a walk around real quick . If you see propane tanks or natural gas , then that ’ s the first thing you want do is shut all that off at the tanks or the meters .”
Halcomb explained that at a recent fire scene they had propane tanks exploding and all kinds of ammunition in the house that was going off as well . Halcomb said that a top priority for each firefighter is to check on the safety of his fellow firefighter .
“ At a fire , we are always checking the safety and health of your own guys ,” Halcomb stated . “ You are going to need extra people if some guy comes out exhausted or overheated . On a hot day , we will automatically go ahead and call an EMS unit or get the rescue squad to come out and do what we call a ‘ rehab ’, which is where they check your blood pressure and check everything on you medically to make sure that you ’ re in good shape .”
Firefighting crews also have to evaluate each fire scene to determine the safest way to battle any raging blaze .
“ If we respond to a house fire and the fire started in the basement , then obviously the main floor is going to be compromised ,” Howard explained . “ If everybody ’ s out of the house and you know that for a fact that no one is in the house , we are not going make entry into the house because the floor may be compromised .
“ Same as if it ’ s up in the attic and you got a roof that is going to collapse , you don ’ t want send firefighters in there ,” he added . “ You have got to be able to sum up the situation , and survey it pretty quick to see how much damage is already there before you start making entry .”
Both Howard and Halcomb stated that fire departments do much more than just fighting fires . They respond to almost every emergency call made throughout the county and city , whether it us a fire , a car wreck , or anything that could put the public in
18 Commonwealth Journal - Unsung Heroes - 2024