Fire Chief's Briefing for September 20 Through September 25, 2011

Here is a summary of Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s emergency responses for the period of September 20 through September 25, 2011.

We responded to 37 emergency calls for service.

These calls can be broken down into the following categories:

EMS/Rescue: 24

Hazardous Condition: 1

Service Call: 2

Good Intent: 1

False Call: 9

Here is an overview of significant events from this period’s activities:

Tuesday, September 20 at approximately 7:24 pm:

E4 received a phone call at the station asking for help near the city limits with a dog who had been struck by a vehicle and was now under the vehicle. E4 proceeded approximately one mile into Nolensville before making contact with a Nolensville Police Officer and the driver of the vehicle. The dog was not entrapped, but was injured and did not want to come out. Shortly after arriving on scene, Nolensville Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD) arrived and control of the scene was transferred to them. NVFD personnel backed the vehicle away from the dog until the dog came out from the front. It was apparently injured but able to ambulate. NPD had requested animal control to respond to the scene, so the decision was made to wait for them. Upon their arrival the dog was leashed and lead to animal control's vehicle. E4 was released from the scene and returned to quarters.

Tuesday, September 20 at approximately 7:41 pm:

C3 was dispatched on a report of a snake in a residence. The homeowner had attempted to contact several pest and varmint removal services, but was unable to find anyone who would be able to come out that late at night. E4 was still out of quarters on the previous call, so C3 responded to assist the homeowner. The reptile was safely caught, removed from the residence, and released in a wooded area with no harm to the animal, the resident, or C3.

Friday, September 23 at approximately 3:09 pm:

E2, R1, and C3 were dispatched to a reported four-wheeler accident. Upon arrival, one PT was found lying in the grass complaining of leg and back pain. Spinal immobilization precautions were taken, a rapid trauma assessment was performed, and basic life support was initiated. PT care was transferred to EMS and the PT was loaded into the ambulance for transport to an area hospital for further treatment.

Fire Chief's Briefing for September 14 Through September 19, 2011

Here is a summary of Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s emergency responses for the period of September 14 through September 19, 2011.

We responded to 48 emergency calls for service.

These calls can be broken down into the following categories:

Fire: 2

EMS/Rescue: 27

Service Call: 4

Good Intent: 7

False Call: 7

Severe Weather: 1

Here is an overview of significant events from this period’s activities:

Wednesday, September 14 at approximately 2:02 pm:

R1 was dispatched from water rescue training at the YMCA on a report of a child locked in a vehicle. Upon arrival, R1 utilized the lock out kit to unlock the vehicle and free the child. The child was unharmed.  R1 returned to previous assignment.

Wednesday, September 14 at approximately 10:17 pm:

All Brentwood Fire and Rescue units were dispatched for a reported Structure Fire at a home struck by lightning.  E2 and R1 were the first units on scene and upon arrival reported that no fire or smoke was visible, but that the house had no power.  E2 established Incident Command and performed a walk around of the structure which revealed no sign of damage from lightning.  All occupants had evacuated the home. E4 arrived on scene and assisted E2 and R1 with searching the home for possible fire. No hazards were found. All other responding units were cancelled.  Upon further investigation E2's crew found that the main electrical panel was tripped and the breaker was heat-welded in the off position.  A secondary search focusing on the crawl space and attic showed no hazards. The house was turned over to the homeowner who was instructed to follow up with an electrician.

Thursday, September 15 at approximately 2:39 pm:

E3 was dispatched on an outside investigation for a report of smoke. Upon arriving in the area, E3’s officer noticed some light smoke coming from the D side (right side) roof of an area restaurant. Closer inspection revealed ashes coming from the roof. An accumulation of smoldering leaves and pine needles were found in a valley near the chimney. E3 radioed for a second engine and established command. E3 utilized a 24' ladder, one scoop shovel, one pressurized water extinguisher and the TIC. The debris was extinguished and removed from the roof. The TIC was used to check for unusual heat patterns on the interior but none were found. The most probable cause of the fire was from a burning ember exiting the chimney and igniting the debris. There was minimal heat damage to the shingles.

While on the roof, crews discovered some decorative Christmas style lights which had a burned though an electrical conductor. The power was being supplied by a CGIF located near the HVAC units. E3's crew disconnected the cords and advised the management.

Thursday, September 15 at approximately 9:50 pm:

E2 was dispatched on a medical call for a report of an unresponsive PT. Upon arrival, E2 and EMS found the patient unresponsive, pulseless and not breathing. CPR and advanced life support skills were initiated; the PT was loaded into the ambulance and transported to an area hospital.

Friday, September 16 at approximately 5:34 pm:

E1 was dispatched on a report of a vehicle fire. Upon arrival E1 found light smoke showing from the passenger compartment. The occupant of the vehicle was standing outside with a Good Samaritan who was using an extinguisher to extinguish the main body of the fire. The occupant stated that there were "flames rolling under the seat" prior to using the extinguisher. The driver also stated that while driving down the road, they noticed smoke coming up from between their legs. E1 noted that there was still some smoldering activity under the driver’s seat and appeared to be electrical in nature. The decision was made to remove the seat in order to gain access and reduce any further damage to the vehicle. E1 cut the negative battery cable to eliminate any electrical hazard that may be associated with their actions. After removing the seat, E1 found burnt electrical wires and a computer board with moderate damage. There was also smoldering debris found in the bottom of the seat cushion. E1 extinguished the underside of the seat and used the thermal imaging camera to check for fire extension. The carpet under the driver’s seat was burnt and presented with an alarming heat signature so the decision was made to remove that section of carpet. Once the carpet was removed, E1 sprayed it down and ensured the fire was out. No other hazards were present. E1 checked available leaving the scene and returned to quarters.

Sunday, September 18 at approximately 12:23 pm:

E4 was dispatched on a medical call for 1 PT unresponsive after a fall. Upon arrival E4 found bystanders performing CPR. After assessing the PT, E4 and EMS resumed CPR. Advanced Life Support was initiated and the PT was loaded into the ambulance for transport to an area hospital with one firefighter on board to assist with continued pt care.

Fire Chief's Briefing for September 4 through September 13, 2011

Here is a summary of Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s emergency responses for the period of September 4 through September 13, 2011.

We responded to 65 emergency calls for service.

These calls can be broken down into the following categories:

EMS/Rescue: 34

Hazardous Condition: 3

Service Call: 7

Good Intent: 9

False Call: 12

Here is an overview of significant events from this period’s activities:

Monday, September 5 at approximately 5:10 pm

Fire companies responded to a reported motor vehicle accident with injuries and possible entrapment.  Upon arrival, Engine 4 crew found two vehicles involved.  Vehicle #1 was partially off the roadway and vehicle #2 was off the roadway in a ditch on its passenger side and roof. E4’s officer established Incident Command. 

Command checked the scene and found one patient ambulatory and one patient still in the vehicle.  The patient in the vehicle appeared to be an unrestrained driver and was conscious and alert but laying on the windows of the passenger side.  Command advised EMS to gain access to the patient to stabilize them during extrication.

Rescue 1 and Engine 2 arrived on the scene.  Crew Members used an extrication blanket to protect EMS personnel and the patient in Vehicle #2.  Crews deployed the Hurst cutters from Rescue 1 and cut the top and bottom of the B post to remove the door and post to gain better access and removal of the patient.  No stabilization equipment was needed due to the positioning of the vehicle in the ditch.  Crew members assisted bringing the fully immobilized patient out of the vehicle and transported them to the EMS unit.  EMS transported two patients from this incident non emergency to an area hospital.  No other hazards were found, command was terminated, and all fire companies returned to service.

Thursday, September 8 at approximately 4:20 am

E1 was dispatched on a medical call for a reported child birth. Upon arrival, E1 found that a baby had been successfully delivered prior to their arrival. E1 crew provided supportive care to both mother and child before assisting with loading the PT for transport to an area hospital. One firefighter rode along to assist with further patient care while en route. 

Inaugural Public Safety Day Festival Announced

***UPDATE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012***

This article contains information for the 2011 Public Safety Day. For information related to the 2012 Public Safety Day, please click here. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday, October 13, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Chief Brian Goss
(615) 371-0170
gossb@brentwood-tn.org

INAUGURAL PUBLIC SAFETY DAY FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED

Brentwood, TN – In an effort to better connect the public with the city’s fire and emergency services, the Brentwood Fire and Rescue Department will hold its inaugural Public Safety Day festival on Saturday, October 15. The free, family-friendly event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Kroger parking lot of the Brentwood Place shopping center at 330 Franklin Road.

The festival will include children’s activities and static displays of fire and police vehicles, as well as an ambulance from Williamson County Emergency Medical Services. There will also be a residential fire sprinkler exhibition and a live vehicle extrication demonstration featuring tools and equipment from the city’s newest fire engine.

Open house tours of each of Brentwood’s four fire stations will occur simultaneously with the Kroger parking lot events.

For more information about the inaugural Public Safety Day, please contact the Brentwood Fire and Rescue Department at 615-371-0170.

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Firefighters Complete Inaugural “BFR Station Hike”

Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s first group to complete the BFR Station Hike

If you noticed a group of men in orange shirts walking down some of Brentwood’s roads Wednesday, you witnessed the first group from Brentwood Fire and Rescue to complete the “BFR Station Hike.” The Brentwood Fire and Rescue Station Hike consists of an approximately 38 kilometer (23.6 mile) trip that takes participants to each of the city’s four fire stations.  The event was created by the city’s physician, Dr Robert Belihar.

Participants met at Fire Station 1 on Maryland Way at 6am and began their first 4.2 mile leg towards Station 2 on Wilson Pike. After a brief break, the crew took off on the shortest part of their trip consisting of a 3.8 mile walk to Station 4 on Sunset Rd.   After another brief stop, firefighters continued on their next 7.4 mile leg towards Station 3 on General George Patten Dr.  The final leg of their journey consisted of a 7.3 mile hike north on Franklin Rd.  All in all, the firefighters hiked for 7 hours and 39 minutes including resting and visiting with on-duty crews at each station.

All participants were accustomed to working hard and supporting each other, and it certainly came into play on this trip. Despite the sore muscles and blisters, everyone that started thankfully finished the hike, and more importantly they finished it together.  It was a challenging endeavor, and everyone who participated agreed that they would not have made it alone.  In the end, firefighters relied on their teammates to keep them going.

This hike was included in Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s new FIRE initiative. FIRE is an acronym standing for Firefighters Inspiring Regular Exercise. Members of the department are encouraged to participate in events such as hikes, marathons, triathlons and bicycle races.  Each participant in the program is given an orange jersey to start with.  You may have recently noticed some of these orange jerseys at one of your local YMCAs during a training session.  A points system is in place, with different colored jerseys being awarded to participants reaching certain point values. At the completion of the hike, 2 of the members of this group became the first in the department to reach the second tier of jersey color.

It was a long day, but one that many firefighters will not forget for some time.  If you see a pack of orange jerseys walking down the road in the coming weeks be sure to smile and wave.  Your firefighters are working hard to be physically ready when you need them!

Fire Chief's Briefing for August 30 through September 4, 2011

Here is a summary of Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s emergency responses for the period of August 30 through September 4, 2011.

We responded to 50 emergency calls for service.

These calls can be broken down into the following categories:

Fire: 3

EMS/Rescue: 25

Hazardous Condition: 3

Service Call: 9

Good Intent: 3

False Call: 7

Here is an overview of significant events from this period’s activities:

Wednesday, August 31 at approximately 8:28 am

E2 was dispatched on a report of a deer stuck in a fence. Upon arrival crew members found the animal with a leg stuck between two bars of a fence. Permission from the homeowner was obtained to use bolt cutters to cut the fence, freeing the deer and allowing it to escape.

Wednesday, August 31 at approximately 1:31 pm

E3 was dispatched to a report of a child locked in a vehicle. Upon arrival crew members were informed that a bystander had attempted to utilize a slim jim to open the vehicle, but had not been able, and had damaged the door lock. E3 proceeded to the other side of the vehicle and used their lock out kit to open the door. The child was unharmed.

Thursday, September 1 at approximately 2:17 pm

E2 was dispatched on a report of a pregnant female complaining of a ‘racing heart’. Once on scene, E2’s crew found the PT lying on the floor, also complaining of feeling dizzy. E2 performed a PT assessment and basic interventions. E2’s paramedic began preparing the PT for advanced cardiac care. Upon arrival of EMS PT care was transferred, and E2’s paramedic assisted with performing further cardiac interventions. The PT was transported emergency traffic to an area hospital for further evaluation.

Thursday, September 1 at approximately 2:31 pm

E1 was dispatched to a reported grass fire along I-65. Upon arrival E1’s officer found that there was an approximately 60 foot by 12 foot area burning and that the fire had began to make its way into a tree line. E1 crew members deployed a 1 ¾ hose line and began to extinguish the fire. Approximately 15 minutes into the call Nashville Fire Department arrived on the scene and offered mutual aid. E1’s officer established Incident Command at this point. While Nashville contained the fire to the north, E1 concentrated on the south. The fire had begun to spread into a hedgerow and on towards Wilson Pike, so E1’s officer called for L1 to respond to that location to control the extension.

Tanker 1 was also requested to respond to the scene in order to re-supply E1. During this time L1 had extinguished the fire it was tasked with, Nashville had controlled the north end, and E1 had controlled the south end. Once the tanker arrived on scene, E1’s Engineer connected to it and began to rewet all affected areas. Once it was determined that the fire extinguished, Command cleared all units and returned to quarters.

Friday, September 2 at approximately 1:06 pm

E3 was dispatched on a report of a child locked inside a vehicle. E3 responded emergency traffic due to heat conditions. Upon arrival, E3's crew located the vehicle and the owner, who stated that the child was locked inside for approximately 5 minutes prior to calling 911. Utilizing a lock out kit, E3's crew was unable to unlock the vehicle. Crew members attempted for 3 min, but when quick access was not obtained, E3’s officer decided that it was in the best interest of the child's safety to break out a window. The driver’s window was chosen based on where the child was sitting to reduce the risk of potential injury to the child. After the window was broken out, the child was brought inside a business to start reducing its core body temperature. At this point EMS was called. E3's crew used cold rags and an ice pack to actively cool the PT. EMS then arrived on the scene and PT care was transferred. No transport was needed, and E3 cleared the scene.

Friday, September 2 at approximately 5:01 pm

E3 was dispatched via automatic aid agreement to a reported commercial structure fire in Franklin. Upon arrival, E3 was informed by Franklin that the fire had been extinguished by the building’s fire sprinkler system. E3 was placed available and returned to quarters.

Saturday, September 3 at approximately 3:36 am

E3 was dispatched to a report of a large tree blocking the roadway. Upon arrival, E3’s crew utilized their chain saw to cut the tree into manageable pieces and remove it from the roadway. With all hazards removed, E3 returned to quarters.

Saturday, September 3 at approximately 12:03 pm

E3 was dispatched to a report of an outside natural gas leak. Upon arrival E3 noted the smell and sound of a gas leak coming from a construction area. E3’s Engineer moved the apparatus to a safer area while other crew members utilized their gas monitor to survey the scene. The construction workers had accidentally run into the gas line while working. E3 secured the scene and requested the gas company to come mitigate the leak. Upon arrival of the gas company, the hazards were contained, E3 left the scene under their control and returned to quarters.

Sunday, September 4 at approximately 11:58 am

All Brentwood Fire and Rescue units as well as an automatic aid assignment from Franklin Fire were dispatched on a reported commercial structure fire. Brentwood E3 arrived on scene first, noted evacuation in progress, but did not see any smoke or fire. E3 established Incident Command and began to investigate the cause of the alarm. A light haze was noted inside the structure, but no fire was found. Brentwood E2 arrived on scene and was tasked with going to the roof of the structure to check for a possible HVAC fire. E2 crew members located an HVAC unit with obvious signs of arced electrical components, including scorch marks. Power to the unit had been disabled, so no further hazards were present. All other responding units were cancelled and the manager of the business was notified to contact an HVAC repair company. Further investigation revealed no other hazards, so the occupants were allowed back into the building. Command was terminated and E3 returned to quarters.

MDA Fundraiser Results

For the second year in a row, Brentwood Fire and Rescue personnel participated in the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s “Fill the Boot” campaign. Local grocery stores and shops were once again transformed into busy donation centers all with a common purpose of making a difference.

Last year the department collected one of the highest totals in Middle Tennessee with an impressive $7,157. Because of these impressive totals, Brentwood was challenged to step it up this year. Once again, Brentwood Fire and Rescue delivered with a grand total of $10,400!

The collection period culminated with a charity softball game contested between the Police and Fire Departments on Saturday Sept 3rd at Granny White Park. Despite it being one of the hottest days this summer, a great time was had by all, with the Police “Guns” coming out a 9 – 5 winner over the Fire “Hoses.” Despite the loss on the field, it is no doubt the Hoses and MDA came out winners in the long run.

Brentwood Police Department’s “Guns” Team

Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s “Hoses” Team




The stated goal for donations this year was $8,000. Due to the generosity of the community, Brentwood Fire and Rescue was able to beat that goal by over $2,400!
Brentwood Fire and Rescue would like to thank the community for going that extra mile to help make this fundraiser such a success. A special thanks also goes out to the Police Department for being such strong competitors. Hopefully we’ll get to even the score next year!

A 25th Anniversary Video Tribute to Brentwood Fire and Rescue

What was once known as the Brentwood Fire Department began at midnight on September 1, 1986, when the city of Brentwood assumed full fire protection responsibility from a privately owned subscription-based service that had required citizens to pay an annual fee to receive fire protection. Arizona native Dean Filer, the city's first fire chief, essentially created the municipal fire department from scratch, without the benefit of any preexisting trucks, equipment, or personnel.

As the city of Brentwood grew, so did the fire department. One station and 26 employees expanded into a 62-member organization serving a population of more than 37,000 from four strategically located fire stations. Emergency responses totaling 665 calls in 1987 increased to 2,473 in 2009. And two fire engines and a tanker truck evolved into four advanced-life-support engine companies, a 100-foot aerial ladder truck, a medium rescue truck, and various support vehicles.

The department has become a recognized, statewide leader in the development and delivery of professional and innovative emergency and life-safety services.