Check out articles from the November 2024 issue of Fire Engineering, which focuses on industrial firefighting and hazmat.
The cover: In the early morning of September 29, 2024, the Rockdale County (GA) Fire Department responded to a reported fire in an industrial plant that produces pool chemicals. After the initial fire was extinguished, the chemicals continued reacting, causing a massive smoke plume that required the evacuation of approximately 1,700 homes and a shelter-in-place order that lasted several days. The massive incident required mutual aid from the DeKalb County, Atlanta, Covington, Social Circle, Henry County, Walton County, and Newton County Fire Departments. The response also included various local, state, and federal agencies to monitor environmental effects and law enforcement to assist with evacuations and medical response. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.
Features
Firefighting Challenges in Warehouses: The Battle Against the Bots
Automatic storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) have revolutionized warehouse management by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and speed in handling goods. While the benefits of ASRS are clear, their implementation also presents unique challenges, particularly in the context of firefighting. These challenges highlight the complexities and potential risks associated with these advanced storage systems involving robots. GEORGE HEALY AND SEAN GRAY
Tactical Response to Compressed Natural Gas Emergencies
CNG-fueled vehicles and virtual pipelines will become more common as we seek alternative fuel sources. This article will familiarize you with the use of compressed natural gas during transportation emergencies with CNG-fueled vehicles and review strategic and tactical lessons learned from real-world responses. DANIEL BAKER, CHRISTOPHER GOULD, AND JERRY KNAPP
The Complexities of Commanding the Commercial Fireground
A fire’s ability to go sideways in an instant is especially important in commercial buildings, due to their substantial size and structure. Many departments neglect to discuss how to command these fires. It is time to better prepare officers for these complex situations. AARON J. HELLER
Trapped on the Inside: Tactical Considerations for Storage Unit Fires
Storage unit fires are going to increase substantially over the next several years, and tactics must evolve in the way that we work and respond to these scenes. Homelessness is no longer just a big-city issue. The knowledge of this reality needs to be incorporated into every fire we have, none more so than fires at storage unit facilities. TIM THOMPSON
Commercial Structure Fires: Changing Our Mindset
Commercial structure fires are a hazard that every fire department across the nation faces. To be effective in these buildings, we must understand what hazards exist and what changes have occurred both to our benefit and detriment as a fire service. BRIAN ZAITZ AND MIKE MARTIN
Industrial Firefighters: Fortifying the Fire Brigades
Understanding the necessity for protecting an organization’s people, property, and brand image is not enough to successfully implement an industrial firefighting program. Management must also understand the rules and regulations that define the capabilities of an industrial fire department. DAN KING
Departments
EDITOR’S OPINION: A Seat at the Table Keeps You Off the Menu
TRAINING NOTEBOOK: Operational Procedures: Tactical Response to Explosive Gases
VOLUNTEERS CORNER: Building Relationships to Improve Hazmat Readiness
WHAT WE LEARNED: Distinguishing Danger: Up Close and Personal with a Polymerizer
ENERGY HAZARDS: Batteries Under the Tree Are Not What They Used to Be
