Documentary Captures Firefighters' Challenges in Plainfield, IN, Mega Warehouse Blaze

On March 16, 2022, Plaintield Fire Terrority crews were dispatched to a fire in a mega warehouse.

Firefighters who encountered a myriad of challenges in the 1.2 million square-foot Walmart distribution center will share their experiences in "When the Sky Turned Black," a documentary coordinated by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

It captures "their firsthand experiences, challenges and innermost thoughts as events unfolded that day and the days following. The film offers a detailed timeline of the incident supported by powerful visual footage and reenactments. It also explores the emotional toll the fire had on the members of the Plainfield Fire Territory," NFFF officials wrote in a statement.

The film will be available on the NFFF YouTube channel after two private screenings for firefighters, their families and invited guests -- Jan. 27 and 28 -- in Plainfield.

"Our firefighters faced extreme conditions that changed in an instant, nearly costing lives. The lessons outlined in this report are invaluable, not only for our department but for fire agencies across the country. We are committed to using this knowledge to enhance training, response strategies, and fire prevention efforts moving forward," Plainfield Fire Territory Fire Chief Brent Anderson said last year after an extensive analysis was conducted by subject matter experts.

Former NFFF Manaing Director Gary Krichbaum explained the importance of the review: "The Foundation’s support in helping fire departments respond to mega warehouse fires is more critical than ever. With firefighters encountering more and more of these complex incidents, we must ensure the fire service learns from past fires to reduce losses and enhance firefighter safety."

Among the critical factors that contributed to the fire's rapid spread were:

• Fire protection systems: While the facility was equipped with advanced fire suppression systems, including Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) sprinklers, Control Mode Density Area (CMDA) sprinklers, redundant (electric and diesel) 2,500-gpm pumps, and two 300,000-gallon water storage tanks that are designed to operate for two hours. 
• Fire alarm systems: They must be monitored by the fire department to maintain awareness of changing conditions.
• Vertical fire spread: An analysis suggested that the fire likely smoldered undetected on upper levels for 30 to 40 minutes. That fire may have found a path to ignite combustible goods above while the fire pumps were shut down. During the time, the secondary fire began to develop, rendering the upper-level sprinklers inoperable.
• Complex structural configuration: The multi-level Pick Module, combined with a high combustible load, created an extremely challenging fire environment.
• Communication and coordination: Difficulties in radio communication and challenges with fire pump operations impeded a timely and effective response.

NFFF CEO Victor Stagnaro encourages personnel to watch the film.

“This documentary reinforces our commitment to supporting fire departments across the country with the knowledge, training, and resources they need to safeguard the communities they serve and promote firefighter survival.”

“When the Sky Turned Black’ not only documents the intensity of that day, but the experiences and emotions of the heroic firefighters who lived it and helped prevent human tragedy,” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF. “This documentary reinforces our commitment to supporting fire departments across the country with the knowledge, training, and resources they need to safeguard the communities they serve and promote firefighter survival.”

The documentary serves as a follow-up to the comprehensive report released by the NFFF in 2025. The report, “Inside the Plainfield Mega-Warehouse Fire: Critical Lessons for Firefighters,” examined the incident and provided recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Report: Mega Warehouse Fires Challenge Firefighters, Recommends New Strategies | Firehouse