Weather plays a formidable role in firefighting operations. From impacting fire conditions to affecting firefighter performance, weather factors into all elements of the fire and emergency operations. The effects of a sudden change in weather is the feature of this week’s report. The arrival of a weather front introduces immediate considerations and effects that require urgent attention.
“While working at a school bus garage fire, all operations had been defensive. We were a little over one hour into the operation and the bulk of the fire was out with small fires in three buses and other storage equipment. A weather front had moved through during the operation that dropped temperatures nearly twenty degrees and gave strong wind gusts. The wood truss/metal sheeting roof had partially collapsed…A gust of wind, estimated over 60 mph, picked up a section of roof and trusses measuring approximately 20 feet by 30 feet, and sent it flying at us. My partner and I each ran in different directions. I felt something…”
The post fire environment can be filled with a relaxed approach to the remainder of the incident. The urgency of the situation is over, members are in various stages of recovery or rehab, and some units may be returning to service. This period joins the list of dangerous times for emergency responders because guards are let down. Incident commanders have taken the progressive step of intentionally stopping action to ensure members are focused on completing the operation safely. Once you have reviewed the entire content of this week’s report (CLICK HERE), consider the following:
1. How often do you check the weather report for your on-duty period?
2. Which source do you use most often to monitor weather?
3. Who is responsible for monitoring weather for your department?
4. What plan(s) does your department have for weather related problems that occur in your area?
5. How often does weather enter your thought process as a factor in your incident action planning?
Experienced a near miss due to weather? Submit your story to www.firefighternearmiss.com today to encourage others to don and wear PPE properly on all incidents.
Note: The questions posed by the reviewers are designed to generate discussion and thought in the name of promoting firefighter safety. They are not intended to pass judgment on the actions and performance of individuals in the reports.
