RE:Flashover
Engine Company 4 was dispatched to a working residential fire at 1010 Greenleaf Avenue on February 8, 1999. While responding, the company was notified that three children were trapped in the structure.
Upon arrival, Engine Company4 was instructed to stretch a second attack line and assist Engine Company 5 with suppression. Entrance into the building revealed thick black smoke that had banked to the floor, making visibility impossible. Engine Company 4 was able to advance into a second room of the house where they were met by high heat which prevented further advancement of the attack line.
Engine Company 4 attempted to cool the room with short burst of water directed towards the ceiling. Because of the heat contained in the asphalt shingles of the structure, efforts to cool the room were not successful. During this process, vertical ventilation was being initiated by Ladder Company 4. However, before vertical ventilation was accomplished the stairway at the oppose end of the room flashed over. The flashover forced the fire across the ceiling and down onto us. Fortunately, we were able to quickly exit the building to escape the flames which had engulfed us.
We were fortunate to only sustain minor burns to our hands and neck. We were wearing the full ensemble of personal protective equipment which included: coat, pants, hood, helmet, gloves, boots, scuba, and mask. Without protection provided by our high quality personal protective equipment, our injuries would have been far worse, if not fatal.
Respectively submitted
Captain J.B. Spooner
FFI S.E. Herte
