I was in California recently and while traveling to a meeting, I had to drive past a 7,000-acre wildland fire that had burned over 16 miles along the highway. The rugged terrain involved hadn’t burned since 1955. Even though the fire was burning for its third day, it was quite impressive to see rigs in place protecting structures, hand crews working and three helicopters making water drops. The ocean was adjacent to the fire area, so water was plentiful for air operations. I could see the command post from the highway and nearly 1,000 firefighters were operating on the scene.
It was quite different to see the operation first hand, even from a distance. Usually, I interview the troops months later when the fire has been extinguished and they are all back in their stations. Our extensive coverage from the California wildfires last fall will be published shortly. As of July 7, there were 15 large wild fires burning in several western states. In Alaska alone, seven fires had burned 1,954,879 acres. Year-to-date statistics for 2004 showed the number of wildfires was down compared to 2003, but the burned acreage was way up. With continued drought in numerous western states, only time will tell what will happen this year.
Over the years, I have reported on several high-rise fires. These include the First Interstate Bank in Los Angeles burning the 10th to 15th floors; the Prudential high-rise in Boston, where 1,500 occupants were evacuated; the Dupont Plaza Hotel in Puerto Rico that killed 98 people; the World Trade Center terrorist attacks in New York in 1993 and 2001; the One Illinois Center high-rise office fire in Chicago that confronted firefighters with maze-like conditions while searching for a trapped woman; and the 12-alarm Meridian Building fire in Philadelphia that killed three firefighters. Because of structural problems and damage, that Philadelphia high-rise was eventually demolished.
In this issue, we present several articles on high-rise operations, some of the toughest fires to which we respond. When things go right, you may not even hear about the incident. When things go wrong, the fires are front-page news, cause deaths and injuries, and cost millions in damage. Vincent Dunn reports on the myriad responsibilities of the incident commander who operates from the lobby. Curtis Massey reviews the need for extensive pre-plans to assist the command and operational staff. John Newell describes the use of standpipe operations vital to the engine company attack. Mike Dugan takes a look at the role of the ladder company at a high-rise fire. If your department doesn’t have a truck or truck companies, engine companies have to be assigned to these vital roles. Ed Hadfield details high-rise ventilation operations.
The area of operations in a high-rise can be immense. The life hazard is enormous and fire conditions can grow beyond the capability of the fire attack. Pre-planning, visits, training and a large enough response of units can make the difference. It also helps if the buildings are protected by sprinkler systems and have all the latest safety features included when constructed.
I would like to highlight some recent promotions around the country. Chicago Battalion Chief Robert Hoff was promoted to district chief. Hoff is a past recipient of the top Firehouse® Magazine heroism award. Baltimore City Rescue 1 Captain Joe Brocato has been designated battalion commander of the newly formed Special Operations Division. On the second day of operation, the unit was confronted with an overturned water taxi in an accident that caused several fatalities in the Inner Harbor during a storm. Finally, FDNY Assistant Chief of Operations Peter E. Hayden was appointed the 32nd chief of department. Hayden was assigned to Division 1, responsible for lower Manhattan, and responded as the first deputy chief on 9/11 to the World Trade Center. Hayden’s interview was published in Firehouse® in April 2002. Current FDNY Chief of Department Frank Cruthers was elevated to first deputy fire commissioner. Congratulations to all!
