Report Number: 05-0000068
Report Date: 05/27/2005
Event Description
On a mutual aid to a neighboring department, our engine Ccmpany operated a second hand-line at a fire on the second floor and attic of a two-story private dwelling fire. Twenty minutes into the operation, the dispatcher announced on the fireground frequency the location of the firefighter re-hab area. At the same time, an order was given to evacuate the building by the rear sector command because of a partial collapse at his location. Units operating on the scene did not receive the transmission because of the over powering of the dispatcher. Luckily the order was repeated numerous times and all firefighters were evacuated without incident.
Lesson Learned
1. Fireground and dispatch communications should be on 2 separate frequencies.
2. Continued repeating of "Urgent" or "Mayday" transmissions via the portable radios must take place to ensure everyone receives the message.
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