Search Priorites

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Shareef Abdu Nur on February 28, 2009 at 12:42am

CHRIS PIEPENBURG answers the questions beautifully and I would like to add that the video further drives home one of the many reasons why we should all carry tools.

Permalink Reply by Michael Bricault (ret) on February 28, 2009 at 12:42pm

-Jim, I agree that conducting operations inside vacant/abandoned structures changes up the game plan somewhat. However, we must remember that vacant buildings don't set themselves on fire. Therefore, operating companies must assume that the fire was started through human intervention, either by accident or design is irrelevant, and that the person or persons is still inside the structure.
-In response to your question, "Since search is is so tied in with extiguishment, do you guys have any thoughts on the intial hose line stretch in these vacants?"
-Operations should be somewhat slower and more cautious due to the nature of the building and the state of disrepair however, interior search operations must take place.
-Lines must be stretched to protect interior search companies, their access/escape routes and the interior stairs; a water source should be established, a back up line should be in place, ventilation in progress and the RIT should be on scene. Naturally this would all change and be situational dependent if arriving companies encounter a High or Urgent Rescue Profile, delayed response or extraordinary circumstances.
-Firefighting and search operations in vacant/abandoned structures is dangerous for many reasons that have already been touched on here. This is the job that has to be done by the numbers. So, an interior search will take place and a line must therefor be stretched to protect the searching members. Ventilation must occur, RIT.... the whole nine yards.
-There is no such thing as a vacant structure until firefighters have determined the interior to be devoid of life. This conclusion is reached only when firefighters have performed an interior search or fire conditions are such that human life is incompatible with the interior environment.

Permalink Reply by Wayne Benner Jr on March 1, 2009 at 1:54pm

The city in which I work for has many abandoned buildings. And there are times we are told to go Defensive if a fire occurs.Then when we arrive the gameplan changes and we go into interior operations.
A fire prevention officer (Yah I know) told me once to never assume the building is empty because most of the times the power has been shut off to abandoned buildings so what else would start the fire.
Great advice...
We are the 1st in Engine (Only career rig) in our city and our priority is fire attack. No not rescue unless its a visible rescue.
(Yes we search on the way to the fire) VES and Search teams are our incoming crews. In saying this we never assume that a structure is unoccupied. And the video shows why...
Note:
Its nice to see the boys of Buffalo NY..They have made 2 trips to Canada on a mutual Aid run both times to our city 1 for a fire as they used their fire boat and 2nd for a rescue on a laker (ship) with their Rescue Co commanded by now Fire Commissioner Lombardi. last but not least...TOOLS need to be brought to the structure because a boot is not a forcible entry tool as well as the TIC and other vitial equipment needs to be brought... And a good job to the BFD for a quick grab.

Stay Safe..

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