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Author: Peter Stehman, Fire Chief

It is usually hard to find any good from bad situations, but we are able to do just that with regard to the February 23, 2008 fire that claimed the lives of two residents at 106 South Chestnut.  The fire claimed their lives due to smoke inhalation.  Like most fire deaths, these were probably preventable had an operating smoke detector been in place in their apartment.  In fact, our firefighters checked the whole six-unit building before leaving the scene that morning and found none of them had an operating smoke detector.  The five other apartments had detectors supplied by the landlord, but they had been disabled by the apartment occupants when their batteries failed.  Before we left the scene that morning, we made sure the other five apartments had operating smoke detectors.

This also prompted us to jump start our Leave ’Em Safe program. Through this initiative, we make sure all homes have an operating detector before we leave the scene of fire apparatus calls.  This is usually done on non-emergency calls or after we have abated any minor emergencies.  The result of this program is that the home is protected after we leave because of the smoke detector.  We really do Leave ‘Em Safe.

The costs for this program largely are found with the purchase of detectors and batteries.  We have had several donations in the past for the program, including Hartmann Realtors and TheBANK of Edwardsville. However, this month we received tremendous support from attorney Troy Walton of Schoen, Walton, Telken & Foster, the firm representing the estate of one of the victims.  Mr. Walton donated $2,500 of the settlement funds to the Fire Department for the purchase of more smoke detectors.

We decided against buying basic detectors, and instead opted for 208 detectors with 10-year batteries.  Once the battery is exhausted, the entire unit is thrown away.  We thought it appropriate to get these detectors since battery life was a culprit in the absence of operating detectors in the other apartments. We install the detectors free of charge when we are out on calls, but also will bring one to your home and install it as needed. If you do not have an operating smoke detector in your home and you live in the City or within the Collinsville Fire Protection District, please call us as soon as possible so we can install a detector in your home. Our number at Station 1 is 346-5022. Call before you go to sleep tonight—it is that important.

We also take this opportunity to thank Troy Walton for his kind contribution for the purchase of the detectors. There is no better way to honor these fire victims.

Author:  Peter Stehman, Fire Chief

The Collinsville Fire Department urges people to do two things when they have a home fire.  Get out, and stay out, of the burning home.

The case for this was proven again at a March 7 fire in Collinsville.  The adult occupant of the home set her oven to the self-cleaning cycle and left her home.  She returned to find a fire in her oven. Someone in the family called 911 for the Fire Department, but the adult female stayed in the home and fought the fire and then began removing items from the home.  All the while she was breathing in the toxic smoke created by the fire.

The victim continued to repeatedly enter the home to remove furnishings prior to the Fire Department arrival in less than five minutes.

The fire, which was limited to the stove and oven, was quickly extinguished by the firefighters.  The firefighters were, of course, wearing self contained breathing apparatus to protect their lungs.  Loss to the home was limited to the stove and oven being destroyed and minor smoke damage to the home.

The adult victim, however, was transported by Fire Department ambulance to the hospital for smoke inhalation. She was later intubated, a process where a breathing tube is inserted down her throat. She was then flown by helicopter to a St. Louis hospital where she remained intubated for nearly three days.

By later that evening, family members had purchased a new stove to replace the ruined unit and they were working to get the smoke smell out of soft goods.  But the victim was not able to return home for almost three more days.  More than a week later she was still hoarse from the smoke inhalation and subsequent intubation.

The moral of the story is to Get Out and Stay Out if you discover a fire in your home.  Get yourself (and other family members if you can) out of the home as soon as you discover the fire and call 911 from your cell phone or from a neighbor’s home.

“Belongings can be replaced, people cannot.  Remember, the firefighters are usually just a few minutes away and can safely and quickly enter most burning buildings to remove other victims and property and extinguish the fire,” said Collinsville Fire Chief Pete Stehman.

Author:  Peter Stehman, Fire Chief

The Fire Department responded this morning to a train derailment on the CSX rail lines adjacent to Canteen Creek, between Mill Street and South Mulberry.  Eight cars carrying coal derailed and overturned.  They were the last eight cars ahead of a pushing engine at the end of the train.  There were no injuries and no/minimal damage off of rail property.  

We have notified Illinois EMA and Illinois EPA as a fair amount of coal dust was naturally carried into Canteen Creek.  How much of an environmental hazard that poses will be up for EPA to determine.

A rail services contractor is on scene and expects cleanup to take about 12 hours.  There is road closure at three crossings east of the derailment sight and we are monitoring that situation closely.

Author:  John Nichols, Assistant Fire Chief

Fire inspections are an important part of a successful fire prevention program.  A good inspection program can catch a fire hazard before it can cause a fire.  It also can identify life safety hazards of a building, which can help save lives in an emergency.

One fire that always comes to my mind is the Beverly Hills Supper Club fire that happened on May 28, 1977. That was two months after I started with the Collinsville Fire Department.  Being a new firefighter, I was eager to learn about fires and what things could be done to help save lives and property.

It was a Saturday night in Southgate, Kentucky.  A total of 165 people lost their lives in this tragic fire.  The fire was believed to be caused by an electrical short in the ceiling and went undetected for some time and when the fire was finally noticed, the employees tried to extinguish it rather than alert the guests to leave the building.

It is believed that there were at least 2,400 people in the building at the time of the fire. 1,200 were in the club’s largest room waiting to hear John Davidson sing.  By the time they were alerted, thick black smoke was filling the room.  The majority of the deaths were in this room and caused by inhalation of smoke or toxic gases. Some of the deceased were piled up on top of each other at the exits.

The delay in reporting the fire, the lack of any fire alarm to notify people, lack of fire suppression systems (sprinklers) and an insufficient number of exits were the main reasons for all of the deaths.

Since this fire happened over 30 years ago there have been many fire codes written to help keep these catastrophes from happening again.  But the fire codes are not going to stop these unless they are supported by a good inspection program to enforce them.

A good inspection program has to start as soon as the Fire Department gets the construction blue prints.  The blue prints should include all of the life and fire safety aspects of the building.  But it doesn’t stop there.  The Inspection Department must continue to check on the building as it is being built.  At the end of construction the building has to have a final inspection to make sure the building meets the fire codes.

After the building is occupied it should be inspected by the Fire Department to make sure all the life and fire safety features are kept up to the fire code standard.

The fire prevention work in our Department is done largely out of my office, but Shift Commanders and engine companies also help out with these responsibilities.  We have just revamped our program to inspect business occupancies in this town and start this week with “assembly” type occupancies.  These are typically restaurants and bars and other businesses that can have a large number of occupants.  We will later move on to other occupancy types; we will not generally inspect home-based businesses.

I think this is one part of the Fire Department that most people don’t know much about, yet it is one of the most important parts of the Department.  The first goal of all Fire Departments is to prevent fires.  The second is to save life and property.  All of this with the goal of making Collinsville the safest City in the region.

Author:  Peter Stehman, Fire Chief

Over the next few weeks the Fire Department will be re-starting its inspection program, which will initially target “assembly” businesses in Collinsville.  Assistant Chief John Nichols, who was named to that position December 1, 2008, has been working on setting up the program since his appointment.

Assembly buildings or businesses include restaurants, taverns, community halls, recreation facilities, etc. After completing this category the Department will move on to other occupancy groups, such as mercantile.  Department personnel are starting with assembly businesses because they have relatively high fire rates and the highest potential to injury or death to the greatest number of people.  

Setting up this program is taking some time, but we want to get it right.  By that I mean a program that is strongly referenced to the 2006 International Fire Code and is applied fairly and accurately to all businesses. The Fire Department has conducted inspections previously, but could have done a better job with documentation and record keeping and the training of personnel so that all businesses are inspected consistently, applying the same criteria.

Concurrently with the inspection, fire crews will be doing a pre-plan of the building. This is the basis of a battle plan for fighting a fire in the building. The pre-plan will contain information on fire alarms systems, fire sprinklers, utility shutoffs, key box locations and special hazards in the building. This information will be loaded into computers on our fire apparatus so that firefighters responding to a call at that location can readily learn the features of the building and any hazards they may encounter.

We want our community to be the safest in the region but we also want to be fair to our residents and business owners. If you have any questions or concerns about the program, please do not hesitate to call myself or A/C Nichols at 346-5022 at extensions 140 and 154, respectively. 

Fire Chief Pete Stehman

Author: Peter Stehman, Fire Chief

After 25 years with the Fire Department, you sometimes tend to think you have seen it all. About the time you start to really believe that, you are exposed to something that reminds you otherwise. Such was the case about 8PM on December 30th while I was at the Collinsville/Schnucks Holiday Classic basketball tournament at Collinsville High School. Althoff was playing Lincoln in the Championship game.

I had volunteered at the tournament for over 20 years prior to being appointed to the Fire Chief’s position in 2007. My attendance that Tuesday night was as a fan. I did stop by to give a hand to Athletic Director Matt Badgely and look over the ‘All Tournament Team’ he was planning to announce.  As we were in Matt’s office, someone came in to announce a referee was down on the floor. We both went down to the basketball court. As we did, I asked Matt to get the Automatic External Defibrillator which is mounted on a nearby wall.

A number of people were attending to referee Gary Gustafson on the floor when I arrived. He was unresponsive and had no pulse. The AED arrived and was applied.  AED’s can make anyone a lifesaver as they make the process of defibrillating a patient who is in cardiac arrest very easy.

Gary was in fibrillation, which is a rhythm that does not allow the heart to pump out blood. Some describe it as a quivering of the heart muscle.  AED’s recognize this lethal heart rhythm and send an electrical shock which depolarizes the heart and converts it back to a “perfusing” rhythm. That means it restored his pulse.

In less than a minute after defibrillation, Gary was speaking to us. In my days as a paramedic I have defibrillated a number of patients back to a “sinus rhythm,” but have never seen a patient respond to defibrillation as quickly as he did. Then again, Fire Department paramedics usually arrive five minutes or so after the patient has gone into arrest. There is great advantage to rapid defibrillation as the patient “save” potential drops off dramatically as minutes tick away.            

Based on the rewards of early defibrillation, Illinois mandated placement of AED’s in schools and gymnasiums several years ago. That move by Illinois legislators probably saved Gary Gustafson’s life. We can only speculate on whether or not his heart would have been able to be restarted by our paramedics that arrived a few minutes later, Lt. Dave Bennett, Firefighter Dave Badgett and Capt. Doug Deadmond.

I was glad to be part of the team of people that tried to help out that night. Others included several Lincoln fans (one of which I am told is a dentist) and at least one, maybe two nurses.

I felt bad about the fact that for several days thereafter, the media heavily reported that I had saved Gary’s life. Anyone who was there saw that it was a team effort. I think the focus on my efforts was based on appreciative media comments by Gary and his wife Phyllis; Gary remembered that I was the first one who spoke to him after his pulse was restored. I think paramedics probably have some advantage as far as working emergency incidents “in the field.” In that respect I tried to organize and coordinate the efforts to treat Gary, but it was truly a group effort. I hope we will be able to learn who the others were who assisted and that Gary has the chance to speak with each of them.    

Gary and Phyllis Gustafson visited Station 1 Wednesday, January 7th, less than nine days after he clinically died on the basketball court. He thanked me and the members who responded that night. But we had gotten our reward just seeing that he survived. He later underwent quadruple bypass surgery.

The bottom line here is that teamwork and early defibrillation saved Gary that night. I hope it is a message to everyone to learn or refresh your CPR skills. CPR classes now include training on using AED’s.

With all that buildup, we have announced the Fire Department CPR class schedule for 2009. If you haven’t had a CPR class lately or haven’t had any AED training, get into a class soon. People like Gary will thank you for it.  

Pete Stehman, Fire Chief

 Fire Department
130 South Clinton, Collinsville, IL  62234
618.346.5022 

TO:              Area Media Outlets 
FROM:         Fire Chief Peter Stehman
DATE:         December 24, 2008
SUBJECT:   Relief Efforts for Johnson Family

A family of four lost all belongings in a house explosion and fire at 1316 Leland Street, Collinsville, at 8:43 p.m. December 23rd.

The suspected cause of the explosion and fire was a leaking gas appliance in the home.  Four people who were in the home at the time of the explosion were treated and released for minor burns and smoke inhalation.

The family that lives at the home does not have insurance.  They lost all possessions, including Christmas gifts.

Those in the community wishing to contribute may donate either monetarily or with new or like new clothing and appropriate Christmas gifts. 

The ages and sizes of the occupants are as follows:

- A 13 year old male, clothing sizes 14-16 boys.

- A 19 year old female, clothing sizes 24-26.

- A 42 year old female, clothing sizes 22-24.

- A 45 year old male, clothing sizes XL and 34 waist.

Donations of new and like new clothing and Christmas gifts may only be dropped off at the Collinsville Police Department, 200 West Clay Street, Collinsville.

Monetary donations may be made to the Johnson Family Benefit Fund at any First Collinsville Bank.  Their phone number is 346-9000.  Only monetary donations may be made at the bank; no other items will be accepted.

The family has been provided some initial funds by the Meadow Heights Baptist Church in Collinsville and temporary housing is being arranged through the American Red Cross.

The Collinsville Fire Department responded to the Box Alarm with three apparatus and 20 members. The injured were transported to Anderson Hospital by CFD ambulance.  MABAS auto aid units from Maryville, Troy and Edwardsville responded for fire scene assistance and station coverage.

Author: Peter Stehman, Fire Chief

The Collinsville Fire Department was pleased to learn recently that the City’s Fire Protection Rating has been reduced from a Class 6 to a Class 4.  The change by the Insurance Services Office will take effect March 1, 2009, and should result in rate reductions of approximately 7-8% on property insurance policies issued after that date.  It is a rare opportunity the City has to actually put money back in the taxpayer’s pocket.

Getting the rate reduction was a team effort at the Fire Department and we appreciate the work of our staff toward this goal.  We also got plenty of help from the Water Department to document their efforts with the water storage and distribution system and the Police Department for their efforts with the emergency communications system. Thanks to all these City departments and employees.

We will get the complete written report on the ISO rating within weeks and we expect to review it with the City Council after that time.

Author: Peter Stehman, Fire Chief

The past week has been trying for the Fire Department as we have responded to several serious accidents.  The accidents have all been on Beltline Road and have resulted in four fatalities and an additional seven people injured.  The incidents stretched our resources thin, but our people responded well and I am proud of that.

Beltline Road has a history of serious crashes, particularly in the area east of Carnation Drive.  Five fatalities in the last year alone can be tied to crashes related to cars which have possibly over-recovered after going off the north side of the road and then being struck by an eastbound vehicle.  Please be careful out there.

With the holidays upon us, keep these fire safety tips in mind:
- If you have a live Christmas tree, keep it watered to keep it safe.  A dry tree burns very hot and quick.  Turn the lights off when you are not home.

- Check your holiday lighting for defective wiring or light sockets.  If they are bad, it is best to replace the set.  They are cheap enough that you should not risk a home fire.

- Many people decorate with candles.  If you do, make sure they are not near flammables and never put them on a Christmas tree.

- Fireplaces are for firewood, not wrapping paper or Christmas tree limbs.

- Please be sure your smoke detectors are operating correctly.

Follow this link to the U.S. Fire Administration website to see how a dry Christmas tree fully ignites in just 3 seconds and causes the whole room to be blazing within 40 seconds.

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/treefire.shtm

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

 

Author: Peter Stehman, Fire Chief

Assistant Fire Chief Appointment - Captain John Nichols has been named Assistant Fire Chief of the Collinsville Fire Department.  Captain Nichols is a 31-year veteran of the Department and will work primarily with oversight of Department operational functions, including inspection services.  He will begin service as Assistant Chief December 1, 2008.

Fire Department Promotions - The Collinsville Board of Fire and Police Commissioners approved the promotion of Lieutenant Dusty Katich to the rank of Captain and Firefighter Mike Lutz to the rank of Lieutenant.  A conditional job offer was also made to a candidate to fill the vacant Firefighter position.

Assisted St. Louis Fire Department – The Collinsville Fire Department was one of five Metro-East Departments that assisted in staffing St. Louis engine houses on November 13th so that all SLFD Firefighters could attend the funeral of Firefighter Leonard Riggins, who was shot and killed November 7th.  It was a first for Collinsville to assist in St. Louis and was made possible by St. Louis’ participation in MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System).  The four department members who volunteered their time for the assignment included Mike Harris, Dave Badgett, Tim Spooner and Steve Reed.  The crew made three emergency responses while assigned to Engine House 13 in north St. Louis. 

“Fire Fighter of the Year”- Collinsville Firefighter Matt Sienkiewicz was nominated and named “Firefighter of the Year” for 2008.  He serves as Firefighter/Paramedic, currently working on C-shift out of Station 2.  His abilities as both a firefighter and paramedic are excellent, yet he was primarily nominated for his efforts in Public Fire and Safety Education.  Firefighter Sienkiewicz is very involved in the Department’s third grade fire education program.  He is known affectionately as Firefighter Matt to hundreds of Collinsville students.  He has also started the Department’s involvement in the “Remembering When” program, which targets fire and safety awareness for senior citizens.