Nothing can kill or harm a firefighter faster than structural collapse. Throughout the history of firefighting no other event kills more firefighters in a single event.
Firerescue.com reports shows some of these events that have transpired in history.
- Chicago - Twenty-one firefighters killed from wall collapse.
- Brockton, Mass - Thirteen firefighters killed from truss roof collapse.
- Philly - Twenty-one firefighters killed in a floor and wall collapse.
- FDNY - Twelve firefighters killed in a drug store roof collapse.
Recognize the signs before you enter!
It's imperative that as a firefighter you know the building in your district. Preplanning is a great way to uncover the problem structures that you will be responding to. Knowing the high hazard structures can help you make life saving decisions before you even get to the scene of the call. Are there people trapped? Are you just going to be trying to save a building? Theses questions can help you determine if you are going to make an offensive or defensive attack on the building. Remember "risk a lot to save a lot", "risk a little to save a little"
High risk for structural collapse signs
- Age of the building
- Walls bulging out or large cracks
- Renovations performed
- Previous fire damage
- Sagging floors
- Reinforcing stars on outside of buildings
- Wooden or lightweight trusses
These are a few of the things you should know about all the buildings in your district. If this is something you do not know about your buildings, maybe it's time to get out and start preplanning. It's much better to find these things out before there is a fire and firefighters lives are at stake.
No comment