- Author
-
Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department
- Title
- Report From the Reconstruction Committee Fire at 3146 Cherry Road, N.E., Washington, DC, May 30, 1999.
- Coporate
- Fire and Emergency Medical Services Dept., Washington, DC
- Report
-
Report from the Reconstruction Committee
2000
244 p.
- Distribution
- For more information contact: Fire Department Public Information Office, Washington, DC, Telephone: 202-673-3371 OR International Association of Fire Fighters Local 36, Telephone: 202-635-8500 OR Website: http//www.fems.washingtondc.gov
- Keywords
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fire fighters
|
death
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fire fatalities
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building fires
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fire models
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protective clothing
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self contained breathing apparatus
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injuries
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fire investigations
- Identifiers
- In Memory and Honor of Fire Fighters: Anthony Phillips and Louis Matthews
- Abstract
- On May 30, 1999, District of Columbia Fire Fighters Anthony Phillips and Louis Matthews sustained critical injures in the line of duty that resulted in their deaths. Three additional fire fighters sustained injuries ranging from critical to minor. Fire Chief Donald Edwards (now retired) appointed a Reconstruction Committee to investigate and evaluate the emergency response activities at this fire. This report is the result of extensive interviews, independent investigation, and evaluation of the reports of other investigators. The Reconstruction Committee has found that the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department (Department) has several deficiencies, particularly in training, staffing, equipment, and administration. The mere knowledge of these shortcomings and recommended actions does nothing. Many of the recommendations contained in this report are the same recommendations made in a report of the investigation of the death of Sergeant John Carter in the Kennedy Street fire of October 24, 1997. Further inaction on these recommendations cannot be tolerated. The Cherry Road fire was initially considered by most of the personnel to be a "routine" fire. The events that took place demonstrate the serious consequences that result from failure to train, equip, and staff appropriately. At 00:17:00 on May 30, 1999, the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Communications Center (Communications) received a 9-1-1 telephone call reporting a f!ire at 3150 Cherry Road, NE. In response, Communications dispatched Box Alarm 6176, consisting of engine companies E-26, E-17, E-10 and E-12, truck companies T-15 and T-4, a battalion fire chief (BFC-1) and a rescue squad (RS-1). A second 9-1-1 call at 00:18:40 provided a corrected address of 3146 Cherry Road, NE, and reported that there was fire in the basement. Communications announced this new information, but only one of the responding companies acknowledged the address change. The first units were on the scene within approximately four minutes of dispatch.