August 2018
Published by the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal
Hope is not a plan, data driven decision is
 W ho would have thought we would be on our fifth conflagration by August 1st? We wished and hoped it not to be true, but prepared for it by leveraging our Intel to prepare for the potential of an extended fire season due to forecasted drought and weather conditions as early intelligence predicted above-average, significant wildland fire potential in Oregon.

The Intel also helped us gather additional information to make key decisions for this year’s fire season as well as provide situational awareness therefore allowing us to respond quickly and effectively to whatever situations may arise.
 
The job gets harder each year with persistent drought and the fires increasing in size and fire seasons seem to be getting longer. This challenge is being met by all the teams that play a role in Oregon wildland firefighting, a constellation of local, state, and federal agencies.

Accurate information allows us to collect data to give us a holistic snapshot and allows us to be better coordinated, which is the foundation of a safe and successful fire response. Data, such as the data reported to the OSFM by Oregon fire agencies, can be a fundamental tool in both the preparedness piece and the execution of that preparedness.

It all begins and ends with good data. This provides the opportunity for analysis and a roadmap for where we would best apply our resources and efforts to lower the risk to our communities. As we focus on preparedness for this summer’s wildfire season, OSFM is also analyzing data to provide situational awareness county by county on all fires. With this additional information, counties are able to determine availability of resources and assess their current fire situation.

In combination with this project and the transition from Oregon Fire Bridge to Image Trend Elite, it will provide us with the direction on where we focus our prevention efforts next. We prepared Oregon early with ‘Ready, Set, Go!’ and ‘Wildfire Awareness Month’ and now we’ll address fires in Oregon on a broader scale with the data collected by each fire department to determine what fire challenges are in your local area.

Our state continues to have an active support in the role of state deployments and in the role of neighbors helping neighbors for large scale fires. I appreciate the fast intelligence provided by your agencies and the commitment of your crews when mobilized.

As we keep our eye on the goal, we’ll continue focusing on the current fire situation we have at hand and I’d like to remind everyone to be safe and take care of each other!


Thanks for all you do!
 
Oregon State Fire Marshal Jim Walker
Fire investigation can be challenging
Investigating a fire or explosion is often a complex endeavor that requires the use of a systematic methodology and approach. Whether it’s a structure, vehicle, or wildfire, conducting investigations using a systematic approach is critical and helps keep the investigator organized while identifying key components and factors at these scenes.

Each fire agency in the state of Oregon is responsible for determining how and why a fire or explosion occurred and what caused the event. As a fire investigator, it is critical to understand the basic principles of fire behavior and fire-spread development. Often, fire agencies throughout the state request assistance in determining a fire’s origin and cause by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Deputy state fire marshals work together with numerous agencies throughout the state in order to support these needs in determining a fire or explosion's origin and cause.

Wildland fire scenes require specialized training, experience, and knowledge to perform a complete fire investigation. Recently, the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal sent staff to the FI-210 Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination training in La Grande and Central Point. This training consisted of lectures, presentations, field exercises, and classroom discussions. It afforded staff the ability to practice wildland fire investigation methods, evidence collection, and documentation processes in a realistic environment. The class also identified the laws, regulations, and related court procedures associated with administrative, civil, and criminal litigation processes.
Conducting an origin and cause investigation is an important and critical component of why we do what we do. Working in collaboration often relies on taking advantage of each agency's capabilities, skills, expertise, training and background. If the Office of State Fire Marshal can assist you with these needs, please contact your local deputy state fire marshal.
Oregon Life Safety Team members share a re-charged vision for Community Risk Reduction
In early April, two representatives from Oregon, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Public Education Chief Joanne Hatch and Hillsboro Fire Department Fire Prevention Specialist Bruce Montgomery, attended the 2018 Vision 20/20 Model Performance in Community Risk Reduction Symposium.

They returned with a new appreciation for data driven Community Risk Reduction (CRR) and documenting efforts to demonstrate that effective CRR programs produce measurable results. Each presentation at the symposium represented successful CRR efforts from across the country providing real world examples in identifying best practices and encouraging attendees to recognize that there are many ways to reduce community risk.

We are well aware of the fire problems in our individual communities and how prevention efforts can benefit the safety of those we are called to protect. National data tells us that cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries, causing 47% of home fires that resulted in 20% of home fire deaths and 45% of the injuries.

In Oregon from 2008-2017, there were 8,386 fires where the area of origin was reported as the kitchen.

  • These kitchen fires resulted in 521 civilian injuries, 21 civilian deaths, and 109 fire service injuries.
  • Thirty-seven percent reported a range or stove as equipment involved in the fire.
  • Ninety percent of the 21 civilian deaths were among persons age 50+.
 
Using Vision 20/20 strategies, Oregon Life Safety Team members are planning to evaluate Oregon fire data with the intent of developing a state-wide program to address cooking fires.
 
We encourage all agencies to review the Vision 20/20 National Strategies for Fire Loss Prevention website at www.strategicfire.org

There you will learn more about the CRR process to identify and prioritize local risks and how to follow-up with an integrated and strategic investment of resources (emergency response and prevention) to reduce their occurrence and impact. 

Working together we can address community risks with a well thought out process to decrease their frequency and damaging effects.

For questions about the symposium or Community Risk Reduction projects for your local jurisdiction, please feel free to contact Joanne (503-259-1506, joanne.Hatch@tvfr.com) or Bruce (503-681-6178, bruce.montgomery@hillsboro-oregon.gov).
 
Getting to know the Agency Operations Center
This July, the Agency Operations Center (AOC) opened for the second time in Summer 2018 to provide support to the Substation Fire. The AOC is activated by the State Fire Marshal to mobilize and track resources such as firefighting task forces and incident management teams (IMT).

During an activation, the AOC is staffed with personnel who otherwise work in a number of different roles within the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), including office administrators, program coordinators, policy analysts, and compliance specialists. They train and prepare each year during the off-season to become knowledgeable in mobilizing resources, communicating with Fire Defense Board Chiefs (FDBC), and understanding the various roles each member plays on an IMT.

When supporting a single fire with only a small number of strike teams or task forces deployed and operating primarily during day ops, the AOC may close down overnight from 2200 to 0600 with the approval of the IMT Incident Commander. However, for more involved fires with numerous taskforces operating around the clock, or during concurrent mobilizations, you’ll typically find the AOC staffed 24/7 until all resources have returned to their home stations.

Requesting a Conflagration
In short, when fire response is beyond the control of the local fire suppression resources – including mutual aid – the county's FDBC shall request the mobilization of resources through the State Fire Marshal. This process is defined in the Oregon Fire Service Mobilization Plan and the request for statewide firefighting resources initially flows from the local fire incident commander through their county FDBC.

Local fire chiefs and FDBCs are encouraged to connect with their region’s deputy state fire marshal early in the request process to walk through mutual aid considerations, delegation of authority in unprotected lands, resource typing, and other concerns. The local deputy state fire marshal will assist the FDBC in completion of the Conflagration Request Form, which provides information and background necessary for the State Fire Marshal to request the Governor invoke the Conflagration Act.

Following such a request, an activation conference call is held with the local incident commander, the FDBC, the IMT Incident Commander, and the State Fire Marshal. The purpose of the call is to ground-truth the information received and determine whether it's appropriate to invoke the Conflagration Act and mobilize structural resources through OSFM. Once that determination has been made, local personnel will identify which resource are needed, and when they are requested to arrive. The State Fire Marshal then seeks formal approval from the Governor to invoke the Conflagration Act.

Knowing Resource Availability by County
In 2017, the OSFM developed an online form that allows FDBCs to enter resource availability in their geographical areas. Using this online form, a FDBC uses a drop-down menu to identify how many Type 1 Engines, Type III Interface Pumpers, Type VI Brush Rigs, Water Tenders, and Task Force Leaders are available to mobilize from their region.

Beginning with the Solar Eclipse in 2017 and continuing this season, FDBCs regularly update their resource availability using this online tool which is sent directly to the AOC. With this critical information, the AOC aggregates a “dashboard” of availability to consider – along with geographic challenges and traffic conditions – when locating resources to mobilize to a fire.

Mobilizing Resources
The details of the resource request are relayed to the AOC and staff begins to contact FDBCs. When a FDBC agrees to fill a particular order (ex: Task Force of Type III, Type VI, and a Tender), the AOC will send them a Strike Team / Task Force Resource Form. The FDBC adds essential information such as names, contact numbers, and unit IDs before sending the form back to the AOC for review and approval. AOC personnel will then verify details are correct such as ensuring the proper number of personnel for the resource type  https://www.oregon.gov/osp/SFM/docs/QuickGuide.pdf

The FDBC sending resources must to ensure that all personnel are properly trained and equipped (fuel, rations, PPE, etc.) to respond for a minimum of three days. A strike team will have one strike team leader with a command vehicle and five apparatus of like type. A task force will have one task force leader with a command vehicle, and a mix of apparatus, including a water tender.

In addition, a strike team or task force may include one transport vehicle or cargo trailer, however, an additional driver is not authorized. The transport vehicle must be driven by someone assigned to an apparatus in the strike team or task force. Also, an assistant or trainee strike team or task force leader may be included.

Strike team or task force leaders are asked to contact the AOC when their resources are responding and leaving their station to provide an estimated time of arrival to the fire. Once they arrive, the strike team or task force leader contacts the AOC to confirm their arrival. From there, they check in with and are tracked by the IMT resource unit leader. As noted previously, the AOC often remains open 24/7 to assist with additional requests and to be available to track resources as they begin the demobilization process.

Any questions about the AOC can be directed to Assistant Chief Deputy Michael Heffner at Michael.Heffner@state.or.us.

Questions regarding the mobilization process can be directed to IMT Program Coordinator Mariah.Rawlins@@state.or.us. Additional information is available here: https://www.oregon.gov/osp/SFM/Pages/Oregon_Mob_Plan.aspx .
Competency Recognition Program
T he Fire and Life Safety Competency Recognition Program defines competencies, provides education, and recognizes commitment and scope of practice among fire and life safety professionals in Oregon.

Over the past 15 months, the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has been evaluating the Competency Recognition Program, looking at its overall effectiveness and accessibility. We surveyed members of the Oregon fire service to seek input on ways to improve the program. An internal OSFM team considered each of the responses, which helped put together a forward plan.

More recently, we have been working with a small focus group to share ideas and received feedback on proposed changes. As part of these proposed changes, we are creating ways to make it easier to maintain recognition by improving access to required classes and offering them more frequently. In addition, we are also proposing a way to make the maintenance of this recognition program easier for participants.

Once the work is completed with our focus group, our next step will to be to present our Competency Recognition Program proposed amendments to a larger stakeholder group. We are aiming for late September to hold this meeting. 
If you would like to be part of this group, please contact Valerie Abrahamson at valerie.abrahamson@state.or.us .
Code Corner
by OSFM Code Deputy David Mills
Transporting LP-Gas Containers

In transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LP-Gas), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code , 2011 edition, Section 9.3 provides the regulations and procedures for portable containers. You may view the entire NFPA 58 document on line by going to https://www.nfpa.org/Codes-and-Standards/All-Codes-and-Standards/Free-access .
 
The general requirement is that the cargo space of transporting vehicles shall be isolated from the driver's compartment, the engine, and the engine's exhaust system. Essentially, there are two classification modes of vehicle transportation: closed-bodied vehicles and open-bodied vehicles.
 
Open-bodied vehicles shall be considered to be in compliance with this provision as they are open and do not trap escaping gases (Example an open bed delivery truck).
 
Closed-bodied vehicles having separate cargo, driver, and engine compartments shall be considered to be in compliance with this provision. Closed-bodied vehicles, such as passenger cars, vans, and station wagons, shall not be used for transporting more than 215 lb. (98 kg) water capacity [nominal 90 lb. (41 kg) propane capacity].

Nevertheless, not more than 108 lb. (49 kg) water capacity [nominal 45 lb. (20 kg) propane capacity] per cylinder, unless the driver and engine compartments are separated from the cargo space by a vapor tight partition that contains no means of access to the cargo space. Typically, passenger vehicles such as a station wagon do not meet this separation criterion.
 
So, a common question that often is asked is: Is it permissible to transport a LPG BBQ grill cylinder [20 lb. (9.1 kg) propane capacity] not “in commerce” in the passenger space of an automobile? And if yes, how many cylinders can be transported in that manner?
 
The transportation of privately owned cylinders in passenger automobiles is a safety concern that is addressed based on the type of vehicle as noted above. The transportation of LP-Gas by private parties, where the transportation is not considered to be “in commerce” as defined by DOT, is not regulated by the U.S. DOT regulations, and therefore only the provisions of NFPA 58 apply. The provisions in Section 9.3.2.5 of NFPA 58 are understood as follows:

  • Will the cylinder be transported in an open-bodied vehicle (such as an open pickup truck) or in a closed-bodied vehicle with a vapor tight partition between the cargo space and the driver and engine compartments? If either is the case, then up to 1000 lb. (454 kg) of LP-Gas can be transported in the vehicle (i.e., total weight, including the weight of the LP-Gas and cylinders) as stated in Section 9.3.2.1. Where the LP-Gas exceeds 1000 lb. (454 kg), the requirements of 9.3.2.10 and DOT would apply to the vehicle.

  • Will the cylinder be transported in a closed-body vehicle? If so, a maximum of 90 lb. (41 kg) of propane can be transported in the passenger or cargo space of the vehicle. This provision allows up to four typical BBQ grill cylinders [20 lb. (9.1 kg) propane capacity], up to three 30 lb. (13.6 kg) cylinders, or up to two 40 lb. (18 kg) cylinders to be transported.
 
Note that the 90 lb. (41 kg) limit in closed-body vehicles effectively prohibits the transportation of a 100 lb. (45 kg) LP-Gas cylinder in passenger cars, vans, sport utility vehicles, and station wagons. Also, see 9.3.2.9 for requirements on cylinder orientation when being transported.

These rules apply to all transportation of cylinders, whether by propane company employees delivering cylinders to residences, exchange cabinets, fork lift operators, or by private citizens taking their grill cylinders in for filling or exchange.

These rules apply in much the same way as building codes apply to a modification a citizen makes to his or her house. In the case of building codes (and this varies with location), the citizen is responsible for obtaining a building permit, for having construction done to meet the applicable code(s), and for getting an inspection by a building code official during construction and/or after the work is complete.

The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code requirements are less well known than building codes among citizens, which is why some jurisdictions consider it the responsibility of the propane company employees to ensure that cylinders transported by customers are properly placed and secured in their vehicles when they leave the dispensing site.
The regulations concerning transportation of LP-Gas (propane) cylinders for home use are outlined in NFPA 58, Section 9.3.2.  

  • You should transport propane cylinders upright. They should not be laying on their sides (w/ exceptions). You must secure the cylinders in place -- usually with straps or bungee cords -- to prevent them from falling over.

  • Propane cylinders should be as far from the driver as possible and must be isolated from the engine and exhaust system, which means putting them in the trunk if you're driving a conventional automobile. If you're driving a pick-up, the cylinders can be in the bed of the truck, and they can be transported in the same enclosure as the driver of a box truck or single-compartment van.

  • The total weight of the cylinders, including the propane they contain, cannot exceed 90 pounds. Since a filled appliance cylinder typically weighs 20 pounds, this requirement imposes a limit of four cylinders.

  • If the cylinders have safety caps to cover the valve opening, those caps must be in place. Only older cylinders lack these caps.

  • You can only transport propane in leak-proof containers --if you have an older cylinder you're not sure about, don't use it.
  • You must place the cylinders on a flat surface, such as the floor of the car, a truck bed or the bottom of the trunk.
  • Ventilate your vehicle. NFPA regulations do not proscribe transporting cylinders on the floor of a car behind the driver, but if you do so, you are recommended to open the windows.

  • Ventilate the trunk. If you must transport propane in the trunk, it is recommended that you leave the trunk open slightly for ventilation.

For questions, please call the OSFM Codes Hotline: 503-934-8204.
Data Connection
  News from the Analytics & Intelligence Unit
by Program Coordinator Dave Gulledge
There is a saying that goes, “If you do what you love, you never work a day in your life.”
Based on that notion, I have not worked a day for the last eight years. I am sure that many of the folks that read this column know me; I have overseen the incident reporting program with OSFM since 2010. I have taken quite a bit of pride in serving the state of Oregon in this capacity and have thoroughly enjoyed it.
Over the years, I have spent thousands of hours and travelled thousands of miles across this great state of ours providing training, assistance and guidance, and meeting so many of Oregon’s bravest. It has truly been an honor that has humbled me beyond words.

That is why it’s so bittersweet to share with you that I have accepted a position with Eugene Springfield Fire. By the time this article is published, I will have already left OSFM and started in my new position.
 
Taking over until a permanent replacement is identified will be Claire McGrew, who held the position before me. If you have been around the Oregon fire service for a while, you most likely know Claire. She is the Fire & Life Safety Education Branch Manager at OSFM, so this will be an additional duty she will be taking on.      
 
I wanted to write one last column not only to let folks know about my departure from OSFM, but to reiterate the importance of the data gained through incident reporting. The core function of every fire agency is to protect their citizens from fire. Protecting citizens from fire certainly involves responding to and extinguishing fires as they occur, but to be the best stewards of the public’s trust to keep them safe also includes working to prevent those fires from occurring to begin with.

The primary point and purpose of incident reporting is to identify the fire problem at the local, state, and national level. So long as there are responses to fires, it is imperative that we continue to collect information about those incidents in order to prevent them in the future. It is imperative that we improve our data collection efforts and do our best to ensure we learn as much as we can from the fires we experience. Resources everywhere are only getting more finite, so we need to make the most of them by focusing them in the right direction. Fully completed and accurate incident reports contain the information to do just that.

On average in Oregon, there are about 15,000 fires that occur each year that result in about 50 deaths, 250 injuries and $200 million in estimated loss. The problem is that most of these fires could have been prevented. My hope is that every fire agency works to be part of the solution.

As I transition to a new chapter in my career, I want to thank the Oregon fire service for making my tenure with the OSFM such a positive and memorable experience.  
For questions or information, please contact the Analytics & Intelligence Unit at 503-934-8250 or by email at osfm.data@state.or.us.
Real Heroes at the Marion County Fair
T he OSFM, local fire agencies, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission participated in the Marion County Fair Real Heroes Exhibit from July 12-15, 2018. Approximately 15,000 people attended the fair. 

The OSFM would like to thank the following agencies for their participation. This event would have not been as successful without their knowledge and passion for prevention. We distributed fire prevention, pool safety, window fall safety, recruitment, and other educational materials.
Aumsville Rural Fire Protection District
Fire Chief Roy Hari
Lt. Mark Noack
Bradley Bucholz
Ryan Stevens

Albany Fire Department
Lora Ratcliff
Alfredo Mendez
 
Stayton Fire District
Laura Houston
Adam Bailey
Dana Orr

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
David Burns
 
The Real Heroes Exhibit honors, educates, and inspires while highlighting emergency service resources available within the community. The exhibit is designed to showcase various organizations that provide, have provided, or support active responses within Marion County and surrounding areas. Active response, in regards to the Real Heroes Exhibit, is rescue, firefighting, or public protection.
 
Other organizations, such as safety programs that reach out to educate the public, but do not provide any kind of active responses, are welcome to participate if they are connected to one of the agencies listed above and can be represented within the scope of that partnership. If you’d like to participate in 2019, please connect with Caitlin Koenig, Client Services – Marion County Fair at 541-497-7483 or caitlin@ingallsagency.com.
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