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Death in the line of duty... |  |
Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation |
Two Career Lieutenants Killed and Two Career Fire Fighters Injured Following a Flashover at an Assembly Hall Fire—Texas
(Photo courtesy of local police department.)
Executive Summary
On February 15, 2013, a 36-year-old male career
lieutenant (Victim #1) and a 54-year-old male
career lieutenant (Victim #2) were killed and two
career fire fighters were injured (FF1 and FF2) at
an assembly hall fire. At approximately 2320
hours, the fire department responded to a reported
assembly hall fire with flames visible. Upon
arrival, fire was observed by the fire department
burning at the roof level in the area of the A/B
corner. After arriving units conducted 360-degree
walk-arounds, offensive interior operations were
employed to stop the fire’s progression. The first
interior attack crew (Victim #1 and his
probationary fire fighter) advanced a hoseline
toward what they believed was the seat of the fire.
After discovering the fire in the A/B corner and
flowing water on it, Victim #1 and his
probationary fire fighter both became low on
air. Victim #1 told his probationary fire fighter
they needed to exit. Both began following the
hoseline out, with the probationary fire fighter in front. However, for an unknown reason, Victim #1
was unable to follow the hoseline and he became separated from his probationary fire fighter. Victim #1 radioed for help. The probationary fire fighter called out to Victim #1 but did not receive an answer
nor did he hear any alarms. He then continued following the hoseline to the outside. At this time, an
engine company (Victim #2, FF1, and FF2), which was designated as the rapid intervention team
(RIT), was immediately deployed into the structure to locate Victim #1. The RIT followed the
hoseline in and was able to locate Victim #1, who was responsive. While dragging Victim #1 toward
the exit, the RIT was caught in a flashover. Following the flashover, all of them were quickly removed
and transported to local hospitals. Unfortunately, Victim #1 did not survive his injuries. FF1, FF2 and
Victim #2 were transferred to a regional burn center for extensive treatment where Victim #2 later
succumbed to his injuries.
Contributing Factors
- Nonsprinklered commercial building
