Routley Delivers Talk on Charleston To Firehouse Expo
J. Gordon Routley spoke yesterday about the Sofa Super Store Fire to a packed house at Firehouse Expo. The responses from firefighters underscores the disbelief in the operations that took place on June 18, 2007. Here is an excerpt from Firehouse.com:
Some firefighters shook their heads in disbelief as Routley described the firefighting tactics that included no truck operations. All the personnel jumped off their engines and headed into the store.
Routley explained the radio and communications issues including the fact that no one on the fire ground knew people inside were in danger. Listening to the tapes, the word "Mayday" was used only once.
The trapped firefighters mentioned not being able to find exits or losing the hose line. When he said Charleston had no RIT team in place nor a plan to rescue personnel in peril, some of the audience gasped.
More in the podcast.
The SSS tragedy set the standard for disasters that needn't have happened. This is Rusty Thomas' legacy whether he likes it or not.
Posted by: Topeka Joe | July 25, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Thank you Mr. Routley,
It would have been easy for him to do what has been done over the years and cover another chiefs back and blame the whole tragedy on the building owner or a lack of sprinklers. He could have said it was " the perfect storm". But he chose to tackle the truth head on on, as ugly as it was.
I'm not from Charleston but I have worked for a chief with similar traits to Chief Thomas. I can just imagine that several firefighters at the CFD have been banging their heads on the walls saying someone will get hurt if we don't change our ways. This report confirmed the fears of those guys. It was not just about building codes, sprinklers, etc.
Again I say THANK YOU Mr. Routley, Your courageous report has given firefighters all over the world ammunition to fight those opposed to change in the fire service.
God Bless the Charleston 9
Stay Safe, Chip
Posted by: Chip | July 25, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Whatever Chip, now they are using the economy as the excuse for not doing what is right. Not enough money to do what is needed.
My question is: What about a few years ago when the economy was better? Why didn't you do it then so it would already be in place now and wouldn't cost so much? wtf?
Posted by: ChiefMO | July 25, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Chief, As I'm sure you know we will be fighting the budget battle forever. My point was the Routley report should at least give us a little ammo.
Posted by: Chip | July 25, 2008 at 11:23 PM
Chip, I wasn't coming after you. I was just venting my frustration from what I've already heard. The sad part is that I'm from Charleston (not the city)
Posted by: ChiefMO | July 26, 2008 at 02:19 PM
You'd think the political leaders in this area would not say things like that when dealing with firefighter safety after what has happened.
Posted by: ChiefMO | July 26, 2008 at 02:20 PM