Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Blog Review

Dear Blog Readers,
I have written many types of writings for my blog. It has ranged from poetry to passion blogs. I always tried to share my opinion without sounding too factual or dry, and including other peoples opinion in the case of a book review.
The first blog post I am choosing to do is Yosemite Fire because this was one of my first blog posts and it caused me to find more facts than my opinion of the incident. I had to research the topic and find more information than was initially told by many sites. Since many sites were getting information from the same source, I was forced to find other resources that came from different sources. I had to find a balance between my emotions towards this subject and a dry factual standpoint. I wasn't very comfortable with my writing on this because I was starting to get the feel for writing a blog and I had other things that were more important.


The second blog post I’m choosing to do is my poem, called Firefighting Poetry. This poem is about firefighting pros and cons as well as a few rhymes here and there with other ones not as Dr. Seuss like, but just as good. I enjoyed writing this post more because all you really had to do was rhyme and say things that firefighters have going for them, both bad and good. This was enjoyable actually because it was so whimsical and fun to think of. Out of all the writing styles we did, poetry was one of my favorites. 

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Final Blog Post

Dear Blog Readers,

In this portfolio I have learned so much by doing this blogger assignment. It made me a better typer and also a better writer.  Also I learned about all the different writing styles there were out there and there were some that interested me and some that did not but that’s life.  My topic that I chose was fire technology. The reason I chose this is because I know a lot about firefighting and my partner that I did this assignment with knew a lot about technology so we put them together and chose fire technology.

I have chosen this Book Review #1 as one of my top blogger assignments. The reason I have chosen this book review is because I personally have read this book many times and I feel it is a great book to read, and it is also based on the true life of a firefighter. This book gives great detail about interior firefighting and how the firefighters risk their life’s everyday anytime a house catches on fire. I feel that this book will give you a great overview of the fire service and what is required to be in the fire service. This book helped me choose my career as a firefighter. It also gives you any information that you might possibly need to be a firefighter.

The second piece of writing that I chose was the Interior Fire Attack. I choose this topic for my SSR writing topic which stands for self-selected response. I choose this one because I know a lot about interior firefighting and it’s my career. Also it is something that I enjoy researching and learning more about. This writing has given me the opportunity to increase my learning and do more research on such a valuable topic. This post is my one of my favorite post. When I was typing this I felt like it was real life and this had actually happened and I was just writing a true story and showing my true knowledge. Also this post is full of words the people don’t understand because it’s in firefighter wording is what people call it and can be hard to understand.


I feel like this blog assignment was a very valuable assignment and it teaches you a lot of different things all at once. I hope in the future other students get the opportunity to do this assignment because I feel like it prepares you for the real world. I also feel that this assignment will teach you numerous different types of writing and you learn all about them. I would appreciate any feedback from anybody about my blog with what you liked or what you did not like about it. Also any thing else questions or comments will be very  appreciated. Thanks for reading my blog! TM

Monday, April 7, 2014

Freakonomics SSR

Firefighters have a dangerous job. 55% of them are volunteer and the other 45% are career. 50% of the firefighters that die, die from heart attack. 30% of them die from trauma and the other 20% die from other things such as medical breathing issues. The five states with the most deaths are Pennsylvania, 36; California, 33; New York, 33; North Carolina, 31; and Texas 26. Unfortunately these are all the statistics I could find about firefighters. Thanks for reading and have a nice day! I.S.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Freakenomics SSR

The amount of firefighters that die each year is a very significant number. There are about 25,000 firefighters each year. This number is a very significant but they also inherit roughly 30,000 firefighters a year. Also the #1 leading cause of death is either a heart attack or heat stroke. The average firefighter’s heart could not last forever because of the things they see and have to do. The heart is a vital organ in the body and as a firefighter gets older the heart has to pump harder and then eventually will fail or explode. The heart can only hold so much pressure. The #2 major cause of firefighters death is on traffic accidents where a firefighter is struck by a vehicle passing by

Friday, March 28, 2014

Book Review #1



This book contains lots of valuable information of brave firefighters fighting a blaze inside of a burning building. This book is also very educational and is a great way to learn about firefighting. Also this book has some tragic events in it about firefighters dyeing in the line of duty and not returning home. This book also provides information about the topic and it will give you a great understanding what firefighting is all about.

This book is probably most valuable to people who want to join or be a part of a fire agency. Also this book will give you a great overview of firefighting and what is required for either a volunteer firefighter or a paid firefighter. This book is good for young people coming straight out of high school and wanting a career in firefighting.

Finally this is one of my favorite books about firefighting. This book helped me learn all about my career and all the knowledge that I will need to get started so I know what I’m looking forward to. Also I would recommend this book to anybody interested in the fire service who wants to learn a lot more about firefighting.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Passion Blog #2

I am very passionate towards firefighters and how they risk their life's to help others. I admire how brave they are and how they work together flawlessly every time. They are a family, they watch each others back and help each other out in times of need. They save people everyday, save priceless pictures and are there for you after the fire, to help you through it all. Firefighters are heroes no matter what. You can always count on them to save the day when you're in trouble.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Firefighting Poetry

I think Firefighters are cool
They have a bunch of tools
Tools to cut stuff off
Or tools to knock stuff down
How do they not get a cough
From all that smoke I'm surprised the don't drown
If you're ever in danger
If you think you might fall
Just remember their not strangers
You know who to call
I.S.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Fire Truck Operation


This ladder truck is a normal ladder truck that all big city use. Also this type of ladder truck is used for everything from medical calls to structure fires. This apparatus cost about 1.5 million dollars to build and to equip for all firefighters safety. The Ariel ladder truck is also used for search and rescue. People who work on ladder trucks are the first people to enter the burning building and to save lives.

Passion Blog #1

I am personally very passionate about local city firefighters. They have such a had job and dangerous. forest firefighters have a dangerous job as well but not as dangerous as city firefighters. The reason city firefighters have it so dangerous is because you can run from a forest fire but you can not run from a collapsing floor and falling and breaking your legs or instantly dying depending on your height that you fall. Also city firefighters have lots more to clean up and have better chances to save peoples house/property more than forest firefighters do.

Friday, March 14, 2014

Women in Firefighting

Firefighting has been a male profession for quite some time now but recently, in the last century or so, females have joined men in the fight against fire. There are pros and cons for women who want to make a difference like lack of muscle and weight needed, to just wanting to help people and saving lives. Since people tend to be sexiest towards women in a predominately male field, people believe that they are a nuisance on a job site and will just get in the way. I personally don't see the big deal about this. If they want to help save lives and be there for another fellow human being. Women in this particular profession would have some slight disadvantages like, Fire Departments have started to  require you weigh a certain amount along with a given amount of muscle. My opinion is that if they want to help out, there is a different job they could do. People might call it sexist to think that women shouldn't be able to work as a firefighters but they are wrong, facts don't lie and if they don't have the amount of muscle to keep up with firemen tha they are just slowing every one down, they're are just endangering themselves along with others working along side them.
Please feel free to comment your thoughts. I.S.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Interior Fire Attack

Almost all of us have this one fire problem in common: the 1½ to 2½-story dwelling and the challenges it presents. These structures are usually single-family dwellings, but some of the larger 2½-story structures may be renovated into two- or three-family dwellings. One specific challenge these structures present is the knee wall, a confined space in the half-story above the tallest full story. The half story can be finished with either drywall or lath and plaster, depending on the age of the structure, and used for living space or storage. The knee wall is a vertical wall that stretches about 3–4 feet internally from the floor toward the peak of the roof. 
A concealed space is created behind the knee wall and usually extends to the eaves; it may be used for storage space or as a means to conceal plumbing or electrical wiring, which will increase the risk of extension

A thorough and accurate size-up will greatly increase your chances for success when fighting a fire in a structure with knee walls and concealed spaces, because it will help you determine many important aspects of the structure, such as the type of building construction, the height of the building and the location and extent of the fire. These elements should give you clues as to the possible presence of knee walls and the aggressive measures that you’ll need to take to confine and extinguish the fire. Often, these buildings are wood-frame construction, but depending on the building’s age, they may also be balloon-frame construction. If you identify balloon construction, stretch hand lines to all floors of the building. The truck company will also need to prepare for aggressive roof ventilation.


The interior will vary within these structures, but for the typical 1½-story, single-family dwelling or Cape Cod-style home, the interior stairs will be close to the front door. The bedrooms are likely to be located on both floors of the home, with one or two on each floor. With this layout, hose lines should initially be positioned to protect the stairs and any occupants, with at least one hose line between the fire and the occupants. The second line must serve as a back-up line to the initial-attack line. If you determine that the initial-attack line has the fire controlled, the back-up line can then be repositioned above the fire. As soon as the initial-attack lines knock down the fire, the ceiling and outer wall spaces must be opened up and the line operated in the void space. If the back-up line must stay in place, a third line must be stretched above the fire as soon as possible.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Firefighting Poem

I do not like fire in my house
I do not like fire on a mouse
I do not like the smoke and flames
I do not like feeling all the pain
I do not like the scars and burns
I do not like there being no door
I do not like all the nightmares
I do not like this its not fair
I do not like the dead and deceased
I do not like all the grease
I do not like all this negative emotion
I think I might change it to a different notion
I do enjoy all the perks
I do enjoy doing the works
I do enjoy all the cash
I do hope I'm not being to rash
I do enjoy all the women
I do enjoy the good living
I love to come and save the day
I love to hear them say hooray
I.S.

A Fireman's Tears

The alarm rang, as it had so many times before. He was the first of the fireman up and out, awakened from his bed at the station by the clanging of the bell. As Engine 3 pulled out of the bay, Dispatch paged another station and with all the firemen aboard the truck they were tensed with anticipation. "It's going to be a nice 'un, boys," He said as he donned his gear and the young bucks smiled at him as they drew ever near. They turned onto his own street and he could see the fire's work, he hoped their mother woke his kids to see their dad at work. His heart sank as he saw the home that he so dearly loved going up in smoke and flames as he donned his gloves. Aggressively he hit the fire and searched the rooms above, and with a flare of personal vengeance he saved what remained of his home. As he left the world of flaming hell he saw his little girl. He ran quickly to her side and said "Honey, Daddy's here." He would never forget what next she said as he held her close, "I love you, Daddy," she whimpered, and he began to weep. She died in his arms that night, the others later on. His comrades gave him their respects but his family was gone. He sits alone at the station, now, there’s no more spring in his step. He stays detached from his fellows to avoid once again being hurt. He risks it all in fires, now. No more concerns for his safety. He has taken a solemn vow. He won't let it happen to another, as long as he's around.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Humorous Firefighting Joke #2

Three firefighter went out on a hunting trip. There was a rookie, a captain, and a chief. The weather was miserable and they hadn't seen any deer all day. Finally they came across an old shack where they went inside to play a game of poker.
After loosing a couple of hands, the probie threw down his cards and said “That does it! I am going out to get me a deer.”
Fifteen minutes later, the rookie came back with a nice four point buck. The captain and the chief asked, “How did you get that?”
The rookie replied, “I walked out fifty feet, followed some tracks and shot this buck.” The captain then said, “I've had enough of this I am going to get my deer.” He came back a half hour later with a 6 point buck.
The chief asked, “How did you get that?” The captain then replied, I walked out a hundred feet, followed some tracks and shot this buck.
The chief not wanting to be out done said, “I’m out of here, I’m going to bag the biggest buck of the day.” He came back an hour later, all mangled up and bloody. The rookie and the captain asked, “What happened to you?”
The chief replied, "I walked out there five hundred feet, followed some tracks, and got hit by a train
By: 30 Funniest Firefighting Jokes

Humerous Firefighter Joke #1

A fire started on some grassland near a farm in Indiana. The fire department from the nearby town was called to put the fire out. The fire proved to be more than the small town fire department could handle, so someone suggested that a rural volunteer fire department be called. Though there was doubt that they would be of any assistance, the call was made. The volunteer fire department arrived in a dilapidated old fire truck. They drove straight towards the fire and stopped in the middle of the flames. The volunteer firemen jumped off the truck and frantically started spraying water in all directions. Soon they had snuffed out the center of the fire, breaking the blaze into two easily controllable parts. The farmer was so impressed with the volunteer fire department’s work and so grateful that his farm had been spared, that he presented the volunteer fire department with a check for $1000. A local news reporter asked the volunteer fire captain what the department planned to do with the funds. “That should be obvious,” he responded, “the first thing we re gonna do is get the brakes fixed on that stupid fire truck.
BY: Funny Firefighter Jokes

Interview with Kyle C. (a local firefighter)

Q: Why did you decide to become a firefighter? 
A: I have always lived in Fortuna and would see the fireman at the Fireman's games and around town. I though they were good for the community and I liked giving back to the community. I was  approached by a member of the department to come check things out one day and jumped at   the opportunity.
Q: What steps did you take to become one?
A: There were really no initial steps I took but once in the department there were lots of training, academies, and people to help me learn.Q: What is the most memorable memory you've had?
 A: I think my very first real structure fire will always stick in my mind the most. We got called out to a mutual aid in Carlotta and when we arrived there was a house that was fully involved. I was able to grab a hose and start putting out the fire. While we knew that there was no saving the house at that point it was still very neat to be able to have the ability to control something so powerful.Q: What advice could you give to someone who wants to become a firefighter or a related profession?A: These days there are lots of opportunities for younger people to get involved. There is the fire fighter explorer program, fire science classes, and academies right here in our back yard. I would tell them to go to one of these places and sit through a couple meetings or classes and try to see if it something for them.Q: What is the most dangerous thing you've done on the job?
A: I remember being on a roof working on cutting a ventilation hole when not more than 10 feet from the roof started to give away and fall into the house with burning fire underneath. I was able to retreat safely and advise a new plan to accomplish what we needed.
Q: What precautions do you do to prevent injuries?
A: Safety is our number one concern with everything we do. Whether it be training, classes, or real emergencies it all goes back to safe work practices. We always practice with safety built in and try to train like it is a real emergency so when the emergency happens our training will take over and keep us safe.Q: What special equipment do you use to find lost people?
A: We have a couple of different ways : One of which is what we call a TIC (Thermal Imagining Camera) and what it does is uses and infra red source to find different heat sources. We would be able to use that to see if a body or person was anywhere in the room or building. The second is the old fashion going in and finding someone. We would crawl into a house hugging the wall and using a sweeping motion to locate people. We use our hose as a guide and always keep it besides us as it will lead us out.Q: Do you enjoy working as a firefighter?
A: Being a volunteer firefighter is something I enjoy a lot. I like the whole fire aspect of it but I also like the community aspect of it also. I like know that our small community looks at us to be able to help them in  a time of need and be ready to run into a burning building while others are running out.
Q: How long do you plan on being a firefighter?
A: At my current state into the fire department I have 7 years in. I would like to at least achieve 20 or 25 years in the department, but i also know that time will only tell. Eventually our department will be paid and not have as many volunteers so I will just have to see how it goes.
Q: Did someone or something inspire you?
A: Like I said earlier I was inspired at a young age with the involvement and brotherhood that I saw with the fire department, and my mentor who brought me in also helped lead me in a positive direction.
Q: Are you happy you choose such a dangerous job?
A: Yes, I am. Most of the time I don't really think of it as a dangerous job. I know that I can rely on my training experience and knowledge to help me through problems. I do like the rush that goes along with it and like it when we are rushing to a call or running into a burning building.
Q: Did you know that you are a real hero whether you know it or not?
A: I never consider myself a hero. I just do something that I enjoy and take pride in knowing that we get to help people, but thank you.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Interview with Fire Chief

How long have you been involved in the fire service?
Fortuna Fire Chief Lon Winburn has been involved in the fire service for 29 years and is currently the head chief he became a paid chief in 2010.
What made you want to join the fire department?
I joined the fire department because I like to help my community and protect my family and the rest of the local business. also i joined because he wanted to serve his community.
What advice would you give if someone was interested in being a firefighter?
i would say that you can be whatever you want as long as you commit yourself to it and set your mind to it. also he said that we will teach you all you need to know and make you very successful.
how long do you plan on being a firefighter?
i plan to be a fire chief until i am to old to do it anymore or cant think.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Guest Blog #2

Firefighting is an extremely dangerous occupation to have. Not only do they fight actual fires, they have to deal with smoke, hot embers, falling objects, and collapsing floors. They often have a few precious minutes to get occupants safely out of burning structures. Modern firefighters have a full set of gear that helps protect them during their potentially dangerous work. The fire helmet is a very important part of their uniform, being made with durable heat resistant materials that protect from heat and falling objects. Turnout pants and jackets are made out of two layer fabric to repel heat and wick away any moisture that gets inside. Turnout pants and jackets are usually bright orange, yellow, or silver stripes to make it easier to see through smoke. Gloves are another important part of their protective equipment. Their gloves are highly insulated and go past their wrist to safely handle hot objects. To protect their feet they wear thick waterproof boots that are usually reinforced with steel or another metal alloy in the toes and soles to protect from sharp debris. A self-contained breathing apparatus is standard protective gear for firefighters at most fire departments. The breathing apparatus includes a mask with a hose connected to a tank filled with breathable air. Just in case a firefighter need helps or gets trapped, they have Personal Alert Safety System, or PASS, which is a device worn by a firefighter that activates the small transmitter. The signal emitted from the PASS transmitter enables rescuers to pinpoint the location of a firefighter, even in a burning building.
By: Alexis Camacho

Friday, February 7, 2014

Guest Blogger #1

Fire technology is used to stop fires and help save lives.  Here in Fortuna, we don’t have as many fires as more populated areas do. We have three fire stations that I know of. The Cal Fire station, the Fortuna Volunteer station, and another station in Campton Heights are all local stations. I personally have never been involved in a fire. Many people owe their lives to the firefighters in our city for saving their lives. I am glad to know we have the latest technology to help save my life if I am ever caught in a fire.
                I think the most important thing in fire technology is fire suits. Fire suits protect the fire fighters from burns and extreme heat. Without them they would not be able to rescue civilians from burning buildings or vehicles. Similar suits are also used in steel factories and forges to protect the workers from heat. Metal fabrication is a hobby of mine and I have worked with suits of similar purpose. With these suits, firefighters can be nearly submerged in flames. Keeping them safe and allowing them to grab any survivors in a fire that need help.
                One of my classmates is an active firefighter. His name is Tanner Mendes and he works for Campton Heights Volunteer Fire Department. Tanner has been doing this for a couple years. He says he really likes being able to help save lives when needed and is passionate about what they do. Tanner plans on continuing with the department for his career as long as possible. Being chief or captain is his goal and he hopes to reach it someday.    

By: Cameron Dewell

Friday, January 31, 2014

Interdisciplinary Post #2

While working in the Ag. Shop there are many precautions that are taken to keep everyone safe. For instance don't grab hot metal or throw a wielding torch around. Make sure you wear all the proper safety equipment and safety glasses. turn the tanks off after use to prevent any unwanted explosions or oxygen escaping and wasting money. although not following the safety rules would result in very different consiquinces for their actions it is still very important to follow and respect these rules for they could save your life.

Interdisciplinary Post #1

While working in Auto shop there are many dangerous and flammable fuels. I have learned that at anytime you could spill a type of fuel such as gas or oil under a car while it is running and the car will radiate heat and start a very large, dangerous and toxic fire. Also you need to be careful when messing with electrical because it can also ignite a fire and be dangerous as well. I feel that keeping your fuels stored away properly and use them safely you will not have to worry about a dangerous fire starting.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Fire Technology in Skyscrapers

My topic is fire technology in skyscrapers. First of all skyscrapers are very big and tend to carry thousands of people in them. A skyscraper is generally made for very large business that hires lots of people and is there for a long time during the day.  Knowing the fact that thousands of people work in there every day of the week is a huge risk for firefighters in the city for many reasons. First reason is that if there is any sort of fire at all in the building everyone needs to be evacuated as fast and as safe as possible. Secondly if there are fires on the top floors than it takes firefighters a little bit to get up there which is usually 50 to 60 floors high. This makes it very hard for firefighters to get there very quickly.
When big fires like 911 happen there is lots of smoke and flammable gas which just makes it easier for fire to spread and for people to die. When skyscrapers catch on fire is supper hard to find every single body that works in that building and pull them out alive, because there are way more victims than there are firefighters until more firefighters arrive on the scene. Also if it is in the middle of the day and the middle of the week there are going to be tons of people going in and out of skyscrapers and if they see smoke or flames there going to want to stay there and it just makes them get in your way a lot easier.
 The main fire technology tool that is used is any type of camera such as the TIC. Also fighting a skyscraper fire is the most dangerous type of all fires because the floor could collapse at any point in time and it will not give you any warning. Another issue is that there is always so much radio traffic that it is out of control and you can’t accomplish anything you have to make judgments on your own and hope that not only is it a smart move but that it is a safe move for you and your partner. For more information about my topic please visit this website for more information, thanks!
http://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/structural/skyscraper3.htm

Fire Safety in National Parks

National parks use a bunch of different types of safety procedures to help prevent wildfires from happening or to prevent them from getting out of hand. They ask visitors to be careful where they throw their cigarette away at and to barbecue close to water sources like a river or a lake. Report any abandoned vehicle or fly-tipping because they may be at risk to start a fire. Never drop glass because it could magnify the sun’s rays and starts a fire nobody would notice and it would get out of hand and become uncontrollable. These rules help prevent them but fires still get out of hand and there are some very helpful ways to help put them out to prevent further damage.
If a fire gets out of hand and is burning a lot of land in a very short amount of time they will call in a plane that farmers often use to put fires out. CAL Fire noticed how effective they are and took a WW2 aircraft and modified it to hold more water. The S-2A Air tanker holds up to 1,200 gallons of water and is flown by one person. There are 23 of them that CAL Fire uses and one is permanently stationed in Sacramento for maintenance relief. Nationals Parks often rely on these planes for fire relief if it is getting too dangerous for firefighters to combat. There, obviously, are other ways to put fires out, like a cross fire, helicopters with buckets full of water and a when needed DC-10 Air tanker that holds up to 12,000 gallons of water to fight the worst fires. Parks all around the world have many safety procedures to keep the forests healthy, animals and people safe and keep the beautiful forests for generations to come.

If you would like further information please visit Fire.ca.gov.

Vlog #1

Monday, January 13, 2014

A Fireman's Life

A fireman's life is one big surprise,
Usually he laughs, sometimes he cries.
There's always stress, toil and strife,
Hoping he's good enough to save just one life.

His wife understands, when he misses dinner,
If he runs out of church, don't think he's a sinner.
Answering a call, is tops on his list,
Regretting each one he's ever missed.

He tries and tries, but can't make us see,
The happiest men, still work for free.
Jumping from bed, fighting the cold,
Knowing what to do, without being told.

He rushes to the station, jumps on a truck.
Depending on skill, never on luck.
Putting his life on the line, for an unknown friend,
Hoping and praying, it won't be the end.
"The Bravest Men in the World", the title is fitting,
They all do their best, never come close to quitting.
Next time you see them, all their lights blinking,
Take just a minute, to think what they're thinking.

It's a hard job, so show them you care,
And help them out, with a little prayer.

                                                                         I.S.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

When Brave Men Cry

Into the bowels of Hell, these brave ones go 
To save the lives of those they do not know 
Guided by training & Camaraderie while overcoming fear 
They dare to go with only Guardian Angels near

Through the smoke and heat and gasses too 
They fight their fears when looking for you 
A life to save is their primary task 
Think of them with kindness is all they ask

The Cross of Malta is their chosen crest 
Love of another is the required test 
First to respond when all spells gloom 
They won't quit though it could be their own doom

These Fire Fighters have seen so much 
Burned and broken bodies, death, destruction and such 
They go back for more each and every day 
Because it's the lives they save that makes them stay

All for one and one for all 
You go - I go that is their call 
And in their quest, when some do fall 
The rest stand strong - still giving their all

The loss of a family member does take it's toll 
Cuts to the quick, down deep in your soul 
Heroes forever, when they die 
And that is when brave men cry.