This was an electronic newsletter from the Erie County Department of
Emergency Services Division of Fire Safety that is distributed to
almost 2,000 first responders locally and across the nation.
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There has been 2 recent structure Fires that I found disturbing to
think about what could have happened to our Fire Fighters!
Both of these Structures were totally destroyed, The first Structure
we found had a 100lb. LP Tank inside with a Radiant Heat Fixture
attached to it! This tank at some point before the Fire was called in
blew , knocking Pictures off the Wall of a Bar almost a half mile away!
We found nothing more then a small part of the top of this tank! The
second incident we found 2 - 20lb. LP tanks found in the Structure with
Radiant Heaters attached as well , 1 of which did rupture!
We don't know that the LP started either one of these but we do know
that they both lead to the total destruction of both structures!
What would happen if a Fire Fighter had made entry or was in the
process of entering????
I knew we would see a lot more Fires because of the high cost of
home
heating oil and we would see a lot of odd things when people try to use
some other means to heat there homes!
Ray Rathbun
Washington County Bureau of Fire
Fire Coord.
I didn't think it was a what if, more so a pre-plan for possible problems to be aware of in the cold weather. Sometimes we over look the obvious, and that could be deadly.
Just as we look to the exterior of the structure and attempt to protect a supply tank there, so should we be aware of our surroundings inside the structure. This is an example of why we need to avoid 'Tunnel Vision' and keep our eyes open at all times. Be aware of your surroundings before, during and after every call.