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

The initial response of Engine 9, Engine 6, Truck 4, Support 2, Battalion 2 and Operator 1 was dispatched at 4:12 a.m. to a reported garage fire at 50 West Mendocino Avenue, near the intersection of Commerce. An additional company, Engine 4 was dispatched to respond “code 2” (non-emergency) as the rapid intervention team (RIT).

Arriving on scene at 4:16 a.m., the Captain of Engine 9 observed and reported heavy fire showing from the rear and through the roof of the house at 26 West Mendocino. Two parked cars were burning in the driveway on the east side of the house and the exterior siding and the roof overhang of the adjoining house at 18 West Mendocino had been ignited by radiant heat. Neighbors on the street informed the E9 captain that the elderly female resident of the burning house was believed to still be inside.

Engine 9 requested a second alarm at 4:16 a.m., reporting two structures involved, with a possible occupant trapped in one of the houses. The Captain directed the two firefighters from E9 to force open the front door and advance a 1-3/4 inch preconnected attack line into the home.

Arriving on scene at 4:18 a.m., Engine 6 laid 400 feet of 5 inch supply line from a hydrant on Center Street to provide a supply line for Engine 9. While the supply line was being connected, the E6 Captain directed one of his crew members to take the booster line from Engine 9 to cover the exposures on the east side. The E6 Captain then initiated a rapid search of the exposed house at 18 West Mendocino, along with Truck 4’s captain and firefighter.

Battalion Chief 2 arrived at 4:19 a.m. and assumed command of the incident, while a command post was established by Operator 1 at the corner of Mendocino and Center Streets, approximately 200 feet east of the fire. The Battalion Chief attempted to conduct a perimeter survey of the fire, however the volume of fire and the fences restricted his access. He did note that the rear of the burning structure had two stories and the fire had extended to the garage at the rear of the lot.

Support Unit 2 arrived at the same time and immediately called for the electric company to respond, as energized wires were down and arcing. The captain advised the Incident Commander that he and a firefighter would advance a 2-1/2 inch line from Engine 9 to attempt to knock down the large volume of fire on the east side where the cars, garage and fence were burning.

Engine 4, which had upgraded to “Code 3” (emergency) response, arrived at 4:20 a.m. and was directed by the Incident Commander to cover the exposure on the west side (at36 West Mendocino). This crew took the second 1-3/4 inch preconnected line from Engine 9 and worked their way down the west side. They controlled flames that had ignited the exterior of the adjoining house.

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