On December 4, 2006, The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) issued a "Member Alert" notifying their membership about the hazards associated with the light-weight construction in residential occupancies.

"There have been several cases of firefighters falling through floors made of composite structural components and an even greater number of near-miss situations. This type of construction is being investigated as a contributing factor in a line-of-duty death..."

In 2007 there were over 19 firefighter fatalities due to structural collapse. The U.S. Fire Administration stated the following in a report entitled Trends in Firefighter Fatalities Due to Structural Collapse written in 2003, "Structural collapse is an insidious problem within the fire fighting community. It often occurs without warning and can easily cause multiple fatalities." Five years have gone by and not much has changed.

The U.S. Fire Administration announced today the release of Coffee Break training presentations in video format to enhance ongoing support of fire prevention efforts. Coffee Break training provides technical training in fire protection systems, building construction, codes and standards, inspection techniques, hazardous materials and administrative tips. The training is targeted toward fire and building inspectors with busy schedules who often don't have time to attend valuable skill-enhancing training sessions.

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), working with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), has issued an updated version of the manual Emergency Incident Rehabilitation. The revised manual examines critical topics related to emergency incident rehabilitation, including operational issues, human physiology, weather issues, and technology and addresses ways to better protect firefighters and other emergency responders through the use of proper protective clothing and improved tactical procedures.

Regional Advocate Michael Petroff and Region II Regional Advocate Danny McDonough conducted a CTBS Train-the-Trainer in Ames, Iowa on February 9, 2008. State Advocates Kevin Wieser and Scott Lyon were in attendance as was State Training Director Randy Novak and members of the Iowa Fire Training staff. Coralville IA was presented with a Brian Hunton Seatbelt Pledge 100% compliance certificate by State Advocates Wieser and Lyon.

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and Staff I would like to express our great sadness and sorrow at the passing of Debbi Wood. Debbi lost her 8 year battle with cancer yesterday, March 12th 2008.