Report Number: 05-0000172
Report Date: 05/27/2005
Event Description
I was operating on the third floor of a burn building as a safety officer/fire stoker. It was the end of a long day of training evolutions. Exhausted, hot and low on air, I called command and requested more fuel (bales of hay) on the third floor. Recruits were tasked with delivering hay to the third floor. They threw 6 bales of hay into the building from the third floor exterior stairs. They threw the bales of hay inside the third floor window and blocked the outward opening door from the third floor that led to the interior stairs.
My low air bell sounded and when I attempted to exit, I was unable to open the door. At the time the radio was jammed with fire ground communications and I was unable to get a MAYDAY out. My air ran out. I assumed the down-firefighter position and waited for a chance to get on the air. The air cleared, I got my message to command and our RIT opened the door and rescued me.
Lesson Learned
Lessons learned:
1- We now put our safety/instructor personnel on a different radio frequency or tac channel.
2- During a pre-burn briefing, all personnel are reminded to stack fuel in an area that does not block ingress/egress.
3- Before a low air alarm sounds, get your relief safety/instructor on the way to relieve you.
4- Maintain your composure and rely on your training.
5- Our RIT/safety system did work!
6- Too many instructors/saftey officers is better than not enough!
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