Only One Firefighter Initially Responds to Florida Fire - Firehouse.com News
Attention: Understaffed Fire Department ahead. Volusia County recently experienced one of those "told you so" events. The Volusia County Fire Services found out the hard way that they waited a little to long to hire those 65 firefighters being hired now. Luckily there wasn't anyone trapped in the house. You can check out their department HERE. Read the article below.
Only One Firefighter Initially Responds to Florida Fire - Firehouse.com News:
Only One Firefighter Initially Responds to Florida Fire - Firehouse.com News:
There was a near fire in Volusia County when only one firefighter initially showed up to fight a fire that gutted a home.
That firefighter battled a house fire in Oak Hill all by herself for 10 minutes until backup arrived, but state procedure calls for no less than four firefighters to be at a fire at the same time.
The county follows the state fire marshal's standard of two firefighters inside a burning structure and two outside in case something goes wrong, WESH 2 News reported.
The lone firefighter who responded said she did not go into the structure, despite reports to the contrary.
Rescuers could not save the house or the pets inside it. One firefighter responding to a fully involved house fire was woefully inadequate, according to Oak Hill police Officer Diane Young, who was also at the scene.
"For one fire truck and one firefighter, it was very difficult for her to handle. I would say, yes, she could have used more help at the time she arrived," Young said.
County Fire Station No. 22 is less than a mile from the house. Firefighter Melissa Drewry arrived quickly but alone because her partner was in training.(Read More)
6 comments:
What a sad story! I really feel for that firefighter. She really could have been hurt, and she probably feels terrible about the loss of the house and the pets. That Department should be ashamed.
Thank you for putting the story about me on your blog. Management is being held accountable for this and some big changes in our department are in the works. I also wrote because my brother in law, J.D., was a Lt. with Roanoke for many years and very active with your local. I am married to his brother Phillip M. Drewry. All of you be safe out there, Melissa L. Drewry, FF/EMTP, Volusia County Professional Firefighters L3574.
Wow, I did not expect to get your attention. It is good to hear that they learned their lesson, and no ones life was expended in the process. As for your brother in law, when was he here? I have a couple of Drewry's on the roster, but I am not sure if he is on their or not. Be safe.
My brother in law, John Hampton Drewry, Jr. worked for your department from 1967-1999. He passed away about 6 months after his retirement. I have some of his firefighting stuff hanging up in our station in Oak Hill. Thanks again and take care, Melissa Drewry
Oh ok, I see him now. I have a date of hire as 1965. I will look into the exact date, as you have 1967. He retired the year I was hired. When you said J.D. you threw me off. You can view the entire roster at http://www.local1132.org/timeline.htm. the roster is listed on the left hand side. You might see some pictures of fires he told you about on there.
J.D.'s nickname was "Shorty". I saw him on the roster. Your info may be right on the roster, and we may be wrong about his date of hire. Thanks for such a nice blogsite, keep up the good work and stay safe, Melissa L. Drewry.
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