Editorial: The Worst Day Of Their Lives

Firehouse® Contributing Editor and retired Chief Dennis Compton wrote several years ago that when the fire department responds to a fire in someone’s home, it is the worst day of that person’s life. That is the business we are in. Normally, we don’t deal in “good news,” whether it is an EMS run, a vehicle accident, a specialized rescue or a fire in a structure. Many times, those who need our help are saved from more serious injuries or death by timely treatment and transport. Firefighters save lives and protect property.

We know from so many tragic lessons that no building is worth the life of firefighter. We also know that when a fire occurs in an occupied dwelling, firefighters go all out to save those who can be saved. A tragic fire occurred recently in a single-family dwelling in Teaneck, NJ. Four children were killed and their mother was severely burned. Firefighters had responded to an alarm at the home earlier in the evening and were on the scene for about 30 minutes checking the house. Firefighters left the house after discovering and taking care of a heating-plant problem.

Four hours later, a report of a working fire was received for the same location. While responding to the second incident, firefighters received numerous calls of multiple people trapped. The first-due engine was confronted with many police officers on the scene. A neighbor had already removed two children via a portable ladder before the arrival of the fire units. Police were on a small roof, trying to pull the mother through a 14-inch-wide window. She became stuck in the narrow window with two of her children behind her.

Firefighters attacked the heavy fire and high heat in the basement and first and second floors. An all-out effort was waged to search and locate the other people in the house. Firefighters were exhausting their air packs. Even when their low-air alarms were sounding, they stayed inside and continued their search for life. One firefighter ran out of air, but he could not get out because of the construction of the windows used in the home. Another firefighter climbed a ladder and gave the firefighter inside his SCBA so he would have air until they were able to get him out a few minutes later. A Mayday was transmitted as another firefighter overextended himself and also ran out of air. Many of the firefighters who have young children of their own saw the frantic scene on the front lawn where occupants were being treated and CPR was being performed as they changed their SCBA bottles.

The investigation into the cause of the second fire will be forthcoming. The investigation will also explain how many smoke detectors were installed and working. There was much news media coverage of the fire, with many outside sources contending that the fire department should have done this or should have done that. Only the personnel operating in the basement know the real story. I cannot believe for a minute that the firefighters did anything malicious or didn’t follow through as they are trained to do. They too had to go home at the end of their shift and think about the tragic events, as did the family and friends of those who died.

This was a once-in-a-career fire to which no one would have liked to respond. It will stay with these firefighters for the rest of their lives.

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Firefighter Chris Dill, 32, of the Buffalo, NY, Fire Department, who died in the line of duty in April while serving in Iraq. Firefighter Dill, who leaves his wife, was a member of Engine 21. He was awarded a Bronze Star last year for his actions in Iraq. His father is a retired lieutenant in the BFD. We mourn our loss.

Congratulations to Robert “Butch” Cobb, a Firehouse® contributing editor, and Mike Terpak of the Jersey City, NJ, Fire Department on their promotions to the rank of deputy chief in March. Chief Cobb was designated chief of operations and Chief Terpak is now chief of training. Good luck to both of them.