Value of Planning Proven at 2 Fires In 2 Months at Apartment Complex
Photo by Bob Reinhard
Photo by R. Watts
Two extra-alarm fires at an apartment complex within two months confirmed the value of pre-fire planning and training to the Wormleysburg, Pa., Fire Department.
The separate but adjacent buildings of the Long Meadows Apartments, where the fires occurred, were of typical garden apartment construction. They had numerous concealed areas, non-fire-stopped vertical openings and limited fire department access. Although the fire problems were complex, a small department serving a population of 3000 was able, with the help of mutual aid companies, to contain and control each fire quickly.
Wormleysburg receives alarms from the Cumberland County central radio dispatch center. Each department in the county files box alarm assignments for the dispatch center to use. The assignments reflects the hazards imposed by the area covered or structures designated by that box card. A first alarm for the Long Meadows Apartments called for three engine companies, one truck, one squad and two ambulances.
Supply line laid
Last Nov. 12 at 6:52 a.m., fire alarm headquarters dispatched for a reported den fire at 11A Richland Lane. The first arriving officer reported heavy smoke, then he could see fire. Engine 115 laid a 5-inch supply line, not from the closest fire hydrant but from the one known to have the best available flow according to earlier tests. Next, Engine 21 picked up the supply line from Engine 115, connected to the chosen hydrant with the soft suction sleeve and pumped water to the units on the fireground.
As specified in the planning for a fire at this location, the front of the building was kept clear. Truck 14 set up in this area and was efficiently spotted for operations.
An interior attack began to secure the exit stairwell. Before this was completed, Truck 13 was able to rescue a trapped occupant from a second-floor balcony. After the primary search of the apartments was completed, more hand lines were placed inside to control the fire.
Spread to cockloft
We later learned that there had been perhaps a 30-minute delay in reporting the fire while the occupant tried to extinguish it. This was unfortunate because the fire was able to spread to the common cockloft area in spite of the lines working against it.
Men assigned to trench the roof in an attempt to cut off the fire were forced to retreat from the roof before it collapsed. All fire fighters operating inside were also recalled so that a ladder pipe operation could be used. In about four minutes this was successful in controlling the fire, and hand lines were used to complete extinguishment. The entire operation took only 15 minutes.
The investigation and critique after the fire revealed many interesting facts. Most importantly, our pre-fire plan had worked well. All the water needed for fire fighting came from a single hydrant known to be capable of delivering the necessary flow. The 5-inch supply line moved the volume of water efficiently and no time was lost laying and hooking up smaller supply lines.
Critical truck work was accomplished because the area was clear and responsibilities were known before the fire. Communications and command flowed smoothly because the box alarm system provided a proper layered response of apparatus, freeing valuable time for the other decisions required in attacking the fire.
Factors related to the quick vertical spread of the fire and the roof failure were investigated. This information was incorporated into new training programs in case a similar fire was encountered again. That similar fire occurred on Jan. 15 at 1:32 a.m.
The time the fire was in a terrace-level storage area and the apartment above. Again fire fighters found heavy fire conditions. The fire quickly extended vertically but the new plan helped stop its spread.
Concealed spaces opened
Every concealed area and vertical chase was opened, along with the roof. Multiple hand lines operating on all floors, in the common cockloft and in readiness on the roof prevented the fire from extending past where it was when the fire department arrived.
Investigation revealed that a smoldering electrical fire in an apartment next to the laundry became free burning. This area was relatively tight and the fire spread to the unoccupied apartment above. Smoke detectors in the upper apartment activated, preventing a greater delay before the fire was discovered.
Pre-fire planning, training and critiques are inexpensive. The return on these investments in effort can be high as demonstrated at Long Meadows. All it takes, even in the smallest department, is a commitment to provide the best possible service.
