Hey,
3 years ago today, April 4, 2008, Firefighters from Colerain Township (Hamilton Co, OH) responded initially to what was a reported automatic alarm. While responding, the dispatcher upgraded the run, indicating from the occupants that escaped but were reporting a working house fire. Not long after that Fire Captain Robin Broxterman, 37-years-old, a 17-year veteran career Firefighter/Paramedic, and Firefighter Brian Schira, 29-years-old, a 6 month probationary, part-time Firefighter/EMT with Colerain Township both died in the Line of Duty after a floor collapsed into the burning basement at that dwelling fire.
Following that tragic loss, the Colerain Township FD issued an extensive final report (link below) with valuable details on exactly what happened-and how it can be avoided again. Critical details such as the responsibilities of the "first due" officers and companies, importance of size-up, 360 walk around, charged hose lines, radio communication issues, the basement being well involved before the FD arrival, potential fire growth from natural gas utilities and other information that’s of great value to every Firefighter and Officer. The NIOSH report was also issued and is also linked below.
As Colerain Fire Captain Steve Conn stated "There was not one major mistake that caused the death of our 2 Firefighters. There was a perfect storm, a combination several little things that hit all at the wrong time." This was not unlike many structural fire Line of Duty deaths and related close calls.
HERE is the FINAL report: http://www.colerainfire.com/Index_files/Page2184.htm
HERE is the NIOSH Report: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200809.html
HERE is a related article: http://tinyurl.com/3ef94j2

