When you enter a fire department, they’ll greet you with a wagging tail and a big, sloppy kiss. Dalmatians, that is. These adorable spotted pups have had a long history in firefighting and bringing joy to fire departments around the world. As the official firehouse mascot, Dalmatians provide companionship and happiness to hardworking firefighters. While there remains some debate over Dalmatians’ origin, one thing’s for sure, these pooches will always have a home at fire departments.

• Horsin’ Around
  Dalmatians and horses have had a long history of friendship. Since the days of traveling by horse-drawn carriages, Dalmatians were trained to be coach dogs and run along side horses. The compatibility between horses and Dalmatians continued when the spotted dogs transitioned to horse-drawn fire engines. Dalmatians were trained to run in front of the fire cart, clear a path and guide the horses toward the fire.
• Protection
  During the time of horse-drawn fire engines, Dalmatians were trained as guard dogs to the firehouse. Dalmatians would protect the highly sought after horses and fire equipment from thieves and other dogs. Even after horse-drawn fire carriages were phased out by motorized fire engines, Dalmatians have remained in the firehouse as guard dogs and mascots.
• Man’s Best Friend
  In addition to Dalmatians’ historical role in firefighting, they also serve as companions to firefighters. Whether it’s their loyal, sweet demeanor, or their unwavering energy and charm, Dalmatians provide happiness and friendship to hardworking firefighters.
• Gentle Disposition
  Loyal, fun-loving and affectionate are just three words that describe the nature of Dalmatians. It’s the even tempered, gentle disposition of Dalmatians that mixes so well with the often high-stress and difficult duties of firefighters.
• Energetic
  While Dalmatians are very sweet and friendly, they can be equally as active and rambunctious. For some people they’re exhausting, but for active and physically fit people, such as firefighters, they can keep up. Dalmatians are incredibly energetic and fast and love to play, run and go for walks, which works well with firefighters’ daily workout requirements and active lifestyles.
• Intelligent
  Despite their sometimes stubborn streak, Dalmatians are extremely intelligent dogs with outstanding memories. They thrive in active, family environments, where they can demonstrate these characteristics, which is most likely why they do so well in firehouses.
• Heroic
  Dalmatians have a long history of being heroes. From their role in leading horse-drawn fire engines to put out fires, to serving as search and rescue dogs, Dalmatians continue to aid in the heroic duties of firefighters.
• Fire Safety Helper
  Dalmatians have been helping firefighters and fire safety educators teach kids how to stop, drop and roll for years. With training, Dalmatians have become demonstrators in teaching fire safety lessons that are both cute and memorable for children.
• Popular
  With their beautiful black and white spots and adorable personalities, Dalmatians have been a popular breed for firefighters for decades. They are also a top choice among fire stations because they are fun-loving and sweet, which is important for interacting with the community.
• Leadership
  Dalmatians have demonstrated a great deal of leadership in the past, and continue to do so in today’s fire departments. They have the ability to lead and follow the directions of their owners, which makes them excellent in firefighting settings.

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There’s nothing mundane about the job duties of a firefighter, because every day brings something new and different for these highly-skilled workers. Whether they are rescuing people after a tragic earthquake, treating patients at the scene of a car crash, or investigating a possible arson fire, firefighters are selfless workers, who are dedicated to saving lives and protecting our land. Here are some different job duties happening in fire departments today:

• Search and Rescue
  Search and rescue is the most important job function of firefighters. Firefighters are trained to search for and rescue trapped victims in burning buildings, motor vehicle accidents and other life threatening situations. Searches are done in two stages — primary and secondary. Primary searches are done first in
  areas closest to the fire. Once the fire is under control, firefighters will begin the secondary search by looking more extensively and in hidden areas. The rescue process varies depending on the location of the victim and the extent of the fire or accident. Firefighters are also trained in rescuing victims of motor vehicle accidents, using cutters, spreaders and rams, also known as the Jaws of Life.
• Fire Control
  While victims are being rescued, firefighters have to contain the fire. In order to do so, firefighters spray water or foam mixtures through a hose onto the fire. The fire becomes extinguished when it is deprived of fuel, oxygen or heat. Firefighters use various equipment and machinery to control fires, such as ladder trucks, pumper trucks fire hoses, fire hydrants, fire extinguishers and other useful tools. Depending on the type and severity of a fire, firefighters will typically attack a fire from the interior, exterior or both. If firefighters enter a burning structure, they must abide by the “two-in, two-out” rule so that no one is left alone in a dangerous situation.
• Emergency Medical Services
  Most firefighters are trained and certified emergency medical technicians and paramedics. Because firefighters are typically first on the scene of a fire or motor vehicle accident, they can assess the victim’s condition and provide emergency care immediately. Those who are trained in emergency medical services can also aid in treating injured firefighters. At the basic level of certification, firefighters-EMTs are qualified to treat patients at the scene, transport them by ambulance to the hospital, as well as check vital signs and manage respiratory, cardiac and trauma emergencies.
• Fire Prevention
  Teaching and enforcing fire prevention methods is an important duty of all fire department workers. In addition to fire safety education, firefighters also do community outreach programs about fire prevention. Fire prevention efforts include, reducing known hazardous materials and conditions, preventing dangerous acts that could start a fire, teaching proper use of fire extinguishers and how to ensure smoke detectors and alarms are working properly. Fire prevention teams may teach the community through safety brochures, educational videos, informative presentations, public safety announcements and much more.
• Fire Safety Education
  Firefighters can be seen teaching fire safety education programs to people of all ages. Firefighters may host programs at the fire station or attend local schools to teach children about basic fire safety tips, such as fire prevention, burn prevention and evacuation procedures. For fire safety in the workplace,
  firefighters may visit offices to educate adults on fire prevention, evacuation procedures and fire hazards, as well as demonstrate installation and maintenance of smoke detectors and proper use of a fire extinguisher.
• Disaster Management
  When disasters strike, firefighters are some of the first rescue service workers on the scene. Wildfires, natural disasters and terrorist attacks are just a few of the many disasters that firefighters help with. They aid in search and rescue, emergency medical services and cleaning up the remains of a disaster. Firefighters are also trained in emergency management, including disaster awareness, evacuation procedures and emergency response plans.
• Fire Inspection & Code Enforcement
  Qualified fire department workers can work in fire inspection and fire code enforcement. Fire safety inspectors evaluate businesses, residential facilities and other places of assembly to ensure compliance with fire safety codes. Inspectors also evaluate evacuation routes, fire prevention equipment and any potential fire hazards. They may work with planners and developers to inspect construction and make sure new building meet state and local fire codes.
• Fire Investigation
  Some firefighters are trained to conduct fire investigations, in which evidence is collected and analyzed after a fire to determine the cause. Fire inspectors will interview witnesses, study the data and prepare reports that help determine if arson or criminal negligence was the cause. With years of experience and additional training, firefighters are eligible to work in fire investigations because of their expertise and knowledge of possible fire causes.
• HAZMAT
  Many firefighters work in hazardous materials units that help prevent, control and clean up hazardous materials, such as toxic chemicals, oil spills, explosives, poisons and radioactive substances. Hazardous materials are often flammable, combustible and dangerous to humans and the environment when used improperly. Therefore, HAZMAT workers are needed to contain these substances and dispose of them accordingly.
• Mop-Ups
  Firefighters are also subject to performing mop-ups after fires, or parts of a fire, are controlled. Mopping up involves extinguishing and removing smoldering, hazardous materials that may reignite or cause further damage. A mop-up operation also includes making sure burning fuel is burnt out, spread or buried to stop sparks, keeping logs and debris from rolling across the fire line and removing any burning roots, tree limbs, stumps or anything that might catch fire in the clean up.

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A destructive wildfire is merciless to the land on which it resides. Each year, 1.2 million acres of US woodland burn, according to weather.com. Vegetation is destroyed and animals are killed or displaced. People also experience the devastation; the long-term costs of wildfires reach into the billions. In 2009, the Station Fire north of Los Angeles burned more than 160,000 acres, costing tens of millions of dollars. Two firefighters were killed and thousands were forced to flee their homes. It was one of the largest wildfires in LA County modern history. Unfortunately, more than four out of five wildfires are caused by the carless behavior of people. Camp fires and cigarettes often spark the blazes, which are facilitated by hot, dry and windy weather. Other times, lightning strikes are the cause and the inferno is fueled by dense vegetation. Below are ten of the most devastating wildfires – manmade or caused naturally – in American history.

• Adirondack Fire – 637,000 acres
  An abundance of dead leaves that accumulated during the autumn and a 72-day drought made conditions in Adirondack State Park in Upstate New York especially conducive to wildfires. The fires were centered in Lake Placid and covered neighboring areas like Schroon Lake, Newcomb and Clintonville.
• Peshtigo Fire – 3.7 million acres
  The 1871 Peshtigo Fire claimed 1,500 lives as it raged through Wisconsin and Michigan; the most of whom died in Peshtigo, Wisconsin, which was about half of the town’s population. According to some accounts, the inferno was started by railroad workers who were clearing land in order to lay tracks during the dry summer. Perhaps the most devastating fire in American history, it’s overlooked in part because the Chicago Fire started on the same day.
• Yacolt Burn – 1 million acres
  The Devil Wind from Eastern Washington helped propagate fires in the southwestern counties of the state on September 11th, 1902. Millions of dollars of timber were lost, and 38 people died in Cowlitz, Clark and Skamania counties. Before the disaster, there wasn’t an organized system for dealing with wildfires in Washington, but that changed in 1903 when a state fire warden was established.
• Great Fire of 1910 – 3 million acres
  Strong winds on August 20th and 21st spread fires across millions of acres of forested land in Montana, Idaho and Washington. As a result, 86 people were killed; many of whom were firefighters. The Great Fire of 1910 helped ensure the US Forest Service would henceforth be used to suppress fires.
• Summer 2008 California Wildfires – 1.56 million acres
  According to the LA Times, the state of California spent roughly $1 billion and the US Forest Service spent about $700,000,000 to fight the summer ’08 blazes, which started in Monterey Country. Initially, more than 2,000 fires were started by a dry-lightning storm. It was estimated that more than 2,300 structures were destroyed.
• October 2007 California Wildfires – 500,000 acres
  Not a year before the destruction that occurred in the summer of ’08, October fires engulfed 1,500 homes in Southern California , killing nine people. Half a million people were forced to evacuate as the fire spread across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
• Summer 2004 Alaskan Wildfires – 6.6 million acres
  An irregularly warm and dry summer contributed to an incredibly active wildfire season. A total of 710 fires burned – 426 were caused by humans and 275 were caused by lightning. The three single largest fires were the Boundary Creek Fire, Dall City Fire and Bully Creek Fire, which covered just fewer than 1.5 million acres. More than 2,700 firefighting personnel helped ensure there were no fatalities amid the massive destruction.
• Yellowstone Fires of 1988 – 793,880 acres
  By the end of the summer of ’88, 36 percent of the park was burned by seven major fires. The most destruction occurred on Black Sunday – August 20th – when high winds caused more than 150,000 acres to burn. More than 25,000 firefighters from various states attempted to extinguish the fires, which didn’t cease until November.
• Murphy Complex Fire – 653,100 acres
  The largest fire in Idaho in almost 100 years was a product of six lightning-caused wildfires. It started on July 16th, 2007 near the Idaho-Nevada border, and it burned hundreds of thousands of acres of private, public and state land. Grass, brush and juniper ensured that the fire remained vigorous during the more than two weeks that it burned.
• Great Hinkley Fire – 300,000 acres
  Two fires converged on September 1st, 1894 south of Hinkley, Minnesota, destroying the town along with several others. Officially, 418 deaths were recorded, though many people from the area have speculated that the number was greater, possibly close to 800.The disaster remains one of the biggest in the history of the state.

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The sudden pain felt when a fiery hot object touches your body is unmistakable. Your skin is your largest organ, and when it’s harmed, it loses its ability to fight infections – which can lead to dire consequences. You can’t underestimate the severity of a painful burn, and treatment must be sought immediately after one has occurred. According to the American Burn Association, roughly 500,000 people receive medical treatment for burn injuries each year, and many burn-related accidents, 43 percent, occur inside the home. Here are a handful of items that are most commonly responsible for burning their unsuspecting users.

• Clothing Irons
  If you use a clothing iron on a regular basis, you’ve probably burnt yourself on more than one occasion. There may not be another dangerous item that we feel just as comfortable using. But not many have mishandled it like former major league pitcher John Smoltz, who scalded himself while attempting to iron his shirt – while wearing it.
• Curling Irons
  A high percentage of burns are caused by curling irons. Many women have paid a high price for curly-haired beauty, enduring burns to their faces, arms and hands. And many of their sons and daughters have hurt themselves by grabbing curling irons they didn’t know were hot. Straightening irons have also been known to cause a burn or two.
• Barbecue Grills
  It’s a rite of passage for American males to suffer a burn caused by the open flame while grilling steaks, hamburgers and hotdogs. The scar left behind is certainly much more acceptable than a beauty mark caused by a curling iron. However, injuries from grilling can be much more severe simply because there’s direct contact with fire.
• Ovens
  Have you ever instinctively reached into 300-400 degree oven to retrieve a dish that was near completion only to realize that you forgot to put on your oven mitts? If you’ve learned the hard way that forgetfulness isn’t an option when dealing with hot kitchen appliances, your duties as head chef were likely halted for an indefinite period of time. Stovetops are also dangerous because burners (apt name) can easily be mistaken for being off after they’ve been left on.
• Pots and Pans
  Cooking can be dangerous. Pots and Pans conduct heat and take a while to cool after they’ve spent time in the oven or on a stovetop. Additionally, boiling water or any other liquid cultivated during the cooking process is harmful to your skin. Pots that sit atop a stove are vulnerable to being knocked over; this is a cause of many spill-related burns.
• Fireplaces
  Lighting a perfect fire is a difficult task. It takes just the right amount of wood and/or gas to make it burn in a controlled manner over a long period of time. In the process of tending to the fire, many adults burn themselves by coming into contact with the flames. The barrier doors of a fireplace also reach high temperatures; not unlike the surface of a hot stove.
• Radiators
  When a radiator is located inside of your home, the possibility exists that you or your housemates could suffer a burn with inadvertent contact. Some radiators can heat up to 150 degrees, making them especially harmful to young children. Fortunately, you can purchase an attractive radiator cover that would serve to prevent human contact while removing it from sight altogether; thus improving the safety and decor of your home.
• Tea/Coffee Cups
  We’ve all heard the stories about frivolous lawsuits undertaken by greedy lawyers on behalf of clients who scalded themselves with fast food coffee. Of course, nobody needs millions of dollars to treat such burns. But if you were to have experienced that kind of pain, you’d be looking for someone on whom to take out your anger too.
• Microwaved foods
  Popcorn enthusiasts know all about the hot burst of steam that arises after opening a package that’s fresh out of the microwave. Many over-exuberant popcorn lovers who just couldn’t wait to munch on the salty goodness have burned their arms and hands. Prospective popcorn devourers have also endured corneal abrasions caused by peering directly into the bag of steam.
• Light bulbs
  It’s a common mistake for people to change light bulbs too soon after they’ve burnt out without allowing them to cool, causing painful blisters and thus limited use of their hands. Exposed light bulbs that aren’t covered can be dangerous – as harmless as they seem.
• Fireworks
  New Year’s Eve and Fourth of July celebrations are incomplete without heavy doses of fireworks. Many of the people who pop fireworks receive heavy doses of pain meds by the end of the night because they’ve burnt themselves. In serious cases, second degree burns are incurred, causing the skin to blister and become extremely red.
• Cigarettes
  Smoking gets a bad rap because of what it can do to your lungs, but have you considered what it can do to your skin? Cigarette burns seem innocuous; however they can be quite painful. The cherry can reach more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit – not something you’d want touching your skin regardless of its small size.

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Female firefighters have been putting out flames for almost 200 years, while continuing to burn down boundaries of gender discrimination, harassment and negative criticisms from their male counterparts. While firefighting remains a predominately male profession, female firefighters make sure that their efforts are noticed and their voices are heard, so they can keep doing what they do best – fight fires. Here are 10 amazing female firefighters who’ve changed the face of the profession:

1. Molly Williams
   Known as the first female firefighter, Molly Williams was a slave in New York City and a member of the Oceanus Engine Company No. 11 in 1815. She was remembered for pulling the pumper to fires through heavy snow during a blizzard in 1818. Williams wore a calico dress and checked apron when fighting fires, but she was known to be just as hardworking as the male firefighters. There is very little known about her personal life, but her firefighting efforts remain an important part of women’s history and paving the way for female firefighters.
2. Marina Betts
   Marina Betts made history as a volunteer firefighter in Pittsburgh in 1820. Known for her unwavering dedication, Betts was said to have never missed an alarm during her 10 years of service, and was remembered for pouring buckets of water over male bystanders who refused to help put out fires.
3. Lillie Hitchcock Coit
   Lillie Hitchcock Coit is also considered to be one of the first female firefighters in America. Dating back to 1859, Coit became an honorary member of San Francisco’s Knickerbocker Engine Company No. 5 as a teenager, when she helped the company haul the engine to a fire on Telegraph Hill.
4. Emma Vernell
   Emma Vernell was known as the first recognized female firefighter in the state of New Jersey. After her firefighter husband died in the line of duty, Vernell became a firefighter herself at Westside Hose Company No. 1 in 1920, at the age of 50. She is regarded for her firefighting contributions, as well as her courageous move into the profession late in her life.
5. Judith Livers Brewer
   Judith Livers is known as the first paid firefighter. Livers was hired in 1974 by the Arlington County, Virginia, Fire Department. Livers became interested in firefighting when her husband was studying for his fire science classes in order to be a firefighter. Motivated by the idea of saving lives and preventing damage caused by fires, Livers became a firefighter herself. Judith Livers retired from Arlington County in 1999 at the high ranking position of battalion chief.
6. Toni McIntosh
   Toni McIntosh is known as one of the first black female career firefighters. McIntosh was hired in 1976 by the Pittsburgh Fire Department and served more than 11 years at the station. She is regarded as one of the first black female firefighters to be paid for her fire fighting services, as well as the most tenured female firefighter in the U.S.



7. Bessie Hudson
   Bessie Hudson is making history for being named the first black female battalion chief of Orange County Fire Recue in Orlando, Florida. During her nearly 20 years of firefighting, Hudson has overcome some serious obstacles of racism and cultural differences, but always ended up on top. In 2004, Hudson was promoted to lieutenant, and now she has been promoted to battalion chief.



8. Bonnie Beers
   Seattle’s first female firefighter may have retired in 2008, but this brave woman’s legacy lives on and continues to inspire women firefighters. Beers joined the Seattle Fire Department in 1978 to some dismay. She faced gender discrimination, harassment, bullying and other negative reactions from the all male fire department. Holding her ground, Beers forged through the criticisms, did her job well and became a role model to other female firefighters throughout her 30 years of service.



9. Brenda Berkman
   Brenda Berkman is known as the first female firefighter of the New York City Fire Department. Although this heroic firefighter retired in 2006, her contributions to the profession continue to make a difference for female firefighters today. Berkman is widely known among New York firefighters for her 1982 lawsuit against the city for its discrimination against women in physical exams, arguing that some of the requirements were unnecessary for the position. Berkman won the lawsuit and became a New York City firefighter, but not without years of harassment and abuse from male firefighters. However, Berkman stuck to her job, became lieutenant and was one of the first rescue workers to report to Ground Zero on Sept. 11.



10. Dany Cotton
    Dany Cotton continues to make headway as the deputy assistant commissioner of the London Fire Brigade. With 22 years of service under her, Cotton is the highest ranking operational woman in the United Kingdom’s fire and rescue service, and the first female firefighter in the UK to receive the Queen’s Fire Service Medal. Even at a managerial position, Cotton still attends emergencies and handles crisis management, while promoting the field of firefighting to women.

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Suffering a house fire is a devastating experience. Each year, $8.6 billion in property loss is estimated due to fires, according to FEMA. When the damage is severe, countless precious belongings are lost, depriving the owners of a portion of their lives. However in many cases, there are a select few items that withstand the inferno. The average house fire burns at a temperature of about 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, which isn’t hot enough to destroy most metals and earthly-made substances. And if an item is well-placed and small in size, its chances of survival increase drastically. Below is a list of things that are often found intact underneath the rubble during the aftermath of a house fire.

1. Jewelry
   Although they may endure superficial damage when they’re engulfed by flames, most items of jewelry maintain their compositions amid high heat. Diamonds, which are formed below earth’s surface under intense heat and pressure, melt at about 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Gold melts at a much cooler temperature – about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit – but that’s enough to survive most house fires. Platinum jewelry is the priciest, so it’s a good thing that the metal’s melting point is just higher than 3,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Sapphire and Ruby also possess extremely high melting points.
2. Silver Coins
   Coin collectors who own myriads of silver coins – like the quarter prior to 1965 – might find them to be their most durable possessions. The melting point of silver is just below 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. So that valuable 1804 Silver Dollar from Queller’s Collection just might live to see an additional 200 years.
3. Filing Cabinets
   Steel filing cabinets are built to last so that businesses won’t have to deal with the loss of important files after building fires. Many people keep personal documents in filing cabinets, which are often kept in home offices. Their steel composition and usual placement within a home – often away from the kitchen or fireplace – give them a high survival rate.
4. Tools
   Do-it-yourselfers might not have to repurchase the tools they’ll need to rebuild their homes after a fire. Steel tools are extremely durable – the melting point of carbon steel is between 2,600 and 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit, and the melting point of stainless steel is roughly 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Silverware
   Most forks, knives and spoons are composed of stainless steel. So even if the fire started in the kitchen, it’s possible that not every item in the room perished. Their small size and placement also allows them to take the heat.
6. Cookware
   Cookware is built to endure extremely high temperatures. Most pots and pans are made of steel and iron; the latter of which melts at just below 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Like silverware, their placement within confined spaces helps them survive the not-so-severe fires.
7. Barbecue Grill
   Go figure that an item made for fireside cooking could outlast a fire. Most grills are composed of steel or iron, which allows them to last for decades. Of course, most are kept in the backyard – away from the worst of the inferno. But they still may have to endure falling debris.
8. Some Appliances
   When sifting through the ruins after a house fire, it’s common to find an appliance or two that remains intact amid the chaos that surrounds it. Many appliances these days are made of stainless steel, which gives them a sleek design and durability.
9. Stone Table
   The oldest rocks on this plant have survived billions of years of wear and tear, so it’s no surprise that a stone table could outlast a simple house fire. It took thousands of degrees of heat to make the rocks, and it’ll take thousand of degrees of heat to melt them.
10. Firesafe
    The steel composition of a firesafe allows it endure 1,700 degree infernos. Imagine if the entire house was made from the same material as a firesafe? House fire problem solved.

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Like any industry, firefighters also have their own phrases, terms and lingo to communicate with each other while on the job. Using short phrases and specific terminology allows firefighters to reach their destination prepared and ready to tackle the flames in a quick and efficient manner. Here are 10 firefighting phrases and terms you need to know:

1. Two-In, Two-Out
   The phrase, “two-in, two-out” refers to firefighting in teams of two, so that firefighters are never left alone during dangerous tasks. There must be at least two firefighters together when entering and exiting a structure. While inside, they must have direct visual or voice contact with one another, as well as voice or radio contact with the firefighters outside.
2. Sides A, B, C, D
   Sides A, B, C and D are labels that help firefighters distinguish each side of a building. From the outside of a building and going in a clockwise direction, side A or Alpha is the front of the structure. The left side is B or Bravo, the rear side is C or Charlie and the right side is D or Delta.
3. Size-Up
   A size-up is a term for the initial evaluation of an incident. Firefighters size-up an incident by reporting the extent of the fire and potential hazards they may face, such as occupancy, location and path of fire, type of smoke, resources needed and additional information that will make the search and rescue process more efficient.
4. Fully Involved
   Fully involved is a size-up term that means fire, heat and smoke are blowing out of every entrance in a structure. When a fire is fully involved, firefighters must apply fire streams before they can enter the burning building.
5. Flashover
   A flashover is the simultaneous ignition of combustible materials in an enclosed space, and is the most dangerous stage of a fire. A flashover occurs when certain materials become heated and release flammable gases that reach an auto-ignition temperature, causing the materials to combust and the room to burst into flames. The average temperature of a room that flashes over is anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Strike The Box
   The phrase, “strike the box,” was used in early firefighting, when firefighters would strike a bell or box on the wall to signal an emergency call. Some of today’s stations still say, “strike the box,” to alert their dispatch center to send more fire engines.
7. First Due
   The phrase, “first due,” signifies the first fire engine at the scene of the emergency. This engine group will typically size-up the fire, prepare for extinguishing and call for back up if they need the second due fire engine.

8. Code-1
   Code-1 is a low priority emergency call for fire fighters to respond as soon as possible, without lights and sirens.
9. Code-2
   Code-2 is a medium priority emergency call that means to respond now, using lights and sirens if necessary.
10. Code-3
    Code-3 is a top priority emergency call that tells firefighters to respond right away, using their lights and sirens and expediting.

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Arsonists are some of the most stealthy, mysterious and down-right malicious criminals in history. Revenge, insurance money and boredom are just some of the reasons why arsonists attack. With thousands of acres ruined, millions of dollars in damage and thousands of innocent victims killed, arsonists are to blame for much of America’s destroyed lands and financial woes. Here are 10 famous arsonists and why they made it on the list:

1. John Orr
   John Orr was a former fire captain and arson investigator for the Glendale Fire Department in Southern California, and to much surprise, a serial arsonist. During the ’80s and early ’90s, there were a series of fires around the Los Angeles area that were going unsolved. Investigators noticed that the fires were started in areas next to major highways and, ironically, while arson investigation conventions were going on nearby. During the investigation, police discovered an important piece of information — a fingerprint on a time-delay incendiary device from the 1987 fire in Fresno, California. The fingerprint was linked to arson investigator John Orr. In addition to the fingerprint evidence and seized accelerating devices belonging to Orr, there was an earlier incident that sparked suspicion. Orr was one of the arson investigators assigned to a 1984 South Pasadena fire that destroyed a hardware store, killing four people. All of the arson investigators agreed that the cause was an electrical fire, but Orr insisted that it was arson. Orr was convicted and charged with three accounts of arson and is currently serving life in prison.



2. Paul Keller
   Paul Keller is one of the most notorious serial arsonists in American history. This Seattle man is responsible for at least 70 fires and three deaths in and around the Seattle area during the ’80s and ’90s, with unsolved cases even popping up in recent years. This polished looking advertising salesman and active churchgoer was ruthlessly setting fires to homes, churches, businesses throughout four counties, making this one of the worst serial-arson cases in state history. Finally in 1993, Keller was found guilty and sentenced to 99 years in prison.



3. Julio Gonzalez
   Julio Gonzalez, a Cuban immigrant, was responsible for setting fire to the Happy Land nightclub in Bronx, New York, in 1990, which killed 87 people. The night of the fire, Gonzalez was thrown out of Happy Land after getting into a fight with his girlfriend who worked there. Gonzalez returned to the nightclub intoxicated and poured a can of gasoline along the club’s only stairway and started the fire. Most victims were trampled or suffered from asphyxiation. Gonzalez was charged with 174 counts of murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.



4. Marc Thompson
   In 2002, Marc Thompson, a Chicago investment executive, intentionally set fire to his two-story home to collect $730,000 in insurance money. Thompson, who was apparently short on money to support his high-profile lifestyle, used his 90-year-old mother to make it appear like she set the fire to kill herself. Thompson put his mother in the basement, spread lacquer thinner on the walls and set the fire, where she later died. He received $600,000 in insurance money and his mother’s death was ruled a suicide, until investigators took a closer look at Thompson’s finances and extreme debt. After a number of suspicious money transactions and identity covers, Thompson declared bankruptcy. Thompson was tried in federal court, was proven guilty and sentenced to 190 years in federal prison.
5. Earth Liberation Front (ELF)
   Known for using fire to spread their message against exploitation and destruction of the environment, the eco-terrorist group named ELF has caused millions of dollars in damage by setting fires around the world. In 1998, ELF caused $12 million in damage at Vail, Colorado, by setting fire to part of the ski resort. ELF announced that they set fire to Vail because of its plan to expand, which would ruin a sacred lynx habitat in the state. This particular act of arson drew national attention and remains one of the top domestic terror threats in the U.S. The Elves also torched some 30 SUVs at an Oregon dealership, in addition to burning down a five-story, 206-unit condo project in San Diego in 2003, as well as several laboratories, multi-million dollar homes, excavators and much more. Many of the ELF arsonists were arrested and served, or are still serving, jail time.



6. Terry Barton
   A love letter went terribly wrong in the 2002 case of Terry Barton, a U.S Forest Service Worker, who burned a letter from her estranged husband, which caused a massive wildfire that burned 138,000 acres outside of Denver and destroyed more than 100 homes. Investigators found the remnants of some burned matches and a letter mailed to Barton, who called in the fire and later admitted to starting it. Barton pleaded guilty to the arson charge, was sentenced to six years in federal prison and was ordered to reimburse the federal government $14.6 million.



7. Raymond Lee Oyler
   Raymond Lee Oyler was arrested and charged with murder during the 2006 Esperanza wildfire that destroyed 40,000 acres across the San Jacinto Mountains. This deadly fire was caused by arson and worsened when Santa Ana devil winds picked it up. Five firefighters were killed while defending a vacant home that was destroyed by the fire. Oyler was arrested for the Esperanza fire, as well as two wildfires in the summer of 2006. He was convicted of five counts of first-degree murder, 20 counts of arson and 17 counts of using an incendiary device, in which a jury called for the death penalty in a 2009 hearing.



8. Jason Robert Bourque and Daniel George McAllister
   A fairly recent arson case involving 10 church fires in east Texas has two young men behind bars. Jason Robert Bourque and Daniel George McAllister were charged with one count of felony arson for the burning of a rural Smith County church near Tyler, Texas. The two men were arrested in connection to one of 10 church fires, which DNA evidence linked one of the suspects to the fire. If convicted, the men could face life in prison.



9. Benjamin Christensen
   Benjamin Christensen, a former Whites Crossing, Pennsylvania, volunteer firefighter is responsible for setting seven fires that destroyed buildings, homes, business and even landmarks from 2007 to 2008. He was said to have set the fires out of boredom and anger. Christensen’s case marks one of the largest multi-agency arson investigations in history. In a 2009 hearing, Christensen pleaded no contest, in which he faces a maximum of 20 years in state prison and 20 years of probation.



10. David Berkowitz
    David Berkowitz, also known as ‘Son of Sam,’ was a serial killer who was responsible for killing six people and injuring several others in New York City from 1976 to 1977. Berkowitz is most infamously remembered for murdering women, but his destructive behavior first began by setting fires throughout the city. His arson spree involved setting hundreds of fires to buildings in an attempt to vent his anger. One of the fires that Berkowitz set was outside of Craig Glassman’s apartment door, in which firemen found .22-cal shells in the ashes that didn’t get hot enough to set off. Glassman lived directly under Berkowitz and was a recipient of his hate mail, which was a major link in connecting the letters and murders of Son of Sam to Berkowitz.

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From fighting fires, installing smoke detectors to developing fire evacuation procedures, a fire science degree will prepare you to work in several influential fields. Fire science students will learn about the physical, technical and administrative aspects of controlling fires, investigating fires, rescuing lives, conducting fire inspections and overcoming dangerous situations. Most two and four-year fire science degrees are offered at junior colleges, community colleges, vocational schools and online colleges. As the field of fire protection and prevention becomes more varied, so do the job opportunities for fire science graduates. Here are 10 of the hottest jobs to get with a fire science degree:

• Firefighter
  A large number of fire science majors go on to become firefighters, who respond to emergency calls, put out fires and save people from fires and other accidents. Much of the curriculum focuses on rescuing victims, controlling different types of fires, clearing smoke-filled buildings and dealing with flammable, hazardous materials, which are directly linked to what a firefighter does on a daily basis. In addition to the training and knowledge taught in a fire science curriculum, prospective firefighters will also receive weeks of fire fighting training at the department’s training center or academy. According to the 2010 Bureau of Labor Statistics, applicants who have a degree in fire science may increase their chances of being hired as a firefighter.
• Construction and Building Inspector
  Fire science majors can also find work as construction and building inspectors, who are in charge of examining structures to ensure that construction and repairs meet building codes and regulations. Building inspectors examine the structural quality and safety of buildings, as well as fire safety. Building inspectors who work primarily in fire safety will inspect indoor fire sprinklers, fire alarms, smoke detectors and fire exits, as well as access to fire protection equipment, hazardous contents and fire risks within the building. Fire science graduates are prepared for this area of work because they are well-versed in fire protection measures and investigation procedures. Students will take classes in disaster and fire-defense planning, managing hazardous materials and fire-prevention structure and design.
• Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic
  Many fire science majors are drawn to the rewarding task of treating patients who’ve been injured in fire-related incidents and other accidents as an EMT or paramedic. EMTs and paramedics are dispatched by 911 operators to report to the scene of any accident. EMTs are trained to assess a patient’s condition and check their vital signs. In extreme emergencies, they will transport patients to the hospital by ambulance, while managing their cardiac, respiratory and trauma needs. Whereas paramedics provide more advanced emergency care, such as administering medications, examining EKGs and performing intubations. Although all prospective EMTs and paramedics must undergo a formal training program, graduates of a fire science program will be prepared to manage emergency care situations, as taught in their emergency management classes and safety lessons.
• Forester and Forestry Technician
  Fire science majors are eligible to work as foresters and forestry technicians, who manage and examine forested lands for various economic and conservation needs. Foresters and forestry technicians are interested in the type, amount, location and worth of standing timber, so that they can examine wildlife habitats and stability, while complying with environmental regulations. Fire science graduates can offer their expertise in fire prevention, fire safety and disaster and fire-defense planning as it relates to forest protection, safety and conservation efforts. Fire science majors, who enjoy working outdoors and are interested in conservation and environmental efforts, may suit the field of forestry well.
• Occupational Health and Safety Technician
  Occupational health and safety technicians aim to prevent harm or damage to workers, property, the environment and the public. Their main goal is to ensure safety in work places by inspecting machines, testing air quality and water, and possibly designing safe work spaces. They may also conduct safety inspections and issue fines when a company does not meet safety regulations. Occupational health and safety technicians can apply their fire science knowledge when measuring hazards, such as noise, radiation, as well as toxic and flammable materials that may endanger workers. Fire science graduates may be drawn to this career field because they can enforce fire safety and prevent disasters with their fire protection and investigation skills.
• Arson Investigator
  A fire science graduate with an analytical mind, a keen eye for detail and problem-solving skills, may be interested in becoming an arson investigator. Arson investigators examine crimes involving intentional fires. Like a police detective, arson investigators will report to the scene of a crime to look for clues and evidence to determine if the fire was intentional or not. In addition to collecting evidence, arson investigators are hired to find the arsonist who committed the crime. Fire science graduates have an upper-hand in this line of work, because they have a strong understanding of fire causes and are trained in fire investigations.
• Fire Safety Director
  Fire safety directors are leaders of fire prevention and protection. Fire safety directors plan evacuation methods, fire drills and safety plans that will be used by various companies, schools and public buildings. They are in charge of training the fire brigade, communicating with fire departments when incidents occur and participating in fire inspections. Like other inspectors, investigators and specialists, fire safety directors are concerned with the health and personal safety of occupants during a fire. Fire science graduates offer a great deal of fire prevention knowledge and skills that can be used in disaster planning, emergency management and successful fire-incident command. Prospective fire safety directors may be required to take a formal training program to prepare for the added responsibilities and duties of a fire safety director.
• Fire Protection Engineers
  Fire protection engineers are the brains behind the design of fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems and fire exits. These workers apply their knowledge of fire science and technology to design fire protection systems that will save lives and properties from a blaze. While a career in fire protection engineering may require an engineering degree and additional training, a fire science graduate has a lot to offer in this field. Fire science graduates have training in fire-protection structure and system design, disaster planning and they understand the fire causes, fire properties and fire behavior. By understanding both the technical and administrative approaches to fire protection, fire protection engineers can better design systems that will save lives, prevent fire damage and ensure safe incendiary-fire management.
• Fire Protection Technician
  Fire protection technicians are in charge of installing fire protection systems, such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire pumps and other systems that are designed to save lives, protect properties and alert people of a fire. Fire protection technicians may work with fire protection engineers to install, alter or repair fire systems to ensure that everything works properly. Technicians will have to adhere to specific industry fire protection standards when installing, testing and informing occupants of their new systems. Fire science graduates will be prepared to work in this technical field, because of their prior training in fire-protection structure and system design, fire management and fire prevention knowledge. In addition, fire science graduates also have an in-depth understanding of law enforcement, public safety and liability in fire-related incidents.
• Fire Public Education Specialist
  Fire public education specialists are in charge of designing, coordinating and implementing fire safety and prevention programs for private and public schools, industrial and commercial businesses, residencies and community groups. Fire public education specialists aim to inform the public about proper fire safety methods and evacuation procedures to be used in the event of a fire. Their main focus is on public awareness, fire and injury prevention education, emergency services, disaster planning, home safety and public relations. Fire science graduates are eligible to work in this career field because they have a strong understanding of fire prevention, emergency management, disaster and fire-defense planning and personnel management. In addition to their administrative knowledge of fire protection, fire science graduates are also well-versed in fire education and public awareness training.

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From local heroes to international hunks, fireman pin-ups have been fueling flirtation with every changing season. Not only do firefighter calendars offer smoldering eye candy for their admirers, but they also generate serious dough for local charities, fire stations and fire safety efforts. Thanks to the steamy firefighters who so kindly grace us with their shirtless presence, these calendars have been a huge hit around the world and brought joy to thousands of burn victims each year. So, in no particular order, here are 12 sizzling fireman pin-ups for every month:

1. Matt
   July is hot in “The Big Easy,” and so is Mr. July, Matt, who graces us with his presence in the 2010 New Orleans Fire Fighters Look Hot Calendar. This calendar was started by the New Orleans Rotary Club in 2008, and all proceeds go to supporting New Orleans firefighters and their daily tasks.



2. Kalman
   It will be hard to flip to June with Kalman, or Mr. May, on your wall. This sizzlin’ man is just one of 12 Toronto firefighters that made it in the 2010 Toronto Fire Fighter Calendar, which benefits the Fire Fighters’ Cancer Research Fund at The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.



3. Chris and Alex
   These sizzling twin brothers work for the City of Miami Fire Rescue and can be found in the South Florida Firefighters 2010 Calendar. This successful calendar raises money for local charities and community issues affecting the state of Florida.



4. Joey
   End the year 2010 with Joey, also known as Mr. December, who graces the back of the ever-popular 2010 New York City Firefighters Calendar. Thirteen local heroes and hunks appear in this calendar, which benefits the Staten Island University Hospital Burn Center.



5. Lee
   Lee of South East UK is an original, as in Original British Firefighters Calendar 2010. Lee and other sizzling British firefighters have shed their shirts for UK’s best-selling charity calendar that benefits The Fire Fighters Charity, which funds various medical and recuperation services for fire and burn victims across the UK.



6. Ed
   This hunky Denver firefighter loves steak, the movie Tombstone and calls his mom his hero. Ed takes this year’s spot as Mr. January in the 2010 Colorado Firefighter Calendar, which benefits The Children’s Hospital Burn Center.



7. Ronald
   Houston doesn’t have a problem when it comes to finding hunky firefighters, like Ronald, who takes his spot as Mr. August in the Houston Fire Fighters 2010 Calendar. All proceeds of this hot calendar go to the Houston Firefighter Burned and Crippled Children’s Fund, which provides medical treatment and rehabilitation for injured and burned children.



8. Craig
   As a 14-year veteran of the Oklahoma City Fire Department, Craig’s still got it and it shows. Oklahoma City’s very own Mr. May shines in the 2010 Oklahoma City Firefighters Calendar, which benefits Shout, a local women’s cancer survivor support group, as well as Kami, an organization that provides various treatments for cancer patients.



9. Will
   Will is just one of 12 sexy firefighters heating up the months in this year’s Edmonton Firefighters Calendar. This annual calendar is a favorite among the Edmonton, Alberta, ladies, as well as a charitable source for the Firefighters Burn Treatment Unit 3C2 at the University of Alberta Hospital, where all of the proceeds go.



10. John
    John is a smokin’ veteran who has been fighting fires for 11 years at the Waterbury, Connecticut, Fire Department and now takes his spot as Mr. November in the Waterbury Firefighters Calendar 2010. Sales of this annual calendar benefit the Arthur C. Luf Children’s Burn Camp, a retreat for children and adolescents who’ve survived serious burns.



11. Sean
    From Down Under, Sean and his Aussie mates are heating up the pages of the 2010 New South Wales Firefighters Calendar. Proceeds from this must-have calendar will be donated to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Burns Unit, in addition to funding community awareness efforts and the health and fitness of local firefighters.



12. Todd
    Some might say, “Keep Austin Weird,” if Austin, TX, keeps producing hunky firefighters like Todd and his fellow pin-ups of the 2010 Austin Firefighters Calendar. This calendar is a hot seller with a good cause. All proceeds go to the Austin Firefighters Outreach Fund, which provides financial assistance to firefighters and their families when an unexpected injury, illness or death occurs, as well as assistance to citizens who are affected by major catastrophes and natural disasters.

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