FE Volume 135 Issue 10

If you have read this far, you know that Fire Engineering is sporting a new typographical design. Body type, head type, article layouts and even the et ceteras have a new appearance. What isn't new is the Fire Engineering tradition of 105 years — printing articles that help the fire service provide better protection by reporting technological and administrative advances as they are made.

We recently had an opportunity to discuss the toxicity problem created by burning polyurethane foams with James A. Hollars, president of the Flexible Polyurethane Foam Manufacturers Association. Fire fighters are increasingly concerned about toxic gases — especially hydrogen cyanide — emitted by burning polyurethanes in homes and offices. Polyurethane products are so desirable in their many uses that to try to ban their use would be about as practical as trying to shovel back the tide with a pitchfork.

The increasingly popular deluge gun mounted atop a pumper adds a blitz attack with a master stream to the options of the first-in engine company. To make this quick application of a large rate of flow of water practical, however, the engine company members must be familiar with the capabilities of their apparatus.