Broward Marine Fire - (Fort Lauderdale, Florida - September 5, 1996) » Initial Attack

On arrival at 12:58 a.m., the company officer on Engine 3 reported heavy flames extending 100 feet in the air and numerous explosions from within Building A . The roof of Building A had collapsed, and flames were spreading to Building C. Engine 3 focused initial attack on Building C, staging their apparatus to the east of the building.

Quint 2 arrived on location and was ordered to Engine 3's location to set up the aerial for deluge operations on Building B. A 5" supply line was laid by Engine 2 to supply Quint 2 from the hydrant located at Southwest 17th Avenue at 20th Street, on the southeast corner of the property. After supplying the line to Quint 2, the crew of Engine 2 moved the apparatus out of the immediate area. Quint 2 was set up at the southeast side of Building C with a deluge gun, a 3" master stream and a 1-3/4" hand line.

Battalion Chief 102 arrived at 1:01 a.m. and assumed command from the company officer on Engine 3. Command was located at the southwest corner of the property. Quint 2 and Engine 3 were committed on the south side of the fire; it was decided that no other apparatus would move inside this perimeter. The decision was made not to evacuate the nearby homes; however, third alarm companies were assigned to check the marina to the east as numerous embers were seen falling into that area.

Upon arrival, Engine 29 laid two supply lines to the southwest of Building A and two supply lines into the yard in the vicinity of Engine 2. The crew of Engine 29 then set up on southwest side of the Building A with a deluge gun. The heavy caliber stream was established to knock down the heavy concentration of fire on the southwest side of the marina and also to protect the vessels moored on the west side of the canal.

Engine 3 set up a portable deluge gun on the east side of Building B to protect the yacht stored in the yard to the east. The crew of Engine 3 also assisted the crews of Engine 2 and Engine 8 with stretching 3" hand lines into the same area.

While responding, Division Chief 2 observed heavy flames and numerous explo - sions over the facility. A firestorm was in progress and the flames were quickly spread - ing from Building A into Building B. Division Chief 2 called for the evacuation of all vehicular traffic from the immediate area. It is notable that the only street access to the facility was a narrow residential street. Although the property is sizable, it would have taken a few vehicles to block or severely hinder fire ground operations.

Division Chief 2 ordered command relocated from the southwest to the southeast corner of the property and requested that dispatch notify all off-duty chief officers via pager of a major multiple alarm fire and to report to the scene. Battalion Chief 402 was assigned to the position of Safety Officer. The safety officer was assigned to survey north of Buildings A and B; north and south sectors were established.

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