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Messages - HayesFXFD17
16
« on: May 17, 2013, 07:07:29 AM »
In true news reporting fashion only a portion of the statement I released was issued:
First off I would like to thank Cambridge Fire for their response as they brought crews, forestry equipment and their Off Road Rescue Four-Wheeler. This fire was indeed sparked by a tree that had fallen on and broken powerlines. The fire was located at the end of Fanton Road about another mile into the woods only accessable by foot or four-wheeler. We deployed our Off Road Rescue Four-Wheeler as well and had personall ATV's brought in by other fire department members. The fire was initially contained by manually raking and cutting fire lines in the woods. Once contained we utilized Cambridge forestry equipment to supply water more than a 1000' feet into the woods from a remote location shuttled by our tankers to physcially extunguish the fire. The extremely dry conditions made the fire difficult to extinguish as it was burning deep into the ground so the introduction of foam applications were applied. Fairfax and Cambridge crews operated at the scene with nearly 25 firefighters for 4 hours while Georgia Fire Department was on automatic aid for any other calls in the Fairfax Fire District.
Justin Hayes, CFI
Fairfax Fire Chief
17
« on: May 06, 2013, 09:24:29 AM »
There is a large difference between a bonfire and campfire. Traditionally campfires are 36 inches in diameter or less and used for cooking purposes where as a bonfire fire definition could be much larger and generally associated with a celebratory type situation. It it also important to note that during this burn ban that "campfires" are still allowed and no-permits are required. With that said if the fire department is called and the fire is over 36" we will extinguish and notify the town fire warden as it would be considered a permit required burn.
Under the municipal ordinance Article III, a civil penalty of $500 may be imposed for each single violation. The fire department will enforce the rules of this ordinance in the form of revocation of a permit and extinguishment of illegal burns (any deviation from the ordinance). Any citations would come from the Selectboard, Health Officer, Constable or Fire Warden as they are the listed "enforcement officers" under Article IV.
Once the burn ban is lifted permits can be obtained from Duane Leach 849-6174 or by calling the daytime fire officer at the station M-F 8-4, 849-6075.
Thank You
Justin Hayes, CFI
Fire Chief
18
« on: April 04, 2013, 06:04:17 PM »
It was one of those days.....5 calls.
1. Fire alarm activation at BFA
2. Vehicle fire on main st
3. 2 acre brush fire on snowcrest road
4. Brush fire near fairfax falls
5. Brush fire with structural exposure on Richard road
19
« on: January 02, 2013, 08:56:26 AM »
Fire destroys home in Underhill-Cambridge
Posted: Jan 01, 2013 11:59 PM EST
Updated: Jan 02, 2013 12:00 AM EST
By WCAX News - bio | emailBURLINGTON, Vt. - Firefighters could not save a home on the Cambridge-Underhill town line Tuesday.
A blaze tore through the home on Circling Hawk Road. The biggest problem -- crews couldn't get equipment to the house. The road leading to the home wasn't plowed. Crews used a skidder to clear part of a path -- and had to use ATVs with tracks -- and snowmobiles to haul in water and supplies. They also used snow surrounding the home -- just to keep it from spreading.
"Unfortunately at this time, the structure has burned to the ground. We were not able to do anything for it. We are just containing the fire and waiting for it to burn out. It's all we can do. It's one of those unfortunate events," explained 2nd Asst. Chief Dan Wyckoff with the Cambridge Fire Department.
No one was hurt in the blaze. The family managed to escape. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
The above story is a sad reality that could strike us at any time here in Fairfax as well. Both Fairfax Fire and Rescue have been extremly busy over the past week and have noticed plenty of driveways and private roads that fit the description from the fire in Cambridge. Decisions made by fire officers to either attempt or not attempt a driveway or road are made in real time and are made first for firefighter safety and second for apparatus and town asset preservation in mind. Please keep your driveways and roadways plowed open as wide as possible and maintained as if your life or home depend on it because in deed it could.
Justin Hayes, CFI
Fire Chief
Fairfax Fire Dept.
20
« on: December 27, 2012, 04:44:07 PM »
The Fairfax Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 25 Shepardson Hollow Rd. Crews arrived to find heavy fire involvment in the rear of the structure, throughout the attic void and a small adition on the side of the building. The work shop suffered moderate fire damage with most of the damage coming from a structural collapse due to roof trusses burning out. Crews were able to sucsessfully save the attatched appartment unit limiting the damage to only minor water damage from run off.
Fairfax was assisted by Cambridge and Westford.
Justin Hayes, CFI
Fire Chief
21
« on: October 29, 2012, 12:01:32 PM »
Depending on the weather station you are monitoring, this impacts the potential severity of the impending storm. The fact is that we will be impacted but the severity is yet to be determined. With this in mind the Fairfax Fire Department is not taking any changes in being prepared. All of our equipment is at the ready and contigency plans to staff the station with personnel are prepared if need be. Lt. Raymond has ensured that all of our saws are filed and ready for service, generators have been run and other necessary supplies are available.
Please take the time to prepare your homes and families understanding that there will be an impact to our region from this storm. I have pasted in a great link for emergency preparedness that not only can apply to the current state but also for winter snow storms and severed thunderstorms that hit our region.
If you see downed power lines do not approach them as the ground around them could be energized as pose a potentially lethal dose of electricity. Use extreme caustion if clearing limbs ensuring they are not near or entangled with power lines. Keep in mind even cable and telephone lines can become charged conducters especially if they should snap and wrap around charged transmission lines.
The basics of an emergency supply kit should include but is not limited to:
•Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
•Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
•Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
•Flashlight and extra batteries
•First aid kit
•Whistle to signal for help
•Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
•Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
•Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
•Manual can opener for food
•Local maps
•Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php
Justin Hayes, CFI
Fire Chief
Fairfax Fire Dept.
22
« on: August 29, 2012, 04:42:12 PM »
The Fairfax Fire Department responded this morning at 4:43am to a report of a structure fire at 7 Brush Rd. First arriving crews found a two story residential structure fully involved with two 120lb propane tanks actively venting. Defensive operations were established in order to minimized exposure risk to personnel. Crews remained on scene through the morning conducting overhaul operations and assisting the State of VT fire investigation team into the root cause of the fire. At this time the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Justin Hayes, CFI
Fire Chief
23
« on: May 29, 2012, 07:43:42 AM »
Crews arrived on scene to find visible fire showing by looking in the windows but were able to get in quickly and knock down the fire preventing any fire extension into the structure.
Justin Hayes, CFI
Fire Chief
Fairfax Fire Dept.
24
« on: March 14, 2012, 09:20:39 AM »
I can't resist.........
Please keep in mind this photo was taken at 7:30PM. Would have been a great photo of the truck with no memebers if we had tried for a noon photo shoot!!!
25
« on: March 14, 2012, 06:38:33 AM »
Thanks for posting this photo Mike and thanks to Helen for taking the photos.
Pictured in the photo are:
Back Row: L to R - Lucien Hayes, Phillip Clark,Tom Crucitti, Aaron Sanders, Carl Lashomb, Steve Bessette, Kyle Magnuson, Mike Cain, Duane Leach, DJ Leach, James Field
Front Row L to R - Justin Hayes, Dan Vanslette, Jordan Hayes, Dave Yergeau, Tom Snyder, Ryan Parah, Tim Bessette, Pat Bessette, Greg Hartman
26
« on: March 06, 2012, 09:11:58 AM »
Fairfax Fire and Rescue were indeed called to a chimney fire with possible extension into the attic space. We arrived on scene to find light smoke pushing from the eves and visible fire in the attic space from the first floor. Interior crews were able to quickly and aggressively open the ceiling exposing the fire and obtain a successful knock down within minutes limiting the fire and water damage. Most of the time on scene was spent overhauling the areas adjacent to the fire to ensure there was no further extension into the structure. We were also assisted on scene by Cambridge Fire Department and a thank you to them for coming to assist us in the balmy -6 deg. weather.
Justin Hayes, CFI
Fire Chief
27
« on: February 17, 2012, 12:25:43 PM »
Thank you to all for the feedback. I have noted a couple of items that have come up between threads that I feel need some clarification or further explanation.
Cost Associated:
The correct figure of 50k was posted earlier. This figure includes annual salary, family plan insurance premiums, retirement, social security and uniforms and is on par with the Underhill-Jericho model that we are using as a program guidance.
Members whom work in Town:
Yes we do have members (very few) who work in town during the day. Unfortunately they are often times not allowed to leave work due to constraints and best business practices to stay profitable. The person noted from Morse Hardwoods is only allowed to leave for large scale events now, and J&L has a reduced employment of firefighters due to career changes leaving only 1 full time and 1 part time person. Due to lean practices all business are running at minim staff to remain competitive often times not allowing for our members to respond to the “smaller in nature” calls such as motor vehicle accidents, alarms, carbon monoxide and public service. Both business noted have been excellent supporters of the department and allowing members to respond but are making managerial choices that do impact our department.
Mutual Aid:
The board of Fairfax Fire Officers did their due diligence by investigating potential options before deterring that the possibility of a full time person was the most viable. We spoke with area departments and chiefs asking their thoughts and many of the noted issues below were conversed:
Mutual aid is a great resource that should not be overused or abused. If we suddenly began relying on automatic aid request for all of our day time calls how quickly would this go from a great thing to one that is beginning to burden our neighboring towns? We would not only be adding to their existing call volume, but also placing extra burden to their existing volunteers - The same boat we are in now here in Fairfax.
Lets shift the vantage point slightly and pretend Fairfax Fire begins going automatically during the day to Cambridge for all of their calls. How much extra wear and tear on our vehicles, members, added maintenance, increase payroll excreta would it take before our select board began questioning these actions? Remember those departments entered into the mutual aid agreement can not bill for their services!!
We don’t have to look far to see this playing out. Westford Fire whom only runs a fraction of the total calls we do, relies on Essex for automatic aid for all calls day or night. As of recent Essex has begun reevaluating how they choose to respond for the exact mentioned reason above.
The Job:
The volunteer fire service has changed dramatically over the past decade and there is no slow down in sight as far call volumes and demand are concerned. Please keep in mind the proposed position roots much deeper than just responding to calls. Citizens see us respond and see us return - that is it. What is not seen are the countless hours of behind the scenes work that goes into keeping the department a viable resource for the community.
Justin Hayes, CFI
Fire Chief
Fairfax Fire Dept.
28
« on: February 15, 2012, 09:46:27 AM »
Hello fellow citizens and taxpayers,
As town meeting day approaches the fire department has included in its budget the hiring of a full time fire officer for the town of Fairfax. This person would work days Monday through Friday when we are the most vulnerable with staff. In 2011 we did have day time fire calls that went either unanswered by Fairfax Fire or incidents where no fire apparatus was able to respond due to our lack of day time support. We understand that having one full time person will not fix all of our staffing issues during the day but this person would GUARENTE a respone and be able to provide important scene size up information and make formal requests for mutual aid from neighboring departments. The impact of having a full time person is much deeper than just having a committed person to respond to calls it reaches into the core operations of the department with the ability to relieve some of the burden on our volunteers. Listed below are some of the highlights that reflect the current state of our department and roster.
The term “Fire Department” has changed greatly over the years transitioning its primary focus on just fires to dealing with any issues deemed important enough for the requester to dial 911. As a direct result of this the number of emergency responses has increased as well as the state and federal training requirements to maintain firefighter certifications.
Requirements have a significant impact on the family lives of our firefighters, remember, that all these functions and responses are outside of their normal 40+ hour work week. Often times both spouses are working and children have several after school or sports activities that parents attend or assist with. The Fairfax firefighters have less and less time available to commit to the fire department activities, yet the demand for their time continues to increase.
From 2007 through 2010 the department has averaged 2760 hours per year consisting of incident responses, training, maintenance and administrative. In 2007 the roster was at 39 members meaning each member averaged 70.77 hours per year. Currently our current roster is 30 (with a recent recruitment drive) meaning each member (if all was equal) would average 92 hours.
Staffing is an ongoing concern as Fairfax is a bedroom community with little to no industry meaning that our department struggles to find members whom are available during the day time hours.
Currently 86% of our roster works out of town and those that work in town are limited as to when they can respond due to constraints and commitments in their respective places of work.
Aside from responding to calls there are countless behind the scenes activities that make the department functional. The department meets every Tuesday evening to conduct station and fleet maintenance, business meetings, and training to maintain the required continuing education credits. We prioritize our tasks based on the following three categories: Items we NEED to do, SHOULD do and WANT to do.
Having full time fire officer available through the work week will greatly reduce the burdensome impact placed on our current roster. This would allow for a well managed, streamlined organization that can as a whole focus more efforts in the SHOULD and WANT to do categories of our business.
Thank you for your continued support of the Fairfax Fire Department in supporting our mission to protect lives, property and the environment.
Justin Hayes, CFI
Fire Chief
Fairfax Fire Dept.
29
« on: January 26, 2012, 07:23:25 AM »
A busy evening indeed. Thankfully the incident at Colonial Rd was minor enough in nature we were able to release the ladder company and our second engine to respond to the motor vehicle accident. Upon returning to quarters from both these calls we were dispatched to assist Westford with a chimney fire on North Rd. where we sent an engine, ladder and tanker company to assist.
Thankfully these multiple stacked incidents occurred in the evening when we usually have adequate personnel to respond and not during the day when our available personnel is limited.
Justin Hayes
Fire Chief
30
« on: January 11, 2012, 08:24:26 AM »
I want to again publicly thank all those who were in attendance to support the department and it's members. 2011 was a great year for the department with many exciting changes such as acquiring our first aerial truck and the countless hours of training that followed. 2012 is looking to be no different with many exciting and value added initiatives planned.
As always the safety and health of our members is number one priority and we were able safely execute all of our operations in 2011 with no personal injuries. We will look to continue these practices through training and maintenance realizing we can continually improve our processes.
On a note for the years of service pins, Paul Lavallee has an amazing 45 years of service (correction for the 40 in the above post).
Again thank you to our members and to the community who supports us as they do.
Justin Hayes
Fire Chief
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