March 2018
Published by the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal
Striking while the iron is hot
I t’s March and I can already feel the seasonal change in the air. This has been an unusually dry and mild winter with limited snowfall. Unfortunately, ski resorts throughout the state have suffered, along with those who depend on winter precipitation to refill reservoirs and who need healthy spring river runoff.

Depending on your area of the state, certain levels of drought are looking likely. This is not a good omen for the upcoming fire season.

All of us in the fire service should look at last year’s Chetco Bar Fire and Eagle Creek Fire as wake up calls to what is being touted as the “new normal” in western states.

I believe that last year’s conflagrations are still fresh in the minds of most Oregonians and given a possible developing drought, we have a good opportunity to get homeowners to focus on preparing for the upcoming wildfire season.

All fire agencies should take this opportunity to encourage residents to take mitigation actions such as creating a defensible space around their homes and other structures and educate them on how simple outdoor activities need to be done carefully to avoid starting a wildfire. Homeowners are the first best defense for protecting their property.

Disaster preparation goes hand in hand with wildfire preparation and we should take this opportunity to also encourage residents to create or expand their disaster response kits. Information and resources may be found on the American Red Cross website .

Fire prevention is an adult responsibility. And just as we in the public sector continue to plan and train for incidents including wildfire, residents have a role to play as well.

There are a number of free resources fire agencies can use to aid them in their public education efforts on these topics. Resources may be found on our OSFM Wildland Urban Interface webpage , the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Prevention webpage , and the Keep Oregon Green Prevent Wildfires webpage .

 Thanks for all you do!
Oregon State Fire Marshal Jim Walker
2017 Annual Report on
HB 3225 now available
G overnor Kate Brown signed HB 3225 into law on July 20, 2015, providing for the OSFM to coordinate training, preparedness, and response planning activities with a specific focus on oil or hazardous materials spills or releases that occur during rail transport.
 
In part, this law mandates the OSFM to adopt, by rule, a plan for the coordinated response to oil or hazardous material spills or releases that occur during rail transport, identify response resources (existing and needed), and to coordinate training for emergency responders.
 
As part of the mandate for HB 3225, the OSFM must submit an annual report of the status and progress of the Hazmat by Rail Program. The 2017 annual report is complete and available online.
 
For questions on the program or the annual report, contact Assistant Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Michael Heffner at 503-934-8030 or email michael.heffner@state.or.us.
Data Connection
News from the Analytics & Intelligence Unit
by Fire Data Specialist Candice Clark
It’s That Time of Year Again!

The comprehensive analysis of incident data for 2017 is underway and will be released in the Supplement to the Annual Report later this year. In addition to being required by state law (please see Applicable Rules and Statutes - Fire Reporting Oregon Revised Statutes ORS 476.210 (2) through 476.220 ), your data is necessary for a complete and accurate analysis of the 2017 data. To help us avoid delay with this analysis, if you have not done so, please submit your incident data as soon as possible to ensure your data is included in the Supplement to the Annual Report.
 
If your agency did not have any calls for an entire month, this needs to be reported as well. Agencies can easily log this into their Oregon Fire Bridge™ or Image Trend Elite account, or contact the Analytics & Intelligence Unit to get their information properly captured. If your agency reports through the state’s Oregon Fire Bridge™ system or the state’s Image Trend Elite system, your reports are automatically submitted when the report is saved.
 
 
2017 Oregon Local Fire Agency Profile
The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal Analytics & Intelligence Unit annually requests information from the state's local fire agencies. The purpose in collecting this information is multifold. In addition to ensuring the OSFM has the most accurate and current contact information for each agency, the collection of this information also permits aggregate data to be compiled on Oregon's fire service. This type of information is often essential when seeking grants. Other organizations and agencies from the local to the federal level, as well as agencies from other countries, often seek this aggregated information to advance the role of the fire service.
 
The Analytics & Intelligence Unit emailed the link to the 2017 Oregon Local Fire Agency Profile on February 26, 2018. Please do not resend previous years profiles for your agency. We ask that you use the link to access, complete, and submit the 2017 Oregon Local Fire Agency Profile no later than April 27, 2018 .
 
Information collected will be used in the 2017 Supplement to the Annual Report and posted on the OSFM website.
  • Agency Contact Information
  •  Population & Valuation Resources
  •  Personnel Resources
  •  Staff Contact Information: Fire Chief & Fire Marshal
 
To view previous year profile information visit Appendix 2 & 3 .

National Fire Incident Reporting System Training (Free)
The Office of State Fire Marshal is conducting free 1- and 2- day courses that will cover the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) as it applies to all Oregon fire agencies regardless of which software is used.​
 
The NFIRS course teaches students how to use standardized forms to achieve uniformity in their incident reporting. This training program is designed specifically to support local fire service organizations, and will assist them in providing data to their management, decision makers, and state uniform fire reporting system. At a local level, the NFIRS data can be used to:
  • ​Describe a community's fire problem,
  • Support budget requests,
  • Improve decision-making for allocation of resources,
  • Assist in planning for future fire protection,
  • Help identify opportunities for scheduling non-emergency activities,
  • Evaluate code enforcement programs, and
  • Identify target audiences for public fire education programs.
 
Attire: Business Casual
 
​** Early registration is recommended, space is LIMITED to 35 participants. **
 
Lodging: Will not be provided​​

Portland Airport Fire & Rescue is hosting a free 1-day course:
Date:  March 28, 2018​
Time: 0900-1700
Location: Portland Airport Fire & Rescue – Station 80​, 5250 NE Marine Dr, Portland, OR 97218
Registration Deadline: March 16, 2018
 
Turner Fire District is hosting a free 2-day course:
Date: April 11 & 12, 2018
Time: 0800-1700
Location: Turner Fire District, 7605 3rd St SE, Turner, OR 97392  
Registration Deadline: March 30, 2018
 
Thomas Creek Westside RFPD is hosting a free 1-day course:
Date: April 21, 2018
Time: 0800-1700
Location: Lakeview Emergency Services Building, 245 N F St, Lakeview, OR 97630​
Registration Deadline: April 9, 2018
 
For questions or more information, please contact the Analytics & Intelligence Unit at 503-934-8250 or by email at osfm.data@state.or.us .
Code Corner
by Deputy State Fire Marshal David Mills
Carbon Monoxide Safety
 
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), half of home heating equipment fires are reported during the winter months of the year. During the colder months, there is also an increased risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, and colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, natural gas, propane, and methane) burn incompletely. In your home, heating equipment that burns fuel can be a source of carbon monoxide. Vehicles or generators running in an attached garage can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
 
In 2010, NFPA reported US fire departments responded to an estimated 80,100 non-fire CO incidents in which carbon monoxide was found, an average of nine such calls per hour.
 
Oregon laws (ORS 90.317, 476.725 and OAR 837-047-0100) require landlords to provide working CO alarms in rental dwellings with a CO source, and all residences built after April 1, 2011 are required to have CO alarms, even if there is not a source. The carbon monoxide alarm may be battery operated, plug-in with battery backup, or wired into the home's AC power with a secondary battery backup. It must also bear the label of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as the Underwriters Laboratories. For more information about the law, please click http://www.oregon.gov/osp/SFM/Pages/CommedCOProg.aspx or contact your local fire or building official.
 
Safety Measures:
  • Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Never heat your home with your gas range or oven.
  • Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO — only use outside.
  • Always open the chimney flue when you use your fireplace.
  • If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
  • If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call 911 for help from your fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel arrive.
 
Install A CO Alarm:
  • CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area, on every level of the home, and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes, or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.
  • Locate in accordance with the rules and applicable building codes at the time of construction or alteration.
  • Some local ordinances have additional requirements.
 
Recognize The Symptoms Of CO Poisoning:
CO enters the body through breathing. CO poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning, and other illnesses. Some symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, light headedness, or headaches. High levels of CO can be fatal, causing death within minutes.
 
The concentration of CO, measured in parts per million  (ppm) is a determining factor in the symptoms for an average, healthy adult.
  • 50 ppm: No adverse effects with 8 hours of exposure.
  • 200 ppm: Mild headache after 2-3 hours of exposure.
  • 400 ppm: Headache and nausea after 1-2 hours of exposure.
  • 800 ppm: Headache, nausea, and dizziness after 45 minutes; collapse and unconsciousness after 1 hour of exposure.
  • 1,000 ppm: Loss of consciousness after 1 hour of exposure.
  • 1,600 ppm: Headache, nausea, and dizziness after 20 minutes of exposure.
  • 3,200 ppm: Headache, nausea, and dizziness after 5-10 minutes; collapse and unconsciousness after 30 minutes of exposure.
  • 6,400 ppm: Headache and dizziness after 1-2 minutes; unconsciousness and danger of death after 10-15 minutes of exposure.
  • 12,800 ppm: Immediate physiological effects, unconsciousness and danger of death after 1-3 minutes of exposure.
 
Know What To Do If You Suspect CO Poisoning:
  •  Get fresh air and stay outside.
  •  Call 911.
Registration for the 2018 Oregon Hazmat Response Teams Conference is open
T he 2018 Oregon Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference is being held April 16–19, 2018, at Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Oregon. The conference will bring together emergency hazardous materials responders, provide training classes, offer networking opportunities, and showcase the latest in technology for hazmat response.
 
Attendees will learn from experienced presenters as they share, inform, and help prepare them for hazmat response under varying circumstances, such as:
  • Advanced Hazmat IQ
  • Hazmat Safety Officer
  • Drug Q: Synthetic Opioid Risk Based Response
  • Next Gen Detection & Identification
  • Grounding and Bonding
  • Recognizing Explosives, Homemade Explosives, and Devices
  • Hazmat On Scene Incident Commander
  • Hazmat Response to Ammonia Emergencies with Emphasis on the First 30 Minutes
  • Rail Hazmat Methods of Mitigation and Case Studies for Common Leaks from Railcars
  • Hazmat Chemistry Review with Focus on Properties Based Decision Making
  • PER-222 Public Safety CBRNE Response - Sampling Techniques and Guidelines
 
Online registration is now open . Early registration fee $225 (prior to March 14th). Registration fee $325 (after March 15th). Registration closes April 3, 2018.

Lodging Arrangements
To reserve a hotel room, contact Sunriver Resort at 800-547-3922 and mention the 2018 Oregon State Fire Marshal's Hazmat Conference. Conference attendees will need to make their reservations by March 15, 2018.
Guestroom Rates -Lodge Village Guestroom - Attendee Rate: $112.00 per night.
Cancellation Policy - Reservation must be cancelled 21 days prior to arrival. 

Scholarship Opportunity
The Office of State Fire Marshal is proud to offer scholarships to qualified members of the hazardous materials response community whose participation would not be possible without financial assistance. This scholarship will cover the full cost of conference registration. Recipients are responsible for their transportation and housing arrangements.
To apply for a scholarship, please use the registration link provided and select scholarship as your registration type. 

For more information, contact Jamie Kometz at 503-934-8280 or email jamie.kometz@state.or.us .
OFMA Annual Business Meeting & Training Conference
R egister now for the upcoming Oregon Fire Marshals Association (OFMA) Annual Business Meeting & Training Conference March 20-23, 2018, at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes in Bend, OR. Your registration fee of $395 (OFMA / OBOA member price) includes access to industry experts / speakers and ICC credits each day. A light breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided daily.
 
OFMA has assembled knowledgeable presenters to deliver information you can immediately apply in your workplace or on the job. Class offerings will include:
 
  • IFMA Fire Marshal Institute: 2-day class (1.60 CEUs)
  • ICC Significant Changes to the 2018 IFC (.80 CEUs)
  •  ICC 2015 Performing Commercial Fire Inspections (.80 CEUs)
  •  NFSA Rough & Final Inspection of Fire Sprinklers (.80 CEUs)
  • Fire and Life Safety Awareness I&II Parts 1&2 (.80 CEUs) 
  •  Flexible Sprinkler Fitting Systems (.40 CEUs)
  •  Dry Sprinklers for Commercial & Residential Fire Protection (.20 CEUs)
  •  Pressure Regulating Devices in Commercial Fire Protection (.20 CEUs)
  • Fire Codes & the Legalized Marijuana Industry (CEUs TBD)
  •  Fire Alarm Testing (CEUs TBD)
  •  NFPA Food Trucks (CEUs TBD)
 
New this year, OFMA will host a vendor fair and reception on Tuesday, March 20.
Stop by to network with the vendors and sponsors who help make this event possible. Stay for the hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and fellowship. Don’t miss the Awards Luncheon on Thursday, March 22, where OFMA will celebrate member accomplishments. 
 
For more information, contact Stephanie Watson or call 844-372-1859.
AFG grant application period open until March 16th
T he FY 2017 Fire Prevention & Safety Grant application period is currently open and will close on Friday, March 16, 2018, at 5 PM ET.

Make sure to thoroughly review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) prior to beginning your application, as it contains the latest updates to the FY 2017 FP&S Grant Program. Begin preparing your application now by using the following application assistance tools:

FP&S Grants Help Desk: If you have questions about the NOFO or technical assistance tools listed, call or email the FP&S Grants Help Desk. The toll-free number is 1-866-274-0960; the email address for questions is firegrants@fema.dhs.gov .
AFG Home Page:  www.fema.gov/firegrants
AFG Regional Representatives:  http://www.fema.gov/fire-grant-contact-information
AFG Help Desk: email:  firegrants@fema.dhs.gov
Telephone Toll-Free: 1-866-274-0960
Smoke Alarm Installation Program training
T he Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal Smoke Alarm Installation Program (SAIP) provides smoke alarms to Oregon fire agencies to install in residences that are unprotected.

Due to changes with the program, training is required for all agencies who choose to participate. If you would like to participate in the program and you did not complete training in 2017 , please see the below information and links for available training dates.

The OSFM is offering free one-hour webinar trainings on the SAIP.
Topics include:
  • Project planning and ideas
  • Smoke alarms and installation
  • Safety materials
  • Program eligibility, changes, and requirements

Upcoming webinars:
March 21, 2018, 2 p.m. Register by March 16, 2018 .
April 26, 2018, 9 a.m. Register by April 23, 2018 .
May 22, 2018, 2 p.m. Register by May 17, 2018 .
June 28, 2018, 10 a.m. Register by June 25, 2018 .

For more information, please contact osfm.ce@state.or.us or 503-934-8228.
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