I would like to get some information regarding your use of Renewable Diesel Fuel (RDF) especially with respect to Fire Dept. Equipment and Response Apparatus due to their unique operation and drive cycle.  If you can provide any information, pros and cons during your transition and since your changeover it would be very helpful as we look to the future of RDF in our Department.  Please forward this email to the staff that might best be able to answer the following questions.  Please be as specific as you can with your answers.  I thank you for your time and look forward to your feedback.

LINK TO GOOGLE FORM

  • Is your Fire Department currently using Renewable Diesel Fuel as its primary Diesel Vehicle Fuel?  If Yes, for how long?
  • What RDF product is your Department using?  Which RDF products did you try prior to deciding on it?
  • What were the deciding factor(s) when choosing your current RDF product?
  • Has there been any change in the vehicle maintenance requirements due to RDF?
  • Were any changes to vehicles / apparatus or modifications necessary to utilize RDF?
  • Have you noticed any change in vehicle performance using RDF?
  • Have you noticed a measurable change in fuel consumption since transitioning to RDF?
  • Have you noticed any change in the frequency of Regeneration events using RDF?
  • Does your Fleet Services / Maintenance provider have any feedback on the use of RDF in your apparatus?  Good or Bad?

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully.

Chad Idol
Assistant Chief, Fleet Services
County of Los Angeles Fire Dept.
chad.idol@fire.lacounty.gov
Field Section Office (323) 881-2392

Urgent Notice! Tire Recalls!
Researched and presented here by our Liaison Tony Bulygo
Subject: Tire Recalls

FORT MILL, S.C.  Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (Continental) today announced the company’s decision to voluntarily initiate a safety recall for 5,356 commercial vehicle tires. The tires involved in the recall are 315/80R22.5 Conti Coach HA3, produced from August 27, 2017, to April 28, 2018 (DOT weeks 3517 to 1618), and sold in the original equipment and replacement markets in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Tires from four production weeks were identified with issues, but in an abundance of caution, Continental is recalling all potentially affected tires from the start of production. The tires were identified as having a potential issue which could cause loss of internal pressure through the sidewall resulting in slow or rapid deflation. Since the safety of customers is paramount at Continental, the company has decided to voluntarily issue a safety-related recall for the potentially affected tires. The tires are identified with the Department of Transportation (DOT) codes A372 KWUU 3517 through 5317, and 0118 through 1618. Only the production DOT weeks 3517 through 1618 are affected. Continental has not received any reports of accidents or injuries resulting from this condition.

Continental has notified the appropriate authorities of the details of the recall. All identified tire owners will be promptly notified and informed about the details of the recall and how to receive replacement tires at no charge. Tires with the affected DOT codes should be exchanged immediately. Tires will be exchanged free of charge, including the cost of mounting, balancing, and service fees, through August 31, 2018, and on a pro-rata basis after this date. However, we encourage owners of the affected tires to complete the exchange as soon as possible.

Customers seeking more information, including instructions for identifying affected tires as well as obtaining replacement tires, are asked to contact their local Continental sales representative or the Customer Service team. For the U.S. market, the contact number is toll-free 1 (800) 726-7113. For Canada, the contact number for English-language service is toll-free 1 (800) 461-9681, and for French-language service is toll-free 1 (800) 361-2844. For Mexico, the contact number is 01 800 821 2000. Or visit the Product Recall FAQs page: http://ci-shortcode.conti.de/fr1j

AND

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations and Bridgestone Canada are voluntarily recalling approximately 2,700 all-position, wide-base radial commercial truck tires for suspected noncompliance with U.S., Canadian and Mexican government endurance tests.

The tires, manufactured from June 10-30, are all size 425/65R22.5, Bridgestone said. They are as follows:

  • Firestone FS818 tires, with Department of Transportation date codes 2318 and 2418;
  • Bridgestone M854 tires, date codes 2418 and 2518;
  • Bridgestone M860A tires, date code 2518; and
  • 1318.Bridgestone M864 tires, date codes 2318 and 2418.

The tires were produced at Bridgestone’s truck tire plant in Warren County, Tenn.

The affected tires may present a risk of exposure of steel body cords in the sidewall, leading to deterioration of the cords and resulting rapid air loss, Bridgestone said.

Tires of the same models manufactured outside the June 10-30 window meet regulatory requirements and are not part of the recall, according to the company.

Bridgestone is notifying the relevant regulatory agencies in the three countries about the recall, as well as original equipment manufacturers, authorized dealers, national account fleets, company-owned stores and end-user customers, the company said.

Bridgestone will replace the recalled tires free of charge.

To find authorized Bridgestone dealers, visit commercial.bridgestone.com.

Customers in the U.S. and Mexico may call Bridgestone Technical Service at 800-847-3272 with questions about the recall. Canadian customers should call Bridgestone Canada Technical Service at 800-267-1318.

2012 annual report: overview of findings

Firefighter fatalities in the United States in 2012

Eighty-one firefighters died while on duty in 2012.

  • The total break down included 42 volunteer, 28 career, and 11 wildland agency firefighters.
  • There were 4 multiple firefighter fatality incidents claiming a total of 10 firefighters.
  • Fifteen firefighters died in duties associated with wildland fires.
  • Activities related to emergency incidents resulted in the deaths of 45 firefighters.
  • Twenty-two firefighters died while engaging in activities at the scene of a fire.
  • Seventeen firefighters died while responding to or returning from 16 emergency incidents.
  • Eighteen firefighters died as the result of 14 vehicle crashes, six involving POVs, six involving apparatus, and six from two separate incidents involving aircraft.
  • Heart attacks were the most frequent cause of death with 39 firefighter deaths.
  • Eight firefighters died while they were engaged in training activities.
  • Twelve firefighters died after the conclusion of their on-duty activity.

2013-07-10_214948 

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