Showing posts with label fire dept. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fire dept. Show all posts
Monday, July 11, 2011
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Gunlock Fire Responds to Car Accident
By Kevin Laub
The Gunlock Fire Department responded to a car accident call late Monday night on October 25th. There was a car accident just north of the Smith Ranch. The vehicle rolled after swerving for a stray black dog, and all three passengers were thrown out of the car since none were wearing seat belts. There was one fatality while the other two were sent on an ambulance for minor injuries.
The Gunlock Fire Department was first on scene and were joined by other departments in the district, along with Dixie Ambulance and several Sheriffs to get the accident cleaned up.
The Gunlock Fire Department responded to a car accident call late Monday night on October 25th. There was a car accident just north of the Smith Ranch. The vehicle rolled after swerving for a stray black dog, and all three passengers were thrown out of the car since none were wearing seat belts. There was one fatality while the other two were sent on an ambulance for minor injuries.
The Gunlock Fire Department was first on scene and were joined by other departments in the district, along with Dixie Ambulance and several Sheriffs to get the accident cleaned up.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Fire Grant
The Gunlock Fire Department has received a grant for fire equipment and supplies. Paperwork was filed for the grant at the beginning of summer and the department has accumulated in-kind service hours to use to match the grant. Right now they are in the process of acquiring the items the grant has approved. They will review the grant at the fire meeting on October 14.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Report for the ISO Inspection
By Sara Laub
The ISO, Insurance Service Organization, is used to make standards to rank fire stations for insurance companies. Fire stations are scored in three areas: 50% Fire Department, 40% water ability, and 10% for communications. These three add up to how ready a town is to provide fire safety.
Steve Haluska, chairman of the NWSSD, was at the June water board meeting and gave the ISO report for Gunlock and also the NWSSD. The ISO stated that Gunlock does not have a fire department and so it scored a 10, the lowest. Since the ISO is only interested in structure fires, the structure fire truck does not have a station to reside in, therefore there is no department. The brush truck’s fire garage does not count and only fire calls to structure fires are included in the report.
Communications has been improved in the last year and Gunlock uses radios now without much problem. The communication portion was adequate.
The water ability of the town did fairly well for the inspection, and only had one hydrant perform lower than the standard. The GSSD is responsible for maintaining and testing the fire hydrants since it is part of the water system.
The rest of the NWSSD ranked at a 7, which led Haluska into a conversation about who should be responsible for Gunlock. Ivins responds to all Gunlock fires and arrives faster than the NWSSD, and he suggested that maybe Gunlock should be part of Ivins.
There are a few things going on with the district currently, including the rates going up to pay for the Veyo fire department and the district will be charging all parcels of land for fire safety. Developed (homes which we already pay each year), partially developed (pastures) and non-developed (grazing, range) land will have different fees but all will be charged a fee since the district will show up to put out fires on all parcels of land.
The ISO, Insurance Service Organization, is used to make standards to rank fire stations for insurance companies. Fire stations are scored in three areas: 50% Fire Department, 40% water ability, and 10% for communications. These three add up to how ready a town is to provide fire safety.
Steve Haluska, chairman of the NWSSD, was at the June water board meeting and gave the ISO report for Gunlock and also the NWSSD. The ISO stated that Gunlock does not have a fire department and so it scored a 10, the lowest. Since the ISO is only interested in structure fires, the structure fire truck does not have a station to reside in, therefore there is no department. The brush truck’s fire garage does not count and only fire calls to structure fires are included in the report.
Communications has been improved in the last year and Gunlock uses radios now without much problem. The communication portion was adequate.
The water ability of the town did fairly well for the inspection, and only had one hydrant perform lower than the standard. The GSSD is responsible for maintaining and testing the fire hydrants since it is part of the water system.
The rest of the NWSSD ranked at a 7, which led Haluska into a conversation about who should be responsible for Gunlock. Ivins responds to all Gunlock fires and arrives faster than the NWSSD, and he suggested that maybe Gunlock should be part of Ivins.
There are a few things going on with the district currently, including the rates going up to pay for the Veyo fire department and the district will be charging all parcels of land for fire safety. Developed (homes which we already pay each year), partially developed (pastures) and non-developed (grazing, range) land will have different fees but all will be charged a fee since the district will show up to put out fires on all parcels of land.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Numerous Early Season Wildfires Caused by Private Burning
Jason Curry
FFSL Public Information Officer
801)538-7302, (801)703-0225
jasoncurry@utah.gov
Salt Lake City, Utah – Fire officials are issuing a caution as warmer
weather arrives. In March, more than 30 yard, fenceline and debris burns
escaped, requiring action by fire fighters. The fires occurred around
the state from Washington to Morgan Counties and they were all
preventable. Fire management officers recommend that individuals and
agencies take some simple precautions before igniting to ensure fewer
escaped fires.
● Clear away vegetation to create firebreaks between burn areas
and adjacent fields, structures and trees
● Never burn on windy days, check your local weather forecast and
plan to wrap up before afternoon winds
● Keep a charged hose and a shovel nearby (if a hose isn’t
possible, 5-gallon water buckets)
● Never leave the fire unattended
● Notify your local fire department of your intention to burn;
some departments may offer to put a fire engine on standby at your burn
Notification of the nearest fire department before burning is required
by law in ALL CASES (failure to do so is a Class B misdemeanor). Many of
the costly and embarrassing experiences so far this year could have been
avoided with a simple phone call. Preparation beforehand can make the
difference between success and disaster. In addition to preparations,
slow and gradual lighting of an area allows for greater control of a
fire’s pace.
“People have used fire throughout history and it can be a useful
tool,” says State Forester, Dick Buehler. He goes on to say,
“we’re asking people to be more careful when they burn and
take some time to prepare and be as safe as possible.”
Open burning is regulated on a state level by state law and rule. Most
counties and cities also have ordinances, so, people wishing to burn
fields, ditches and waste piles should determine whether it is legal to
burn before lighting anything. The closed fire season begins June 1;
until that date agricultural fires may be lit without a burn permit as
long as notification is made. Yard debris and slash piles are governed
by stricter county and city laws, so the public should consult local
ordinances.
It may not be widely known, but it is always the responsibility of the
person lighting and tending the fire to take the needed precautions and
prevent its escape. A permit or notification call does not relieve a
person from liability if the fire gets away or damages someone else’s
property, so good judgment is advised. Fire suppression is expensive.
If the fire gets away – then what?
Despite preparations, fire can still escape. If things begin to get out
of hand, regardless of whether the fire is legal or not, it should be
PUT OUT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. If it escapes control, do not put
yourself or others at risk, call 911 immediately.
Burning is not the only option for getting rid of debris; in fact it is
a source of air pollution. Many landfills have sites available for
organic material disposal. Cities and counties restrict open burning to
October through May; a permit is required in most cases after May 31.
FFSL Public Information Officer
801)538-7302, (801)703-0225
jasoncurry@utah.gov
Salt Lake City, Utah – Fire officials are issuing a caution as warmer
weather arrives. In March, more than 30 yard, fenceline and debris burns
escaped, requiring action by fire fighters. The fires occurred around
the state from Washington to Morgan Counties and they were all
preventable. Fire management officers recommend that individuals and
agencies take some simple precautions before igniting to ensure fewer
escaped fires.
● Clear away vegetation to create firebreaks between burn areas
and adjacent fields, structures and trees
● Never burn on windy days, check your local weather forecast and
plan to wrap up before afternoon winds
● Keep a charged hose and a shovel nearby (if a hose isn’t
possible, 5-gallon water buckets)
● Never leave the fire unattended
● Notify your local fire department of your intention to burn;
some departments may offer to put a fire engine on standby at your burn
Notification of the nearest fire department before burning is required
by law in ALL CASES (failure to do so is a Class B misdemeanor). Many of
the costly and embarrassing experiences so far this year could have been
avoided with a simple phone call. Preparation beforehand can make the
difference between success and disaster. In addition to preparations,
slow and gradual lighting of an area allows for greater control of a
fire’s pace.
“People have used fire throughout history and it can be a useful
tool,” says State Forester, Dick Buehler. He goes on to say,
“we’re asking people to be more careful when they burn and
take some time to prepare and be as safe as possible.”
Open burning is regulated on a state level by state law and rule. Most
counties and cities also have ordinances, so, people wishing to burn
fields, ditches and waste piles should determine whether it is legal to
burn before lighting anything. The closed fire season begins June 1;
until that date agricultural fires may be lit without a burn permit as
long as notification is made. Yard debris and slash piles are governed
by stricter county and city laws, so the public should consult local
ordinances.
It may not be widely known, but it is always the responsibility of the
person lighting and tending the fire to take the needed precautions and
prevent its escape. A permit or notification call does not relieve a
person from liability if the fire gets away or damages someone else’s
property, so good judgment is advised. Fire suppression is expensive.
If the fire gets away – then what?
Despite preparations, fire can still escape. If things begin to get out
of hand, regardless of whether the fire is legal or not, it should be
PUT OUT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. If it escapes control, do not put
yourself or others at risk, call 911 immediately.
Burning is not the only option for getting rid of debris; in fact it is
a source of air pollution. Many landfills have sites available for
organic material disposal. Cities and counties restrict open burning to
October through May; a permit is required in most cases after May 31.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Fundraising for the Fire House
By Rachel Campbell
The Gunlock Fire Department sold tee shirts as a fund raiser to raise money to build a new fire house at the Rodeo in July. At the NWSSD Fire Board meeting in June, it was discovered that the only grant big enough to cover the cost of a new fire station, is a Federal Grant which has to be monetarily met to a certain, but small, percentage.
In order to apply for other government grants, the fire station must have certain requirements which include things such as a bathroom and a hazardous material collection station that fire fighters that may come in contact with such materials can decontaminate in.
.
The Gunlock Fire Department sold tee shirts as a fund raiser to raise money to build a new fire house at the Rodeo in July. At the NWSSD Fire Board meeting in June, it was discovered that the only grant big enough to cover the cost of a new fire station, is a Federal Grant which has to be monetarily met to a certain, but small, percentage.
In order to apply for other government grants, the fire station must have certain requirements which include things such as a bathroom and a hazardous material collection station that fire fighters that may come in contact with such materials can decontaminate in.
.
Lightning Fires
By Kevin Laub
Lightning struck a hay stack at the Smith ranch. Fortunately it was discovered quickly by Ed Bowler and Jay Leavitt. They took care of it with some men who were there, by pulling down the hay bales that were on fire and spreading them out away from the stack. The Gunlock Fire Department was called and made sure the fire was completely out.
There were a couple other lightning strike fires in the Tobin Wash area that the fire department took care of until they handed it over to the BLM fire crews when they arrived.
Lightning struck a hay stack at the Smith ranch. Fortunately it was discovered quickly by Ed Bowler and Jay Leavitt. They took care of it with some men who were there, by pulling down the hay bales that were on fire and spreading them out away from the stack. The Gunlock Fire Department was called and made sure the fire was completely out.
There were a couple other lightning strike fires in the Tobin Wash area that the fire department took care of until they handed it over to the BLM fire crews when they arrived.
Town Pond Fire
By Rachel Campbell
In the beginning of July, a small fire ignited next to the town pond due to fireworks. Four departments and a few representatives from the Department of Natural Resources were dispatched to the fire due to a glitch in the communication between the Washington County Dispatch and the Gunlock Fire Department. It has since been remedied.
Washington County Fire Warden, Shaun Jaca, was very explicit in his explanation to those in attendance that there are absolutely no fireworks in unincorporated areas, including small, seemingly harmless fireworks like flowers and sparklers. An example of an incorporated area would be those that have been voted cities, such as St. George, Ivins, Santa Clara, and Washington.
The fire department would like to remind citizens, now that fire season is upon us, to report any fires by first calling 911. If you, then, would like to call Kevin Laub, who is the fire captain, or any of the other three currently trained fire fighters, that is fine.
In the beginning of July, a small fire ignited next to the town pond due to fireworks. Four departments and a few representatives from the Department of Natural Resources were dispatched to the fire due to a glitch in the communication between the Washington County Dispatch and the Gunlock Fire Department. It has since been remedied.
Washington County Fire Warden, Shaun Jaca, was very explicit in his explanation to those in attendance that there are absolutely no fireworks in unincorporated areas, including small, seemingly harmless fireworks like flowers and sparklers. An example of an incorporated area would be those that have been voted cities, such as St. George, Ivins, Santa Clara, and Washington.
The fire department would like to remind citizens, now that fire season is upon us, to report any fires by first calling 911. If you, then, would like to call Kevin Laub, who is the fire captain, or any of the other three currently trained fire fighters, that is fine.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Fire Department Fundraising
By Sara Laub
The Gunlock Fire Department met with some community members to figure out how to raise money for the grants the department could receive and to build a new fire station. One big idea was to do a Fireman’s Ball since that could raise a lot of money quickly. There were many concerns about the amount of money it would take up front to fund the Ball and also if it would be well received to make the desired profit.
Other means of fundraising were discussed, like having a yard sale or barbecue, but those will not provide enough profit, although they could fund a bigger event. The other option for matching the grants is to have the volunteer firefighters do service hours. The problem with this is there are not enough firefighters to accumulate the hours needed so the department hopes to increase it’s volunteers so the service hours can be greater. They invite everyone in town to volunteer on the fire department to help, no training is required.
The discussion turned to see how much the Northwest Special Service District can provide for Gunlock and there were no certain answers. The meeting ended with many unanswered questions and the plan to meet again in July with the NWSSD board members so Gunlock can make informed decisions that will suit the town best.
The fire department volunteers attended the NWSSD meeting the next day and talked with Steve Haluska and found some answers. Gunlock has no financial assistance from the district because Veyo has to pay off the loan for the building of their department. He said
Central built their department from fundraisers and Brookside from donations. Gunlock will have to do something similar to those two cities and hopefully get a grant to help out. Keep your eyes open for future Gunlock Fire Fundraisers.
Not many of the NWSSD board members can attend the July Gunlock Fire Department meeting as hoped, but there will be an opportunity to get more questions answered.
The Gunlock Fire Department met with some community members to figure out how to raise money for the grants the department could receive and to build a new fire station. One big idea was to do a Fireman’s Ball since that could raise a lot of money quickly. There were many concerns about the amount of money it would take up front to fund the Ball and also if it would be well received to make the desired profit.
Other means of fundraising were discussed, like having a yard sale or barbecue, but those will not provide enough profit, although they could fund a bigger event. The other option for matching the grants is to have the volunteer firefighters do service hours. The problem with this is there are not enough firefighters to accumulate the hours needed so the department hopes to increase it’s volunteers so the service hours can be greater. They invite everyone in town to volunteer on the fire department to help, no training is required.
The discussion turned to see how much the Northwest Special Service District can provide for Gunlock and there were no certain answers. The meeting ended with many unanswered questions and the plan to meet again in July with the NWSSD board members so Gunlock can make informed decisions that will suit the town best.
The fire department volunteers attended the NWSSD meeting the next day and talked with Steve Haluska and found some answers. Gunlock has no financial assistance from the district because Veyo has to pay off the loan for the building of their department. He said
Central built their department from fundraisers and Brookside from donations. Gunlock will have to do something similar to those two cities and hopefully get a grant to help out. Keep your eyes open for future Gunlock Fire Fundraisers.
Not many of the NWSSD board members can attend the July Gunlock Fire Department meeting as hoped, but there will be an opportunity to get more questions answered.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Fire Safety
By Rachel CampbellMay was quite an adventurous month for the Gunlock Volunteer Fire Department. Twice in the same week, a fire broke out near the campground just off of the Overhang Cliff turn near the Bowler’s field. It was determined that camp fires were the cause of the fires.
Both fires caught in the roots of several dead cottonwood trees causing the fire to travel underground through the interconnected root system.
The GVFD would like to remind everyone that is planning on camping this summer to take caution with your fires and don’t assume that the fire will go out on its own. Please put your fires out completely. Help prevent wildfires, protect our regional firefighters, and save your tax dollars.
On Tuesday, June 2 at 7pm after the Town Hall meeting, there will be a planning meeting for anyone that would like to help plan the Fireman’s Ball to raise money to build the new fire house.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Fire Grant
By Rachel Campbell
In the beginning of April, the Gunlock Fire Department submitted a grant to UFRA requesting funds to buy the necessary protection gear and fire suppression equipment that is up to date with current industry requirements. The grant totaled $35,000, 10-50% of which would have to be matched in the course of the year. The moneys can be matched by fundraising or in-kind service hours. Formerly, anyone who kept track of clearing debris could count their hours as in-kind service hours, but the rules have changed. Only those people officially a member of the fire department can submit those hours.
Knowing that the community would love to be involved and help, the Gunlock Fire Department is having a town meeting on Thursday, May 14th at 7:00 pm (did I mention there will be refreshments?). At the meeting, the citizens of Gunlock will learn what they can do with just an hour or two of their time to help the GFD get the required hours. See you there!
In the beginning of April, the Gunlock Fire Department submitted a grant to UFRA requesting funds to buy the necessary protection gear and fire suppression equipment that is up to date with current industry requirements. The grant totaled $35,000, 10-50% of which would have to be matched in the course of the year. The moneys can be matched by fundraising or in-kind service hours. Formerly, anyone who kept track of clearing debris could count their hours as in-kind service hours, but the rules have changed. Only those people officially a member of the fire department can submit those hours.
Knowing that the community would love to be involved and help, the Gunlock Fire Department is having a town meeting on Thursday, May 14th at 7:00 pm (did I mention there will be refreshments?). At the meeting, the citizens of Gunlock will learn what they can do with just an hour or two of their time to help the GFD get the required hours. See you there!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Fire Department at Work
A fire started by the BLM to clear debris got out of hand on Sunday, March 29. Gunlock and Veyo Fire Departments responded and got the fire under control quickly. The fire was less than a quarter of an acre.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Fire Department Awareness
By Kevin Laub
As captain of the Gunlock Volunteer Fire Department and after being directed by the NWSSD, I need to address some concerns and relay some information that is valuable to the community. The fire department is continuing the process of getting organized to meet new legal guidelines and I have currently received paperwork and direction from the NWSSD and the state to meet those obligations.
Please be aware that everyone in Gunlock is invited to serve as a volunteer on the fire department. Each person who wishes to serve on the department needs to have the appropriate paperwork filled out for insurance and liability purposes. I am aware that many people have helped during fires in the community in the past, and I want all those who want to continue to be involved to please fill out the appropriate paperwork. Also be aware that the fire trucks can only be driven by those who have filled out this paperwork and have become official volunteers. There are serious safety and legal concerns if the guidelines are not met.
If you need anything regarding the Gunlock Fire Department, including burn permits, use of fire equipment or if you have any questions, please call me at 680-4216.
As captain of the Gunlock Volunteer Fire Department and after being directed by the NWSSD, I need to address some concerns and relay some information that is valuable to the community. The fire department is continuing the process of getting organized to meet new legal guidelines and I have currently received paperwork and direction from the NWSSD and the state to meet those obligations.
Please be aware that everyone in Gunlock is invited to serve as a volunteer on the fire department. Each person who wishes to serve on the department needs to have the appropriate paperwork filled out for insurance and liability purposes. I am aware that many people have helped during fires in the community in the past, and I want all those who want to continue to be involved to please fill out the appropriate paperwork. Also be aware that the fire trucks can only be driven by those who have filled out this paperwork and have become official volunteers. There are serious safety and legal concerns if the guidelines are not met.
If you need anything regarding the Gunlock Fire Department, including burn permits, use of fire equipment or if you have any questions, please call me at 680-4216.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Radio Safety for NWSSD
By Sara Laub
The Northwest Special Service District (NWSSD) wants to invite everyone to come to their meeting on February 4, 2009 to help discuss the radio problems. The NWSSD used a $22,000 grant and $33,000 from their budget to put a new repeater tower in behind the Brookside Fire Station to help the repeater located on Flat Top serve the fire departments' needs. The repeater on Flat Top has been turned down to provide other Washington County services, but the signal is not strong enough to serve the district.
Steve Haluska is the Chairman of the NWSSD and his main concerns for the district are: there is no communication during fires, firefighters are not getting pages, and the fire fighters have to use their own cell phones. This is a great concern for the public safety and also the firefighters' safety who serve in our district. Gunlock has the worst radio communication in the district and cannot receive pages. The district was told they would be assigned another frequency from the Flat Top tower but it has not happened yet. Now, the NWSSD is asking for your support to get this radio problem fixed so they can serve the district as it should be served. Please call Steve Haluska at 632-3214 for questions or concerns.
The Northwest Special Service District (NWSSD) wants to invite everyone to come to their meeting on February 4, 2009 to help discuss the radio problems. The NWSSD used a $22,000 grant and $33,000 from their budget to put a new repeater tower in behind the Brookside Fire Station to help the repeater located on Flat Top serve the fire departments' needs. The repeater on Flat Top has been turned down to provide other Washington County services, but the signal is not strong enough to serve the district.
Steve Haluska is the Chairman of the NWSSD and his main concerns for the district are: there is no communication during fires, firefighters are not getting pages, and the fire fighters have to use their own cell phones. This is a great concern for the public safety and also the firefighters' safety who serve in our district. Gunlock has the worst radio communication in the district and cannot receive pages. The district was told they would be assigned another frequency from the Flat Top tower but it has not happened yet. Now, the NWSSD is asking for your support to get this radio problem fixed so they can serve the district as it should be served. Please call Steve Haluska at 632-3214 for questions or concerns.
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