Here is a video clip from a recent three alarm motel fire in Phoenix. This is the fire where a section of roof falls and pins two firefighters. They were very fortunate, and were able to free themselves quickly. The moral of the story… Always check over your head! A quick hook into the ceiling will give you a good idea of the fire conditions overhead. As this video demonstrates, it’s even important to do prior to entry of the involved area. –Jimm-
4 thoughts on “Always check over your head!”
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Wow! Can we say, ” There are angels among us “. I ademantly think that this particular video can convey numerous things to us all.
First, what was the strategical tactic that pursaded them to entering that area? Was it the infamous – “moth to the light” theory? One can honestly say, We’re not sure because we were not there. This is true!( No arm chair QB’s here )
Secondly, let’s look at the whole picture. Were there any other avenues of entry for an attack? The main body of fire is and always will remain in one place ; however, extension is the enemy that we fear and must face many fire buildings.
Sometimes, we overlook the tactical fire ground basics. Locate, confine, and extinguish. In this case, the seat is known – the room. And with that particular type of construction – we can expect fire extenison in concealed spaces; Attics, walls,and potentially the floors.
Therefore, if we look at the basics here. I think that another avenue could have been an interior attack from the unburn side. This allows us a safer avenue for aggressive interior attack options. Circumventing extension will isolate the fire’s seated orgin (Main Body of Fire).
Next time, consider the old school options that worked for years. Attempt to contain the main body of fire by cutting off the exteniosn routes first and work safely towards the main body of fire from the unburned side of the building – when practical.
And don’t forget your surrounding (Above, Below, Beside, and Behind you!! ; As well as your egress points)
God bless and be safe.
I know I’ll get heat from the safety officers out there but I was told 25 years ago and I tell my guys today…….”do not put your gloves on while on the rig”.
Wait until your off the rig, then, in the 5-7 seconds it takes to put your gloves on you take in the BIG picture.
See what your up against. As Darrell said “see what’s above, below, beside and behind you”. And if it hits the fan, where am I going! Size-up doesn’t end when your on scene. Work smarter not harder.
As a safety officer I totally agree with the above comment. Let your brain arrive on scene the same time you do. All to often we react before we think. If a simple act of putting on your gloves gives you the time to catch-up, I say that’s great. I have a few tricks myself. We’ve all done what these guys are doing. We’ve all put ourselves in a comprising positions before. We’ve all had crap fall on us before. When we run into a burning building and manage to get out alive, we are all lucky.
AJ
Excellent points Darrell. In the video it looks as if the first crew is attacking the fire with an 1 3/4 line. If it’s commercial I am calling for 2 1/2 at least. My appologies Jimm & Jeff for throwing my 2 cents in on Hose Jockey tactics on your Truckie web site. ARE THOSE LIDS NFPA COMPLIANT OR WHAT!?!