Hey, If you have not yet had a chance to view this "first due on arrival" video from Collingdale (PA) this week, then this VIDEO clip is a MUST: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pp1KMNaTJg The above clip makes for an excellent "size up, command and control on arrival" review for any of us.   That video shows the series of explosions and heavy fire conditions at a welding supply company on Wednesday that injured 5 people and forced evacuations with black smoke showing over the area. The fire and explosions at Scully Welding Supply happened around 1300 hours in an industrial area about seven miles southwest of Philadelphia, MORE from Philly Fire News: http://www.phillyfirenews.com/content/firewire/detail/4568.php     STATE TROOPER STRUCK AND KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY: CONNECTICUT Because it could have been a FF or an EMT, we are reminded again of the dangers of any of us operating on the roadways. Yesterday, Connecticut State Police said the driver of a pickup truck that crashed into the rear of Trooper Kenneth Hall’s cruiser had been traveling at a high rate of speed and crossed two lanes of traffic when the crash occurred about 4 p.m. Trooper Hall had been sitting in his cruiser (which, in our field could be a staff car, an EMS response unit, etc) writing out a ticket after pulling over another vehicle. Trooper Hall, a married father, was taken to a trauma center where he was pronounced dead. Our most sincere condolences to all affected. HERE is a photo so you have an idea of the devastation of this crash: http://tinyurl.com/2vgp5u9     RESPONDING FIRE APPARATUS ENDS UP IN A HOLE Firefighters in Zadar (Croatia) were responding to a fire. While responding, the front of their apparatus suddenly dropped into an empty septic tank 2.6 meters deep. It was an illegal dump site and was covered with camouflage. NOTE the t-shirts that the Croatian FF's are wearing. Firefighters suffered minor injuries. VIDEO HERE: http://www.vatrogasni-portal.com/news.php?readmore=5163      BILLING FOR FIRE & RESCUE SERVICES: Here is an interesting article related to fire departments that bill for non-EMS details, such as vehicles crashes. This is another example of how communities are attempting to come up with creative alternative funding, and the reaction some have to that attempt. HOW is this related to FF safety, health and survival? Fire departments require funding. Career. Volunteer. Call. Whatever. It has to come from somewhere or the public needs to start getting used to serves that look much different than in children's story books. HERE is the article: http://tinyurl.com/2bh7ht3 USE CAUTION THIS WEEKEND IF COLLECTING FOR MDA. Take Care-BE VAREFUL, BillyG The Secret List 9-3-10 / 1708 Hours www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com...

Three Nashville firefighters had to be taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Wednesday after they were hurt on the job, and a fourth was treated at the scene of a blaze in South Nashville, officials said.  "It is unusual. I can't remember us having this many (injuries) in one day," said Nashville Fire Deputy Chief Maggie Lawrence. Crews arrived at the scene of a fire at a duplex on Hill Court in South Nashville about 1:30 p.m. to find most of the roof covered in flames. They were inside battling the blaze when a small part of the roof fell in on them. All four were burned, but the extent of their injuries was not known, Lawrence said. A mother and small child at home when the fire began were not hurt. Separately, a fifth firefighter was injured about 11 a.m. while responding to a Bellevue house fire. The home on Harpeth Road had burned to the ground by the time crews arrived, Lawrence said. No one else was hurt. It wasn't clear how the firefighter got hurt or how bad his injuries were, but Lawrence said he wasn't burned. He was taken to Vanderbilt for treatment. Both the home and duplex were a total loss.  ...