Every room in a house has a specific name that gives an idea of what purpose the room serves. When we arrive at a structure fire involving a "garage", it is anybody's guess what might be in the garage. The garage for any residence is primarily designated for vehicle storage. But as we read in this week's featured firefighter near-miss report, vehicles can be the least of our worries when the attack begins.

"Units arrived on the scene to a two-story structure fire with smoke showing from the "D" side attached garage. A three-man entry team was sent in for fire control to the seat of the fire from the "A" side front door when command learned that there was an acetylene bottle located in the fire room. At the same time command ordered the team to retreat, the bottle released (vented) and increased fire intensity resulting in minor steam burns involving two firefighters. The team successfully exited the building with no other injuries. The attack was then resumed from the exterior "D" side and extinguished the fire."

The size-up for a garage fire should include an additional consideration of "contents". In many instances, the "oversize" residential garage becomes the storage area for any number of hazardous materials, tools and appliances. Adding all of the contents and their flammability together, the attack team faces a smorgasbord of threat. Once you have read the entire account (http://bit.ly/rV1j3B), consider the following in your group discussion:

1. List 5 hazards you might encounter while fighting a garage fire.
2. For the attached garage fire, should the attack be mounted through the overhead, or exterior door, or the door that provides access from the house to the garage? Explain why.
   
3. If the initial attack on the attached garage is made through the overhead door, what concerns need to be addressed either before and/or as the attack is made?
4. Was the attack line pulled on your last garage fire selected for its specific fire flow capability or because it was the attack line of choice? Why would there be a difference?
5. How quickly can you determine whether or not a ceiling is in place in a garage fire? 

The burning garage should be considered the worst case scenario of the ticking time bomb. We can make reasonable assumptions of room contents in a living room, kitchen, bedroom, etc. But when it comes to the garage, there is no limit to the possibilities and combinations of hazards the occupants could have unwittingly assembled for us. The best advice is to approach with caution and bring big water for a hard, fast, overpowering attack and expect the unexpected.

Tell your garage fire near miss to the fire service. Use www.firefighternearmiss.com today to convey the lessons you took away from your last garage near miss. For more on the benefits of firefighter near-miss reporting, CLICK HERE.

Note: The questions posed by the reviewers are designed to generate discussion and thought in the name of promoting firefighter safety. They are not intended to pass judgment on the actions and performance of individuals in the reports.