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Comment by Roy Walker on August 27, 2010 at 9:25pm

Just my opinion on this fire. A recent thread on the Nation asks that we pass along some training ideas to some of the younger guys . This department followed all S O P s full P P E and B A were used and the overall tactics were effective. However , we face danger unavoidably all the time and sometimes we act and maybe don't think as clearly as we could. A close look at this scene reveals an R V that is clearly beyond saving . All of us are aware of the dangers present here from propane to reactive metals and any number of on board problems such as ammunition if the R V is used for hunting or aerosols etc .,etc, In this case maybe the dangers could be handled with a little less risk. First of all no lives appear to be a concern and exposures are at a minimum .The use of a monitor to knock down and cool the fire from a safe distance ensures rhat everyone goes home . The age old principle of risk a lot to save a lot and risk nothing to save nothing applies here. We don't do this job to tempt fate and courage is not measured by the chances you take . As a firefighter just starting out you have a whole career ahead of you and occasionally by chance or absolute necessity you will be forced into some spine tingling situations, and taking unecessary chances does not make you a better firefighter in anyones eyes . A bleve is an awsome experience once you have observed one you will learn to apreciate the advantage that the monitor affords you in distence. Even the overhaul should wait until you are sure the temperature is low enough that the chances of further explosions have been mitigated. I know this is basic for most experienced guys on here but as a training officer I have always stressed safety above all else and hope that maybe it will allow some to evaluate a situation and think before you act. Again I am not finding fault with the way the department handled this fire and in fact have seen the exact same technique used successfully on many occasions. There is no correct or wrong answer all I ask is that you measure the differences and consider the choices at your next training session. In the end an experienced officer will make an evaluation based on his assessment , hopefully this will be another tool in his arsenall. Stay safe brothers.