On 2/11/1876 a Manhattan, New York (FDNY) firefighter “died as a result of injuries sustained February 8th, when he was caught under a collapsing wall while operating at a fire. Two firefighters were killed in the collapse on February 8th.”
On 2/11/1903 a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania firefighter died after falling from a roof at American Street.
On 2/11/1908 a Detroit, Michigan firefighter died of injuries he sustained after a wall collapsed.
On 2/11/1925 a Fort Lee, New Jersey firefighter “died as a result of critical injuries sustained February 7th, when he was caught under a collapsing wall after an explosion occurred at a fire in a film laboratory, collapsing the building. Ten other firefighters were injured in the blast and resulting collapse.”
On 2/11/1926 a South Bend, Indiana firefighter died after “a fire that started in the Brandon-Durrell Company store at 131-133 S. Michigan Street and destroyed a square block before it was discovered. Ten firms were demolished. While battling the flames in this 5-alarm fire, the firefighter fell off a roof and was killed.”
On 2/11/1930 a Manhattan, New York (FDNY) firefighter died when “the 526-foot-long freighter, “S.S. Muenchen,” that had a cargo of nitrate of potash, shellac, and newsprint, was racked by a series of explosions, one of which blew the pilothouse off the fireboat “Willet,” designated as Engine 86. He was the pilot of the boat, was thrown into the river by the blast, and drowned. Several other firefighters were also knocked into the water. More than 50 firefighters were overcome and injured while battling the five-alarm blaze. Later, a new fireboat would be named in his honor.”
On 2/11/1931 a Richmond, Indiana firefighter “died while operating at a fire in a residence on Liberty Avenue. Shortly after making his way to the attic the firefighter was overcome by smoke and collapsed. He was carried outside, and resuscitation efforts were initiated but he died a short time later.”
On 2/11/1956 a Trenton, New Jersey firefighter died while operating at a fire in the Hotel Penn at 31 South Clinton Avenue. He slipped off a ladder and plunged four stories to his death.
On 2/11/1956 an Eau Clair, Wisconsin firefighter died in a fire at Peters Meat Products, 603 Third Street. He appeared to have run out of air inside a storeroom.
On 2/11/1996 a Ridgefield, New Jersey firefighter “died of an apparent heart attack after arriving on the scene of a small fire in a laundromat. The firefighter experienced head trauma when he fell on the scene and knocked his head against the fire engine. This trauma, in turn, resulted in cardiac arrest.”
On 2/11/1998 two Chicago, Illinois firefighters died at a structural fire in a tire shop. “No visible fire was encountered, there was no excessive heat, and only light smoke was found in most of the building with heavier smoke in the shop area. Ten firefighters were in the interior of the structure when an event that has been described as a flashover or backdraft occurred. The firefighters were disoriented by the effects of the backdraft. Some were able to escape but two firefighters were trapped in the structure. A garage door that self-operated due to fire exposure may have introduced oxygen into the fire area and may have been a factor in the backdraft. The exit efforts of firefighters were complicated by congestion in the building. Within minutes of the backdraft, the building was completely involved in the fire, and rescue efforts were impossible. Both firefighters died from carbon monoxide poisoning due to inhalation of smoke and soot. Around 10:24 p.m., the Chicago Fire Department received a call from the occupant of a private residence at the rear of a commercial tire service center, at 10611 S Western. The caller stated there was a fire in the interior of the building. Above the parts room was a cockloft where tires, Christmas decorations, and miscellaneous items were stored (believed to be the area of origin of the fire). The cockloft was accessible from the service area. The roof system of the service area was constructed of open wooden bow-string trusses, with unprotected polystyrene insulation glued to the underside. The exterior of the roof was a rubberized material, which had recently been repaired.”
On 2/11/2002 a Dallas, Texas firefighter died at a “vacant apartment building fire that was undergoing renovation. He and the members of his crew had checked for fire extension on the second floor of the southwest wing. After confirming that the attic of the involved wing and the attic of the southwest wind were not connected, a decision was made to deploy an additional handline. The crew returned to the ground floor and began to walk through a breezeway to a nearby engine company. As they neared the end of the breezeway, a collapse occurred; two firefighters were buried. One was freed from the rubble after some difficulty, but the whereabouts of the second firefighter could not be confirmed. The elapsed time from the collapse to the removal of the firefighter from the rubble was approximately 28 minutes. The fire was caused by the careless use of a construction torch. The cause of death was listed as blunt force trauma and traumatic asphyxiation.”
On 2/11/2015 a Macon, Bibb County, Georgia firefighter died, and five other firefighters were injured after a structural collapse occurred while fire crews were operating inside a burning residential structure.
On 2/11/2016 a Hillsborough, New Jersey warehouse fire caused several million dollars in damages that started about 3:50 p.m. and burned through the night before it was contained. Hot spots were still being put out on February 13th. The five-alarm fire drew more than 30 different fire companies from five counties and involved more than 200 emergency vehicles.
On 2/11/2016 fifty-two inmates were killed and twelve injured in a brutal riot and massive fire between two rival factions at the Topo Chico prison in northern Mexico. The fight involved a faction led by a member of the infamous Zetas drug cartel. The fire started about 12:30 a.m. amid shouts and sounds of explosions, as a thick cloud of smoke rose, apparently from burning mattresses.
On 2/11/1967 an early morning Waterville, Maine fire destroyed the 50-year-old Haines Theater downtown about an hour after the last show had let out. “First indication of the fire came when a tremendous explosion knocked out the glass in the four front doors as well as panes in three large windows directly above the doors and marquee. Flames shot out almost the width of the street.”
On 2/11/1965 the Madrid-Barcelona Express train fire killed thirty-four in Zaragoza, Spain.
On 2/11/1929 an explosion at the Hercules Powder Plant in Pinole, California killed three and injured one when 1500 pounds of gelatine in packing shed No. 4 exploded and shot a pillar of flame and smoke thousands of feet into the air shortly after 11:00 a.m.
On 2/11/1916 the Jefferson & Clearfield Coal & Iron Company Mine No. 2 explosion killed twenty-five around 3:25 p.m. about one mile from the main entrance near Ernest, Pennsylvania. The miners were changing shifts at the time of the accident.
On 2/11/1907 a fire destroyed the Mowry Hotel with eighty-family suites and several single apartments in Syracuse, New York at 12:45 a.m.
On 2/11/1907 about 150 people died when the 3-masted schooner Harry Knowlton and the Joy Line steamer Larchmont, collided off the coast of Block Island, Rhode Island.
On 2/11/1904 a gasoline stove fire killed one in a 3-story apartment building at Fifteenth and Harrison Streets Kansas City, Missouri.
On 2/11/1894 the Hopkins County Courthouse in Sulphur Springs, Texas was destroyed by fire around 12:30 a.m. in the Williamson block on the east side of the square that spread to the courthouse and jail on the north side.
FAQs
What is the secret list fire department? ›
The Secret List is an independent newsletter that brings forward the issues most often associated with firefighter injury and death, but also those often-ignored issues that impact firefighter safety and health.
What is the secrets list? ›The Secret List is an independent newsletter produced since 1998 by Chief Billy Goldfeder in an effort to bring forward the issues involving injury and death to us...often issues that are ignored, quickly forgotten or just not talked about. TSL is e-mailed at no charge and produced as time allows.
Who runs firefighter close calls? ›Gordon Graham is the co-founder of www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com. Gordon is a 40 year veteran of California Law Enforcement.
What are some interesting facts about firefighting? ›A firefighter needs 100 hours of training before legally being allowed to enter the interior of a burning building. How long do you think firefighters have to get dressed? Less than two minutes! This includes all of their gear, which can weigh from eighty to one hundred twenty pounds.
What is the lowest rank of a firefighter? ›The rank structure is as follows (in ascending order): Probationary Firefighter, Firefighter, Driver Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief, and Fire Chief.
What is 555 in the fire service? ›When a firefighter died in the line of duty, the fire alarm office would tap out a special signal. That signal was five measured dashes, then a pause, then five measured dashes, another pause…then five more dashes.
What are peoples biggest secret? ›Among more than 50,000 research participants I've surveyed, the most common secrets include a lie we've told (69 percent), romantic desire (61 percent), sex (58 percent), and finances (58 percent).
What is the most top secret thing in the world? ›- Area 51. ...
- Svalbard Global Seed Vault. ...
- Mezhgorye. ...
- North Sentinel Island, Andaman. ...
- Snake Island, São Paulo. ...
- Vatican Secret Rooms. ...
- Room 39, North Korea. ...
- Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion.
- Hurt another person (emotionally or physically)
- Illegal drug use, or abuse of a legal drug (e.g., alcohol, painkillers)
- Habit or addiction (but not involving drugs)
- Theft (any kind of taking without asking)
- Something illegal (other than drugs or theft)
- Physical self-harm.
- Abortion.
The California swing shift has firefighters working 24 hours, every other day, for five days. After the fifth day, firefighters will be off-duty for 96 -hours, or four days.
Is it worth being an on-call firefighter? ›
Comments from on-call firefighters
“It's a great job. It gets you known in your community and gives you a chance to give something back. All the crew have different jobs and backgrounds and we bring all those skills together working as a crew.” “I would recommend being an on-call firefighter.
Some on-call firefighters are in full time or part time employment with employers who are keen to support their community. They are just like any other employee, other than they may be available to be called out to emergency incidents from their workplace for some or all of their working hours.
Do firefighters drink a lot? ›However, when looking at alcohol use for firefighters, about 10% to 20% more males firefights drink on a monthly basis than compared to the rest of the population. Alcohol is the most common type of substance abuse among firefighters. Twice as many firefighters are believed to participate in binge drinking.
What are 3 pros of being a firefighter? ›- Maintain physical fitness. ...
- Help people and save lives. ...
- Benefit from fellowship and discipline. ...
- Operate powerful equipment. ...
- Enjoy job security. ...
- Build transferable skills. ...
- Constant training. ...
- Long shifts.
- Respond to emergencies.
- Drive firetrucks and other emergency vehicles.
- Put out fires using water hoses, fire extinguishers, and water pumps.
- Find and rescue occupants of burning buildings or other emergency situations.
- Treat sick or injured people.
The shortest firefighter is Vince Brasco (USA), who stands 127 cm (4 ft 2 in) tall and volunteers for his local fire station in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, USA.
Whats the highest a firefighter can make? ›How Much Does a Firefighter Make? Firefighters made a median salary of $50,700 in 2021. The best-paid 25% made $65,980 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $37,140.
Do you have to be 6ft to be a firefighter? ›What are the minimum and maximum heights you need to be to become a firefighter? There are no height restrictions, however, you will need to pass a series of role based tests such as removing a ladder from the rear of a fire appliance, which some may find more difficult than others.
Why do firefighters have 20 bells at funerals? ›Departments sounded a series of bells when a firefighter died in the line of duty to alert all members that a comrade had made the ultimate sacrifice. This time-honored tradition continues today during the funerals or memorial services for firefighters.
How many times does a bell ring at a firefighter funeral? ›At the funeral, the ringing of the bell is symbolic. According to the IAFF protocol: "The ringing of the bell represents the end of the emergency and the return to quarters, and is usually three rings of the bell, three times." The significance of the bells is often explained during the ceremony.
What are the four fives? ›
The Striking the Four Fives started in the late 1800s when a firefighter died in the line of duty. Headquarters would transmit five bell strikes, repeated in four series, with a slight pause between each series.
What are some deep dark secrets? ›- I don't love him. ...
- I am sleeping with him for his money. ...
- I do funny things while showering. ...
- I am not a commitment phobe. ...
- Yeah, I went under the knife, but you don't know it. ...
- I pick my nose; so what? ...
- I have decided to leave him, just have to figure out when!
- Do Tell Them: Your Sexiest Thoughts & Fantasies. ...
- Do Tell Them: Embarrassing Stories From Your Past. ...
- Do Tell Them: Your Sexual Health History. ...
- Do Tell Them: About Your Body's One Quirk. ...
- Don't Tell Them: Super Personal Family Stories.
- An affair.
- An embarrassing incident.
- Your web browsing history.
- Debt.
- Sexual fetishes.
- Something in your family history.
- A phobia.
- Something you bought.
What is dark energy? It's one of the universe's biggest mysteries: more remains unknown than known about dark energy. It affects the universe's expansion, so physicists are able to infer that dark energy makes up roughly 68% of the universe and it appears to be somehow tied to the vacuum of space.
Is there a secret to happy? ›The happiest among us actually do exercise and take care of ourselves. Choose happiness in whatever you do. Strengthen your closest relationships. Take care of yourself physically, financially and emotionally.
What is the secret of our life? ›“This is the secret of life: the self lives only by dying, finds its identity (and its happiness) only by self-forgetfulness, self-giving, self-sacrifice, and agape love.”
What are the 3 rules of The Secret? ›Here's the essence of The Secret book in 3 lessons: The law of attraction is one of the most prevalent principles in the world. To use the law of attraction, you must think about what you want, not what you want to avoid. The three steps of the law of attraction are asking, believing, and receiving.
How many types of secret are there? ›There are three kinds of secrets: natural, promised, and entrusted.
What is the main theme of the book of secrets? ›Death, Love, and Legacy. “Secrets” suggests that love is the only lasting legacy of a person's life after their death. In the first scene, as the protagonist sees his Great Aunt Mary on her death bed, he observes how much of her personality has already been lost in her declining health.
Can firefighters have beards? ›
This regulation does not ban facial hair on respirator users, per se. However, when a respirator must be worn to protect employees from airborne contaminants, it has to fit correctly, and this will require the wearer's face to be clean-shaven where the respirator seals against it.
Do firefighters get to sleep on shift? ›A: Sort of. Firefighters often spend 24 hours at a time at the firehouse followed by 48 hours off duty. During this time they eat, sleep, shower, work and relax at the firehouse. So, they essentially live at the firehouse for approximately 1/3 of their career.
How long is a fireman's shift? ›The current shift system is based around 4 shifts (2 x 10.5 hour days and 2 x 13.5 hour nights) followed by 96 hours (four days) off duty.
Do firemen have to shave? ›Worn so it does not interfere with the proper wearing and performance of the approved department safety helmet or the proper sealing of the face mask of the self-contained breathing apparatus. Uniformed personnel will be clean shaven; however, neatly trimmed sideburns and mustaches are permitted.
Is being a firefighter hard on your body? ›Firefighters face serious risks on the job such as heat exhaustion, burns, physical and mental stress. Additionally, they frequently come into contact with high levels of carbon monoxide and other toxic hazards. With these dangerous exposures, this line of work presents a likelihood for many diseases.
What is the maximum age for an on call firefighter? ›You need to be 18 but there is no upper age limit and your gender doesn't matter.
Are on call firefighters paid? ›On-call firefighters receive an hourly rate of pay for conducting the following activities: Attending training evenings (Drill nights)
Can a fire fighter work part time? ›They may be 'part-time', but they are trained and capable people in the front line, saving lives. On-call/part-time firefighters are well paid for their services, they receive thorough training plus all there is to know about emergency situations. On-call/part-time firefighters do not just fight fires.
What is it like to be an on call firefighter? ›An on-call firefighter is someone who responds to a range of fire and rescue service jobs, these range from emergency calls, working at open days, carrying out work with their local communities and acting as an ambassador for the fire service. When they get the call, they become professional firefighters.
What is the number one thing that kills firefighters? ›Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death among firefighters.
Why are firefighters alcoholic? ›
Binge drinking and drug abuse often happen among firefighters because they hope to forget or learn to live with certain situations. The numbing effects of alcohol consumption are only temporary, however. Once a person is sober, any mental health disorder or memories of traumatic calls are still there.
Do firefighters breathe in a lot of smoke? ›Due to their strenuous work, wildland firefighters often have increased respiratory rates, which will increase the amount of CO being inhaled when smoke is present. COHb has a half-life (the time it takes half of the COHb to dissipate from the body) of about 5 hours.
Do firefighters love their jobs? ›Yes, being a firefighter is a good job.
Firefighting is a rewarding career that offers a very high level of job satisfaction. Being a firefighter is a great job if you enjoy helping people and serving your community, but be aware that it can be demanding, stressful, and even dangerous at times. Every day is different.
Firefighting requires exceptionally difficult and demanding physical work. You will perform strenuous activities and handle all types of emergencies, including life-or-death situations. The job of a firefighter is often times underestimated.
Why firefighter is a hard job? ›It requires hard work, long hours of training, dedication and a sincere desire to help others. The firefighting career field is very competitive, too. You'll be up against hundreds, possibly thousands of applicants depending on the department.
What kind of woman do firefighters like? ›But what are some of the things a Firefighter looks for? He looks for a woman who can: entertain herself because his shifts will be long, erratic, and can change at a moments notice. Not afraid of the dark, bugs or has a backup plan when He is on shift.
What are the 4 types of firefighters? ›- Volunteer firefighter.
- Inspector.
- Wildland firefighter.
- Firefighter engineer.
- Airport firefighter.
- Firefighter/EMT.
- Firefighter/paramedic.
- Fire investigator.
Firefighting, training and workouts break down muscles, so it is important to have plenty of protein in your diet to help build them back stronger. Remember, all types of foods contain protein, not just meat and eggs, e.g., vegetables, nuts, beans and grains.
What is the firefighters swear oath? ›I will never allow my personal feelings, nor danger to self, deter me from my responsibilities as a firefighter. I will at all times, respect the property and rights of all men and women, the laws of my country, and members I serve with.
Why cant you have a beard in the fire department? ›However, when a respirator must be worn to protect employees from airborne contaminants, it has to fit correctly, and this will require the wearer's face to be clean-shaven where the respirator seals against it.
Who is the highest ranking firefighter? ›
Common titles include district chief, division chief, assistant chief, and deputy chief. Chief is usually the highest rank of a uniformed member in any given department, traditionally shown with 5 gold bugles or 5 stars.
What kills most firefighters? ›In 2021, 16 firefighters died in vehicle-related incidents, including 10 firefighters who died in vehicle crashes and six who were struck by vehicles. Five of the crash victims were responding to emergencies, four were operating on wildland fires or a prescribed burn and one was at the scene of a motor vehicle crash.
What is it called when a firefighter dies? ›Line of duty death (LODD): the firefighter died while on duty or died after an incident that was the direct cause of the later death. Full military-style honors. Non-LODD for an active or uniformed firefighter.
Do firefighters have high divorce rate? ›Although male firefighters do not seem to have a divorce rate much higher than the general population, female firefighters have a divorce rate that is considerably higher than the general population.
What do you call a female firefighter? ›Usage notes. (firefighting): Historically only a man, but now used to refer to female firefighters as well. In modern usage, the gender-inclusive term firefighter is generally preferred. (rail transport): This term is commonly used for both males and females, firewoman is rarer in this sense.
What do you call a woman who likes firefighters? ›Many times these women are called 'hose chasers' or “badge bunnies”. These women tend to find firefighters attractive because of the job and want a chance to tame the fire- or get recognition among their friends for being with a Firefighter.
What is the golden rule of firefighting? ›When it comes to firefighting tactics, the golden rule for stretching a hose-line for a structure fire is, never enter the fire area without a charged hose line. This is done for one reason, firefighter safety.
Can firefighters grow their hair out? ›The bulk or length of the hair shall not interfere with the proper wearing of any department head gear or equipment. Hair pins, combs, or barrettes, may be worn to meet the requirement of this standard, but may not interfere with the proper wearing of any department apparel or gear.
How long can your hair be as a firefighter? ›Hairstyles that interfere with personal protective equipment are not allowed. Hair should be neat, clean, and styled to present a well-groomed appearance. Hair should not exceed 2 inches in thickness.
Can firemen have face tattoos? ›In short the answer is yes to being a firefighter with tattoos and piercings (with restrictions).
What is the highest paid fire department? ›
The states and districts that pay Firefighters the highest mean salary are New Jersey ($84,930), California ($80,990), Washington ($76,280), New York ($72,670), and Colorado ($68,300).
Which firefighter makes the most money? ›...
10 States Where Firefighters Earn the Most Money.
| Rank | State | 2017 Mean Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey | $75,880 |
| 2 | California | $73,860 |
| 3 | New York | $70,560 |
| 4 | Washington | $70,300 |
In the United States, a Shot Crew, officially known as an Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC), is a team of 20-22 elite operators which mainly responds to large, high-priority fires across the country and abroad.