Report Number: 05-0000181
Report Date: 05/27/2005
Event Description
During a house fire, the detached garage was fully involved. One vehicle was totally destroyed and the garage was showing heavy fire upon arrival. The fire was knocked down in the garage, a 2-vehicle structure with a large work area towards the back. Fire was still showing in the peak of the roof and there as poor access from the interior of the structure. The building had a 10 foot overhang at the front. This area was laddered with one firefighter pulling external wallcovering to make access to the fire. An additional firefighter advanced a charged line up the ladder. The ladder was being footed by a third firefighter. The firefighter on the roof landing was waiting for the charged line when the firefighter advancing the line lost his balance and accidentally engaged the nozzle spraying the firefighter on the roof with a straight stream to his face. The firefighter being hit had an SCBA facemask on with it unhooked from the unit.
The firefighter on the roof moved to protect himself from the straight stream and was able to maintain his balance. The firefighter on the ladder struggled to maintain his grip on the ladder and the hose line. He almost fell off the ladder and was able to shut off the line. He received only a minor muscle strain injury and the firefighter on the roof received no injuries.
Lesson Learned
Advancing a charged hose line up a ladder must be done properly and by our SOP. It requires a minimum of 4 people to advance a hose line properly. Cutting corners and trying to save time can cause injury. Our safety officer witnessed the event and was admonished for not intervening. Both station's crews will review the SOP and receive additional training in this area.
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