Every so often it is important to reset, to go back and remind myself of why I write about the fire department in the first place. For me, the compulsion is to deconstruct what I have been taught about fighting fires and managing fire departments. I want to take the pieces apart, flip them over, consider them, and understand them. I know that understanding the "thing" deconstructed as a set ... Other columnist articles: What do firefighters have to lose? Realities of the fireground Pre-planning for a radio system blackout Juggling cuts, closures and public expectations Metaphors mask realities of firefighting Academic Approaches to Firefighting Billie Jean, an Airplane, and Smoky Hallways Roles and Rules of the Backup Line NIMS Can Create Accountability Problems on Scene Firefighter Safety: Time for a Change<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheWatchdeskPost/~4/oM6Ogu3ELlE" height="1" width="1"/>
By Jen Lynds The Bangor Daily NewsPRESQUE ISLE, Maine — An estimated 650 firefighters from 75 fire departments throughout Maine will converge on the city this weekend for the 47th annual Maine State Federation of Firefighters State Convention.The fete runs Sept. 10-12 and its host this year will be the Presque Isle Fire Department. It is slated to be one of the larger conventions held in past ...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheWatchdeskPost/~4/Mh-fG6y6qo8" height="1" width="1"/>
HARLINGEN - Investigators say a weekend house fire in Harlingen was unintentional. The fire broke out just after 9 p.m. Saturday at the 1800 block of North Parkwood. That’s located off Sunshine Strip. We’re told the blaze started in the attic of the home above the bathroom. No one was there at the time of the fire. Authorities say the electrical system may have contributed to the blaze.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheWatchdeskPost/~4/7mJHb-dv2K0" height="1" width="1"/>
JIM WELL COUNTY - KRIS 6 News has an update on a house fire that left an Alice family without a place to live Tuesday morning. According to the Alice Fire Department they were unable to determine what cause the fire that destroyed the trailer home. We're told they do not suspect arson but the case has been handed over to the Jim Wells Sheriff's Department. As for the family the Red Cross has ...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheWatchdeskPost/~4/RWInaqtu6OQ" height="1" width="1"/>
With so many big matchups, it is easy to say Saturday is one of the biggest days in college football this season. It also is the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. All three service academies are playing at home Saturday and have various plans to honor those who lost their lives that day. Other schools hosting games around the country have plans as ...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheWatchdeskPost/~4/UEJLN9D6fn4" height="1" width="1"/>
The wading staff can collapse posing a fall hazard to consumers.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheWatchdeskPost/~4/CUlZPG8k8Ns" height="1" width="1"/>
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- FDNY officials are responding to reports of a brush fire in Arden Heights. The blaze is being reported in the wooded area behind Ilyssa Way -- the location of another brush fire just yesterday. Today's...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheWatchdeskPost/~4/EwqIz6eLqms" height="1" width="1"/>
Firefighters are battling a house fire in the city.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheWatchdeskPost/~4/W-QREVIWiM8" height="1" width="1"/>
Choosing a career as a firefighter comes with inherent and obvious challenges and dangers—there is a risk of injury and death on every call for help to which you respond.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheWatchdeskPost/~4/T_2IRfdypS8" height="1" width="1"/>
As the ninth anniversay of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks draws near, the Iron and Steel: NYC to Arlington Motorcycle Run passed through Prince George’s County on Aug. 28.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheWatchdeskPost/~4/_ZJuc7TSNK4" height="1" width="1"/>
