Swimming Pool Chemical Plant Fire - (Springfield, Massachusetts - June 17, 1988)

One of the most challenging problems facing the fire service today is the combined fire and hazardous/toxic chemical incident. Decisions have to be made regarding the timing of fire fighting activities with respect to evacuation priorities. In many cases, a decision must be made as to whether or not to fight the fire at all. Where the chemicals or products involved are water reactive, fighting the fire may make matters worse, endangering the firefighters or the general population.

» Overview
» Key Issues
» The Building
» The Incident
» The First Fire
» The Second Fire
» Decision on whether or not to fight the fire
» Lessons Learned
» Postscript - Chlorine Plant Fire in Glendale, Arizona

Reproduced from Report 027 of the Major Fires Investigation Project conducted by TriData Corporation under contract EMW-88-C-2649 to the United States Fire Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency. Investigated by: Richard L. P. Custer