Interesting site

This site has many links to fire history related sites, musums etyc.
Check it out at  Hall of flame Web site

The Great Chicago Fire

This Evening of October 8th is the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, It reportedly started this evening at Mrs. O'Leary's barn. The fire burned from Sunday October 8th to early Tuesday, October 10, 1871, it killed hundreds and destroyed about four square miles in Chicago. The traditional account of the origin of the fire is that it started by a cow kicking over a lantern in the barn owned by Patrick and Catherine O’Leary. Michael Ahern, the Chicago Republican reporter who created the cow story, admitted in 1893 that he had made it up because he thought it would make colorful copy. Although the fire is still undetermined, and it has been established that the O’Leary’s were asleep at the time the fire started, the massive fire swiftly took its toll, burning more than 2000 acres in 27 hours. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) decided that the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire should be observed not with festivities, but in a way that would keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention. That's how we came to have a national observance of Fire Prevention Week. 
Here are some links to the history of the great Chicago Fire
Chicago Historical Society http://www.nationalcenter.org/ChicagoFire.html  http://www.answers.com/topic/great-chicago-fire

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50th anniversary of the fire & explosion that killed 5 Kansas City firefighters and brought us the term BLEVE. A look back to August 18, 1959.

Watch 1959 film and KMBC-TV news story about the fire, along with the coverage of the memorial dedication in 1999 (a must see) Details of Tuesday's event from IAFF Local 42
Tomorrow morning at 10:00, firefighters and others will gather at a small memorial adjacent to the Missouri - Kansas state line in Kansas City. They will remember five firefighters and a civilian killed during a fire and explosions on a Tuesday morning exactly 50-years earlier.
The Southwest Boulevard fire has often been cited as the first time the term boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion or BLEVE was used to describe the rupture and rocketing of a flammable liquid container during a fire.
The BLEVE was caught on film by KMBC-TV cameraman Joe Adams.
Killed in the fire and explosions were Captain George Bartels, Captain Pete Sirna, Firefighter Neal Owen, Firefighter Virgil Sams and Firefighter Delbert Stone of the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department. Also killed was a civilian, Francis Toomes, described as a friend of "men in one of the engine companies".
Read initial AP and UPI accounts of the fire
Aerial and ground views of the same area during a 1951 flood and tank farm fire and here

The fire broke out around 8:20 AM as two men fueled a gasoline tank truck. The fire spread to four horizontal tanks capable of holding 21,000 gallons. They were filled to various levels with kerosene and gasoline.
During the earlier stages of the fire a number of firefighters were felled by the heat from the fire and the hot summer day. Others were taken from the scene by ambulance because of smoke inhalation.
As the fire progressed the first three tanks failed adding considerable fuel to the fire. But an NFPA report said these tanks did not move very far when their welds tore loose. It was at about the two-hour point into the fire that the rupture of tank number four containing 15,655 gallons of gasoline occurred. It "rocketed a distance of 94 ft. and landed 15 ft. into the street".
The tank also went through one brick wall and knocked down another. The resulting fireball is what engulfed the firefighters.
Firefighter Lester Cecil told a reporter, "The tanks were ruptured and were hissing like jets. I saw a sheet of flame coming at me and started to run up Thirty-First (street). I caught on fire and started to roll. There was a sheet of flame over me. It was about five feet off the ground and completely over me."

The Firefighter's Prayer

The Firefighter's Prayer

When I am called to duty, God,

whenever flames may rage;

Give me strength to save some life,

whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child before it is too late

Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout,

And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,

To guard my every neighbor and protect his property.

And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life;

Please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.
Author Unknown

Divers tell of deadly 1909 crib fire

Divers tell of deadly 1909 crib fire
It was an unusually warm January day when workers at Mount Greenwood Cemetery lowered dozens of caskets into a mass grave as deep and wide as a basement.
More than 50 men perished in a mysterious 1909 fire that swept through a water-intake crib a mile off the shores of Lake Michigan near 71st Street. The men were living and working on the lake to build a tunnel under Lake Michigan.
The tunnel would supply Chicago's growing South Side with fresh drinking water.

Whole article here:
Divers tell of deadly 1909 crib fire :: The SouthtownStar :: News
8 hours ago by BY KRISTEN McQUEARY Staff writer More than 50 men perished in a mysterious 1909 fire that swept through a water-intake crib a mile off the shores of Lake Michigan near 71st Street. The men were living and working on the lake to build a tunnel under Lake Michigan. ...The SouthtownStar :: News :: - http://www.southtownstar.com/news/

Words of Wisdom

Words of Wisdom from a Wise Old Fireman
Being part of a Brotherhood is like being part of a family; you can confide in your brothers and know that it will not go any farther than them if you don't want it to. When you sit down with your brothers you are comfortable to be yourself, without fear of being badmouthed behind your back. Then there are those who just can't let anyone be part of a group that they are not part of. They are the guys who show up to one or two calls every now and again. They will badmouth you and talk about you, but just ignore them because they will soon find out that they are not as highly thought of as they thought and they will get what is coming to them sooner or later. Above all remember that someone who talks about you behind your back or won't trust you is not your brother and probably can not take the fact that they are just not the best at something. As I age, I want to pass on the things that I have learned through the years, I hope that you will take this to heart and go out and be with your Brothers, but beware of false attitudes, you will recognize them. -unknown author

1991 Chicago

Vintage Close Call In Chicago - Truck Operations 1991


Find more videos like this on firevideo.net

Old CFD video

Real nice old CFD video
C.F.D. Part 1 montage of fire and disaster runs, accidents, injuries, classic disasters and fires.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXsiu6la0BY



Nice Emergency 51 Tribute Video

Found this and needed to share

THE CREATION OF THE FIREFIGHTER

When the Lord was creating firefighters, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, "You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."
And the Lord said, "Have you read the specification on this person? Firefighters have to be able to go for hours fighting fires or tending to a person that the usual every day person would never touch, while putting in the back of their mind the circumstances. They have to be able to move at a second's notice and not think twice of what they are about to do, no matter what danger. They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on half-eaten meals, and they must have six pairs of hands."
The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands...no way."
"It's not the hands that are causing me problems," said the Lord, "it's the three pairs of eyes a Firefighter has to have." That's on the standard model? " Asked the angel. The Lord nodded. "One pair that sees through the fire and where they and their fellow Firefighters should fight the fire next. Another pair here in the side of the head to see their fellow Firefighters and keep them safe. And another pair of eyes in the front so that they can look for the victims caught in the fire that need their help."
"Lord" said the angel, touching his sleeve, " Rest and work on this tomorrow."
"I can't,” said the Lord, "I already have a model that can carry a 250 pound man down a flight of stairs and to safety from a burning building, and can feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck."
The angel circled the model of the Firefighter very slowly, "Can it think?"
"You bet," said the Lord. “It can tell you the elements of a hundred fires; and can recite procedures in their sleep that are needed to care for a person until they reach the hospital. And all the while they have to keep their wits about themselves. This Firefighter also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with a scene full of pain and hurt, coaxing a child's mother into letting go of the child so that they can care for the child in need. And still they rarely get the recognition for a job well done from anybody, other than from fellow Firefighters."
Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Firefighter. “There's a leak", she pronounced. "Lord, it's a tear." "What's the tear for?" asked the angel. "It's a tear from bottled-up emotions for fallen comrades. A tear for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American Flag. It's a tear for all the pain and suffering they have encountered. And it's a tear for their commitment to caring for and saving lives of their fellow man!"
"What a wonderful feature Lord, you're a genius" said the angel. The Lord looked somber and said "I didn't put it there."

"Know Your Fire Department"

Know your triple-combination pumpers: This is one of 17-parts of the 1949 film Know Your Fire Department featuring LAFD. "Know Your Fire Department" must have been the Emergency! of its day. I imagine it inspired many a boy of that generation to become a fireman.
It looks like the film was uploaded to YouTube on Friday in at least 15 different parts. Click here to access all of them. They cover fire boats, fire prevention, manifold rigs, airport crash rigs, the Arson Bureau and more.

I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a firefighter

"I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a firefighter.
The position may, in the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one; but we who know the work which the firefighter has to do believe that his is a noble calling.
There is an adage which says that, 'Nothing can be destroyed except by fire.' We strive to preserve from destruction the wealth of the world which is the product of the industry of men, necessary for the comfort of both the rich and the poor.
We are defenders from fires of the art which has beautified the world, the product of the genius of men and the means of refinement of mankind. (But, above all; our proudest endeavor is to save lives of men-the work of God Himself.Under the impulse of such thoughts, the nobility of the occupation thrills us and stimulates us to deeds of daring, even at the supreme sacrifice. Such considerations may not strike the average mind, but they are sufficient to fill to the limit our ambition in life onto make us serve the general purpose of human society."

Chief Edward F. Croker
FDNY circa 1910

Vintage Film

Found is interesting old film/video on fire fighting, it seems that it's from about 1965 back east. Bad part is, I think I remember watching this on TV then, Man I am getting old.

History of the Maltese Cross

History of the Maltese Cross
The Badge of a Fire Fighter is the Maltese Cross. The Maltese Cross is a symbol of protection and a badge of honor. Its story is hundreds of years old.

When a courageous band of crusaders known as The Knights of St. John fought the Saracens for possession of the holy land, they encountered a new weapon unknown to European warriors. It was a simple, but horrible device of war. It brought excruciating pain and agonizing death upon the brave fighters for the cross.

As the crusaders advanced on the walls of the city, they were struck by glass bombs containing naphtha. When they became saturated with the highly flammable liquid, the Saracens would hurl a flaming torch into their midst. Hundreds of the knights were burned alive; others risked their lives to save their brothers-in-arms from dying painful, fiery deaths.Thus, these men became our first Fire Fighters and the first of a long list of courageous men.

Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow crusaders who awarded each hero a badge of honor - a cross similar to the one fire fighters wear today. Since the Knights of St. John lived for close to four centuries on a little island in the Mediterranean Sea named Malta, the cross came to be known as the Maltese Cross.

The Maltese Cross is our symbol of protection. It means that the Fire Fighter who wears this cross is willing to lay down his life for you just as the crusaders sacrificed their lives for their fellow man so many years ago. The Maltese Cross is a Fire Fighter's badge of honor, signifying that he works in courage - a ladder's rung away from death.

A little History

Firefighting In Colonial America

The history of firefighting in America can be traced all the way back to Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Founded in 1607 by colonists from the London Company, Jamestown was under the command of Captain James Smith. It did not take long for fire to begin taking its toll on the new settlers.

In January 1608, a devastating fire destroyed most of the colonists' provisions and lodgings. Smith made a concise assessment of the situation: "I begin to think that it is safer for me to dwell in the wild Indian country than in this stockade, where fools accidentally discharge their muskets and others burn down their homes at night."

Three hundred ninety years later, Smith's read on America's safety issues is not that much different than today's. Our headlines still feature the same two elements - fire and guns.

The population of the New World continued to rise as shiploads of immigrants stepped ashore looking for a fresh start in a new land. Cities began to take shape, and the problems Smith found in the small stockade multiplied as more and more structures were added. The fire load in these cities increased as forests were cleared and wooden homes and buildings were constructed.

The communities that sprang up around three of the best harbors - Boston, New York and Philadelphia - soon faced a number of social problems involving housing, sanitation, water supply and the danger of fire. These three cities, and the firefighters who eventually stepped forward to protect them, set the course early on as to the direction and shape the American Fire Service would take.

In 1648, New Amsterdam (later New York) Governor Peter Stuyvesant stood firmly on his peg leg and appointed four men to act as fire wardens. They were empowered to inspect all chimneys and to fine any violators of the rules. The city burghers later appointed eight prominent citizens to the "Rattle Watch" - these men volunteered to patrol the streets at night carrying large wooden rattles. If a fire was seen, the men spun the rattles, then directed the responding citizens to form bucket brigades. This is generally recognized as the first step in organized firefighting in America.

Even earlier, Boston's city fathers took the first steps in fire prevention when Governor John Winthrop outlawed wooden chimneys and thatched roofs in 1631. Forty years later, Boston suffered a series of arson fires and finally a conflagration in 1676. The small "ingine" built by local ironmaker Joseph Jynks, probably a syringe-type pump, had little effect on the swelling wall of flames. Shortly after the fire, Bostonians sent for the "state of the art fire engine" then being made in England. The three-foot-long, 18-inch-wide wooden box arrived with carrying handles and a direct-force pump that fed a small hose. The tub-like section of the engine was kept filled with water by a bucket brigade.

The need to coordinate these efforts brought about the establishment of the first engine company in colonial America. Twelve men and a captain were "hired" by the General Court to care for and manage the engine and to be paid for their work. On January 27, 1678, this company went into service. Its captain (foreman), Thomas Atkins, was actually the first firefighting officer in the country.

Two Newsham engines arrived in New York in December 1732. Jacob Turck was appointed to take charge of the engines and to keep them in repair at his own cost after a 10-pound salary was advanced him. Turck also worked on a pump of his own design, perhaps the first mechanical fire pumper built in America.

Most notable among the famous Americans who helped shape the country and the fire service was Benjamin Franklin, a writer, printer, philosopher, scientist, statesman of the American Revolution - and a fireman. Franklin helped draft the Declaration of Independence, served as a diplomat, and invented items that ranged from lightning rods to bifocal eyeglasses. In 1736, Franklin founded the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia, which became the standard for volunteer fire company organization.

Two important "tools" utilized by early American firemen were the bed key and salvage bags. With firefighting apparatus able to supply only a small stream of water, a fire that began to gain any headway was soon out of control. Arriving firemen quite often opted for immediate salvage efforts in the fire building and surrounding exposures. The bed key was a small metal tool that allowed the men to quickly disassemble the wooden frame of a bed, quite often the most valuable item owned by a family, and remove it to safety. Other household goods of any value were snatched up, placed in salvage bags and carried to safety.

The first attempt at fire insurance went bust after a devastating fire in Charlestown, MA., in 1736. Ben Franklin then organized the "Philadelphia Contributorship" to insure houses from loss by fire in 1740, a venture that was a success. The company adopted "fire marks" to be affixed to the front of the insured's property for easy identification.

With rules to provide for buckets, hooks, ladders and the formation of volunteer companies, firefighting started to become formalized. The chain of command fell in place as officers of various ranks were established. Firemen devised new and better ways to accomplish their mission; everything from helmets to hoses were invented or improved. Firemen in Philadelphia, New York, Boston and other cities made major advances in the technology and theory of firefighting.

The legacy of colonial firefighters can still be seen in fire department operations and organization across the country to this day. The wooden hydrants are gone but the iron willed determination of American firefighters is as strong as ever.

1736 Union Fire Company
The strict fire and building codes we have today were unknown in eighteenth century America. Most houses were built of wood and heated by open hearths and fireplaces. The danger of fire raging throughout a town or city was ever present. Some cities, such as Boston, established loosely organized fire fighting companies to help prevent disaster.

Never one to let a hot idea go up in smoke, Franklin suggested that Philadelphia should have fire-fighting clubs modeled after the ones in Boston. After writing about it in the Gazette and discussing it with members of the Junto, he organized the Union Fire Company, which was incorporated in 1736. Members of the fire company pledged to help one another should fire break out or threaten one of their homes or businesses. Not only would they attempt to put out the flames, members would also help save goods within the building and protect the building from looters. Members were not required to help protect properties of non-members.

Members had to provide at least two buckets for carrying water and several cloth bags for carrying items rescued from the fire. The original twenty-five members of the group met once a month to discuss fire-fighting techniques, to establish company policies, and, of course, to socialize. Soon fire companies and clubs sprang up all over Philadelphia and most of the city fell under the protection of one or another of the companies—yet another civic improvement brought to us by the work of Benjamin Franklin.

Fire Sprinkler History

Good presentation from NFA on the History of the fire sprinklers

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/ax/staff/anderson/P136/history/index.shtm

Engine 8 in Philadelphia no more?

Tracing their roots back to a proud roster of founding fathers and fires fought, the volunteer fire companies that preceded the establishment of the Philadelphia Fire Department combined the best and worst traits of the city they served. Community-minded, innovative and tough, Philadelphia’s amateur firemen also earned a reputation for brawling, boozing and bitter rivalry equal to anything ever reported to have happened in the parking lot after an Eagles game.

After writing a series of articles on the subject, Franklin rose to the challenge. On December 7th, 1736, he and four friends founded the Union Fire Company, which survives today as Engine 8 of the Philadelphia Fire Department. One of the oldest organized fire brigades in the United States, the Union saw its ranks quickly filled to the agreed-upon maximum of 30 members. Other companies were founded by latecomers, all, according to one company’s records, “the most eminent men in Philadelphia, embracing merchants, physicians, lawyers, clergymen and citizens of wealth and refinement.” Indeed, fire company membership was a mark of honor, a sort of proxy social register of city notables from the mayor on down.

This seems to have been the case throughout the colonies; George Washington, for example, was a member of his local volunteer fire company in Alexandria, Virginia. LINK
Engine Company 8 has served Philadelphia since the colonial era. This fire company was founded by Benjamin Franklin himself and has been in continuous service ever since. They respond to over two thousand calls a year and protect our Nations heritage.

Just blocks away are such national treasures such as: Betsy Ross’ house, The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Elfreth’s Alley, Christ Church, as well as the night club district, the Delaware River waterfront including Penn’s Landing, I-95 and the Ben Franklin Bridge. As if that isn’t enough throw in the U.S. Mint, the National Constitution Center, The Quaker Meeting House and the U.S. Courthouse for good measure. Anyone who ever toured Philadelphia’s Old City surely walked past their station.

Now all these places with their thousands of citizens, employees, and tourists are left vulnerable because this city could not manage the taxpayers money properly. Engine 8 will close and Snorkel 2 will be forced to answer their calls. But since two other Ladder’s in the area are also closing as well a disaster is just a matter of time.

Good looking Old Steamer on video Link

Good looking Steamer video
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr38/3089907914/in/set-72157603929257311/

What's a Hoser?

• Like the very similar term hosehead, the term may have referred to farmers of the Canadian prairies, who would siphon gas from farming vehicles with a hose during the Great Depression of the 1930s.
• The expression has since been converted to the verb 'to hose' as in to trick, deceive, or steal - for example: "That card-shark sure hosed me."
• Hosed has an additional meaning of becoming drunk - for example: "Let's go out and get hosed."
  The term "hoser" also refers to an era in hockey before the ice resurfacing machine came into use.
• The losing team had to hose off the ice. The term "hoser" can then be construed to mean loser.

AMAZING SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES

Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop.

Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink.

For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.

A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives; then you'll be afraid to cough, solving the problem.

You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape.. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and it does, use the duct tape.

Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.

Daily Thought: SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES; NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS.

News today of note

What's Happening
I thought we were in a recession?

WASHINGTON — Members of Congress have at least one reason to ring in the new year: They've given themselves a $4,700-a-year pay raise starting Thursday.
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/58733.html

Burris won't be seated by Congress' start
I thought that Illinois was going to fix this before Rod was able to appoint someone?

CHICAGO (UPI) -- Roland Burris' appointment to the U.S. Senate likely won't be certified by Illinois state officials in time for the start of the 111th Congress, analysts say.
Full Article here: http://www.arcamax.com/newsheadlines/s-472320-104947

Leaking light pole voltage zaps Mpls. dogs
I have heard about this type of thing happening before, and here it is again.

MINNEAPOLIS (UPI) -- Minneapolis officials say they are checking aging light poles after several instances of dogs being zapped with leaking voltage while urinating on them.Full text here: http://www.arcamax.com/newsheadlines/s-472319-791793

Suit likely if Coleman loses Senate race
I sure hope that they finally get this thing settled, it's cost me and the rest of the state money that is better spent elsewhere!

ST. PAUL, Minn. (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., will likely mount a legal challenge to any recount decision that favors Democrat Al Franken, a campaign attorney says.
http://www.arcamax.com/newsheadlines/s-472311-498728

Tulsa firefighter is on administrative leaveOne pissed off firefighter - there are pictures on link site.

Oklahoma Firefighter Arrested for Driving Truck into Station
Tulsa firefighter allegedly caused $50,000 in damage

Obama
Chicago to take over at White House

After George Bush brought Texas to Washington, Barack Obama will bring blasts from the Windy City

Yes Chicago is finally going to be in the White House, will it be just like having Springfiield in Chicago?

Funny