Firefighters warned about hydrogen cyanide

Tri-County Volunteer Firefighers met last week at the Ulysses Firehalll, where they heard a warning about the dangers of hydrogen cyanide gas.

The gas can be released by heated materials during and after a fire, delegates learned. Hydrogen cyanide is 35 times more dangerous than carbon monoxide.

In other business, representatives from Emporium recommended that delegates consider a purchasing cooperative to save money on everything from fire equipment to everyday supplies.

They also once again promoted the use of smokeand fire-detectors and recommended lithiumpowered detectors.

Mike Bauer Jr. of St. Marys cautioned the public about disreputable salespeople who visit homes, recommend an excessive amount of detectors, and then want to install unnecessary wiring.

Jim Steiner was introduced as the new EMA director for Potter County. Steiner showed slides of a mobile communications center that will be stationed in the county.

It will enable all fire police, EMA, EMS, state police, sheriff's departments and all emergency groups to intercommunicate.

Next Tri-County meeting will be hosted Oct. 24 by the Hilltop Fire Department, Cyclone.