LESSONS LEARNED: VETERINARY CLINIC FIRE

摘要

On July 9, 2003, At 1041 Hours, Evesham (NJ) Fire-Rescue responded to a structure fire at the Evesham Veterinary Clinic, which would turn out to be a very challenging occupancy. The one-story, 60-foot X 60-foot structure of ordinary construction was open for business and operating; 15 staff members and 50 animals were inside. The clinic was located on the northbound side of New Jersey Route 73, a four-lane divided highway. The weather was hot and humid; the temperature was 90℉. Two engines, one heavy rescue, two basic life support (BLS) units, one command unit, one support vehicle, and three fire inspectors responded to the call within minutes. Initial reports to the first-out engine reported a fire in the basement and that the communications center was just then receiving the fire alarm for that address. Moments later, an updated report from the communications center noted that police personnel were on location with "smoke showing and people refusing to leave the building."