Large area “big box” and warehouse fires-one of the toughest fires any of us can respond to. The size alone starts the discussion with numerous challenges that are far from the “standard” single-family dwelling. A genuine “high risk-low frequency” incident.
For just a brief example: imagine it takes you and your crew 10 minutes on air to just get close to the fire..in zero visibility conditions….and after 2 more minutes you have now found the fire….now what? Can you operate? Can you get out? How much air do you have left?
While it is said for all fires, these large area/big box/warenhouse fires require companies to be on their “A” game, with loads of training and planning …well before “that” fire occurs.
PA LARGE AREA BUILDING MAYDAY THIS WEEK:
This week, a Mayday was declared during a warehouse fire yesterday at Dorman Products in Hatfield Township, a suburb of Philadelphia. Upon that transmission, Firefighters were evacuated from the structure by command until all personnel were accounted for.
WITHOUT QUESTION: these are some of the most dangerous fires we can respond to…by nature of their size, size up/finding the fire location, rescue/victims-access, communication, visibility, water supply, operational access, roof access, command/control, staffing, division operations/supervision, air management and so much more.
LISTEN TO THE RADIO TRAFFIC:
THIS FIRE: NEWS & PHOTOS:
DRILL/TRAINING INFO—-LEARN-LARGE AREA BUILDING FIRES:
=FROM CHIEF SHANE RAY, a subject matter expert and veteran Fire Chief:
Watch & Listen Part 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Watch & Listen Part 2:
=FROM FIRE ENGINEERING-FDNY’S MIKE DUGAN & CHIEF TOM MERRILL:
OTHER TRAINING RESOURCES/CONSIDERATIONS FOR WAREHOUSE FIRES:
Considerations For Warehouse Fires:
Big Box Dangers:
Walmart Warehouse Fire Audio – 5+ Alarms 3/16/2022 [Indiana]
Radio Traffic:
RAW Video Of That Fire:
Training Powerpoint:
Are warehouses and big box/large buildings in your response area? After reviewing the above, listening to the audio, paying attention to the above webinars, and learning from them all your members have their hands full. But you knew that. Training and planning ensure a much better result.
Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.
