NISOH has released the findings from the investigation into a natural gas explosion at a Forestville, Md. strip mall that injured two captains, a lieutenant, and five firefighters last year.
The report concluded that insufficient execution of the fire department's updated standard operating guidelines -- among other factors -- resulted to the injuries of the first responders.
The incident occurred on May 7 after crews were dispatched to a reported natural gas leak inside a business just before 1 p.m.
After approximately 23 minutes, close to 45 civilians were evacuated from seven businesses in the strip mall.
As one captain exited the rear door of the business the leak was found in, he noticed a fire along the roof. At the same time, another captain was looking out the rear doorway of one of the middle unoccupied businesses and noticed the electric meter located on the exterior wall was on fire.
He anticipated an explosion and tried to leap out the rear doorway and at the same time a firefighter entered the from door of the business and noticed a heavy smell of natural gas, and felt air rush by as the structure exploded as debris and fire blew out the front, rear, and roof of the structure, according to the report.
The captain who tried to leap out the rear doorway was blown into the rear parking lot and the firefighter who had entered the front of the structure was blown out the front door and covered with debris.
Other firefighters were blown off their feet and hit with debris.
An uninjured captain issued a Mayday and the incident commander ordered evacuation tones and a personnel accountability report.
Firefighters began moving injured personnel to ambulances staged in the front parking lot. Eight firefighters and a gas company employee were transported to local hospitals.
The injuries ranged from third degree burns to an ankle sprain.
Other key contributing factors determined by NIOSH included the accumulation of natural gas in the structure's void spaces, unmitigated ignition source, insufficient combustible gas monitoring equipment usage and training and ineffective ventilation techniques.
Investigators concluded that, to minimize the risk of similar occurrences, fire departments should:
- Ensure that standard operating guidelines for natural gas leaks are understood and followed
- Contact utility companies (natural gas and electric) immediately to cut external supply/power to structures when gas leaks are suspected
- Ensure gas monitoring equipment is adequately maintained and fire fighters are routinely trained on proper use
- Ensure ventilation techniques are conducted after ignition sources are mitigated
- Ensure that rapid intervention teams are staged at the onset of an incident
- Ensure that collapse/explosion control zones are established when dealing with a potential explosion hazard
