Report Number: 05-0000167
Report Date: 05/27/2005
Event Description
Firefighters responded to a third phase (decay stage) fire in a one-story single family dwelling. Vertical ventilation was attempted, but not before the hose team entered. Vertical ventilation was ineffective due to structural renovation that had a new roof constructed over an existing gable roof. A localized backdraft explosion occurred in the area of origin, driving the interior hose and search teams out and resulting in minor burns to six firefighters. Also, fire was burning in vertical void spaces and the crawl space under the house, resulting in extreme heat and smoke conditions with no visible fire. Two primary factors contributed to the injuries: failure to recognize the potential backdraft signs and the construction code violations.
Lesson Learned
1. Never accept a "routine" fire in a private dwelling.
2. Be vigilant in correctly sizing up the threats.
3. Do not allow members to "charge" through doorways.
4. Maintain situational awareness.
5. Company officers must be with their crews and control their advances.
To view the whole report