Virginia Report Details Last Moments of Firefighter Killed

Jan. 27, 2008
A report released on Saturday by Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue Chief Kevin McGee lists the major factors leading to Wilson's death.

"I need water (inaudible) 512 bucket. I need water, I'm burning up in here, I need water fast!" are apparently the last words of Kyle Wilson.

That radio transmission from the Prince William County, VA firefighter was made approximately 6:19 AM on April 16, 2007.

About four minutes earlier Technician Wilson had alerted his fellow firefighters that he was trapped, with these words: "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, Tower 512 bucket, I'm trapped inside, I don't know where I am, I'm somewhere in the stairwell, I need someone to come get me out." By the time firefighters were able to get to Kyle Wilson it was too late.

A report released on Saturday by Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue Chief Kevin McGee lists the major factors leading to Wilson's death. They include two things that are beyond the department's control: the morning's high winds, with a peak gust of 48 mph reported at the time of Wilson's second radio transmission, and the lightweight construction of the single-family home.

But the report also cites factors that require improved training and a commitment of resources. The report repeatedly points out that staffing is a significant problem with the department.

Chief McGee calls this "the most comprehensive after action analysis" in the department's history. This was also the first line-of-duty death in the department's 41-year history.

STATter911 for full report

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