Staff
JERRY W. LAUGHLIN Editor JACKIE COX Associate Editor DOROTHY P. FERGUSON Managing Editor LINDA MCCAULEY Editorial Assistant
FE Volume 136 Issue 3
The Latest
LETTERS
First Impressions I have just received the new Fire Engineering magazine. When I picked it up my first impression was that it was a new magazine on the market. It looks so different. I am very impressed with what you have done with it. The articles seemed to stand out more and although I never thought the magazine could be improved on, it has been.
Safety Programs: Minimizing the Hazards
We have a shocking safety record. Admittedly, fire service operations are inherently dangerous. Working in close proximity to uncontrolled flame, entering unbreathable atmospheres, operating at extreme heights, guiding heavy apparatus through traffic; all contain a high degree of risk. While the hazard cannot be totally eliminated, it can be minimized.
APPARATUS INNOVATIONS/DELIVERIES
APPARATUS INNOVATIONS/DELIVERIES DEPARTMENTS Circle No. 40 on Reader Service Card Circle No. 41 on Reader Service Card Circle No. 42 on Reader Service Card Circle…
More FE Volume 136 Issue 3
NEWS
Heat from the exhaust pipes of a Hughes 2696 helicopter recently set fire after landing in tall, dry grass in Australia. The Federal Aviation Administration accident reports used the incident to highlight the necessity for fire prevention awareness. Although the pilot was aware of igniting the dry foliage, he said he intended to lift off immediately after his passenger was clear.
FILMS
TRAINING PACKAGE, Three National Fire Academy programs available for general distribution through the National Audiovisual Center, write National Audio Visual Center, Information Services JF, Wash., D. C. 20409. Fire Fighter I, Emphasizes educating both new trainees and experienced personnel to become effective members of fire fighting teams.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
This is the sixth issue of Fire Engineering you've received since the new format was inaugurated last October. That seems to be enough time to add up your comments, and the results indicate your overwhelming support of the changes.
Computers: They Are the “Real World”
Did you notice what Time magazine did back in January? For over half a century Time has started off the new year by naming a Man of the Year, recognizing the person who has done more than anyone else to shape our lives in the past 12 months. This time the announcement was something of a shocker because the editors decided that nothing influenced the daily progress of life more than ... computers, particularly the still-new, low-cost microcomputers.
NAMES IN THE NEWS
Detective/Lieutenant Eugene Schmitt was presented the "Michigan Fire Inspector of the Year Award" by the Michigan Fire Inspectors Society. A member of the State Police Department since 1964, Schmitt was assigned to the Fire Marshal Division in 1973.
EQUIPMENT DIGEST
Twin Agent System Fire Combat Inc., introduces a twin agent system, aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) and dry rhemical apparatus. Self-contained and highly mobile, it can be operated by one man and in areas where it is difficult to deploy heavier equipment or where water or hydrants are not available. The chemical collapses the flame allowing quick reduction in temerature.
BOOKS
DISASTER PLANNING FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT, Roger E. Herman; Universe Books, 381 Park Ave., S., NY, NY, 10016; 138 pages, $15. A basic, how-to manual specifically designed for local government administrators and other officials, describes how to prepare emergency operation plans and to train existing personnel to cope with disaster if it should strike.
THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Imagining the efficient delivery of fire prevention and control services without two-way mobile communication is almost impossible. Indeed, we largely take for granted the availability of radio communications. But the ability to engage in two-way radio communication does not magically appear. The land mobile radio systems operated by fire departments throughout the United States are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).