Reality Training: Firefighters thrown down stairs during flashover

While responding to a fire on the second-floor of the home, firefighters were ordered to pull back when all the combustible material in one of the rooms suddenly burst into flames. Two firefighters escaped serious injury though one suffered a concussion and the other a fractured ankle. 

Flashover events and similar rapidly changing conditions on the fire ground test our ability to maintain unit cohesion and discipline. When such events do occur on the emergency scene, we have to be able to rely on our policies, procedures and training if we are to survive.

• What is flashover and what conditions should firefighters and officers constantly be evaluating concerning the potential for flashover?

• What actions should firefighters and officers immediately take if they believe flashover is imminent?

• How many examples of unsafe fireground practices can you identify from the video and what behaviors does your department expect in these situations?

• As an officer, how do you ensure that your firefighters consistently engage in fireground practices that are safe, effective and efficient?