Made a quick trip to Detroit early last week … extreme cold conditions with high winds. In three days we only made this one job. Commercial building, 8 mile rd & Stansbury. This appeared to be an occupied warehouse with some good fire in the rear. It took us about 15 minutes to make it in, just in time to see the fire begin to vent through the roof and the interior attack abandoned. The wind picked up as well. Two members crawled or staggered out of the building and collapsed right outside the door, apparently low on or out of air. They appeared to be in dire condition but once they got clear of the building and some fresh air they seemed to be ok, although I think they both went to the hospital later in the incident. I believe this was a very close call. I haven’t spoken to any DFD members but I would bet this was a case of conditions deteriorating rapidly and the members having difficulty climbing over debris and such to make their way out. At any rate, things seemed to have a good outcome. The fire became an exterior operation and they seemed to be plagued by water pressure issues as well as rig problems. As usual, the tenacity of the members prevailed and carried the day. I also have a video as well.
Steve Redick