POST MOUNTAIN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

2010-08-17T08:55:00.000-07:00

2010-08-17T07:28:00.002-07:00

Post Mountain Volunteer Fire has been installing 10 year smoke detectors in the homes of local residents. If you have not yet had yours installed free of charge please call Chief Danny Woodral @ 918.647.6344 or Secretary Amy Howard @ 918.635.5423. If you have had one installed and are having any issues please notify us so it can be replaced.

Post Mountain VFD Fundraiser

2010-05-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

Post Mountain Receives Fire Prevention and Safety Grant

2010-04-18T09:08:00.002-07:00

Post Mountain Volunteer Fire Department has been notified their Department of Homeland Security's Fire Prevention and Safety Grant has been awarded. Post Mountain has requested 300, 10 year smoke detectors and refrigerator magnets to handout. Post Mountain will work in conjunction with Hodgen Fire Department and install all 300 smoke detectors in the homes of children under 7 and elderly over the age of 65. This age group has found to be of the utmost need. Each home will be asked to provide a follow up each time the detector provides a warning. This will ensure compliance with the implementation/ evaluation plan. Total cost of the grant is $6500.00 . Post Mountains portion of this grant is $325.00

Post Mountain Receives FEMA AFG Grant

2010-02-17T08:12:00.003-07:00

Post Mountain Fire Department was notified recently of their award of $7, 932.00 for firefighting foam and foam equipment. Post Mountains portion of this Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant(AFG) is $396.00. The cost of firefighting foam generally limits the amount a rural department can obtain. With this grant for foam and foam equipment less water will be used and fires will be extinguished faster. In order to qualify for this grant fire departments must be NIMS compliant and report to NFIRS if their not already doing so.

2009-07-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

Post Mountain Volunteer Fire Annual Meeting

2009-06-14T08:48:00.002-07:00

Agenda

Post Mountain Annual Membership Meeting
Located at Post Mountain Fire Department

June 27, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.

The participating members present at any meeting of participating members shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting business

1. Call to order:

2. Reading of June 08 Annual minutes.

3. Committee Reports

4. New Business
A. Election of board members. The Board seats of Benny Binkley, Harvey Waddles, Bruce Eutsler

B. Audit of treasurer books.

5. Old Business

Our year in review. Public comment.

6. Adjournment

Shortly after the annual meeting there will be a meeting of the officers for positions.

POST MOUNTAIN MEMBERSHIP DUES RUN FROM JULY TO JULY. THE FEE IS $25.00 AND IS PAYABLE TO PMVFD, PO BOX 184, HODGEN OK 74939
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS CALL AMY HOWARD SEC/TREASURE @ 918.635.5423

FIRE HILLBILLY JUNCTION

2009-03-04T08:33:00.005-07:00

Post Mountain Fire Department along with other agencies responded to a series of fires sparked along the railroad track on Highway 59 South at Hillbilly Junction. A Staging area was set up at Hillbilly Junction by the US Forest Service and departments were dispersed to various fire locations along the track. Departments responding included Oklahoma State Forestry, US Forest Service, Stapp Zoe Fire Department and Hodgen Fire Department. The fires were fought by bulldozer, helicopter and backfiring.

Cabin Burns

2008-11-16T07:08:00.003-07:00

Hodgen, Stapp Zoe, and Post Mountain Fire departments were dispatched to this structure fire on Mineral Springs Road at 9:45 a.m. November 9th. Firefighters arrived to a fully involved structure. The structure was being used as a cabin and no one was home at the time of the incident. The cause of the fire was unknown.

Mesothelioma, SCBA, and YOU

2008-09-09T16:55:00.002-07:00

Firefighters encounter a variety of occupational hazards each day. Whether they are climbing tall ladders to rescue citizens from burning buildings or battling the heat of an intense fire, there is no shortage of dangerous situations for a firefighter. What they may not consider, however, are the dangerous health risks associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a toxic mineral that was widely used in construction materials such as insulation, acoustical plaster, and roofing tiles. Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer that affects the lining of the body’s internal organs and has no cure. Please visit the link to the right for more information at the mesothelioma website.

SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISER

2008-08-31T16:37:00.002-07:00

Post Mountain enjoyed a successful fundraiser Saturday and sold out in record time. For those of you who made it to late we apologize . We would like to thank all those that purchased a sandwich and donated. Moneys will be used to purchase new federally required safety vest. We would especially like to thank Scarbrough Excavation Services in Howe, The Heavener Lions Club, The Heavener Ledger, and our cook Ann Woodral.

POST MOUNTAIN FUNDRAISER

2008-08-24T12:50:00.003-07:00

Post Mountain VFD will be having a Smoked Brisket sandwich fund raiser Saturday , August 30, 2008. Heavener Deer Pen Park, beginning at 10:30 a.m for $4.50. For Heavener deliveries call Chief Danny L. Woodral at 918-647-6344. Thank you .

FEMA TRUCK

2008-07-02T08:41:00.003-07:00

The following link will show a small video of the new 08 FEMA truck. This truck contains a 500 gallon recessed tank. Truck Video

AGENDA ANNUAL MEETING

2008-06-08T09:30:00.001-07:00

Agenda

Post Mountain Annual Membership Meeting
Located at Post Mountain Fire Department

June 28, 2008 at 10:30 a.m.

The participating members present at any meeting of participating members shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting business

1. Call to order:

2. Reading of June 07 Annual minutes.

3. Committee Reports

4. New Business

A. Addition to the By-Laws: Article 17, Add Section 5. In the event Leflore County Voters pass a sales tax resolution, the board of directors reserve the right to eliminate or reduce run and or membership fees.

B. Election of board members. The Board seats of Amy Howard, Fred Waller, and Eugene Ramirez are up for re-election.

C. Audit of treasurer books.

5. Old Business

Our year in review. Public comment.

6. Adjournment

Shortly after the annual meeting there will be a meeting of the officers for positions.

Smoked Brisket Fundraiser

2008-05-28T03:53:00.003-07:00

Post Mountain would like to thank all of you who participated in our Smoked Brisket Fund raiser. This was one of the most successful fund raisers in recent history. With the award of both FEMA grants in 07 replacing matching funds is a must. We'd especially like to thank Post Mountian residents that helped us sell in 3 locations, and the following businesses for their generosity;

Steve Bennett, Cedar Lake Store
Marilyn Pledger, Marilyns Bail Service
Harvey Waddles, Crooked Branch Trading Post
Scarbroughs Excavation Services
Heavener Lions Club Deer Pen

Post Mountain Receives State Department of Agriculture Truck

2008-03-29T06:49:00.005-07:00

Last year Post Mountain applied for a grant through KEDDO (Kiamichi Economic Development District) for this 2008, Ford F350 4x4 chassis from the Oklahoma State Department of Agriculture. Post Mountain was responsible for adding a commercial bed and skid unit. Thanks to a $5000.00 grant from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, and a $8900.00 dollar grant from Leflore County through moneys received from the local US Forest Service, this truck is now in service. Post Mountain would like to thank everyone involved in making this truck a possibility for our fire department. We are extremely proud to have it and look forward to years of service to the public.

FEMA GRANT AWARDS

2008-03-16T06:28:00.002-07:00

Post Mountain has completed the bid processes for the 2007 FEMA grant awards. With the help of KEDDO (Kiamichi Economic Development District) in Wilburton, bids were completed and the grants have been awarded. Post Mountain would like to thank all the vendors who took the time to bid and show us their products. Awards were given to Blanchat Manufacturing for a 2008, Ford F450, 4x4, 500 gallon Wildland Attack vehicle, and Greg Baker with Cosco Industries for the new 2007 NFPA compliant , MSA Firehawk M7, SCBA. We look forward to receiving this new equipment and increasing your fire protection.

Post Mountain Receives 2'nd FEMA AFG Grant

2007-12-20T06:32:00.000-07:00

Post Mountain was notified on Thursday, December 13th, by Senator Inhoff's office, that Post Mountain had received a second Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). This grant will provide Post Mountain with a fully operational 2008 Brush/ Wildand Attack Unit. Total amount of approved FEMA funds for this vehicle is $53, 366.00. Post Mountains portion of this grant will be $2, 668.00.

Fire Destroys Home

2007-12-08T06:46:00.001-07:00

Post Mountain fire fighters responded to this structure fire early Wednesday night on Hwy 259 south of Hodgen . Post Mountain in conjunction with Heavener, Hodgen, and Stapp Zoe fire departments were on scene for more than 4 hours . No one was home at the time of the fire. The cause of the fire was not yet known.
Post Mountain responded to two brush fires earlier this week. Containing some 6 acres of grass fires.

Post Mountain Awarded New 2008 Ford 4x4

2007-10-28T06:03:00.000-07:00

Post Mountain has received notice from KEDDO (Kiamichi Economic Development District) that we will receive one of sixteen vehicles awarded for seven counties in southeastern Oklahoma . Post Mountain will be required to complete the outfitting of the truck. This includes NFPA compliant emergency lighting, audible warning devices, commercial bed, and a completely operational skid unit. A skid units is a slide in ,one piece unit that houses the tank, pump, control panel, and lights.
Post Mountain is very great-full to have received one of these trucks as it was greatly needed to replace obsolete equipment. KEDDO hopes these trucks will be available by November 1, 2007.
If you would like to make a donation towards the equipment cost to outfit this new truck , please email postmountainvfdok@hotmail.com.

THANK YOU

2007-09-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all those who participated in our fundraiser at the Heavener Deer Pen on Saturday September 1st. We hope you enjoyed the food and will come back again. Special thanks to KP's Quick Mart, Heavener Kiwanis Club, and Scarobough Excavations and Services.

SPEEDY RECOVERY

2007-09-03T14:17:00.000-07:00

All of Post Mountain wishes our brisket cooker Ann Woodral a speedy recovery. While turning one of the brisket pans on the Post Mountain smoker hot grease and juice ran out and into Anns tennish shoe. The above photo shows the damage.

FUNDRAISER

2007-08-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

Post Mountain VFD will be having a smoked barbecue brisket sandwich fundraiser at the Heavener Deer Pen State Park downtown Heavener. Serving starts at 10:30 a.m. and will close when all the meat is gone. Sandwiches with pickle/pepper will be $3.50. Drinks will be available. Thank You and please stop by.

POST MOUNTAIN AWARDED GRANT

2007-08-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

Post Mountain Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded a Homeland Security, Asisstance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) in the amount of $36,670.00. Post Mountain will add another $1930.00 to complete the grant and purchase 6 new Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) , with 4 extra mask so that all personnel can be fit tested. Fire Chief Bruce Eutsler and Secretary Amy Howard applied for this grant is June of this year. This is a first round grant award and we are very please to have it.
Post Mountain also applied for a new brush truck and are hoping it may also be approved in the near future. The total cost for a fully equipped brush truck would be $53366.00.

ANNUAL MEETING

2007-06-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

Post Mountain Volunteer Fire Department.
Annual Meeting on June 16, 2007 at 10:30 a.m.
Meeting will be at the Fire Station
AGENDA

Post Mountain Volunteer Fire Department by-laws state.The participating members present at any meeting of participating members shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting business. For this reason a quorum call will not be necessary.
1. Meeting called to order.
2. Minutes from previous meeting read.
3. Treasurer/Petty cash report.
4. Reports from officers or committees.
Building.
Training.
Fundraising.
5. Old Business.
6. New Business.
Election of Board members.
Expiring terms of Benny Binkley,
Danny Woodral,James
Horner (resigned)

Audit of treasurer and petty cash.

Discuss the need for volunteers
and the participation of present
Volunteers.

7. Motion for Adjournment.

(LUNCH WILL BE SERVED)
The newly formed board will meet directly after the election of board members to vote for positions.

POST MOUNTAIN FUNDRAISER WINNERS

2007-05-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of you who participated in our ticket sales fundraiser and bar-b-q brisket sales. It was one of our most successful fund raisers and we thank all those that donated and bought a sandwich.
The Walmart Gift Card $250.00 grand prize winner was Clara Washington.
Other winners include:
Marla Thompson- 2 movies Southside Video & Tanning
Connie Fuller- Seed Scoop - Heavener Feed
Kathy Gray- gift certificated Downtown Cafe
Madonna Waller-Crockpot-Holtons Hardware
Traci Barnes- Set of Clamps- Rons Lumber
Fred Cox-Justin Cap- Bernards
Dewayne Schniffner- Winchester 22 shells- Heavener Pawn & Gun
Brian Davis- Fire Dept Knife set - JR. Pawn Gun
Jane Key- T-Shirt- Choctaw Nation
J.T. Hignite- Carpenters Belt- Rons Discount Lumber
Richard White- IceCream maker -from Jose&Mary Garcia
Keith Pitchford- Set of Pans- Marvins IGA
Jared Dewitt-25 $ Gift Certificate- JR. Pawn & Gun
Tim Thomas- Fishing Pole- Walmart
Carol Dewitt-Gift Certificate- Mazzios
Becky Sayre-Gift Certificate- Western Sizzlin
Rick Moneyham- Bernards- Justin Hat
Gladys Waddles- Egg Toaster- Holtons
Paula Baugh- Gift Cirtifact- Arlenes Gifts
Traci Barnes- Wallet- Bernards
Jason Blake- Tool Set- Ok Auto Supply

Special thanks to the Heavener Kiwanis Club,Scorobough Excavations and Services, Marvins IGA, Sherry Binkley, Gretchen Eutsler, and KP's.

Post Mountain Fire Fighter 1's

2007-04-05T18:27:00.000-07:00

Post Mountain Fire Chief Bruce Eutsler, and Safety Officer Amy Howard recently completed 96 hours of instruction at the Kiamichi Vo-Tech in Poteau Oklahoma. The fire fighter 1 cirriculum from Oklahoma State University included:
Firefighter Orientation and Safety
Fire Behavior
Building Construction
PPE/SCBA. Donning in less than one minute.
Rescue
Ventilation
Interior/Exterior Live Fire Training
Post Mountain would like to thank the Kiamichi Technology Center, the instructors; Mark Morris, Rick Couri, Bobby Carter, and Doug Harper. Their time was much appreciated.

Homeland Security AFG Time Again

2007-03-31T15:24:00.000-07:00

Yes fire departments , it is once again time to fill out your AFG application for Homeland Security Grants. For your convenience I am including the links to get you started. Guidance, Tutorial, Log In or Create an Account

Federal Indentification Number for your department.

DUNS (Dun and Bradstreet) Number Information

New Legislation

2007-02-14T16:15:00.000-07:00

New bills presented in this years legislative session are in the works. Please take time to look at the following bills and contact your congressmen to aid in their passage. Let our congressmen know how important these can be to you.

SB392. An Act relating to agriculture; creating the Volunteer Firefighter Training Reimbursement Revolving Fund; providing for use of fund; providing for revenues apportioned to fund; providing for expenditures; prescribing method of expenditures; providing for codification; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

SB365. An Act relating to revenue and taxation; establishing income tax credit for employing volunteer firefighters; providing amount of credit; defining term; establishing certain criteria for claiming credit; providing for unused credit to be carried forward; authorizing Oklahoma Tax Commission to prescribe procedures and forms; providing for codification; and providing an effective date.

SB174. An Act relating to game and fish; amending 29 O.S. 2001, Sections 4-110, as last amended by Section 10, Chapter 16, O.S.L. 2006 and 4-112, as last amended by Section 15, Chapter 138, O.S.L. 2006 (29 O.S. Supp. 2006, Sections 4-110 and 4-112), which relate to hunting licenses; adding exemption; and providing an effective date.

AFG Grant Workshops

2007-02-14T16:10:00.000-07:00

This years grant workshops have been posted. If you are planning to apply for a Homeland Security Grant (AFG) it is best to attend one of these workshops. I have read that if you do not attend one of these classes that an application is not taken as seriously as a fire company that has. In Oklahoma the grant workshop closest to us is in McAlester Ok, on 2/20/2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Expo Center. Another class will be held at 7:00p.m. that day. Other Oklahoma classes are listed here Oklahoma Workshops

Home Burns

2007-01-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

On January 17, 2006 Post Mountain Firefighters were dispatched at 11:17pm to a structure fire on highway 59 South. Post Mountain in conjunction with Stapp Zoe and Heavener Fire Departments fought the blaze some 5 hours. The home was engulfed in flames on arrival and residents managed to save some personnel belongings. The homeowner heard noise in the chimney and discovered the fire. He fought the fire with a water hose until help arrived. An estimated $125,000.00 in damages was done. The following day a passerby noticed smoke and a second response was made to this same location. Photos to follow. Photo1, Photo2, Photo3, Photo4

Barn Fire

2007-01-23T06:03:00.000-07:00

On January 16th , Post Mountain Firefighters were dispatched to Payne Lane for a structure fire. On arrival firefighters found an outbuilding engulfed in fire. A tractor had caught fire and set the building ablaze causing some estimated $95,000.00 in damages. Post Mountain and Summerfield fire departments managed to save some $30,000, in equipment and grain.

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

2006-12-05T19:05:00.000-07:00

The Night
Before Christmas
T’was the
night before
Christmas, when
all through the
house l not a
creature was stirring.
not even a mouse.
When down through the
chimney. all covered with
soot l Came the “Spirit of
Fire.” an ugly galoot. l
His eyes glowed like embers.
his features were stern l As
he looked all around him for
something to burn l What he
saw made him grumble -- his anger
grew higher l For there wasn’t a
thing that would start a good fire. l
No door had been blocked by the big
Christmas tree l It stood in the corner.
leaving passageways free. l The lights
that glow brightly for Betty and Tim l
Had been hung with precaution. so none
touched a limb l All wiring was new, not
a break could be seen l and wet sand at its
base kept the tree nice and green. l The tree
had been trimmed by a mother insistent l
That the ornaments used should be fire resistant
l the mothers had known the things to avoid
l Like cotton and paper and celluloid. Rock
wool metal icicles and trinkets of glass l Gave
life to the tree -- it really had class. l And.
would you believe it right next to the tree l
Was a suitable box for holding debris -- l
A place to hold wrappings of paper and string,
l From all of the gifts that Santa might bring. l
The ugIy galoot was so mad he could bust l
As he climbed up the chimney in utter disgust!
l For the folks in this home had paid close
attention l To all
of the rules
of GOOD FIRE
P R E V E N T I O N .

HOLIDAY SAFETY

2006-11-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

The following excerpt was taken from the United States Fire Administration web site (USFA). No one believes it can happen to them. Please check the batteries in your smoke detectors. Please use more than one smoke detector.

CHRISTMAS TREE FIRE/MICHIGAN

The evening of the 22nd of December, just prior to the fire occurrence, seven of the nine children were home with their mother and father. Six of the seven children were in bed and whether they were awake or not is unknown. One child and the father were in the family room awake. The mother was awake in the master bedroom. When the fire occurred, the father attempted to remove the burning tree from the home. The mother left the master bedroom, entered the family room, proceeded through the dining room and into the kitchen and exited the home. The mother on her way through the kitchen grabbed the phone and called the fire department from the outside deck Their six-year-old son left his bedroom and walked into the dining room where he was met by his mother, who had reentered the house. The boy was taken to the outside deck via the kitchen. The exact location of the remaining children was unknown, except for the four-year-old boy in the family room. The father reentered the home via a front bedroom window. The fire was extinguished by the Canton Fire Department and the bodies of the six children and the father were located. The body of the four-year-old boy was found in the family room, he apparently could not escape or did not know what to do. One child’s body was found at the juncture of the master bedroom hallway and the family room, this child apparently left the bedroom and moved toward the fire. Three of the children’s bodies were found in the fire- consumed bedroom. One was located under the bed. Another was located at roughly the center of the room and appeared to have been crawling toward the child who was under the bed. The third was located between the center of the bedroom and the doorway. One child’s body was found in a heavily smoked front bedroom. This body was located along the edge of the bed in a head down dangling position. Apparently this child, after becoming aware of the fire, did not have time to escape. The father’s body was found in the other heavily smoked front bedroom. His body was located just a few feet from the front window. It appears that he had not gone very far in his rescue attempt. It seems apparent, for these children, that the only means of escape from this fire was through their bedroom windows. The fire developed and spread at a rate which did not allow for sufficient warning for use of the normal interior escape routes.
SMOKE DETECTORS
Information provided by the Canton Fire Department indicated that one smoke detector was found in the home during the scene investigation. The smoke detector was located in the original portion of the home and had been severely damaged by the fire. There was no indication that an additional smoke detector was installed in the home addition. Because of extensive damage, it could not be determined whether the smoke detector was operational or functioned during the fire.
Christmas Tree Fire Please watch the video and notice the time it takes for the room to engulf and the smoke to be low on the floor. Without a smoke detector in your home your familys chances of surviving are severly reduced.

Horserider Injured

2006-11-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Post Mountain V.F.D. responded to an accident on Saturday, November 11, near Cedar Lake. Post Mountain was dispatched by 911 at 14:05 to aid in the lift on an accident victim. A woman suffered a traumatic leg injury when she was kicked by another riders horse. The U.S. Forest Service along with EMT and Post Mountain fire fighters helped lift the injured woman up to a waiting U.S. Forest Service polaris ranger. She was then transported by the ranger up the embankment to a waiting ambulance. The Forest Service should be commended for all the work they do that is never seen. They are often first onscene on all types of local incidents and are to be commended.

Hazmat Class

2006-11-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, November 5th, Post Mountain and other surrounding departments attended a Hazmat Awareness Class at the Kiamich Vo-Tech in Poteau, Oklahoma . Mr. Vernon Phillips was an excellent teacher with vast experience in many areas of law enforcement, hazardous materials, and is also a bomb squad technician. We appreciate all he taught and all he does for the State of Oklahoma.
A key issue taken from the class that should be passed to the public is that no accident scene should be considered a safe place for you or your family. Depending on what is contained on or in any particular vehicle, or transport unit, it could posses an explosive or flammable chemical hazard that could be life threatening to you and your family. Post Mountain ask that you refrain from remaining anywhere near an accident scene for your safety and the safety of your family.

Winter Fire Safety

2006-10-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

When a member of your community is killed in a home fire, it is important to let others know how they can prevent a similar tragedy. As you continue to report on the fire, the U.S. Fire Administration encourages you to remind your audience that many fire deaths and injuries are preventable.

More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and more than 20,000 are injured. Many of them might be alive today if they had only had the information they needed to avoid a disaster. The following life-saving tips could make a big difference to your audience. By incorporating them in your story now, while the moment is still fresh, you could help save a life.

Did you know?

Eighty-two percent of all fire deaths occur in the home.
Electrical fires are a special concern during the winter months, which call for more indoor activities and increased use of lighting, heating and appliances.
Deaths caused by winter fires are particularly preventable.

Following these simple fire safety tips can boost survival rates dramatically. Please share them with your readers because knowledge is the best fire protection.

Winter Fires Life-Saving Tips

Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.
Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, away from combustible surfaces, have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation. Never use flammable liquids (such as gasoline) to start or accelerate fire.
Make sure your space heaters have an emergency shut off in case they tip over. Kerosene heaters are not permitted in many areas. ONLY use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot. Refuel outside, away from the house.
Have your furnace and chimney professionally inspected annually and cleaned if necessary. Chimney tar build-up is a common cause of chimney fires.
Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks igniting nearby carpets or furniture.
Never thaw frozen pipes with a blow torch or other open flame. Use hot water or a UL listed device such as a hand-held dryer.
Dispose of hot ashes in metal containers placed away from the house.
Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of snow for easy access.

Vandalism On Conser Creek Road

2006-10-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy Heather Woodral

On the night of October 18, 2006 this car on Conser Creek Road appeared to have been intentionally burned to the ground. The fire happened sometime after 8:00 p.m. The owner of the vehicle had it setting in a temporary location because of previous high water. Post Mountain Fire Chief Bruce Eutsler noted pieces of cloth hanging from the gas tank and the gas cap on top of the vehicle. The owner of this vehicle did not have full coverage insurance . Now he and his wife and three children are without extra transportation. If you have any information concerning this fire please contact the Leflore County Sheriffs Department. 918.647.2317

911 Director Visit

2006-10-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

Post Mountain Fire fighters visited with Leflore County 911 Director Jim Tiffee on Saturday, October 14th. Jim was here to speak about the upcoming November ballot proposal for a 50 cent per MONTH cell phone tax. Jim stated currently the 911 call center is operating on land line telephone service charges only. According to Jim ,last month 55% of 911 calls came from cell phones and 45% were from land lines. Leflore County 911 receives no money to fund cell phone calls. Wireless services have added an expensive drain on the call center that is not funded. With more and more people adding cell phones and disconnecting land lines the costs for the 911 center will only continue to rise, and revenue be lost.
Leflore County 911 needs this funding to update equipment and make it possible to locate callers.
If your wife, children or other loved one currently call the 911 center, there is no technology in place to locate them immediately. With a GPS system anyone with a cell phone calling 911 could be located. Jim stated with the new equipment it would take roughly 3 minutes to find someones location after a 911 call.
This is especially important for passer-bys, or travelers calling in reports. Someone reporting a wreck , fire, or other injury on a highway currently is a time consuming process trying to locate victims. In some cases this time can be extremely critical when exact locations are not known.
Post Mountain fire fighters discussed lost persons on hiking trails, or horseback, and locating them if they are injured. Tiffee said with a new system it would be possible.
When asked where the money for these updates would come from if this 50 cents per month proposal is not funded Tiffee stated, "I dont know".
Tiffee asked that everyone vote YES in November ,for the Leflore County 911, 50 cent per month proposal.

October 8-14th. Fire Prevention Week, 2006

2006-10-08T05:30:00.000-07:00

National Fire Prevention Week is the week of October 8 – 14, 2006, and its theme is Prevent
Cooking Fires: "Watch What You Heat." The first Fire Prevention Day was held in 1911, but it
wasn’t until 1922 that the present National Fire Prevention Week was established. Fire Prevention
Week is always held during the week that includes October 9th. October 9this the day that marks
the Great Chicago Fire that occurred in 1871, destroying much of the city of Chicago and leaving
over 250 people dead and 100,000 or more homeless. While Mrs. O’Leary’s cow was blamed, no
one reallyknows what happened; however, we do know how to PREVENT this tragedy from happening
again.

Presidential Fire Prevention Week Proclimation

FIRE PREVENTION TIPS

Always keep an eye on food being heated. Unattended cooking causes the majority of fires in the kitchen. If you leave the kitchen, turn off the heat.

Keep children away from appliances when cooking. Enforce a "kid-free zone" around the stove and teach youngsters not to play in that area. If you allow older children to cook, supervise them closely and teach them safe cooking practices.

Dress appropriately for cooking. Wear short or tight fitting sleeves when cooking and use caution when working near heat sources.

Try not to reach over the stove. You can avoid this by not storing items you use directly over or behind the stovetop.

Turn handles inward so pots and pans won't be pulled or knocked off the stove. Take precautions and turn handles away from danger.

Keep the stove-top clean and clear. Keep food and grease from building up by cleaning often and keep things that can catch fire, like pot holders or wooden utensils, away from heat.

Carefully monitor hot oil, keeping the pan lid close at hand. Guard against splattering grease by lowering food into oil with utensils; don't just drop it in. Know what to do in case a grease fire occurs.

If you're cooking with oil and it ignites, don't throw water on the fire. Don't try moving the pan either. Turn the burner off and smother the fire with a pan lid. If this doesn't work, leave the house and call the fire department.

If you have a fire in your microwave oven, close the door to the microwave and unplug it. Don't use the microwave again until you've had it serviced.

Do not put any metallic materials in the microwave oven, which may cause sparks and eventually damage the microwave.

Keep an "ABC" dry chemical fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

Use caution with electrical appliances. Plug one appliance into an outlet at a time. Have appliances with frayed or cracked cords repaired before use. Keep heat-producing appliances away from walls and curtains. Be extra careful when working around water. Never stand in or near water when using electrical appliances.

Keep appliance cords as short as possible to avoid accidents such as tripping or knocking the appliance over.

Keep appliances in proper working order. Avoid using them if they are defective.

Always have hot pads and lids ready when cooking. You may need them if you experience a small pan fire.

Keep emergency numbers by the telephone - police, fire, poison control, and doctor.

Prevent boil-overs by not overfilling pots. Use recommended temperatures instead of increasing the heat to reduce cooking time.

Use a burner that's the appropriate size for the pan you're using.

Grant for Post Mountain Volunteer Fire Department

2006-10-05T04:15:00.000-07:00

In June, 2006 Post Mountain VFD applied for a Homeland Security, Assistance to Firefighters Grant. Secretary Amy Howard was notified on October 4, 2006 by Senator Inhofe's office that Post Mountain was awarded this grant. Fire Chief Bruce Eutsler, and Secretary Amy Howard co-wrote the grant for much needed equipment and fire fighter protection. The items approved for purchase are, 5 sets of Wildland firefighting gear. This includes helmets, goggles, jackets, pants and boots. This grant also provides 600 ft of 1.5 inch attack hose to replace or add to current inventory on scene. Also in this grant are , hepatitis a and b immunizations for firefighters, a visual acuity exam, and general physicals.

Post Mountain has also applied for a Homeland Security SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant. This grant, if awarded, will provide incentive for current firefighters to remain and entice new firefighters to join. Wish us luck.

Sleeper -Semi Fire

2006-10-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

At 10:05 a.m. Post Mountain Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to Hillbilly Junction on Hwy 59 South. Upon arrival HawCreek fire department had extinguished an interior fire in this semi. The driver noticed smoke inside the compartment and pulled over as soon as possible. The smoke was so severe the driver could not use his fire extinguisher. This driver was also a volunteer Fire Fighter in his own hometown and knew the dangers of toxic smoke. It looked as if some electrical components underneath the sleeper compartment interior had ignited. Although not clear the insert on the photo is of the electrical converter/inverter and surrounding char.

Remnants of East Blue Lightning Fire

2006-09-28T17:21:00.000-07:00

Lightning

2006-09-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of the tree struck by lightning on 9/27/06. Post Mountain was originally dispatched to Payne Lane on Holson Valley Road for a wildfire. Upon arriving at the fire scene the blaze was located half way up a mountain and not accessible to vehicles. Post Mountain decided to change locations and get behind the fire from Goats Bluff and Blue Mountain Road. Once on Blue Mountain Road Post Mountain was informed by firefighters on stand-by at the fire station that another fire was located on the east side of Blue Mountain. The original fire was left to the Forest Service on scene, and Post Mountain proceeded to the east side of Blue Mountain. Once on scene Post Mountain aided a single Forestry agent with a rake with some 400 gallons of water. You can see the lightning damage on this tree.

United States Fire Administration Excerpt

2006-09-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

The following is an excerpt from the United States Fire Administration.
The USFA provides technical bulletins of some of the most deadly fire incidents in the United States concerning Corporations to Farm House fires. We hope the tragic circumstances of these fires teach others valuable lessons.

OVERVIEW
On June 21, 2001 a fire in a single-family detached dwelling resulted in the death
of six occupants, five of whom were children ranging in age from twenty-two months to
seven years old. The fire was reported at approximately 2:00 AM and everyone was
reported to have been asleep at the time that the fire was discovered. According to the sole surviving resident, there was no operational smoke detector in the home. As a result,the fire reached sufficient intensity as to make the rescue of the victims impossible. By the time firefighters arrived, the structure was heavily involved and fire had broken through the doors and windows and was threatening nearby exposures.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and were left with the grim task of
searching for and recovering the bodies of the six victims: a twenty-four year old female,her twenty-two month old baby girl; the five-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter of her housemate; and the six-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter of her housemate’s sister.
Investigators determined that a battery charger had been left plugged into an
electrical outlet on the enclosed front porch of the dwelling and had caused the fire. The battery charger was not in use at the time of the fire, but had been covered by clothes and apparently overheated, igniting the blaze.
Fire fatalities are rare in St. Cloud and the number and age of the victims deeply
impacted both the firefighters and the community as a whole. A number of fundraisers
were held to assist the families of the victims and a local funeral home donated the
funeral services. The demand for smoke detectors also dramatically increased immediately following the fire.
Five of the victims were children, the eldest of which
was seven. Three of the victims were five or younger.
Although children five and younger make up only nine
percent of the total population, they comprise nineteen
percent of all fire fatalities according to the NFPA. The
United States Fire Administration has specifically targeted
children fourteen and younger in a special effort
to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries in this
age group.

Lightning Strike

2006-09-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy Monty Woodral

This photo is of a tree fire on Post Mountain road. An earlier thunderstorm had struck the tree and a local resident noticed it smoking and called 911. Post Mountain extinguished the fire relatively quickly. No injuries reported.

US Fire Administration Technical Report /Excerpt

2006-09-10T06:37:00.000-07:00

THE FOLLOWING STORY IS TRUE AND CONFIRMS THE NEED FOR A WORKING SMOKE DETECTOR IN YOUR HOME

FIRE DISCOVERY
At the time of the fire two adults and their four children were asleep. The father was awakened at about 12:45 a.m. by the sound of a smoke detector operating. He noticed a light haze of white smoke and spent several minutes looking for the source before he discovered that the smoke was being pushed into the house from the exterior by the wind. The smoke was entering near the bedroom on the middle level where he had been sleeping.
On the outside deck he found a one-foot by one-foot area burning around an outside electrical outlet. He went to the kitchen, filled a pan with water, which he used in an attempt to fight the fire. He refilled the pan twice in the downstairs bathroom, but was unsuccessful in controlling the fire.
At 12:52 a.m. the alarm monitoring service called the home to verify activation of the smoke detector. The person who answered confirmed that there was a fire. Several minutes later the smoke became extremely heavy and the occupant instructed one of his daughters to call the fire department. The family then evacuated the residence. It is believed the bedroom sliding glass door and the utility room doors were left in the open position.
The mother put the two boys into one of the family cars in the garage and backed the car out as SFFD Engine 26 was arriving. The two daughters also exited through the garage. The father was in the garage trying to find a way to remove the remaining car when the lieutenant and a firefighter from Engine 26 approached and asked where the fire was and if everyone was out of the building.
After confirming that everyone was outside, the father went to the sidewalk for a short time, then returned to the garage to retrieve his prescription glasses from the car. Smoke in the garage was not a problem at this time. He remembers seeing the lieutenant and the firefighter, with SCBA on, in the southeast corner of the garage. He then went across the street to watch the fire. Within one minute he saw flames above the roof line of his house.
Sadly the Lieutenant lost his life in this fire due to the garage door closing behind him. Several other fire fighters were injured. Investigators were unsure whether the door malfunctioned, or an outside remote had closed the door. A lesson for fire personnel and homeowners alike. KNOW TWO WAYS OUT.

2006-09-01T18:20:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy Heather Woodral

Post Mountain firefighters responded to this truck fire today at Cedar Lake State Park. Apparently a gas can in the bed of the truck had overturned and leaking gas was ignited possibly by the exhaust system. The occupent noticed flames in the bed of the truck and fled the vehicle. No one was injured.

VEHICLE FIRES

2006-08-24T04:26:00.000-07:00

During 2004, U.S. public fire departments responded to an estimated 266,500 highway-type vehicle fires. These fires claimed 520 lives and caused $969 million in direct property damage. Highway vehicles include cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles commonly driven on roads or highways.
One (17%) of every six reported fires involves a highway-type vehicle and 13% of all civilian fire deaths.
On average, more than 30 highway vehicle fires were reported per hour.
In 2004, more people died from highway vehicle fires than from apartment fires. Three times as many vehicle fires were reported as apartment fires.
Cars and other passenger vehicles account for the vast majority of highway vehicle fires and associated losses. In 1999-2002, only 13% of highway vehicle fire actually occurred on highways; 37% occurred on streets, roads or driveways, and 15% were in parking lots.
More than two-thirds of highway vehicle fires resulted from mechanical or electrical failures or malfunctions. Collisions or rollovers caused only 3% of these fires but 57% of the associated deaths.
Motor vehicles contain multiple gallons of highly flammable gasoline and other combustible liquids, including motor oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and brake fluid. Leakage of these fluids is the leading item first ignited in highway vehicle fires (1999-2002).
Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey

If a fire occurs:

Stop – If possible, pull to the side of the road and turn off the ignition. Pulling to the side makes it possible for everyone to get out of the vehicle safely. Turn off the ignition to shut off the electric current and stop the flow of gasoline. Put the vehicle in park or set the emergency brake; you don’t want the vehicle to move after you leave it. Keep the hood closed because more oxygen can make the fire larger.
Get Out – Make sure everyone gets out of the vehicle. Then move at least 100 feet away. Keep traffic in mind and keep everyone together. There is not only danger from the fire, but also from other vehicles moving in the area.
Call for Help – Call 9-1-1 or the emergency number for your local fire department. Firefighters are specially trained to combat vehicle fires. Never return to the vehicle to attempt to fight the fire yourself. Vehicle fires can be tricky, even for firefighters.

Fire Safety Starts With You

2006-08-21T18:13:00.000-07:00

Most fire deaths are caused by SMOKE not flames. Most fire deaths and injuries occur at NIGHT between midnight and 8a.m. while victims are asleep. When purchasing a smoke alarm check for: UL-listing, Hush feature, Ten-year battery, Malfunction signal, Loud alarm. If you do not have a smoke detector in your home and live in Post Mountain, Hodgen, Stapp Zoe area, please send us an email with a phone number and we will be glad to install one for you free of charge. It is a proven fact that smoke detectors save lives. Be Safe

Basic Fire Investigation

2006-08-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

Recently members of the Post Mountain Volunteer Fire Department attended the IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) Basic Fire Investigaiton class in McAlester. Class was held from 9:00 a.m to 3:30 p.m. Left to right, Ann Woodral, Amy Howard, Christy Compton, and Chief Bruce Eutsler on a lunch break.

Hose Testing

2006-08-18T03:57:00.000-07:00

Post Mountain tested all hoses recently with the help of Randy Crone and Emory Dilbeck. According to NFPA standards, this is an every year requirement. We appreciate all the help these fine folks have given us.