NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Fire and rescue service

A firefighter is a person who is trained and equipped to put out fires, rescue people, and in some areas provide emergency medical services. The fire service, also known in some countries as the fire brigade or fire department, is one of the emergency services. Firefighters are sometimes referred to as firemen, although women have increasingly joined firefighting units. Download high resolution version (709x1024, 120 KB)Firefighter with Axe The fire gear worn by todays firefighter offers more protection and a better chance for survival. ... Download high resolution version (709x1024, 120 KB)Firefighter with Axe The fire gear worn by todays firefighter offers more protection and a better chance for survival. ... Download high resolution version (3008x2000, 4445 KB)DC-FEMS firefigthers working a fire in a basement pizzeria at 2010 P Street, N.W. 15:38 EST 16 MAR 05 in the District of Columbia. ... Download high resolution version (3008x2000, 4445 KB)DC-FEMS firefigthers working a fire in a basement pizzeria at 2010 P Street, N.W. 15:38 EST 16 MAR 05 in the District of Columbia. ... ... For other uses See fire (disambiguation). ... Emergency medical service (EMS) is a branch of medicine that is performed in the field (i. ... Emergency services are services that deal with emergencies and other aspects of Public Safety. ...

Firefighting is the process and profession of extinguishing fires. Firefighting is important in urban areas, where firefighters are on constant standby, in wildland areas, and on board ships. A process is a naturally occurring or designed sequence of operations or events, possibly taking up time, space, expertise or other resource, which produces some outcome. ... A profession is a specialized work function within society, generally performed by a professional. ... For other uses See fire (disambiguation). ... A city is an urban area, differentiated from a town, village, or hamlet by size, population density, importance, or legal status. ... Fire in San Bernardino, California Mountains (image taken from the International Space Station) A wildfire, also known as a forest fire, vegetation fire, grass fire, or bushfire (in Australasia), is an uncontrolled fire in wildland often caused by lightning; other common causes are human carelessness and arson. ... A ship is a large, usually decked watercraft. ...

The three main goals in firefighting are the protection of life, the environment and property, in that order. When a life is not in danger, a firefighter must weigh the costs and benefits of protecting property and the environment. Is it logical to risk your life in an attempt to put the fire out in a gasoline storage warehouse or would it be more productive and safe to evacuate the area and prevent the explosion from harming anyone? This is the core of a firefighter's thought process as they evaluate any and all situations. Of course when a life is at risk, all attempts are made to save it.

Fire-fighting skills

Note: this mostly discusses structural firefighting. See wildfire for a discussion of forest fires. Fire in San Bernardino, California Mountains (image taken from the International Space Station) A wildfire, also known as a forest fire, vegetation fire, grass fire, or bushfire (in Australasia), is an uncontrolled fire in wildland often caused by lightning; other common causes are human carelessness and arson. ...

Firefighting has several basic skills: prevention, self-preservation, rescue, preservation of property and fire control. Firefighting is further broken down into skills which include size-up, extinguishment, ventilation, and salvage and overhaul. Search and Rescue, which has already been mentioned, is performed early in any fire scenario and many times is in unison with extinguishment and ventilation. This page is a candidate to be moved to Wiktionary. ... Rescue refers to operations that usually involve the saving of life, or prevention of additional injury. ...

Prevention

Prevention attempts to ensure that no place simultaneously has sufficient heat, fuel and air to allow ignition and combustion. Most prevention programs are directed at controlling the energy of activation (heat). Fire suppression sprinkler systems have a proven record for controlling and extinguishing unwanted fires. Many fire officials recommend that every building, including residences, have sprinklers. Correctly working sprinklers in a residence greatly reduce the risk of death from a fire. With the small rooms typical of a residence, one or two sprinklers can cover most rooms. The term sprinkler system may also refer to a type of irrigation system. ...

In addition, a major duty of fire services is the regular inspection of buildings to ensure they are up to the current building fire codes to ensure they able to resist fire damage.

Self-preservation

Self-preservation is critical. The basic technique firefighters use is to know where they are, and to avoid hazards. Current standards in the United States require that firefighters work in teams, using two-in, two-out whenever in an IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) environment. Tools are generally carried at all times, and a special device called a PASS device is commonly worn to alert others when a firefighter stops moving for a specified period of time (usually from 10-30 seconds depending on manufacturer). Breathing apparatus known as the SCBA is worn to protect against smoke inhalation and toxic fumes. In the United States, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets a number of standards for firefighters. These standards may be adopted as law by state or local governments, or enforced by the firefighting organizations on their own. Categories: Wikipedia cleanup | Stub | Firefighting ... Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH or NIOSH IDLH) is a limit for personal exposure to a substance defined by the United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), normally expressed in parts per million (ppm). ... PASS device is an acronym for the Personal Alert Safety System, a one-way communications device used by firefighters entering a building to alert the outside Rapid Entry Team (Also known as a RIT, or Rapid Intervention Team), that the wearer of the PASS device is in trouble and in... SCBA is an acronym for Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. ... The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an international organization charged with creating and maintaining minimum standards and requirements for fire prevention and suppression activities, training, and equipment, as well as other life-safety codes and standards. ...

Rescue

Rescue consists of searching, and then removing people that are alive. Animals may also be recovered, if resources and conditions permit. Generally triage and first aid are performed outside. The general form of rescue is to shuffle through the structure with the right hand against the wall, or utilizing a tool. Many fire departments follow a two-in, two-out rule, and in a large room the second person would follow behind the first, usually on their immediate left. This is called a right hand search. There is also a left hand search, which is the same thing except the right and left are reversed. Rescuers must remember to search beds and cupboards, and to identify themselves to victims. Many children are very frightened of fire-fighters in breathing masks. Typical triage tag used for emergency mass casualty decontamination. ... First aid is a series of simple, life-saving medical techniques that a non-doctor or layman can be trained to perform. ... A breathing mask is the part of a breathing set that fits to its users face. ...

Rescue may also involve the extrication of victims of motor vehicle accidents. Here firefighters use spreaders, cutters, and hydraulic rams, tools more commonly known as the Jaws of Life. More technical forms of rescue include subsets such as rope rescue, swiftwater rescue, confined space rescue, and trench rescue. These types of rescue are often extremely hazardous and physically demanding. They also require extensive technical training. A spreader could be: Railroad maintenance of way equipment designed to spread or shape ballast profiles along the right of way of a railroad track – see Spreader (railroad) A tool used by emergency crews in vehicle extrication – see Hydraulic spreader This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists... For other meanings, see cutter (baseball), cutter (tool) and self-harm. ... The use of the term hydraulic ram below describes a type of water pump. ... The Jaws Of Life, with spreader and cutter capability The Jaws of Life, or Hurst Tool, is a line of tools originally developed by Hurst Performance and now under the registered trademark of Hale Products, Inc. ... Rope rescue is a subset of technical rescue that involves the use of Nylon kernmantle ropes, anchoring and belay devices, friction rappel devices, various devices to utilize mechanical advantage, and other specialized equipment to reach victims and safely recover them. ... Swiftwater Rescue is a subset of technical rescue that involves the use of personnel, ropes, and mechanical advantage systems often much more robust than those used in rope rescue because of the added pressure of moving water. ... Confined space rescue is a subset of technical rescue that involves the rescue and recovery of victims involved in situations where there is a confined space, which is defined by OSHA as follows: Having limited or restricted means of entry or exit Is large enough for an employee to enter... Trench rescue is a highly specialized form of rescue, a subset of confined space rescue. ...

Property

Buildings that are made of fuel, such as frame buildings, are different from fire-proof buildings such as concrete high-rises. Generally, the fire in a fire-proof building can be limited to a floor. Other floors can be safe simply by preventing smoke inhalation and damage. A burnable building must be evacuated. A 75 y/o and his 91 y/o wife died early the morning of 14 APR 05 in a fire in their 11th floor apartment in Silver Spring, MD. The building fire alarms never sounded. ... A 75 y/o and his 91 y/o wife died early the morning of 14 APR 05 in a fire in their 11th floor apartment in Silver Spring, MD. The building fire alarms never sounded. ... Silver Spring is an urbanized, but unincorporated area in Montgomery County, Maryland. ...

Property preservation is a great help to people. Most fires can be limited to burning only the upper part of a frame structure. If possible, gas, electricity and water should be turned off during the search, and all movable property should be tipped into the middle of a room and covered with a heavy cloth tarp. This reduces damage from water, smoke and burning embers. If the structure doesn't catch, it's very helpful to ventilate it to reduce smoke damage.

Fire control

Main article: Fire control A fire-control system is a computer, often mechanical, which is designed to assist a weapon system in hitting its target. ...

Fire control consists of depriving a fire of fuel, oxygen or heat. Firefighters are equipped with a wide variety of equipment to accomplish this task. Some of their tools include extrication equipment, ladder trucks, tanker trucks, pumper trucks, and ambulances. Very frequent training and refresher training is required. File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... For other uses See fire (disambiguation). ... For the workstation, see SGI Fuel. ... General Name, Symbol, Number Oxygen, O, 8 Chemical series nonmetals Group, Period, Block 16 (VIA), 2, p Density, Hardness 1. ... Heat (abbreviated Q, also called heat change) is the transfer of thermal energy between two bodies which are at different temperatures. ...

History of fire brigades

The history of organized combatting of structural fires dates back at least to ancient Egypt where hand-operated pumps may have been employed to extinguish fires. However, such attempts could be of limited value given the large structural conflagrations that could sweep through Rome and other cities. The Roman fire brigade (Vigiles) was formed in AD 6 by Augustus to combat fires using bucket brigades and pumps, as well as poles, hooks and even ballistae to tear down buildings in advance of the flames. It is generally thought that this is where the "hook" in "hook and ladder company" comes from. The Vigiles patrolled the streets of Rome to watch for fires and served as the police force. Location within Italy The Roman Colosseum Rome (Italian and Latin: Roma) is the capital city of Italy and of its Latium region. ... Location within Italy The Roman Colosseum Rome (Italian and Latin: Roma) is the capital city of Italy and of its Latium region. ... The Vigiles were the firefighters of Ancient Rome. ... For other uses, see number 6. ... Augustus (plural Augusti) is Latin for majestic or venerable. Although the use of the cognomen Augustus as part of ones name is generally understood to identify the Emperor Augustus, this is somewhat misleading; Augustus was the most significant name associated with the Emperor, but it did not actually represent... This page is about an ancient military weapon. ...

Rome suffered a number of serious fires, most notably the fire that started near the Circus Maximus on 19 July AD 64 and eventually destroyed two thirds of Rome. The Emperor Nero was blamed for the conflagration, and may in fact have allowed the fire to burn. At least one Roman may have become very rich from this fire, buying properties in advance of the flames and using teams of slaves in attempts to defend his recent acquisitions from being consumed. The Great Fire of Rome erupted on the night of 18 July, in the year 64, among the shops clustered around the Circus Maximus. ... Map of downtown Rome during the Roman Empire, with Circus Maximus at the lower right corner Circus Maximus The Circus Maximus is an ancient arena and mass entertainment venue located in Rome, Italy. ... July 19 is the 200th day (201st in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 165 days remaining. ... For other uses, see number 64. ... Nero Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (15 December 37–9 June 68), born Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, also called (50 - 54 AD) Nero Claudius Drusus Germanicus, was the fifth and last Roman Emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. ...

Another great city that experienced such a need for organized fire control was London, which suffered great fires in 798, 982 and 989. Little is known about the development of firefighting in Europe until after the Great Fire of London in 1666. It started in a baker's shop on Pudding Lane, consumed about two square miles (5 km²) of the city, leaving tens of thousands homeless. Prior to this fire, London had no organized fire protection system. Afterwards, insurance companies formed private fire brigades to protect their clients’ property. Insurance brigades would only fight fires at buildings the company insured. These buildings were identified by a badge or sign. Still, it was not until 1672 that the Dutch inventor Jan Van der Heiden invented the firehose. Constructed of flexible leather and coupled every 50 feet (15 m) with brass fittings, the length and connections remain the standard to this day. London is the capital city of the United Kingdom and of England. ... Events Coenwulf of Mercia invades Kent, deposes and imprisons king Eadbert Praen and makes his own brother Cuthred king. ... Events Greenland founded by Erik the Red ; first contact of Europeans with North America Births Emma of Normandy Atisha the Bengali Buddhist Saint Deaths Categories: 982 ... For the video game developers, see 989 Studios. ... The Great Fire of London was a major fire that swept through the City of London from September 2nd to September 5th, 1666, and resulted more or less in the destruction of the city. ... Events September 2 - Great Fire of London: A large fire breaks out in London in the house of Charles IIs baker on Pudding Lane near London Bridge. ... Events England, France, Munster and Cologne invade the United Provinces, therefore this name is know as ´het rampjaar´ (the disaster year) in the Netherlands. ... The title given to this article is incorrect due to technical limitations. ... Modern leather-making tools Leather is a material created through the tanning of hides, pelts and skins of animals, primarily cows. ... Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. ...

Meanwhile, in America, Jamestown, Virginia had been virtually destroyed in a fire in January, 1608. Fire "wardens" were appointed in New Amsterdam in 1648. Wardens were to patrol the cities to inspect chimneys. "Rattle Watches" were performed at night by eight appointees, who were to rouse citizens to fight fires by bucket brigade if necessary. In Boston, serious fires in 1653 and 1676 had inspired the city to take greater measures towards combatting fire. Wikiquote has quotations relating to: United States Wikinews has news related to this article: United States United States government Official website of the United States government - Gateway to governmental sites White House - Official site of the US President Senate. ... Jamestown was a village on an island in the James River in Virginia, about 45 miles (70 kilometers) southeast of where Richmond, Virginia, is now. ... January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... Events March 18 - Sissinios formally crowned Emperor of Ethiopia July 3 - Quebec City founded by Samuel de Champlain. ... City nickname: The Big Apple Location in the state of New York Counties (Boroughs) Bronx (The Bronx) New York (Manhattan) Queens (Queens) Kings (Brooklyn) Richmond (Staten Island) Mayor Michael Bloomberg Area - Land - Water 1,214. ... Events Peace treaty signed at Westphalia ends the Thirty Years War. ... City nickname: Beantown, The Hub, The Athens of America Location in the state of Massachusetts Founded September 17, 1630 County Suffolk County Mayor Thomas Menino (Dem) Area - Total - Water 232. ... Events February 2 - New Amsterdam (later renamed New York City) is incorporated. ... Events January 29 - Feodor III becomes Tsar of Russia First measurement of the speed of light, by Ole Rømer Bacons Rebellion Russo-Turkish Wars commence. ...

The fire engine was developed by Richard Newsham of London in 1725. Pulled as a cart to the fire, these manual pumps were manned by teams of men and could deliver up to 160 gallons per minute (12 L/s) at up to 120 feet (40 m). Engine 4 - City of Chico, CA A Fire Engine is one of many specialized fire suppression apparatuses. ... Events February 8 - Catherine I became empress of Russia February 20 - The first reported case of white men scalping Native Americans takes place in New Hampshire colony. ...

Benjamin Franklin created the Union Fire Company in 1736 in Philadelphia, the first volunteer fire company in America. There were no full-time paid firefighters in America until 1850. Even after the formation of paid fire companies in the United States, there were disagreements and often fights over territory. New York City companies were famous for sending runners out to fires with a large barrel to cover the hydrant closest to the fire in advance of the engines. Often fights would break out between the runners and even the responding fire companies for the right to fight the fire and, therefore, the insurance money that would be paid to the company that fought it. Franklin, an engraving from a painting by Duplessis Dr. Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790) was an American printer, journalist, publisher, author, philanthropist, abolitionist, public servant, scientist, librarian, diplomat, and inventor. ... Events January 26 - Stanislaus I of Poland abdicates his throne. ... Independence Hall Philadelphia (sometimes referred to as Philly or the City of Brotherly Love) is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States and the most populous city in the state of Pennsylvania, occupying all of Philadelphia County. ... 1850 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... City nickname: The Big Apple Location in the state of New York Counties (Boroughs) Bronx (The Bronx) New York (Manhattan) Queens (Queens) Kings (Brooklyn) Richmond (Staten Island) Mayor Michael Bloomberg Area - Land - Water 1,214. ...

Napoleon Bonaparte is generally attributed as creating the first "professional" firefighters, known as Sapeurs-Pompiers, from the French Army. Created under the Commandant of Engineers in 1810, the company was organized after a fire at the ballroom in the Austrian Embassy in Paris which injured several dignitaries. Bonaparte as general Napoleon Bonaparte ( 15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821) was a general of the French Revolution and was the ruler of France as First Consul (Premier Consul) of the French Republic from November 11, 1799 to May 18, 1804, then as Emperor of the French (Empereur des Français... French fire engine parading The sapeurs-pompiers (SP), officially le Corps du Sapeurs-Pompiers, are the firefighters of France. ... The French Army (Armée de Terre, Ground Army) is one component in the Military of France. ... 1810 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ...

In the UK, organized firefighting arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland (http://www.lbfire.org.uk), when the Edinburgh Fire Engine Establishment was formed in 1824, led by James Braidwood. London followed in 1832 with the London Fire Engine Establishment. 1824 was a leap year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... 1832 was a leap year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ...

The first horse-drawn steam engine for fighting fires was invented in 1829, but not accepted in structural firefighting until 1860, and ignored for another two years afterwards. Internal combustion engine fire engines arrived in 1907, built in the United States, leading to the decline and disappearance of steam engines by 1925. 1829 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... 1860 is the leap year starting on Sunday. ... 1907 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... 1925 was a common year starting on Thursday (link will take you to calendar). ...

Today, fire and rescue remains a patchwork of paid and volunteer responders. Typically, fire services in rural areas consist of volunteers while full-time organizations dominate cities and urban areas, although there are exceptions.

National information

France

French firefighters are called Sapeurs-Pompiers, and reflecting the rural nature of much of the country (wide areas with low density of population), the Volunteer Fire brigade (SPV, sapeur-pompier volontaire), with over 190,000 firefighters is the largest firefighting force in France. In addition to being called out from work to attend an incident, they may be on standby at firestations outside their working hours; the intervention and attending hours are paid by the session. The volunteer firebrigade is also a way to promote the culture of civil defense and of solidarity amongst the population. The Professional Fire Brigade (SPP, sapeur-pompier professionnel) numbers over 30,000 firefighters, employed by the départements and working on shifts. In some towns there is a mixture of professionals and volunteers, in others only one or the other. French fire engine parading The sapeurs-pompiers (SP), officially le Corps du Sapeurs-Pompiers, are the firefighters of France. ... The old United States Civil Defense logo, used today federally only as a historical reminder on FEMAs seal, the triangle emphasises the 3-step Civil Defense philosophy used before the foundation of FEMA and Comprehensive Emergency Management. ... Solidarity (Polish Solidarność) is a Polish trade union federation founded in September 1980, originally led by Lech Wałęsa. ... The départements (or departments) are administrative units of France, roughly analogous to British counties and are now grouped into 22 metropolitan and four overseas régions. ...

In Paris and Marseille, the fire brigades are made up of military personnel, but under the control of the Ministry of the Interior in a similar way to the Gendarmes. The Paris Fire Brigade (BSPP) has around 7,000 firefighters, and the Marseille Marine Fire Battalion (BMPM) has over 2,000. The Eiffel Tower has become a symbol of Paris throughout the world. ... Marseilles redirects here. ... The Interior Minister is a member of a Cabinet in a Government. ... Gendarmes guarding the Paris Hall of Justice Gendarmerie motorcyclists police the roads and autoroutes of rural France. ... Fire engine of the Brigade Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris parading The Paris Fire Brigade, in French Brigade Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris(BSPP), is the fire service for the city of Paris and the surrounding departments of Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne, Hauts-de-Seine. ... Fire exercice aboard the frigate La Motte-Picquet — one of the main problems is the concentration of very calorific water vapor, therefore the raincoat-like equipment The Marseille Marine Fire Battalion, or in French le Bataillon de marins-pompiers de Marseille or BMPM, is the fire and rescue service for...

With the SAMU (French EMS), they are the backbone of the French civil defense. For other uses See fire (disambiguation). ... A car accident in Yate, near Bristol, England, in July 2004. ... Vehicle extrication is the process of removing a person from a vehicle that has been involved in a motor vehicle accident when conventional means of exit are impossible or unadvisable. ... A certified first responder is a person who has completed forty to sixty hours of training in providing care for medical emergencies. ... A certified first responder is a person who has completed forty to sixty hours of training in providing care for medical emergencies. ... SAMU (Service dAide Médicale dUrgence, Emergency Medical Assistance Service) is the French hospital based emergency medical service. ... EMS may stand for: Eastern Mountain Sports, an outdoor retailer The Edinburgh Mathematical Society Electromagnetic Spectrum Electronic Manual Special, a special edition Saab 99 automobile Electronic Music Studios (London) Ltd Element management system (telecommunications) Emergency medical service EMS Group or Ems-Chemie Energy Management System Enhanced Messaging Service Enterprise Messaging... The old United States Civil Defense logo, used today federally only as a historical reminder on FEMAs seal, the triangle emphasises the 3-step Civil Defense philosophy used before the foundation of FEMA and Comprehensive Emergency Management. ...

Germany

German fire brigades (Feuerwehr) are organised on a town/village basis, with each town having at least one brigade. In Germany there are about 25,000 fire departments - 24,000 volunteer fire departments (Freiwillige Feuerwehr), 800 private fire departments (Werkfeuerwehr; which mostly protect large industrial complexes) and 100 public fire departments (Berufsfeuerwehr; in the larger towns and cities). These have a total of 1,300,000 active fire fighters. German fire departments are often very well-equipped - each fire engine can carry as much material as up to four American fire engines. For further information read the article in the German Wikipedia. Download high resolution version (879x596, 57 KB)German Löschzug consisting of an VLF 16/12, DLK 23/12 and a HLF 16/12 from German wikipedia File links The following pages link to this file: Firefighter Categories: GFDL images ... Download high resolution version (879x596, 57 KB)German Löschzug consisting of an VLF 16/12, DLK 23/12 and a HLF 16/12 from German wikipedia File links The following pages link to this file: Firefighter Categories: GFDL images ... A street in Ynysybwl, Wales, relatively stereotypical of a small town A town is usually an urban area which is not considered to rank as a city. ... A village is a human settlement commonly found in rural areas. ... Engine 4 - City of Chico, CA A Fire Engine is one of many specialized fire suppression apparatuses. ...

the Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China

The Hong Kong Fire Services Department (HKFSD) not only has firefighters, but Ambulanceman/Ambulancewoman. As of 14/5/2005, there are 8,675 uniformed personnel (including ambulanceman/ambulancewoman) and 676 civilian members. Fireboat 1 (Elite) of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department Source: the Hong Kong Fire Services Department (http://www. ... Fireboat 1 (Elite) of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department Source: the Hong Kong Fire Services Department (http://www. ...

The head of HKFSD is called Director but not Commissioner. Assisted by the Deputy Director, Director of the HKFSD is the head of three Operational Fire Commands: Hong Kong, Kowloon and N.T.(i.e. The three Districts). Each of the Commands is under the control of the Chief Fire Officer(CFO). In reality, there is one additional Command : The Heartquarters(HQ), which is under control of the CFO(HQ). Generally a director is a person or one of a body of persons appointed to manage the affairs of a government agency, company, corporation, group or project. ... A Commissioner is one of various classes of persons who holds an office by virtue of a commission in the normally from the head of state, particularly of a state in the Commonwealth of Nations. ...

Spain

Spanish firefighters are famous for their collaboration with Third World countries. They are led by Jorge de Miguel San Martin, the chief of staff of the Spanish fire department. For the Jamaican reggae band, see Third World (band). ...

United Kingdom

The fire brigades in England are organised on a county basis, with each post-1974 county having its own brigade. In Scotland and Wales they are on a regional basis, with six and three brigades respectively. Northern Ireland has a single brigade, the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade. In rural areas, there are often fire stations manned by part-time retained firefighters. In addition there are a number of independent fire brigades, such as the Peterborough volunteers, the Downe House School brigade and those run by large industrial concerns. As well as responding to fires and such like, British fire brigades also have a written responsibility (in the 1947 Fire Services act) to come to the aid of "animals in distress" (stereotypically, cats stuck up trees). Although this is still the law, many fire brigades now charge for this service. More information can be found here (http://www.fire-uk.org/). Information on fire safety issued by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister can be found here (http://www.firekills.gov.uk). Royal motto: Dieu et mon droit (French: God and my right) Englands location within the UK Official language English de facto Capital London de facto Largest city London Area - Total Ranked 1st UK 130,395 km² Population - Total (2001) - Density Ranked 1st UK 49,138,831 377/km² Religion... Originally, a county was the land under the jurisdiction of a count (in Great Britain, an earl, though the original earldoms covered larger areas) by reason of that office. ... 1974 is a common year starting on Tuesday (click on link for calendar). ... Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: Alba) is a country in northwest Europe, occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain. ... National motto: Cymru am byth (Welsh: Wales for ever) Waless location within the UK Official languages English(100%), Welsh(20. ... Northern Ireland is an administrative region and one of four constituent parts of the United Kingdom. ... This is about the English city of Peterborough. ... Down House, photo by Richard Carter Down House in Downe, Kent, now a suburb sixteen miles from central London is the former home of the English naturalist Charles Darwin and his family. ... The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is a department of the British government. ...

Miscellanea

In popular literature, firefighters are usually depicted with Dalmatian dogs. This breed originated in southern Europe to assist with herding livestock and run along with horses, and in the days of horse-drawn fire apparatus the horses were usually released on arrival at the fire and the Dalmatians would lead/direct the horses to a safe place to wait until the fire was out. Dalmatians also filled the role of protecting the horses feet from other dogs as the fire equipment was being transported to the fire scene. Common nicknames Dal Country of origin Croatia Classification Breed standards (external links) FCI, AKC, ANKC, CKC KC(UK), NZKC, UKC A Dalmatian is a breed of dog, noted for its white coat with (usually) black spots. ...

Firefighters often refer to law enforcement officers as "blue canaries", tongue in cheek, because one can evaluate a hazardous material incident from a distance by watching the police—they always drive right up to the scene, and if their cars don't stall, it's not an oxygen deprived atmosphere. Then they jump out of their vehicle, and if they don't die, it's not a poisonous atmosphere. Then they start lighting flares, and if there isn't an explosion, it's not an explosive atmosphere, and if the car doesn't melt into a puddle, the atmosphere isn't corrosive, and the firefighters can move in. This is a reference to the practice of using canaries to test for oxygen depletion in early mines. A hazardous material is any solid, liquid, or gas that can cause harm to humans and other living organisms due to being flammable or explosive, irritating or damaging the skin or lungs, interfering with oxygen intake and apsorption (asphyxiants), or causing allergic reactions (allergens). ... Binomial name Serinus canaria (Linnaeus, 1758) The Canary (Serinus canaria) is a small songbird which is a member of the finch family. ... Mine can refer to a number of things: Mines are tunnels used in mining for extraction of resources. ...

Another tongue in cheek reference is the "New Jersey Taste Test", where a firefighter or police officer walks to a hazardous material, dips up a little with their finger, then tastes it. See "blue canaries" above.

The "Hazmat Rule of Thumb": If you can hold your thumb up and still see the incident, you are still too close.

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