Comments on: Raw video from Maryland 3-alarm fire. Vito Maggiolo on the scene in Takoma Park as Prince George’s and Montgomery crews go to work early this morning.

By: PGFD

PGFD — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 02:39:48 +0000

YES THERE IS CAR IN THE BUILDING, ITS A 1962 BUICK! STUPID COMMENT.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:37:49 +0000

I’m told an interior attack was initially attempted with 2 2.5″ lines; needless to say it didn’t work. When Battalion 701 arrived on scene he pulled everyone out. I think that was an outstanding decision.

By: 1st due

1st due — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:36:09 +0000

20 minutes on scene the 2 AC units came thru roof to just inside the atrium. 1st line “in” was a deck gun just to get a knock on the fully involved open 2 story atrium. Additonally, 50 thru the lobby of the atrium was stadium seating which originally descended. However, they placed a truss system in and leveled the floor for retail space and storage below that. 55 feet in would have been a straight down, and slide into the middle of the structure.

By: TAB

TAB — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:41:09 +0000

What the one comment about the car is probably referring to were HVAC units that came in from the roof when it failed.

A chilling reinforcement as to why a defensive stance was appropriate. (pun intended)

By: ANONYMOUS

ANONYMOUS — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:42:44 +0000

In reading the comments everyone seems to make avalid point. To the individual who criticized why wasn’t an agreesive interior attack made. As other Comments clearly point out there was/is absolutely no reason to make an interior attack with Heavy Fire Conditions visible by the 1st arriving units. Doesnnot it make sense to make an initial size up (basic Training/knowledge) And immediately deploy oncoming resources for an aggressive exterior attack? The Incident Command was in place the ICS/ with FIREFIGHTER SAFETY EVERYBODY GOES HOME was obviously an upfront thought/action.To the individual who made those silly comments, if you are an Officer in whatever Jurisdiction you might consider Remedial/In Service Training in Fire Ground Tactics/Strategy. The Basic Body of Knowledge which is SOP in all Fire & EMS Organizations, just may save a Firefighter’s Life. ie; Vacant Structure/Compromize of Structure from Fire/Fire/Spread. The MAY DAY MAY DAY Dreaded call was a distinct possibility/probability with Heavy Fire
Conditions visible, had an agressive interior attack been the
order. Stop and rethink your comments. I am inclined to believe you’re a Fire Service Veteran, and understand the importance of good coordination with ICS and Fire Ground Operations with a Fire call such as this was.

By: 1st due

1st due — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:20:58 +0000

Someone needs a refresher on what a BTU is and how many GPM are required based on 80×120 fully involved.

By: spanky

spanky — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:12:12 +0000

this building was preplaned that if units encounted heavy fire it would be an exterior fight. the old theater seats were still in place and covered over with a plywwod floor.

By: tom

tom — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:58:09 +0000

what was the point of an interior attack the building was fully involved andd a total loss, an i guess you didn’t take into concideration on how stable the structuer is. why kill someone when you can surrond an drown.

By: 2DaRoof

2DaRoof — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:46:24 +0000

You’re kidding me right??? A 2-story commercial with heavy fire showing on arrival and you want an interior attack? Give me a break, what fire officers handbook did you dig that one out of?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:01:53 +0000

Anonymous says
“so i guess p.g. only does interior attacks in appartments and single family dwellings now?”

If you are suggesting they should have entered this structure, you are a perfect example of why the rest of us have to travel to Emmittsburg every October. Use your head.