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Hazards of Commercial Buildings

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How many of these do you have in your response area?

How many of these do you have in your response area?

No doubt that we all have a building like this in our jurisdiction, if not several.

In many cases these buildings have been several different kinds of business and altered some fashion or another.

These are not simple fires, especially if there are part of a main street block or strip mall type of set up.

We can see some pretty thick smoke from the attic vent on the front. I see a fan set up and can’t tell if it is running, but at this point in the fire, should it be?

  • What are some challenges we could encounter at this building especially with the roof?
  • What kind of construction are we dealing with?
  • Is the line size and placement appropriate?

Post your comments and give your thoughts. Happy New Year, stay safe.

Posted by dc802 on December 31, 2009 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , ,

Iroquois Theater Fire Anniversary

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Iroquois Theater Fire

Iroquois Theater Fire

Iroquois Theater Fire

Iroquois Theater Fire

iroquois-smoke

Iroquois Theater Fire

The Iroquois Theater opened in Chicago in 1903 and like many things built in that time period, was touted as being “fire proof.”  

On December 30th, the play “Mr. Bluebeard” was being performed and at around 3:00PM a scene portraying moonlight was set.  There were approximately 1900 people in the crowd, many standing in whatever space was not taken up by the seats.  

A spark from a stage light ignited some scenery and the night would soon turn tragic.  

As actors asked the crowd to stay calm, the orchestra kept playing as burning scenery fell from the set behind and above them.  Panic soon swept through the crowd and the mad rush to escape began.  

Since the theater was already filled beyond capacity, doors were jammed with fallen bodies and people were trampled trying to get out.  In addition, some exits were not seen because there were no lit exits and some were locked with iron bars for security.  

In the end, 630 people died in this fire.  After the fire, it was noted that regulations and inspections were lax in the theater and other theaters were immediately closed until they passed inspection.  

This fire definately has had an impact on fire codes and ordinances in relation to public assembly occupancies.  However, this is not too disimilair from the Station Nightclub fire just a few short years ago.  

Remember, inspections matter and you must be firm in making sure these facilities are up to code. Stay safe and learn our lessons from reading about the past, not re-living it.

Posted by dc802 on December 30, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, mass-casualty-incident

Kitchen Table Tactics

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  • house_fire_insurance_claimWhat have we got here?
  • What is you size up?
  • What is you first impression as you are driving up the drive about line placement and life safety considerations?
  • What is your first action when stepping out of the apparatus and why?
  • Are there any special tactical considerations that aren’t obvious?
  • Venting where and why?

Go over this with your crews and post all of the discussion points to share with everyone. This can turn into a great one hour training session, especially with the snow and ice all about. Stay safe and let us know what you come up with.

Posted by dc802 on December 30, 2009 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , ,

Safety, Safety, Safety!

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Is he wearing everything he should be?

Is he wearing everything he should be?

This should be obvious to most who look at this picture. We have a fully charged house fire and we are venting. There is no doubt that venting this structure is appropriate.

We have a vent guy on the stoop roof with what looks to be a good tool and I think I see an SCBA?

But, what have we been taught about pressurized structures full of heat and smoke? What about the plume exiting the window above the stoop? The vent guy should have a mask on.

I am sure firefighters all over this great country have done this a thousand times, but, that one time that the smoke flashes as it relieves itself, this guy is inhaling super-heated gases. It might be the day we have a LODD or career ending injury.

Chiefs and officers, make sure your people are wearing their PPE when in or near an IDLH. Let’s practice safety in every aspect of our jobs while still doing our jobs effectively. The best way to do this is to train every shift and learn our craft as best we can. Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by dc802 on December 30, 2009 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , ,

Venting the Roof

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Does anyone see anything wrong with this picture? Using a roof ladder is a good thing.  Working in teams is a good thing.  What are some hazards we see here? What is the main problem with this operation?  Post your responses and I will post mine later. Stay safe.
Posted by dc802 on December 29, 2009 • Filed under: firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations • Tagged: , , , , ,

Roosevelt Hotel Fire 1963

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Roosevelt Hotel

Roosevelt Hotel

The ballroom held many events and this night hosted a paThe  fire started in the ballroom and was said to have started from a discarded cigarrette but it actually began in the ceiling from faulty wiring.rty after the Gator Bowl.  This hotel was one of only two luxury hotels in Jacksonville, FL at the time.

The first calls came in at about 0700 to the Jacksonville Fire Department and smoke was already traveling throughout the 13 story building with people hanging out windows and some actually used bedsheets to climb to safety.

Helicopters were flown in and some patrons were removed from the roof. It has been estimated that 475 people were rescued that night, but 21 hotel guests died in their beds, believed to have been from carbon monoxide poisioning and the assistant chief, J.R. Romedy collapsed during the initial rescue efforts from a heart attack and died at the scene.

Where the fire started, in the ceiling of the ballroom, was scrutinized because the ceiling was deemed a fire hazard due to the finish. When the ceiling was replaced, it wasn’t replaced, just covered by the new ceiling.  The fire hazard was still there but not visible.

This fire shows us that we must be diligent in inspecting the projects in our jurisdiction.  If inspectors had noticed the old ceiling being covered instead of removed, this might not have happen.  This is one reason permits and inspections are so important. Learn the lessons from the past by reading and studying them, not by reliving them.  Stay safe.
Posted by dc802 on December 29, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fires, rescues • Tagged: , , ,

More PIV’s

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These PIVs are on the same property.  There is only one system in the building but there are two PIVS and two hydrants.

The owner cannot tell us if the building had different systems. My suspicion is that one building is older, which we know, and had a separate system.  The other system was built later and added on to.  We do know that both are open and they get tested annually for inspection.

However, be aware of these on other properties. It very well may mean that there are two systems at work.

You need to make sure which on is which and that they are both OPEN.  Just a note, the FDC you see in the first picture is the only one on site. There is not an FDC at the the other PIV and hydrant and as you can see, the other PIV is behind a fence along with the hydrant that is near it. Have a great day.

Posted by dc802 on December 29, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, firefighting-operations, training-development • Tagged: , ,

Fire Discussion 3

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discuss3_1

discuss3_2

Okay, here is your kitchen table Company Discussion for the day. Let’s take a look at what we have going on here. The two pictures say a great deal about this fire.

  • What do you do?
  • Where will your first line go?
  • Second line?
  • What are the smoke and fire conditions telling you?
  • Where is this fire?
  • Any hazards that you can see?
  • What it is the primary Life Safety area?

List your thoughts and what you would do and comment on others. This blog is not about right and wrong answers, just to encourage discussion. Stay safe and train like you mean it.

Posted by dc802 on December 29, 2009 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , ,

Remember the PIV?

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Remember when doing inspections to check out the fire department connection.  We all do that pretty well for the most part, making sure that nothing is blocking it and noting where it is for tactical reasons.  However, I have seen crews miss checking the Post Indicator Valve when checking the FDC/Sprinkler System. It is just as important.

The biggest reason this is missed is because they are usually a little ways from the building and are not right next to the FDC, but it they are not checked and are SHUT, it could have grave circumstances if there is a fire.

These PIV control the water to the system. They should always be open and the window on the PIV will read OPEN or SHUT.  Look around, usually these are on large industrial complexes and some high rise buildings.

Posted by dc802 on December 29, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Company Training Discussion 2: Residential Fire with Exposure

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This is the response from the posting from the other day.  Our fried Fred commented with the following details:

Assuming wood frame construction of main structure. Challenges: fire already past egress point at patio doors of main structure. Exposure of propane tank in backyard. Possible hazardous storage in garage. Garage may be block construction.

1st attack line (1 1/2) would be in main structure towards opposite end of house from fire (to push fire back towards spent fuel. 2nd line would be 1 1/2 inch line deployed to attack garage from rear outside and provide exposure protection to propane tank.

Size up would be working residence fire fully involved with detached garage involved. Request 2nd engine if not already dispatched for water supply.

(Let’s see if I’ve forgotten all I learned from 1977-89.

One other thing that I would like to add is the house sits off of the road a pretty good ways.  Laying line will be needed but depending where you are, water supply might be an issue too.  If this is the case in your jurisdiction, plan for water supply needs.  Also, with fire already in the attic and moving, I would probably choose a second line of a 2 1/2″ line.  I like to go bigger with the second line when I’ve got a lot of fire showing at the get go.  This works well to back up the first line in case it isn’t enough initially, the bigger second line is already deployed and ready to go to work.

Have  great week and stay safe.

Posted by dc802 on December 28, 2009 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

Woe the Shopping Carts

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With the holidays over, so to speak, the big sales days are upon us now.  You might want to check on your big stores to make sure things are in order.

As we can see here, the shopping carts have taken precedent over the people inside for access to the exit.  This happens a great deal at these stores.

Most of the time the manager has no clue that this is happening and when told is pretty quick to remedy the problem.  Don’t leave it this way, mention it and get it taken care of.  As we say in the last post, watch the back and sides of the building for extra storage containers blocking exterior exit doors.  Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by dc802 on December 28, 2009 • Filed under: Uncategorized, administration-leadership, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , ,

Inspections

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As you can see, this is a huge obstacle for those wanting to get out of that door.  I have had companies do inspections and when I asked about the exterior, especially the rear of the building, I would get blank stares.

It is important to check out the exterior in particular where the exit discharge is.  These areas should be level, lit and clear of obstacles.

An engine company could inpsect the interior of this building and never notice this unless they do a 360 of the building.  This is another time when your tactics are the same for fire suppression as they are for prevention.  As I have said before, inspections and prevention are the first steps to situational awareness.  Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by dc802 on December 27, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

Inspecting Exits and Exit Aisles

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You can see the problem here, right?  This is a common problem in warehouses, mercantile stores and the “big box” stores, especially the large do-it-yourself stores.  We have to make sure that these lanes are not ‘permanently’ blocked.  The exception is if they are using the lift to move merchandise to or from high shelves, in that case, the aisle is temporarily blocked for the consumer’s protection.  We just need to make sure that the staff understands the importance of opening it up as soon as possible.  Keep safe out there and be diligent in doing these inspections.  Remember, they are as much for you, the firefighter, as much as the patron.
Posted by dc802 on December 26, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

Company Training Discussion 2: Residential Fire with Exposure

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Here is another look at a residential house fire.  What challenges might we have with this fire and where would your first attack line go?  Where would you put your second line and what size?  How would your size-up be transmitted?  What type of contruction are you assuming?  Post you comments and I will post mine later. Have a safe and happy weekend.
Posted by dc802 on December 26, 2009 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Trooper Identfied

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This is the trooper that was killed working an accident today.  Here is the link to the news story:  http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=192480&catid;=3
Stay safe and be careful out there.
Posted by dc802 on December 25, 2009 • Filed under: in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty • Tagged: ,

MO State Trooper LODD

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It is with much regret to pass along sad information from Missouri. This morning a Missouri State Trooper was struck while working at an accident scene in Eureka, MO.  Details are still few, but the trooper had gotten out of his vehicle and was struck by a passing motorist.  The trooper was taken by ground EMS to a hospital where he sadly passed away.

The roads in MO today have been slick and the time of this accident was when conditions were probably at their worst in that area.  The Eureka Fire Protection District ran the initial incident and transported the trooper to the hospital.  The trooper could not be flow due to poor weather.  Please keep this fallen hero and his family in your prayers.  As more details are released, I will post them.

Posted by dc802 on December 25, 2009 • Filed under: in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty • Tagged: , , ,

Firefighter Nutcracker

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I know Christmas is today, but, for those of you that do your  shopping for next year the day after Christmas, check this out for you fire buffs.  This would make a great addition to any fire buff’s office, home or bar. You know, the firefighter that has all thing firefighting.  I have included the link for the site that you can buy this.  Happy Christmas.!  Here is the link:  Nutcracker
Posted by dc802 on December 25, 2009 • Filed under: news • Tagged: ,

Help, Santa’s On Fire

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This is what happens when you travel faster than the speed of light.  Let’s hope they got him put out before the presents burned.  Have a Merry Christmas and stay safe.
Posted by dc802 on December 25, 2009 • Filed under: christmas, firefighter holidays, fun stuff • Tagged: , , ,

Merry Christmas; ‘Tis the Season

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all and your families.  Happy Holidays and many blessings to you all.  Thanks so much for the support so far, we really appreciate it.  Stay safe and take care.
Posted by dc802 on December 24, 2009 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: ,

Tragedy 85 Years Ago

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On this day in 1924, children and their parents were gathered in the Babbs Switch School for a visit from Santa Clause. It would end up being a tragic Christmas story and a reason for inspections and codes.  The school had been recently painted with terpintine used for paint thinner.  After windstorms had damaged the building, it was restored and repaired and metal mesh was placed over the windows to protect them.

The program and gathering took place in a small building of approximately 1200 square feet and people were standing against the walls and in the aisles.  Santa started to hand out presents from under the tree which had lit candles on it for decoration.  Santa’s suit had cotton trim on it and was lit after bumping into the tree and lit candles.

A panic started and the tree was knocked over, which was a real tree, and the fire grew quickly.  As people attempted to exit, many were not able to escape because the door opened to the inside instead of out.  This allowed only one side of the building to easisly exit, trapping those on the other side of the room.   A total of 36 people died from the fire and many others injured from burns.

This is another reminder of where fire and building codes have come and that we must monitor and inspect these occupancies to ensure that all safety requirements are met.  Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by dc802 on December 24, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, firefighting-operations, major-incidents, mass-casualty-incident, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , ,

More On Engineered Lumber

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc-IZhpIYwk]

I know this is older but is worth mentioning and showing again. Be careful out there and take time to look for basements.  Stay safe.

Posted by dc802 on December 23, 2009 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, line-of-duty, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

Know Your Buildings

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIyZx8uIMh0]

Here is an older, but good reporting video from Dave Statter on building construction and how it affects our efforts. Stay safe.

Posted by dc802 on December 23, 2009 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , ,

Dry Christmas Trees

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPyrJbKJpIY]

Here is another look at what a dry Christmas tree can do if ignited. Please be safe with your decorations. Have a Merry and Safe Christmas.

Posted by dc802 on December 23, 2009 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged:

India School Fire in 1995 Killed Over 500

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On this day in 1995, over 500 people were killed during a school ceremony in Dabwali, Haryana India. There were entire families and mostly children that were killed that day.

The school had set up a large tent/membrane structure for a special event for the school.  It is believe that a short circuit in some wiring could have started the fire.

The large loss of life was primarily due to the stampede created from the panic from the rapidly spreading fire. It was reported that there were over 1200 people in the tent at the time of the fire.  This could happen here to any jurisdiction. Inspections need to be done on these events and temporary structures to ensure proper wiring and adequate exits.  Stay safe and diligent.

Posted by dc802 on December 23, 2009 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, fires, major-incidents, mass-casualty-incident • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Suicide With Detergent: Look Out

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http://www.kctv5.com/news/22033404/detail.html

http://www.kctv5.com/news/22033404/detail.html#

Many have seen this or know about it. Others may not. Read and watch the video. This stuff is out there and it is dangerous.  Stay safe out there.

Posted by dc802 on December 22, 2009 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: , , ,