Death in the Line of Duty…a Summary of a NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation

On June 25, 2006, a 34-year-old male volunteer Deputy Fire Chief (the victim) died after falling through a failed section of floor on the first floor of a residential structure fire while attacking the fire from above. Attempts were made to reach the victim via a 14' roof ladder, but due to debris in the basement, fire/smoke conditions, and the angle of the failed floor, all attempts to reach the victim via the ladder failed. Fire fighters entered the house, traversed the floor, and gained interior access to the basement to retrieve the victim. The victim was immediately found but was unresponsive. The crews had difficulty in moving him up the basement stairs, but after approximately 20 minutes they were able to remove, provide medical treatment, and transport him via ambulance to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. NIOSH investigators concluded that, to minimize the risk of similar occurrences, fire departments should: 1. ensure that fire fighters and incident commanders are aware that unprotected pre-engineered I-joist floor systems may fail at a faster rate than solid wood joists when exposed to direct fire impingement, and they should plan interior operations accordingly

2. ensure that the Incident Commander (IC) maintains the role of director of fireground operations and does not become directly involved in fire-fighting operations

3. ensure that risk vs. gain is evaluated during size-up prior to making entry in fire involved structures

4. ensure that team continuity and accountability is maintained

5. ensure that a rapid intervention team (RIT) is on the scene as part of the first alarm and in position to provide immediate assistance prior to crews entering a hazardous environment

6. use defensive fire-fighting tactics when adequate staff (including command staff), apparatus and equipment for offensive operations are not available or when offensive operations are not practical

7. provide SCBA face pieces that are equipped with voice amplifiers for improved communications

8. establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding thermal imaging camera (TIC) use during interior operations

9. train fire fighters on actions to take while waiting to be rescued if they become lost or trapped inside a structure

10. use positive pressure ventilation properly

and, 11. ensure a back-up radio dispatch system is in place and available when needed.