Fire Chief's Briefing for October 19 through October 25, 2011

Here is a summary of Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s emergency responses for the period of October 19 through October 25, 2011.

We responded to 50 emergency calls for service.

These calls can be broken down into the following categories:

Fire: 3

EMS/Rescue: 29

Service Call: 4

Good Intent: 4

False Call: 10

Here is an overview of significant events from this period’s activities:

Wednesday, October 19 at approximately 6:45 am:

E1 was dispatched on a report of a tree down on Maryland Way that was impeding traffic. E1 arrived on scene, cut up the tree, and removed the debris from the roadway before returning to quarters.

Wednesday, October 19 at approximately 5:37 pm:

E4 and R1 responded on a reported vehicle rollover. E4 arrived on the scene and found one SUV which had rolled but was once again resting upright. There were two occupants trapped inside the vehicle, neither of them injured critically.  E4 established Incident Command and called for E2 to be dispatched for additional manpower. As R1 arrived on the scene, E4 stabilized the vehicle, deployed a hand line, and disconnected the battery to deactivate the air bags. R1 prepared the hydraulic cutters for extrication and E2 arrived on the scene to assist. Personnel used the cutters from E4 and R1 to remove the vehicle's roof by cutting the roof support pillars.  Both patients were removed and BFR personnel assisted in packaging and loading the pts for transport to an area hospital by EMS. Command was terminated; all companies cleared the scene after being released by BPD.

Thursday, October 20 at approximately 3:52 pm:

E3 responded to a report of a 3 month old baby locked inside a vehicle. Alarm advised E3 that the child had been in the vehicle for approximately 2-3 min. Upon arrival, the vehicle was already unlocked by the parent. The parent stated that while E3 was enroute they checked the back door of the vehicle and it was unlocked. The child was uninjured and the parent stated that they did not need any further assistance.

Friday, October 21 at approximately 10:03 pm:

At approximately 10:00 p.m. Friday night, Brentwood Fire & Rescue personnel were dispatched to a structure fire at 17 Oxmoor Ct. in Governors Club.  Upon arrival just minutes later, Engine 4 reported black smoke coming from the eves and chimney area.  Moments later they reported a working attic fire.

Crews made an aggressive attack via an interior stairwell and quickly located the main body of fire.  Crews were attacking the fire when it broke through the roof on the C (right) side of the home approximately 10 minutes after arrival.  Interior crews continued to make progress and the fire had completely darkened down when it moved through an adjacent attic space.  The roof structure was complex and the attic contained several cuts and void spaces which enabled the fire to travel unchecked.  The home also contained a heavy slate roof which held the heat, impeded roof-top ventilation, and lead to early roof collapse simply due to sheer weight (27 pounds per square foot).  Heavy slate tiles the size and weight of bricks were falling around fire personnel all night.

The fire was deemed under control at approximately 3:00 a.m., although resources would remain on scene for the next 24-hours.  Brentwood Fire & Rescue personnel removed three pets, four cars, and several boxes of photos and belongings.  The fire was held to the roof, attic and part of the second floor with water damage to the basement and first floor.

Saturday, October 22 at approximately 10:41 am:

All BFR units were dispatched for a report of a fire in a chimney with flames visible. E3 was the first unit to arrive on scene. E3’s officer reported light smoke showing and established command. Smoke was visible inside the structure, and a small fire was found in the fireplace which was quickly extinguished.  The rest of the structure was searched with no extension found.

E4's crew was sent to the roof to check the eve vents and remove the chimney cap to check for fire. The chimney cap, along with a section of attached flue pipe, was removed.  Once the cap was on the ground, personnel discovered a large, partially-burned bird's nest.  It was determined that the nest had ignited, causing smoke to bank-down and fill the home.  Further evidence of the nest was found around the damper.  No further evidence of fire extension was discovered.

 Monday, October 24 at approximately 3:37 pm:

All BFR units were dispatched for a reported structure fire in east Brentwood. E4 was the first unit to arrive on scene and reported light smoke showing before establishing incident command. Upon entry the fire was located in the front right corner of the house and quickly extinguished. The fire was contained to a chair in the room of origin and damage did not extend beyond the immediate area. After extinguishment, a Thermal Imaging Camera was utilized to check for extension. None was found. Crews began evacuating the smoke from the structure as well as vacuuming up the water to try and prevent further damage.

INAUGURAL PUBLIC SAFETY DAY FESTIVAL A SUCCESS

Saturday, October 15, 2011 marked yet another first for Brentwood Fire and Rescue. The department held its first annual Public Safety Day which was made a success due to a great turnout from the community. Both the Brentwood Fire and Police Departments participated, as well as Williamson County EMS. 

In case you missed it, now is your chance to catch up on some of the day’s activities. The city’s newest Engine and Ladder Truck were on display, as well as one of the original Fire Engines from when the department was founded in 1986. The Police had a patrol car and a D.A.R.E. vehicle on display, and EMS brought out an ambulance and their decontamination station for everyone to see. They also provided free CPR lessons.

 

Children were able to grab a fire hose and help firefighters extinguish mock flames on a roof before climbing a ladder to rescue stuffed pets stranded in a tree.

Members of BFR and Williamson EMS put on a live demonstration of vehicle extrication.

 

Sally the Fire Beagle helped everyone learn about Fire Safety.

 

Hydro the Fire Hydrant, seen here in front of BFR’s original pumper, was also a real crowd pleaser.

Another demonstration by BFR personnel showed the difference between a fire in a home with no fire sprinklers…

and one protected by sprinklers.

The Fire Safety House was present, helping children learn about Fire Safety in the Home.

In addition to the main event being held on Franklin RD, each of the City’s four Fire Stations were open for visits and station tours.

 

See you next year!

STRUCTURE FIRE AT 17 OXMOOR COURT, GOVERNORS CLUB

***PRESS RELEASE***

CITY OF BRENTWOOD 

FIRE AND RESCUE

From:              Fire Chief Brian Goss                        

Date:              October 24, 2011

Subject:          Press Release:  Structure Fire Investigation at 17 Oxmoor Court, Brentwood

STRUCTURE FIRE AT 17 OXMOOR COURT, GOVERNORS CLUB

At approximately 10:00 p.m. Friday night Brentwood Fire & Rescue personnel were dispatched to a structure fire at 17 Oxmoor Ct. in Governors Club.  Upon arrival just minutes later, Engine 4 reported black smoke coming from the eves and chimney area.  Moments later they reported a working attic fire.

Crews made an aggressive attack via an interior stairwell and quickly located the main body of fire.  Crews were attacking the fire when it broke through the roof on the C (right) side of the home approximately 10 minutes after arrival.  Interior crews continued to make progress and the fire had completely darkened down when it moved through an adjacent attic space.  The roof structure was complex and the attic contained several cuts and void spaces which enabled the fire to travel unchecked.  The home also contained a heavy slate roof which held the heat, impeded roof-top ventilation, and lead to early roof collapse simply due to sheer weight (27 pounds per square foot).  Heavy slate tiles the size and weight of bricks were falling around fire personnel all night.

Franklin Fire Department was alerted and sent an Engine and Command Officer to assist.  Brentwood also initiated a “group callback” to bring our off-duty firefighters to the stations.  A total of 35-40 Brentwood Fire Personnel responded to the scene.  The fire was deemed under control at approximately 3:00 a.m., although resources would remain on scene for the next 24-hours.  Brentwood Fire & Rescue personnel removed three pets, four cars, and several boxes of photos and belongings.  The fire was held to the roof, attic and part of the second floor with water damage to the basement and first floor.

No occupant was injured and one firefighter experienced a slight ankle sprain.  The Fire Investigator remains on scene today to determine the specific nature and cause of the fire, believed to have started in or around a fireplace chimney.  No loss has been calculated. 

Crews responded to a second chimney fire just twelve hours later in the Cool Springs area.  As we enter into the winter season, all citizens are reminded to have their fireplace chimneys inspected annually.

Fire Chief's Briefing for September 26 Through October 18, 2011

Here is a summary of Brentwood Fire and Rescue’s emergency responses for the period of September 26 through October 18, 2011.

We responded to 155 emergency calls for service.

These calls can be broken down into the following categories:

Fire: 1

Rupture/Explosion: 1

EMS/Rescue: 100

Hazardous Condition: 6

Service Call: 5

Good Intent: 10

False Call: 32

Here is an overview of significant events from this period’s activities:

Monday, October 3 at approximately 8:35 am:

E4 was dispatched on a report of one PT with injuries from a fall. Upon arrival they found the PT lying supine on the floor of a home under construction, holding their arm. The PT was laying brick on the exterior of the house when he fell from a height equivalent to the 2nd floor window.  Witnesses said the PT landed on their left side.  Initially the PT was ambulatory and walked inside prior to E4 arriving on scene.  E4 crew members held manual c-spine and exposed the PT’s torso.  A physical exam revealed obvious deformities and numerous abrasions.  The PT was placed in a position of comfort, c-collar was applied and the PT was fully immobilized on a long spine board.  EMS Arrived on scene and PT care was transferred.  E4 assisted EMS with loading the PT into ambulance for transport to an area hospital.

Tuesday, October 4 at approximately 11:05 am:

E2 responded to a reported carbon monoxide alarm. Upon their arrival, the crew was met by the occupant who stated that their CO detector went off and was reading 63. A carpet cleaning crew had just cleaned the carpets in the home 30 minutes prior. E2 made entry through the front door with their gas detector, which immediately went into alarm and registered 280ppm. Crew members evacuated the home and called for R1 and the gas company while shutting off the gas. Once R1 arrived on scene, crew members utilized 2in/2out and E2 crew entered the structure with full PPE and SCBA. They shut off electricity at the panel and acquired readings of 250 - 280 ppm downstairs and 370 ppm upstairs (symptoms normally appear above 70 ppm and levels above 150-200 ppm are considered potentially lethal). Windows and doors were opened for ventilation while waiting for the gas company to arrive.

A rep from the gas company arrived on scene and attempted to determine the source of the gas. With the furnace running, he was unable to find a leak. He believes the carpet cleaning machine was placed near the air return and pumped CO into the structure. After they left the furnace kicked on and spread it throughout the house.

Once CO levels reached 5ppm E2 and R1 cleared the scene.

Tuesday, October 4 at approximately 10:00 pm:

E3, Haz Mat 1 (HM1, BFR’s Hazardous Materials Response Trailer), C1, C3, C5, and Squad 2 (S2) were dispatched at the request of BPD to stand by during entry to a possible meth lab.  HM1 set up a decontamination pool and an emergency decontamination station at E3's ladder.  S2 suited up with PD’s meth techs and made entry to monitor the air inside the structure.  E3 FF and Engineer dressed out in non-encapsulating Level B suits and functioned as HM RIT (Rapid Intervention Team, in case the entry team needed rescue) during the entry.  Once the entry was completed and the air monitor was within normal limits, all companies dressed down to class C uniforms.  Once the air was determined to be clear, BPD released all fire companies from the scene.

Tuesday, October 11 at approximately 1:05 pm:

E3 was dispatched on a report of a cat that was trapped in an HVAC unit. Upon E3's arrival, animal control was already on the scene. E3 observed a kitten’s head sticking out of one of the vent holes of the base of the unit. Animal control had put dawn dish soap on the kitten’s head prior to our arrival. E3 assisted by putting pressure on the kittens head while holding its ears back. Animal control was able to pull the kitten back while E3's crew was pushing on its head. This method worked without any harm to the animal. E3 cleared the scene.

Wednesday, October 12 at approximately 12:30 pm:

E4 was dispatched on a report of an unresponsive PT. Upon arrival E4 found 1 PT with bystander CPR in progress. E4’s paramedic took control of the scene and began Advanced Life Support treatment to include intubation, BVM use, and cardiac monitoring. Upon arrival of EMS an Intra-Osceous line was established and resuscitation drugs were administered. The PT was moved to a long spine board and immobilized before being loaded into the ambulance for emergency transport to an area hospital with one firefighter on board to assist with further care while enroute.