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Local governments may be responsible for providing fire protection services to their communities. Fire protection services and responsibilities include fire response and suppression (i.e., firefighting), salvage (e.g., pumping water out of basements), investigation of fires, repair and maintenance of equipment, and fire prevention.
To provide appropriate fire protection, a city is usually divided into a number of fire districts with one or more fire stations in each district, determined by various factors (e.g., population density, topography, and the nature of buildings and building materials). Each station has teams or companies for one or more fire trucks (ladder, hose, engine company). Smaller communities are likely to have only one firefighting company. Many states allow counties and towns or townships to carry out fire protection functions. Fire departments receive financial assistance through local governments, fund raising, and state loans, though these funds may not be enough to fully staff and equip a district. Thus, many areas use volunteer firefighters. In small towns and villages, which often depend entirely on volunteers, local governments usually contribute part of the money for trucks and other equipment (except in the smallest communities). Volunteer fire department may fall under the jurisdiction of a local government (which is sometimes required by state law), or they may be incorporated as an independent fire company which is self-governing and owns its own station and equipment.
Fire Protection
As discussed above, fire departments are typically responsible for emergency planning and emergency mitigation, including fire response and suppression (i.e., firefighting) and hazardous materials response. In this role, fire departments attempt to safeguard lives and property against the injurious effects of accidents or uncontrolled hazards, fire, explosion, or hazardous materials. Fire protection activities have the potential to impact the environment and are regulated under U.S. environmental laws and regulations. These activities related to fire protection and the respective regulations are presented below:
· Activities with aspects regulated under RCRA:
- Hazardous materials response.
· Activities with aspects regulated under the CWA:
- Hazardous materials response.
· Activities with aspects regulated under the CAA:
- Fire response and suppression (halons).
· Activities with aspects regulated under EPCRA/CERCLA/CAA:
- Emergency planning
- Hazardous chemical inventory
- Hazardous materials response
- Fire response and suppression (solvents).
Emergency Planning and Hazardous Chemical Inventory
As discussed, firefighters may be appointed to LEPCs under the emergency planning provisions of EPCRA. In this role, firefighters or fire department representatives analyze community hazards and help develop and revise local emergency response plans to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies. In addition, fire departments receive hazardous chemical inventory and emergency release information submitted by facilities and can provide this information to local officials, community leaders, and the public to aid in preparing for emergencies and managing chemical risks.
Fire Response and Suppression
On July 7, 1997, EPA proposed a rule to ban the sale halon blends and intentional releases of halons, and require proper disposal of halons and halon-containing equipment.
Agents used for fire suppression vary based on the location and type of fire. Halons, which are low-toxicity, chemically stable compounds, have been used for fire and explosion protection throughout this century. However, halons are now known to contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer and have therefore, been phased out of production. Effective January 1, 1994, the production and importation of new halon (1211, 1301, or 2402) were banned in the United States. Recycled halon is now the only source of supply. The environmental impacts of halon use in firefighting are primarily damaging to the ozone layer.
Firefighters use a number of traditional fire extinguishing agents, such as water, carbon dioxide, dry chemicals, and foam, that are good alternatives to halons for many fire protection applications. Recent research has led to the commercialization of new agents and technologies. These fall into four basic categories: halocarbon compounds; inert gas mixtures; water-mist or fogging systems; and powdered aerosols. The potential environmental impacts from firefighting activities using water are soil and water contamination from runoff. Many conventional synthetic foams contain solvents regulated under EPCRA listing of materials determined to be hazardous to the environment.
Hazardous Materials Response
Releases of hazardous materials can occur anywhere at any time. In the event of a spill, the public safety agency (e.g., fire department, local hazardous materials response team) having jurisdiction where the discharge has occurred is responsible for taking whatever actions are necessary to protect public health and safety and the environment. Based on the nature of the hazard presented by this discharge, public safety personnel may be obliged to standby until the hazard is controlled.
The public safety agency may bill the responsible party (i.e., the property owner or whoever caused the spill) for the expenses incurred to protect the public and the environment. In addition, safety personnel may use materials to control a spill, protect the environment and mitigate the hazard. These materials and personnel costs may be charged to the responsible party.
Response techniques:
- Mechanical containment and recovery
- Chemical and biological methods
- Physical methods.
Depending on the type of hazardous material released, various response techniques may be used to control the spill and minimize the impacts on human health and the environment. The key to effectively combating spills is careful selection and proper use of the equipment and materials most suited to the type of spill and the conditions at the spill site. Types of response techniques include, but are not limited to:
· Mechanical containment or recovery, such as booms, barriers, and skimmers, as well as sorbent materials, that are used to capture and store the spilled material until it can be disposed of properly.
· Chemical and biological methods (e.g., dispersants and gelling agents are used for oil spills).
· Physical methods, such as natural processes (e.g., evaporation, oxidation, and biodegradation). Depending on the type of material spilled, this may not be the best response technique available.
Sorbents contaminated with hazardous materials must be disposed of according to the hazardous waste provisions of RCRA.
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