Back in April we had a post titled Proactive RIT featuring photos from a job in Toronto. We have found a video clip from that incident. Check out those smoke conditions! Thanks to VentEnterSearch.com reader Todd C who took the time to point this out to us. Apparently the video was found on firefighterclosecalls.com. Thanks Todd! -Jimm-Â
Â
Notice in the video the windows still remain intact with exception of the area where the firemen are bailing out. Even the fire room on the far left of the screen still appears intact. The importance of venting a structure during operations cannot be over stressed. Throughout the years manufacturing of homes as well as furnishings, toys, carpets, and many other items has changed drastically. The close calls that we have with flashovers are becoming a far too common occurrence due to this trend of manufacturing and fully encapsulated gear. Now more than ever it is essential that we Vent the structure by Vertical as well as Horizontal if we wish to reduce risk associated with aggressive firefighting. In order to avoid situations like this Vent Early-Vent Often. When operating in a multiple floor structure ladders for secondary means of egress are essential on all sides of the structure. During an emergency such as being trapped due to rapidly extending fires should not be the deciding factor for when, where and if a ladder needs placed- it’s a given. It is not as evidenced here but in other videos I have seen and pictures circulated of this scene window frames had not been removed creating somewhat of a traffic jam when trying to escape due to a low profile narrow opening. When you take a window take it all. A hasty emergency egress needs a large unobstructed area. Baseball vents used for horizontal venting are unacceptable. Stay safe JP
After doing some research we have a little bit more of the story behind this fire.
The homeowner was driving home and smelt something burning on the car. Called 911 and parked car in garage because it was cold outside. The logical thing to do if you suspect your car is on fire…The first engine gets called for a car fire (single engine response.)Upon arrival, the first engine finds working car fire in garage and fills out the assignment for a structure fire. They almost knock the fire down with tank water… Look at the temperature outside, the first (and second) hydrants were frozen. Neighbors advise the arriving crews that the homeowner is still inside the home. The homeowner ended up being outside watching the whole thing, but didn’t tell crews the house was unoccupied. A crew went inside to perform a quick search, thinking the fire was isolated to the car and garage. The fire cut off their primary means of egress, and they evacuated to the bay window roof. –Jimm-