I was riding with Oklahoma City companies when they were dispatched for a reported fire on the second floor of a commercial building. The address represented a frame dwelling that had been subdivided into two separate units, which classified it as commercial. The upper unit had one rear entry which was blocked by fire, and a neighbor reported seeing the resident at the window in the ‘B’ sector or side 2.
The scene on arrival with heavy fire in the rear as companies setup for a rescue on side 2. Larry Shapiro photo
A line is stretched as fire vents from side 4. Larry Shapiro photo
While an engine company stretched to the rear and attacked the fire, the truck crew along with another engine company went to work to attempt a rescue from the bedroom window.
A fireman takes out the second floor window. Larry Shapiro photo
Heavy smoke vents from the window. Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
As the photos show, the room was heavily charged with smoke. After taking out the windows, the crew was unsure of the integrity of the floor because when they tried to sound it from the window they were unsuccessful at first.
A fireman attempts to search for the victim and checks the integrity of the floor before entering the room. Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
The first fireman enters the room. Larry Shapiro photo
A second firemen tries to assist with the victim. Larry Shapiro photo
As it turns out, the window was not built to code and the ledge was over a foot higher than it should have been. The occupant had no chance of escaping through this window, and was overcome by the noxious smoke.
Larry Shapiro photo