A multitude of factors created the perfect storm at a 2013 motel fire – the final alarm for four Houston firefighters.
Killed in the May 31 blaze and collapse at the Southwest Inn were Capt. Matthew Renaud, Engineer Robert Bebee and Firefighters Robert Garner and Anne Sullivan.
Among the contributing factors determined by NIOSH investigators were:
- Fire burning unreported for 3 hours
- Delayed notification of the fire department
- Building construction
- Wind impacted fire
- Scene size-up
- Personnel accountability
- Fireground communications
- Lack of fire sprinkler system
Investigators also determined that the roof collapsed 15 minutes, 29 seconds after the incident was dispatched, and four minutes after the first crew arrived.
Among the issues cited as problems was inadequate personal accountability report.
“Due to issues with the radio system, it took the Accountability Officer 44 minutes to complete the PAR,” authors wrote.
“A radio report of conditions, including those on Side Charlie, should be transmitted over the assigned tactical channel to the Incident Commander and the dispatch center. The transmission should include the following:
- Smoke and fire conditions, with an emphasis on identifying the seat of the fire; The initial radio report from the first arriving unit for a structural fire should include the signal for a working fire, the number of stories, type of occupancy and location of fire. This lays the foundation for additional reports and serves as notification to responding units as to the type of SOP to implement.
- If there were critical building description information through the critical incident dispatch system (CIDS) for the address, then this information would aid in implementing or adjusting SOPs. CIDS could contain information that would necessitate alternative action to fulfill said operational goals. · Building features – e.g., number of stories (particularly if there is a difference between Sides Alpha and Charlie; · Basement access and type;
- Any other life or safety hazards.
Since that tragic day, the fire department has made some changes and purchased additional equipment. New RIT bags were fitted with two air lines which can be stored separately and deployed independently or together based upon the needs of the situation.
Also, bags were fitted with one hour air cylinders and masks have been upgraded so they can easily be donned with gloved hands.
Read the full report here.
