some point in their lives. Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.
One of the primary concerns is the winter weather's ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time. Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region.
The National Weather Service refers to winter storms as the “Deceptive Killers” because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold. It is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes.

To prepare for a winter storm you should do the following:

• Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit::
  • Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways.
  • Sand to improve traction.
  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
  • Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
  • Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
• Make a Family Communication Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS). Be alert to changing weather conditions.
• Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

*Thanks to Ready.gov

ICFR Annual Wildland Fire Safety Refresher Training

All Inter-Canyon wildland firefighters are required to complete annual Fireline Safety Refresher training.  This 8-hour safety training is in addition to any National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) courses the firefighters attend in preparation for the fire season.  Fireline Safety Refresher training is provided in order to recognize hazards; mitigate risk; maintain safe practices; and to reduce accidents and near misses.  The intent of Fireline Safety Refresher training is to focus suppression and prescribed fire personnel on operations and decision making issues related to incident safety.  ICFR encourages all firefighters to attend. Information is discussed during these refreshers that are valuable to all personnel.  All ICFR wildland firefighters must be prepared to function safely and effectively in the wildland fire environment. 

ICFR follows the national training requirements for wildland refresher training.

 

Annual Fireline Safety Refresher training must include the following core topics:

 

1.      Avoiding Entrapments - Use training and reference materials to study the risk management process as identified in the Incident Response Pocket Guide as appropriate to the participants, e.g., LCES, Standard Firefighting Orders, Eighteen Watch Out Situations, Wildfire Decision Support System (WFDSS) direction, and Fire Management Plan priorities.

 

2.      Current Issues - Review and discuss identified “hot topics”.  Review forecasts and assessments for the upcoming fire season and discuss implications for firefighter safety.

 

3.      Fire Shelter - Review and discuss last resort survival including escape and shelter deployment site selection. Conduct “hands-on” fire shelter inspections.  Practice shelter deployments in windy and challenging conditions.

 

4.      Other Hazards and Safety Issues - Choose additional hazard and safety subjects, which may include SAFENET, current safety alerts, site/unit specific safety issues and hazards.  A listing of specific safety issues and topics associated with trends in the Rocky Mountain region are reviewed.   

Inter-Canyon Rookie Firefighter Training

Becoming a firefighter in Colorado requires an individual to meet the minimum state requirements and the requirements of the individual departments.  Department requirements can be obtained from the department website or through a visit to the firehouse.  For Colorado, the state requirements for firefighters are found with the Colorado Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety.

Being a firefighter is a great profession, but serving the community as a volunteer requires hundreds of hours of training before responding to the first call for assistance..  Helping people when things are at their worst is tremendously gratifying. 

 

To become volunteer firefighter, there are a number of factors involved and decisions to be made before making this major commitment of time and energy.  All Inter-Canyon volunteers must become a certified Colorado State Firefighter I, basic Wildland Firefighter, and obtain a minimum of Emergency Medical Responder or Colorado State Emergency Medical Technician certification.  If selected, ICFR will put the applicant through the rookie academy and provide the applicant with the necessary initial training.  

The Colorado Firefighter Certification Program is now required for all firefighters within the state, including volunteer firefighters.  This certification is to ensure that firefighters obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities to meet nationally recognized standards for the position.  Training for certification is established by the National Fire Protection Association Standards for Professional Qualifications. Training subjects are offered according to the level of certification being obtained, such as Fire Fighter I (basic, entry level certification), driver operator, driver operator pumper, etc. Certifications must be renewed every three years through successful completion of each job performance requirement and submission of a renewal application.

Firefighting Foam

Inter-Canyon Fire/Rescue uses various forms of foam to fight both structural and wildland fires.  The use of Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS) in the rural setting undoubtedly offer great benefits, as do regular Class 'A' foams, for their penetrating and protective qualities. It has been shown that fire attack systems providing foam/air additives can assist firefighters greatly. A vast reduction in fire 'knockdown' and suppression times are being seen and the transition to lightweight attack hose-lines, where the air content creates a line that is half the weight of a normal water line, means firefighters are finding it much easier to advance and operate.

Compressed Air Foam

As in life, these are two very different fire classes:

Class A Fuels - Wood, cloth, some plastics

Class B Fuels - Flammable liquids and gases

The two foams used to fight fires are also very different. They may come in the same looking bucket, and make the same white bubbles on the ground, but they are very different chemistries and designed for very different missions.

Making foam is a very simple task – water + soap + air.
There are numerous variations in the makeup (consistency) of the foam. Knowing which variation to use when requires good equipment, training and practice. Using the wrong consistency at the wrong time makes for very unhappy firefighters and possibly a very unhappy situation.

There are 4 levels of effectiveness in firefighting liquids/foams:
The bottom level is water. Water has a high surface to mass ratio (STMR) – inefficient heat absorption; high surface tension – no penetration; repels carbon – won’t stick to vertical surfaces.

Structural Firefighting



Next up is Foam solution = water + concentrate.  Foam solution has a reduced surface tension – improves penetration. Carbon loving – it sticks horizontal, but not vertical. Still has high SMTR. Only slight improvement in heat absorption.

Next level up is Aspirated Foam – better than solution since it is in a bubble format – the bubbles result in an increased STMR for better heat absorption. These bubbles are fragile and cannot be applied at long distance – low energy.

Top level is CAF – penetrates, sticks, ultimate heat absorption (this is what firefighting is all about), high energy, small, strong bubbles – long reach.

Firefighting with Foam

Intravenous Fluids in EMS

Inter-Canyon Fire Rescue EMTs, EMT-Intermediates and Paramedics all can initiate intravenous (IV) therapy for a number of different reasons.  Some of the most common reasons:

1.  Replenish lost fluids due to blood loss, diarhea, vomiting, and evaporative loss (sweating due to heat).
2.  The administration of medications.
3.  Cooling of the patent following successful resuscitation from cardiac arrest.

The use of intravenous (IV) therapy in administering IV fluids and medications is a routine intervention performed frequently in the out-of-hospital setting.   Common IV sites include the inside of the elbow, forearm, and the external jugular (the large vein on the side of the neck).  Typically blood is withdrawn at the time the IV is started.  These tubes of blood can then be delivered to the hospital with the patient for analysis.

The use of large volumes of IV fluids in trauma (significant blood loss) is controversial.  The Denver Metro Paramedic Protocols which guide pre-hospital care limit the volume of IV fluids to prevent complications. 

A common reason for initiating IV therapy is to use the IV as a route for medication administration.

Finally cold IV fluids may be used in patients following sucessful resuscitation after cardiac arrest.

ICFR ambulances carry IV fluid warmers (to prevent cooling of a patient receiving IV fluids) and IV fluid coolers (to chill the fluids for administration after cardiac arrest).

Firefighter Rehabilitation Critical to Safety

Fighting fire is hard work. This has been a universal truth since the inception of the fire service. No amount of tactics, resources, or technological progress will change this fact. One thing that has changed over the past 100-plus years of the modern day fire service is that firefighter rehab is absolutely necessary.  Firefighters face many hazards to health on the scene of not only large fires, but any extended incident.  In the past the firefighter simply sat on the rear bumper of the engine (near the exhaust pipe of the engine) to rest for a few minutes.  

Today firefighters are rotated through rehab for evaluation by EMS staff.  A properly implemented firefighter rehabilitation program will result in fewer accidents and injuries.  More importantly, properly rehabilitated firefighters return to duty better able to handle the workload, are better hydrated and have more productive capacity.  You may see firefighters "sitting around" during a major incident, but this period of rest and evaluation is critical to firefighter safety.

Firefighters in Rehab

CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE

Carbon monoxided is present at all fires and can pose a serious health hazard to firefighters.  ICFR firefighters wear Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) during both fire attack and mop up operations.  Firefighters may be exposed to this colorless and odorless gas on scene.   ICFR uses gas anlyzers to look for not only CO, but other hazadous gases as well.  All three ICFR ambulances are equipped with pulse co-oximeters, a new type of pulse oximeter designed to look for carbon monoxide in the blood.  Firefighters can be treated with oxygen and, if needed, trasnported to an area hospital.

Pulse Co-Oximeter

 
HYDRATION

Our bodies are made up of about two-thirds water. When someone gets dehydrated, it means the amount of water in the body has dropped below the level needed for normal body function. Under normal circumstances, we lose about two to 2.5 liters of water a day through body waste, sweat, and breathing.  Nutrition experts recommend a daily fluid intake of about 1.5 to 2.5 liters for healthy adults under normal living circumstances to prevent a liquid deficit. Small decreases don’t cause problems and go completely unnoticed in most cases.

Losing large amounts of water (in excess of 2 percent of body weight) can be a problem.  Strenuous work, particularly in protective clothing and in hot environments, can result in a loss of one to two liters of water an hour. At this rate, a firefighter may rapidly lose a significant amount of body water weight (the amount of water the body contains under normal conditions based on the size and weight of an individual). A loss of 1 to 2 percent of body water weight will compromise work performance, a loss of 2 to 3 percent will compromise mental alertness, and a loss of 3 to 5 percent can compromise the body’s ability to sustain life.

HEAT CRAMPS

The turnout gear worn by ICFR firefighters noty only protects the firefighters from external heat, but also traps heat in the firefighter and impairs the normal mechanisms of heat dispersion.  Heat cramps are the mildest form of heat/dehydration-related illness and are characterized by painful muscle spasms usually in the abdomen, hamstrings, or calves. These cramps can come on very suddenly and are excruciating. Heat cramps are caused by failure to replace the body’s lost sodium, although poor physical conditioning can also play a key role. Heat cramps can be relieved by drinking liquids or through IV therapy. Light massage and application of ice packs to the affective area may also help to relieve muscular pain during these cramps.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Heat exhaustion is a more serious form of heat/dehydration illness. It is the result of even more severe levels of water and sodium losses through sweat. Symptoms generally include weakness and fatigue and clammy and moist skin that may appear flushed or pale. The body will continue to produce sweat at this stage, further depleting itself of electrolytes and water.

HEAT STROKE

The most serious heat/dehydration-related illness is heat stroke. This is very serious and possibly life threatening. It is brought on by a combination of the aforementioned dehydration factors as well as the body’s failure to regulate its core temperature. Sweating now stops. It is followed by mental confusion, delirium, loss of consciousness, convulsions or seizures; if left untreated, it could lead to coma or death. The core temperature of an individual experiencing heat stroke can be greater than 106°F; the patient will present with hot, dry, and mottled skin.

CALORIES
During extended incidents firefighters do require food.  ICFR has an excellent support organization, the VEES,  which responds quickly to the scene with food and fluids.  The support provided by the VEES extends beyond the time spent on scene, as firefighters return to the stations to clean and restock equipment, refill empty tenders (also known as tankers) and repair equipment.

ICFR offers wildland assessments to your neighborhoods and Home Owners Associations

ICFR offers a Neighborhood Wildfire Review to our citizens in the Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District.  The Neighborhood Wildfire Review helps the residents of our district at risk from wildfire to make their homes safer. The review provides you and your neighbors with a thorough understanding of how homes ignite during wildfires, how simple actions can greatly reduce home ignitions, and how community behavior change can create Firewise homes and communities.

Experienced wildland firefighters from ICFR can meet with your neighborhood gathering or your Home Owners Association meeting to identify hazards and reduce risks in the home ignition zone before a wildfire starts. By applying new knowledge of how wildland/urban interface fires occur and by using new approaches, future wildland/urban interface fire risks may be significantly reduced. 

Firefighters in the wildland/urban interface (any area where wildland fuels threaten to ignite combustible homes and structures) must overcome severe challenges. There just aren’t enough resources to protect every home threatened by a wildfire. Everyone in the vicinity of such a fire is at risk, and the risk is greatly increased in areas that aren’t prepared.  The goal of the Neighborhood Wildfire Review is to help you and your neighbors  decrease the risks and threats of wildfires through public education, community design, land use planning, collaboration, preparedness and prevention programs.

If you are interested in the Neighborhood Wildfire Review we ask that you:

1.  Identify 20 neighbors from your area who will attend the review.

2.  Coordinate the date and time, as well as disseminating the information regarding the meeting to your neighbors or HOA.

3.  Contact the ICFPD administrative offices to coordinate a meeting time, date and location.  You can call our offices at 303-697-4413 Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The new Jefferson County Emergency Preparedness Guide is now available

Preapre your family for an emergency with the newest information.  You can download a copy of the new Jefferson County Emergency Preparedness Guide from the Jefferson County website:  http://jeffco.us/jeffco/sheriff_uploads/2012_Emergency_Preparedness_Guide_complete_for_website.pdf

Or you can stop by the ICFR administrative offices at station one, 7939 South Turkey Creek Road, to pick up a copy.  Offices are open Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Jefferson County to test new Reverse 911 system on Wednesday February 6

From Jefferson County:

NEW Emergency Notification System to be tested Wed., Feb. 6th

We no longer have your phone number!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On February 6, starting at 9 a.m., the CodeRED emergency notification system will begin making test calls.  This notification process is expected to take several hours to complete due to the large number of landlines to be called.  This system is used to help disseminate information regarding critical incidents.  In addition citizens can elect to receive notification of severe weather using the CodeRED Weather Warning system. 

 Residents and businesses are encouraged to visit www.jeffcosheriff.com to sign up. It only takes seconds, and can include SMS (text) and email address preferences. This is especially important for those addresses without a landline, as residents and businesses must register if they want to receive emergency notifications. Residents who have previously registered their phone numbers must re-register under the new notification system to ensure accuracy.   Residents wanting more information about the test notification call or with questions should call: 303-277-0211. 
 
  .

ICFR Community Wildfire Protection Plan

The ICFR Community Wildfire Protection Plan was developed by the Colorado State Forest Service, Jefferson County, and Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District.  The CWPP identifies the fuels, risks and resources for wildfire in ICFPD.  Take a few minutes to review the plan and the impact of wildfire in your neighborhood.


http://csfs.colostate.edu/pages/documents/InterCanyonFD_CWPP.pdf

Please slow down for Emergency Responders and Maintenance Crews working on roadways

Fire fighters face a serious risk of being struck and killed by traffic when offering emergency assistance along busy highways.

From 1995 to 1999, 17 firefighters were struck and killed by motor vehicles while working along highways at crash scenes, an 89 percent increase over the number killed in the previous five years. These fatalities demonstrate that line-of-duty risks to fire fighters are not limited to the hazards of fighting structural blazes and wildfires.  The weather, the time of day, lighting, traffic speed and volume, and road configuration are among the factors that affect fire fighter safety along roadways.

ICFR firefighters follow national standards for visitbility on roadways, wearing a high-visibility safety vest on all scenes on highways and roads.  These vests are not worn during firefighting operations. 

Please slow down when approaching an emergency scene or in the area of road maintenance crews.  Pull into the left lane if possible to give emergency workers some room.  Look for traffic control staff, safety cones, and signals for proper routes through or around the scene.

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are conducive to the rapid growth of wildfires. Dry conditions combined with high winds and low humidity are the hallmarks of weather conducive to producing large wildfires.

The three basic ingredients for a wildfire are strong winds, low relative humidity, and high temperatures. In addition, persistently dry vegetation provides an easy fuel source for the fires. Living on or above a steep hill is a risk factor for rapid spread of fire.  If the conditions are either not currently occurring or about to occur, a Fire Weather Watch is issued.  Red Flag Warnings mean there is an expectation for explosive fire growth potential.

Incident Command System

ICFR uses the Incident Command System (ICS) on every call.  From the EMS call with an ill patient to a large rescue effort in Deer Creek Canyon Park, each call has an Incident Commander (IC) responsible for the scene.  When working with other agencies ICFR apparatus and staff report to the IC for that scene. 

A summary of the Incident Command System from FEMA:
The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized, on-scene, all-hazards incident management approach that:

• Allows for the integration of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communications operating within a common organizational structure.
• Enables a coordinated response among various jurisdictions and functional agencies, both public and private.
• Establishes common processes for planning and managing resources.

ICS is flexible and can be used for incidents of any type, scope and complexity. ICS allows its users to adopt an integrated organizational structure to match the complexities and demands of single or multiple incidents.

ICS is used by all levels of government—federal, state, tribal and local—as well as by many nongovernmental organizations and the private sector. ICS is also applicable across disciplines. It is typically structured to facilitate activities in five major functional areas: Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics and Finance/Administration. All of the functional areas may or may not be used based on the incident needs. Intelligence/Investigations is an optional sixth functional area that is activated on a case-by-case basis.

As a system, ICS is extremely useful; not only does it provide an organizational structure for incident management but it also guides the process for planning, building and adapting that structure. Using ICS for every incident or planned event helps hone and maintain skills needed for the large-scale incidents.

Diagram of the Command and General staff at larger incidents.  Not all positions may be filled at smaller incidents: