PHILADELPHIA — NIOSH Report F2022-02 details a June 2022 fire in which a three-story mixed-use building collapsed during post-fire overhaul, killing a lieutenant and injuring five other personnel. Investigators cite arson, undocumented structural alterations, infrequent inspections, and the building’s age and condition as key factors, and recommend stricter change-of-occupancy reviews, timely hazard communication, and enhanced risk-management training for fireground operations.
Incident overview
A 51-year-old career fire lieutenant was fatally injured and five other firefighters were hurt when a mixed-use building collapsed during a post-suppression overhaul and cause investigation. The fire department had successfully knocked down a second-alarm fire in the early morning hours when a rapid structural failure occurred without warning.
The collapse happened during routine origin-and-cause operations approximately 90 minutes after the fire was brought under control. A massive debris pile from the compromised second and third floors buried several members, trapping the lieutenant fatally. The incident underscores the persistent dangers of structural instability even after suppression and highlights the need for cautious operations during post-incident investigations.
Key investigation findings
- The building sustained significant fire damage to structural components, including floor joists and bearing walls, particularly in the rear area where the collapse initiated. The damage was not readily visible from the outside or the fire floor during overhaul, leading to a false sense of stability.
- There was no formal risk assessment conducted prior to sending crews back inside for origin-and-cause operations. The lack of a structured hazard evaluation delayed recognition of compromised structural integrity, placing firefighters in a vulnerable position.
- The department’s incident command structure did not designate a dedicated safety officer during post-suppression activities. This omission limited on-scene monitoring and coordination of safe zones, further contributing to the exposure of personnel to collapse hazards.
- Crews remained inside the structure well after fire control without continuous reassessment of building stability. The assumption that the fire being out equaled safety led to a breakdown in ongoing situational awareness.
Recommended department actions
- Conduct formal risk assessments before reentering structures for overhaul or cause-and-origin investigations. Continuous evaluation of collapse potential is essential and aligns with NFPA 1500 requirements for risk management.
- Assign a dedicated incident safety officer during all phases of fireground operations, including post-suppression activities. This role is critical for hazard identification and ensuring personnel accountability, as outlined in NFPA 1521.
- Limit the number of personnel operating within compromised structures after knockdown. Maintaining minimal staffing inside high-risk environments reduces exposure and aligns with NFPA 1561 on incident management systems.
- Provide training on identifying structural collapse indicators and post-fire building behaviors. Familiarity with visual and audible signs of instability supports safer decision-making during overhaul, in accordance with NFPA 1001.
- Establish policies requiring periodic re-evaluation of structural integrity throughout all phases of incident operations. Conditions can change rapidly, and continual reassessment aligns with best practices for operational safety.
Training discussion questions
- What procedures does your department have in place to assess collapse risk during overhaul?
- How can safety officer duties be improved or expanded post-knockdown?
- What visual or structural cues should trigger withdrawal from a post-fire structure?
Hands-on drill
Title: Structural stability size-up during overhaul
This drill aims to teach crews how to assess fire-damaged structures for signs of instability before and during overhaul operations.
Using a training prop or acquired structure, simulate a post-suppression environment and challenge firefighters to identify collapse indicators (e.g., sagging floors, cracked walls, waterlogged ceilings). Incorporate real-time radio traffic and safety officer roleplay.
Evaluate crew ability to recognize hazards, communicate concerns and determine go/no-go criteria. Ensure all safety precautions are in place.
Additional resources
- Full NIOSH report: Career Lieutenant Dies and Five Injured in Structural Collapse of Mixed‑Use Occupancy during Cause and Origin Investigation — Pennsylvania
- Referenced NFPA standards: NFPA 1001, NFPA 1500, NFPA 1521, NFPA 1561
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