• Posted: August 17, 2023
• 100th Training, Alsip Fire Department, Bob Hattier, Fire Safety, First Responders, IBEW Local 134, IBEW-NECA Technical Institute, Illinois First Responders, Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund, Joe Kilcoyne, Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy Systems, Tom Styczynski

 

The Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund (REF) and the IBEW Local 134 recently completed their 100th training of first responders at the IBEW-NECA Training Institute in Alsip, IL. This collaboration started to keep first responders informed about fire hazards for renewable energy systems. As renewable energy systems grow in popularity, the programs are also growing in popularity.

“People that attended the training here started talking to their peers in other communities,” said Bob Hattier, Business Representative at IBEW Local 134 and Executive Director of the REF.

Supplying first responders with potentially life-saving information

Renewable energy systems are evolving rapidly. This makes it difficult for first responders to stay on top of how these new technologies impact fire safety hazards.

“Trying to keep up with technology is pretty difficult to do. The IBEW providing the training that we have and keeping us updated makes our job a whole lot easier,” said Tom Styczynski, Fire Chief, Alsip Fire Department.

The trainings teach first responders about the technologies, considerations when the systems are involved in a fire as well as considerations when renewable energy systems are present on the site of an emergency — whether or not the system is directly involved in the fire.

“Firefighters are often surprised at some of the hazards and what they might be exposed to when the systems are damaged,” said Joe Kilcoyne, Business Representative, IBEW Local 134 and Treasurer of the REF.

Through this course, instructors are planting seeds of knowledge for first responders so they can educate their peers.

Four trainings offer specific insights

The REF is currently offering four trainings for first responders, including: 

• Fire safety for photovoltaic (PV) or energy storage systems
• Fire safety for electric vehicle (EV) emergencies 
• Solar plan review for fire inspectors
• Origin and cause: Investigating solar and energy storage fires

The REF and the IBEW Local 134 hope to be a continued resource for first responders in the region.

“There’s a whole plethora of electrical systems out there and the IBEW is a great place to get that education out to these first responders,” said Hattier.

For more information on renewable energy fire safety training opportunities, contact the Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund.