Sunday, July 18, 2010 On July 15, 2010 at 03:00 hours the Shamokin Liberty Engine 21 was pumping a HUMAT valve that was supplying Kulpmont Engine 211. A section of 5” LDH came out a coupling that was hooked up to Engine 21. The hose flew through the air and almost hit a TV camera man who was walking by with his camera. The engines were operating at 940 Chestnut Street (Pappy Baluta and Sons Plumbing Store) in Kulpmont, Pennsylvania at a three alarm apartment building fire.
The incident was an example that complete PPE must be worn while operating on the fire ground. Non-fire personnel should be always restricted from areas where fire units and hoses are in operations.