Elizabeth Mohr
The Pioneer Press
OAK GROVE, Minn. — An investigation into the Oak Grove Fire Department’s response to a fatal March 5 fire found ineffective communication hampered how the blaze was fought.
The Oak Grove City Council ordered the probe in April, after a firefighter publicly criticized the department’s handling of the fire that killed 86-year-old James Verdi Blackford.
While the 24-page report states there’s no way to prove Blackford, who died of smoke inhalation, could have been saved when firefighters arrived, it does say inept communication delayed the crews’ ability to effectively manage the fire.
“The central theme presented in this review is a ‘delay to action,’ ” wrote Theodore Paulfranz, a retired Edina fire chief hired to conduct the review. “If Command had ordered the prompt entry of the attack line, ordered aggressive ventilation and followed with a timely order for a ‘primary search’ — this report would not have been written.”
About 30 firefighters from nearly a half-dozen departments fought the blaze. State fire marshal investigators determined the fire was caused by a child playing with a charcoal lighter.
Paulfranz’s report includes a detailed account of the incident and recommendations for the Fire Department, such as defining a formal chain of command and performance expectations.
It took about 1 1/2 hours from the 911 call to bring the fire “under control,” according to a time log. Though command was aware someone was in an upstairs bedroom, nearly 40 minutes
passed before firefighters searched for Blackford.
“As a result of the incomplete evaluation, Command misread fire conditions and delayed implementation,” Paulfranz wrote. “This delay allowed the fire to develop unchecked for 7-10 minutes. Delay and indecision was the result of inadequate procedures and preparation, incomplete training and inexperience.”
Just days before the release of the report, Fire Chief Tony Hennemann resigned. He submitted his official resignation Tuesday, long before his anticipated January retirement. He had been with the department nearly 25 years, serving as chief for eight years.
Calls seeking comment from Hennemann were not immediately returned.
Hennemann stepped down because “the changes necessary would be best facilitated by a new chief who has a chance to be part of the development and implementation process,” City Administrator Chantell Knauss wrote in a news release.
Members of the City Council received copies of the report late Thursday night. They will “carefully consider the recommendations in the review and work to implement a plan to move the Oak Grove Fire Department forward,” the news release says.
The council will meet Monday to accept Hennemann’s resignation and appoint an acting chief, Knauss said. It is unclear when they’ll take any action on the recommendations in the report.
Key Recommendations
An investigation into the Oak Grove Fire Department’s handling of a fatal fire in March suggests:
- The Fire Department needs to define and respect a formal “chain of command.”
- The City Council should define performance expectations for the department and hold the fire chief accountable.
- The department needs to prioritize company-level officers’ positions and develop effective company-level leaders.
- The “training committee” is a critical element of the department’s ability to deliver effective service and will be responsible for implementing the recommendations.
- A workable grievance procedure could provide the department with the necessary means to resolve conflict.
Copyright 2008 Pioneer Press