Charlotte Fire Department

Charlotte Fire Department

News Media After Action Report

Report # 092308-017

RE: Fall w/ injury - Structure Fire/1900 Continental Blvd

Benchmarks
Dispatched – 10:29
First CFD Unit Arrives – 10:32 (L-26)
Control Time – 10:58

CFD Personnel/Units
CFD – 55/ 16
Battalions 1, 3, 5, Engines 12, 16, 20, 24, 30, 32, 37, Ladders 2, 16, 24, 26, Rescue 10

Structure/ Location
Large single story warehouse facility

Cause & Origin/Damage Estimates
Accidental; workers using cutting torches in the ceiling roof area

Injuries/Accidents
One worker injured as a result of a falling into a pit area approximately 16 – 20 feet deep. One worker injured as a result of the fire and was being treated for smoke inhalation. Both workers were transported to medical facilities as Priority 2 patients/ significant, but non-life-threatening injuries.

Evacuations/ Persons Displaced
The warehouse is not in use and contractors are dismantling production equipment and the like.

Smoke Detectors
N/A

Incident Synopsis
FF’s were called to service just before 10:30 am Tuesday morning for a person who had fallen approximately 15-20 feet into a pit area @ Continental Tire. Upon their arrival FF’s noticed heavy smoke conditions in the building the fall victim was extricated from. FF’s declared a working fire and requested additional resources which brought a 2nd alarm assignment. After further investigation, FF’s determined that the blaze had been extinguished but, heavy smoke conditions remained. FF’s declared the fire under control and used ventilation equipment to remove the smoke. Fire Investigators determined the fire was accidental and caused by workers using cutting torches which started the fire in the ceiling/ roof area of the warehouse. Two workers were transported to medical facilities with significant but, non-life-threatening injuries. The first worker suffered traumatic injuries as a result of his fall; the second worker was being treated for smoke inhalation. Monetary damage estimates were not available at the time of this report, but workers were allowed back in the bldg about an hour after the incident.

#END#CFD – PIO - MB