Welcome to the City of Du Quoin

Welcome to the Du Quoin Fire Department!

30 S. Division St Du Quoin Illinois 62832(618) 542-5600

TO REPORT A FIRE . . . DIAL 911

MEET THE DEPARTMENT | EQUIPMENT | GRANTS | SAFETY TIPS
CONTACT US | LINKS FOR KIDS

Meet the Department:

The Du Quoin Fire Department proudly protects 85.1 miles of southeast Perry County, Illinois and its 10,300 residents and visitors. The staff includes seven full-time firefighters and 16 paid on call volunteers.

Fire Chief Brett Crain

Pictured from left to right: Robert Shaw, Benny Davison, Adam Hill, Jared Kremer, Nathan Crain, Kirk Morgan, Steve Knapp, Alan Morris, David Durkota, Shane Dunmyer, Bruce Fischer, Rick Loyd, Joe Riggio, Dane Porter, Don Roznowski, John VanVoorhis, Frank Maxton, Gene Skinner and Chief Brett Crain. (Not pictured are Mike Eaton and Lonnie Smith)

The Du Quoin Fire Department has Seven Fulltime Firefighters: Fire Chief Brett Crain Fireman John Vanvoorhis Asst. Chief Robert Shaw Fireman Rick Loyd Captain Joe Riggio Fireman David Durkota Fireman Adam Hill The Department is Supported by 16 Paid on Call Volunteers

NUMBER OF RESPONSES:

YEAR	2004	2003	2002
In City Fire Calls	54	167	167
Rural Fire Calls	12	18	18
Miscellaneous Calls	51	91	87
Mutual Aid (Assistance to other towns)	5	8	---
Total	122	191	272

--- Mutual Aid calls included in total fire calls in 2002

Equipment:

Apparatus and Equipment: Most of the department's equipment is kept at Station #1 located on the corner of State Highway 51 (Poplar Street) and South Division Street. Reserve apparatus and equipment are kept at our Station #2 located on State Highway 51 South of the Fairgrounds.

250

75 ft Aerial Truck: D-110

2001 Luverne 75 Ft. Quint: Spartan Chassis & Aerial Innovations Ladder

· Carries 725 Gallons of Water
·    Carries 1000 ft. of 5” water supply hose
·    Has a 1750 gpm pump
·    Has a pre-piped Aerial waterway & monitor – capable of flowing 1000 gpm from the tip of the ladder
·    Carries its own pre-connected attack lines: (2) – 200 ft 1 ¾” lines; (1) – 100 ft    1 ¾” jump line; and (1) - 200 ft 3” line
·    180” wheelbase with self steering rear tag axle providing extra weight distribution and increased maneuverability to navigate our narrow city streets.
·    75ft. Aerial Innovations Steel Ladder – 500 lb tip load; aerial tip ladder controls; water monitor tip controls; rope rescue rigging at tip; 1 ½” connection at tip for handline or standpipe capabilities; stokes basket storage box on ladder; intercom communications from base to tip; ladder mounted 14 ft ladder, pike poles & axe
·    Full compliment of ground ladders: (1) 35 ft. extension;   (1) 24 ft. extension; (2) 16 ft. roof; (1) 14 ft. roof; (1) 14 ft. combination; (1) 10 ft. attic
·    Carries Rope & Vertical Rescue; Ice & Water Rescue; & Below Grade Rescue Equipment
·    10Kw hydraulic generator – portable and fixed lighting
·    6 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and 10 spare bottles.
·    Chain Saw / K-12 Saw / Positive Pressure Fan / Electric Cord Reels / Pike Poles

D-49

1989 FMC - Ford 8000 / 1500 gpm Hale Pump / 1000g tank / 1000 gpm top mounted deluge gun / 12 ft roof ladder / 24 ft extension ladder / 10 ft attic ladder / 20 ft 6 inch hard suction / 1200 ft 3" supply line / (2) 200 ft 1 ¾" preconnected handlines / 200 ft 3 inch preconnected hand line / 200 ft 1 inch trash line / generator / (2) telescoping lights / 4 SCBA's / 6 Spare Bottles / Chain Saw / Recipricating Saw / Positive Pressure Fan / Smoke Ejector / Power Cord Reels / Pike Poles / 10 gal AFFF Foam

D-48: 1976 American LaFrance - Chevrolet 70 / 1000 gpm pump / 750g water tank / 4 SCBA’s /

1976 American LaFrance - Chevrolet 70 / 1000 gpm pump / 750g water tank / 4 SCBA's / 1200 ft. 3" supply line / generator / fixed and portable lights / 24 ft extension ladder / 16 ft. roof ladder / 10 ft. roof ladder / Power Cord Reels / Pike Poles / Exhaust Fan

D-67:

1970 Chevrolet 3/4 Ton Brush Truck - 150 gpm PTO pump / 125 g water tank / Winch / Hurst Jaws of Life (auto rescue tools), cutters, rams / cribbing / ground spray nozzles for driving through field fires / 12 ft 3 inch hard suction for drafting out of remote water sources

D-74: 1984 Ford Van

D-45: 1954 Ford Pumper; (Parade Unit)

Other equipment: D-50: 1979 Army 2 ½ ton truck with 1,000 gallon tank / winch / booster reel, 14 ft Jon Boat on trailer with dragging equipment for body recovery. Generator on two-wheeled trailer

Grant Information:

Congressman Jerry Costello presents check for $28,980.00 to the Du Quoin Fire Department for the purchase of new protective clothing and an industrial extractor and dryer to maintain the new gear.

Personal protective clothing is our firefighter’s first line of defense against the extreme temperatures and hazards encountered on almost any incident.

In 2003, the Du Quoin Fire Department submitted applications for grants to fund for new protective clothing for all of our firefighters. We were awarded two grants, one from Illinois Department of Natural Resources and this Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant. With the award of both grants, the City of Du Quoin was able to match the required money to enable our department to outfit 100% of our firefighting staff with new bunker gear.

Our firefighters were outfitted with turnout gear that was over 10 years old and no longer complied with National Fire Protection Association requirements. Accumulated exposures to fire, smoke, hydrocarbons and other contaminates, hazardous incidents and rescues had significantly degraded the condition and protection of our protective clothing. Responses to structure, wild land and vehicle fires, rescues and hazardous incidents had left our bunker gear tattered, charred, and in need of replacement.

The acquisition of newer standard compliant gear will provide increased levels of protection in many areas. Newer materials now available provide better thermal protection properties and possess better tear resistance to ensure longer life. Materials are now available to make turn out gear lighter, and provide greater flexibility for increased range of motion. Boot models are available that fit more like a shoe, reducing fatigue and injury.

Acquisition and use of an industrial extractor will enable our department to correctly clean and decontaminate the gear provided. It will greatly increase the life of the garments plus provide the most thermal protection possible. The properly decontaminated protective gear protects not only our own firefighters and families, but the public also by not cross-contaminating in other responses.

The acquisition of the gear dryer, allows up to 4 sets of gear to be dried simultaneously and more quickly than just hanging to dry. With the extractor and dryer, sets of gear could be cleaned and dried quickly and easily and maintained to their peak performance.

Items from the IDNR grant have been ordered, received and placed in service.

Items from the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant have been ordered and are awaiting arrival.

$350,000.00 Illinois FIRST for Aerial Truck

Du Quoin took delivery of a Luverne 75 ft. Aerial Truck in 2001.

75 ft Aerial Truck: D-110

2001 Luverne 75 Ft. Quint: Spartan Chassis & Aerial Innovations Ladder

·    Carries 725 Gallons of Water
·    Carries 1000 ft. of 5” water supply hose
·    Has a 1750 gpm pump
·    Has a pre-piped Aerial waterway & monitor – capable of flowing 1000 gpm from the tip of the ladder
·    Carries its own pre-connected attack lines: (2) – 200 ft 1 ¾” lines; (1) – 100 ft    1 ¾” jump line; and (1) - 200 ft 3” line
·    180” wheelbase with self steering rear tag axle providing extra weight distribution and increased maneuverability to navigate our narrow city streets.
·    75ft. Aerial Innovations Steel Ladder – 500 lb tip load; aerial tip ladder controls; water monitor tip controls; rope rescue rigging at tip; 1 ½” connection at tip for handline or standpipe capabilities; stokes basket storage box on ladder; intercom communications from base to tip; ladder mounted 14 ft ladder, pike poles & axe

Gov. George Ryan’s Illinois FIRST legislation provided $350,000.00 for the purchase of Du Quoin’s Aerial Truck. Funding was secured by State Representative Mike Bost and Illinois Senator David Luechtefeld at the request of Mayor John Rednour.

Mayor John Rednour seeks funding for South-Side Fire Station from Gov. George Ryan.

On Aug. 26, 2001 Gov. George Ryan personally delivers $250,000.00 check for purchase of Illinois Power building.

Train traffic crossing S. Washington St. was the reason the City of Du Quoin was looking for the ability to have a Station and equipment South of the rail road tracks. The overpass on Poplar St. allowed our department access to the City’s West side eliminating the need for our West Side Station. One Engine and other equipment will now be housed in the south station and will require off-duty or volunteer firefighters to respond when needed.

The Building is large enough to enable the servicing of our new ladder truck. It is large enough to be able to raise and service the ladder inside the building.

Fenced in space outside the building is adequate enough to allow for a large number of training exercises.

2004 FEMA GRANT AWARD:

U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello announced Wednesday September, 8, 2004 that the Du Quoin Fire Department has received a $31,500 Assistance to Firefighters grant through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The funds will be used to replace and improve vehicle extrication and rescue equipment. “Getting these resources directly to our local first responders is an important way to enhance safety in our communities,” said Costello. “Our firefighters put their lives on the line everyday and need adequate equipment to do their jobs.”

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For decades, the Du Quoin Fire Department has been the agency responsible for rescuing victims trapped by motor vehicle accidents. Over the years there have been many, many lives saved during such incidents. The Du Quoin Fire Department, on average, annually responds to 6-10 motor vehicle accidents that require immediate extrication of one or more occupants, many of whom suffer from serious, even life-threatening injuries.

It is very notable that the members of our department have saved more lives with our extrication equipment than any other equipment owned by our department. In fact, EVERY time we are called out to extricate a victim, we have a huge impact on the outcome of that victim. We know many lives have been saved by being able to extricate the victim or victims quickly, efficiently and without further injury or delay. We have been able to accomplish these rescues as a result of having the necessary equipment and proper training.

Our current extrication equipment was purchased in 1983. This 21 year old equipment has served its community very well. It is estimated that hundreds of lives have been touched directly by its use, not to mention the indirect connections of associated families and friends. It was one of the first powered hydraulic extrication tools in our area. Since its purchase it has responded to neighboring communities to provide its life saving capabilities.

After years of life saving service, our equipment is showing its age. The power plant has many hours on it and is not powerful enough to run two sets of tools simultaneously. Its inability to produce enough power and its inability to even hook up two sets of tools simultaneously prevents rescuers from being able work as quickly as possible. Any preventable delay of the rescue of a victim that is in need of urgent medical care is potentially disastrous.

In 2004 the Du Quoin Fire Department submitted an application for a grant to fund the replacement of our vehicle extrication and rescue equipment. The department seeks to improve safety and life saving capabilities by upgrading equipment and the acquisition of new equipment used during the rescues of victims from motor vehicle accidents.

The proposed power unit that can operate two tools at the same time provides many advantages. While one tool is working, another tool can be hooked up and begin another operation on the same vehicle or could even be stretched to another involved vehicle to begin extrication of another victim. This feature alone provides great opportunity for more successful and timely extrication of all victims.

Increased capabilities of this rescue equipment will provide more efficient and successful rescues of victims involved in numerous types of incidents in and around our community. It will allow our rescue personnel to compete missions safely and in a manner than reduces lost time that is so important in a victim’s need for timely medical treatment.

Fire Safety :

FIRE SAFETY CLASSES:

Fire Safety Classes can be arranged for All Age Groups: Contact us for Your School, Scouting, Church Group, Social Group, or Seniors.

Employee Fire Safety Classes can also be arranged by Employers for Work Fire Safety Classes.

For more information or scheduling: please contact Fireman John VanVoorhis at 542-5600

SMOKE DETECTOR PROGRAM:

The Du Quoin Fire Department with help of sponsors provides a detector placement program.

SMOKE DETECTORS ARE YOUR BEST DEFENSE TO GET YOU AND YOUR FAMILY OUT IN TIME IN EVENT OF A FIRE!!

If any residence in Du Quoin needs a smoke detector, but cannot afford one, please contact us. With the help of sponsors we will be able to provide or install a detector for you.

NEARLY 1/2 of the smoke detectors in the United States DO NOT WORK because they are not maintained properly (BATTERIES NOT WORKING) or (NOT TESTED FOR CORRECT OPERATION)

At a minimum – 1 smoke detector outside each sleeping area & 1 on every floor.

Recommended: 1 additional smoke detector in each bedroom

TEST SMOKE DETECTORS WEEKLY

REPLACE BATTERIES TWICE A YEAR

(When you change your clock – change your battery)

REPLACE SMOKE DETECTORS EVERY 10 YEARS

SMOKE DETECTORS!!

DON’T STAY HOME WITHOUT IT!!!

IF YOU NEED A DETECTOR, OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES, PLEASE CONTACT US AT 542-5600

WE ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR SPONSORS FOR OUR PROGRAM.

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

RE-FIRE PLANNING

YOUR BUSINESS:

The Du Quoin Fire Dept. is actively Pre-planning the businesses in our response area. Pre-Fire planning allows our department to be better prepared and more familiar with your building, its layout and special hazards associated with your business in case a fire breaks out.

A Pre-fire Plan includes:

·         Property address, property uses, emergency contacts of owners/managers
·         Utility shut-offs, service systems
·         Sprinkler or standpipe connections
·         Building Construction Details
·         Special Hazards associated with property or contents
·         Detailed Drawing of Building Layout

If you would like for us to make an appointment to pre-fire plan your building, please contact Captain Joe Riggio at the Du Quoin Fire Department at 542-5600.

HOME FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION:

The Du Quoin Fire Dept. can inspect your home for general fire safety. Fire can strike any time, but there are certainly some things we can do to help eliminate some risks of fire. If you have some concerns about your home, contact us for a free home fire safety inspection. We can advise you of any concerns we see and recommend some improvements to help eliminate the risk of fire in your home.

FIRE SAFETY TIPS:

BE PREPARED!

IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU!

MOST PEOPLE BELIEVE THEY ARE AT LITTLE RISK OF A MAJOR FIRE IN THEIR HOME

Per capita, the United States has one of the highest fire death rates in the industrialized world.¹Nationally - there are nearly 2 million fires every year. For the last 10 years there have been 4-5 thousand people die each year as a result of fire. Every day in the United States, 12 people die as a a result of fire.

Smoke Detectors:

SMOKE DETECTORS ARE YOUR BEST DEFENSE TO GET YOU AND YOUR FAMILY OUT IN TIME IN EVENT OF A FIRE!!

Nearly 1/2 of the smoke detectors don't work in the US because they are not maintained properly (BATTERIES NOT WORKING or PRESENT) or (NOT TESTED FOR CORRECT OPERATION)

At a minimum - 1 smoke detector out side each sleeping area & 1 on every level of your home.

Recommended: additional smoke detector in each bedroom)

Test weekly

Replace batteries 2 x year (CHANGE YOUR CLOCK-CHANGE YOUR BATTERIES)

Replace smoke detectors every 10 yrs.

SMOKE DETECTORS!!

DON’T STAY HOME WITHOUT THEM!!!

ESCAPE PLANS:

HAVE an ESCAPE PLAN & PRACTICE IT

1^st Let everyone know there is a fire.

2^nd USE YOUR ESCAPE PLAN

Fire Escape Planning and Practice
Home Escape Planning: If a fire broke out in the middle of the night, would you and your family be able to escape safely? Although most Americans believe they could get out alive, according to NFPA's 1997 Home Fire Escape Survey, only a small number (16%) have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan to ensure they could escape quickly and safely.

Some 4,000 fire deaths occur in U.S. homes every year, and too often it's because people did not, or could not, get out of a burning home in time. Developing and practicing a home fire escape plan is the key to survival.

The elements of an effective home fire escape plan include the following:

· Working smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside all sleeping areas

· Two ways out of each room

· Unobstructed and easy-to-use exits

· A meeting place outside

· Practicing the plan at least twice a year with every member of the household

Everyone, including preschoolers, can be taught the basics of fire escape. If there are infants or family members with mobility limitations, someone in the household should plan to assist them. Also make sure that doors needed for escape can be opened easily, and that windows are not nailed or painted shut. The most important thing to remember is to react to the sound of a smoke alarm immediately and make getting out your top priority.

If fire strikes...

· ALERT EVERYONE! Sound the alarm (if at work), even if the fire appears small.

· Leave quickly, closing doors as you go to contain fire and smoke.

· If you encounter smoke or flame during your escape, use another exit. Since heat and smoke rise, cleaner and cooler air will be near the floor. If you must exit through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees toward your exit, keeping your head in the "safety zone" one to two feet above the floor.

· Test doors before you open them. Kneel at the door; reach up as high as you can and touch the door, the knob, the space between the door and its frame with the back of your hand. If the door is warm, use another escape route. If the door is cool, open it slowly and be prepared to slam it shut if smoke or heat rushes in.

· Follow the directions of fire and security personnel. Once outside, DON'T EVER GO BACK IN! Move away from the building, out of the way of firefighters, and stay out until the fire department says you may go back in.

HOUSE NUMBERS: Have your Address clearly visible in case of an emergency whether it be police, fire, or ambulance. Your address should be clearly visible from the street. Valuable time can be saved when you need help by having your address clearly marked.

* How to Report a Fire

Make sure everyone in the house knows there's a fire and get out.

Call from a neighbor’s house - DIAL 911

Tell them what type of emergency and the address and stay on the line until the dispatcher gets all the information they need.

ELIMINATE FIRE/BURN RISKS & HAZARDS:

SIMPLY STATED, THE MOST EFFECTIVE MANNER IN WHICH TO FIGHT FIRES IS TO PREVENT THEM FROM STARTING!

Cooking: Leading cause of home fires in the US In 1-2 family dwellings - 23% of fires start in the kitchen - 12% in the bedroom
Wear short or tight fitting sleeves, not loose long sleeves. Know how to fight a grease fire - lid, baking soda, or extinguisher. Turn handles in when cooking. Always try to use back burners

Never leave cooking unattended

Scald, burn injuries

Thousands of children suffer burn related injuries each year. Children under 4 yrs old are at the greatest risk with an injury rate more than 4 times that of children 5 to 14 yrs old. Burns have long been recognized as among the most painful and devastating injuries a person can sustain and survive. Burns often require long periods of rehabilitation, multiple skin grafts, painful physical therapy and leave victims with lifelong physical and psychological trauma.

The majority of scald burns to children, especially ages 6 months to 2 years are from hot foods and liquid spilled in the kitchen or other places where food is prepared or served.

Hot tap water accounts for nearly 1/4 of all scald burns among children and is associated with more deaths and hospitalizations than other hot liquid burns. They also tend to be more sever and cover a larger portion of the body.

Be careful around hot water - foods - drinks

Turn on cold water first - turn off hot water first

Have parents check temp on hot water heater.

Treat burns with cool water and seek medical attention immediately.

IF YOUR CLOTHES CATCH ON FIRE - STOP DROP ROLL (Cover your face) NEVER RUN!

Space Heaters: electric, natural gas, or kerosene, Electric baseboard heaters 3 feet away

Inspect weekly for faulty cords or damaged fuel lines

Do not play around

NEVER leave unattended

Fireplaces: Have chimney inspected and cleaned annually

Have screens, covers onf fireplaces

Keep things away from fireplace/ wood burner

Electrical outlets: Extension cords don't overload.

Do not put extension cords under rugs, have furniture sitting on, or wrap around long lengths

Only use extension cords for temporary uses.

Electrical appliances:Any misoperation of an appliance or outlet should be noted and repair person contacted.

Unplug when not in use

Inspect cords

Electrictricution hazzards - do not use near water

Gas appliances: There should be a separate shut off valve located on the supply line for every gas appliance. Any gas leak should be taken seriously and the gas company contacted. Carbon Monoxide detectors are a good idea for homes with gas appliances.

Good house keeping

Accumulation of waste and discarded materials constitutes a fire hazard. Good housekeeping goes hand in hand with fire safety.

Keep rooms clean - tidy

Trash disposed of properly

Leaves, cleaned - gutters, limbs near chimneys

Flammable liquids

Gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, paints, fumigation substances,

Store properly - in proper containers and away from ignition sources. Store outside and do not use near ignition source. Lighters, cigarettes, pilot lights.

Condition of garages and sheds:

Rags soiled with oil or paint are especially hazardous because of the danger of spontaneous ignition.

Smoking Materials: NEVER smoke in bed. Make sure the ashes are cool before discarding. Keep matches and lighters away from children.

Condition of yard: dry leaves, grass, paper, tree branches, and boards & other combustibles are readily ignited and are a fire hazard to buildings.

When burning: Always choose a day with no wind. Choose a clear open area for the burn. NEVER use flammable liquids to start or add to a burning fire. Often injury occurs when the fumes from the flammable liquid ignite. Have a bucket or garden hose ready.

NEVER LEAVE UNATTENDED! NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN TO PLAY AROUND OR WITH THE FIRE!

MATCHES & LIGHTERS & CHILDREN

Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths.

CHILDREN – TEACH CHILDREN NOT TO PLAY WITH MATCHES OR LIGHTERS!

Over the past five years, The National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) found that over 7,500 fires were set by children in Illinois.

In these juvenile set fires, 59 persons died and 781 civilians and firefighters were injured.

These fires resulted in more than $38 million in property damage.

The National Fire Protection Association has found that more than 300,000 fires a year are started by children, resulting in 700 to 900 civilian deaths and 4,000 to 5,000 civilian injuries per year.

Of these fire-setting juveniles, 60% are curious or unintentional firesetters.⁴

CANDLES: Do not leave unattended! Do not handle - move. DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO PLAY WITH. They are not toys.

ONE FINAL WAY TO HELP YOUR FAMILY IF A FIRE DOES HAPPEN IS TO HAVE A VIDEO TAPE OF YOUR HOME & BELONGINGS STORED IN A SAFE PLACE. (This will help with listing all of your belongings if needed for insurance information.)

Links for Kids: (click to view)

www.nfpa.org/sparky
www.smokeybear.com/kids
www.usfa.fema.gov/kids

Contact Us:

30 S. Division St Du Quoin Illinois 62832
(618) 542-5600

In case of emergancy, dial 911