Scene Management is a function of IC

M22910957

M22910957

Just two weeks ago we lost a dozen firefighters and speculation is there was no formal Incident Command set-up/communicated in the response (based on radio traffic from the scene and responders).  Here is another SIGNIFCANT INCIDENT involving a FULL Anhydrous Ammonia (NH3) tanker truck being struck by a train.  Note the appartus placement of the responding agencies at an ACTIVE RELEASE scene!  We can see ammonia vapor within the water fog pattern that is being used to “scrub” the vapors (just behind the red tractor).  This is NOT advanced training, but basics of setting up a HOT, WARM, COLD zone based on the material(s) and quantity(s) involved in the incident.  It amazes me that just weeks after we lost our brothers in TX that every single FD has not had a stand-down to discuss scene management, reviewing Tier II reports, IC role in ALL responses, etc. to ensure that our responders SAFETY IS #1!  I am sorry, but this response is just unacceptable, regardless of the events in West, TX.  There are many that will claim I need to shut up as I was not there and “just don’t understand what was going on”!  So be it, but when the most basic ERG material calls for an intial isolation distance of 500′ for large spill (even 100′ if you want to call this a “small spill”) and take a look at the appratus placement.  I also like the Level of PPE the gentleman is wearing!!! Just baffling!  Here is a news source for the incident.

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