At 0635 hours on March 19, 2025, the York Center Fire Protection District responded to the reported residential house fire. The first fire district vehicle arrived at the scene at 6:40 am and found smoke coming from the home. Firefighters performed search and rescue and found one civilian victim, who was removed from the house and declared deceased. Fire was declared under control, and full extinguishment was completed at 9:39. The fire’s cause is under investigation at this time. No firefighter injuries occurred at this incident; however, three firefighters experienced a “close call”.
Involved structure: The fire occurred in an approximately 2100 sq ft, two single-story wood frame (Type V construction) structure built in the 1970s. The fire was an extremely slow burn, with extremely heavy smoke conditions, described by initial reports as “to the floor.” Once the fire gained a foothold, it burned extremely hot, compromising the landing to the basement stairs, the first three stairs to the basement, and the stairs to the second floor. The fire’s origin was determined to be on floor one. Review the pictures: A member of the initial company (Firefighter 1) fell into the hold on the first floor while conducting search and rescue with the first engine company. Firefighter 1 caught by the member’s SCBA on a stair tread and was able to self-rescue in seconds. The notification was made over the fire-ground channel of a compromised floor, roughly eight feet inside the front door.
Firefighters 2 and 3, who were ordered to advance a backup line through the front door, then individually fell into the same hole, never hearing the radio transmission regarding the compromised floor. Firefighter 2 self-rescued from the hole within seconds. Firefighter 3 needed the assistance of Firefighter 2 but was also secured from the hole within seconds. No May Days were transmitted. The command evacuated the structure and requested a Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) from all companies operating on the scene. All personnel were accounted for, and it was confirmed that all companies were aware of the compromised floor and staircase. All members continued suppression and overhaul efforts. The incident safety officer and interior officers guarded both structurally compromised areas to prevent any further falls.
LESSONS LEARNED:
Maintain a high proficiency in SCBA skills and be familiar with your survival skills. Remain calm, whether you are trapped or assisting someone who is trapped.
Remember teachings from your academy; if you cannot see your feet crawl, sound the floor in front of you.
Always remain situationally aware; do not get task focused. Floors, walls, and ceilings can be compromised and fail at any time.
Communicate not only over the radio but also face-to-face to ensure everyone receives the message.
Know the difference between “back-out” and “evacuate”. Practice it!
Know how to conduct a Personnel Accountability Report (P.A.R.) and practice it from the company perspective and the command perspective.
Command officers, practice getting out mission critical message and confirm those messages are received and implemented.
