Editor’s note: This feature is intended to spark the sharing of ideas, information and techniques to make firefighters safer and more effective. The following video and discussion points must not be used to berate, belittle or criticize those firefighters. Rather, in the spirit of near-miss reporting, please use this feature as another teaching tool to help you better do your job. Please leave your comments below and use this material in your own department. I hope you find this Reality Training valuable; stay safe and keep learning.
This fire incident took place in a combination retail and warehouse occupancy, most likely a farm supply type of business. In reviewing the video you’ll notice that the warehouse facility — located on the D Side has already been completely destroyed.
The first 5 minutes or so of the video is an excellent example of how fire makes progress in taking control of an ordinary construction, that is, masonry walls supporting a roof structure that’s likely built with lightweight trusses of steel or wood.
Discussion questions
- What tactical challenges are presented to the first-alarm personnel on scene?
- What would be your size-up of the incident?
- What information would you communicate with your size-up radio report to your other responding resources?
- What would be your incident action plan?
- What are the environmental conservation measures that should be considered under the Incident Priority of Property Conservation?