LETTERS
A Personal Lesson
Hearty congratulations to Philip Cooksey and chiefs Smith and Dowdy for putting together the article “Wake Up, Oren, We’ve got Problems” which appeared in the September issue of Fire Engineering, and further congratulations to the magazine for publishing this article.
It goes without saying that the various technical concerns which were brought up (such as no sprinklers, no horizontal fire stop, apparently no valid alarm system, the neighbor above breaking glass when Dowdy and Smith were ready to exit, and of course, no survivors through the hallway) are so important.
For me the article has special concern because I have stayed in that building at least three times and in that motel at least four times. Twice I was there as chaperon for eight members of the Saudi Arabian Civil Defence Corps (fire and police). Most of them could not speak English and although I always get the room numbers of people I am with, in that case it could have been trying to say the least.
This business of no horizontal fire stops in these motels is absolutely inexcusable and should never be allowed. I have written to a number of hotel chains about this and most don’t seem too concerned. Very possibly it would have made a difference to the occupants of rooms 230 and 242, although I don’t know the exact background for the smoke and fire spread in this case.
My sincere thanks and congratulations to all concerned. It is unfortunate that the lessons of this article seem so difficult to get into the minds of people and these situations may continue because of faults within the buildings and the lack of knowledge, etc., by the occupants.
Andrew A. Ayers, Jr.
Engineering Equipment Company, IL
Smoke Bomb Warning
The letter entitled “Smoke Bombs for Training” (September 1983), submitted a good point but omitted a critical warning!
Smoke bombs, smoke grenades and smoke pots, commonly used by fire departments during training exercises in order to make the drills more realistic, have been responsible for at least four documented deaths and numerous injuries. These smoke-producing devices being marketed as “medically proven safe and non-toxic” actually contain zinc chloride, a highly toxic agent, as an active ingredient. The greatest danger associated with zinc chloride is its end products, especially hydrochloric acid.
During a training session where “buddy breathing” was practiced in Columbia, MO, more than a halfdozen fire fighters were injured after inhaling the toxic chemical in the smoke bomb. These fire fighters complained of respiratory and intestinal inflammation, swollen lymph nodes, chills, headaches, nausea, fatigue and sore throats.
During another “routine” training exercise held by the U.S. Navy on board the U.S.S. Fairfax County using a zinc chloride smoke bomb, a sailor died when he inhaled the smoke after the face mask of his breathing apparatus had fallen apart. According to the investigation, the sailor did not leave the closed-in compartment because he did not want to spoil the drill. This was the first time that the fire drill included the use of real smoke.
These incidents point out the dangers of fire departments simply relying on manufacturers’ claims instead of investigating the type of substances and potential dangers they are needlessly exposing fire fighters to during training exercises. Not only may some devices produce toxic atmospheres, but combustible mixtures may occur as well.
The key to avoiding tragedy is in the instructor’s thorough knowledge of the hazards which mav occur, no matter what the method.
Bob Ireson
Training Coordinator
Ohio Fire Academy
TV and Freebie
The National Volunteer Fire Council has produced a 30 second television commercial to be aired this spring. They have also put together a kit called “New Tools for Volunteer Fire Fighters.” The kit contains both radio scripts and print ads to help in fund raising and recruiting efforts. The kit is free and is available by contacting Gus Welter, Secretary, National Volunteer Fire Council, 9944 Harriet Ave., Bloomington, MN 55420.
