ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and Alexandria Fire Departments in a combined training exercise Aug. 4 through 6, demonstrated techniques and the use of a personal escape system that allows firefighters to independently rappel from a building by using a small device fastened to the firefighters' gear.
When firefighters enter a burning building, they must immediately begin mapping an escape route to find their way back out. In the event they cannot exit the same way they entered, the only option is getting to a window and hoping there is a ladder available to aid in escape.
"You never know what is going to happen when you step into a burning building," said JBM-HH FD Capt. John Pine. "This device just adds an extra layer of preparedness in case there isn't a ladder available to assist in escaping."
The device consists of four elements: a self-braking system for quickly moving horizontally, climbing through a window and controlling and stopping a descent; an anchor hook adapted for locations where the possibility of finding an anchor point is uncertain; a rope that resists abrasion and high temperatures; and a bag for transporting and attaching the system directly to the harness.
Keeping low, finding a solid anchor and utilizing the 50-foot rope is key to getting the most out of the escape system, according to Pine. In order to use the new personal escape system, firefighters must receive certification from the National Fire Protection Association.
"Unlike other equipment, to use this device firefighters must receive training," said Pine. "We hope this device will only be needed as a last ditch effort, but sometimes there isn't a ladder available or a window can't be reached by emergency responders outside to assist in escaping."
In the Alexandria Waste Water Treatment Facility, the three departments took part in a day-long exercise, where - in full gear - the firefighters rappelled nine times out of a mock, two-story house.
Though some firefighters had rappelling experience, all were beginners with the new equipment.
"At the third round we blacked out the firefighter's masks as they rappelled," said Pine. "Smoke often narrows or completely diminishes line-of-sight, so it's necessary they learn to use the device blind."
The hooked device was purchased in response to the death of three firefighters Jan. 23, 2005, on what is referred to as "Black Sunday." In that incident a decade ago, six firefighters responding to a call in the Bronx, New York, found themselves in a smoke-filled maze of illegally divided apartments, forcing them to jump from the fourth floor, resulting in the death of two firemen. The third died in a separate fire the same day.
On July 25, fire companies from Arlington and JBM-HH responded jointly to a two-alarm house fire on the 700 block of N. Edgewood Street, near Clarendon. Despite heavy flames and smoke, firefighters were able to largely contain the fire to the three-story house's back porch and first floor.
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