USFA Digest: March 4, 2021

Supporting women in fire and EMS March is Women’s History Month. We want to recognize this important month by making fire service leaders aware of how USFA can help them support women and tackle the unique issues they face on the job. We also want to make women aware of the professional development and teaching opportunities that await them at the National Fire Academy. Learn about 5 things you can do today to support women in fire and EMS

Closing today: training specialist vacancy announcement The ideal candidate for this position at the National Fire Academy has current knowledge, skills and experience in fire and arson investigation, courtroom testimony, and forensic evidence collection. This position starts at a salary of $103,690 (GS-13, step 1). The job is open to: the public and status candidates and closes on March 4.

Focus on fire safety Older adults Older adults have an increased risk of dying in a fire. Help prevent older adult fire deaths in your community with USFA’s safety tips, social media messages, public service announcements and handouts. Download for Facebook and Twitter

COVID-19 FAQs for wildland firefighters What steps can be taken by wildland fire personnel to prevent infection and spread of COVID-19? How can a crew, module or resource ”isolate as a unit” to better protect themselves? Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for steps that wildland fire agencies and firefighters can take to prevent or minimize the transmission of COVID-19. While written for wildland firefighters, readers will find many of these solutions also apply to the structural fire community. Ready Responder provides peace of mind for first responders Ready.gov's Ready Responder Toolkit provides emergency response agencies with a series of planning tools to help prepare personnel and their families for emergencies. Preparing first responder families ahead of time for disasters and emergencies will provide them peace of mind and allow personnel to focus on their work. Learn more about the Ready Responder Toolkit.

Recent firefighter fatalities reported to USFA

Jeff Brozich, Captain Madison Heights Fire Department, Madison Heights, Michigan Phillip Ginter, Firefighter Beavertown Rescue Hose Company, Beavertown, Pennsylvania   Explore firefighter fatality statistics   Fatalities in 2021 16 on-duty firefighter fatalities attributed to COVID-19.

Home fire deaths 79 home fire deaths were reported by the U.S. news media for Feb. 21-27.   Home fire death incidents: 60 States with incidents: 31 Home fire deaths since Jan. 1: 595 Learn more about these incidents

Fire is Everyone's Fight® There are dozens of ways you can use Fire Is Everyone's Fight to help teach people in your city or town to be safe from fire. Join the fight for a few ideas to get you started.