The Neighborhood Star.com has an article about the fire which resulted in the tragic death of Homewood firefighter/paramedic Brian Carey and the serious injuries incurred by firefighter/paramedic Karra Kopas in March of this year. The article can be seen HERE and the NIOSH report summarizing the events surrounding the fire can be obtained HERE.
NIOSH report cites numerous errors in fatal Homewood fire
September 20, 2010
A report obtained Monday by the SouthtownStar on the Homewood house fire in March that took the life of a Homewood firefighter and a resident cites several errors that occurred as firefighters were battling the blaze.
The report from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health said contributing factors included an incomplete 360-degree situational size-up (of the fire scene); an inadequate risk-vs.-gain analysis; ineffective fire control tactics; insufficient staffing, uncoordinated ventilation and its effect on fire behavior; inadequate command, control and accountability; and failure to recognize, understand and react to deteriorating conditions.
The report also said the breathing apparatus facepiece somehow got removed from Brian Carey, 28, the Homewood firefighter/paramedic who died fighting the fire. Resident Wendell Elias, 87, also died in the fire.
Homewood firefighter/paramedic Karra Kopas suffered second- and third-degree burns battling the fire. She has been recovering but still is not back on the job at the fire department.
RELATED STORIES
