News Articles

SAFER Grant Period Opens	8/17/2010
SAFER Grant Application Period Now OpenFunding available for retention and recruitment initiativesThe application period for the FY 2010 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program ...

The Great Fire of 1910 History	8/16/2010
Source: NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS, Associated Press Writer Story Published: Aug 14, 2010 at 2:04 PM PDT WALLACE, Idaho (AP) — Each year major wildfires in the West are fought like military battles, ...

Senate Bill Reduces AFG Funding	8/10/2010
Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Bill Provides $30 Million Less for AFG(Source: National Volunteer Fire Council - August 9, 2010)On July 14, the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommi ...

Post Incident Care Program Announced	7/23/2010
Source: Charleston Post & Courier (7-23-10)A new national initiative to help firefighters cope with trauma and tragedy draws on Charleston's experience after the June 2007 Sofa Super S ...

Rural EMS Grant Opportunity	7/7/2010
Mr. Ryan Murray of Massimo Corporation indicates they have identified a very strong Federal funding source for Fire and EMS agencies with a total population of 20,000 or less (based on latest Census D ...

Keith Martin is the New Chief in Burley	6/29/2010
BURLEY — The Burley Fire Department will soon have a new chief at the helm.City officials announced Thursday in a press release that Keith Martin has been hired as the city’s new fire chief.“I’m reall ...

Volunteer Firefighter Fairness Act Introduced	6/17/2010
Source: WFCA - Emerging Issues BulletinDate: 6-17-10Congressman Introduces Volunteer Firefighter Fairness Act - Ensures Volunteer Firefighters Classified Properly by IRSWASHINGTON, DC — Tod ...

CPSC Issues Four Safety Recalls	6/11/2010
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued four different fire and life safety recall bulletins (below):1. GE Recalls Front Load Washers Due to Fire and Shock Hazards, http://www.cpsc.go ...

AED / Defib Battery Recall	6/10/2010
Source: USFA Date: 6-10-10ISSUE: Defibtech, LLC, notified customers of a recall of 5,418 DBP-2800 Battery Packs used in the Lifeline AED and ReviveR AED (semi-automatic external defi ...

NFPA Releases 2009 Firefighter Fatality Report	6/9/2010
NFPA: Annual Firefighter Fatality Report Shows Sharp Drop in 2009Jun 8, 2010 For the first time in three years, the number of on-the-job firefighter deaths in the United States has dropped below 100. ...

Detroit FD Seeking Info on Pricing of Services	6/7/2010
Dear Fire Department Administrator,I am working on a project for the Detroit Fire Department that involves the costing out of services we offer. I need your help.Has anyone on your department did any ...

Staff Reductions May Affect ISO Ratings	6/5/2010
Source: The Secret List (6-5-10)Hey, To accompany the recent National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Firefighting Staffing report, here are some links to their video and over ...

NFPA Announces FPW Theme - Smoke Alarms	6/3/2010
SMOKE ALARMS - A SOUND YOU CAN LIVE WITH.June 1, 2010 – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week: Smoke Alarms: ...

NVFC Releases National Fire Service Resource Guide	6/1/2010
NVFC Releases National Fire Service Resource Guide (6-1-10)The NVFC has released the National Fire Service Resource Guide. This one-stop reference source provides fire and EMS departments with q ...

Auto Extrication Training - New Cars, New Problems	5/25/2010
Source: KIFI LocalNews8Date: 5-23-10POCATELLO, Idaho -- Each year, automakers make their vehicles more fuel efficient and safer for their consumers, but there are consequences to the ...

Chief Gordy Gregg - 30 Years at LFD	5/21/2010
Source: KLEWTV 3 by Stephanie SmithDate: May 19, 2010LEWISTON - He's seen a lot in his time with the Lewiston Fire Department.On Wednesday Fire Chief Gordy Gregg was celebrating 30 y ...

NIST Study on Fire Crew Size Effectiveness	5/1/2010
April 28, 2010 Washington, DCSource: Center for Public Safety ExcellenceLandmark Residential Fire Study Shows How Crew Sizes and ArrivalTimes Influence Saving Lives and PropertyA landmark ...

FCC Issues Report on 700MhZ Communications	4/29/2010
Dear Public Safety Official:We recognize and appreciate the dedication and sacrifice you and your fellow first responders make on a daily basis to keep the communities you serve healthy and safe. The ...

AFG Application Period Now Open	4/26/2010
AFG Application Period Now OpenSource: National Volunteer Fire Council 4-26-10The application period for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) opened today. Applications must be recei ...

Ten Rules for Firefighter Survival	4/25/2010
Since 2000 the Houston (TX) Fire Department has lost seven (7) firefighters to line-of-duty-deaths. All of these were personnel on initial arriving apparatus. We can all learn a lesson or t ...

Deadly Fungus Spreading in Pacific NW	4/23/2010
DEADLY FUNGUS SPREADING IN PACIFIC NW - (4-22-10 )WASHINGTON — A potentially deadly strain of fungus is spreading among animals and people in the northwestern United States ...

Website Launched for Green Building Fire Safety	4/7/2010
State Fire Marshals launch new web site bringing together fire safety and green buildings.Site to serve as focal point for issues of fire safety and environmental concernsWASHINGTON, DC, April 6, 2010 ...

Blackfoot FD May Experience Layoffs	4/5/2010
BLACKFOOT – Up to half of the Blackfoot Fire Department will soon be laid off, according to Brandon Wall, Vice President of the Blackfoot Firefighters Union. Firefighters received notice of the ...

Utah Drop In Fires May Be Due to Safer Cigarettes	3/29/2010
Source: Loretta ParkStandard - Examiner - UtahThe number of fires started by cigarettes is decreasing, and the drop may be due to legislation requiring all cigarettes to meet a specific fire-saf ...

Clint Uptain of Buhl VFD Passes Away	3/29/2010
Clinton K. 'Clint' Uptain BUHL - Clinton K. "Clint" Uptain, 82, passed away on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at the St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center, surrounded by his loving fa ...

Access Issues Not Unique to Idaho	3/22/2010
(NOTE: With the passage of S 1325 which will modify access and water requirements in rural areas, the article below appeared on the Daily Dispatch for Georgia on 3-22-10. It is interesting to s ...

Residential Sprinklers in 2012 IRC - Not in Idaho	3/20/2010
WASHINGTON, DC - March 16, 2010Source: ICC (NOTE: This is a non-story in Idaho where last year the state legislation passed a law that put an end to AHJ's requiring residential fire sprinklers in ...

Ron Anderson to Retire from Meridian FD	3/19/2010
Source: Idaho Statesman March 5, 2010Ron Anderson thinks it's time to sit back and "decide what I want to do when I grow up."Anderson, 51, will step down as Meridian fire chief next month, ...

IFCA Now Opposed to EMS Bill	3/8/2010
The following email was sent to the IFCA Board by President Ellis today (3-8-10):"After much discussion with Board members and others in the IFCA on the issue of SB 1391, there was a phone vote taken ...

Colorado Investigation into Mis-Use of DHS Grant Funds	2/25/2010
IFCA NOTE: Any fire department or agency that receives Federal grant funds is subject to an audit and may be held accountable for the proper disposition and reporting of those funds. ...

Former Spirit Lake Chief Frank Gabriel, Sr. Passes Away	2/18/2010
The father of Coeur d'Alene Fire Chief Kenny Gabriel - Frank Joseph Gabriel, Sr. passed away on February 15, 2010 surrounded by his family, Frank died at home after a long battle with cancer. He was b ...

No Man's Land Protection Mandated in WA state	2/17/2010
WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATION PROPOSESFIRE PROTECTION MANDATE IN "NO MAN'S LAND" AREAS2/17/2010OLYMPIA -- The state Senate unanimously passed a bill Tuesday clarifying when firefighters must respond t ...

USFA Announcement of death of A/C John Coyle	2/17/2010
L-O-D-D IdahoThe United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality: Name: John Coyle Rank: Assistant Fire Chief Age: 63 Gender: Male Status: Volunteer ...

Fire-Safe Cigarettes Can Start Fires	2/9/2010
Experiment shows fire-safe cigarettes can still be dangerousPosted:wnRenderDate('Monday, February 8, 2010 8:09 AM EST', '', true); Feb 08, 2010 6:09 AM MST Updated:wnRenderDate('Monday, February 8, 20 ...

Federal Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act	2/6/2010
Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act Introduced in the Senate(Source: Congressional Fire Services Institute)On January 22nd, United States Senators Tom Carper (DE) and Susan Collins (ME) introduced the ...

Draft EMS Legislation Approved By Board	1/19/2010
Draft EMS Legislation - report by EMS Div. Pres. Mark Niemeyer (1-19-10)We held the EMS legislation Elluminate session today (January 19th) at 11:00AM. In attendance were board members: R ...

Support Relief Efforts in Haiti	1/14/2010
(Source: National Volunteer Fire Council)The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) expresses deep sympathy to all those affected by the devastating earthquake in Haiti. While the total devastation is ...

Arizona Firefighter Training Program Cuts	1/13/2010
BAD NEWS: ARIZONA'S STATE-WIDE FIRE TRAINING PROGRAMS ANNIHILATED - SO WHO CAN BAIL "THEM" OUT?(Article Source: The Secret List - Billy G.)"So now how do we get certified training?" Well that's ...

NASFM Looking at "Green Buildings" and Fire Safety Gap	1/12/2010
State Fire Marshals Exploring Green Buildings/Fire Safety ConnectionThe National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) has received an Assistance to Firefighters Fire Prevention and Safety Grant ...

Arizona's SFM Office Takes Big Hit	1/9/2010
The Arizona Office of the State Fire Marshal has immediately suspended several significant programs and implemented polices, procedures and processes which are necessary to reflect staff reductio ...

State Legislative Session Set to Begin	1/8/2010
It's that time of year again. The State Legislature will be in session starting next week.Most legislative session are marked by key issues. Idaho lawmakers have grappled with road funding, ...

SAFER Grant Period Extended	12/18/2009
In This Issue (from the CFSI Newsletter) 2009 SAFER APPLICATION PERIOD HAS BEEN EXTENDED From the Department of Homeland Security: During the present difficult economic circumstance ...

State Fire Marshal News	12/2/2009
FIRE CODE OFFICIAL RECERTIFICATION:The recertification exercise for State Fire Code Official certification will be available online people to take on December 15, 2009. The format is the same as was ...

SAFERS Grant Period Opens	11/5/2009
The Department of Homeland Security Announces Opening of Application Period for Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Services GrantsThe Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin accepting a ...

Residential Sprinklers Win at ICC Hearings	11/1/2009
On October 28, at the International Code Council (ICC) hearings in Baltimore, Maryland, proposals made to eliminate the requirement for residential fire sprinklers in the International Residential Cod ...

Fire Prevention Safety Tips	10/1/2009
FIRE SAFETY FACTS - courtesy of the National Fire Protection Assn.In 2008, U.S. fire departments responded to 386,500 home fires. These fires killed 2,755 civilians. Eighty-three percent of all f ...

Avoiding the Flu	9/27/2009
Protect Yourself Against the FluThe official start flu season provides a perfect time to follow some simple health tips that will help provide protection from not only H1N1 (swine flu) but also season ...

Honor Fallen Firefighters on October 4th	9/23/2009
The law requires the American flag be lowered in tribute on only a few days each year. Very appropriately, one of these days is the observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service ...

BLM Offers Fire Danger Signs	9/20/2009
The Boise District BLM in cooperation with the West Central HighlandsResource Conservation and Development Council and the Southwest IdahoResource Conservation and Development Council is offering an o ...

ICC Residential Sprinkler Code Hearings	9/20/2009
Subject: CALL TO ACTION - Mobilize to Defend IRC Sprinkler RequirementsHaving trouble viewing this email? Click here CALL TO ACTION Mobilize to Defend IRC Fire Sprinkler Requireme ...

Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity Report	8/23/2009
USFA Announces the Release of a Report on Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity Emmitsburg, MD – The United States Fire Administration (USFA), in partnership with the International Fire Service ...

SFMO To Not Request Fire Code Task Force	8/8/2009
The letter below was sent to IFCA President Dean Ellis yesterday by email from SFM Mark Larson: Chief Ellis,I am writing to inform you that we will not be asking the Governor to consider establi ...

Idaho City Hotshot Burned in Alaska	7/10/2009
Jul 10, 2009 (Anchorage Daily News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- A 28-year-old southwest Idaho firefighter has been flown to Seattle with severe burns he suffered battling a ...

Chief Kelvin Cochran Nominated to Head USFA	7/7/2009
President Obama Nominates Chief Cochran for U.S. Fire AdministratorFairfax, Va., July 7, 2009... Last night, President Obama announced his intent to nominate Chief Kelvin Cochran as the U.S. Fire Admi ...

Stay Hydrated During Hot Summer Months	7/7/2009
Heart-Healthy Tips From the NVFC: Meeting Your Daily Water NeedsEver notice how lifeless a house plant looks when you forget to water it? Just a little water and it seems to perk back up. Water is jus ...

Fire Station Construction Grants	6/10/2009
Application Period to Open: Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grants The application period for the Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grants is scheduled to ...

Fire Station Construction Grants Coming Soon	6/1/2009
Fire Station Construction Grants Coming Soon The Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grants (FSC) will provide financial assistance directly to ...

HELP - Donate for Scott Doyle	5/26/2009
Boise area firefighters and police officers worked together to help raise money to fly a seriously injured Maryland firefighter back home. Scott Doyle was flown home on May 24th. The cost of a m ...

SAFER Grants May Double	5/9/2009
On Thursday, May 7th, the White House released the appendix for the Administration's Fiscal Year 2010 budget proposal, detailing requested funding levels for programs and offices in the federal budget ...

USFA Multi-fatality fires in Residences	5/3/2009
USFA Releases Multiple-Fatality Fires in Residential Buildings Topical Report WASHINGTON D.C. - The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a special re ...

SWINE FLU - What You Must Do Now	4/29/2009
Swine Flu: What You Must Do Now (source: Fire Engineering Magazine)The swine flu buzz is causing information overload. There are three things pertinent to the fire service that must be implemented imm ...

ICC Members Get FREE 2009 Code Download	4/12/2009
Free Download of the Complete Collection of the 2009 International Codes for ICC MembersDear ICC Member,In appreciation of your continuing membership and support of the International Code Council, we ...

Arson Awareness Week - May 3 - 9, 2009	4/6/2009
USFA Announces Arson Awareness Week Theme for 2009 EMMITSBURG, MD - The United States Fire Administration (USFA) announces the theme for the 2009 Arson Awareness Week: Arson for Profit. USFA and its p ...

IC and Others Sued - Liability Issue	4/5/2009
Source: The Secret List - Billy GoldfederHey...Cindy Schuenke, the Missouri Fire-Medic who was severely burned in a fire three years ago in St. Louis County, has filed suit against t ...

How to Get Your Hands on Stimulus Money	3/29/2009
How to Get Your Hands on Stimulus Money By Jerry Brant Links: Related Resources:Stimulus funding: What you need to knowCDBG program Web site An infusion of stimulus money into a 35-year-old fed ...

Idaho Emergency Ops Plan Released	3/28/2009
Colleagues,The revised Idaho Emergency Operations Plan is now available on the BHS homepage (www.bhs.idaho.gov) under Hot Topics. I am currently having 400 hardcopies printed so please do not print ou ...

What the New Stimulus Bill Means For You	3/22/2009
Fairfax, Va., Feb. 20, 2009. On February 17, President Obama signed H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The $787 billion package of new federal spending and tax cuts is suppose ...

Craig Fugate is New FEMA Director	3/4/2009
President Obama has announced that he will nominate Craig Fugate, the Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “From his experience as ...

AFG Grants for Fire Prevention & Safety	1/31/2009
Application Period Open:Fiscal Year 2008 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants The Department of Homeland Security has posted the FY2008 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants Program Guidance on t ...

Fireman's Fund - Survey of FD Needs Coming	1/29/2009
FIREMAN’S FUND INSURANCE COMPANY launches nationwide fire service surveyFebruary/March Study to Show Critical Fire Department Needs, Serve as Fire Service Tool NOVATO, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2009) – A ...

Homebuilders Trying to Prempt Local Sprinkler Regulations	1/25/2009
Homebuilders Trying to Preempt Adoption of State and Local Sprinkler Regulations Fairfax, Va., Jan. 23, 2009… The IAFC has learned that the homebuilders are starting an initiative to prevent local ado ...

New Fire Chief for Pocatello	12/10/2008
Pocatello Selects New Fire ChiefPosted:var wn_last_ed_date = getLEDate("Dec9, 2008 2:10 PM EST"); document.write(wn_last_ed_date); Dec 9, 2008 12:10 PM MST Updated:var wn_last_ed_date = getLEDate("Dec ...

National ISO Study Reveals FD Problems	12/2/2008
December 2, 2008 Most U.S. fire departments call on neighboring communities to help them fight fires and the most significant reason for that is the need for more firefighters. Also, nearly one in six ...

Randy Howell Hired as the New EMS Chief for Boise City FD	11/16/2008
From Boise City Fire Chief Dennis Doan:We had 44 candidate apply for our Division Chief EMS position. Over the past few weeks, Deputy Chiefs Oldenburg, Raynor, Hanneman, President Womack and myself ha ...

Retirement Event for Dave Hanneman	11/16/2008
There will be a retirement event for former Boise City Deputy Chief Dave Hanneman. Click here for a flyer with details: /Assets/dept_1/PM/pdf/DHanneman_Retirement Flyer 11-08.pdf ...

Got Safety Vests?	11/6/2008
Effective November 1, 2008 there are new requirments that first responders working on or near highways MUST have ANSI approved safety vests. Please click on this link for details and an exceptio ...

Change Your Clock - Change Your Battery	10/21/2008
Keep Safe. Keep Going®Welcome to the Energizer Keep Safe. Keep Going® Head Quarters. Here you will find everything you need to participate in the 2008 Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® campaign.F ...

Chula Vista Has Selected A New Fire Chief	10/16/2008
Dave Hanneman to head to Southern California . . . Top Stories --> 10-16-2008 3:45 AM(Chula Vista, CA) -- The deputy fire chief of Boise, Idaho has been selected to head the Chula Vista Fire D ...

Vision 20/20 Fire Prevention Report Released	10/6/2008
Vision 20/20 Report Released ............ Reprinted from: Firehouse.Com NewsFire prevention must be a year round effort if the nation is going to turn the tide. Topics vital to saving lives and red ...

Focus on Fire Prevention - NFPA Information	10/2/2008
Did you know that in 2007 78% of all structure fires occurred in residences? Do you regularly check for home fire hazards? The theme of Fire Prevention Week - October 5-11, 2008 is It’s Fire Preventio ...

Residential Sprinklers to be in IRC	9/21/2008
Residential Fire Sprinklers Proposal Approved at ICC HearingSource: Intl. Assn. of Fire Chiefs / Fairfax, Va., Sept. 21, 2008 A committed and united fire service accomplished a significant feat today ...

Red Cross Seeking Volunteers for Texas	9/17/2008
From Chief Dennis Doan (BFD) - I was contacted by Trish Raynor from the Red Cross yesterday. Trish is the wife of Boise Deputy Chief Tracy Raynor. Trish is in Texas and has been there wor ...

DOJ Issues Rulemaking on PSOB	9/5/2008
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the Public Safety Officers Benefit (PSOB) Program On Thursday, July 10th, the Department of Justice (DOJ) posted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for t ...

Fallen Firefighter Memorial Unveiled in Boise	8/18/2008
On August 17, a huge group of firefighters and their families ignored 100-degree heat of the late afternoon and surrounded the new Idaho Fallen Firefighter Memorial along the Boise Greenbelt to p ...

Nine Firefighters Presumed Killed in Copter Crash	8/6/2008
SAN FRANCISCO — Eight firefighters and a pilot are presumed dead in the crash of a helicopter that had just picked up workers battling a blaze in a Northern California forest, officials sai ...

Congress Approves Campus Fire Safety Right to Know Act	8/6/2008
Congress Approves Campus Fire Safety Right to Know Act On Thursday, July 31st, Congress approved a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at improving fire safety on college campuses across the natio ...

National Emergency Communications Plan Released	8/5/2008
DHS RELEASES NATIONAL EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PLANWASHINGTON- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) to address gaps and determ ...

New Rescue Truck Caught Going Over 100 MPH	8/3/2008
The info below was submitted to us by Chief Phil Gridley of the Mt. Home FD. We have not seen or read any other artciles on this (yet) so we cannot vouch for its total accuracy or credibility.Ju ...

WA Chief Dan Packer Killed in Wildfire in California	7/27/2008
The IFCA Offices received the sad message below from Past IFCA President, Dennis Johnson, who is now Chief in Woodinville FD in Washington. Vice-President Ron Sampert along with Doug and Diana B ...

Sandpoint FD's New Fire Boat Ready for Action	7/26/2008
SANDPOINT — A nautical maxim holds that the happiest days in a boat owner’s life are when they buy their boat and when they sell it.But Sandpoint Fire Chief Robert Tyler seems happiest right now. The ...

ISO Suppression Schedule Changes Solicited	7/24/2008
Although not directly affecting Idaho, which uses a "state" insurance rating bureau, ISO is considering many long awaited changes to their Fire Suppression Rating Schedule to be published in 2009.&nbs ...

Chief Jack Parow Elected as IAFC 2nd VP	7/18/2008
Fire Chief Jack Parow to be IAFC Second VPJul 16, 2008 1:38 PMA subcommittee of the International Association of Fire Chiefs Elections Committee observed the election company's tabulation process on J ...

Ammon FD Gets $1 Million FIRES Act Grant	6/20/2008
Congratulations to the Ammon FD. The Ammon Fire Department just got a whole lot richer today as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) presented them with a check for 1 million dollars.&n ...

National Alternative Fuels Group Offers Training	6/6/2008
The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC), headquartered at West Virginia University, is interested in working with Idaho's professional First Responder Associations regarding trainin ...

State Fire School - June 20-22 - Kamiah	6/6/2008
2008 IDAHO STATE FIRE SCHOOL(INFORMATION-REGISTRATION MATERIALS at http://www.idahostatefireschool.com/ )INKamiahJUNE 20th, 21st & 22ndWELCOME TO KAMIAH, IDAHO!!Dear Idaho Firefighters & Chie ...

Charleston Sofa Super Store Fire - Phase II Report Coming Soon	4/27/2008
Report expected in 2 weeks.Charleston (SC) Sofa Super Store blaze inquiry has taken nearly year.By Ron Menchaca The Post and CourierFriday, April 25, 2008A team of consultants investigating the events ...

Chief Wendelsdorf Selected for Harvard Fellowship	4/20/2008
KBCI - TV (Boise) By Jerry Manter CALDWELL - Caldwell Fire Chief, Mark Wendelsdorf, was notified on Friday that he has been selected as one of eight national finalists for a fellowship to the John F. ...

Assistance to Firefighters Grant Info	3/1/2008
Department of Homeland Security Announces Application Period for FY 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grants The Department of Homeland Security's Grant Programs Directorate will begin accepting applica ...

Idaho Falls Passes 2006 IFC Amid Protests from Builders	2/29/2008
Congratulations to Chief Dean Ellis and Fire Marshal Ken Anderson for their successful adoption of the 2006 IFC "whole and intact" including the three and four plex fire sprinkler requirement. T ...

Potatoes Deemed Safest Food in Study	2/27/2008
Study says - Potatoes are Safest Food to EatA new British study has identified the lowly potato as the safest food on the menu, saying it is the least likely food to cause fatigue, irritable bowel sy ...

Former Burley Chief Russell Vaughn Passes Away	2/26/2008
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2008 Last modified: Friday, February 22, 2008 1:14 PM CST Members of the Burley Fire Department lead the funeral procession of former Burley Fire Chief Russell Vaughn as he was l ...

Dennis Doan Named as New Chief in Boise	2/9/2008
2/8/2008 12:09 PM The following is a prepared statement from Boise Mayor David Bieter >>>Good afternoon.I'm pleased today to announce that Capt. Dennis Doan, a 17-yearveteran of the Boise Fir ...

Fire Safe Cigarette Legislation Introduced	2/9/2008
In collaboration with fire service groups across America including the NFPA, IAFC, WFCA and NASFM, the IFCA has joined the national efforts to develop a state law requiring self-extinguishing ci ...

IFCA and PFFI Meeting Well Attended	1/17/2008
The annual Roundtable meeting between the IFCA and the PFFI took place on Wednesday afternoon, January 16, at the Ameritel Inn - Spectrum in Boise. About 40 persons attended representing departm ...

Training Officer's Division Holds Annual Meeting	1/17/2008
Under the leadership and guidance of President David Gates (Pocatello FD) the Training Officer's Division had close to 20 members attend its annual division meeting in Boise.The agenda included discu ...

Governor Otter Asks for Firefighting Funds	1/13/2008
Officials open state wallet to boost Idaho's fire preventionBy Jared S. HopkinsTimes-News writerBOISE - Just months after Idaho suffered through its worst fire season ever, Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and ...

PDM Grant Funds Available.	12/22/2007
2008 Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Grant Program applications must be submitted to the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security by January 18, 2008. This program provides funds to jurisdictions that ha ...

Caldwell Adopts 2006 IFC with 5,000 SF Sprinkler Provision	12/22/2007
On Monday, December 17, the Caldwell City Council adopted the 2006 International Fire Code (IFC) with several local amendments. The most progressive amendment was adoption of a mandatory f ...

Congress Passes Grant Funding Bill	12/20/2007
Congress Passes FY 2008 DHS Appropriations Funding Includes Increased Funding for FIRE and SAFER Grant ProgramsFairfax, Va., Dec. 20, 2007... Last night, Congress passed the fiscal year (FY) 200 ...

Bill Bishop Departing Bureau of Homeland Security in January.	12/19/2007
It was with sadness that we have learned that Director Bill Bishop of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security will be stepping down from that position on January 13, 2008. Bill has been an incred ...

LODD Resources Available	12/18/2007
LODD information available! The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) offers information and materials that can be of help to any fire/EMS department that experiences a line-of-duty-de ...

Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA) Passes Congress	12/18/2007
Legislative Victory: Congress Passes Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (December 18, 2008)Earlier today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Volunteer Responde ...

Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act is Alive in Congress	11/30/2007
On February 14, 2007 Senator Gordon Smith (OR) introduced the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2007 (S. 583). Senators John Rockefeller (WV), Jack Reed (RI) and Lamar Alexander (TN) are all origi ...

November Retirements	11/30/2007
RETIREMENTS - farewell to two outstanding IFCA members - Boise Fire Chief Renn Ross has announced his retirement. There will be a retirement Open House for Renn at the Owyhee Plaza Hotel in Boise on F ...

Idaho represented at IAFC Leadership Summit.	11/5/2007
IFCA President Dean Ellis and Vice-President of Operations Doug Brown attended the International Association of Fire Chief's (IAFC) Leadership Conference on Oct. 26 and 27 at the Capitol Hilton H ...

Ammon FD Division Chief Charles John Smith Dies	10/29/2007
A letter dated 10-29-07 from Fire Chief Stacy Hyde of the Ammon FD has sent notification of the passing of Division Chief Charles John Smith on Saturday evening, October 27, at Eastern Idaho Medical C ...

2007 Fire Safety & Prevention Grants	10/19/2007
FY07 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants Application Period: October 22–November 30Fairfax, Va., Oct. 19, 2007... The Department of Homeland Security recently posted the Fiscal Year 2007 Fire Prev ...

Fire Season 2007 Winds Down	10/7/2007
Thanks to rain and snow all major wildland fires in Idaho are finally under control. Thousands of fire personnel from all over Idaho and the USA were deployed at the height of the 2007 wildfire ...

Fire Prevention Week - Practice Your Escape Plan	10/7/2007
Practice Your Escape Plan!The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as two minutes to escape safely once the alarm soun ...

IAAI Conference Information	9/26/2007
IAAI - Idaho Chapter Annual Conference InformationProvided by Dan CochranDue to scheduling conflicts we are going to have to reschedule our conference for the last week in November. The resort luckily ...

Bruce Allcott Retirement from Burley FD	9/22/2007
The Burley Fire Department will be hosting an informal Open House for the retirement of Fire Chief Bruce Allcott. Chief Allcott is retiring from the fire service after 29 years. Chief Allcott would we ...

Glenn Lauper New Deputy Chief in Coeur d'Alene	9/6/2007
Fire Chief Kenny Gabriel of the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department has announced that Glenn Lauper has been promoted to Deputy Chief. Lauper replaced former Deputy Chief Cochran who left the departme ...

IFCA at FRI Conference in Atlanta	9/3/2007
The IFCA was once again well represented at the annual International Association of Fire Chief's (IAFC) Conference which is called "Fire- Rescue International (F-RI)". The event which attracts ...

Castle Rock Fire Threatens Ketchum	9/2/2007
The 47,000 plus acre Castle Rock fire, which started August 16 by a lightning strike, burned the backside of Bald Mountain and areas north and south of the world reknown landmark of the Sun Valley Ski ...

FIRE & EMS SAFETY STAND DOWN	6/12/2007
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) of the IAFC and all of our partners wo ...

State Fire School - June 7-10 - Salmon, ID	5/24/2007
Just a reminder that Idaho State Fire school will be held this year in Salmon Idaho,all of the information can be found on the Idaho State Fire School web site__- www.idahostatefireschool.com &nb ...

IFCA Endorses Jeff Johnson for IAFC 2nd VP	5/20/2007
The IFCA Board has endorsed Chief Jeff Johnson of the Tualitin Valley Fire & Rescue in Oregon for second Vice-President of the International Assn. of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) in 2008. That w ...

Two Idaho Groups Get Fires Act Prevention Grant Awards	4/20/2007
The USFA has released its list of Fire Act Fire Prevention grant recipients for 2006. There were 52 grant awards made for a total of $4,000,000. Congratulations to the Bonner County Fire P ...

Type III All-Hazard Incident Management Team training.	4/12/2007
For seven days, the week of April 9 to 15, representatives and instructors from the USFA are teaching a group of about 40 Idaho emergency responders how to be a Type III All-Hazard Incident Management ...

FIRES Act Workshops	2/25/2007
The following workshops are being conducted to assist fire departments in “how to” apply for FIRES Act grant funds. Please call the contact person if you plan to attend.Monday, March 5, 2007 at 1300 h ...

EMS Issues Mandate Emergency Meeting	2/24/2007
Background: Last year the IFCA supported legislation to restructure the Board of Medicine through the creation of the EMS Physicians Commission (EMSPC). The IFCA has a seat on that Commiss ...

New IFCA Strategic Plan Developed	1/16/2007
The IFCA Strategic Planning Meeting was held on Monday, January 15 at the Best Western Airport on Vista in Boise. Approximately 35 Board Members and IFCA Members attended. The draft of the new p ...

State Building Code Board Approves 2006 IBC - with fire sprinkler amendment	12/29/2006
On December 21, the State Building Code Board (SBCB) met in Meridian and on a 5-2 vote, chose to send the 2006 IBC code adoption to the State Legislature with the amendment (exemption) of 3 and 4 unit ...

Fire-EMS Takes Hit in Ada County	12/20/2006
In the ongoing battle between the governmental hierarchies - Counties, Cities and Special Districts; Ada County passed a law this week giving the county supremacy over all EMS services in the cou ...

Lonnie Dyer Passes Away	12/3/2006
It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Mr. Lonnie Dyer. Lonnie passed away at his home unexpectedly last week. He was a dear friend of all firefighters in Idaho where he ser ...

Scott Long Wins EMS Provider Award	11/26/2006
IFCA Member Scott Long of the Idaho Falls Fire Department was the recipient of the Dr. Brent Q. Hafen award at the Prehospital Emergency Care Conference in Salt Lake City, UT on November 10. Thi ...

Northern Idaho Chiefs host Legislative Night	11/26/2006
The Northern Idaho Fire Chiefs Assn. hosted their annual roundtable evening with some of their state legislators at the Red Lion - Templin Resort in Post Falls on Thursday, November 16th. N ...

IFCA Board of Directors Meeting Yields Changes	11/20/2006
The IFCA Board held its Fall Board of Directors meeting at the Red Lion Hotel in Lewiston on October 30 and 31. The meeting produced some significant changes and items of noteworthiness.The new ...

IVFESA gets nod from NVFC Board	10/22/2006
On October 20, at the National Volunteer Fire Council's (NVFC) Fall Board meeting in Bend, Oregon the NVFC Executive Council voted by a 2-1 margin to endorse the "new" Idaho Volunteer Fire and Emergen ...

SEPT. 26 & 27 - Idaho Wildland Fire Conference - Boise	9/25/2006
The first annual Idaho Wildland Fire Conference: Building Partnerships forSafer Communities will take place at the Holiday Inn Boise Airport on Vista in Boise, ID, September 26-27. Ple ...

Letter of thanks from Mike Sheets Uncle and Family	9/23/2006
Doug, Thanks for posting this message for me regarding Mike's viewing and burial. For those of you whom I did not have the pleasure of meeting at my nephew Mike Sheets' viewing and funeral, ...

Fire Marshal Mike Sheets Passes Away	9/18/2006
It is with heavy hearts and great saddness that we report the death of Idaho Falls Fire Marshal Mike Sheets. Mike fought a long and noble battle against the cancer that finally killed him. ...

IFCA Supports LOSAP Legislation (HR 6027)	9/9/2006
The IFCA has corresponded with Idaho's two U.S. Congressmen, C.L. Butch Otter and Mike Simpson, asking for their support of a House bill (HR 6027). The bill would modify Federal tax laws re ...

Lady Heat Seekers win again in Tyler, TX	9/5/2006
The Idaho Lady Heat Seekers "Scott Combat Challenge Team" recently competed in Tyler, TX and came in 1st Place, knocking 10 seconds off their July time. This team of physically fit and dedicated ...

Advanced Arson Training - IAAI - McCall - November 7-9,2006	8/27/2006
The Idaho Chapter of the IAAI will hold an Advanced Arson Investigation Seminar at The Hunt Lodge located at 210 N. 3rd St. in McCall from November 7 to 9, 2006. The seminar will feature th ...

LODDs: Memorial Services Announced for Helicopter Crash Victims	8/15/2006
The following memorial services have been announced for the four firefighters who were killed in a helicopter crash Sunday, August 13 on the South Fork of the Salmon River Road about 18 miles west of ...

IFCA Representation on State Boards and Commissions	8/14/2006
The IFCA remains well represented on State boards and commissions. Recently Governor Risch has made additional appointments of persons to serve on State boards and commission ...

IFCA to Answer Challenge for NVFC Rep Role	7/22/2006
A new group for volunteer fire/EMS personnel called the "Idaho Volunteer Fire and Emergency Service Association (IVFESA)", has filed paperwork with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)&nbs ...

Happy Retirement RUBY ANDRIDGE!	6/28/2006
On June 30, Ruby Andridge, Idaho's IFIRS Program Manager, will spend her last day at the State Fire Marshal's Office in Boise. Ruby is retiring after 16 years at SFMO and has been a terrifi ...

Firefighter of the Year Announced	6/14/2006
Central Fire District Battalion Chief Kevin Anderson has been presented the award of Firefighter of the Year for the State of Idaho. The award was presented by the Veteran's of Foreign Wars ...

Governor James Risch Inaugural Celebration	6/10/2006
IFCA President Doug Brown and his wife Diana attended the Inaugural Celebration event for Idaho's 31st Governor, James E. Risch at the Doubletree Hotel - Riverside. At the VIP Reception, ho ...

Hurricane Katrina: A Nation Still Unprepared	5/21/2006
The U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs has issued a comprehensive 724 page report on the issues surrounding the Hurricane Katrina Disaster. Of particular interest ...

Leodore VFD Firefighter Passes Away	5/13/2006
The IFCA extends its sympathy to the family and friends of Firefighter Donna Novak, 45, of the Leodore VFD. Firefighter Novak passed away from a heart attack while at home. Further details ...

Two Oakley firefighters receive Idaho Medal of Honor	5/13/2006
Oakley firefighters Captain Troy Greenwell and Firefighter/EMT Joe Stringham were honored for their extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty as recipients of the Idaho Medal of Hon ...

IFCA Adds a Seventh District	5/11/2006
The IFCA Board of Directors voted to add a seventh district to the six previous IFCA Districts. The purpose of the additional district was to make the IFCA districts match those of the Bureau of ...

FDA and NIOSH recommend that plastic crush gaskets never be reused	5/4/2006
Recommendations FDA and NIOSH recommend that plastic crush gaskets never be reused, as they may require additional torque to obtain the necessary seal with each subsequent use. This can deform the ga ...

Smoke Alarms and Combination Smoke/CO Alarms Recalled	5/4/2006
Release #06-151Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 323-9005CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908First Alert(r) Smoke Alarms and Combination Smoke/CO Alarms Recalled for Rapidl ...

FEMA's NIMS Integration Ctr and IAFC Launch IMAS Initiative	4/14/2006
FEMA’s NIMS Integration Center and IAFC Launch Intrastate Mutual Aid ProjectWASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s NIMS Integration Center and the International Association of Fire Chi ...

2nd National Firefighter Safety Stand Down	4/13/2006
The Week of June 19-24 2006Building on the success of the first National Firefighter Safety Stand Down in 2005, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), International Association of Fire F ...

The 2006 IFCA ANNUAL CONFERENCE	2/20/2006
Annual Conferene and Business Meeting will be held May 4, 5 and 6 this year at the Doubletree Hotel - Riverside, in Boise. The Conference Committee will be finalizing details for the conference ...

If only their homes had Fire Sprinkler systems	2/18/2006
MEDIA RELEASE - For Immediate Distribution Date: Saturday, February 18, 2006 Contact: Douglas Brown Subject: If only their homes had Fire Sprinkler systems Friday, February 17, saw two small southwest ...

Fireworks Reform Measure Shut Down in Senate	2/12/2006
Since last Fall the Idaho Department of Insurance and State Fire Marshal's Office have worked with the IFCA in crafting legislation that would "hopefully" close the illegal fireworks loophole in the c ...

IFCA participating in two IAFC Mutual Aid Projects	2/1/2006
The IFCA has been selected to manage Idaho participation in two (2) new International Association of Fire Chief's (IAFC) projects regarding mutual aid plan development. Idaho was selected as one of te ...

NEW! FIREFIGHTER LICENSE PLATE GRANTS for 2006	1/15/2006
The 2006 Idaho Firefighter License Plate grant program will start taking aplications very soon. Application forms and information will be sent out statewide with the Annual Conference informatio ...

IFCA Member Decals	1/1/2006
In response to an overwhelming request by IFCA members from a survey taken at the last General Meeting, we are ordering IFCA decals. Decals will come in two sizes, small (2"x3") and l ...

LEGISLATION ALERT!	12/1/2005
There are numerous items of legislation circulating at the State Capitol that will have an impact on IFCA members. Chiefs Bruce Allcott (Burley FD) and Ron Anderson (Meridian FD) are our IF ...

2005 FFLP Grant Award's Announced	11/15/2005
$42,939 awarded! Click on this link to see who got the $$$$$ ---> Idaho Firefighters' Special License Plate Fund ...

IFCA Endorses Paulison for next FEMA Director	10/17/2005
The IFCA has sent a letter of support and endorsement to Idaho's Congressional delegation for the Acting FEMA Director, R. David Paulison, to be selected full-time to that post. Paulison served ...

Hurricane Katrina Disaster Response from Idaho	9/12/2005
* Photo of remains of Fire Station #7 in Gulfport, Mississippi *Two weeks ago Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast region of the USA which resulted in the largest natural disaster in ...

IFCA Revised Website is Launched	8/5/2005
One of IFCA President Doug Brown's goals was to see to completion the overhaul and remake of the IFCA's website (www.idahofirechiefs.org). The old website lacked the ability to edit materials wi ...

Richard Davies is the IFCA's New Secretary - Treasurer	8/1/2005
There were no candidates or nominees for the IFCA Secretary - Treasurer's (S/T) position at our annual conference last May. The position became vacant when five-term S/T Doug Brown was elected a ...

James Woydziak Gets Nod as New Nampa Chief	6/24/2005
Fire Chief James Woydziak of Manhattan, Kansas has been selcted as the replacement for Ron Anderson as Fire Chief of Nampa, who recently became chief in Meridian. Woydziak took over as Chief in N ...