Hidden access stairs can certainly cause some confusion on the fireground. They allow for unobstructed smoke and fire travel, and can make finding additional floors frustrating.
The first example was sent in by Derek Porter and the Engine 3 crew from Morgantown (WV.) In this example, a spiral staircase leading to the occupied basement is concealed behind a bi-fold closet door. The staircase was added by the homeowner once the basement was “finished” to prevent having to go outside to access the basement. The spiral staircase fit just perfectly into the existing closet, while maintaining the bi-fold doors.
The next example is from Ronny Findeisen from Stuttgart Fire Department in Germany and proves this is not just a problem found in the United States. In this situation you can see a set of sliding closet doors that is concealing two hidden stairs leading to both a floor above and below.
Neither of these situations are going to ruin our day, they are just going to make the primary search a bit more complicated and time consuming.
Hello??? Guys???? “Don’t have stairs….first due area….” “Donkey kick….?” Anything???? Where is everyone. Alright, we need a PAR! PS, Jimm, thanks for the stickers!
Spiral staircase is a tough move to a fire below. Have been to “Duplex / Triplex Down Apartment” fires and it causes serious pucker factor in the bunghole. Zero visibility, hotter than shyt and almost impossible to get th eline down quickly. Found that moving th eline down with only the nozzle FF on the stairs made it easier. Get him down there so he can open the line and push it away so the rest of the nozzle team can descend. He will take a beating but enable th erest to join him. Good find. DM: I DK’d a door the other day just for you. Sorry you missed it.
Stay Safe brothers.
sorry Dman I pulled my meter and it killed power to my computer!
Im a fan of only putting on guy on a staircase anyway. Up or down. That way if the stairwell goes, you only have one person fall through. Nozzle person take his piece and backup person get about 10ft behind, then move in sync. Then again, Im just used to running with limited manpower. RSFDNY, regarding the dk….NICE!
Found some thing simular on a boring medical. Now i let anyonw who will listen, know about it when we drive by.
Hello!
Hello!