Halon still doing it's job!

(Photo: JESSIE FORAND/FREE PRESS STAFF )

Firefighters respond to incident at Fletcher Allen

JESSIE FORAND11:03 a.m. EDT May 2, 2014

An overheated capacitor in a room with high voltage electrical equipment brought fire and rescue vehicles to Fletcher Allen Health Care's McClure Building on Colchester Avenue Friday morning.

The call came in around 9:07 a.m. and fire officials were on scene at 9:09, according to Burlington Fire Department Battalion Chief Aaron Collette.

Something likely became too hot in the affected room, which then caused a smoke condition and set off detectors, Collette said. The incident was isolated to a small area, he said.

Thanks to a specialized fire prevention system, extinguishers discharged the gaseous flooding agent Halon 1301 in the room and left no residue. This feature is designed to protect the hospital equipment, Collette said. Responders donned breathing apparatus and went into the room to find the problem.

Members of the Burlington Electric Department responded to the scene, something that happens regularly when fire calls come in, according to BED Communications Coordinator Mary Sullivan.

The hospital at large was not at risk, as the building is designed to help prevent fire from spreading, Collette said.

Click here for the original story: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/2014/05/02/fletcher-allen-fire-call-burlington/8606079/

MARKETING COMMITTEE UPDATE The FSSA Marketing Committee raced from the Annual Forum and is off to a great start!  They’ve been reviewing and incorporating ideas from their strategic planning meeting in October 2013 and suggestions from attendees at the Annual Forum. Over thirty members volunteered to serve to help FSSA get to the finish line and were divided amongst the sub committees listed below.  If you’d like to join one of the sub committees and participate with FSSA, please let us know.  The time commitment is small and all meetings are held via conference call.  We’d love to have you help us promote, educate and grow FSSA!  Please email Vince Mullhausen with questions or to participate. Marketing Sub Committees: Promote Website Review Interaction with Other Associations FSSA "Fortune 500" Promote Fire Suppression System Technology Industry Marketing Summit Educate FSSA Webinars SHAPE Revision Evaluate FSSA Training Programs End User Perspective Forum Grow Fires in Mission Critical Environments Evaluate Shrinking Market Survey of Clean Agents Discharges. SUCCESS!  NEW SPRINKLER LICENSE BILL INTRODUCED IN KENTUCKY - HB 420 BLOCKED FSSA is pleased to report that the Kentucky Legislature adjourned on April 15, 2014 and HB 420 did not make it out of the House Licensing and Occupations Committee.  A public hearing was held on this bill, which FSSA opposed (click here for letter), and opponents at the hearing effectively blocked passage.  Special thank you to FSSA members, Koorsen Fire & Security and Orr Protection Systems, who participated in the hearing.  Thanks also goes to George Keeley, FSSA legal counsel who drafted  the letter FSSA submitted. Is this happening in your state?  Let FSSA know and the Public Policy Committee will assist you with support.  Please remember to keep us in the loop so these situations will be identified quickly and can be attacked aggressively by FSSA and your fellow members.  This is yet another benefit of your membership with FSSA! FSSA TO EXHIBIT AT NFPA BOOTH # 574 The FSSA will be exhibitng at this years NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, NV.  Stop by and visit us at booth # 574.  Volunteers are welcome to help represent the FSSA.  Should you find yourself at the show this year and wanting to help in the booth email Vince Mullhausen at FSSA HQ. TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETING The next Technical Committee meeting will take place at the Hilton O'Hare Wednesday, June 18, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois from 8:00am - 3:30 pm.  You will want to fly into O'Hare airport= ORD.  Guests are welcome. Click here to RSVP as a guest. FSSA has secured a room rate of $189/per night + applicable taxes at the Hilton.  To make your reservations: By Phone: 877-865-5322 Reference Group code:  FIR Online: Visit the Hilton’s website Click on “Add special rate code” In the Group Code box enter:   FIR MEMBERSHIP DUES NOTICE It's that time of year again for the yearly renewal process.  Dues renewals were sent out in April for the 2014-2015 calendar year.  Thank you to those who have already renewed for the upcoming year. Questions about billing, payment, or maybe want to get a jump start on the process?  Please contact Jason Dumm, Financial Coordinator at headquarters for assistance. 2015 FSSA ANNUAL FORUM The 2015 Annual Forum will be held next February 21 - 24 in Clearwater Beach, FL at the Sandpearl Resort. More information coming soon. FSSA TRAINING PROGRAM The FSSA Training program is live!  If you reserved a spot at the forum invoices were emailed in May. For questions regarding the training program or to reserve your space, please contact Vince Mullhausen at FSSA HQ.

FSSA, the FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS ASSOCIATION, is a not-for-profit trade association,   drawing members internationally. FSSA is a unique blend of designer/installers, manufacturers  and suppliers working together to share ideas and strategies for the benefit of the fire  suppression systems industry. FSSA members are dedicated to the highest level of safety,  reliability and effectiveness of special hazards fire suppression.   The mission of FSSA is to promote the use of, and be the leading recognized authority on,   special hazard fire protection systems; employing existing and new technologies  to safeguard people, high-value assets and the environment. Interested in passing along information on FSSA to prospective members? FSSA has printed cards proclaiming "WHY Join the FSSA" with information on member benefits. If you would like a stack of cards mailed to you so that you can distribute them to your colleagues, please contact FSSA Headquarters.