Big Streams Halt Paper Storage Fire
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Photo by John J. Jankowski, Jr.
Master streams were used to protect exposures and contain a two-alarm paper storage fire to the building of origin in an industrial complex in Wilmington, Del.
The fire occurred last June 24 in a large warehouse-type, noncombustible building of corrugated metal over steel frame that contained baled tissue paper. The metal building, in the Rittenhouse Industrial Complex, provided an added challenge to fire fighters because it sealed in the fire heat and it lacked natural openings for effective ventilation.
The first-due companies encountered a large volume of fire at the east end of the building in an area approximately 30 X 60 feet. Heavy smoke in the interior contributed to the difficulty in making accurate initial size-up estimations.
Fire spreads rapidly
With the continuing heat buildup, the fire soon reached the point of rapid horizontal extension. Also, the 4 X 5 X 6-foot bales of paper (piled three tiers high) were stored in much of the building in a fashion that left no aisle space between the bales. This factor greatly contributed to interior fire spread. In addition, a building on the east side was in close proximity to the fire. Also, on the north side (although part of the fire structure), another part of the building was separated by a double corrugated metal wall. This area was used for the storage of lumber and Styrofoam insulation. It became a major concern because the metal wall was open 10 inches from the top.
The first alarm brought in three engine companies, one ladder company, a rescue squad, and two battalion chiefs. Within minutes, special calls added an additional two engines and one ladder.
On hearing the initial reports given, then Operations Deputy Chief Jerome M. Donohue (since appointed chief of the Wilmington Bureau of Fire) responded to the scene and shortly after his arrival ordered a second alarm. This brought two more engines, another ladder, and a second rescue in addition to activating a call-back for one of the off-duty platoons.
Ladder pipe and deluge set operations were now concentrated on the fire building and all avenues of exposure.
Water supply became an initial problem, especially with the yard-type hydrants within the complex. There were three city hydrants in the immediate area, but they were at the end of the low service of the gravity-fed grid system.
Pumper relay established
Considering these factors, Battalion Chief Frederick A. Quashne, water liaison officer, ordered pumper relay operations to be set up. Once established, incoming pressures to apparatus at the scene increased from 50 to 70 psi, and ladder pipes and deluge sets were operated near capacity.
The weather was extremely hot and humid with temperatures in the mid90s. Naturally, this had a drastic effect on all fire fighting personnel. Many required on-scene treatment for heat exhaustion, although only one fire fighter required hospitalization. This was for a possible cardiac problem which later proved to be negative.
The concentration of master stream operations on both the fire building and exposures held the fire to the original area without even the extension to that part of the adjoining building housing the lumber and insulation. An estimated 3.9 million gallons of water were used.
