Wildfires 2010 Forecast Wildfires Likely To Flare · 9.06.2010 · distribution plant in Nalchik, Russia. Points to consider: Bomb technicians defused three improvised explosive

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2010 Forecast Wildfires Likely To Flare

Dry weather and higher-than-normal temperatures following a dry winter have helped raise fire risks nationally which have already resulted in several wild land fires in the US, including blazes in New Mexico, Washington and Alaska. A recent forecast by the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) evaluating many factors including; fuels, weather forecasts, climate and drought data has identified a general outlook for wild land fire activity, warning of an increased fire risk later this summer for many areas of the US. Points to consider: Wild land fires are fires caused by nature or humans that result in the uncontrolled destruction of forests, brush, field crops, grasslands, and personal property. According to the NIFC’s annual Fire Season Outlook, portions of the western United States is coming off a strong El Niño winter weather pattern, and will enter the 2010 fire season drier than normal, suggesting higher than normal wildfire potential for the Northern Rockies of Montana and Idaho; parts of eastern Washington; northwestern Wyoming; and a portion of south-central Oregon stretching down into the northeastern corner of California. Several other regions of the country are also abnormally dry heading into late spring and early summer including: the northern Great Lakes region; central Alaska; southern Arizona; and a section of southern Georgia, Alabama, and northern Florida. Consider that wild land fires can quickly consume large areas, destroying property and taking lives. There are uncountable natural and human-made hazards in the fire environment, and many variables in the size and scope of hazards. Fighting wild-land fires requires different techniques, equipment, and training from the structure fires. These wildfire-trained firefighters suppress flames, construct “fire lines”, and extinguish flames and areas of heat to protect resources and natural wilderness.

June 9, 2010

Wildfires An average of 5 million acres burns every year in the United States, causing millions of dollars in damage. Once a fire begins, it can spread at a rate of up to 14.29 miles per hour, consuming everything in its path. Experts say there are several factors that determine how the fire spreads. These three factors include fuel, weather and topography.


Terrorists Seeking Nuclear Material Alexander Bortnikov, the chief of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) confirmed recently that terrorists were seeking to access nuclear materials across the former Soviet Union. Points to consider: The FSB chief was quoted as saying they have information indicating that terrorists are continuing to attempt to get access to nuclear materials and biological and chemical components. Additionally, Rolf Mowatt-Larssen, a former C.I.A. official and Director of Intelligence and Counterintelligence at the Department of Energy detailed In a report, that al-Qaeda’s engaged in a patient, decade-long effort to steal or construct an improvised nuclear device, saying that despite its interest in chemical and biological weapons, al-Qaeda seems focused on the nuclear option to achieve its stated goal of killing four million Americans. Consider that Osama Bin Laden has made his own desire for nuclear weapons for use against the US and its allies clear. Bin Laden has in the past called the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) a "religious duty,” and for more than a decade has been seeking to buy nuclear weapons or material, and to recruit nuclear expertise.

Intelligence Chief: Worldwide Terror Threat Growing Alexander Bortnikov, the director of Russia’s Federal Security Service said recently that said the United States, Russia and most other countries are facing growing global terrorism threats. Points to consider: The head of Russia's main domestic security agency stated that, "an analysis of the current terrorism issue shows an increase in terrorism risk threats to most countries, regardless of their economic development, military potential or state structure." Additionally, CIA Director Leon Panetta has said that al-Qaeda leaders remain determined to kill as many Americans as possible and recent thwarted terror plots in the U.S. indicate the terror network is changing its tactics by deploying people to the U.S. who have no history of terrorist activity or documented connection to the organization. An example of this threat was evidenced in a Senate report r released earlier this year which said authorities believe as many as three dozen Americans converted to Islam while in US prisons then traveled to Yemen once released, vanishing for weeks, believed to be training with al-Qaeda. Mr. Panetta also said another new form of terrorist threat is the "lone wolf" who becomes self-radicalized and decides on his own to take violent action without al-Qaeda taking a direct role. Consider that eight years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred, added security has made it much harder for foreign terrorists to enter, operate and attempt to carry out operations here in our country. In response terror groups are thought to be increasingly turning to individuals already in the US, either U.S. citizens or other legal residents in attempts to garner new recruits and carry out terrorist acts.

Terror Recruits Nabbed At NY Airport Two New Jersey men were arrested at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport recently just as they were about to board a flight allegedly planning to travel to Somalia to join al-Shabaab.

Points to consider: According to federal prosecutors, the men were inspired at least in part by Anwar al-Awlaki, the New Mexico-born cleric linked to the Fort Hood shootings, the Christmas Day bombing attempt and the failed Times Square car bomb plot, now hiding in Yemen. Officials say the two men underwent tactical training and test runs at paintball fields to condition themselves physically, and acquired equipment and clothing they could use when they joined al-Shabaab, bragging about wanting to wage holy war against the US both at home and internationally. These arrests follow several recent failed terrorist attempts in the U.S. in recent months and is the latest in a disconcerting pattern of people living among us who have been radicalized with extremist ideology, Consider that today, with the world just a mouse click away and 9,000 radical jihadi websites available the internet is playing a major role is recruitment, homegrown terrorists are becoming a concern in the US because they are able to feely travel overseas and re-enter the US in order to carry out terrorist plots.

Certificate in Terrorism Studies: While security risks are at their highest, education into this important subject is rarely available to the majority. This renowned on-line course from the University of St Andrews fills the knowledge gap, enabling participants to prepare to meet the challenges and risks of evolving terrorist techniques; all that is needed is an Internet connection. For full details visit: http://www.terrorismstudies.com/LR0038NE1L1


Mass Transportation Terror Puts India On The Defensive The latest in a string of successful high casualty attacks in recent weeks, has placed India on the defensive. Points to consider: Consider that in the past many social scientists referred to guerrilla warfare as the “weapon of the weak” and terrorism as the “weapon of the weakest,” using violence to generate fear, and thereby to achieve their political goals, when direct military victory is not possible. Be aware that terror against rail passengers and transport is not a new phenomenon; only the scale, sophistication and public impact of the recent attacks sets them apart. Train cars carry hundreds of passengers in an enclosed environment where a medium size explosion will wreak maximum damage, and the potential for economic disruption is substantial and the multiple modes of terror delivery are simple. Consider that threat to mass transportation from terrorism must never be underestimated because it is attractive in part because it can be carried out with minimal resources in numerous ways. Furthermore remember a Internet posting, by U.S.-born al-Qaeda spokesman Adam Gadahn who made a public pitch for single acts of jihad saying in a video: "Even apparently unsuccessful attacks on Western mass transportation systems can bring major cities to a halt, cost the enemy billions and send his corporations into bankruptcy,"

Charismatic Radical Cleric Gaining Cult Following Authorities have said that New Mexican born radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki has acquired the knack of mesmerizing young Westerners to wage jihad. Points to consider: Counter-terror officials compare the Yemeni-American’s magnetism to that of cult leaders and warn that he’s an expert at persuading ordinary men, like the two alleged New Jersey terror plotters arrested recently to wage attacks against U.S. interests at home and abroad. The officials say he’s gone from propagandist to operational figure within Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).

The Battle Of Suspicious Bags Terrorists have a long history of hiding explosive devices in packages, boxes, or vehicles. Recently an anonymous participant on a radical jihadi Internet forum suggested a new twist calling for a "battle of suspicious bags", a tactic that has been used in the past by political extremists in the U.S. Points to consider: The poster suggested placing of suspicious, but harmless, bags in public places in Washington, DC and New York. The stated goal is to inspire fear, disrupt public transportation, tie up police and bomb squads, and to exploit desensitization of first responders resulting in response fatigue to these suspicious, but harmless items. Consider that these potential terrorists could be watching the response to these items, to learn our emergency procedures, including evacuation, standoff distances, response routes, and time it takes additional emergency services to arrive.

Gas Distribution Hub Targeted Police recently foiled an alleged terrorist plot targeting the Gazprom natural gas distribution plant in Nalchik, Russia.

Points to consider: Bomb technicians defused three improvised explosive devices (IED), which also contained nails and screws, apparently intended to increase the casualty count. Consider that this tactic has been used indiscriminately against many targets including first responders. Emergency personnel should always maintain a “situational awareness” of their surroundings, and if encountering an IED should remember that secondary devices are a favorite terrorist tactic, often planned to detonate shortly after emergency personnel arrive on scene, targeting the responders. This year’s conference will be held October 25th-29th, 2010 at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV, Some areas of focus for the conference:

• Evolution of Mass Hostage Siege Tactics • Protecting Large Gatherings • Soft Target Attacks (Mumbai Attack) • Psychological Impact and Implications to First Responders

Call 866-573-3999


Federal Agents Killed In Ambush Authorities say that recently two federal police officers were killed while performing a traffic stop in Garcia, Mexico when gunmen in other cars opened fire. Points to consider: More than 22,700 people have been killed in Mexico since President Felipe Calderon launched a military crackdown on drug cartels. Law enforcement sources say that violence from these turf battles among Mexico's drug gangs have become extremely fierce in some regions, particularly along the border, including attacks on law enforcement officers.

Suspect Arrested In Firebombing Investigators from the Tampa, Florida Fire Marshal's Office arrested a man for a recent arson attack on a Budget Inn motel. Points to consider: According to investigators the firebomb, described as a container filled with gasoline was thrown into an outside stairwell at the hotel shortly before midnight resulting in a blaze that was quickly extinguished by firefighters. Be aware that arson is the leading cause of fires in the US and the second leading cause of deaths and injuries. For that reason arson prevention and investigation have become the focus of increased attention within the fire service, and the criminal justice system. Arson is also a very difficult crime to solve; only 15% of arson cases are closed by arrest, and only 2% result in conviction. The biggest problem in solving arson is that evidence is destroyed immediately or altered significantly. Consider that the economic meltdown has taken a heavy toll worldwide. Historically, arson fires increase during times of economic crisis. Furthermore all first responders can contribute to arson investigations, by recognizing that any incident has the potential to be a crime scene, until otherwise determined, trying to preserve potential evidence that may be used by investigators.

Meth Chemicals Fuel House Fire Daisy Mountain and Phoenix firefighters were sent to a New River, Arizona home recently finding an advanced fire fueled by several explosions resulting in the roof to collapse. Points to consider: The many explosions and the rapid acceleration of the fire tipped crews off that there were hazardous materials involved in the fire. Once the fire was brought under control a Hazmat crew was called to help, found several dangerous and toxic chemicals that are commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine (meth) inside the structure. Consider that methamphetamine is synthesized in clandestine drug labs from common household products, over-the-counter medications, solvents; metals and strong acids. Production methods involve numerous chemical reactions that can cause fire, explosion, and release of toxic gases and waste, thereby making these labs potential hazardous waste sites.

Fatal Fire Linked To Meth Lab The Ohio State Fire Marshal confirmed recently that a fatal house explosion in Franklin, Ohio that resulted in three deaths was the result of a methamphetamine (Meth) manufacturing operation.

Points to consider: Investigators said explosive chemicals recovered from the scene of the deadly fire/explosion are consistent with those used in the manufacture of meth. Consider that meth labs contain all sorts of hidden hazards. A clandestine meth lab will likely have hazardous, flammable chemicals stored in every type of container imaginable. Additionally, a variety of gases may be used in meth production; these include phosphine, anhydrous ammonia and methylamine, as well as propane. These gases can be compressed in small cylinders or in tanks. Furthermore, another class of chemicals contained in meth labs will be acids like hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid (muriatic acid or battery acid) and hydriodic acid and bases like sodium hydroxide (drain cleaner), potassium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide. Finally, a variety of salts, like mercuric chloride, lead acetate and magnesium sulfate, will also be present.

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Plane Crashes Into Office Building Two people were injured when a small Beechcraft B19 aircraft crashed into an office building and burst into flames while landing at New York’s MacArthur Airport recently. Points to consider: Consider that experts have said that in recent years, the number of small aircraft accidents have raised significantly. The increase in small aircraft crashes is often attributed to the higher number of personal aircraft in the skies over the U.S., and while large commuter aircraft must follow strict federal safety regulations, smaller aircraft are often allowed to follow more lax procedures involving maintenance, takeoff, flight, and landing. Furthermore, consider that emergencies involving aircraft require specialized procedures, which necessitates responders to undergo specific training and certification to prepare for all types of aviation-related incidents.

Responders Perform Risky Rescue Strathclyde Fire and Rescue service personnel gained access to several derailed passenger train carriages that were "precariously balanced" over an embankment in Argyll, Scotland recently. Points to consider: British Transport Police said firefighters were able to rescue all the passengers from the train with no reports of injuries. Consider that although railroading today is the safest of all modes of American transportation and, train accidents are at one of their lowest levels ever, mass transportation accidents do happen and can have a profound effect on first a responders operation. Train cars carry hundreds of passengers in an enclosed environment; recognize that this incident highlights the potential for mass casualty incident that is present in our aging rail system. Prior to commencing operations, size-up is crucial in evaluating hazards, tactics, and available resources

Tornadoes Rip Through Midwest Tornadoes tore through the Midwest recently, killing at least seven people in Ohio and triggering the automatic shutdown of the Fermi 2 nuclear power plant in Michigan. Points to consider: Consider that each year natural disasters create major problems around the world, with storms and floods dominating the statistics, contributing more than two thirds to the major disasters. A tornado is a violently rotating column of air, strong tornadoes can attain an awe-inspiring intensity, with wind speeds that exceed 200 mph and in extreme cases may approach 300 mph. Consider that tornadoes can form any time of the year in the US, but the "tornado season" is generally in the spring when tornadoes are more prevalent (April through July), with May and June being the peak months. According to experts, tornadoes can and do occur in every state, but the area in which tornadoes are most prevalent is known as "tornado alley," typically defined the region from Texas north to Nebraska.

Natural Gas Explosion One utility worker was killed and seven others injured in Johnson County, TX recently when a crew installing utility poles struck an Enterprise Products Partners LP gas line, resulting in a massive fireball that hurled their 2,000-pound drilling rig 250 feet away.

Points to consider: Natural gas (UN 1971) is extremely flammable and forms flammable mixtures with air. It will burn in the open or be explosive in confined spaces. Its vapors are lighter than air and will disperse. It has no color, odor, or taste, leaks are usually detected due to the additive mercaptan, which gives it a distinctive “rotten egg” odor, but the additive can be filtered out by the soil. Responders should be aware that natural gas leaking up through soil may-be scrubbed of the mercaptan odor, leaving the gas odorless and undetectable without a combustible gas meter. Always use meters to test for natural gas

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Broken Gas Line Causes Alarm The Cedar Rapids Fire Department responded to a major gas leak recently resulting from a construction crew severing an underground gas line. Points to consider:

Police diverted traffic away from the scene while a special called hazardous materials crew secured the leak, and checked surrounding properties. Consider that natural gas (UN 1971) is extremely flammable and forms flammable mixtures with air. It will burn in the open or be explosive in confined spaces. Its vapors are lighter than air and will disperse. It has no color, odor, or taste, leaks are usually detected due to the additive mercaptan, which gives it a distinctive “rotten egg” odor, but the additive can be filtered out by the soil. Responders should be aware that natural gas leaking up through soil may-be scrubbed of the mercaptan odor, leaving the gas odorless and undetectable without a combustible gas meter. Always use meters to test for natural gas

Explosion Feared As Propane Leak Discovered Firefighters were concerned that a propane gas cloud might spread to nearby homes and explode in Deepcut, UK after the valve to a 1,000-liter propane gas tank was found opened. Points to consider: Propane (UN 1075) is odorless, tasteless, and colorless in its natural state; an odorant (ethyl mercapitan) is added similar to natural gas, so that leaks may be detected. Propane is easily ignited, heavier than air, therefore, it may collect in low areas or travel along the ground where an ignition source may be present. Be aware that pressure in a container can build up due to heat, and it may rupture (BLEVE) if pressure relief devices should fail to function. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 115.

Major Gas Leak Controlled Construction crews working on a new condominium building in Regina, SK, Canada ruptured a 2" gas pipe recently. A Hazardous Materials team was called and worked with Sask-Energy to stop the leak and continuously monitor the air to ensure there was no danger. Points to consider: Natural gas (UN 1971) is extremely flammable and forms flammable mixtures with air. It will burn in the open or be explosive in confined spaces. Its vapors are lighter than air and will disperse. It has no color, odor, or taste, leaks are usually detected due to the additive mercaptan, which gives it a distinctive “rotten egg” odor, but the additive can be filtered out by the soil. Responders should be aware that natural gas leaking up through soil may-be scrubbed of the mercaptan odor, leaving the gas odorless and undetectable without a combustible gas meter. Always use meters to test for natural gas

Chemical Leak Sickens 15 People Hazardous Material crews were called to the Old Dominion Freight Lines in Tulsa, OK after a 55-Gallon drum containing Chloromethyl Naphthalene ruptured. Points to consider: Officials closed nearby roads, and treated 15 people for exposure to the corrosive chemical. Consider that chloromethyl naphthalene (UN 1993) is a light yellow flammable liquid. Stable under normal temperatures and pressures, incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, acids, acid chlorides, and acid anhydrides. It is harmful by inhalation, contact with skin and if swallowed, irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin. For general operating procedures refer to the emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 128.

Two People Injured In Hazmat Incident Hazmat crews evacuated a Food Lion distribution center in Prince George County, MD recently after two people suffered respiratory distress from an anhydrous ammonia leak at the warehouse.

Points to consider: Anhydrous ammonia (UN 1005) has a strong, pungent odor and may be shipped or stored as a compressed gas or cryogenic liquid. It produces a toxic, visible or invisible gas cloud that is lighter than air but may hug the ground when cool. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 125.


Gasoline Spill On PEI Provincial environment officials are investigating a major spill at St. Eleanor's Irving gas station in Summerside, PEI, Canada recently, which occurred when a truck backed into a pump causing 2,000-gallons of the fuel, to spill. Points to consider: Gasoline (UN 1203) is highly flammable colorless to yellow liquid which may be dyed to a range of colors. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect in low areas. Initial operations may include, removal of all ignition sources, and the application of foam to large areas of spilled liquid to control vapors. For general operating procedures, refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #128.

Mix Causes Toxic Gas The Rochester Fire Department’s Hazmat team responded to the Gateway Mobile Home Park in Rochester, MN after a homeowner trying to unclog a drain mixed drain cleaners, creating a toxic gas. Points to consider: In this case, a common drain product was mixed with sulfuric acid, resulting in poisonous chlorine gas. Consider that chemicals are frequently used in our daily life and at work. Quite a number of these chemicals are dangerous substances, and some are hazardous when heated or mixed with other chemicals. The mixing two or more substances can result to one of several types of reactions, all of which have one common feature and that is the production of new substances or new mixtures.

Overheated Batteries Cause Toxic Fumes The Central Pierce fire department hazardous materials team was called to the Whirlpool warehouse in Fredrickson, Washington recently when fumes caused the evacuation of employees. Points to consider: The Hazmat team found that ventilation fans designed to cool back-up batteries on a charging station malfunctioned causing the batteries to overheat and expel a toxic gas. Consider that hydrogen gas, a high explosive, collects while batteries are charging and can cause an explosion during battery charging especially when overheated.

Anhydrous Ammonia Spill The Augusta Township firefighters and Washtenaw County HAZMAT Response Team responded recently to the scene of a rollover accident that dumped a reported 1,000 gallons of anhydrous ammonia in Augusta Township, MI. Points to consider: Anhydrous ammonia (1005) is a colorless cryogenic liquid or gas that is very corrosive to body tissues, reacting with body moisture on contact. It has a strong, pungent odor and may be shipped or stored as a compressed gas or cryogenic liquid. It produces a toxic, visible or invisible gas cloud that is lighter than air but may hug the ground when cool. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 125.

University Chemical Spill Emergency personnel evacuated the University of Arkansas Plant Sciences Building in Fayetteville, Arkansas recently after phenol spilled from a broken container.

Points to consider: Phenol (UN1671) is a clear to light pink corrosive liquid, or white crystals (solid) with sweet odor. Vapors may form an explosive mixture with air. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, alkalies, nitric acid, calcium hypochlorite, and halogens, Mixture with nitrobenzene and aluminum chloride may violently explode. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 153.


Tanker Leaks Liquid Nitrogen The DeLong and Clinton Fire Departments were called recently to deal with a hazardous materials spill on a two-mile stretch of roadway, which resulted from a leaky valve on a DeLong Corp chemical tanker allowing nearly 200 gallons of liquid nitrogen to spill on Highway 140 in Clinton, Wisconsin. Points to consider: Liquid nitrogen (UN 1977) is not just a frostbite hazard. Liquid nitrogen rapidly evaporates giving off nitrogen gas, displacing significant quantities of breathable air if the gas is released in a confined space. The problem is compounded by nitrogen's tendency to accumulate at low levels where it is less easily dispersed than the ambient atmosphere. Even an apparently small spillage could lead to dangerously low oxygen levels. The cloudy vapor that appears when liquid nitrogen is exposed to the air is condensed water vapor, not the gas itself. The issuing gas is invisible. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 120.

Fumes Sicken Gym Employees Hazardous materials teams evacuated a fitness center in Moreno Valley, California recently after two employees were sickened when ammonia and bleach was improperly mixed releasing noxious fumes. Points to consider: Consider that the mixing bleach and ammonia can kill. The end result of the chemical reaction is a release of chlorine gas, which can be so deadly that it was used as a chemical warfare agent in World War I.

Spill Causes Evacuation Of Hospital Emergency Room An accidental spill of phenol in a St. Joseph’s Hospital emergency room in Elmira, NY recently resulted in a Hazmat response and the evacuation of affected areas. Points to consider: Phenol (UN1671) is a clear to light pink corrosive liquid, or white crystals (solid) with sweet odor. Vapors may form an explosive mixture with air. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, alkalies, nitric acid, calcium hypochlorite, and halogens, Mixture with nitrobenzene and aluminum chloride may violently explode. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 153.

Methane Leak Forces Evacuations The St. Johns County Fire Departments hazardous materials unit evacuated several Palm Valley, Florida homes recently after detecting a methane leak. Points to consider: The Hazmat crew located the leak, and called the gas company to seal the leak. Consider that methane (UN 1971) is a flammable, colorless, odorless, compressed nontoxic gas packaged in cylinders under high pressure. It forms explosive or flammable mixtures with most oxidizers (oxygen, chlorine, fluorine, etc.) and is flammable over a wide range in air. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 115.

Hazmat Called When Unknown Chemicals Found Officials closed off a section of Route 47 in Hadley, MA, also known as River Road and the bomb squad and Hazmat called when a five-gallon drum of acid was in a nearby barn.

Points to consider: Consider that fifty years ago only 1 million tons of chemical were produced annually. Little was known, and little was done, about the hazards associated with chemicals and chemical processes. Today over 400 million tons of chemicals are produced annually, and of the 5-7 million known chemical substances over 80,000 are marketed. Over 1,000 new chemicals are produced each year. It is estimated that 5,000-10,000 commercial chemicals are hazardous,


Unknown Chemical Spill Sickens Several People The Hoboken, NJ Fire Department's Hazmat unit responded to the Stevens Institute of Technology’s Burchard Building recently after several people in a basement lab complained of respiratory distress. Points to consider: The Hazmat crew located the source of the fumes, which resulted from someone improperly disposing of chemicals by placing it in a common garbage container, which then mixed with other materials resulting in a chemical reaction. Consider that Chemicals are frequently used in our daily life and at work. Quite a number of these chemicals are dangerous substances, and some are hazardous when heated or mixed with other chemicals. The mixing two or more substances can result to one of several types of reactions, all of which have one common feature and that is the production of new substances or new mixtures.

Natural Gas Leak A Hazardous Materials Team and the Bonita Springs Fire Rescue were called recently to the Prado shopping center in Bonita Springs; Florida after a truck struck a natural gas line causing a leak. Points to consider: Natural gas (UN 1971) is extremely flammable and forms flammable mixtures with air. It will burn in the open or be explosive in confined spaces. Its vapors are lighter than air and will disperse. It has no color, odor, or taste, leaks are usually detected due to the additive mercaptan, which gives it a distinctive “rotten egg” odor, but the additive can be filtered out by the soil. Responders should be aware that natural gas leaking up through soil may-be scrubbed of the mercaptan odor, leaving the gas odorless and undetectable without a combustible gas meter. Always use meters to test for natural gas Truck Spills Ammonia Two police officers were taken to a hospital as a precautionary measure after a tanker truck hauling ammonia from Philadelphia to Lorton, Va., stopped at a company in Havre de Grace, MD spilling its cargo and exposing the officers. Points to consider: A Hazmat crew was called and checked the truck's caps, finding that one had been left off. Consider that ammonia (UN2672) is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Exposure to 300 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. Ammonia is also flammable at concentrations of approximately 15% to 28% by volume in air. When mixed with lubricating oils, its flammable concentration range is increased. It can explode if released in an enclosed space with a source of ignition present, or if a vessel containing anhydrous ammonia is exposed to fire. Fortunately, ammonia has a low odor threshold (20 ppm), so most people will seek relief at much lower concentrations. For general operating procedures depending on the concentration, refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #125 or #154.

Decades Old Dynamite Found The Idaho Falls Explosive Disposal Unit was called out to dispose of old dynamite, found in separate locations in Jefferson County, Idaho recently.

Points to consider: Officials estimated the dynamite was to be between 20 and 40 years old. Consider that experts warn that old dynamite should be considered very unstable. If it shows any crystalline particles (Nitro Glycerin) on the wrapper, it can explode on contact, but it can already have decomposed to Nitro Glycerin on the inside so that the least shock can set it off.


Wildfire Facts

o An average of 1.2 million acres of U.S. woodland burn every year.

o Humans cause more than four out of every five wildfires.

o Negligent human behavior such as smoking in forested areas and improperly extinguishing campfires are common causes of forest fires.

o Weather conditions can directly contribute to the occurrence of wildfires such as

through lightning strikes, or indirectly such as by an extended dry spell or drought that contributes to the availability of fuel.

o A large wildfire, or conflagration, is often capable of modifying the local weather

conditions or producing "its own weather." Below are some terms often used in describing wildfires and their “signs”:

o Surface fires -- The most common type of wildfires, surface fires move slowly and burn along the forest floor, killing and damaging vegetation.

o Ground fires -- Usually started by lightning, ground fires burn on or below the forest

floor through the root system.

o Crown fires -- Crown fires spread by wind moving quickly along the tops of trees.

o Santa Ana winds -- "Santa Ana" is the name given to the gusty northeast or east wind that occurs in Southern California during the fall and winter months. Santa Ana Winds are often hot and very dry, greatly aggravating the fire danger in forests and bush lands.

o Conflagration -- A large and destructive fire, typically aggravated by strong winds that

carry burning debris over natural or artificial barriers.

o Dry thunderstorm -- Typically a thunderstorm with a high altitude base in which thunder and lightning is observed, but little or no rain reaches the ground.

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Wildfires 2010 Forecast Wildfires Likely To Flare · 9.06.2010 · distribution plant in Nalchik, Russia. Points to consider: Bomb technicians defused three improvised explosive