Skip to content

Archives for fire-pictures

See all posts in the network tagged with fire-pictures

Company Discussions: Redeployment?

2 comments
What would you do at this point?

What would you do at this point?

There is a lot already taking place here.  A hose crew is at the door or inside.  A guy is taking out a window or something to that effect on the D side.  And someone is on a ladder.

There is some nasty smoke pushing out of this structure.  It definitely is under pressure.

Time is running out for keeping this in check and an interior attack.  We’ve all been here and we know how this can go.

At this point in the fire, what ventilation tactic would you use and why?

If you need to, redirect these crews and put them where you think they will make the most progress and explain your actions.

Share with your crew and post your discussion points.  We always get great feedback and we know you have some goo ideas, so, let’s hear them.

Stay safe and be careful.  Get yourself healthy and stay healthy.

Posted by dc802 on March 7, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, situational awareness, vent, ventilation • Tagged: , , , , ,

Fire Officer Basics: Part 1

No comments
The officer must be the one that watches for conditions.

The officer must be the one that watches for conditions.

When a  crew is making an interior attack, or any task, on the fire ground, the officer must be the eyes and ears of his crew.

Although everyone is responsible for safety and identifying unsafe conditions, the officer must continually keep a watchful eye on conditions.

Too often I have witnessed the officer take the nozzle, dragging the firefighter along into a burning structure.  The officer should be the more experienced person on the line; there is a reason he is the officer. ( I know that is not always the case, but, you get the point.)

I can remember being in a 3-story house with fire blowing out the rear on the first floor and making an aggressive interior attack as the nozzle man.  About 5 minutes or so pass and I am right up on this thing not making much progress.  The acting officer tapped me on the shoulder and said we needed to back out.

I of course did not want to, but what I didn’t see, because I was focused on the fire fight, was that we were pushing fire around the stairwell back to the front door, where we entered.  Mostly because we had the wrong sized line for the amount of fire we had.

But, the point is, he was doing his job. Not just helping me with the hose line, but seeing the “big” picture.  He was paying attention to more than just what was in front of him.

As officers on the hose line we are expected to be aware and to get the job done.  On that fire it meant pulling out and going back with a larger line, which was effective.

Watch for changing smoke conditions. Look for fire behavior that may be odd.  Just look at everything and stay aware.  Get the job done and get back safe.

Posted by dc802 on February 20, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, enter, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, situational awareness • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Right in the Middle of It

1 comment
Looks dangerous!

Looks dangerous!

I first must admit that I have never worked off of an elevated platform. I have only worked at agencies that have had straight sticks.

But, this picture is a little harrowing.  Could be that this photo was taken right at the moment that it vented.

Just be careful and be aware. It looks like the fire was already vented or close to it because they aren’t on the roof and it looks like it would be difficult to physically cut from that bucket.

Again, I only have this small capture of time to go by. But if that fire ball had been bigger this could have gotten ugly.

Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by dc802 on January 11, 2010 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, training-development • Tagged: , , , , ,

More Roof Ops

No comments

Is there anything we are forgetting here?
Is there anything we are forgetting here?

First, let me make it clear, I was looking for a picture I have of a crew working on the roof the correct way when I came across this one.

I know, we have beat the first Roof Ops post to death and if you don’t want to post on this one, I understand.  I just figured while we were on the topic I would throw this one out there while I had it.

I know that there is not a lot of smoke, and the pitch is shallow and it doesn’t look like a great deal is going on.  I know I am going to hear about how this is nit-picking and whatever.  But, this is how we get hurt and killed.

It’s when we let our guard down and get complacent that bad things happen.  How many times have read a line of duty death or injury report and asked, “what were they thinking?”

I will find the picture with the correct way to operate on a roof safely and post it to show I am not just showing the bad stuff.  It’s just so easy to find.

Anyway, stay safe and be careful.

Posted by dc802 on January 9, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, fires, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Company Training Discussion 2: Residential Fire with Exposure

1 comment

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: , , , , ,

More On Engineered Lumber

No comments

[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: , , , , ,

Watered Tree Vs. Non-Watered Tree: Merry Christmas

No comments

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNjO3wZDVlA]

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

Keokuk, Iowa: Ten Years Ago Remembered

No comments
keokuk Photos By Cindy Iutzi
It was ten years ago today that Keokuk, Iowa lost three of it’s own in a two-family residential fire. In addition to the LODD there were also three children that perished in the fire as well.  There is a great deal of information about this fire and the events that led to the LODD of three firefighters.  During and after the NFPA and NIOSH reports, the Keokuk Fire Department has been extremely transparent and willing to share their story so that other fire organizations will not have to deal with such a loss.  Click the two links and read the reports and share with your personnel what happen in Keokuk. We have a responsibility to take these tragic events and learn from them to ensure that an event like this doesn’t happen again.  Remember the Keokuk Fire Department and all of the families affected by this fire in your prayers and thoughts during this time and stay safe out there.
Posted by dc802 on December 22, 2009 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , ,

Company Discussion 1: Residential Fire

No comments
This is a house that we all have in our jurisdiction somewhere.  Take a look at the scene and start your size up. What hazards do we have just from looking at the propert?  If the outside looks as it does, what can we suspect the inside looks like? Will this affect our efforts and/or put our people at risk?  What are we looking for on the other side during our 360?  Are our ladders placed correctly?  What are the smoke and fire conditions telling us?  Can we tell, approximately, where the bedrooms are in this home and where the living room and kitchen are by looking at the outside? What about the stairs location?  Add you comments and I will post my responses later.
Posted by dc802 on December 21, 2009 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: , , ,

Combustible Liquids

No comments

This is a repair shop that is not sprinklered, it was built prior to the code, and that also does fabricating.  They have added on without permits for several years and now is a dangerous place to be.  They have taken some measures to meet the inspection requirements, but, as you can see, there are still a number of hazards present.

These drums contain parts cleaners, oil and automotive fluids.  It is required to meet code requirements for quantities of flammable and combustible liquids and how they are stored. In addition, with the fabricating they use welders that can obviously cause an ignition of vapors.  Ensure that “hot” operations are an appropriate distance from the storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids.  Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by dc802 on December 18, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Engineered I-Joists: Be Aware of Your Buildings

No comments

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWMhA2wDTes]

Some of you may have seen this video, but is worth looking at again and showing it to your firefighters, officers and building officials.  Take time to look at your subdivisions and know the dangers. Stay safe.

Posted by dc802 on December 15, 2009 • Filed under: engineered lumber, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, i joists, line-of-duty, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

How Many Does It Take?

No comments
Now I don’t know exactlly what is going on here, but just from the photo I would guess that they are pushing the limits of this porch.  It appears that the building is of an advanced age the possibility of some rotten members are good.

Since there are firefighters on this roof and the brick is black, I am guessing that the building had a fire in it.  Some have tanks on, som don’t, but it looks like the major body of fire is knocked down. Back to the porch, does anyone else have an issue with this?  I wasn’t there, but we need to consider these things. You can see another firefighter on ground, below the porch and what might be a police officer actually under the porch canopy.  We have had porches collapse at fires and seriosly injure firefighters and we have had overhangs kill our people.

Do we need all of those people on that porch, and if we do, we should probably not have anyone under it.  Just be aware of your surroundings.  We all have a role in scene safety and should be empowered to point these issues out to keep everyone safe.  Stay safe and train hard.

Posted by dc802 on December 14, 2009 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

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

No comments

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.

Posted by dc802 on December 9, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, engineered lumber, firefighting-operations, training-fire-rescue-topics, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Up Above the Ceilings

No comments

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.

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: , , , , , , , , , ,

Bowstring Trusses

No comments

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.

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: , , , , , ,

Outside Storage Hazards

No comments

This a picture of some storage tanks at an implement sales and repair facility.  These are located in the rear of the property and are not easily seen from the A,B and D sides, which are where you would access the property and the building.  They are close enough though to be considered exposures and must be protected.

In addition, there is an emergency shut off that could be important in the event of a vehicle or mobil equipment fire near the tanks and pump.  To the rear of these tanks is natural vegetation that could pose an exposure problem during a natural cover fire impinging on the tanks.  This is a reason for accurate and thorough preplanning.

You may also notice the tanks are in recovery bins for leaks.  If there are small leaks that go unnoticed, the recovery bins could produce enough vapor to ignite under the right circumstances.  Be aware of not only the building, but what is around it as well.  Stay safe.

Posted by dc802 on December 2, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

Our Lady of Angels Fire Anniversary

No comments

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]

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: , , , , , , , , ,

Historic Fires

No comments

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.
Posted by dc802 on November 24, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, firefighter-safety-health, historic fires, major-incidents, mass-casualty-incident • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Commercial Roofs

No comments

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.
Posted by dc802 on November 24, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, firefighter-safety-health, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Vintage Photos

No comments

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.

Posted by dc802 on November 23, 2009 • Filed under: firefighting-operations, fires, fun stuff, training-fire-rescue-topics, vehicle-operations-apparatus • Tagged: , , , , , , ,