By FireRescue1 Staff
OAKLAND, Calif. — Following the warehouse fire that killed 36 people, an Oakland firefighter reflects on the blaze’s emotional impact on first responders.
“We understand that that’s part of our job, but it still takes a toll mentally,” Oakland firefighter union president Lt. Dan Robertson told ABC.
Robertson and his crew were at the scene of the Ghost Ship fire, and said the wood-filled and maze-like structure posed a significant challenge.
“It keeps getting hotter and hotter, you have zero visibility, you’re relying on your other senses,” Lt. Robertson said. “The sound of the fire burning above you and behind you towards your exit is in your mind.”
Lt. Robertson said for some firefighters, Ghost Ship was their first mass-casualty fire. “I could see it in some of the younger guys’ faces the other morning, they’re not sure how to deal with it.”
The tragedy has also impacted other first responders, many of whom have been encouraged to seek counseling. Lt. Robertson said getting help is not a sign of weakness, and it is a healthy method of handling PTSD.
“Every single person that was there that night is replaying in our minds, wondering if there was anything we could have done better,” Lt. Robertson said.
Officials said the death toll is expected to remain at 36, and have searched over 90 percent of the building. A faulty refrigerator is suspected of being one cause of the fire.
This Oakland Lt. was one of the 1st fighting the warehouse fire. Shares the challenges and pain over loss of life. pic.twitter.com/KM4wGBE9iQ
— carolyn tyler (@ctylerabc7) December 7, 2016