During the months of July and August the NIOSH Firefighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program released the investigative reports of five line of duty deaths as well as the findings from a fire that injured seven firefighters in California.
The purpose of the program is to provide an independent investigation into line of duty deaths and other significant fireground events and present recommendations that every fire department can use to minimize risk of injury and death to their own personnel.
Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation # F2010-18
Connecticut: Career Lieutenant and Fire Fighter Found Unresponsive at a Residential Structure Fire
While pulling walls and the ceiling on the 3rd floor, smoke and heat conditions changed rapidly. Victim 1 transmitted a Mayday (audibly under duress) that was not acknowledged or acted upon. Minutes later the incident commander ordered an evacuation of the 3rd floor. As a fire fighter exited the third floor, Victim 1 was discovered unconscious and not breathing, sitting on the stairs to the third floor.
Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation # F2010-30
California: Seven Career Fire Fighters Injured at a Metal Recycling Facility Fire
On July 13, 2010, seven career fire fighters were injured while fighting a fire at a large commercial structure containing recyclable combustible metals. 40 minutes into the incident, a large explosion propelled burning shrapnel into the air, causing small fires north and south of structure, injuring 7 fire fighters, and damaging apparatus and equipment.
Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation # F2010-38
Illinois: Two Career Fire Fighters Die and 19 Injured in Roof Collapse during Rubbish Fire at an Abandoned Commercial Structure
On December 22, 2010, two career fire fighters, died when the roof collapsed during suppression operations at a rubbish fire in an abandoned and unsecured commercial structure. The bowstring truss roof collapsed at the rear of the 84-year old structure approximately 16 minutes after the initial companies arrived on-scene and within minutes after the Incident Commander reported that the fire was under control.
Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation # F2011-01
California: Fire Fighter Suffers Heart Attack While Fighting Grass Fire and Dies 2 Days Later
After about a 10-minute break, the firefighter returned to fire suppression activities. Approximately 30—40 minutes later, complaining of back pain, the firefighter returned to his engine. After asking the driver/operator to request a medic unit, the firefighter collapsed.
