Battalion Chief Tom Cole from Miami Dade Battalion 13 “B” sent us some great photos of a near miss they recently experienced in Miami. They were operating in a two story ordinary construction single family dwelling with light wispy white-grey smoke upon arrival. Conditions deteriorated rapidly and they experienced flashover like conditions. Fortunately Battalion Chief Cole ordered an evacuation just prior to the event. Check out the supplemental page for a complete description.
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A good example of “stay low and let it blow” Ventilation is critical on weather tight construction!!!
Gents,
I must commend Batt. Chief Cole for his keen and assertive experience that protected his companies.
These photos only depict the very nature of our profession and how significant every person(s) role is on the fireground.
Gang, remember that we’re in together – “Vent and he shall live!”
Darrell
I would hope next time they would consider venting the top floor windows before entering the 2nd floor. Not knowing where the fire is like the Chief said can kill you. Its not fun when the boots get hot cause its the Floor/ceiling below you!
Yet another example of a major safety obstacle we face…trusses, glue laminated beams, I-joists, structural composite lumber, wood structural panels, etc, etc. ….”lightweight construction”….be ready, be safe!
what would cause a high heat light smoke condition like that?
High heat, no visible fire, you better check under you ASAP. Just by judging by the guy next to the rig changing his bottle, these guys were operating for awhile. And as MB stated if the floor you’re standing on is constructed with trusses, there will most likely be a huge fire freeburning in there. No joist bays to “contain” the flames.
This site is awesome-keep up the great work. Stay safe!
The roof covering appears to be ceramic terra cotta. So, I would think that would be a vertical ventilation challenge right off the bat. As jon comments venting the second floor windows may be the best option. For discussion’s sake what if there had been a person trapped on the second floor? Would most fireground officers pull a line and create a more tenable environment for the victim? Some aggressive officers would proably order a vent, enter, search tactic. What would most officers do?
I am in no way critiquing this department or this incident, but here are some of my thoughts regarding this type of situation. Based on the size-up we noted a light wispy white-grey smoke on arrival. During this size-up it is imperative that we note the conditions of smoke or lack there-of coming from the attic area. Heavy dense black turbulent smoke coming from the eaves would be indicative of fire extension into this location. I have experienced fires during my career that on arrival, heavy smoke was pushing from eaves with lack of heat and smoke inside the structure which should immediately turn our focus to the attic space. In this situation we can limit suspect of attic involvement. After noting the conditions of the first floor and lack of fire or substantial smoke and heat, this would lend us to believe a second floor fire. We note heavy heat conditions, however no major fire involvement on the second floor. Due to this situation, we must suspect that the heat generated from below. The fact that heat rises, we can determined that this maybe a concealed fire situation (Floor space). The fire is generating heat from below indicated by the conditions on the first and second floor. This will reveal the heat level on the 2nd floor as an indication that the fire and heat below is rising up. ***** It is essential that we always verify fire conditions overhead. Remember drywall repairs are cheap******** When fire is suspected above you, open it up and verify conditions.********* In past postings, I have mentioned the fact that the use of horizontal ventilation can contribute to a very rapid and uncontrollable fire spread. In this scenario a window was taken out on the second floor. What is two critical items we are leaving inside the structure? High Heat and highly combustible smoke. During our horizontal venting practices we leave our ignition source inside the structure, which is extreme heat as noted on our report. Remember heat rises and accumulates at the highest point, the ceiling and attic space. One question we must ask ourselves, is taking a window going to release the highest heat levels? Combine that with the fact we have thinned this propane like flammable gases to fall within their flammable range contributing to this rapid fire spread.*******Horizontal ventilation techniques should be used for VES operations with a closed door to limit fire spread, that may be forced onto us. With horizontal ventilation, this will lift smoke and heat so that a rapid search can be conducted. This also will allow the removal of smoke on smaller controlled fires….************Let’s consider vertical operations on the following type situation. During our initial entry we noted the heaviest heat conditions located on side 1 (A) of the structure. At this point we have our truck members vertically ventilate this area. What would we be releasing from the exposed atmosphere??? Heavy intense heat build-up and smoke conditions in the upper regions of this area, which is our ignition source that creates this type of rapid fire conditions. A job well done needs to go out to Chief Cole for making the decision to withdraw the troops from these conditions. His decision saved firemen. *******When conditions rapidly deteriorate and the fire location has not been determined, we must re-evaluate our tactics*******. As stated earlier withdrawing definitely saved firemen in this situation. The fire has now been identified and its location and tactics can be implemented to combat it. One very important consideration to mention here is in the southern region many modern construction techniques are very similar to this particular structure. Often times we eliminate the option for vertical operations, failing to realize on the second floor we are standing and working on the same or less substantial platform compared to working on the roof. ******In this particular situation stripping the tiles by pulling them off of the retainers with a tool exposing the deck is a very good option although more time consuming. In a conversation with a member of the fire service, he indicated that fires could not involve floor spaces due to lack of adequate air space and movement.******* As we can see from this incident and as we have seen many times before, this is very far from the truth and can’t be consider as factual.******** Fires in these spaces can smolder for long periods of time, developing significant heat situations, which can be partly due to the size of the space and air movements. As we have all learned in this situation a smoldering fire with high heat development needs one thing for a back-draft situations, AIR….Looking at the photos and the proximity of the entry door, and by checking overhead immediately upon entry can be a great identifier of the fire location.. Stay safe
Jeff Ponds.
Someone made a good point about “air-tight” construction. In todays fire service the only way to get a true idea of what is going on is to get inside and investigate. I have been to fires where the only indication of a fire is that the blinds looked melted!
Since this is a truck company website I offer the following:
If the heat conditions were as bad as reported, why did it take approximatley sixteen minutes to initiate ventilation? The report gives the impression that 3 crews were on scene before ventilation took place.
The picture doesn’t show a clear image of apparatus placement, but what do you guys think about the Engine placement? The truck would need to take a different route and then back in to the fire. Vertical ventilation would be best performed from an aerial on this structure due to the architecture of the home and the limited area between houses to through ladders at a proper angle.
A TIC would have been a great tool to investigate this fire.
I will not pretend to know the life of a Florida firefighter. You guys have some different construction methods such as cinder block houses (as I am sure this one was), and terra cotta roofing. That being said even will taking a hook to the roofing tiles, I would still prefer a vertical cut anyday. This house is a good example of where a hole in the roof could have given the “blow-torch” effect on the roof and possibly limited fire exposure out of the windows.
Glad to see everyone made it out safe. Props to the Chief on scene, as few white shirts would want a fire like this posted on the net. Thanks for the learning opportunity!
The reason I wanted to share this fire with everyone is that I feel very strongly about this subject matter. I teach flashover at the local academy and this was a very unique fire that I expect more and more companies may start to experience in the future.There were many lessons learned from this fire and as an educator as well as a Battalion Chief, I want us all to learn from our past experiences. As far as the TIC is concerned, every unit on our Dept.(Engines, Ladders,and Rescue companies) all carry a TIC as standard equipment in MDFR. The first 2 engine companies had their TICs in hand and both whited out due to the high heat. This is yet another lesson we learned during this “routine” house fire.Stay safe out there…………
Great article, Thanks Chief.
Looks as if these homes are like most new homes and neighborhoods being built. They are way to close to one another. I am sure it was challenging for exposure protection. The street appears to be another challenge as it looks to be on the narrow side. That’s a concern if a tower or ladder runs with the first in engine. Placement behind the first in unit is difficult at best.
As an officer I have always been concerned with barrel-tiled roofs. Barreled (terra cotta) roofs can cause a great danger to firefighters. The possibility for these roofs to fail under fire conditions is great. They are typically heavier then shingled roofs. They show little to no warning signs of failure (bowing, spongy or bubbling). These roofs are typically made of terra cotta and once the weight of a firefighter steps on one, a crack and slip is possible. Be aware that flat tiled roofs are just as dangerous regarding the above mentioned. Great decision on the evac of personnel Chief. Makes us remember the basics and check the ceiling/voids over our heads. Might not of helped to find the fire in this situation.
Stay safe…
I was once in a similar situation were I went to a 2 story wood frame residental fire. Upon arrival we had very light white smoke coming from the eaves. A line was pulled and entry made into the 1st floor which we found clear of snoke. In the foyer was a interior stairwell where we could see heavy black smoke banked down to the top of the stairs. As we made it to the 2nd floor we encountered intense heat; I took a left at the hallway to find a door which I check to find it very hot, I told my Lieutenant this is the room and be ready only to open it to find this room clear of any smoke. This took us by suprise because were certain the fire was in this room, there was a 2nd bedroom with similar conditions. In the meantime I could hear the sound of a PPV fan kick up. At this point me and my Lt. were both suprise to hear this since the fire was not found at this point. I knew that where ever the fire was hiding will soon show itself if this type of ventilation was not stopped. Long story short, PPV fan was shut off, the fire happen to be on the opposite end of the hallway (appox 40ft) in the master bedroom where a heat pump from a water bed caught fire and burned the room until the bed itself melted and the majority of the fire was knockdown by the waterbeds water. Point of the story is ventilation is very important but some “people” need to understand what type and when to apply it. Our situation could have been very bad with a PPV fan in a tightly enclose house with unknown fire location. Another note: it was hotter in the unburn side of the hallway then the fire room itself so just be aware of these tightly closed buildings.
Bravo Chief, not only for the shared lessons but your own continual drive…”A wealth of education will serve as life preservation!” I love it when our profession becomes our way of life! Training, learning and sharing should never cease! Special props on the statement about “TIC white outs!” How well do we know our tools and how they respond in different situations? Even more so…do we forget to rely on our basic knowledge, skills and senses…not that any of yours did. Again I must say Bravo… Embrace tradition, welcome modern and future technologies, don’t be afraid to challenge both to bring about a positive change and never become bounded by either. Life’s to short…live, shine and leave a legacy for those to follow and build on! Stay safe my extended families! I keep you all in my thoughts.
Gents,
Once again, may we extend an appreciation towards Chief Cole’s fortitude to share his professional experiences and non-erudite lessons? Chief, after reading your last response; I was hoping that we could redirect this topic by addressing a pertinent issue that you briefly mentioned in your response.
If I may heave a quote from your comments for a moment, “The first two Engine Companies had their TIC(s) in hand and both whited – out due to the high heatâ€. This particular profound subject initiated an interesting conversation at the infamous evening round table (Dinner). Which was an opportune time to discuss and relive your most recent depiction. Furthermore, it brought insight to our particular make and model thermal imaging camera.
After a minuet debate and quandary, we contacted our inter-agency guru of Thermal Imagers. During our conversation, he enlightens us with a horde of resourceful information pertaining to Thermal Imagining Cameras, predominantly our brand of choice – ISG. Apparently, through internal testing, we discovered that every different manufacturer of Thermal Imaging Cameras has certain idiosyncrasies ie. Different temperature ranges pertaining to the possiblilty of white – out and their particular reset durations.
Now, I am not condemning any particular brand of manufacturing or endorsing any particular brand of manufacturer; however, I am innocuously expressing that there’s more than meets the average eye with these cameras. Evidently, most of our brothers didn’t realize that these cameras had certain limitations, other than the battery (Smiling).In lieu of not portraying stupidity, most of our personnel never possessed an awareness of white –out or experienced this circumstance.
Now, that we were caught up to speed with the utilization of modern technology – pertaining to TIC(s). Chief, if you are willing, would you share your knowledge and information relating to the components of TIC(s).
It would be an honor to have you share with our viewers and brothers of VentEnterSearch.com; referencing the rationale behind “White – out†that will reconcile this interesting phenomenon in the fire service – The necessity of equipment familiarization and technical awareness beyond the realm of its mere operating instructions.
Brethren, let’s reveal our appreciation, as well as our respect, by honoring Chief Cole’s valuable and personal time to be amongst us all. Thanks Chief.
Chief, the floor is all yours…
Darrell
nice site
I found a video to go with your story-
Hamptons Fire – Home of The Best Firefighting Video
I hope that code works…otherwise-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jgw1Rj-LSM
That is the video from our fire. Someone with a cell phone took the video and somehow it was sent to one of our Captains that happened to be on this fire. You never know when “Big Brother” is watching. Stay safe……….
I am telling you that with the site I have, and all the searching I do. It is rare to not have someone take a photo or film a fire or accident. I have found footage or photos of friends of mine in the FDNY, and thought I never could…If you look hard enough you can find anything.
So yes – Big Brother is Watching
Hamptons Fire – Home of the Best Firefighting Video