Helenville Fire Department

Firefighter 2 Practical Drills

noreply@blogger.com (Raimondo Albarelli) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 01:32:00 +0000

Firefighters attending the current Firefighter 2 class on Tuesday nights at the Helenville Fire Dept drove to the MATC Truax campus today for the first of their practical drills which will prepare them for the state exam.

The topics focused on handling gas fires, fire ground communications, hose testing, and the use of foam.

Assisting Our Distant Neighbors - Cudahy WI

noreply@blogger.com (Raimondo Albarelli) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:50:00 +0000

Under the command of Chief Whitham from Johnson Creek, the Jefferson, Lake Mills, Helenville, and Johnson Creek Fire Departments responded to MABAS to assist in fighting the fire at Patrick Cudahy. The firefighters from Jefferson County spent 9 hours there and joined Cudahy with firefighters from Wind Lake and Tichigan.

Chief's Corner - March 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Raimondo Albarelli) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:56:00 +0000

Looking back on the last year has shown how valuable working as a team is for our Fire department. It is not an accident that so much has been accomplished last year. Now that we are heading into spring we will be doing more hands on training and the team work we had in the past will be very crucial to that training and the safety aspects during that training.

There will be a joint training session with Jefferson fire department to burn a building at the fairgrounds. This will be a Saturday morning training event so watch for that date.

Stay Safe

Chief Madison

Click here for the full newsletter

Rosenbauer Truck Demo

noreply@blogger.com (Raimondo Albarelli) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:12:00 +0000

A representative from Rosenbauer came with a demo truck to show members of the Helenville Fire Department. After looking over the truck carefully, the truck committee went through a list of items that the department would need on their new truck, while looking for ways to cut costs.

Winter Fire Safety

noreply@blogger.com (Raimondo Albarelli) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 02:20:00 +0000

Brrrrr! It's cold outside. With a decrease in temperatures comes an increase in the use of alternative sources for heating your home. Many are seeking to supplement their primary heating source while saving money, while others are seeking the cozy atmosphere of a fireplace. Whatever your reason for having an alternative heating source, it's important for you to consider the dangers and take the appropriate precautions.

Fireplaces, wood burning stoves, and space heaters are increasing in popularity and if you have one in your home, they increase your chances of a fire. These fires can be prevented if you follow these safety tips.

Electric space heaters come in handy for those rooms that just don't seem to get warm enough. When purchasing one, get one that has a thermostat control that will switch off if the heater falls over. Also, make sure it's listed with the Underwriters Laboratory. Keep in mind that this is an electric "space" heater and it needs just that, SPACE! Like the wood stove, keep a 3 feet radius around the heater to keep objects from catching on fire. This means you can't use the space heater as a clothes drier or bun warmer. Always unplug the heater when it's not being used.

Now we come to the use of kerosene heaters. Before you run out and buy a kerosene heater call your local fire department to check on the legality of using one in your neighborhood. The operational parameters for a kerosene heater are similar to the electric space heater. Buy one that's UL listed and keep it clear of flammable objects. Use the kerosene heater in a well ventilated room and never use gasoline or camp stove fuel in your heater. Both fuels will flare-up easily. Use the manufacturer specified fuel in your heater, which is typically crystal clear K1 kerosene.

Wood stoves add a nice atmosphere to your home, while keeping it warm. They are also the cause of over 4,000 residential fires a year. If you haven't purchased a wood stove yet, look for one made of solid construction, like plate steel or cast iron. When installing a wood stove, take great care to follow the instructions. Periodically check for cracks and inspect the legs, hinges, and door seals. Do NOT burn green wood, artificial logs, or trash in your wood stove. Keep a 3 foot radius around your wood stove to prevent flammables from igniting.

Fireplaces share a rustic ambiance with wood stoves, but present other challenges with regard to maintenance and fire safety. A fireplace needs to be cleaned out frequently to prevent creosote build up. Regularly check for obstructions and cracks to prevent chimney and roof fires that can be costly, and even deadly. Like the wood stove, never burn trash, paper, or green wood which can produce additional creosote and can be difficult to control. The entrance to the fireplace should be fully screened off to prevent logs from rolling out and to catch flying sparks. When stoking your fireplace, don't wear loose fitting clothing. Make sure your fireplace is completely out before leaving home or going to bed.

The ashes of a wood stove or fireplace can harbor embers that are hot, even days after they have been removed from the source. Store these ashes in tightly sealed metal container outside the home and away from anything flammable.

No matter what means you use to heat your home, make sure you have working smoke detectors on every floor and a carbon monoxide detector in your home.

Stay warm, and safe!

Firefighter Games

noreply@blogger.com (Raimondo Albarelli) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:26:00 +0000

Helenville Fire Dept

P.O. Box 87

N3747 Helenville Rd. 4/24/08

Helenville, WI 53137

Dear Fellow Firefighters,

In celebration of the 60^th Annual Helenville Firemen’s Picnic, the Helenville Volunteer Fire Department has organized a Firefighting Competition. This event will be held during this year’s Helenville Firemen’s Picnic, June 27^th, 28^th, and 29^th 2008. On behalf of the department we would like to invite you to join in on the fun.

The competition will be held on June 28^th beginning at 11:00 a.m. sharp. There will be no fee to participate, however we ask that your team send in a registration form prior to June 15^th 2008. Prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third place teams in each event. This year the events include Response Relay, Bucket Brigade, and Water Basketball.

A rule sheet and registration form is enclosed. We have also included a flyer for this year’s Picnic and our 6^th Annual Helenville Super Nationals - Truck and Tractor Pull.

Any questions regarding this year’s Firefighting Competition can be directed to Lynsey Madison at (262) 593-2742. Any questions about this year’s Helenville Firemen’s Picnic can be directed to Kurt Walther at (920) 723-5542.

Helenville Fire Department,

Lynsey Madison & Kurt Walther

Competition Coordinator & Picnic Chairman

Download this letter and application.

Seat Belt Safety

noreply@blogger.com (Helenville Fire Department) — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:31:00 +0000

This month's crash of a tanker truck just west of Beloit should give us all pause to consider the importance of seatbelts! According to the NFPA, vechicle crashes cause more firefighter deaths then fires.

In 2003, red seatbelts were added to NFPA 1901 in an effort to verify that firefighters were safely traveling to and from the fire scene. This isn't a surprising move, since 2003 saw more on duty crash fatalities than any year since 1977.

Please review the articles linked here, along with the USFA report on firefighter fatalities. Are you in the habit of wearing your seatbelt to and from the scene. I know I'm not! But the evidence is compelling, seatbelts save lives! As firefighters, EMTs, and first responders, we know this first hand, and yet we neglect to wear our own safety belts. Let's make a concerted effort to make this a habit!

"If we do not follow our safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to and from the fire scene, what makes us think we will follow the safety SOPs at the fire?" - Burton Clark.
Consider downloading and signing the National Seat Belt Pledge, and let's be safe out there!

- Ray Albarelli

Firefighter Games at the Picnic

noreply@blogger.com (Helenville Fire Department) — Fri, 09 May 2008 04:16:00 +0000

We will be organizing a team to compete in the firefighter games at the picnic and need your help. If you are interested in being on the team, supporting the team, or just want information about the games, please call me.

Lynsey Madison

Firefighter

Chief's Corner - May

noreply@blogger.com (Helenville Fire Department) — Fri, 09 May 2008 00:12:00 +0000

You have heard it before, but with the lull in the action, the law of averages will click in. The question is will you be ready for it. Have you had enough training drills including truck and equipment checks on a regular basis? Even though training is not like the real thing training will put you on the track to operate in a safe and efficient manner. This helps assure That Everyone Goes Home and also we can be proud of the job we have done.

I would like to thank those who cleaned the station on Monday and those who helped on Tuesday for the training for the Guatemalan Bomberos (firefighters). It was an enjoyable time to watch our personnel pass on their skills to others not as fortunate as us.

Chief Madison

Foreign Firefighters Learn U.S. Techniques

noreply@blogger.com (Helenville Fire Department) — Thu, 08 May 2008 19:38:00 +0000

By Steve Sharp with photography by John Hart, both of the Watertown Daily Times staff.

HELENVILLE - The Helenville Fire Department this week hosted seven firefighters, or “bomberos,” from Guatemala and two from Ecuador as part of a program to train the South and Central Americans in fire equipment usage, safety and techniques.

Martin Castillo, a Helenville firefighter, told the Daily Times during Tuesday afternoon exercises outside the Helenville Fire Station that his wife became acquainted with opportunities for hosting the training program after traveling to Guatemala recently as part of the Hearts In Motion (HIM) international firefighter support program.

HIM is an Indiana-based organization that provides care and medical treatment for children, families and communities through its programs and sponsorships in the U.S., and Central and South America. It has done so since 1990.

HIM also provides opportunities for individuals to participate in short-term mission experiences. According to its Web site, the organization works to complement resources already in place, while respecting the culture of those with whom it has contact. Firefighter training is an aspect of how it aids communities in locations such as Guatemala.

The firemen from Guatemala and Ecuador, many from different stations, come to the U.S. regularly to train as part of the HIM effort, something its literature calls, “A truly unique venture of international brotherhood.” This time, the firemen visited fire stations in Indiana, Wisconsin and Chicago, and were trained in modern techniques of battling blazes.

“We make sure they know personal safety and how to use the Jaws of Life, the hoses and how to basically dress properly for the emergencies they will face,” Castillo said while he supervised the foreign firefighters in their maneuvers in the wooded park next to the fire station.

Castillo has been a firefighter in Helenville for 15 years. He speaks Spanish, so he assumed the duties of translator this week. Two other interpreters from Costa Rica were also present.

“I speak Spanish and I am a firefighter, so we have some common bonds,” Castillo said, adding he worked with the Guatemalan/Ecuadorian group since Sunday. The group stayed at a private residence in Fort Atkinson while here and trained in that community over the weekend. On Monday, the group learned in Eagle, Tuesday in Helenville.

“In Eagle, they were working on how to get dressed in turnout gear and air masks,” Castillo said. “Then we did some water work and checking of pressures on nozzles.”

Dennis Sudbrink is assistant fire chief in Eagle. He was in Helenville this week to continue teaching and told the Daily Times he has been working with firefighters from South and Central America for years. Sudbrink became involved in HIM firefighter training after meeting some firemen on a trip to Guatemala a few years ago.

“These guys who are out here today are some of the higher-ranking firefighters at their departments,” Sudbrink said. “Hearts In Motion wants to train these men to be good trainers themselves. Then they can bring information back and teach others to be better firefighters.”

Sudbrink said HIM has been involved in the actual training of firefighters for about eight years.

“Before that, they didn't know what firefighting was,” he said of the Guatemalans. “We've made quite an impression on people living in a Third World country. They have a long way to go, but they have come a long way. The enthusiasm these guys have is amazing. They really want to learn and they are good at it.”

The foreign group, whose members ranged in age from 22 to 50, is in the upper Midwest for two weeks. Tuesday was their last day in Wisconsin. They are going to Chicago late in the week, then returning home.

“They are having the opportunity to take part in the volunteer training here and then they get to experience the city training from a full-time firefighter's perspective,” Castillo said. “They will stay at the fire station in Chicago and may even go on a call.”

Castillo said communication was only a minor problem this week but he is always looking for more interpreters. He also noted the training is time-consuming for all involved.

“It's a unique time,” he said, adding he and his colleagues must work to coordinate work and family schedules to accommodate the rigors of conducting the training. Castillo is an auto mechanic by trade.

“This is the first time Helenville has been involved in this program,” Castillo said. “It is a full-time commitment and we have to make sacrifices in terms of work and family. We will take this one year at a time. This is the first time our fire chief has dealt with international firefighters, so I am hoping for a good experience - and so far it's been good.”

Ray Madison, Helenville's fire chief, said he was enjoying his interaction with the bomberos.

“It's great to pass your talents on to fellow firefighters. It's kind of exciting,” he said, adding that water exercises that were being conducted in Helenville Tuesday could never be held in Guatemala, due to water shortages there.

Amidst an almost constant mist of water from fire hoses, Castillo said some of the visiting men are full-time firefighters and their professional techniques are similar to ones used in the U.S.

“So getting the messages across to them is basically the same,” he said. “They seem to very much enjoy their time here. They are laughing any time they get a chance.”

Through interpreter Castillo, Javier Jaramillo, a bombero from Ecuador, talked about some of the things he's learned while in the U.S. He noted he was especially gratified by all of the friendships he has made with firefighters here during his tour.

After his brief statement, Jaramillo joined two colleagues who were manning a hose containing 100 pounds of water pressure. With Jaramillo, the trio progressed forward as a team, spraying toward a mock fire. The goal of the exercise was to teach teamwork, and to allow each man to understand what the others were experiencing in terms of safety, physical exertion and the vagaries of different water pressures.

Castillo said that, although Jefferson County-area firefighters had been providing the formal firefighting education to the South and Central Americans, there was a pleasant exchange of ideas and much good will.

“I love it,” Castillo said. “I learn something from them. There's no selfishness among them and although they are from different fire departments, after the trip, they will be like brothers. It's gratifying knowing we, here in Wisconsin, can have a little part in their training. We will be lifelong friends when this is done.”

Links

Watertown Daily Times

Hearts in Motion

Know the Signs of a Tornado

noreply@blogger.com (Raimondo Albarelli) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:54:00 +0000

We are moving into the severe weather season here in Wisconsin, which represents a different set of challenges for firefighters and EMS. To be prepared and recognize the conditions that can lead to a tornado, Rusty Kapela of NOAA’s National Weather Service in Sullivan will be holding a class in Jefferson. To wet your appetite for this training, consider this information from the NOAA website:

Know the signs of a tornado: Weather forecasting science is not perfect and some tornadoes do occur without a tornado warning. There is no substitute for staying alert to the sky. Besides an obviously visible tornado, here are some things to look and listen for:

1. Strong, persistent rotation in the cloud base.

2. Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base -- tornadoes sometimes have no funnel!

3. Hail or heavy rain followed by either dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift. Many tornadoes are wrapped in heavy precipitation and can't be seen.

4. Day or night - Loud, continuous roar or rumble, which doesn't fade in a few seconds like thunder.

5. Night - Small, bright, blue-green to white flashes at ground level near a thunderstorm (as opposed to silvery lightning up in the clouds). These mean power lines are being snapped by very strong wind, maybe a tornado.

6. Night - Persistent lowering from the cloud base, illuminated or silhouetted by lightning -- especially if it is on the ground or there is a blue-green-white power flash underneath.

Ray Albarelli
Severe Weather Spotter

Chimney Fires, A Winter Nightmare

noreply@blogger.com (Raimondo Albarelli) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 01:22:00 +0000

The Helenville Fire Department responded to, and extinguished a chimney fire at a residence in their fire district on Sunday January 13th. Firefighters responding to a chimney fire face some unique challenges. The use of water is contraindicated, the superheated water can cause damage to metal or crack the masonry. A snow covered roof can make navigation around the chimney difficult. It's important to rely on roof ladders, even without snow; since the spread of fire may cause structural degradation.

The department followed the success of this call by doing ladder drills on Monday January 14th. These drills focused on the use of ropes and harnesses for safe navigation and egress, along with the use of roof ladders and scene lighting.

As a homeowner, it's important to consider the dangers of a chimney fire. With high efficiency furnaces and modern technology changing the way we heat our homes, even with a wood burner, a chimney fire seems unlikely. Don't lulled into a sense of security, it would be false!

If you are using a wood stove, keep in mind that the combustion process is never complete. The smoke from a wood fire contains a tar like substance called creosote which will condense on surfaces at temperatures below 250 degrees Fahrenheit . When the temperature of creosote drops below 150 degrees the deposit on stove pipes and flues will become thick and sticky. Carbon from smoke will become trapped by the creosote, becoming very flammable as it dries and flakes. Although fireplaces are a risk, wood stoves are more of a concern for creosote buildup since the exhaust gases from stoves are cooler

You can reduce the buildup of creosote in an airtight stove by using small amounts of wood and stoking it more often, or by using larger pieces of wood. It can also be limited by leaving the air inlet or stove door slightly open after stoking. After the wood is reduced to charcoal, close the inlet as desired. This extra air completes combustion, generates more heat, and lowers the potential to form creosote.

Creosote build up can also be reduced by insulating the stove pipe, reducing the amount of bends between the stove and the chimney, and by using a new smaller flue or stainless steel stove pipe liner.

Be prepared! No system is completely safe and fire-proof. Make sure everyone in your home is familiar with the warning signs. If there is a chimney fire, you will hear sucking sounds, a loud roar and shaking pipes. Practice fire drills and instruct all mature members of your household how and when to use a fire extinguisher.

If you have a chimney fire:

1. Dial 911.

2. Get everyone out of the house and have them watch for sparks and signs of fire on the roof and surrounding area. If safety permits, one adult should stay in the house to check the
attic and upper floors for signs of fire.

3. Discharge a class ABC fire extinguisher or throw baking soda into the stove or fireplace. The chemical travels up and may extinguish the flame.

4. If the stove pipe joints are tight and no other device is connected to the same flue, close all openings. Close the damper in a stove that isn't air tight.

5. If this is a fireplace and you can do this without risking your life, carefully cut off the air supply by using a wet blanket or sheet metal to seal off the fireplace opening. Be careful since a strong draft can make this difficult and dangerous.

After the fire check the chimney for deterioration of the metal or masonry. If a chimney fire occurs once, it's very likely to happen again. Find the cause or call an expert to determine where the problem lies.

Creosote happens! Clean your chimney at least once a year. Some experts recommend cleaning it after every third cord of wood is burned, but at least once a year.

- Ray Albarelli
Firefighter