Here is an interesting situation that adds to the ever-ongoing discussion of when we go in and when we don't.
IMO: Like much of what we do-it depends on size up, conditions, immediately available resources, and information determined by the OIC who may be the first arriving fire officer, chief, or in some cases, a non-officer firefighter...who has command. And whoever has command determines and defines the strategy...offensive or defensive.
This situation is also a good reminder to take a look at your/mine/our department's policy on related responses and make sure "we do what we say we do." And it's also another opportunity to look at what your program is as far as initial and regular training of your fire commanders.
What qualifies your IC to be an IC?...is an often-asked question....
HAVE YOUR IC's TRAINED FOR THESE?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_upPAqe_kg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdBGXunpkFE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6w5nPTn8onc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1sKi9_m61Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqI3kAyrKaI
There are some excellent training opportunities for those who are or may be incident commanders including local and regional programs but there are also national programs such as:
FIRE COMMAND CONFERENCE:
FDIC:
FRI:
https://www.iafc.org/events/event/2024/08/14/default-calendar/fire-rescue-international-2024
FIRE FUSION
https://www.firefusionconference.com/
NFA COMMAND & CONTROL:
https://apps.usfa.fema.gov/nfacourses/catalog/details/743
In this case, a former Vancouver (Washington) Fire Department Captain is suing the city and department for alleged negligence after he was injured while fighting a 2021 duplex fire.
Gregory Weber and his wife filed the suit on Jan. 31 where his complaint criticizes how department leadership handled the fire response, including sending him inside a burning residence he said they knew was unoccupied.
Firefighters responded Feb. 22, 2021, to a fire in the Lincoln neighborhood. Before any crews arrived at the complex, they received information that all occupants had evacuated, according to the lawsuit.
Still, the lawsuit alleges the incident commander ordered Gregory Weber’s unit go inside the building. Once inside, Weber radioed to request crews immediately cut a hole in the roof to vent the smoke. But before any crews did that, the ceiling collapsed on top of Weber, knocking him to the ground, the complaint states.
Another Firefighter found Weber under a piece of drywall, unconscious, and the firefighter pulled him by his shoulder straps outside to safety. According to the complaint, no one announced “Mayday,” which is a part of Vancouver fire’s protocol when a firefighter is injured.
After the ceiling collapsed, the incident commander ordered everyone to stay outside. Medical personnel evaluated Weber about an hour later, the suit states. The complaint states Weber suffered serious injuries, and he continues to suffer from a disability. It did not specify the extent of his injuries. Weber and his wife are seeking a variety of damages, including loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The suit doesn’t state the exact amount they’re seeking.
MORE ON THE LAWSUIT W/RELATED INFORMATION:
The discussions about going in or not are dependent on the factors noted above being made by experienced and well-trained personnel.
But regardless, if those IN COMMAND aren't formally trained and keep regular training up on that critical role, the outcome is predictable, as GG reminds us.