Chief's Corner: USFA Initiatives in EMS

Posted on Thu, 17 May 2012 22:05:00 EDT
In recognition of 2012 EMS Week and the fire service as a major provider of EMS in America, U.S. Fire Administrator Ernest Mitchell highlights recent and ongoing USFA initiatives to help ensure vibrant and effective EMS systems throughout the nation.

Fire Officials Selected for Harvard Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program

Posted on Thu, 3 May 2012 09:19:00 EDT
U.S. Fire Administrator Ernest Mitchell announced today that four senior fire officials will receive fellowships to attend the Harvard University’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program this summer at the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

USFA Releases Civilian Fire Injuries in Residential Buildings (2008-2010) Topical Report

Posted on Wed, 2 May 2012 10:38:00 EDT
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) announces the release of a special report examining the characteristics of civilian fire injuries in residential buildings. The report, Civilian Fire Injuries in Residential Buildings (2008-2010), was developed by USFA's National Fire Data Center. According to the report, cooking was the primary cause for fires that resulted in injuries and the leading human factor contributing to injuries was being asleep.

USFA Releases Residential Building Fires (2008-2010) Topical Report

Posted on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:03:00 EDT
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) announces the release of a special report focusing on the causes and characteristics of fires in residential buildings. The report, Residential Building Fires (2008-2010), was developed by USFA's National Fire Data Center. Residential buildings include what are commonly referred to as "homes," whether they are one- or two-family dwellings or multifamily buildings. It also includes manufactured housing, hotels and motels, residential hotels, dormitories, assisted living facilities, and halfway houses.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Medical Directors Handbook Released

Posted on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EDT
USFA and the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Health Affairs have released a handbook for physician medical directors of local departments and agencies who are involved in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) response. The Handbook for EMS Medical Directors covers topics ranging from occupational health and safety to liability issues.

Funding Alternatives for Emergency Medical and Fire Services Manual Updated

Posted on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:05:00 EDT
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), supported by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Health Affairs (OHA), and in partnership with the International Fire Services Training Association (IFSTA), announce the revision and release of Funding Alternatives for Emergency Medical and Fire Services. The latest edition provides the most up to date information regarding funding for local level Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and fire departments. The document includes sources of federal funding as well as other new and innovative funding sources not discussed in previous editions.

Traffic Incident Management Systems Manual Updated

Posted on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:48:00 EDT
USFA, the Federal Highway Administration, and the International Fire Service Training Association announce the release of the latest edition of Traffic Incident Management Systems. The manual provides technical and training program information for fire and emergency service providers, as well as guidance to local fire departments on compliance with the Department of Transportation's Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

USFA and the U.S. Department of Justice Initiate Study of Best Practices for Emergency Vehicle Visibility

Posted on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:44:00 EDT
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), supported by the U.S. Department of Justice National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and in partnership with the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association's (CVVFA) Emergency Responder Safety Institute, has initiated a study of emergency vehicle markings, lighting, and design to recommend best practices for increased visibility to approaching motorists.

Executive Fire Officer Research Award Winners, Roll of Honor Inductee Announced

Posted on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:08:00 EDT
The U.S. Fire Administration announced today the names of fire service executives who will either receive the National Fire Academy's 2011 Outstanding Research Award or be inducted to its Roll of Honor. The award winners will present and defend their projects during the 24th Annual Executive Fire Officer Symposium on May 4-6, 2012.

USFA Releases Your Role in Fire-Adapted Communities Guide

Posted on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:08:00 EDT
The U. S. Fire Administration (USFA), in partnership with the U. S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, announces the release of "Your Role in Fire-Adapted Communities". This new guide promotes a holistic approach to wildland fire risk reduction in the wildland urban interface and addresses actions to improve individual and community safety.

USFA Announces the 2012 Arson Awareness Week Theme

Posted on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EDT
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is pleased to partner with the International Association of Arson Investigators; Safe Kids USA; USAonWatch; the National Volunteer Fire Council; and the National Association of State Fire Marshals to announce the theme for the 2012 Arson Awareness Week: Prevent Youth Firesetting.

USFA Releases Civilian Fire Fatalities in Residential Buildings (2008-2010) Report

Posted on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EDT
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) issued a special report today examining the characteristics of civilian fire fatalities in residential buildings. The report, Civilian Fire Fatalities in Residential Buildings (2008-2010), was developed by USFA's National Fire Data Center and is based on 2008 to 2010 data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS).

National Fire Academy Begins Eighth Year of Coffee Break Training

Posted on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:40:00 EST
The U.S. Fire Administration's National Fire Academy recently began its eighth year of providing timely and useful instructional tips for first responders through its popular online Coffee Break Training series.

Chief's Corner: Firefighter Health and Wellness Resolutions for the New Year

Posted on Mon, 9 Jan 2012 10:18:00 EST
U.S. Fire Administrator Ernie Mitchell encourages fire departments to provide physical exams and implement a comprehensive fitness program this New Year.

Application Procedures Announced for the 2012 Harvard Fire Executive Fellowship Program

Posted on Mon, 9 Jan 2012 10:11:00 EST
Application procedures have been announced for the 2012 Harvard Fire Executive Fellowship Program. The program is once again sponsored through a partnership between the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), /International Fire Service Training Association/Fire Protection Publications (IFSTA/FPP), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). Applications are due no later than February 21, 2012.

U.S. Fire Administration Announces 2011 On-Duty Firefighter Fatalities

Posted on Tue, 3 Jan 2012 10:11:00 EST
United States Fire Administration announced today there were 81 on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States as a result of incidents that occurred in 2011. This represents an almost seven percent decrease from the 87 fatalities reported for 2010.

National Fire Academy Launches FESHE Recognition Program

Posted on Wed, 7 Dec 2011 11:03:00 EST
The U.S. Fire Administration's (USFA) announced today a new National Fire Academy (NFA) program opportunity for educational institutions offering undergraduate fire science degree programs. This effort is designed to offer national recognition to students participating in the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) model core associate's and bachelor's courses. The new FESHE recognition acknowledges the regionally accredited institutions that promote the standardization of fire science course titles, descriptions, and outcomes across the nation.

USFA Releases 2010 Fire Estimate Summary Series

Posted on Mon, 5 Dec 2011 11:35:00 EST
The 2010 Fire Estimate Summary Series presents information on the leading causes of residential building and nonresidential building fires, deaths, injuries, and dollar losses and overall trends in these leading causes.

FEMA Administrator Fugate Lauds Senate Confirmation of Ernest Mitchell as U.S. Fire Administrator

Posted on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:52:00 EST
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate today praised the Senate for confirming Ernest Mitchell Jr. as the Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).

Fall Back on Sound Advice: Time to Change Your Clock AND Your Smoke Alarm Batteries

Posted on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:52:00 EDT
As our nation moves back to Standard Time beginning this weekend, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) encourages you to mark the occasion as a time to test your home smoke alarms and replace the batteries if more than one year old.

USFA, Justice Department Initiate Emergency Vehicle Safety Study

Posted on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:20:00 EDT
Study will assist in the development and demonstration of emergency vehicle and roadway operations best practices for the fire and law enforcement communities.

National Fire Academy Announces American Council on Education (ACE) Recommendation Implementation

Posted on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:17:00 EDT
The National Fire Academy announces plans to implement recommendations provided by ACE after a recent curricula review.