From time to time, hazards that we may have previously recognized as low-frequency encounters become something we are much more likely to face on a fire or other emergency response. Technology or culture evolves. A particular process or type of equipment becomes more prevalent in society. And we get to deal with that. While the […]

When it comes to facilities handling molten steel and similar substances, firefighters must understand the implications of adding water during any fire suppression activities. While the event described here was not directly related to an emergency response, this is an excellent example of what can result when water comes in contact with a high-temperature, high-density […]

A small plane crashed into a warehouse in Lakeland Thursday morning causing a massive fire, according to the FAA. Two people were on the plane. The crash occurred around 8:20 a.m. at 5300 Allen K Breed Highway, a former plastics factory. The building is owned by Key Safety Systems which manufactures automotive components. It was […]

Do you have a manufacturing facility in your first-due area that makes seemingly benign products? What could ever be deadly in a plant that makes household electronics? An incident that occurred this week in South Korea emphasizes why it is very important for those working in these facilities to understand the implications of every action […]

  A multiple alarm fire destroyed a Pennsylvania countertop manufacturer Tuesday night. Blume’s Solid Surface Products is a company that makes stone counter tops and employed about two dozen people. It was destroyed when the flames broke out after 6 p.m. The South Buffalo Fire Chief stated that it appeared two vehicles caught fire just […]

Overnight, firefighters battled the second major lumberyard fire to make national news this week. In Connecticut, 21 fire departments responded to help put out a massive blaze in the town of Cornwall. Because of the high fire load with this type of fire, massive amounts of water were needed. Since the area is not served […]

A malfunctioning fan likely sparked a fire that destroyed three homes under construction at a manufactured housing plant in Pennsylvania. A division general manager for the company said the fire destroyed two modular homes and one manufactured home all less than 2,000 square feet in size. The fire call was initially reported as an automatic […]