By FireRescue1 Staff
COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio — An investigation has found basic mistakes contributed to the deaths of two Ohio firefighters who were responding to a house fire.
Colerain Township Fire Department Capt. Robin Broxterman and Firefighter Brian Schira were killed April 4, 2008, after they became trapped in the basement of the home.
Firefighters entered the burning home without water in their hose and tried to escape without following their hose line to an exit, the department report released Friday said.
Speaking on behalf of the department, Capt. Steve Conn said the mistakes represented a “failure to adhere to fundamental firefighting practices” during a press conference.
“In addition to distractions faced on the fireground, some basic strategic and tactical errors were encountered in the early moments of the fire,” he said.
The report said three factors were believed to have directly contributed to the deaths of the two firefighters:
- A delayed arrival at the incident scene that allowed the fire to progress significantly
- A failure to adhere to fundamental firefighting practices
- A failure to abide by fundamental firefighter self-rescue and survival concepts
Errors cited include Capt. Broxterman failing to use full turnout gear and fire crews not conducting a 360-degree size-up before entering the structure.
Communication problems with a digital radio system unable to manage a high volume of radio chatter was also cited as a contributing factor in the deaths.
In addition, the report said the deaths might have been prevented if:
- Some personnel had not been complacent or apathetic in their initial approach to the incident
- Some personnel were in a proper state of mind that made them more observant of their surroundings and indicators
- The initial responding units were provided with all pertinent information in a
timely manner relative to the incident - Comprehensive standard operating guidelines specifically related to structural
firefighting existed within the department - Certain tactical-level decisions and actions were based on the specific conditions
- Personnel had initiated fundamental measures to engage in if they were to become disoriented or trapped inside a burning building
Writing in the report, Fire Chief Bruce Smith said the deaths of Capt. Broxterman and Firefighter Schira have dramatically affected the members of the organization along with those fire and emergency medical service providers throughout the region.
“We pledge to honor their professionalism, their dedication to the organization, and their loss by learning from this tragedy,” he said. “We have recharged our efforts to improve firefighter safety by implementing the appropriate changes and by sharing our lessons learned throughout the fire service.”