NIOSH Report on 2005 LODDs in NY
NIOSH has released the report regarding the incident where six FDNY firefighters were forced to jump out 4th story windows.
On January 23, 2005, a 46-year-old male career Lieutenant (Victim #1) and a 37-year-old male career fire fighter (Victim #2) died, and four career fire fighters were injured during a three alarm fire in a four story apartment building. The victims and injured fire fighters were searching for any potentially trapped occupants on the floor above the fire. The fire started in a third floor apartment and quickly extended to the fourth floor. Fire fighters had been on the scene less than 30 minutes when they became trapped by advancing fire and were forced to exit through the fourth floor windows. The six fire fighters were transported to metropolitan hospitals where the two victims were later pronounced dead.
There were a ton of contributing factors including poor water supply, gusty winds, and evacuations of civilians. This report is a must read.
NIOSH Reports
NIOSH has released a pile of fatality investigation reports. Lots of good info that you can use in your training programs. I'm not going to list them all, but here is one that caught my attention.
F2006-07 Two Volunteer Fire Fighters Die When Struck by Exterior Wall Collapse at a Commercial Building Fire Overhaul - Alabama
The remaining fire fighters noticed that concrete block walls on both sides of the structure were starting to lean outward so sections of the walls that were bulging outward were pulled down. At approximately 2130 hours, the two victims, along with a third fire fighter, were stretching a 1 ¾ inch handline to the front entrance to put water on hotspots when the front wall collapsed, striking the two victims. The third fire fighter was handling the hoseline a few feet behind the two victims and was struck on the foot by falling debris, narrowly missing serious injury.
Email regarding Esperanza Fire
A Firewhirl reader sent an email regarding the Esperanza Fire. He provides a good perspective on this incident, so here is the entire email:
Howdy...
I've been waiting to see the Green Sheet Report on this incident. Just tonight I came upon your web-site coverage from a "search". I tried to write a comment by clicking on the "COMMENTS" at the "POSTED" date, but couldn't find a way to enter text.
I'm a CDF Captain--retired (8 1/2 yrs.) and during my career whenever a burn-over/injury/fatality occurred, I'd often think, "Wow! that could have been us!" I tried to always make safety the first priority. Everything else became secondary. But, then, you never know when the speed and/or intensity will occur faster than the senses can recognize.
I worked on the Esperanza Incident as a 'pickup-runner driver' and did have some opportunities to drive into the burn area up Hwy. 243, and recognized some areas where fire intensity was, obviously, extreme. For example, there were several areas where the guard-rail posts (what are they?..10"x10" wooden posts, if not 12x12's) had varying degrees of charring on them. But there was one section of guardrail in particular, easily 100' long, where EVERY post was thoroughly & totally incinerated to ground level.
Having the thought of the fatalities in the mental forefront, and thinking how needless it was that they should have happened, I came up with this as my analysis:
County planning departments need to change their building permit approval criteria. They need to say, "Sure, you can build there, but you will use building materials that will survive a Santa Ana driven wildfire. Our fire department is not liable for the protection of your structure from wildfire. Sure, if you have a structure fire (not wildfire related) we'll be there to handle it." Much more responsibility must be placed upon the property owner for their own wildfire survivability.
Certainly, numerous properties have been tabulated into the "Savings" part of the equation, often exceeding the value of the "Lost/Damaged" column. But the value of these lives and equipment lost far outweighs any "Savings" accumulated from all fires combined. The value of the training, experience, competency; being an integral component of each of their own families, as well as that of the fire community, etc. has come to an abrupt end. Also, the $100,000+ worth of equipment can no longer be used to save lives or multiple hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of property that it could have over the life expectancy of the vehicle.
I'd hesitate to put blame on the crew or chain of command. The precedent has been set that that is what firefighters do. They drive fire engines opposite to the flow of traffic of those evacuating.
There've been 3 times in my career that I've said, "We've got no business being in here. We need to get back out." We were lucky, or, more properly, cared for by Guardian Angels. Likely, for an instant, the crew of Engine 57 recognized that, too, but didn't have even an instant in which to react.
California wildfires frequently burn with a ferocity that far exceeds the capability of ground/air resources until the flame length and spread rate moderates more to match man/equipment suppression capabilities. Home owners, planning commissions, fire services, news media, politicians, et al, need to take another look at the future of wildland/urban interface fire response.
Nothing can be done so that "this will never happen again", but some of what I've mentioned can minimize that recurrence.
'Nuf said,
Bill Bruno
Visalia, CA.
Thanks for the email, Bill.
If you would like to comment or join in this discussion, please just send an email. I had to turn off the comment feature on Firewhirl because spammers were just sending tons of junk. I'll be more than happy to post people's thoughts, however, I reserve the right to edit the material or not post it.
Esperanza Fire Green Sheet
I've seen a number of news stories that mentioned a report issued by the California Department of Foresty and Fire Protection regarding the Esperanza Fire. However, I had a hard time finding the report. After some searching, I finally found it. Here is the Esperanza Green Sheet (from wildlandfire.com).
From the report:
Forecasted weather and the seasonally dry vegetation conditions categorized the fire with a high probability for large development. The fire produced a rapid rate of spread with extreme fire behavior conditions with wind dominancy. These conditions displayed increased spotting potential with flame lengths of up to 90 feet. A rate of spread of 20 mph was observed on level terrain. Wind and slope alignment produced a greater rate of spread to 40 mph which caused temperatures to exceed 1220 degrees Fahrenheit ahead of the fire front.
The fire was in full alignment with wind and slope at the time of the burn over. The fire drastically increased in velocity due to the converging of forecasted winds out of the northeast and terrain effects. The fire environment dominated the atmosphere with area ignition conditions surrounding the fatality site. A convection column of up to 18,000 feet high occurred.
Pretty wicked fire behavior, especially the part about area ignition. I'll keep an eye out for the NIOSH report which should have additional details.
Devils Den Accident Investigation Report
The accident investigation report for the Devils Den fire in August, 2006 has been released. Here are a couple of paragraphs that jumped out at me:
As a result of these factors, the AFMO had little or no choice of an adequate escape route or safety zone at the time of the fire. His location in the chimney; in heavy fuels; in steep, rocky terrain; above the main body of the fire; at 1350 hours in the afternoon; on a
southwest aspect; in mid-August; and in southwest Utah where extreme fire behavior had been exhibited and observed for the last five plus weeks all aligned to drive the high intensity/short duration event that claimed the AFMO’s life.
...
As the Investigation Team completed their work on these causal and contributing factors, we were cognizant of the fact that much of this incident was the result of mistakes made by the victim. At the same time, we want to stress that whatever his thoughts were as he went – and then stayed too long – in the canyon, based on his reputation and experience, we find his intentions were noble, honorable, and in the best interests of his people and the land. His tragically short lapses in judgment should never obscure his greater contributions to wildland fire fighting. Indeed, they should heighten our desire to learn all we can from this accident to help all firefighters be more safe and effective in the future, from novice to the most experienced.
There is a lot of information in the report and anyone that works on wildland fires should read through it.
NIOSH Report on 2005 Basement Fire
NIOSH has released their report of a 2005 basement fire in New York where a firefighter was killed while trying to exit the building.
On January 23, 2005, a 37-year-old male career fire fighter (the victim) died while exiting a residential basement fire. At approximately 1337 hours, crews were dispatched to a reported residential structure fire. Crews began to arrive on the scene at approximately 1340 hours and at approximately 1344 hours, the victim, a fire fighter and officer made entry through the front door and proceeded down the basement stairwell to conduct a search for the seat of the fire using a thermal imaging camera (TIC). At approximately 1346 hours, the victim and officer began to exit the basement when they became separated on the lower section of the stairwell. The officer reached the front stoop and realized that the victim had failed to exit the building. He returned to the top of the basement stairs and heard a personal alert safety system (PASS) alarm sounding in the stairwell and immediately transmitted a MAYDAY for the missing fire fighter. The victim was located at approximately 1349 hours, and numerous fire fighters spent the next twenty minutes working to remove the victim from the building. At approximately 1413 hours, the victim was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
It took firefighters 20 minutes to remove the victim from the building due to heavy smoke and heat conditions and a narrow stairway cluttered with debris. Here is a picture of the stairway where they found the victim.
Photo courtesy of NIOSH.
This incident really shows how quickly things can go wrong and how difficult it can be to move an injured firefighter.
Read the whole report to get all of the details.
German Firefighters Killed in Wreck
There was a terrible accident in Germany involving a fire engine (from Firehouse.com).
Four German firemen were killed when their fire engine crashed as they rushed to what turned out be a training exercise, police said Tuesday.The firemen from the small town of Wolmirstedt, near the eastern city of Magdeburg, were alerted Monday evening that a fire had broken out at a kindergarten in a nearby town. They were not told that it was an exercise, police said.
Our sympathies are with the firefighter's families and colleagues.
NIOSH Report on 2005 Electrocution
NIOSH has released their report on the electrocution death of a California firefighter in 2005. Here is the executive summary:
On February 13, 2005, a 36-year-old male career Captain (the victim) was electrocuted while working at the scene of a three alarm residential structure fire. The Captain was checking on one of his crew members when he walked under a tree and came in contact with a 12kva power line. The line had burned through early in the fire with one section landing on the ground to the south and the other lodged in a tree near the northwest corner of the fire building. It is believed the victim knew of the downed power line that had fallen to the south. However, it appeared to witnesses that he was unaware of the power line that was hanging in the tree, and possibly did not see the caution tape or hear the warning of a fire fighter who was in the vicinity. He walked directly into the power line and collapsed to the ground. A nearby fire fighter used an ax handle to secure and hold the power line off of the victim while fire fighters pulled him away from the line to a safe area. Advanced life support was administered immediately by emergency medical personnel who were at the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
After looking at the pictures of the incident, it would have been extremely difficult to see the power line that killed this firefighter, especially in the dark. Be sure to read the recommendations in the report and then discuss with your fellow firefighters whether your department complies with them.
DOJ Files Appeal in Firefighter Death
A couple of months ago, a court ruled that the family of Junior Firefighter Christopher Kangas would receive LODD benefits. Now the Department of Justice has filed an appeal (from delcotimes.com via Firehouse.com).
Unless the DOJ withdraws the appeal before October, Kangas’ name won’t be listed on the memorial this year, and Amber-Messick won’t receive federal death benefits worth $267,000. She’s already received local and state benefits worth $270,000."It’s disappointing, but I can’t say I’m surprised," said Amber-Messick, who first started fighting the DOJ over death benefits in 2002.
She has lost those legal battles three separate times over the past three years. The DOJ claimed each time that the Kangas family was ineligible for benefits because Chris did not fall under federal "firefighter" definitions, since he was not permitted to "fight fires."
The DOJ ought to withdraw their appeal. The judge was right in granting the LODD benefits in this case. In my book, if someone is on the department and respond to incidents, they are a firefighter, regardless of their actual duties. It takes a team effort to fight fires and not everyone is going to be on the nozzle.
NIOSH Reports
NIOSH has released reports detailing the findings related to three line of duty deaths. Follow the links to read the reports. If nothing else, read the summary which is at the top of the report and is less than a page long.
F2005-12 Career Fire Fighter/EMT Dies in Ambulance Crash - Florida
F2005-30 Fire Fighter Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death During Physical Fitness Training - New Jersey
Kevin Apuzzio Memorial Fund
Firefighter Apuzzio, a member of the East Franklin Volunteer Fire Department, was killed while on duty recently. His department is setting up a memorial fund to build a monument (thanks for 43 Firefighter for posting about this).
Court Rules on Junior Firefighter Death
A judge has ruled that a junior firefighter that was killed while responding to a fire call was legally a firefighter (from The Philadelphia Inquirer via FireFightingNews.com).
Christopher Kangas' mother can say that now and have it mean something - legally.Until this week, the U.S. Justice Department had denied the 14-year-old junior firefighter that proud title, literally devaluing the life of the Brookhaven boy who was struck and killed four years ago by a car while riding his bicycle to answer a fire alarm.
Without the title, he was not eligible for federal death benefits, and, most important to his mother and his fellow firefighters, not eligible to have his name inscribed on the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
But Monday, after years of hearings and appeals, U.S. Court of Federal Claims Judge Marian Blank Horn said, in effect, he deserved to be treated better.
"Christopher Kangas died 'in the line of duty' and was a 'firefighter' authorized to be at a fire scene and perform duties as part of a team engaged in the 'suppression of fires' at the time of his death," she wrote in Washington.
This was the right thing to do. Trainee, junior firefighter, full-time firefighter, volunteer firefighter - it doesn't matter what your "title" is. If you are part of the department, then you are a firefighter.
National EMS Memorial Service
Check out the post from Roanoke Firefighters about the National EMS Memorial Service.
NIOSH Report on 2005 Smoke Explosion
NIOSH has published their report on a 2005 smoke explosion at a town house fire in Wyoming. Here is the summary:
On April 18, 2005, a 23-year-old male volunteer fire fighter (Victim #1) and a 39-year-old male volunteer Assistant Lieutenant (Victim #2) died after a smoke explosion at a town house complex. Both victims were in the first apparatus to arrive on the scene and were advised that there were children inside on the second floor of the fire unit. The victims made entry into the structure and proceeded to the second floor with a charged hoseline. Within minutes, Victim #2 returned to the front door to request a thermal imaging camera and returned to the second floor just as another crew prepared to provide back-up. As the back-up crew entered the front door an explosion occurred forcing them back down the porch stairs and entrapping the victims in the bedroom on the second floor. The fire, which intensified after the explosion, had to be knocked down before the victims could be recovered. NIOSH investigators concluded that, to minimize the risk of similar occurrences, fire departments should:
- develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for structural fire fighting that include, but are not limited to, the incident command system, accountability, ventilation, and emergency evacuation
- ensure that the Incident Commander completes a size-up of the incident and continuously evaluates the risk versus benefit during the entire operation
- ensure that adequate numbers of staff are available to immediately respond to emergency incidents
- ensure that the Incident Commander maintains the role of director of fireground operations and does not become directly involved in firefighting operations
- ensure that the Incident Commander is clearly identified as the only individual with overall authority for management of all activities at an incident
- ensure that fire fighters are trained to identify truss roof systems and their potential hazards
The report really focuses on the lack of action/control by the incident commander. I've been to a number of incidents where the incident command structure was weak or non-existent. The reason was the incident commander did not want to appear to be "above" the other firefighters. This report shows the flaws in that kind of thinking. It should be required reading at our department.
The Last Alarm
Mike at Firefighter Blog has reprinted a poem by an 11 year old daughter of a FDNY firefighter that was killed last year.
Here is the article from The Daily News covering the memorial service for the two firefighters killed in the Black Sunday fire.
Her voice cracking ever so slightly, an 11-year-old girl brought a firehouse full of big men to tears yesterday with a heart-wrenching poem about the day her father went to work to ride his red truck and never came home.Lt. Curtis Meyran's daughter Angela proved she was every bit as brave as her dad as she faced a crowd of hundreds at a ceremony marking the first anniversary of the Black Sunday inferno that killed two firefighters and injured four others.
Here is the poem:
The Last AlarmMy father was a firefighter
He rode in a big red truck
And when he'd go to work each night
He'd say, "Mom, wish me luck"
And Dad would not come home again till sometimes the next day
A fireman's life is easy
He eats and sleeps and plays
And sometimes he [doesn't] fight fires for days and days and days
When I first heard these comments, I was too young to understand
Because I knew when the people had trouble, Dad was there to lend a hand
And my father went to work one day and he kissed us all goodbye
Little did we know that next morning we'd all cry
My father gave his life that next day when the fire got too hot
And we wondered why he'd risk his life for someone he didn't know
But now I realize the greatest gift a man can give is to lay down his life down upon the line so that someone else might live
So as we go on from day to day and we pray to God above, say a prayer for your brothers. They may save your loved ones.Angela Meyran
NIOSH Report on 2005 Roof Collapse
NIOSH has released its report of a 2005 roof collapse that killed a Texas firefighter. Here is the summary:
On February 19, 2005, a 39-year-old career fire Captain (the victim) died after being trapped by the partial collapse of the roof of a vacant one-story wood frame dwelling. The house was abandoned and known by residents in the area to be a “crack house” at the time of the incident. The victim was the captain on the first-arriving engine crew which was assigned to perform a “fast attack” – to take a hoseline into the house, locate the seat of the fire, and begin extinguishment. The one-story wooden ranch-style house was built in the 1950s and additional rooms had been added at the rear in at least two phases following the initial construction. Crews arriving on scene could see fire venting through the roof at the rear of the house. The victim and a fire fighter advanced the initial attack line through the front entrance and made their way toward the rear of the house. Visibility was good in the front of the house but conditions quickly changed as they advanced toward the rear. The fast attack crew had just begun to direct water onto the burning ceiling in the kitchen and den areas when the roof at the rear of the structure (over the building additions) collapsed, trapping the captain under burning debris. The collapse pushed fire toward the front of the house which quickly ignited carbon and dust particles suspended in the air along with combustible gases, sending a fireball rolling toward the front of the structure. Prior to the time of the collapse, two other crews had entered through the front entrance. The rapidly deteriorating conditions following the collapse quickly engulfed the other crews with fire and five fire fighters received burns requiring medical attention.
Here is the first recommendation from NIOSH:
Ensure that the Incident Commander continuously evaluates the risk versus gain when determining whether the fire suppression operation will be offensive or defensive.
Should the department have initiated an interior attack on this structure when it was 'abandoned and known by residents in the area to be a “crack house”'? Well, the residents knew the house was abandoned, but the firefighters probably didn't. It was early morning, 0600, so it was reasonable to think that people may have been in the house sleeping. The report doesn't state if any neighbors were out and about to inform the firefighters that the house was abandoned. Without this crucial information, it makes it more difficult to gauge risk verses gain.
106 Firefighter Fatalities in 2005
The USFA has published the preliminary statistics for line-of-duth deaths in 2005. There were 106 deaths in 2005, which is the fewest since 2002 when there were 101.
Here is an important quote from the press release:
"The fire service of this nation has tragically lost, again, too many firefighters in 2005," said Deputy USFA Administrator Charles Dickinson. "The USFA approaches 2006, joined with the fire organizations and fire department leaders, to commit to doing what it takes to reduce these too often, preventable losses."
Let's do our part this year in preventing the deaths of our brothers and sisters.
Is This a Dumb Question?
This is a must read article for all firefighters as we go into the new year. It addresses whether we are really serious about reducing firefighter deaths. The article is from Firehouse.com via Roanoke Firefighters.
"With all that is going on, why aren't we reducing these deaths quicker?", probably is a dumb question. When the final reports come out about how we died in 2005, it will look almost identical to 2004. Nuth'n new. And the changes are happening nationally but not always reaching the local level. It's going to take a lot more work, more time and much more of a serious commitment by everyone who "crawls down halls" and we will then start seeing more changes that matter to our future. After all, just look at what the IAFF, the IAFC, the NFFF, the NVFC, the USFA and others are all doing for us, their members, to improve firefighter survival. But if it doesn't happen on a local level, it will be a waste of time.
Are you fully committed to having everyone on your department return home safely after every call?
NIOSH Report on 2004 Cardiac Arrest
NIOSH has published a report on a 2004 line of duty death in New York due to cardiac arrest.
On May 13, 2004, a 42 year-old male volunteer Fire Fighter (FF) suffered a cardiac arrest while battling a residential structure fire. He had engaged in hose pulling and exterior fire suppression activities for approximately 15 minutes. Shortly thereafter, fellow fire fighters reported that he "did not look right." On-scene Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel were summoned to assist the FF, only to find him at the back of the rescue truck in cardiac arrest.Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was immediately begun. Once the on-scene ambulance relocated to the FF's vicinity, advanced life support (ALS) protocols were initiated and continued en route to the hospital. His condition failed to improve. Despite over 30 minutes of resuscitative efforts at the scene, in the ambulance, and at the hospital, the FF died.
The death certificate completed by the medical examiner listed the immediate cause of death as an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) with physical exertion in a hot, humid environment listed as a contributing cause. An autopsy was not performed. NIOSH investigators concluded that the FF's heavy physical exertion, coupled with his probable underlying coronary artery disease (CAD) triggered his sudden cardiac death.
Here is the recommendation from the report that caught my eye:
Phase in a mandatory wellness/fitness program for FFs to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease and improve cardiovascular capacity.
Having a "mandatory" wellness/fitness program is a pretty tall order for small, volunteer departments. Most of the time, these departments are just happy to have people available, regardless of their physical fitness.
Is this a good situation? No way. Even in those departments that are short of volunteers, there needs to be fitness programs available. Here is guide from the USFA on implementing a fitness program in volunteer departments. Tons of info.
NIOSH Report on 2004 Collision in Illinois
NIOSH has released their report on a 2004 collision of two fire engines. Several firefighters were injured and one firefighter died.
On April 27, 2004 a 34-year-old male part-time fire fighter died after the engine in which he was riding (Unit 1) crashed into an engine from another department (Unit 2) as they passed through an intersection. Both engines/departments were responding to the same call for a structure fire. The force of the impact caused the front of Unit 1 to collapse inward and cause crushing injuries to the unrestrained driver whose legs were pinned between the seat and the dashboard. He was extricated and transported to the hospital for treatment. The rear passenger of Unit 1 received minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released. The victim, who was riding unrestrained in the officer’s seat, was ejected from the vehicle. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Here are the recommendations from the report:
Provide training to driver/operators as often as necessary to meet the requirements of NFPA 1451, 1500, and 1002. This training should incorporate specifics on intersection practices.Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs ) for seat belt usage, intersection practices, and response to mutual/automatic aid incidents.
Read the whole report. It isn't very long and it has a lot of good information and pictures.
Here is what I got out of the report - slow down at intersections regardless of what the traffic signals indicate and wear your seatbelt.
Canadian Firefighters to get Monument and Benefits
The Canadian government is finally taking steps to help out the families of fallen firefighters (via the National Union of Public and General Employees).
OTTAWA - The House of Commons has passed a motion calling for a Canadian firefighter's monument to be constructed in a prominent position in Ottawa and for a national benefit system to be created the families of fallen and injured firefighters....
In Canada, the vast majority of fire departments do not provide benefits for the families of fallen or disabled firefighters. This means that families are saddled with financial hardship and uncertainty after their loved ones have given their lives to save others.
It's not clear how the government will respond to the motion or what level of benefits may ultimately be established.
Hopefully, things work out for the best for our northern brothers and sisters.
New NIOSH Reports
NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) has released a bunch of new fatality investigations. Here is the page with all of the reports.
I'll highlight a new report each day until we get through them all.
I'll also add a NIOSH link to the sidebar.
UPDATE: I'm swamped today, so I'll read through these reports and post on them next week.
NIOSH Report on 2004 Houston Night Club Fire
NIOSH published a report a couple of weeks ago on the fatality of a firefighter in a Houston night club in 2004. Here is the summary, but you should read the whole thing.
On April 4, 2004, a career fire fighter (the victim) died while fighting a night club arson fire. Crews were dispatched at 0555 hours to a reported truck fire (hazardous material incident), but arrived on the scene to discover a structure fire. Engine 50 was the first to arrive on the scene. The Captain and two crew members (a fire fighter and the victim) initiated a “fast attack.” District Chief 5 arrived on the scene and assumed command. Ladder 38 arrived shortly after Engine 50, and the Ladder 38 crew entered the building to assist the Engine 50 crew.Fire fighters decided to exit the building as conditions were deteriorating. It is believed that the victim became separated from his crew at this time. The Incident Commander called for operations to go defensive at the same time the crews were making their way out of the building. A fire fighter from Ladder 38 reentered the building after realizing that his Captain had failed to exit with the crew. He found and dragged the Engine 50 Captain (unconscious) to safety before returning and assisting the Ladder 38 Captain (semi-conscious) out of the building. The victim failed to exit the building and was later found in the debris.
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
Don't forget about the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend coming up this weekend. Here is the official website. There will be a reception, a Family Day, a Candlelight Service, and a Memorial Service. Check it out.
Firefighter Memorial Broadcast
The National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight Memorial Service will be broadcast on TV (from Firehouse.com)
Emmitsburg, MD-The United States Fire Administration will join on October 8th and 9th, with the production crews of WITF Studios of Harrisburg, PA for a live broadcast feed of the 2005 National Fallen Fighters Candlelight and Memorial services. As firefighters from around the nation come together to remember the firefighters lost in 2004, the firefighters and media are invited to view this broadcast feed.
However, it looks like you will need to contact your TV provider to try and convince them to carry the broadcast. Read the end of the article to get more details.
2004 Firefighter Fatality Report
The USFA has released the 2004 report on firefighter fatalities in the U.S.
Emmitsburg, MD. - The United States Fire Administration today released the report Firefighter Fatalities in the United States in 2004. This report details the circumstances and trends found in the 117 firefighter deaths experienced by the United States in 2004. Firefighters that died on-duty in 2004 represent forty-one (41) states. Pennsylvania suffered the largest number of deaths with 18 firefighter fatalities. In 2004, 36 career firefighters and 81 volunteer firefighters lost their lives serving their communities.
This should be required reading for all firefighters.
Chaplain Mychal Judge of the FDNY
Read this thoughtful tribute to Chaplain Mychal Judge (from East Side / West Side: New York City History via Firefighter Blog).
Double Check Escape Routes
According to the Modesto Bee, a federal report is out on a line of duty death from 2004. One of the key finding was the fact that even though safety zones and escape routes had been identified, the safety zones couldn't be reached quickly.
"However, due to the steepness of the slope and rapid change in fire behavior, they did not all reach safety," concludes the report by a joint investigative team formed by the state forestry department and the U.S. Forest Service.Among the factors:
"Escape routes were inadequate to allow sufficient time for the firefighters to reach safety zones."
Another major finding was that the fire crew did not consider what the fire might do, instead basing their tactics exclusively on what the fire was currently doing.
I'll find the official report and post a follow up.
Department Cited for Safety Violations
The Santa Clara County Fire Department has been cited for safety violations by the California Division of OSHA. This from CBS5.com:
The citations allege that at the scene of a four-alarm fire in Los Gatos on Feb. 13, the fire department failed to set up "enclosures, fences, partitions or other effective methods to prevent accidental contact with downed 12,000 volt energized power lines."According to Cal/OSHA, the department also failed to prevent firefighters from working around the live wire, as they should have been safeguarded from the line until it was clear.
A third citation alleges that the department failed to maintain an effective injury and illness prevention program in accordance with state standards.
Cal/OSHA claims that the department's failure to implement updated written procedures for dealing with downed power lines resulted in the electrocution of Capt. Mark McCormack.
Here are some questions to ask regarding your own fire department:
Are your safety procedures in place?
Do you have SOPs/SOGs in place?
Do the firefighters and officers follow the SOPs/SOGs?
Does your department put safety as the first priority?
NIOSH Report on 2003 Cedar Fire Fatality
Here is the NIOSH report referenced in this post regarding the 2003 Cedar Fire fatality.
Carbon Monoxide Culprit in Wildland Death
The LA Times is reporting that according to a NIOSH report, the death of a wildland firefighter in 2003 was due to hypoxia caused by carbon monoxide.
An autopsy showed that the firefighter's blood contained a 27% concentration of carbon monoxide.
I wasn’t able to find the NIOSH report online, but I didn’t put much effort into it. I’ll follow up later with the location of the official report.
This shows that carbon monoxide is a serious issue even on wildland fires.
