By William Shouldis
The incident occurred in the pre-dawn hours of December 30, 2004. The Philadelphia Communication Center received a telephone call for a basement fire at the Sharon Baptist Church. The communications center dispatched a first alarm of four engine companies, two ladder companies and two battalion chiefs. As units arrived, they found heavy smoke conditions. Crews immediately intitated tasks for fire attack, ventilation, and searching for fire extension. Shortly thereafter, it became clear that the fire had advanced beyond the capabilities of an offensive attack. All companies shifted to an exterior position and command summoned additional alarms. Soon the 100 X 175 complex became well involved.
The typical command and control challenges for this type of occupancy were present. The heavy timber construction and large void spaces hid the spreading flames. Incredible radiant heat damaged six nearby dwellings. It became necessary to create a mass care center for evacuated residents. Numerous agencies participated in the response and recovery phases.
Responding as the on-call Incident Safety Officer (ISO), my thoughts drifted to other House of Worship fires such as the steeple collapse in Pittsburgh PA, the roof collapse in Lake Worth TX, the need for proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Memphis, TN, and, on the home front, the Rising Sun Baptist Church incident. These incidents showed how rapidly conditions can change. These deadly fires and tragic lessons could not be forgotten.
Following the Philadelphia Fire Department’s standard procedure, I donned the proper protective gear with an outer blue vest marked “Safety Officer”. Members of the command staff immediately report to the incident commander. The IC’s briefing was concise and the strategy and safety plans were straightforward: confinement of the flames, strict accountability of personnel, and the removal of barriers to clear communication.
My initial assignment was ensuring the accuracy of the planning board at the command post. Drawing a diagram of the site while performing a 360-degree walk-around of the scene helped to pinpoint the location of personnel. Tracking the movement of members as the fire spread was a test. Crews and SCBA cylinders were frequently rotated. Establishing a collapse/safety zone was a priority. Personnel used banner tape to clearly identify the safest routes for firefighters to operate. Monitoring the proper radio channels for command and tactical operations while assessing all sides of the church complex required an Assistant Safety Officer (ASO).
The Operation Section Chief designated sector supervisors and divided the scene into four geographical areas. Side “Alpha” and Side “Bravo” provided the best means for attacking the fire. Exposures, in close proximity, to the church complex were on Side “Charlie” and Side “Delta”. Engine and ladder companies worked with mobile 2 1/2-inch hand lines, elevated ladder pipes, and master streams. Crews communicated progress reports at ten minute intervals. Finally, after three hours and five alarms, personnel contained the fire.
By dawn, fire had claimed much of the church complex. Several homes were damaged. The only positive news was that there were no civilian or firefighter injuries. Church fires present a momentous operational challenge. Using an Incident Command System (ICS) and activating key positions will ensure organizational structure and personnel safety at the emergency scene.
Risk management standards dictate the activation of an ISO at working incidents. Circumstances will require different skills and qualifications. At every incident, the ISO must know the location of operating forces and continuously survey the scene for imminent and potential dangers. Understand the need to provide a safety message into the Incident Action Plan (IAP). Take the time, this year, to train on the traits of an effective ISO. Remember scene safety is no accident.
William Shouldis is a deputy chief with the Philadelphia (PA) Fire Department, where he has served for more than 29 years. He is an adjunct instructor for the National Fire Academy’s resident and field programs, teaching courses in fireground operations, health and safety, and prevention. Shouldis has a bachelor’s degree in fire science administration and a master’s degree in public safety. He is a member of the Fire Engineering editorial advisory board and a frequent FDIC speaker.
