Imagine being lost in a smoky, all-white room with a limited air supply. That is what Captain Phillip Grandon of the Lubbock (TX) Fire Department was faced with on February 10, 2018. Lubbock had been dealing with a high number of fires in these cotton warehouses. Firefighters were getting tired of the nuisance alarms. During the size-up, the thermal imaging camera (TIC) identified a hot area inside the warehouse. The captain and his hoseman stretched an attack line into the structure. Unable to locate the fire, the crew came out to regroup and get fresh air bottles. On their second trip inside, they were able to locate the burning cotton.
While extinguishing the fire, some of the stacks of bales fell over on the hose, blocking their exit. Captain Grandon issued a Mayday call as they were trapped inside and running out of air. With the rapid interventiont eam on the way, the captain and hoseman took a chance and began looking for an exit. They recognized a pattern in the bales and located a wall. Their banging on the wall of the metal building led rescuers to their location. Twelve minutes after issuing the Mayday, Captain Grandon and his partner were cut from the warehouse. Learn more about this incident on this month’s podcast below.
Lessons Learned
As mentioned, the Lubbock firefighters were tired of the cotton warehouse fires. Captain Grandon contends his bad attitude with the fires had an impact on his decision-making regarding his actions at this incident. At Mayday Mondays, we consider mindset a survival tactic. We cannot become complacent or let our guard down regardless of the displeasure we may experience with an incident. When faced with these “annoying” incidents, we must EMBRACE THE SUCK and remain vigilant-keeping a heightened awareness.
Skill/Drill
This month it is more of the basics…FIND YOUR WAY OUT! When operating on a hoseline, use the couplings to help determine your direction of travel. Some search ropes have directional aids, as well. Below are some catchphrases that may help you:
Now, get out and follow some hose, or rope! Too easy? Make it harder. Add some stress to the drill. Play loud/fast music. Run saws. Time the members. Go practice this valuable skill. It may increase your odds of survival!
Please send in pictures of you and your crews performing this month’s skill drill. Send to tcarroll@louisa.org.
Tony Carroll is deputy chief of operations with the Louisa County (VA) Fire & EMS Department.
