The intention of this page
is to make you THINK! Everyday in America, firefighters are getting hurt and killed at routine fires. We have been
very fortunate but we are not immune to it. This intent of this page is not to point fingers or blame but to serve as a reminder
not only to our firefighters but to all firefighters of the common dangers we face and how we should fight complacency everyday.
STAY TRAINED, STAY ALERT & STAY SAFE!
If anyone has any good stories, please send them to the web master so we can post them! "AHHH,... it's just a shed fire!"
FWBFD
A-Shift ran this fire the other evening (11-14-07-early
hours). It is a workshop that was approximately 20X30. Upon arrival they had heavy fire showing in the rear of the structure.
As the officer was doing his 360 size up he ran across what you see in the pictures. This is an addition to the rear of the
structure where pool chemicals, gas and other assortment of items are stored. As you can see, the fire was venting onto
the gas cans through a vent hole. The officer pulled the cans down and proceeded. Now imagine if this was not caught and the
fire had a chance to burn longer before the FD was notified. The gas/vapors could have lit off while the fire was being
attached.....bad news! REMEMBER-This is not "Just a Garage Fire". These fires are some of the most common
yet most dangerous fires we face due to the contents stored. Make sure a good 360 size up is performed, ensure adequate
lines are pulled (something bigger than a 95 GPM 1 3/4 or 1 1/2) and ask your self one question before you do an aggressive
interior attack.....what is the risk vs benefit? If there no benefit, don't take the risk. Its amazing what
GPM and reach will do. Don't get complacent & be cautions!
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| Nothing like adding a few good pool chemicals to your fire! |
Check out a close call where two members from T-6 got burned
6ft in the door.
Go here for the story
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December 16, 2006, FWBFD Truck 6 & Rescue 6 were first
due to a single story multifamily dwelling with reported entrapment of a child. While the truck and the rescue teamed
and was advancing the line, conditions deteriorated rapidly resulting in a rapid exit of the building as it was lighting
up. After the fire was extinguished, a propane bottle was found in very close proximity to the fire and within feet of the
front entrance in direct path of the advancing companies.
 
If this bottled would have released while crews were advancing in, my guess is we would have been attending a funeral.
There was no way for crews to know there was a propane bottle in this house. HOWEVER, something to consider-in low income
areas it is not uncommon for people to use propane to cook with or stay warm due to inability to pay the bill (this was the
case with this fire).
Couple of other points to consider: VENT as you enter-systematic ventilation as the hose attacks
the fire is one of the fundamental basics of the fire service. By doing this (correctly) we control the conditions, not the
conditions controlling us. Also, be careful how many firefighters you have on one hoseline. When you exceed 3-4, the span
of control narrows and bottle necking is a problem (on small residential lay outs). As always, good size up by the first arriving
officer is imperative. "The fire goes as the first line goes."
On a side note, beware of dogs at fires. This particular fire saw a few tense moments when a pit bull attacked a city
police officer & and number of officers drew down on the dog and the owner with their nines. We don't have guns but
we got the IRONS & the HOOKS. Don't be afraid to use them if you have to. Everyone..Keep it safe!
| Shell Ave fire |
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| Companies made entry in a door just to the right of the window |
| Shell ave fire |
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| T-6 going to work Shell ave |
Although
not necessarily a close call but just as important-Physical Fitness. This FWB City Firefighter injured his shoulder while
fighting a fire during the summer of 2007. This job is one of the most physically demanding jobs...period! WE must all be
prepared to go to battle and half the battle is taking care of ourselves. These pictures are to serve as a reminder how easily
we can get hurt! Keep training & we will see you in the gym. THE
GYM RAT
FWBFD responded to a working fire during the summer
of 2007 & was the scene of a very close call with a power line. While operating during the initial stages of this fire
a power line burned through
and came down on top of the first due engine and severed an 1 3/4 attack line in half rendering
the hose line and engine temporally out of service.
 
Thank the Lord no firefighters got hurt or killed. The particular access to this fire was down a narrow street/
alley way with low trees easily hiding the power lines. Always be on the look out for power-lines especially those leading
to the burning structure and place apparatus accordingly. If the lines are not immediately visible, look for the lines coming
from the structure and power poles. All of this can easily be performed during initial size up...BUT all firefighters remember,
our first step in surviving the fire ground is doing our own size up. Do not attempt to ever move a live power-line as the
risk is too great to take. Stay Safe!
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| note the power line over the top of the Eng. |
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| Click the pic to enlargen and note the line over the front |
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