Structural Collapse at Dwelling Fire Results in Two Firefighter Fatalities - (Stockton, California - February 6, 1997) » Lessons Learned

1. Unusual details of the arrangement of burning structures must be communicated to interior crews.

   Having approached the burning structure from the front (north) side, crews working inside the house thought they were fighting a fire in a single story dwelling. From their vantage point in the rear of the structure, the Battalion Chief and the crew of Engine 1 observed a second floor; these observations were not clearly communicated to the interior crews. All information regarding a structure, even information which may appear obvious, should be reported to Incident Command to ensure that the information is passed along to company officers and interior crews.

2. Large open areas and non-standard construction are indicators of potential structural collapse.

   The heavy floor structure that was used to create a large open area on the ground floor of the addition, which was inadequately supported, was vulnerable to sudden structural failure. Fire department personnel should be aware that unusual structural components can often contribute to unexpected collapse.

3. The Incident Commander must direct the operation.

   Situations where company operations are self-initiated and self-directed often lack coordination and control. Uncoordinated actions by firefighting crews generally detract from an efficient and safe operation. The Incident Commander is responsible for the overall operation, and therefore should establish and maintain command throughout the operation. Although specific functions and activities can and often should be delegated, the Incident Commander should receive updates and be informed of any new information immediately, so that information can be acted upon.

4. The Incident Commander must control the communications process.

   The assignment of an operator to handle radio traffic can provide valuable assistance to an Incident Commander, however the Incident Commander must be aware of all important messages and direct all assignments. The ability of an Incident Commander to effectively command fire operations is directly related to the timeliness and clarity of the information available to him. If used, an operator should be located in the command area with the Incident Commander to ensure ease of information transfer.

5. A standard accountability system should be utilized at every incident.

   There was no formal personnel accountability system in place prior to the collapse. The establishment and maintenance of a personnel accountability system is a critical component in all tactical operations. These unsuccessful efforts point out the necessity to establish an accountability system before something goes seriously wrong at an incident scene. Attempting to initiate an accountability process after the situation has become critical is likely to have similar limited results. When something does happen, the system should be in place and the crews should have the unit discipline and self-control to quickly account for all personnel and report their status to the Incident Commander. The establishment of a personnel accountability system is a pre-requisite to a safe and effective operation.

6. Attempts to rescue trapped or missing firefighters require a high level of coordination, control and risk management.

   The urgency of the mission demands that these operations be conducted as quickly as possible, but without proper planning and organization, risk to rescuing firefighters may result. Rapid intervention teams (RIT), outfitted with appropriate equipment, provide an immediate resource and should be provided. Demands for additional firefighting resources should not be cause to disband, even temporarily, a RIT.

7. Effective communication is dependent upon the availability of communication equipment.

   The Stockton Fire Department’s mobile command vehicle was out of service. Without this vehicle, the number of extra radios available at the scene was severely limited. The additional staff officers who arrived in response to the second alarm were unable to be fully utilized because of the lack of radios, suggesting that there should be an alternative vehicle that could deliver essential equipment to the scene of a major incident.

8. Smoke detectors provide early warning to occupants of a fire.

   Reports indicated that the elderly occupant of the home died from smoke inhalation, most likely from a smoldering fire condition that persisted long before the first flames were viewed by neighbors. A working smoke detector may have alerted the occupant of the fire, saving her life.

9. Second exits provide a second chance for escape.

   There was only one exit from the bedroom area located on the second floor of the addition. This exit was an interior stairway to the first floor. A second exit provides an escape option in a fire if the main exit is blocked by flames or heavy smoke.