Response to a Smoke Investigation

Okay, I am well aware everyone and every department has their differing notions on how we should respond to different calls, so let's see where this discussion leads us. I woulld like for you to reply with your agencies first alarm assignment for the future mentioned call and how each unit would respond (i.e. - Emergency or Routine traffic).

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Enigne 1, Enigne 12, Engine 2, Engine 3, Ladder 1, rescue control...... emergency traffic, 515 Center St, 515 Center St, APT 3 Charlie, 3 Charlie. Smoke investigation, caller advised residence was filled with smoke....... no automatic alarm activation, no sprinkler activation. Multiple calls have been recieved. Time out 0117 hrs.

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For this paticular Apt building, E1, E12 and L1 are the first due comapanies. The first "enroute" Engine company would respond emergency traffic and all other would roll out routine untill notified otherwise. This structure is notorious for faulty HVAC equipment that has numerous times caused us to respond and find no smoke 3 or 4 times within a few hours. How does your department/agency handle this? And also at what point do you as a firefighter become to be fed up with the problem that is causing you to pull your shift in an apt building? Or for that matter, how many times do you expect you vetran and rookie firefighters to awnser this alarm call without becoming complacent?

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Permalink Reply by Rusty Mancini on May 11, 2010 at 3:02pm

Our department treats these calls with a full response. Now 99% of the time it comes down to a false alarm. It's going to only take that 1% call to bite your department in the, well you know-- if you get complacent! Nothing found, fine that's a good thing! Head back to the station and put your adrenalin to bed.

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Permalink Reply by Oldman on May 11, 2010 at 6:20pm

"caller advised residence was filled with smoke" Seems pretty cut and dried.

It is run as a structure fire with a full box assignment; 3 engines, ambulance, Chief officer, ladder, and 2 tankers.

If one gets "fed up" at these calls, perhaps a change of profession is in order.

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Permalink Reply by Anita King on May 11, 2010 at 6:28pm

You can't become complacent in the fire service. We have those places in our response area too. No matter how many times you go out, you have to treat it as the real thing until it is determined to be a false alarm. You can never let your guard down. Has anyone considered sending the fire marshall or building inspector to visit this building. Sometimes, they can cause people to see the light about having things fixed.

Response to a Smoke Investigation

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