Monday, April 30, 2012

On Scene Review: Chimney Snuffer Kit

 -Our blog, On Scene with TheFireStore & The FireGeezer Blog are working together doing a review program of products we think you'll benefit from hearing an inside perspective. -

This week we are reviewing the Chimney Snuffer. Lieutenant Matt Warren and the crew from Engine 14 of the Stafford County (Virginia) Fire & Rescue Dept. tried it out and reported back with their findings.

We were provided with the Chimney Snuffer kit to try out, but unfortunately it was after winter time and no chimney fires are occurring now to field test it. Also, you cannot create a practice chimney fire, so we had to be content with performing hookup evolutions and testing the ease of operation, etc.


The Chimney Snuffer kit comes in a canvas carry-bag that has hand grips and a shoulder strap that provide easy storage and a grab-and-go ability. The kit includes a shutoff valve, 1" and 1-½" adapter connections, 25 ft. of rubber forestry hose that is resistant to embers, and a specialized broken-stream chimney nozzle.


Before we did any evolutions with the device, we checked out the ability to adapt different water supply sources to it. Since just about every home has a "green line" (garden hose), we gave that a try with the provided adapter and it was a very suitable fit, providing a low pressure and low flow alternative for the engine company. This would probably be the most-often used method of extinguishment.


We also found the 1-½" adapter to be quickly and easily deployed when a greater volume and pressure would be required. However, TFT recommends a 40-gal. per hour flow at 60 psi.


The nozzle gives out a broken, misty stream through several openings and is designed to be lowered down the chimney. According to the manufacturer, the torpedo shaped head is heavy enough to break through creosote buildup, bird nests or other common chimney obstructions and will provide a limited amount of water directly on the burning components, without creating extensive damage or thermal imbalance to crack ceramic tiles.

With the remote shutoff valve, you can delay water application until you get it positioned in the burning area of the chimney. It will be interesting to see how efficiently it performs at an actual fire. Overall, The Chimney Snuffer kit is a great idea.

Lt. Matt Warren
Stafford County Fire & Rescue Dept.

Interested in purchasing the Chimney Snuffer Kit or seeing more detailed specs? Click here to go to our website.

Friday, April 27, 2012

You and A Review: Meet Jim K., FF/EMT

**"You & A Review" is a blog series by you, our customers! Want to see what our customers think of our products and service? Find out. Want to share about the products you love and answer a few questions, too & be highlighted here? Email us! Blog@TheFireStore.com**

Name: Jim Kuzmak
Fire Department: Wm. Walker Hose Co.
Title/Rank: FF/EMT
Years in Service: 17


----

How long have you shopped with TheFireStore? 


I've shopped with TheFireStore approximately 15 years! Back then it was called "P&R Products". 

What product or products of ours have you used and benefited from?  


Many of the products I have used; from helmets (I have owned the Cairns N5A, N6A, 360 & 660, the N5A being my favorite by far!) to turnout gear, and also 5.11 clothing

Tell us a short story about how a product we sell saved your life or kept you safe on a fire or accident scene:


 I have used several helmets (N5A New Yorker, specifically) that I purchased from TheFirestore to keep me safe not only in day to say firefighting activities put also when I instructor fire service programs in the Commonwealth of PA.


---


Thanks, Jim!


If you would like to be part of a You & A Review, email blog@thefirestore.com for details!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

An Embroidery Sale You Cannot Miss!

Many of you know we have our very own Embroidery/Embellishments Department at TheFireStore! In fact, they've been featured here on our blog before.

Well, right now we have a great sale event going on, featuring 50% Off all Custom Embroidery on the products you know and love!



You can get your job shirts embroidered and customized, as we've got plenty of options in the job shirt arena. You can check out our selection of hats, beanies and polo's--all of which look great with custom embroidery options embellished on them!

Let's not forget our Customizable Travel Mugs......they make amazing gifts, even!

Don't let this 50% off Custom Embroidery Sale pass you buy! With embroidery at only $3.75, how can you beat it?

Get shopping & click "customize" to add embroidery options today!

Monday, April 23, 2012

On Scene Review: Morning Pride High-Vis Utility Gloves

 -Our blog, On Scene with TheFireStore & The FireGeezer Blog are working together doing a review program of products we think you'll benefit from hearing an inside perspective. -

The Morning Pride Hi-Visibility Utility Glove is being reviewed by Chris Smith, Fire Chief of the Falmouth (Virginia) Volunteer Fire Department where he has been the chief for ten years. He also works as a firefighter in a large, metropolitan fire and rescue department, currently assigned to a Rescue Squad unit where he has been testing the gloves. 


I have been testing the Morning Pride Hi-Visibility glove for nearly a month and have been very happy with their performance. These are not firefighting gloves, but designed for other emergency work such as rescue operations. They are made of a synthetic leather and neoprene with cut resistant fabric and a Kevlar inner lining. 


I have used these gloves on auto extrications, rope rescue incidents, and as my primary utility glove on many other emergencies. The glove has performed exceptionally well on the auto extrications and rope incidents by providing excellent dexterity. Handling and operating tools is easy with no fumbling around. They are easy to put on and take off, too. No delays while doing that. 


Another benefit is the high visibility color and strategically placed reflective material that adds to safety while on busy urban streets. 


The only drawback to the glove is the lack of breathability with the glove. After long uses it tends to increase sweat production inside the glove but even with that it does not affect performance negatively. 
I would recommend the Morning Pride Hi-Visibility Glove to anyone looking for a good glove at a minimal cost. I will continue using it as my primary glove at work. 

..........Chief Chris Smith
Falmouth Vol. Fire Department

Like this review? Want to check out the gloves in more detail? Then click here to get shopping!

Friday, April 20, 2012

On Location at FDIC & an FDIC Sale for those at home!

We're back again with a few more photos from the FDIC Tradeshow in Indianapolis, IN. The show is well underway and the crowds are thick in front of TheFireStore booth (#108).





Many of our loyal customers who have made the trip to FDIC are partaking in some pretty fabulous tradeshow deals & sales....but don't you worry.  We have no forgotten you at home! 

We have a big FDIC SALE going on right now, on our website, FOR YOU! This sale features many of the same great deals those at the tradeshow are indulging in from flashlight deals to helmet sales. 

So what are you waiting for??? Go get your Tradeshow Shop On and check out our FDIC SALE NOW!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

On Location: FDIC Tradeshow, Booth Setup!

Yesterday our Tradeshow Team arrived in Indianapolis, Indiana to get TheFireStore's booth ready & setup in anticipation of the FDIC Show that begins tomorrow!

The FDIC Show is the largest Firefighters convention (including training, too) in the US and it's attended by many of our loyal customers. Our Tradeshow Team at TheFireStore is excited to see you, tell you about the great deals, and assist you with an inquiry or sale.

So stop on by booth 108 and say hello!

Until then...here are a few behind-the-scenes shots, giving you just a tiny glimpse into the work that goes into setting up such a large booth!

(going over layout design & starting grid set-up)

(more grid set-up, it takes many hands!)

(signs are starting to go up!)

Stay tuned for more updated photos!

As always, our online website is up with sales running! Wildland items are still 10% off, as well as the Tru-Spec pants on sale...check it out!

See you at the show, or see you on our website!

Monday, April 16, 2012

New Product: Pelican 3715 Right Angle LED Flashlight

One of your favorite lights, the Pelican Big Ed, has been upgraded to the 3715 Right Angle, LED! The same overall right angle design, yet featuring the LED bulbs, with four different lighting modes, including a new downcast mode!

This light will not disappoint with features & specs like these:


  • Powerful LEDs to cut through smoke and light a beam up to 278 meter

  • 4 valuable modes of output: high, low, downcast, flashing

  • Downcast mode allows you to shine light ahead on your next steps without having to move the flashlight

  • The wide body and heavy duty clip prevents flopping and unstable lighting

  • The push button switch is conveniently located at the top of the light so you can quickly change the modes, even with a gloved hand

  • Made in the USA with a lifetime guarantee—you won’t find many brands of lights willing to make this kind of promise. Pelican stands behind this light, for life!

  • Available colors: safety yellow with black shroud, safety yellow with photoluminescent shroud or black with black shroud


  • This light is a definite investment into your safety, and is a brighter more durable light than others out there--LIFETIME guaranteed, too.

    Want to see more color options, more specs, and get your hands on one of these?

    Then check out our website for more details

    Friday, April 13, 2012

    You & A Review: Meet Sam, Volunteer EMT.

    **"You & A Review" is a blog series by you, our customers! Want to see what our customers think of our products and service? Find out. Want to share about the products you love and answer a few questions, too & be highlighted here? Email us! Blog@TheFireStore.com**


    Name: Sam Katzenberg
    Fire Department: Baltimore County Fire Department
    Title/Rank: Volunteer EMT-Basic
    Years in Service: 1 year

    ---

    How long have you shopped with TheFireStore?

    I have shopped with TheFireStore.com for about a year and a half now.  TheFireStore seems to have very competitive prices, as well as excellent customer service....especially at trade shows.

    What product or products of ours have you used and benefited from?

    I have purchased and used the trauma shears, a rescue knife, a reflective jacket, and an LED penlight, which are almost always used on all calls.  I love the penlight and it was a good price for it, too.

    Tell us a short story about how a product we sell saved your life or kept you safe on a fire or accident scene:


    I can't say for sure that the Game Sportswear Commander three-season high visibility reflective jacket has saved my life, per-say, but it does increase my visibility and allows me to be safer on the scene. The trauma shears are also great, very tough and make my job easier.

    -----

    Thank you, Sam, for sharing your experience with some of our products and our customer service!

    Click here to shop TheEmsStore.com
    Click here to shop TheFireStore.com

    **Want to be featured like Sam? Email us: Blog@TheFireStore.com**

    Wednesday, April 11, 2012

    Are you prepared for Wildland Season?


    Wildland Season is upon us and if you live in an area where this is a serious issue, then you know you've got to be prepared with the proper gear to battle these blazes. TheFireStore is the perfect place to hook you up with all your necessities! In fact, we've got a few great deals for you, too!


    First, we've got our Bullard Wildland Fire Helmets on sale for 10% off! 
    Click To Shop Bullard Helmets


    Next, we have many Wildland Tools from Council & Akron that are 10% off!
    Shop Wildland Tools Now!

    So whatever it is you need to be prepared for Wildland Season, be sure to check out all our products, deals and steals, as we've got a full house of things that are sure to meet your needs.

    SHOP WILDLAND GEAR & TOOLS TODAY!

    Monday, April 9, 2012

    On Scene Review: Stanley Tools Fatmax FuBar Tool

     -Our blog, On Scene with TheFireStore & The FireGeezer Blog are working together doing a review program of products we think you'll benefit from hearing an inside perspective. -

    We were given the opportunity to review the Stanley tools Fubar 18" forcible entry tool. The tool is designed much like a multipurpose demolition tool that is adapted for the fire service world.

    Overall the tool shows to be of quality construction and made of a single piece of steel. We were able to place the tool in a variety of fire related situations.

    As a hydrant wrench it lacks enough leverage in the shortened version of the tool. The fit on the hydrant nut and caps was snug and did not slip.


    The gas shut off feature did not fit the commercial shutoffs that are found in our area.

    The spanner wrench was used on pin lock as well as lug design. Both had adequate grip and turned without difficulty. The tool is heavy for use as a primary spanner wrench, but works well as a substitute.


    As a forcible entry tool, the 18" model had significant grip but lacked enough leverage to effectively open the door. The 30" model would do much better at that.


    We were able to use the "board tool" to rip off sub-roofing lumber and it worked very well. We were not able to try it on wood siding, however. But I think it would do just as well for the task.


    Depending on your needs, the 18-inch tool may be practical for a command or first response type vehicle where space limitations require a multipurpose tool in a small package. For an engine or rescue squad though, I recommend the 30-inch model.


    Kevin Scott
    Lieutenant - Operations
    Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department


    Friday, April 6, 2012

    Tru-Spec 24-7 Series Pants, on sale, sale, sale!!

    SPRING SAVINGS ALERT: 
     
    BUY 1 PAIR = 15% OFF
    BUY 2 PAIR = 20% OFF
    BUY 3 PAIR = 25% OFF 
     
    Awesome deal, folks! These Tru-Spec 24-7 Series pants are a favorite among our customers. 
    Made from a new all-season cotton fabric, they're sure to be comfortable, versatile, and stylish & sharp!

    • Designed for durability, full function and superior wearability
    • Comfort and performance for almost any situation
    • Tough, all-season Poly/Cotton Ripstop fabric
    • Comfort Fit Slider Waistband accommodates paddle or ITP holsters without adjustable side tabs
    • Deep and plentiful pockets designed for secure storage of professional and personal gear
    They come in khaki, black and navy, giving you plenty of options to choose from, for what will fit best with your wardrobe or uniform.

    To check out this great sale, and see more detailed specs on these TRU-ly amazing pants, click here

    Wednesday, April 4, 2012

    The Chief's Perspective: TFS Gear Bags Video

    Today we have a video from our CEO, Jim Witmer, who discusses our line of TheFireStore Exclusive gear bags. Check it out!



    If you'd like to look at the detailed specs of our popular gear bags, or to check our prices and deals, then click here to shop!

    Monday, April 2, 2012

    On Scene Review: Pro Warrington 5007B Structural Firefighting Boots

     -Our blog, On Scene with TheFireStore & The FireGeezer Blog are working together doing a review program of products we think you'll benefit from hearing an inside perspective. -
     
    I have been using the PRO-Warrington 5007B Structural Firefighting Boots. My very first reaction upon donning the boots was the ease of getting into them. The back and side support features of the boots kept the opening wide open for quick donning. 



    Once the boots were on, I was impressed with the comfortable soles and snug feel around my feet. This prevented any extra unwanted movement within the boots that normally cause blisters. The boots were lightweight, but still seemed very durable and provided adequate support.

     
      While "duck walking", crawling, and climbing stairs, the no angle shaft of the boot prevented any ride up of my bunker pants completely. My current structural boots have a rounded steel toe, unlike the "oblique" steel toes of the 5007B. I found that I was able to get better grip while crawling and climbing with the oblique toes. 
     

    Throughout my evolutions, I noticed that my feet never got hot or sweaty, which I will accredit to the good breathability of the boots. Through the crawling and walking exercises the shin guard was not noticed, but became appreciated when low crawling/climbing stairs. I did, however, find comfort was dependent on the angle on which my shin rested on them. 


    All in all I was very pleased with them and would recommend them to anyone who is ready to get a new pair of boots.

    Technician Ryan Carroll
    Stafford County Fire and Rescue