Post by bigjohn on Sept 6, 2010 15:53:06 GMT -5
The Bell from Hell Sounded last nite for one of a Fireman's worst nightmares. A Hi Rise Fire. Fire Alarm got the call of a bed on Fire on the 10th floor. BC-4 set up the Command Post in the Lobby and sent the First arriving Co's. up to Investigate. The first Company to reach the Fire floor reported Heavy Smoke and the Chief put in the Hi Rise Plan as per the SOP's. After a few minutes,Fire Alarm received another call for a lady in a wheelchair trapped in her apartment right across the hall from the Fire. The BC sent 24 Truck Co. to make the grab. Crew's reported that the Sprinklers were activated and they were hitting the fire with a couple 2 1/2" lines from the Standpipes. The Deputy arrived and assumed Command while the other Hi Rise Companies performed the Primary Searches and checked for Fire Extension above and below the Fire. An Engine Co. requested Police Assistance because some people on the floors below them were tossing some "Air Mail" out their windows. One of the Companies Operating in the Stairwells requested EMS for a lady in a Wheelchair who took some smoke between the 3rd & 4th floors. The Big Blowers were set up for PPV and worked very well in Ventilating the whole Building. Extensive Salvage Work had to be done due to the the large amount of water draining from the 10th floor. Not much Fire in the 4th District,but they sure earned their money tonite. This Fire reminds me of a Hi Rise Job I caught back in the day on Centre Ave. Another bedroom on Fire on the 10th floor. The late Jim O'Hanlon had to literally jack knife No.8's Tiller to get even close to Side B where the Fire was located.He couldn't get the Stick another 1/4" higher if he had to.And he couldn't rotate it another 1/4" either or the Vent Man couldn't get anywhere near the bedroom window. Now retired,Richard Snyder put on an Axe Belt and climbed straight up to the last rung before the orange rungs started,Hooked in with his Ladder Belt, and had to lean out as far as he could.He swung his Axe with his right hand and caught the window dead center. Making the Companies Operating inside very Happy !!! Like I said, A Fireman's worst nightmare.