Report Number: 05-0000059
Report Date: 05/27/2005
Event Description
We were operating at a fire in a mixed-use renovated occupancy. The fire was on the first floor of a deli and had communicated to the floor above. The fire had been knocked down on both floors. The conditions were good on the second floor. A vent of the 2nd floor had been executed and all glass and sashes had been removed with the exception of a casement window. This window had the glass removed but the frame was still intact.
While the Truck was opening up, a smoke condition that can only be described as consistent with a steam locomotive, issued from the hole made in the original ceiling. As indicated prior, this building had been renovated significantly, allowing for numerous void spaces. The smoke was quickly followed by fire. A line was in position on the stairs leading to the 2nd floor, but the rapid change in conditions cut off four firefighters from using the stairs as an egress. The condition got so bad, so quick, that they were forced to dive out of the windows.
Fortunately there was, and still is, an aggressive laddering policy. All firefighters forced to vacate ended up on the ground ladders previously placed. One fire officer’s SCBA bottle got hung up on the casement window frame. He had to back up and then was able to get through the window without the obstruction.
Lesson Learned
1. If not for the laddering policy, the firefighters would have been forced to dive out of the windows without any assistance. More importantly they would have been severely injured or killed falling two floors to the ground.
2. Prior to venting a ceiling, cockloft or plenum area a line should be charged and in place with the team.
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