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Find six for Six
An Education Prompt Honoring Fallen Firefighters
Each anniversary of a fire that killed a firefighter or firefighters there are many well wishes of support for the families and friends. Intermingled are various questions, some subtle, some disrespectfully blunt. They question our tactics, strategies, values and culture. It is good that they should, at least in a manner that is respectful, as firefighting is evolving, with or without us. What I and others have found interesting is that the more time passes with each anniversary, the more the social majority belittle tradition and training, with very little substance. These folks will buy the memorial sticker or wear the memorial t-shirt, but press them on getting down and dirty, training on what was learned from the the tragedy and all you hear are crickets. So much for being "combat ready".
"Find six for Six" is a simple education piece that you can use to "honor" the six fallen Worcester firefighters. Simply put, a tool where you could improve yourself while remembering the sacrifice made by the fallen. Clean and simple, you can print it out as is or alter it to fit your response area.
Task: Find six (6) vacant/abandoned/unoccupied structures in your immediate response area that you might not have been aware of. If needed, enlarge your search to your box area, battalion or mutual aid area.
1. Address:
Special Notes:
2. Address:
Special Notes:
3. Address:
Special Notes:
4. Address:
Special Notes:
5. Address:
Special Notes:
6. Address:
Special Notes:
Proudly display that memorial sticker on your leather, but remember, it's the knowledge underneath that pays the greatest tribute.
Note: I had reservations about posting this but was quickly encouraged by friends in the Worcester area to create, post and share. I purposefully used a photo other than one from Worcester (Riverdale, MD vacant building fire, courtesy PGFEMS PIO Mark Brady) to reinforce that no area is without its vacant buildings. Before December is over, I'll add the ones I find in Prince George's County.
Note: This post intent is to stir self-initiated training and knowledge. Comments regarding the debate of vacant building fire tactics will not be posted. Feel free to share how this post might have helped you; share photos, tips, etc.
Read more of Backstep Firefighter and other fire/EMS bloggers online at FireEMSBlogs.com
Add a Comment
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Comment by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on December 8, 2009 at 8:52am
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Bill:
Thank you for posting this valuable message. I tried to post yesterday, but as you know, there were "problems".
I have left you a comment at your blog site: http://backstepfirefighter.com/" target="_blank">http://backstepfirefighter.com/
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Comment by Bill Carey on December 7, 2009 at 7:44pm
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Thanks Larry. Let's keep in mind that the post purpose is get away from the terminology debate, for awhile and get out on the street. I'm certain that you can I could find examples of each type on our respective sides of the Potomac.
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Comment by larry jenkins on December 7, 2009 at 8:36am
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First you must determine if the structure is abandoned, vacant, or unoccupied. The strategy and tactics for each is different.
Abandoned means the building may or may not be open to the elements of weather. Usually all utilities have been removed. If no life hazards, then use defensive operations and risk a little to save a building that is of no value.
Vacant buildings also may or may not have the utilities removed. These buildings are in between occupants. They may range from commercial to residential structures. The worth of this structure has value to the owner but if no life hazard, then treat the structure as abandoned. “Risk a little to save a little”.
Unoccupied structures are residential and commercial buildings that have no occupants present on arrival. These structures have value to the occupants and owners. The strategy / tactics should be a little more aggressive than vacant or abandoned buildings. Always remember that firefighter safety is the most important consideration at these types of structures.
On any of these buildings a proper size up must be done prior to committing any forces. If you suspect that occupants are inside then a risk/benefit analysis must be made for an interior attack is considered. In building where the utilities have been removed you must consider how the fire started. Was it a lightning strike, arson, or did a homeless person set the fire to keep warm? This needs to be considered in your size up. How involved is the structure and if there are occupants are they viable?
Our job in the fire service is to protect life and property. Your safety is the upmost important consideration to any fire ground. Where a life hazard is encountered we may risk a lot to save the occupant. Just consider are you making a rescue or a body recovery. Take an inherent risk if needed to save someone but if there is no chance of survival then is it worth the risk?
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Comment by JIM PAYNE on December 6, 2009 at 9:03pm
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Bill,
What an awesome tribute to the fallen brothers..... Here in the City of Baltimore, I would hit six before we went two or three blocks,,,,,,,,,,,
last unoficial count I believe Baltimore has over 60, 000 vacants...and counting.....FTM-PTB JIM
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Comment by roy yoder on December 6, 2009 at 12:52pm
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i have found that with the economy in the down turn to find six has become very easy in my first due. a couple of years ago i would have had to go into my second due to find six now i know of 14 and need to look into most of those as to what problems they will produce. thanks for the prod to update my prefire plans. great post.
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