There is no better example of a society's failure to protect its members than a fire that could have been prevented. This tragic loss in Philadelphia is such an example.  While the community attacks the fire department, so many other issues are not realized, most importantly the opportunity for changes supporting prevention is lost.

The stage for this fire and the opportunity to prevent it from happening was set long before that early morning of July 5th.

 While finding a highly combustible couch on an exterior porch is not uncommon, in most communities it is recognized as a severe fire and health hazard.  Obviously the occupant of that home needed to be educated.  Does Philadelphia's fire code or health code address this issue?  If the answer yes, where was enforcement?  If the answer is no, then the obvious question is why not?   The next question is why the delay in calling 911?  Again the need for public education is glaring.  

The article in FIREFIGHTERNATION  titled " Philadelphia Commissioner Defends Response Time" quotes a Rev. Adolphus Capehart as saying, " it's pathetic, because it's happened before," "We understand that things happen, but to have all these houses in flames, and the fire department two seconds away?".  and finally, "This time around, we're not going to be silent".   Here is the community access Philadelphia.  Here is the opportunity to reach out into the community and gain a foothold for prevention.   

Don't waste the opportunity  , don't waste those young lives.

Jim Guy

The best fire ever fought is the one that was prevented