Saturday, June 26, 2010 I Responded with my volunteer fire department to a reported smoke report. Enroute we were upgraded to a structure fire in a garage. We are a volunteer department so a second department was dispatched as well. On arrival we found a well involved block structure with a wood framed garage addition on the front with heavy fire showing. Several FF's obtained SCBA while others pulled attack lines for a exterior attack and to cool a mobile home that was the primary exposure located near the structure. This was already showing radiant heat damage. Several FF's donned SCBA and obtained attack lines and began to advance the nozzles into the front bay area of the structure. On examination and prior to entering the crew had discussed that the roof did not look safe over the front bay area and had burned through. We used a straight stream to knock the tin and remaining roof trusses off the uprights from the exterior down onto the ground and on examination had a totally clear overhead to proceed through. After discussion it was decided to proceed forward. The floor was noted on entry to be concrete and entry was started again to work our way back the brick section to attack the fire still visible there. After taking a few steps over the roof debris now littering the floor the nozzleman disappeared from view. The nozzle man (myself) had been attempting to proceed carefully across the debris and was attempting to sound the debris when the tin roofing now laying across the floor folded and caused the firefighter to fall into a service pit located in the floor of the structure. After the initial fall I checked my air mask and made sure that it had not been dislodged and began to work myself up to an upright position. I still had possession of the hoseline and nozzle and began to place water on the fire in the rear of the structure. At this time I began to feel the heat of the debris so I directed the stream into the pit around me to cool the material around me. While I tried to free myself from the service pit the crew that was still exterior began to work their way to me and reached down to pull me out of the pit. I advised them I was at this time OK and to get me a folding attic ladder to provide me an way out. The pit was 6-8 feet deep with a difference in depth at each end. The IC had been advised of the fall and that a potential bad situation was developing and had requested EMS and a second alert for manpower and medical care. After a ladder was obtained and placed I self extricated from the pit and exited to access my gear. I did not luckily suffer any burns as I did have full PPE in place including a hood. After exiting I found that my only pain was a sore hand so EMS was canceled. I reported to the Chief who was briefed. After this I re assumed my position on a hoseline to assist in the final extinguishment.

LESSONS LEARNED: Wow, I learned a lot form this. We are not guaranteed another day in this job so it is up to us to make our task and jobs as safe as possible. our department now does more of a size up of the structure and announce possible hazards to responding units. Personally I have learned to do a better evaluation of the building and use a risk vs benefit attitude before I enter. We do have a rural department with limited manpower so we are looking at alerting a third department on each confirmed working fire for a dedicated RIT team. Remember a Chief or the IC needs to do the walk around but you must continually re access the structure. Even though the overhead was clear the debris that was once above now hid the danger that was below our feet. Remember that 6 side review. I did have a radio with me but did not call a Mayday or activate my PASS. After a recent review and articles I have read we are looking at a RIT class and the proper way to call a Mayday.