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Knights of Columbus Hostel Fire

On this day in 1942, 100 people lost their lives at the Knights of Columbus Hostel in St. John’s, Newfoundland. The building was mostly wood construction and had had most of the windows boarded up and barred to meet black-out regulations during the war.

At the time of the fire there were approximately 500 occupants in the building. Many of these occupants and some of the dead were service men and women of World War II. It is believed that the fire was sabotage by German Nazis who were suspected of other fires in St. Johns during this same time period.

With wood construction and combustable interior finishes and deocrations, the fire traveled fast and furious throughout the building. With windows and doors locked, barred and boarded over, escape was difficult at best and in some cases, attempts were futile. In addition to the 100 that perished, over 100 more were inujured, many badly burned. Here is a good link for an article as told by a survivor. http://www.thetelegram.com/index.cfm?sid=88617&sc;=85

As always, remember the past so that we don’t repeat it. Train hard and stay safe.

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Posted by dc802 on December 12, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, historic fires • Tagged: bowstrings trusses, building construction, building inspsections, fire codes, fire department, fire fighters, fire inspections, historic fires, hotel fire

Kerns Hotel Fire 1934

The Hotel Kerns was built in 1919 and was a brick building that boasted 162 rooms and was a favorite hot spot noted for its bar and cafeteria.

On Dec. 11, 1934 it would turn tragic when the night janitor for and adjacent business noticed flames on the 2nd floor at around 5 AM. He immediately reported the fire and stated that when he initially discovered the fire the flames were just licking the windows, but that by the time he called it in the flames had grown rapidly to become a full sheet of fire. He could here screams of those trapped and being burned. Some occupants were rescued by nets and by firefighters on ladders. Others were not so lucky. It is believed that a carelessly discarded cigarette caused the fire and the lives of 34 individuals, five of whom have not been identified.

The fact that the companies for that area were only a block away proves just how fast that fire moved and how long it went unnoticed. Smoke detectors, duct dampers, fire doors and other fire protection systems are used to keep these types of fires from happening again. When inspecting, don’t take it lightly, make sure these systems are functional and properly installed and tested. As always, stay safe and be careful.

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Posted by dc802 on December 11, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, historic fires, major-incidents, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: bowstrings trusses, building construction, building inspsections, fire codes, fire department, fire fighters, hotel fire, hotel kerns, inspections

Challenges for Firefighters ON/IN “Green” Buildings

The day has come and will present itself more often in the future that we will be dealing with issues pertaining to “Green” buildings. I was on a conference call today and the subject was brought up about “green” construction and codes. The comment was made, and correctly so in my opinion, that most fire service personnel are not interested in “Green” codes and their develpment.

I believe this statement to be true and alarming. At the same time, we must do a better job of getting the information out to the fire service leaders about why this type of construction is of concern. We have to make knowing about the hazards and designs of these systems a priority just like we have done with engineered lumber.

We have an opportunity to get ahead of the curve on this issue and there is still time to catch the train before it completely pulls out of the station. Although the process has started in developing the International Green Construction Codes, we still have time to get fire service leaders interested and involved in commenting and contributing to these codes and future revisions. In the coming weeks I am going to present to you, the reader, different issues that will affect us as fire service responders and commanders in “Green” buildings. My hope is that we can bring an awareness that I believe and have witnessed to be lacking in many realms of the fire service community.

So, take a look at the picture and try to list as many hazards and problems tactically in regards to the roof. Do some research and learn about these. How do we get on and stay on the roof safely? How do we de-energize these roofs? How do we safely vent these roofs and what hazards do they pose for our people? I will admit that I am no expert, but I am learning more and more everyday and I will try to pass on what I am learning. Until next time, stay safe and be interested.

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Posted by dc802 on December 9, 2009 • Filed under: administration-leadership, buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, green construction, Uncategorized • Tagged: building construction, building inspsections, fire codes, fire department, fire fighters, green codes, green construction, international green code, roof operations, roof venting, vent

As Brannigan said, “The Building is Your Enemy!”

This is a typical scene in just about every jurisdiction in America. The homes are getting bigger while at the same time getting “lighter” in their construction and make-up. Take the time to go by and look at these buildings while they are being constructed. Identify the systems being used and the layout of the floor plans.

Most of these have finished basements and are not easily identified from the front of the property. This is a tinder box that will burn fast and furious if it catches fire. The light weight systems will fail early.

Doing a complete 360 is imperative and sounding floors must be habit when entering all structures. Work smart and train like your life depends on it. Stay safe out there.

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Posted by dc802 on December 9, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, engineered lumber, firefighting-operations, training-fire-rescue-topics, trusses • Tagged: bowstrings trusses, building construction, building inspsections, fire codes, fire department, fire fighters, fire inspections, fire pictures

Atlanta Winecoff Hotel Fire Remembered

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bootbearwdc/2073140320/

http://www.winecoff.org/hotel/

On this day in 1946, 119 people died in the deadliest hotel fire in American history. The 15 story hotel was built in 1913 and was touted to be “fire proof” and was therefor built with no fire protection systems.

There were no fire escapes, no spinklers, no fire alarms and all of the interior finishings were highly combustible and in some instances flammable. Since the building was built of brick on the exterior, under certain insurance provisions, the building could be classified as “fire proof” which was certainly misleading at best.
This fire was another example of the need for legitamized codes and regulations on buidlings. Fire safety became more of an issue and ordinances became more than just a local political decision. In addition, building design was scrutinized and blamed for the rapid spread of fire and smoke to upper floors.

The 194 rooms were wrapped around a central staircase that wound its way from the bottom to the top along with the elevator shafts. This created a “perfect” chimney and the the fire and smoke moved with great speed. To increase the travel of smoke and fire into corridors and rooms, many wooden doors and transoms were left open and made fire and smoke travel widespread.
The fire was first noticed at around 3:00AM by an elevator attendant on the fifth floor, but by then the fire had already engulfed the third and fourth floors. Many on the upper floors were trapped and/or driven further up from the rapidly progressing fire conditions.
This is another reminder for those government bodies that want to reduce fire and building safety codes in the name of progress and reducing costs for developers and builders. I have personally heard discussions by local politicians discuss eliminating building departments or portions of because they just don’t see the benefit. They claim to be understanding that we need fire safety, but they believe, in their infinite wisdom, that it is stunting growth and pushing away builders. At what price?
We have to provide the right education and information to these “leaders” so that they understand why we have these codes. It is to never allow another Winecoff, or another Our Lady of the Angels, or another Beverly Hills Supper Club, or Station Night Club, the list can go on. These are horrific events that many forget or don’t even know about. They happened and could have been prevented.
As firefighters we must take the lead in ensuring that these types of events are not allowed to happen. I hear fellow firefighters complain and moan and groan about doing inspections. It is not that glamorous of a task, but the implications of not doing them are terrible. We have to instill in our people the importance of protecting our families, friends and citizens from potential disasters. That is part of our job.
Take time to research and read about these historic fires and learn why we do what we do. The next time you don’t want to go out and do inspections, think about the Winecoff, the Station, and all of the others that resulted in tragic fire losses. What if the Winecoff had fire protection systems? What if the pyrotechnics weren’t used and the interior finish was appropriate at the Station? What if???
Stay diligent and remember the mission: To Serve and Protect. All of the time..
Check out the video below;
http://www.winecoffhotelfire.com/

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Posted by dc802 on December 7, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, historic fires, major-incidents, mass-casualty-incident • Tagged: building construction, building inspsections, fire codes, fire department, fire fighters, fire inspections, historic fires, hotel fire, tragic fires, winecoff hotel, winecoff hotel fire

Up Above the Ceilings

This is a picture of a fast food restaraunt after a fire. The fire got into the void space and spread very quickly. Crews were pulled out early and there were no injuries. The building was a total loss.

The focus of this picture is the fall out of from the ceiling. As you can see, when these suspended ceilings fall, many opportunities for entanglement fall with them. A firefighter may not see these hazards because of conditions but are still in danger of being trapped by the fallen materials.

In addition, some of the wires could still be “live” and could energize other conductive materials that have fallen with them. Be aware and prepared. This is why you need tools and a radio when entering hazardous conditions. Stay safe and have a great week.

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Posted by dc802 on December 7, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, engineered lumber, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, training-fire-rescue-topics, trusses • Tagged: bowstrings trusses, building construction, building inspsections, ceilings, drop down, fire codes, fire department, fire fighters, fire inspections, fire pictures, preplanning

101 Reported Dead in Russian Nightclub Fire

Early Saturday in Russia, a nightclub fire reportedly claimed the lives of 101 people. The fire is believed to have been started by “cold” fireworks, that are typically fountain type displays and burn at lower temperatures compared to typical fireworks. With recent terrorist events, it was first feared to have been another bomb or terrorist act, but, according to authorities they believe it is not a terrorist act.
Russian news agencies showed charred and burned bodies in the street just outside of the nightclub and reports are that most of the casualties are from burns and smoke inhalation. It is also being reported that majority of victims are young adults who frequent the nightclub.
Russia is known to be lax in their fire codes and enforcement of protective measures. This fire brings back memories of a fire in Rhode Island in 2003, The Station nightclub fire where 100 people perished from a fire started from pyrotechnics on the stage of a performance by Great White. That fire and the deaths were contributed to variance of fire codes and the operators and bands use of pyrotechnics without a permit.
Again, there are reasons for the fire protection measures in place in the form of codes and ordinances. We jsut never know when it could be our jurisdiction having to deal with something like this.

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Posted by dc802 on December 4, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, fires, major-incidents, mass-casualty-incident, news • Tagged: building construction, building inspsections, fire codes, fire department, fire fighters, fire inspections, night club fires

Bowstring Trusses

Most of you know what this is. This is a picture of a building with bowstring trusses. We have all heard about the dangers of these buildings and how they can collapse quickly during a fire.

Many of these buildings have large storage capacities and in many cases are used as automotive repairs and sales shops. The quantity of combustibles and flammables can be large, greatly increasing fire intesity, thus making the failure more imminent. Make sure that you are aware of these buildings and plan accordingly before there is a fire. I can’t impress enough, even if you don’t have an official inspection program, you can still look at these buildings during regular business hours.

In most cases, the owner is not going to say a whole lot if you explain that you are just familiarizing yourself with the building so you know how best to handle an incident at their business. We talk on that another time, but get out and see what is in your area. As always, stay safe.

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Posted by dc802 on December 4, 2009 • Filed under: administration-leadership, buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, firefighting-operations, training-fire-rescue-topics, trusses • Tagged: bowstrings trusses, building construction, fire codes, fire department, fire fighters, fire inspections, fire pictures

Remembering Worcester 6: Dec. 3, 1999

Never forget the Worcester 6 who lost their lives on Dec. 3, 1999. Here is an article that covers the incident very well; much better than I could do. Also, check out the tribute video below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k8o11jUZF0]

You can buy Worcester 6 decals and stickers here: http://www.powercallsirens.com/w6.aspx

Never forget our fallen Brohters and Sisters everywhere. Stay safe.

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Posted by dc802 on December 3, 2009 • Filed under: firefighter-safety-health, fires, historic fires, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, major-incidents • Tagged: building construction, building inspsections, fire codes, fire department, fire fighters, firefighting, line of duty death, lodd, worcester 6

Our Lady of Angels Fire Anniversary

On this date in 1958, Our Lady of the Angels School started like any other day. Kids got up and got their school uniforms on and made their way to classes, just like every day. This day would end tragically and would be one of the main reasons for our modern day fire codes.

Before the day was ended, 92 students and 3 nuns would be dead and a city would be stunned by the events at the school. Parents and a city sent their children to school believing they were safe only to have children who perished or were serverly injured. This fire could have been avoided with more stringent fire and building codes even though it was in compliance with current codes.

The fire, which the cause has never been officially determined, is beleived to have been started in the area of the basement near the foot of the stairwell. It is believed that it started in a cardboard trash barrel. Smoke, heat and flames quickly spread up the unprotected stairwell and began to fill the corridors. Everything in the path of the fire was combustible and was growing at a rapid rate. The first floor door was closed and held back a good deal of the heat and smoke, but the second floor was soon consumed with fire and smoke.

The fire raced into the second floor cockloft and heat and smoke began to enter the classrooms and the main means of egress, the hallway, was impassable. The only way out was to jump, which some students were too short to get over the sill and were trapped inside. Others were told to sit in their desks and pray.
This school fire should never be forgotten and it is a reminder why we need to be diligent when doing inspections and enforcing the codes, especially in plan reviews. Schools house our most valuable and loved miracles; our children and we owe it to them to make sure these buildings are as safe as possible.

Schools are required to have certain fire protection systems in place and to be built to certain standards based on fires like this. It is imperative that we implement and enforce codes to save lives. Inspections must be methodical and meaningful. It is important, it is not just walking through and looking at exit lights and fire extinguishers. Know what your looking for and write it down. Just think of all the firefighters that tried, but could not reach the victims and had to pull out the dead bodies of 92 children instead. We don’t want to be those firefighters.

As always, stay safe and be diligent with code enforcement and inspections.

Below is a moving video tribute to the students and staff of the Our Lady of Angels fire, Chicago, IL 1958.

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

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Posted by dc802 on December 1, 2009 • Filed under: administration-leadership, buildling construction, command-leadership, firefighting-operations, historic fires, major-incidents, mass-casualty-incident, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: fire codes, fire department, fire fighters, fire inspections, fire pictures, fire training, firefighter, fireifghter safety, our lady of the angels, school fires

Cocoanut Grove Anniversary

On Novemeber 28, 1942, the Cocoanut Grove nightclub was full of friends and family celebrating the holiday season and a college football upset. That night would prove to be one of the worst public assembly tragedies that America has ever seen.

The fire killed 492 people and injured hundreds more. The fire was believed to have started in the lower level of the club and spread quickly because of the flammable finishes on the wall and ceiling. The fire spread so fast, burned so hot that many never made it out of the stairwell.

In addition, insepections were not routine here and exits were blocked and inadequate for the over crowded nightclub. This fire is another example of how a disaster helped to develop the codes we have today. We have a responsibiliy to ensure that we enforce our codes to eliminate the chances of this happening again. We owe to those who died and the firefighters who worked this job.

On side note, a great book about the Cocoanut Grove fire and the Boston Fire Dept called “Rescue Men” by Charles Kenny is a really good read and provides some really good insight on the fire and the people it affected. As always, stay safe.

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Posted by dc802 on November 28, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, fires, historic fires, major-incidents, mass-casualty-incident • Tagged: building construction, building inspsections, cocoanut grove, fire codes, fire department, fire fighters, inspections fire inspections, night club fires

A Year Ago Today

It was a year ago today that terrorists started fires in the Mumbai Taj Mahal Palace and Tower in Mumbai, India. It was obiously during a holiday and many tourists were visiting the luxury complex. Other facilities were targeted and when the ordeal was finally over, at least 167 people were killed between the locations and at least 400 were injured.

The hotel was heavily damaged by fire because responders could not make entry due to terrorists still being in the building holding hostages and firing their weapons.

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Posted by dc802 on November 26, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, historic fires, major-incidents, mass-casualty-incident • Tagged: fire department, fire fighters, mubai fire

MGM Grand Fire

We are just a few days past the anniversary of the MGM Grand Hotel fire that claimed the lives of 85 people and injuring 14 firefighters.

The facility was allowed to open without fire protection systems and the fire that started on the lower levels and the heaviest fire was on the second floor, smoke, heat and combustion products were spread throughout the ventilation systems. Most of the 85 dead died of smoke inhalation along with the other 650 who were treated.

This fire is a perfect example of why we need codes and how the lack of codes and inspections can make our jobs as firefighters that much for difficult and dangerous. This fire happen in 1980 and although most occupancies of this type are required to be sprinklered, depending on the local jurisdiction, it could happen again.

Fire sprinklers and other fire/smoke protection systems save lives and we must push to ensure codes and are followed and adhered to. Stay safe and be careful.

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Posted by dc802 on November 25, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, historic fires, major-incidents, mass-casualty-incident • Tagged: building construction, building inspsections, fire department, fire fighters, inspections fire inspections

Deep Fried Turkeys

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fF7MtfDDp6A]

Over the next few days I will be posting some videos of the people who keep us firefighters busy over the holidays. I am sure we will all run into some of these deep fried turkeys in the coming weeks.

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Posted by dc802 on November 24, 2009 • Filed under: firefighter holidays, fires, fun stuff • Tagged: deep fried turkeys, fire department, fire fighters, inspections fire inspections

Historic Fires

This fire took place in Nov. 23, 1963, the same day that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The fire claimed the lives of 63 of the 84 patients in the facility.

The fire started at approx. 4:45AM from what is believed to have been overloaded electrical wiring. After the fire recommendations made for all nursing homes included sprinkler systems, automatic fire detection alarms, electrical code compliance and other code enforcement measures.

We have made improvements, but we still lack in some of these areas, depending on the location and local jurisdictions.

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Posted by dc802 on November 24, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, firefighter-safety-health, historic fires, major-incidents, mass-casualty-incident • Tagged: building inspsections, fire department, fire fighters, fire inspections, fire pictures, fire training, firefighter, firefighters, historic fires, old fire pictures

Commercial Roofs

This is the top of an old shoe factory that still is in operation as mostly storage for the shoes and componenets. It is a two three story heavy timber with brick building.

These can prove to be difficult to open due to multiple layers of roofing.

When inspecting these, get to the roof to find your options. This roof has four openings that could easily be opened for venting vertically.

This particular roof does not have much of a parapet wall, so care must be taken to be aware of where you are on the roof.

Be careful out there and stay safe.

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Posted by dc802 on November 24, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, firefighter-safety-health, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: building construction, building inspsections, fire department, fire fighters, fire inspections, fire pictures, fire training, firefighter, firefighters

Vintage Photos

Just some old photos I have from our local fire department. I will post more every so often. I think they are really cool.

Don’t forget your past and remember those who came before us.

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Posted by dc802 on November 23, 2009 • Filed under: firefighting-operations, fires, fun stuff, training-fire-rescue-topics, vehicle-operations-apparatus • Tagged: fire department, fire fighters, fire inspections, fire pictures, fire training, firefighter, firefighters, old fire pictures

What Bad Could Happen Here?

This is an example of poor judgment. The firefighter in the door must have an SCBA on.

There is still smoke pushing and you never know when that front room could light off. If this room would flash or even quickly push smoke and heat the full length of the door, this firefighter is in great trouble.

In addition, the firefighter on the side, whether in command or whatever, needs PPE on. He is in the operating area of the fire where bad things happen. Be AWARE of your situation.

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Posted by dc802 on November 23, 2009 • Filed under: command-leadership, ems-health-safety, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires • Tagged: fire department, fire fighters, fire inspections, fire training, firefighter, firefighters

Safe Crackers

Not a great picture, but, it was fun. The police arrive with a safe from a search of a house. They were suspecting to find some drugs based on their informant. Since they couldn’t shoot the thing open, they did the next best thing; brought it to the fire department.

This safe wasn’t all that big, but we expected the worst and tried the K-12, no dice. Tried the hydraulic cutters on the hinges, didn’t work. Cut the hinge pins with the reciprocating saw, still nothing.

It was genious, one of our guys took the sledge hammer to the handle and it popped right open. Well, besides getting some training on our tools, there was over $50,000 in drugs and money in the safe along with 3 hand guns. What a wonderful world. Stay safe and remember, you never know what you will run into.

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Posted by dc802 on November 23, 2009 • Filed under: fun stuff • Tagged: fire department, fire fighters, fire inspections, fire training, firefighter, firefighters

Overhangs, Concealed Spaces, Facades

Here is a look at a concealed space on a mercantile building that is being added on to. This is not built into the building, but hangs on the outside.

Fire can race through here and collapse on firefighters entering and leaving the building during suppression operations. Care must be taken to open this space up to extinguish any fire and determine extent of damage. If there is any doubt about the integrity of this component, avoid it.

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Posted by dc802 on November 23, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, training-fire-rescue-topics, trusses, Uncategorized • Tagged: building construction, building inspsections, fire department, fire fighters, fire inspections, fire training, firefighter, firefighters

Inspections

The next several blogs are going to come from class that I am creating that raises the importance of company inspections and how they affect our suppression efforts.

As you can see in this picture, the FDC is blocked and was difficult to see from the road. Add night conditions and an ill prepared fire company may have a difficult time finding this important fire suppression tool.

This could result in rapid fire growth while crews are trying to reach the main fire area, unaware that the connection isn’t being made and the system not being supported.

These important systems must be identified and kept maintained. Routine fire inspections will eliminate these hazards and return visits may be necessary. Stay safe and EGH.

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Posted by dc802 on November 22, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, inspections, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: building inspsections, fire department, fire fighters, fire inspections, fire training, firefighter, firefighters