Training With New Equipment
August 22, 2007
Firefighters from all three shifts at both stations completed training with new rescue equipment recently. The equipment, known as the Res-Q-Jack, is used to help stabilize automobiles after they have been involved in collisions. Although the new Res-Q-Jack equipment is used for dozens of situations, the most common scenario would involve an automobile on it’s roof or side. Also, the Jack’s can be used if the terrain the cars end up on is unstable. Even though the equipment looks awkward in photos, it is very easy to set up and is able to be deployed in under 6 minutes on average. Although the firefighters will have to get used to the new equipment, we are excited to have another tool available for the citizens. At this time, Jollyville, Cedar Park, Leander, and Hutto are the only departments in the Austin metro area carrying some version of the Jacks.
75 FF’s have lost thier lives so far this year!
August 9, 2007
On Monday, August the 6th, Jollyville ‘C’ shift firefighters and volunteer staff participated in training on what to do if they become lost or trapped during a fire. The training started out in the classroom, Chief Kiracofe discussed recent firefighter deaths and showed some brief videos of fires where firefighters lives were lost. Chief Kiracofe also explained the Jollyville SOG on what to do should you become lost or trapped during a fire. It was emphasized that a firefighter must report a MAYDAY situation as soon as possible even if they think they can free themselves from the lost or trapped situation. The training then moved outside so that Jollyville firefighters could experience what it is like to be lost or trapped during a fire and use the techniques taught by Chief Kiracofe. The firefighters masks were lined with wax paper to simulate a no visibility situation and then were sent to the tread mill to get their heart and brething rate up. After the tread mill it was into an obstacle course where they had to navigate small spaces, free themselves from entanglements, and even change out their SCBA cylinder if they ran out of air all in conjunction with calling a MAYDAY at the appropriate times. The training opened the eyes to everyone involved, most of which had never put been into a MAYDAY situation.
The rain continues and so do the collisions.
July 25, 2007
This unlucky driver was the victim of Wednesday evenings down pour of rain. The driver said she hydroplaned as she drove eastbound on Toll 45. When other drivers on Toll 45 stopped they found this car on it’s side and rolled the car onto the barrier so the driver could escape. The driver refused to be transported by EMS.
Early morning structure fire!
January 9, 2007
At 1:48am January 9th firefighters from the Jollyville Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Sawtooth Lane. The fire was contained to one unit of a tri-plex (or 3 plex if you will). There were no injuries and the cause of the blaze is still under investigation. The Cedar Park Fire Dept., Austin Fire Dept., and the Sam Bass Fire Dept. also responded but were cleared shortly after their arrival.
Burn Ban Status
Safety Reminder
