This month, we travel back in time to 1997. Just after midnight on February 17, 1997, the Lexington (KY) Fire Department responded to a fire in a small, one-story, single-family-dwelling. Arriving units reported heavy smoke coming from the house. First-due Engine 11 developed pump problems, so Engine 6’s crew was directed to advance into the building. The hose team of Chuck Williams and Jerry Ray began the firefight and moved into the smoke-filled house. As soon as they crossed the threshold, the pair fell into the basement. After a couple of minutes, the incident commander did not see any changes in conditions and realized the hose was not moving. Unfortunately, the firefighters were not equipped with portable radios and, due to the noise on the fireground, their calls for help went unheard. Firefighter Ray was quickly pulled from the basement, but it would be several minutes later before Williams was removed. Firefighter Chuck Williams was transported from the scene at 0118 hours.
Recommendation #3: Fire departments should ensure that fire fighters who enter hazardous areas, e.g., burning or suspected unsafe structures, be equipped with two-way communications with incident command.
—NIOSH
This fire was a catalyst for change in the Lexington Fire Department. As a result of the death of Chuck Williams and the injuries to Jerry Ray, the effective firefighting force dispatched to fires was increased. In addition, the department outfitted each riding position with portable radios. Chuck’s sacrifice was not in vain. It has reduced risk to Lexington’s firefighters and, in return, enhanced the safety of the citizens. For more information on this fire, listen to this month’s Mayday Monday podcast, where we talk to retired Lexington Fire Shift Commander Brain Wainscott. He was driving Engine 6 back in 1997. Here is the link to the NIOSH report, FACE 97-04.
Skill/drill
Does your department provide you with a radio? It’s time to make sure you can BE HEARD. This month get your favorite LEGO puzzle, your self-contained breathing apparatus face piece, firefighting gloves, and a partner. Take the directions and a portable radio in one room, and have your partner take the puzzle and a radio in a different room. Work together to complete the puzzle while communicating via the radio. Examine the differences when changing the location and how you hold the microphone. It’s great that you have a radio…let’s make sure you can get your message out.
Tony Carroll is deputy chief of operations with the Louisa County (VA) Fire & EMS Department.
