This from Larry Shapiro:
I took in a dumpster fire at 948 Country Lane in Buffalo Grove Monday afternoon … there was a very impressive header from a distance. Here are a few shots.
The tower ladder was setup when the fire proved difficult to access with a hand line. Larry Shapiro photo
After the initial fire was knocked down, it flared up again. Larry Shapiro photo
The tower ladder was put to use to extinguish the fire. Larry Shapiro photo
#1 by FARTIN' FRED on April 3, 2015 - 11:43 AM
Nothing like a good old fashioned dumpster fire to ignite debate.
#2 by FF/PM Greg on April 3, 2015 - 9:20 AM
Looks like a deck gun is present in the first picture, or is that for ground use only? I would think that would be easier, or maybe as others have suggested, this provided for some good training.
#3 by Kyle on April 2, 2015 - 11:19 PM
Smart tactic! I’ve never used a tower ladder, but i have used the deck gun. Simple fill it up, and leave no need to worry about coming back for a rekindle(that would be embarrassing). The Tower idea is smart like someone said use it as a training exercise, exercise equipment, flow the pump and aerial pipe.
#4 by The DH on April 2, 2015 - 10:21 AM
RJ and Chuck, why don’t you go to BG and ask the company officer why he did what he did instead of being an internet warrior? Then tell him …(edited) to his face, if you still believe his tactic was poor. Why not just stick it in your pocket for a possible tactic…I saw Champaign do this more than once with old Engine 11’s tele-squrt on campus for dumpsters…personally, I’d rather be in the basket flowing water, than on a ladder propped on the side of the 6′ tall dumpster with a hoseline…
#5 by Rj on April 2, 2015 - 8:37 AM
Lets look at this from a risk management standpoint. The primary hazards to the FF’s posed by the dumpster fire are smoke and explosion as there appears to be no exposure problem. The smoke hazard is mitigated, in any location, by an SCBA. Personally, I’d rather be next to the heavy gauge steel dumpster than above it if something let loose, you know everything is going to go up. Look at all the risk you ADD when setting up the tower, for what appreciable gain vs. just pulling the trash line? Uphill, upwind and working off the rear are all considerations to minimize risk especially when you aren’t in a hurry to make a rescue or protect an exposure.
#6 by Mike on April 2, 2015 - 8:31 AM
I don’t know what the big deal is. Consider it training. Set the tower up, flow some water and exercise the equipment.
#7 by Drew Smith on April 1, 2015 - 11:36 PM
I support this kind of plan. The dumpster contents are intended to be disposed of. The fire must be mitigated to prevent new problems from developing. Doing so should minimize risk to members. This is one approach that does that. It reduces risk to members operating at a fire where risk outweighs benefit. We can’t just let it burn because that presents other hazards (exposures for one). Placing firefighter near the dumpster exposes them to respiratory and toxic hazards. One particular dumpster fire killed a FF and injured several others. http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/news/fullstory/newsid/108051
#8 by behind the mic on April 1, 2015 - 11:30 PM
If it seems like a stupid idea, but it works, it’s not so stupid, is it?
#9 by Sam on April 1, 2015 - 6:25 PM
Rj and Chuck, what else do you propose to knock the fire down? Obviously you’re not going to be as effective if you hit this from the ground as opposed with the tower ladder. I think this is a great idea.
#10 by Tyler Tobolt on April 1, 2015 - 6:22 PM
Well your not gonna hit the fire from the ground, I think this is a great idea.
#11 by Chuck on April 1, 2015 - 5:49 PM
Whatever company officer (or chief officer,) came up with this brainstorm needs a refresher course in Basic Tactics.
#12 by Gnarldtoad on April 1, 2015 - 3:50 PM
The aerial tanker was previously committed. just kidding, it was probably quick and easy this way.
#13 by Tom on April 1, 2015 - 2:46 PM
I never thought I would see a Tower Ladder being used on a dumpster fire. But, if it works, go with it!
#14 by Rj on April 1, 2015 - 2:35 PM
Really??