Company Specials at FSA
Over the last few weeks, The Fire Science Academy has hosted Corporate Industrial Fire Training Schools (also known as Company Specials) for BP Alaska, ConocoPhillips (Los Angeles Area Refinery), and a combined school for SunCor of Commerce City, CA, and Valero of Commerce City, CA.  The Suncor and Valero schools have included use of the academy’s hazardous materials and high-angle rescue props as part of their corporate curriculum.  Each year, the Fire Science Academy hosts multiple corporate schools from a variety of industries.  “Company Specials” provide these industry leaders with the opportunity to “lease” the academy’s world class facility and to access the academy’s state-of-the-art training field while providing their own instructors and curriculum.  The Fire Science Academy also offers these schools access to the Academy’s instructors and hands-on training programs on campus for their specialized training needs.  To learn more about Company Special Training programs offered by the Fire Science Academy, please call 866-914-0015 or email fireacademy@unr.edu.

DOE Course Reaches Firefighters Nationwide
During the week of April 4-7, the Fire Science Academy hosted 59 firefighters representing 58 fire departments from 30 states to the FSA for the “Responding to Terrorist Incidents in Your Community: Flammable-Liquid Fire Fighting Techniques for Municipal and Rural Firefighters” class sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. 523 firefighters representing 445 fire departments from all 50 states have attended the course.

The 32-hour course was developed to provide classroom instruction and intense live-fire exercises to provide a comprehensive training experience for response to terrorist behavior, sabotage and damage to “soft targets”, including truck and rail terminals, pipeline transfer stations and other industrial facilities found in municipal and rural communities.

One of the highlights of the week occurred Thursday when the students witnessed a demonstration of Tank Fire Suppression techniques using the FSA’s 70-foot diameter, open-roof storage tank prop.  This prop provides a training session firefighters cannot experience at any other training facility.  The storage tank fire is not common; but if they must face this real-life emergency, they will truly benefit from the experience gained during this exercise.

Quotes from students:

• Gary McGinnis (MD) – The fire fighting was the best I have ever participated in.
• Daniel Magallanes (CA) – Best fire training I’ve had.
• Jason Wills (AR) – Thank you all!!! Awesome experience.
• William Dane (WA) – You need to find funding to keep this program going for many years to come.
• Shawn Freeman (TX) – If FSA stays like it is, it will become #1 in the world.  Great experience!
• William Poole (KY) – Very good overall class, learned a lot.
• Jason Kayser (IA) – Best school I have attended!
• Kirk Johnson Jr. (GA) – Great training experience.  The facility was outstanding.  Really, this is a state-of-the-art training facility.

Intense live-fire rescue simulations
During the week of March 28th, the Fire Science Academy hosted students from Sacramento, CA and Kalamath Falls, OR, for a 6-Hour Annual ARFF Refresher.  This course is designed to meet FAA airport firefighter requirements for annual “live-fire” training and is for airport firefighters who have already complied with the FAA annual classroom training refresher courses.  Both the Annual Refresher and 40-Hour CFR 139 ARFF courses offered by the Fire Science Academy offer airport firefighters the opportunity to train on the Academy's aircraft fire fighting prop.  This prop is one of only a few aircraft fire training props in the world fired with liquid petroleum fuels.  This mock-up provides intense live-fire rescue simulations that create real-world training scenarios, enabling responders to achieve superior levels of incidence performance.  In addition to the scheduled open enrollment 40-Hour CFR 139 and 6-Hour Annual Refresher courses, the Fire Science Academy offers airport fire teams the opportunity to schedule these classes to fit their specific scheduling and certification needs.

New HAZMAT Training Partnership with Award-winning BASF Corporation Announced by University of Nevada, Reno Fire Science Academy

The University of Nevada Reno, Fire Science Academy has announced a new multi-year HAZMAT training partnership with BASF Corporation, recently ranked as the number one chemical company by FORTUNE magazine on its list of America's Most Admired Companies. BASF was also ranked as FORTUNE’s Most Admired Chemical Company in the world and was rated the top company in Germany across all industries.

"The Fire Science Academy is pleased that such a respected corporation as BASF has chosen to train at our campus," Denise Baclawski, FSA executive director, said. "It’s a significant vote of confidence for the academy. BASF visited and considered several other locations before selecting the FSA.”

Emergency response experts Tom McGourty and Doug Theil from BASF toured the state-of-the-art FSA campus and discussed the academy's program to train BASF's HAZMAT responders during 2005. BASF will send as many as 100 employees to the FSA from company locations throughout the United States for four-day training sessions conducted using various HAZMAT scenarios. The multi-year partnership includes initial HAZMAT training to be completed in September 2005.

BASF's corporate advertising slogan has become a household phrase: "We don't make a lot of the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy better.®" With its North American headquarters located in New Jersey, BASF operates approximately 40 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. North American sales in 2004 were $11 billion and the company employs approximately 10,000 people. BASF Corporation is the North American affiliate of BASF AG, based in Germany.

For more information about BASF Corporation, visit http://www.basf-corp.com.

Regional Representative Visits the FSA
Susan Lisagor, regional representative for Senator Harry Reid, visited the campus of the Fire Science Academy to tour the campus and observe the fire training for “Responding to Terrorist Incidents in Your Community: Flammable-Liquid Fire Fighting Techniques for Municipal and Rural Firefighters,” sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. Senator Reid was instrumental in securing the $5 million in DOE grant funding for the course. While on the fire training field, Susan also had the opportunity to discuss the grant training program with many of the fire fighters participating in the class.

"A Great Learning Facility and Excellent Course"
Fifty-nine firefighters representing 32 states attended the “Responding to Terrorist Incidents in Your Community: Flammable-Liquid Fire Fighting Techniques for Municipal and Rural Firefighters” class sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, Feb. 14-17. The class included two representatives from Hawaii, bringing the total number of states that have now been represented in the course to 48. More than 350 departments have received flammable-liquid fire fighting training through the grant program.

George Quick let the classroom portion of the course with assistance from University of Nevada, Reno faculty Leonard Weinberg, Ph.,D, professor of political science, Markus Kemmelmeier, Ph.,D assistant professor of sociology and Rebecca Pasillas, M.A., extern therapist. Drs. Weinberg and Kemmelmeier were on hand to instruct the four-hour module aimed at the social and psychological aspects of terrorists and acts of terrorism. Pasillas led the CISM discussion. The 32-hour course has been developed to provide classroom instruction and intense live-fire exercises to provide a comprehensive training experience for response to terrorist behavior, sabotage and damage to “soft targets”, including truck and rail terminals, pipeline transfer stations and other industrial facilities found in municipal and rural communities.

Quotes from students:

Scott Brady, CT - “Excellent program!”

Jeff Carroll, PA - “This was a great learning facility and excellent course!”

Donald Towne, GA - “This facility is something Nevada should be proud of.”

Dell Sprecher, ND - “Best accommodations of any school I have attended - great job!”

Mike Hoag, VA - “This is some of the best practical hands-on training I have attended.”

Chris Singleton, OH - “Very wonderful experience! Every fire fighter should get the chance to attend this class.”

"This was the best field training activity I have ever encountered"
During the first week of February 63 firefighters representing 30 states attended the first “Responding to Terrorist Incidents in Your Community: Flammable-Liquid Fire Fighting Techniques for Municipal and Rural Firefighters” sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. The students encountered a full “winter fire fighting” experience as seasonal fog and winter conditions added unusual conditions for the training practice.

Ed Lawson, on loan from Northwest Environmetrics, Inc., and the FSA’s George Quick led the class. The 32-hour course was developed to provide classroom instruction and intense live-fire exercises to provide a comprehensive training experience for response to terrorist behavior, sabotage and damage to “soft targets,” including truck and rail terminals, pipeline transfer stations and other industrial facilities found in municipal and rural communities.

One of the highlights of the week was a demonstration of tank fire suppression techniques using the FSA’s 70-foot diameter, open-roof storage tank prop. This prop provides a training session firefighters not available at any other training facility.

Quotes from students:

Craig Aumack, NJ – Class A facility!

Doug Conley, OH - As an instructor, I know the problems with scenarios, safety, PPE, etc. You guys did a great job!

Chief David Barnes, OH - Very good experience. I will send more of my personnel if possible.

Barry Kellem, NJ - Would recommend this course to all who want to enhance their fire tactics and knowledge.

Nathan Zirkel, MO - This was the best field training activity I have ever encountered.

"First time out, extremely impressed"
In December, the FSA hosted students from ExxonMobil, Niskayuna Fire District #2, U.S. Security Association, Schenectady International Inc. Sandia National Labs, and Rotterdam Junction VFD for the final Industrial Fire course of 2004. Students participated in the FSA’s Advanced Exterior Industrial Firefighter course (previously known as Industrial Firefighter II). This course builds on basic skills and knowledge obtained in our Entry Level Industrial Firefighter course (previously listed as Industrial Firefighter I) and emphasizes training that meets select requirements of NFPA 600 Standard for Industrial Fire Brigades, NFPA 1081 Standard for Industrial Fire Brigade Professional Qualification and OSHA 1910.156 requirements for fire brigades. The course includes advanced exterior fire fighting, interior fire attack, use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and foam application. This course is designed for fire brigade members and firefighters with training and experience fighting Class B flammable liquid fires; airport and oil storage facility firefighters seeking to increase their skills; and company officers.

During the training week, the students learned to work together as a team, experiencing multiple fire scenarios on multiple props including the tri-level process unit prop, the truck rack prop, and pump row.

Quotes from students:

• William Hall: I have thanked the staff of the FSA for watching out for our safety. The instructors were down to earth people that I could relate to. I enjoyed my visit and would suggest that we come back again.
• Robert Francisco Jr.: The instructors were very knowledgeable and very easy to listen to. They really know their stuff. On the scale of 1-10, I give them a 9.5…they kept us safe!
• Thomas Tonks: First time out, extremely impressed.
  

"Beyond excellent"
Also in December, 64 firefighters representing 29 states participated in the FSA’s “Responding to Terrorist Incidents in Your Community: Flammable-Liquid Fire Fighting Techniques for Municipal and Rural Firefighters” class sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. To date the FSA has trained 290 municipal, rural and volunteer firefighters representing 47 states. By the end of June, 2005, the FSA will have trained more than 700 firefighters in industrial fire fighting techniques through this grant. The 32-hour course was developed to provide classroom instruction and intense live-fire exercises for response to terrorist behavior, sabotage and damage to “soft targets," including truck and rail terminals, pipeline transfer stations and other industrial facilities found in municipal and rural communities.

Quotes from students:

• Wayne Eder: This is fantastic!
• Kris Mola: This experience was beyond excellent.
• Franklin Adams: This was a great experience and training opportunity.
• Scott Slocum: The lecture on stress was one of the most beneficial fire fighter stress programs on the market.

“I liked it so much, I am considering changing careers. . . "
The FSA hosted a company special for Todd Long’s Shell Oil Products division from Martinez, CA, Oct. 11-15, an open enrollment Industrial Firefighter I class with students enrolled from Advanced Silicon Materials Inc., Alyeska Pipeline Service Co., Exxon/Mobil, Frontier Oil Corp., Mesquite Fire & Rescue, Ogden-Weber Applied Tech College, Pfizer Inc., Shell Oil Products US, Sinclair Oil Corp. and U.S. Oil & Refining. A HAZWOPER 40-hr Technician Course was also held.  The FSA’s Industrial Firefighter I class is designed for entry-level firefighters and fire brigade members, those needing training in hose handling and fireground operations or annual refresher training, and firefighters wishing to improve their knowledge and skills. For many of the IFF1 students, this was their first opportunity to attend a fire fighting class. Jason Theye, one of the students from Shell Oil Products commented “I liked it so much, I am considering changing careers to become a full-time firefighter.” The HAZWOPER 40-hour technician course provides classroom instruction and practical field exercises to enhance the overall effectiveness of technicians who respond to the release of hazardous materials. 

Both groups took full advantage of FSA facilities using the tri-level process unit prop (a three level prop using hexane/diesel and LPG to simulate various process unit pump and piping fires, and flame impingement scenarios for multiple attack groups) and the processing unit prop (a two-level prop offering numerous liquid flange and seal leaks and LPG involvement). 

"This was the best hands-on training I have had."
In early October , the FSA hosted company specials for Tesoro Petroleum Corporation and Logan Aluminum, Inc. and conducted an incident safety officer class.  Tesoro Petroleum, a Fortune 500 Company, is an independent refiner and marketer of petroleum products.   Logan Aluminum, located in Logan County Kentucky and jointly owned by ARCO Aluminum and Alcan, Inc. is a world class manufacturer of aluminum sheet products. 

Both companies took full advantage of the fire-ground field, experiencing multiple fire scenarios with increasingly complex live-fire evolutions using the tri-level process unit prop, the processing unit prop and pump row, a reproduction of a product transfer unit, very common in petrochemical facilities.  The prop consists of 14 pumps and motors, each with numerous flange and seal fires requiring multiple valve shutoffs to control. They also used the truck loading rack/sample point prop, a simulation of a flammable liquid loading facility. Numerous flange, spill, and pressure fires can be created using the prop to challenge the firefighters. 

Tesoro's training included a spectacular night burn and Logan Aluminum spent their final day at the FSA participating in a confined space rescue course.  This was Logan Aluminum's first visit to the FSA.  Terry Cole told the FSA staff that "This was by far the best training facility I have ever attended."  Tim Hampton enjoyed the unique training atmosphere of the FSA. "This was the best hands-on training I have had.  I like the concept of letting the groups use their own techniques, with the instructors adding their advice" he said. Michael Ford summarized his week by saying "Extraordinary training experience.  I would highly recommend this facility to any other firehouse."

First round of firefighters completes new live-fire training course sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy

Municipal and rural firefighters from 18 states trained on industrial fires and studied the behavior of terrorism at the Fire Science Academy the week of Sept. 27, as part of the inaugural U.S. Department of Energy-funded course, “Responding to Terrorist Incidents in your Community: Flammable-Liquid Fire Fighting Techniques for Municipal and Rural Firefighters.”

The class was taught by George Quick, assistant director for programs and operations at the FSA, and Exxon Mobile’s fire chief, Wes Simpson. Chief Simpson’s experience as a municipal firefighter along with his knowledge of industrial fire brigades made him a valuable resource for the class. “Wes Simpson added tremendous credibility to the class,” said David Vitwar of the Colorado Springs FD. “His experience in industry and municipal fire fighting was very valuable.”

The FSA will train more than 700 municipal firefighters in this special 32-hour course, during sessions that began the week of Sept. 27, 2004, and continuing through July 2005. Firefighters learn techniques associated with large-volume flammable-liquid fires along with a terrorism component taught by University of Nevada, Reno faculty.

What firefighters said about their experiences in the DOE/FSA course:

“Excellent! Good experience. My confidence level has gone up as a result of this training. I would recommend it to anyone.” —Scott Marshall, Breiting Township Fire Department, Michigan

“Best live-fire training I have ever had.” — Mike Blanco, Sheridan Fire Department, Colorado

“At the top of all the training I have ever done outside my department in 40 years.” — Alan Tyler, Deputy Chief, Bloomington Fire Department, New York

“Most realistic hands-on training I’ve been to in my 25-year career.” — Wendell Lancaster, Fort Worth FD, Texas

Newmont Mining Corporation’s ERT experts, and experienced ARFF teams from Chile and Argentina also on the FSA training grounds

During the week of Sept. 27, the Fire Science Academy was also the site for Newmont Mining Corporation’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) refresher training, and a 40-hour Spanish Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) class.

Newmont’s ERT updated their skills in HAZMAT and rope and confined-space rescue, and finished up their session with live-fire training. As part of their training scenarios, a late-model Ford truck was “rolled” down an incline at the academy to simulate a rollover accident. Team members had to secure the vehicle, rescue three victims and transport them up the incline to supporting staff.

Experienced ARFF teams from Chile and Argentina were on campus for the entire week, learning techniques and regulations for airport firefighters. The FSA has had great response to its course offerings in Spanish and will continue to add courses en Español as the demand grows.

FSA Continues Preparations For The Inaugural U.S. Department Of Energy Live-fire Training Course

More than 600 applications have already been received for the inaugural Responding to Terrorist Incidents in Your Community: Flammable-Liquid Fire Fighting Techniques for Municipal and Rural Firefighters training program. Developed through a grant received from the U.S. Department of Energy, the program provides scholarships to train municipal and rural U.S. firefighters in industrial fire fighting techniques. The FSA has spent the last several weeks adding new props to the industrial prop field specifically for this course. 

The FSA received a new Tradition Series structural fire engine from Emergency One of Ocala, Florida. The engine is built on a commercial chassis, has a 1,500-gallon-per-minute pump and a 1,000-gallon water tank. It will be equipped with large diameter hose and appliances. This apparatus will be used in the class to demonstrate techniques, and equipment that can be utilized by structural departments when responding to flammable liquid fires.

The first class will take place September 27-30. Sixty students from 19 different states will be on hand for the first four-day training session. Additional classes will be held through July, 2005. 

Increasing the Skills of Industrial Firefighters
During the week of August 9th, the FSA conducted an Industrial Firefighter II course with a diverse group of students. Industrial students from Goldschmidt Chemical Corporation (IL), Frontier Oil (WY), Valero (CA and OK), Niotan Inc. (NV), BP South West Pacific LTD (AS) and American Samoa Power Authority (AS) participated with a group of municipal firefighters from the Sacramento Fire Department of Sacramento, CA. In conjunction with the IFF II course, a Fireground Operations and Leadership course was also held. Students from Marathon Ashland Petroleum (OH), 3M Company (CA) and Premcor Lima Refinery (OH) participated in this course. The Industrial Firefighter II course is designed for fire brigade members and firefighters with training and experience fighting Class B flammable liquid fires, airport and oil storage facility firefighters seeking to increase their skills, and company officers. The Fireground Operations and Leadership course is a comprehensive advanced course providing the tools to conduct an effective fireground size-up and to develop strategies and tactics that effectively mitigate an emergency incident. During the training week, both classes participated together in drills emphasizing advanced exterior fire fighting, interior fire attack and foam application. The students were able to take full advantage of the facilities experiencing multiple fire scenarios using the tri-level process unit prop, the processing unit prop, pump row (a reproduction of a product transfer unit, very common in petrochemical facilities), and the truck loading rack/sample point prop (a simulation of a flammable liquid loading facility. Numerous flange, spill, and pressure fires can be created using the prop to challenge the firefighters). Michael Taylor, from Marathon Ashland Petroleum, said “I received valuable first hand learning experiences from the instructors and would like to train with them again. The entire course was very insightful”. Jeff May, from Niotan Inc., participated in the IFF II course and said “I learned a lot from the instructors about how to handle situations both in industrial and municipal fields. I enjoyed this class and would recommend this class to others”.

HAZWOPER Training
FSA conducted a HAZWOPER 40-Hour / Hazardous Material Technician course during the week of August 16th. This course targets personnel and plant employees in industrial settings who respond to a hazardous materials incident to control the release; operations-level responders and health, safety and environmental managers; and those who store, handle and transport hazardous materials. The course is very concentrated and provides both classroom instruction and practical field exercises.

A Focus on Industrial Fire Control
During the first week of August, the Fire Science Academy hosted students from Sandia National Labs of Nevada, Flying J (Big West Oil) of Utah, Holly Refining of Utah, Frontier Oil of Wyoming and Sinclair Oil of Wyoming for the Industrial Firefighter I course. The course was lead by Mike Dahna and Stewart Engen from Frontier Oil Corporation's Cheyenne, Wyoming refinery. Designed for entry-level firefighters and fire brigade members, the course focuses on basic concepts of industrial fire control and the successful suppression of flammable-liquid and gas fires using water and dry chemical extinguishing agents. This was the first training visit to the Fire Science Academy for Brian Hansen, a student from Holly Refining, who said,"The training field was incredible and the entire facility is top-of-the-line."

During the week, the students were able to experience multiple fire scenarios using the dry chemical, lpg, gas plant, pump row (a reproduction of a product transfer unit) and tri-level process unit training props. The props provided the students with experience fighting numerous flange and seal fires requiring multiple valve shutoffs to control the fire.

New Props Added
In preparation for the upcoming Responding to Terrorist Incidents in Your Community training that will kick-off the week of September 27th, a rail car prop and a horizontal storage tank prop have been added to the FSA prop field to provide students with experience fighting numerous seal, flange and welding crack fires. 

This training program was developed through a grant received from the U.S. Department of Energy. With the grant, we will be able to train more than 700 municipal and rural firefighters annually in industrial fire fighting techniques. The live-fire training course will be funded by the $2.5 million federal grant, which provides full scholarships to cover tuition, travel, lodging and meals for U.S. firefighters to attend the four-day course at the Fire Science Academy (FSA) in Carlin, NV. 

U.S. Municipal and Rural Firefighters to be Trained for Terrorist Response Through $2.5 Million Federal Grant
The University of Nevada, Reno Fire Science Academy has received a U.S. Department of Energy grant to train more than 700 municipal and rural firefighters annually in industrial fire fighting techniques used to fight incidents often associated with terrorist threats. The live-fire training course will be funded by the $2.5 million federal grant, which provides full scholarships to cover tuition, travel, lodging and meals for U.S. firefighters to attend the four-day course at the Fire Science Academy (FSA) in Carlin, NV.

The U.S. Department of Energy funding was secured in part by Nevada Senator Harry Reid, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Our firefighters and emergency responders put their lives on the line to protect our communities,” Reid said. “We owe it to them to make sure they have the training and equipment they need.”

The training course, “Responding to Terrorist Incidents in Your Community: Flammable-Liquid Fire Fighting Techniques for Municipal and Rural Firefighters,” will be offered throughout the year at the academy beginning in September 2004. Training is by application only and open to all U.S. firefighters 18 years and older with NFPA 1001, Firefighter Level I or equivalent and two years of practical experience. Space is limited and early application is encouraged.

Developed to provide classroom instruction and intense live-fire exercises on a fire-suppression team, the 32-hour course will include training for response to terrorist behavior, sabotage and damage to “soft targets,” including truck and rail terminals, pipeline transfer stations and other industrial facilities found in municipal and rural communities.

“Fire fighting in such industrial situations often involves large quantities of flammable or combustible liquids and can be very different from incidents normally encountered by the municipal and rural firefighters often responsible for protecting these highly vulnerable locations,” said Denise Baclawski, executive director of the Fire Science Academy. “We are extremely pleased to be able to offer this critical training to so many firefighters from around the country.”

The University of Nevada, Reno Fire Science Academy has trained firefighters and emergency personnel from businesses and government agencies from all 50 states and nearly 40 countries. As one of the finest emergency response-training programs and facilities in the world, the FSA’s 426-acre campus in Carlin, NV, provides scheduled courses as well as customized training. The academy includes multimedia classrooms and state-of-the-art training grounds and props for industrial fire fighting, hazardous materials, aircraft, structural, mine rescue and extrication exercises. Burnable props utilize liquid petroleum fuels in real-life situations.

Click here for more information about how to apply for a U.S. Department of Energy/FSA training scholarship, or call, (775) 754-6003 or toll free, 1-800-233-8928.

Mine Rescue Joint Venture Training an Underground and Above-Ground Hit
The FSA hosted the first of what will be many Mine Rescue Joint Venture Training sessions in conjunction with the annual Elko Mining Expo, during the week of June 7 (photo). The training will become an annual event for FSA, where local underground rescue teams enhance their hands-on skills in first aid, building bulkheads, timbering, benching and other techniques. Mine rescue teams from Barrick Goldstrike Mines Inc., Newmont Mining Corporation's Eastern Nevada Operations and Midas, Queenstake Resources Ltd. and Turquoise Ridge Joint Venture participated. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) also were on hand to observe. The new event received high remarks from participants. "It exceeded everyone’s expectations," Midas employee Lennon Vankirk said. Ron Goldade, assistant western district manager for MSHA noted, "Scenarios set up by the FSA and the Underground Mining Committee really make them think and raise the bar for their overall training." Goldade also expressed interest in supporting a program developed by the FSA in partnership with the western mining companies and the State of Nevada to create a Regional Mine Rescue Team Competition in northern Nevada.

Fire Field Gets Intense Workout from Industrial and Wildland Firefighters
Training on the FSA fire field this week included Jim Ferris’s ConocoPhillips division out of Rodeo, CA, and an Industrial Firefighter I class with students from Wyoming, California, Nevada and the Bahamas learning suppression of flammable-liquid and gas fires. The ConocoPhillips training took full advantage of the FSA facilities, including using the tri-level process-unit prop (a three-level prop using Hexane/diesel and LPG to simulate process-unit pump and piping fires, and flame impingement scenarios for multiple-attack groups) and the processing-unit prop (a two-level prop offering liquid flange and seal leaks and LPG involvement). A night burn gave the firefighters experience working at dusk and in the dark.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management BLM Rookie School and Wildland Fire Academy also was held at the FSA this week (photo). The annual event provides week-long classroom and hands-on training to all new potential fire-crew members. Trainees spend the week living and training under the same conditions they will encounter on assignment. Crew members are required to pass this training prior to dispatch for fire assignments.

"The facilities at the FSA are top notch," said Dylan Rader of the BLM, Elko field office. "The high-tech audio/visual equipment, access to actual wildland for the field training, residential services for the training staff, and on-site medical services create a training atmosphere that is second to none." Tyrus Mizer of the BLM, Ely field office added that the fire and wildland backgrounds of the FSA staff were useful when setting up facilities for training. "We would not be able to bill our school as the top school in Nevada without access to the FSA facilities," he said.

BLM Rookie School and Wildland Fire Academy
The FSA is preparing for a busy June and the arrival of the BLM Rookie School and Wildland Fire Academy June 6. On June 10 and 11, the FSA will hold its first Underground Mine Rescue Joint Venture training in conjunction with the annual Elko Mining Expo. Local underground rescue teams will practice for two full days to enhance their skills, abilities and confidence in first aid, building bulkheads, timbering, benching and hands-on fire extinguisher training. This new training will become an annual event for the FSA.

Live-Fire Exercises
Multiple sections of the FSA's live-fire props were in full swing the week of May 24 with an emphasis on Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF). The ARFF 40-hour course along with an ARFF 24-hour refresher took place at the academy this week. Also, Conoco Phillips was once again at the FSA for Industrial Fire Fighting (IFF) training.

Training Courses in Full Swing
The week of March 17th - March 21st was a very busy week at the Fire Science Academy as several training courses were in full swing. Students were on campus for Industrial Fire Fighting, HAZWOPER Technician, Confined Space, and Trench and Excavation training. Wednesday evening, Conoco/Philips students participating in the Industrial Fire Fighting training lit up the night sky with a "night burn".

A Focus on Terrorism Response
Men and women in white hazmat personal protective equipment dotted the FSA campus Aug. 18-22 as Bechtel Nevada conducted training in WMD response. Community "first responders" including law enforcement, fire, and medical personnel learned how to respond during chaotic and potentially devastating emergency
situations resulting from acts of terrorism. 

During FSA training, students are provided tools to evaluate situations and determine the best course of action in an emergency, as well as how to protect themselves.

Hot Times at the FSA in May
James Ferris of ConocoPhillips SFR from Rodeo, CA, returned with a third group for their third time at the campus for flammable liquid fire fighting. This ConocoPhillips group is the first to burn the 70' storage tank each time they are here to train.

Fire Chief Todd Long of Shell Oil Products US brought in his first group of the year for industrial fire brigade training in May. Students attended from both the Martinez and Bakersfield, CA facilities.

The second group of the Newmont Mine Rescue team completed comprehensive emergency responder refresher training; hazardous materials, high angle, confined space, wildland and industrial fire training.

The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management conducted a five-day course in Fire Cause Determination.
And also in May, personnel from A.L. Brinkoetter and the City of Elko Fire Department attended the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighter Refresher Course.

Our hats are off to all these students as the weather and the fires were quite hot this week!

Industrial Strength Training
Through rain, snow, hail and bursts of sunshine, students attending training classes the week of May 5-9 saw a variety of high desert spring weather. Though the weather was unpredictable, the students pushed forward in their industrial fire fighting training.
Greg Clayton, manager of emergency response for Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery of Martinez, CA, returned with a new group for a second round of flammable liquid fire fighting.

Robert Villela, emergency response coordinator for Phillips-Los Angeles Refinery, Wilmington, CA, brought in their first group of the year for their industrial fire brigade training.

Ward Barnett, loss prevention resources for Conoco-Denver Refinery and Mike Mathews, assistant safety manager of Valero Energy-Colorado Refining Company, both of Commerce City, CO, felt right at home with the cooler weather. Both groups participated in a modified version of the open enrollment course "Fire Ground Leadership and Operations".

In the classroom, and out of the elements, students in the instructional delivery course from Cortez Gold Mines, Newmont Mining Corporation, City of Elko Fire Department, Anglo-Gold and others worked with instructors.

Big Time Training: The 70-Foot Tank Burn
The Fire Science Academy was the scene of the second 70-foot tank burn training session for ConocoPhillips SFR from Rodeo, California. ConocoPhillip’s training session included both classroom and "live fire" training for its industrial fire brigades. The training also included the popular Incident Command Emergency Response course taught by highly recognized instructors Edwin "Gene" Rittburg, retired Fire Chief Tosco Avon and James Powell, retired Battalion Chief of Carson City, Nevada Fire Department.

The Academy routinely conducts tours of the campus upon request and was host to the Ruby Mountain Christian School on May 1, 2003. Students toured the campus, tried on firefighter equipment and watched the ConocoPhillips SFR fire brigade teams in action. Tour guides from the FSA were Dawnn French and Kelly Medlock.

Flammable Liquid Fire Fighting
The Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery from Martinez, California conducted its annual Flammable Liquid Fire Fighting training at the Fire Science Academy during the week of April 21-25. A long-time client of the academy, this is the first of several training sessions coordinated by Greg Clayton, manager emergency response, to be conducted at the Carlin campus.

Located in Contra Costa County on the east side of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Eagle refinery in Martinez is the company's largest. It has the capacity to process 168,000 barrels of petroleum daily. It converts crude oil into the specialized, cleaner-burning California Air Resources Board (CARB) gasolines and diesel fuels sold in the golden state. The plant became a part of Tesoro's refining system in 2002.

Intense Training
The Fire Science Academy was the scene of intense training April 7-11 with the new Industrial Firefighter II and Fire Ground Leadership & Operations courses in progress, as well as the return of Newmont Mining Corporation's group for Wildland Fire Fighting and Vehicle Extrication training.

The Benefits of Live Fire Training
The Fire Science Academy conducted several training sessions during the week of March 31-April 4, 2003. These training sessions included live fire training for Newmont's Midas Mine emergency response team and the open enrollment Industrial Firefighter I. Both classes experienced the extra training benefit of fighting fire during inclement weather as snow showers pelted the area.

Fire School is in Session
The Rodeo, CA ConocoPhillips Refinery conducted its first 2003 Fire School at the Fire Science Academy April 14-17. The FSA is pleased to welcome James Ferris, emergency response coordinator, and his group back to the campus. Training included firefighter safety, fire fighting skills, leadership and teamwork and developing confidence. Part of the intense training included the burning of the 70 foot storage tank. ConocoPhillips will return for several additional training sessions in 2003.

Burning the Midnight Oil: Night Burns at FSA
During the week of March 24 - 26, the University of Nevada, Reno Fire Science Academy hosted two companies from Pennsylvania: INDSPEC and Penreco. In the pictures below, students from INDSPEC and Penreco apply the concepts studied in the classroom during the night burn session of their training. Both companies, trained on the techniques of industrial fire control, including, suppression of flammable liquid and gas fires using water, foam and dry chemical extinguishing agents.

Night burn scenarios are unique in providing fire fighters another perspective in live-fire training. All of the FSA's fire, rescue, hazardous materials and instructional delivery courses can be modified to match an organization's specific training program.

Live-fire, Real-world ARFF Training
Students from the Friedman Memorial Airport of Hailey, Idaho were the first to open the ARFF training sessions for 2003 at the Fire Science Academy. The FSA has one of the few remaining ARFF props in the world that uses petroleum-based fires for all the "live-fire" simulations conducted on the campus.

Both the six-hour and 24-hour FSA courses are designed to meet current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airport firefighter requirements for annual refresher training.

The Concepts of Industrial Fire Control
The first Industrial Firefighter I course of 2003 was held at FSA March 10-13. This recently reorganized 32-hour course presents the basic concepts of industrial fire control through classroom instruction and hands-on participation on a fire suppression team. The new course places an emphasis on the successful suppression of flammable-liquid and gas fires using water and dry chemical extinguishing agents. Fire field training includes simulations that reflect facilities and conditions encountered in liquid-fuel fires.
Student training was a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on live-fire training on the industrial prop field. Working from the basics of using dry chemical extinguishers and progressing through to the Process Unit, the students learned hose handling, fire ground operations, proper suppression of flammable-liquid and gas fires, etc.

Students attending the Industrial Firefighter I course represented a wide variety of entities, including: Moose Jaw Asphalt Inc. and Moose Jaw Fire Department of Saskatchewan Canada; Paramount Petroleum of Paramount, California; Battle Mountain Volunteer Fire Department; and Shell Oil Products US-Puget Sound Refinery, Anacortes, Washington.

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Infineum USA HAZMAT Training
Infineum USA L.P. of Linden, New Jersey, held its Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher course at the Fire Science Academy March 10-13, 2003. Infineum is a joint venture between ExxonMobil Chemical Company, a division of the ExxonMobil Corporation, The Shell Petroleum Company Ltd and Shell Oil Company. Infineum has more than 70 years' experience in formulating high-quality fuel, lubricant and specialty additives.

Students received instruction on pre-emergency planning and ICS, chemical and toxicological terminology and behavior, and decontamination techniques in the classroom with instructors Edward Lawson and Bill Christie as well as training on the hazardous materials field props in rail car emergencies.

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Dry Chemical Extinguisher Training/Newmont Mining
The Fire Science Academy was the site for the recent Newmont Mining Corporation’s dry chemical extinguisher training February 19, 2003. Representatives from the various administrative areas of Newmont attended training.

The goal was to familiarize participants with fires in the incipient stage, and provide them with hands-on training in the use of dry chemical extinguishers. Participants volunteered to "bunker up" and learn the skills associated with the proper use of dry chemical extinguishers, and are now the responsible parties in their respective work areas should a fire start.

Training Field Modifications Make Firefighting Simulations More Challenging
The Fire Science Academy maintenance crew has been busy modifying the training field’s industrial fire props in preparation for 2003 fire training sessions. The FSA is home to one of the most comprehensive training facilities in the world, providing students the opportunity to train with liquid petroleum fires. In order to continue to offer students more challenging fire fighting simulations, additional motors are being placed on the Pump Row industrial fire prop, which is one of the more challenging training props at FSA. Pump Row is designed to simulate a product transfer unit common in the industry.

In a combined effort to make the industrial fire props more realistic, and also more proficient, an overhead system has been developed for the Pump Row prop. Designed by George Quick, assistant director for programs and operations, and Mel Atwell, assistant director for facilities management, this overhead system will contain the fuel lines to the prop and add a more industrial facility feel. The overhead system will be incorporated into the other industrial fire props on the FSA training field.

Students can count on experiencing new firefighting challenges at FSA in 2003.

HAZWOPER Training Improves Safety, Reduces Losses
The 40-hour HAZWOPER Technician (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) course was conducted at the Fire Science Academy February 10-14, 2003. Handling accidental releases in a plant’s environment requires planning, training and appropriate equipment. This course trains employees who are expected to handle incidental or minor releases in the plant to improve safety and reduce losses to the plant. Students participated in classroom discussions and situations and applied their knowledge in live scenarios on the academy’s hazardous materials training props.

Students participating in the February HAZWOPER course represented companies such as Agrium, Newmont Mining Corp.and the West Sacramento Fire Department. Agrium Inc. is a leading global producer and distributor of fertilizers and other agricultural products and services.

Located in the fertile central valley of California and on the Sacramento River, the West Sacramento Operation is ideally located to service the region by road, rail and barge. West Sacramento produces 180,000 tons of nitrogen solutions and other products annually. The West Sacramento Fire Department provides a full range of services throughout the city. Areas where services are provided include, but are not limited to, fire prevention; public education; code enforcement; emergency preparedness and disaster response; domestic terrorism preparedness, training, and response; a complete hazardous materials management, enforcement, and response program; rescue and life saving activities; emergency medical services; and fire suppression and extinguishment activities.

Newmont Mining Corporation is the world’s largest gold producer with significant assets and operations on five continents. Newmont's Nevada operation is the largest gold producer in the United States. If the state of Nevada were a country it would be the third largest gold producer in the world behind South Africa and Australia. Newmont is engaged in the production and sale of primarily gold and some copper and zinc, as well as the exploration and acquisition of gold properties worldwide.

Safety First
Several members of the University of Nevada, Reno Fire Science Academy staff recently completed a 40-hour Medical First Responder course in February 2003. "Safety is the academy’s first priority," said Denise Baclawski, Executive Director. "Fire fighting and other field training exercises often require rigorous physical and emotional exertion. In order to be prepared for all possible medical contingencies involving students, guests, and staff, many FSA staff members are medically trained."

The recent additions to the FSA medical responder ranks are: Julie Ray, Cortney Smith, John Pitts, Travis Gilmore, Tina Loveridge, and Grant Smith. Rhonda Powrie and Dayne Heese, FSA safety personnel, instructed the course.

Congratulations for a job well done!

FSA Receives Gift from Tesoro Petroleum
The University of Nevada, Reno Fire Science Academy is pleased to be the recipient of a generous donation from Tesoro Petroleum Companies, Inc. The Tesoro family has long been a supporter of the FSA, and trains their industrial fire brigades at the FSA campus. Tesoro students have traveled to the academy from Hawaii, Alaska,
Washington, Utah, California, and North Dakota.

In recognition of their donation, a conference room in the FSA classroom building has been named the "Tesoro Conference Room."

Tesoro is an important refiner serving the western United States and is a natural resource company engaged in the refining, distributing and marketing of petroleum products. Tesoro also provide marine logistics services. The company's six refineries produce a range of motor fuels and other petroleum products.

Real-time Response
Students test their skills during a real-time simulation of an industrial emergency this week. Click here for more.

Fire Science Academy Passes Enrollment Milestone
By John Wheeler, Office of Communications, University of Nevada, Reno
RENO - The University of Nevada, Reno Fire Science Academy in Carlin has steadily increased enrollment since its reopening in May. Total enrollment for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2003, has now surpassed 1,000 students, or 37 percent of the year's enrollment projection of 2,700.

"We are excited to be training with so many of our clients again," said Executive Director Denise Baclawski. "The feedback we have received from students is very positive and the enrollment figures are most encouraging."

This week more than 60 students and instructors are on the Carlin campus, with employees of Phillips Petroleum Corporate Fire Team coming from as far away as Louisiana and New Jersey. Also training this week are students from Portland Gas and Electric in Oregon.

Next week, the academy will have more than 90 students from returning clients, Shell Oil Products US, headquartered in Houston, and Tesoro's Golden Eagle refinery, located near Martinez, Calif. In addition to daytime live fire training, the teams will participate in night burn exercises. For the first time since classes resumed in May, the academy will have most of its one million square feet of burnable props ablaze at the same time.

The Fire Science Academy provides high quality training in the fields of fire protection, crisis management, rescue, hazardous materials and instructor training and has earned an international reputation for its training and consulting services.

What Students Are Saying
Here are comments from recent student evaluations of courses at the Fire Science Academy.

"Great course, very well set up and directed."

"Instructors were top-notch. They made the class a success."

"Had lots of fun. I also learned a lot and now have a better understanding of what a fire really feels like."

FSA Facility Now Open
The FSA's state-of-the-art training facility in Carlin, Nevada opened on May 6th, 2002 with the start of regular training classes. Read more about the opening here or view the photo album here.