All,
We take time today to remember Bridgeport (CT) Firefighters Lt. Steven Velasquez and Michel Baik who were killed on the third floor of a Bridgeport dwelling on July 24, 2010.
Lt. Velasquez and Firefighter Baik died in the Line of Duty while operating on the third floor of that wood-frame home. Both the NIOSH report and the CT State Report mirror the factors that contributed to FF Baik’s and Lt. Velasquez’s deaths. Below we have provided the reports and an EXCELLENT VIDEO PRESENTATION about this incident.
INCIDENT SUMMARY:
Lieutenant Velasquez and Firefighter Baik were on duty at their regular assignment at Ladder 11. The unit was dispatched at 1549 hours to respond to a residential structure fire. Upon their arrival at the scene, Firefighters found a working fire on the second floor of the residence.
Lieutenant Velasquez and Firefighter Baik were assigned to go to the third floor of the building to look for fire extension and to search for victims. Lieutenant Velasquez and Firefighter Baik proceeded to the third floor as assigned, without a line-which was standard practice. Both Firefighters were wearing full structural protective clothing, including SCBAs. When they arrived on the third floor, Lieutenant Velasquez reported stable conditions by radio to the Incident Commander (IC) and he requested a line to the floor.
A few moments later, the IC observed smoke coming from the third floor and attempted to contact Lieutenant Velasquez by radio – but to no avail. The IC ordered an evacuation of the building by all Firefighters to account for everyone on the scene. In the process of the evacuation, Firefighters were observed on the third floor in distress as detailed below:
Lt Velasquez was found in the rear stairwell-he had previously transmitted a MAYDAY that was unanswered.
FF Baik was found following his Lt’s removal-following a PAR check where it was realized he was missing. He was found on the 3rd floor unconscious. RIT was deployed to the third floor for rescue.
Firefighters and EMS immediately began to provide medical treatment for both Firefighters. Lieutenant Velasquez was transported by ambulance to Saint Vincent’s Hospital, where he was pronounced. Firefighter Baik was transported by ambulance to Bridgeport Hospital, where he was also pronounced.
CAUSE OF DEATH:
Lieutenant Velasquez’s cause of death was determined to be asphyxia associated with smoke inhalation and exposure to fire. The air cylinder from his Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) was empty, indicating he ran out of air.
Firefighter Baik’s cause of death was determined to be smoke inhalation. He was found with his air mask removed and the air cylinder from his Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) was empty.
After the fatal fire, officials found out the third-floor living area in the Elmwood Avenue dwelling was an illegal apartment that likely hadn’t been inspected by fire officials for several years.
*****INCIDENT TRAINING AND LEARNING RESOURCES*****
A “MUST WATCH” IAFF PRESENTATION ON THIS FIRE:
WATCH THIS RAW SCENE VIDEO w/INTERVIEWS:
HERE IS THE NIOSH REPORT:
HERE IS THE INCIDENT TIMELINE:
HERE IS THE CONN-OSHA REPORT:
The best way to remember our Brothers and Sisters is to learn all we can from their incident and apply what went right and what may have gone wrong. The above provides a lot of excellent information for training in quarters, the kitchen table, or whatever works, so everyone learns.
Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.
BillyG
The Secret List 7/24/2025-0800 Hours
