March 10, 2010
Sparky the Fire Dog
On March 14, 2010, Sparky the Fire Dog® will turn 59. Since 1951, he has been the
chief spokesdog for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) public education
programs. To date, Sparky is recognized the world over for his efforts to educate
children and adults about fire prevention, home safety issues and fire escape planning.
But why chose a Dalmatian? Today, the Dalmatian serves as a firehouse mascot but
back in the days of horse-drawn fire carts, they provided a valuable service. Dalmatians
and the horses are very compatible. The dogs were easily trained to run in front
of the carriages to help clear a path and quickly guide the horses and firefighters
to fires. Dalmatians are considered good watchdogs and it is believed they may have
been useful to fire brigades as guard dogs to protect the firehouse and its equipment.
Fire engines used to be drawn by fast and powerful horses - a tempting target for
thieves - so Dalmatians were kept in the firehouse as deterrent. They were also
very good at chasing rats away from stables and firehouses in London. The horses
have long since gone but the “spotted dogs”, by tradition, have stayed. As a result,
in the United States, Dalmatians are commonly known as firehouse dogs. Dalmatians
are still chosen by many firefighters as pets in honor of their past heroism. Hence
the reason Sparky the Fire Dog® is recognized as a fire safety icon.
April 6, 2010
This Month in Fire History
In Texas City on April 16, 1947 about 9 a.m., a fire aboard ship - the SS Grandcamp
– ignited more than 2,300 tons of ammonium nitrate, used as fertilizer, being loaded
at the time. The resulting fire and explosion killed nearly 600 people and injured
another estimated 3,500. A secondary explosion, about 15 hours later, ignited an
additional 961 tons of ammonium nitrate and 1,800 tons of sulfur aboard the High
Flyer, anchored 600 feet away. Nearly the entire Texas City volunteer fire department
was killed in the initial explosion. With fires raging for miles around, having
ignited dozens of nearby oil and chemical storage tanks, first responders from other
areas were delayed in reaching the site of the disaster. Property loss at the time
was estimated to exceed $100 million with: 500 homes burned away or severely damaged;
over 2,000 people left homeless; a decimated seaport; approximately 1,100 vehicles
gutted and 362 freight cars obliterated. Days prior, the Grandcamp had arrived from
Houston. But in an ironic twist of fate, the Port of Houston was spared from this
disaster because the port authority did not permit loading of ammonium nitrate.
March 8, 2010
Change your Batteries!!
March 14th is Daylight Saving. Before you go to bed Saturday night, March 13th,
set your clocks forward 1-hour. And don’t forget to change the batteries in your
smoke detectors and test them!
February 24, 2010
Fire and EMS Department Alert UPDATE!
The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office will continue conducting background/criminal
history checks related to the application for employment or membership in Fire and
EMS Departments.
After several discussions with the Texas Department of Public Safety ("DPS") HCFMO
is authorized to perform the background checks through the Crime Records Secure
Website. This site does not allow out of state background checks, it will only allow
for a State of Texas background check.
If a department wants a complete background check including out of state they can
request the individual to provide them with one by clinking on this link http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/fprequest.htm
Once submitted, this report is returned with the information to the individual.
A department may require that the individual bring a copy of the FBI background
check to our office for review. For more information please contact Laurie Christensen.
January 1, 2010
Fire Hydrant Fix
In July 2009, the Clow Valve Company discovered a serious defect in the fire hydrants
it manufactures. The upper stem assemblies were corroded. Over time, this condition
causes the hydrant to be inoperable. Hydrants cast in 2002, 2003 and 2004 were located
in communities throughout Texas and require immediate attention. MUDs, fire departments
and ESDs concerned whether their area is affected should visit the company’s website
at www.clowvalve.com or call
1-800-829-2569.
December 7, 2009
Apartment/Condominium Fire Safety
If there’s a fire in my apartment/condo building, do I leave or do I stay? If I
leave, do I take the stairs or the elevator? If I’m in a stairwell, how do I get
out safely? If I stay, how do I protect myself and let firefighters know where I
am? You have only seconds to react so it’s vital you know and practice fire safety.
By knowing exactly what to do and when to do it, you’ll be prepared in case of fire.
more....
November 11, 2009
HOTZONE HazMat Responder Conference
HC HMRT participated in the 10th annual HOTZONE HazMat Responder Conference I late October. The conference began on Thursday, October 23rd with an all day pre-conference workshop being held at the Harris County Fire Field. Twenty-seven HazMat responders from across the country came to our facility to participate in hands-on training which included lessons in monitoring & detection, evidence sampling, and emergency response to rail, pipeline and tank truck incidents. Each student was given the opportunity to spend a considerable amount of time inside a chemical suit. Instructors included representatives from the FBI, Harris County HazMat, Garner Environmental, The Woodlands Fire Department, Eunice Fire Department, Alitek Corporation, and the United States Coast Guard. Lunch was provided by Response & Training Solutions an transportation was furnished by Metro.
November 5, 2009
Holiday Safety Tips
With the holiday season fast approaching, there is an increased use of seasonal decorations involving festive lighting and candles . As such, it’s important to focus on measures to prevent fires and injuries that are so prevalent this time of year.
For more in-depth information on candles, trees and decorations along with safety tips regarding heating, cooking and pet safety, be sure to read Seasonal Nature of Fires.
November 4, 2009
Branch Name Change
Effective immediately, the Administration Branch has changed its name to the Operational
Support Branch. The name change more accurately reflects the mission, operating
philosophy and function of the branch. The new name defines and represents the wide
range of statistical, administrative, planning and logistical support the branch
provides within the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office and to other county agencies.
October 23, 2009
Seasonal Nature of Fires
As weather and human activities change with the seasons, so do the incidence, cause and severity of fires. During this time, the United States Fire Administration documents that structure fires increase dramatically and dollar loss per fire is 34% greater than normal. Fire-related injuries and fatalities dramatically increase during the cold weather months due to placement of Christmas trees; decorations with large amounts of combustible materials; increased use of candles and decorative lighting; the preparation and cooking of elaborate meals. Many of these fires can be prevented by following some easy-to-remember fire safety tips. more...
October 14, 2009
Information Needed on Arson
Crime Stoppers and the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office are asking the public’s
help with any information on the July 4th, 2009 fire that was set inside the American
Legion Hall located at 1601 16th Street in Galena Park. more...
If you have any information on this fire, please call 713-222-TIPS.
September 24, 2009
Insurance Fraud Campaign
Texas Association of Special Investigators Unit started a "REPORT INSURANCE FRAUD" campaign. A large billboard was put up on Tomball Parkway in Northwest Harris County to remind people to report insurance fraud. This campain is an effort between Houston Crime Stoppers, Houston Police, Harris County Fire Marshal's Office and the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Report Insurance Fraud to CRIME STOPPERS at 713-222-TIPS.
September 24, 2009
Equastar Pipeline Exercise
The Harris County Hazardous Materials Response Team participated in a Multi-Agency full scale field exercise today with Equastar Pipeline. The exercise began shortly before 9:00 AM with a report of a simulated leak of gasoline from an 8 inch pipeline located near the Houston Ship Channel in east Harris County. The Company’s emergency response team, local Fire Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Department, and the Harris County Hazardous Materials Response Team responded to the incident sight. Representatives from the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, and private sector supported the simulated response from the Company’s remote Emergency Operations Center. The exercise was a huge success! An incident critique followed which allowed the stakeholders an opportunity to discuss “best practices” and “lessons learned”.
Sep 14, 2009
Burn Ban Expired
The burn bank expired on 9/14/2009 and is no longer in affect for the unincorporated areas of Harris County. more...
Sep 9, 2009
September is National Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month encourages Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools and communities. Preparedness goes beyond smoke detectors, flashlights and extra food in the pantry. It’s being informed, having a plan and getting involved in activities that can help you deal with unexpected disasters. To learn more about emergency preparedness, visit the Harris County Homeland Security & Emergency Management website at www.hcoem.org, the Fire Corp website at www.firecorp.org or the FEMA/Citizen Corp website at www.ready.gov.
Aug 11, 2009
ISO Questionnaire 2009 Published
The 2009 ISO questionnaire Texas Exemptions has been created and published. The Fire Marshal's office creates this document every year. more...
July 16, 2009
Governor Perry Issues Wildfire Disaster Declaration
Today, Governor Perry declared a disaster due to wildfires in 165 counties, including Harris County. Parts of Texas, including Harris County, are extremely dry and have entered a state of critical fire weather that is expected to last into August -- long periods of triple digit temperatures and little to no precipitation. Impact to outdoor fuels has been dramatic and fuel moistures are setting record low values. As such, we can expect fire activity and intensities to increase over the next two to four weeks in this area. more...
July 8, 2009
Fire Department Locator
The Fire Marshal's Office has developed a way for you to look up your responding fire department or find out what jurisdiction you are in. This new tool uses multiple search methods to pinpoint your address location*. Click here to find my responding fire department.
July 3, 2009
Outdoor Fire Danger Increases in Harris County
The drought index, currently at 640, is predicted to be over 700 in the next two weeks unless there is significant rainfall. As a result, there is a burn ban in unincorporated Harris County. No outdoor burning is allowed except in an enclosure which contains all flames and/or sparks outdoor burning activities authorized by TCEQ, non-commercial cooking, and prescribed welding, grinding, cutting, or “hot work”. Backyard cook-outs and barbeques are also allowed, as is welding and other “hot work” performed in accordance with International fire Code requirements. ...more
July 1, 2009
It's Hot and It's Dry
The holiday fireworks sales season is here, and the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office is asking everyone to BE CAREFUL, and reconsider their use of fireworks this holiday season. Any carelessly used firework has the potential to start a fire or cause injury. Because of the drought conditions, there is an outdoor burning ban in unincorporated Harris County. There is also a local declaration of disaster that prohibits that sale, use, or transportation of certain fireworks – specifically, stick rockets and missiles with fins. Please call 281-999-2200 to register any complaints about the illegal sale or use of fireworks this holiday season. ...more
June 23, 2009
Burn Ban and Fireworks Restrictions
Unseasonably warm temperatures and dry conditions lead to a burn ban and fireworks restrictions. In addition to the burn ban, Harris County Judge Ed Emmett issued a county disaster declaration this afternoon, banning the sale and use of all stick rockets and missiles with fins within Harris County. On June 24th, 2009 the US Department of Transportation also released this notice for fireworks shippers. Click here to find out more about the current burn ban.
June 19, 2009
June Fire Danger
Two key indicators of potential drought conditions and increased fire danger -- average KBDI and fuel dryness -- suggest that it could be a hot, dry summer in Harris County. The average KBDI, or Keetch-Byram Drought Index, has increased from a moderate value of 310 on June 1 to 499, a number more closely associated with late summer. Likewise, the fuel dryness has increased from “low” on June 1 to “dry”. These trends are expected to continue unless there is significant rain. more...
June 17, 2009
Chief Wes Cole Funeral
Wes Cole, Fire Chief of Northwest Fire Department passed away on Monday June 15, 2009. A complete obituary will appear in Thursday's edition. Visitation will be with his family from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at Klein Funeral Home, Champions 16131 Champion Forest Dr. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, June 19, at Champion Forest Baptist Church, 15555 Stuebner-Airline Rd., Houston 77069. Interment will follow in Klein Memorial Park, SH 249, Pinehurst. Fire departments are encouraged to have apparatus at the church by 09:30 A. M. to line up.
June 5, 2009
Thomas Shuster Benefit
The Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a barbecue fund raiser benefit for our fellow firefighter Thomas Shuster who was critically injured on Monday June 1st. Cy-Fair is asking everyone to show their support by stopping by to purchase as sandwich plate lunch or donate anything they can to help the family in this time of need. more...
May 20, 2009
Burn Ban Lifted
Harris County Firefighters County Field Day
Over 150 Harris County firefighters from area fire departments had their hands full this past weekend. No, not responding to emergencies but, as members of the Harris County Firefighters Association, they are constantly training to improve their skills and increase their knowledge. Firefighters were scattered among four training facilities on May 16th and 17th, including the Ponderosa VFD Fire Field; the La Porte FD Fire Field; the Cy-Fair College Fire Field; and the Harris County Fire & Sheriff’s Academy. more...
May 6, 2009
Burn Ban Lifted
Thanks to recent rains and a return to normal fire behavior, the burn ban for unincorporated Harris County has been lifted. However, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (“TCEQ”), outdoor burning, in general, is illegal in Harris County because it contributes to air pollution. There are some exceptions, but not all outdoor burning activities are legal. more...
April 30, 2009
Arson Awareness Week
During its April 21st session, Harris County Commissioner’s Court designated May 3rd – May 9th as Arson Awareness Week in Harris County. Partnering with the USFA, the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office will use this week to focus public attention on the alarming statistics about Arson for Profit and hopes to expand the resources and support necessary to reduce this crime. more...
April 22, 2009
Burn Ban In Effect
Harris County is still in an area characterized by the National Drought Mitigation Center as “Abnormally dry” to “Moderate Drought”. This weekend’s rains were much needed and have saturated the soil for now. The long-term outlook is not as positive. Despite recent rains, there is a burn ban in effect for unincorporated Harris County. more...
April 14, 2009
HFD Funeral Arrangements
The hub staging locations along with the times for escort of Fire Department apparatus has been created. Click here to download the staging locations and map.
April 5, 2009
Fire Weather Watch
A fire weather watch has been issued for Monday Afternoon for all of southeast Texas due to expected very low relative humidity values and elevated winds. The fire weather watch might be upgraded to a red flag warning on Monday. more...
March 18, 2009
Harris County Burn Ban Continues despite Recent Rains
Despite recent rains, there is a burn ban in effect for unincorporated Harris County. Recent rains helped saturate the soil, but did little to affect dry fuels from winter’s freeze. more...
Jan 22, 2009
Fire Awareness Message
The Texas Governor's Division of Emergency Management has issued the following wildfire awareness message in response to recent elevated fire threats in our region. NWS (HGX) has not issued a fire related product for Harris County today but we have been under a fire related Hazardous Weather Outlook or Red Flag Warning over the past several days. more...
Jan 13, 2009
New Fire Warning
NWS(HGX) has issued a New Fire Weather Warning for Harris County until 06:00 PM today. A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 6:00 PM today.
Jan 22, 2009
Fire Awareness Message
The Texas Governor's Division of Emergency Managment has issued the following wildfire awareness message in response to recent elevated fire threats in our region. NWS (HGX) has not issued a fire related product for Harris County today but we have been under a fire related Hazardous Weather Outlook or Red Flag Warning over the past several days. more...
Jan 13, 2009
New Fire Warning
NWS(HGX) has issued a New Fire Weather Warning for Harris County until 06:00 PM today. A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 6:00 PM today.
Dec 17, 2008
Fireworks Season 2008
The holiday fireworks sales season is ready to begin, and the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office is asking everyone to BE CAREFUL, and reconsider their use of fireworks this holiday season. Even though the greater Houston area has received significant rainfall, any carelessly used firework has the potential to start a fire or cause injury. more...
Dec 17, 2008
Forged Documents
The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office has seen an increase in forged documents relating to fire and life safety inspections in state licensed facilities. So far the Fire Marshal’s Office has uncovered eight alleged incidents involving tampering with a government record. The investigation includes four foster homes, three daycare facilities, and one assisted living facility. more... |