Firefighters operating solo in structure fires is unacceptable and must stop immediately.
That, along with major breakdowns in communications, were among issues uncovered by investigators with the Illinois Division of Occupational Safety and Health during their probe into recent Chicago firefighter deaths, abc7 reported.
“CFD must extinguish the practice of members operating alone inside structure fires. IL OSHA will leverage all available enforcement tools to ensure members enter together, stay together, and exit together,” agency head Erik Kambarian wrote in a letter to Mayor Brandon Johnson, according to the Chicago Sun Times.
During a probe into the death of rookie Firefighter Mashawn Plummer, they determined when his SCBA started losing air pressure, there was no one near him. He also was not in rardio contact which led to delay in a "Mayday" being called.
They found him 10 minutes later. He died five days later.
They found similar issues during their probe into the deaths of Lt. Jan Tchoryk last April and Lt. Kevin Ward this past summer.
Among the recommendations OSHA issued include:
- Provide training for command team members with a focus on fireground safety and survival.
- Develop and implement computer-based simulation training and assessments.
- Dedicate additional staff and resources for training, specifically in areas of command, team continuity, radio communications, dynamic risk assessment, mayday procedures, and the safe person concept.
- Require all teams entering a basement to use a hose line and/or thermal imaging camera.
- Refine radio system software and hardware to ensure proper function and reliability.
- Work with firefighters, company officers, and command officers on an effective Emergency Alert Button (EAB) activation process, develop training for the process, drill on the process and periodically test the process.
In a prepared statement, fire department officers wrote they they “appreciates their diligent efforts to investigate the tragic loss of our member in the line of duty. CFD will continue our work to provide training, monitor performance and hold our department accountable.”
