Fire Inspector George Hein and Battalion Chief Paul Glazer making sure that the fire hydrants at the Grand Canyon are functioning correctly. This is a common task that a PSFC will ensure happens.
July 2013
Prevention 52 fire helmet
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PSFCs:  If you haven't taken PSFC training yet, we look forward to having you join our online training which should be released sometime this summer.  

 

NPS PSFC Training

The NPS Structural Fire Program is currently developing a PSFC course. This course, which will be accessible to all PSFC's as an online training class, which will provide an employee with all of the skills, knowledge and abilities required to operate as a PSFC. 

 

The course will be a Fire Inspector course, encompassing all of the training a fire department or city fire inspector would receive, in addition to NPS-specific knowledge that an employee will need to be successful as a PSFC. 

 

This will provide career-enhancing training for employees, while ensuring better protection of our important infrastructure and employee and visitor safety.

 


Resources
The Structural Fire Program has developed many resources to help you provide an effective fire prevention program in your park.

 

Visit our website at:
  

Regional Structural Fire Staff:
 
Alaska - Alan Wetzel
Intermountain - Todd Neitzel
Midwest - Kip Schwabe
National Capital - Don Boucher
National Capital Fire Prevention Specialist - Raul Castillo
Northeast - Joe Mazzeo
Northeast Fire Prevention Specialist - Donna Baumgaertner
Pacific West - Curtis Troutt
Southeast - Jim King

For more fire prevention resources go to:
  

Submit ideas and feedback:
 
Park Structural Fire Coordinator (PSFC) 
Author: Eric Anderson, Structural Fire Training Specialist
 

As a former Park Structural Fire Coordinator (PSFC), I know that the work is often not visible. Let's take a few minutes to highlight the work that PSFC's do for the National Park Service and why.

 

We all know that fire prevention in our homes and workplace makes sense...but who is responsible for ensuring that all required fire safety measures are completed? Who do you contact if you have a question or need help regarding a structure fire safety issue at your park? The Park Structural Fire Coordinator, that's who.

 

Directors Order 58 Structural Fire Management in 2001 created the position of PSFC to assist the superintendent with the hefty responsibility of fire safety, prevention and suppression operations within their park.DO 58 IV F states:  

 

The superintendent of each park will designate a Park Structural Fire Coordinator (PSFC), whose training and certification requirements will be identified in RM-58. The PSFC will be knowledgeable about DO/RM-58 and the requirements identified in these documents. The PSFC will work with park management to assure they are adequately versed in the requirements and procedures contained therein.

 

Here are just a few of the important things PSFC's do:

  • Works to ensure that the park is in compliance with Director's Order/Reference Manual 58, and informs the superintendent of any issues or liabilities that need to be addressed. This includes the drafting/updating of a structural fire management plan, developing or revising aid agreements, or ensuring a park fire department is in place, to ensure adequate response to a fire.
  • Works with facilities to ensure all buildings are in compliance with fire safety codes and that fire protection equipment, such as fire sprinklers and alarm systems, is properly tested and maintained.
  • Is often responsible for overseeing the contracted work for inspection, testing and maintenance of fire protection equipment required annually.
  • Provides fire safety training, such as fire extinguisher and building evacuation training.
  • May assist with engine company training and program management in a park with engine company operations.

 

As a former PSFC, I found that the most important aspect of the job was building and maintaining professional relationships. In order to be successful PSFCs must be able to communicate and work with different disciplines within the park, for example Visitor Protection, Facilities and Administration, and outside agencies, such as the local fire department chief officers. 

 

Just for You 
  
Employees

Do you know who your park's PSFC is? If not take a few minutes to learn that information and meet them; more than likely there is something that you or your work group can do to assist in their duties while also improving fire safety in your workplace.

 
Does your park not have a PSFC assigned? This may be a great time to show initiative and gain additional work experience and training. Consider approaching your supervisor to see if you can take on this important assignment. During my NPS career I have had the opportunity to serve as a PSFC in a number of parks and found it to be challenging yet very rewarding.
  

  

Park Leadership

Understand that fire protection responsibilities present legal, financial and political liabilities for our park leaders. Placing the proper person in the role of PSFC, supporting them with training and time to accomplish these tasks, can significantly reduce these liabilities while keeping our employees, visitors and resources safe. 

 

  

Prevention 52 begins with you!

Prevention 52 intends to educate and empower all NPS employees to help prevent structural fires.

Prevention 52 provides you with relevant fire prevention messages every week of the year - 52 to be exact.

You have the opportunity every week to make a difference. Don't let historic ashes become your legacy.
National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

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