Report Number: 05-0000193
Report Date: 05/27/2005
Event Description
We arrived as the 2nd due engine on a working residential house fire. Upon arrival we were assigned to do a primary search by command. I did a quick size-up as my crew prepared to enter. The structure was a ranch of approx. 1300-1600 sq. ft. with all bedrooms towards Division "B". As we entered we encountered moderate heat, with visible fire in the kitchen. The stove and cabinets were involved with fire rolling across the ceiling. I advised command that an attack line was needed through the front door. My crew began to search and we encountered a 20lb. propane tank and a 5 gallon gas can in the kitchen. These were removed.
I also noted that water was coming from the Div. "D" side. The only opening in the Div. "D" side was the kitchen window. I called command and advised that the line flowing in the window needed to be shut down. Not feeling or hearing water flow I believed that this had occurred and that the line was being repositioned. We continued to search while the Ladder was venting the roof. I exited a bathroom and again heard water flowing from Div. "D". I again called command and advised that the line needed to be shut down, that they were pushing the fire on top of us and the line was needed through the front door. We finished our search and were in the rear bedroom when conditions began to rapidly change. There was an increase in heat, smoke banked down and visible fire was coming down the hallway. I advised command a line was needed forthwith through the front door and that we were pinned in the hallway. I gathered my crew and made a quick exit and reached the front door to find the 3rd due engine with a dry attack line waiting for water. Command was notified that we needed that line charged. The initial attack line then arrived at the front door and one of my crew took the nozzle and made entry and extinguished the fire. It appears that the initial line was being stretched to Div "C" and dogs in the backyard prevented them from entering. At the rear gate was the kitchen window so the crew,2-FF's both with more than 5 years, decided to attack from the driveway through the window. The weather was not a factor, clear and 60, and all personnel are assigned a radio.
Both the Fire Investigator and B/C enroute said radio communications were clear and that my transmissions were heard. There were no injuries, and minor damage to turnout; crazed airmask, blistered paint on helmet, and discoloration to hood and striping.
Lesson Learned
1. The importance of attacking from the unburned side, the hazard of exterior firefighting during offensive operations, and decision-making skills of command and crew need to be reviewed and clearly understood.
2. The importance of bringing a water can during search operations can also be discussed.
3. Poor tactics by companies must be addressed and corrected immediately. Companies that repeatedly perform poorly cannot be allowed to continue. B/Cs need to correct problems like this one immediately.
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