Report Number: 05-0000236
Report Date: 05/27/2005
Event Description
Responded to structure fire, fire in an attached water heater closet 4'x5', gas fired heaters. Fire out on arrival with obvious scorch marks from small fire caused by broken gas line. Upon investigation we were informed 4 small children were trapped inside the closet during fire event. We immediately located all participants for assessment and medical evaluation. Two 7 year old males transported as (high priority) based on their description of dry throat. No other evidence even indicated they were present, no singed hair, radiant burns or burned clothing. (Patients) treated and released that evening. Door to closet had keyed lock with thumb latch deadbolt inside that was locked by one of the children when they entered closet to play. In the ensuing darkness they managed to break the gas line at the threaded coupling, creating the gas leak that was ignited by second pilot light. Rescued by an adult that confirmed smoke and fire were evident from the upper door vent when he intervened. One of the children found the deadbolt latch and threw it open. Two vents on the door, high and low, were probably critical factors in the survival of these children. Fire damage was mininmal and limited to scorch marks on the wall, soot and melted foam insulation from the pipes at the top of the water heaters.
Lesson Learned
Lesson 1) Scratch the surface of the event that seems trivial. On first observation it seemed like just a minor water heater event, until we were informed of the trapped occupants.
Lesson 2) Though the doors were supposed to be locked on these exterior water heater closets, not all of them were locked or even had doorknobs on closer inspection. Children will get into anything they can during exploration or play.
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