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In this Issue: Fire Fighting Clothing Fire Fighting Jobs
Coming Soon, to a Ben Homepage Near You!
According to The National Interagency Fire Center the number of U.S. acres burned in 2008 was 5,292,468. That's considerably less than the 9,328,045 acres burned in 2007. And while it's encouraging to see this kind of decrease every Outdoor Pro responsible for Wildland Fire Management knows these numbers have little bearing on the need to remain prepared. After all, drought conditions have led to expectations of above normal wildland fire activity in areas such as Northern California and North-Central Washington. The Southwest, from Texas to Arizona, is also expected to see above normal fire potential.
With these kinds of statistics tumbling around in our heads, the Ben Team has devoted a great deal of time to considering how to keep Wildland Fire Specialists on top the latest gear. That's why you owe it to yourself to keep checking BenMeadows.com this month. Sometime next week you'll see an entire area of our homepage devoted to equipment and supplies you need to get ready for another busy wildland fire season. If you can't wait to dive in to the topic, we've included two articles in this month's issue about fire fighting clothing and information about finding work putting out fires.
And don't forget, we're always here to talk about your own Wildland Fire Management strategy. Just give one of our Product Specialists a call, toll free, at 1-800-241-6401 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). They can tell you what you need to stay safe and effective while you face the fire.
Jack Ben Meadows Team Leader j.schaffer@benmeadows.com
Common Questions about Wildland Fire Fighting Clothing
The recent outbreak of wildfires in the Santa Barbara area of California has meant the Tech Department here at Ben Meadows has been fielding many calls regarding Wildland Fire Fighting Clothing. One of the most significant and often repeated answers we have provided many customers is that all of our Fireline Wildland Firefighter clothing meets the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Cal-OSHA requirements. To be specific; the clothing is UL certified to meet or exceed 1977 standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting (2005 Edition) and the requirements for Cal-OSHA Title 8 GISO Sections 3406(c)(1) and/or 3410(d)(1).
Next it comes down to a question of Indura verses Nomex. The Flame Resistance (FR) of Indura and Indura Ultra Soft is achieved through the application of a flame retardant chemical to the cotton. According to the manufacturer Indura becomes self extinguishing through the following process:
in Indura engineered fabrics, the flame retardant chemical is impregnated in the core of the cotton fiber and acts as a catalyst promoting the charring of the fabric. This accelerated charring prohibits the support of combustion by reducing the fuel source. The flame retardant chemical acts in the solid phase to produce this char. The mechanism of action is not based on a gaseous process of extinguishing or "snuffing out" the flame.
In Layman’s terms once the material is charred there is no fuel to support combustion and it self extinguishes.
Nomex is manufactured by DuPont, the difference between Nomex and Indura is Indura is a treated fabric; Nomex is inherently flame-resistant which means it's thermal protection is permanent – it cannot be washed out or worn away. Nomex® won’t melt, drip or support combustion in the air. Combined with high break strength, tear resistance and abrasion resistance properties Nomex is a good choice for Wildland Firefighters.
In the end it come downs to personal choice. Some prefer the comfort and softness of Indura where others prefer the toughness of Nomex. The important thing is both styles of garments offer the required protection needed by Wildland Firefighters.
Click here to view more Wildland firefighting garments available from Ben Meadows.
Finding Forest Fire Fighting Jobs Online
The USDA Forest Service has made finding Wildland Firefighting jobs a little easier. The Forest Service now has a Web site where individuals in search of employment on fire crews can apply online.
Whether you are looking for a limited number of hours (also known as seasonals), permanent 26 week on and 26 week off jobs or full-time, year-round employment you can find it on this site. This new site can help you find work on handcrews, as smokejumpers, as a Hotshot, on a helitack/helirappeling crew or an engine crew.
Click here for more information about exciting job opportunities as diverse as the Forest Service itself!
The Natural Resource Editor's Challenge!
Last month we asked this question:
Because summer is just around the corner we were wondering - from what material(s) are the traction blades on our Denali Classic Snowshoes made?
Ann from Illinois knew that those traction blades are made from steel. We're sure that as July approaches items like snowshoes are top-of-mind so we're glad we could help remind you that the best place to find your next pair is Ben Meadows!
We're sending Ann a PMI Kershaw 5-in-1 Carabiner Tool!
Take a look at our latest catalog or use our Web site (www.benmeadows.com) for help with this month's challenge. Don't have a catalog? You can get a free copy by clicking here. Now here's the question:
If you grabbed a 16 Watt Fanon® Megaphone to remind a co-worker to place an order at BenMeadows.com how far away could he/she be and still be able to hear you?
If you know, send us the correct answer along with your name and how to contact you. Send us the right answer and you'll be entered into a drawing. The winner will receive a PMI Kershaw 5-in-1 Carabiner Tool (a $60 value)!
Send your answers to: editor@benmeadows.com
If you deal with water and water quality issues then you need a FREE subscription to THE WATERMAIN! Sign up here and every other month you will get helpful information, hot product overviews and the chance to win great prizes by correctly answering our quiz! Get your FREE subscription TODAY!
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any specific questions about product specifications, applications or compliance issues, call one of our Technical Support Specialists at 1-800-241-6401 or e-mail them at: productpros@benmeadows.com.
If you have any questions about the list or its contents, send e-mail to the Editor at: editor@benmeadows.com.
The Natural Resource is copyrighted by Lab Safety Supply, Inc., Ben Meadows Company is a division of Lab Safety Supply, Inc. Those wishing to re-publish a written piece in any other form or medium must first receive permission from Lab Safety Supply, Inc. To request permission, e-mail: g.lee@labsafety.com.
The goal of The Natural Resource is to provide accurate information on the subject matters covered. However, it is impossible to guarantee absolute accuracy of the materials. Therefore, the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for omissions, errors or misprinting contained within this publication. Lab Safety Supply, Inc. P.O. Box 1368, Janesville, WI 53547-1368, USA Tel: 800-356-0783 Fax: 800-543-9910 http://www.labsafety.com
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