SASKATOON — Two firefighters nearly became casualties during the early Sunday morning structure fire on the 300 block of 109th Street West.
The firefighters were searching the structure to make sure no occupants are left inside the house.
The fire conditions drastically changed inside the structure with all combustible materials igniting simultaneously creating a flashover condition.
A flashover is an event that occurs during fires where combustible surfaces in a confined space simultaneously ignite due to being exposed to thermal radiation.
Both firefighters were in a situation where they needed to evacuate the structure. They found a safe space inside a bedroom and closed the door behind them. The room had a window.
Using the Saskatoon Fire Department’s tactical self-preservation methods, they sent an alert over the radio that overrides the entire radio transmissions over the entire fire ground.
They initiated a “mayday” call relaying their condition, the actions they were taking and their needs.
The two firefighters used their tactical training and performed a “bailout” where they broke the window as their way to get out of the structure.
Firefighters, who were battling the blaze outside, brought a ladder to the window to help the two fire crews that were inside.
The firefighters used their training tactics to hook onto the window frame and leverage themselves onto the ladder. Both firefighters safely evacuated the structure without injury.
An incident debriefing and peer support were provided immediately to the firefighters and personnel involved in the self-evacuation and incident.
Firefighter safety is everyone’s priority but the job they perform comes with risks. Firefighters train extensively in performing rescues and tactics, but keeping themselves safe is also integral.
With any incident of significance to firefighter safety, an after-action review is being conducted to assess the actions taken, evaluate procedures and enhance safety if warranted.
The Fire Investigation has not yet concluded the cause and origin of the fire due to the current condition of the structure. Additional information will be released once available.
Background
SFD responded to a structure fire call at 5:13 a.m. on Sunday on the 300 block of 109th Street West. The fire was reported to have started in the furnace room.
The SFD dispatched three fire engines, a ladder and rescue units, and the Battalion Chief with the first arriving crews reporting heavy smoke and flames coming from the basement.
Fire crews shut the natural gas off while SFD Communications Centre notified utility companies to assist for scene safety and make sure utilities were completely shut down.
A safety officer was appointed after a power line was found down in the backyard. Incoming fire crews were assigned tactical duties and a Fire Investigator was dispatched at 5:26 a.m.
Extinguishment and searches by fire crews were performed to ensure no occupants remained in the structure. All occupants were accounted for after the smoke alarm alerted them to the fire.
Fire crews had the fire under control in the basement but the fire extended to the main floor and through the roof.
The ladder truck crew used the hydraulic ladder to extinguish the fire showing in the attic/roof area while ground-level fire crews switched from an interior to an exterior attack at 6:24 a.m.
