First Fire

What was your first fire like? We you scared or nerves? Was it tougher or easier getting it out then you thought?

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Permalink Reply by John Spicuzza on February 7, 2012 at 7:50am

I will never forget my first fire. In 1975, I had been a volunteer firefighter for about 2 weeks and just through basic orientation when we had what is still today the largest fire in our county history. It was a 100' X 300' enclosed marina fire with 300 boats inside. Front half fully involved with 55 gallon barrels of fuel flying into the sky, magnesium engines flaring every time you hit it with water, gasoline tanks exploding, etc.

We had multiple drafting operations in place with ground monitors and 2-1/2" lines everywhere. A few aerial ladders were in place but we had limited access to the structure. It was 3 days later and we were still mopping up.

I think that is what kept me interested in the fire service. Wow! If this is what it is like all the time, I'm in! A lot of work and a lot of fun. (Nobody killed or injured). The only thing close was another enclosed marina fire about 3 years later that was only 50' X 200' and only around 100 boats. I was first due and knew what to expect this time and of course had the same results...... burned it down. Way too much fuel for what we had to fight with. What a job....... :)

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Burkart on February 7, 2012 at 1:23pm

my first structure fire where i was on nozzle was a quick knock down but it was a residential and i was nervous and while we were strething the lines i realized that i had pulled the wrong line off the rig. i was suppossed to pul an 1 3/4 i ended up accidentally pulling the 2 1/2. luckily all of the fire was exterior of the house and it was a quick knockdown.