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Building Collapse: Are You Thinking?
Check the video out here: http://firefightersenemy.com/2010/02/building-collapse-are-you-thin...
Watch the video and pay attention to all sides of the building.
I know this is a short clip, but there is a great deal that can be learned from this video.
Were there any indicators prior to the collapse?
What, if anything, would you have done differently if you were a company officer or command?
Stay safe and be careful out there.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Roy Walker on
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First off this apopears to be an older building in disrepair that has suffered substantial fire damage. At this point it seems that the department is in defensive mode which I view as the correct tactic. My thoughts are however if in fact that is the operational thinking then get the ladder down and increase your collapse zone. You may not at this point know when the collapse will occur but you do know it's coming. Let's get everyone to safety!
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Permalink Reply by Oldman on
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Balloon frame construction, extreme damage. Yup, happens just that fast. I am curious though about the ladder placement. Back in my day, we didn't put ladders in contact with overhead lines.
I did note the FF on the A side hand line doing back flips, while the one on the handline on the B side roof barely moved until it had collapsed.
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Permalink Reply by Capt./Chaplain Mike Petrosky on
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This building as the others noted was of balloon frame const. ( i.e.- old bldg. to start ), if you note the A side shows bowing of the bldg. walls and it appeared that the 2nd floor floor was visible from the outside. The dept. was in defensive mode, and if you notice a aerial device was pouring water to/through the roof, multiple large lines on the D side and unknown what was on the C side. I agree with getting the ext. ladder out of the area and establish a collapse zone. This appears, from the 28 seconds that we see it, to be a highly probable abandonded structure. Once collapse takes place, a PAR is needed to verify that all personnel are safe and accounted for. Hopefully everyone was safe after that. Thanks for the link to yet another good website. Stay Safe, Stay Low. God Bless you all-Mike.
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I just took another look at this video ( don't know how many times I've hit replay ) and noticed at the A/B corner a FF that got very lucky and that was paying attention to his surroundings! Also check out the FF on the roof of the B side structure, I bet he had to clean his drawers after seeing that and being that up close and personal !! There is just so much to be learned from just watching this short peice of video. Stay Safe, Stay Low. God Bless, Mike.
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Permalink Reply by WestPhilly on
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I'm reluctant to sharpshoot a fireground video, especially one that lasts only a few seconds, but it appears this department didn't (or hadn't yet) establish a collapse zone.
Roy: How do you reconcile your last two sentences with ordering someone to "get the ladder down"? Leave the ladder where it is and get the guys out of the way.
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West Philly I agree way too late for that. I guess I didn't make my self clear the ladder should have been removed when the transition from offensive to defensive occured however if deemed to dangerous then hell it's only a ladder . THANKS FOR CORRECTING ME!
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Roy
It was more an observation than a correction, but you're welcome just the same.
My guess is that the job went south in a hurry and by the time master stream appliances were positioned along with the lines to supply them, it may well have been too late to remove the ladder. (Not to mention the department may have had to operate with limited manpower.)
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