fireman stretches hose at house fire

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I was riding with Oklahoma City companies when they were dispatched for a reported fire on the second floor of a commercial building. The address represented a frame dwelling that had been subdivided into two separate units, which classified it as commercial. The upper unit had one rear entry which was blocked by fire, and a neighbor reported seeing the resident at the window in the ‘B’ sector or side 2.

Oklahoma City Fire Department fights house fire

The scene on arrival with heavy fire in the rear as companies setup for a rescue on side 2. Larry Shapiro photo

Oklahoma City Fire Department fights house fire

A line is stretched as fire vents from side 4. Larry Shapiro photo

While an engine company stretched to the rear and attacked the fire, the truck crew along with another engine company went to work to attempt a rescue from the bedroom window.

Oklahoma City Fire Department fights house fire

A fireman takes out the second floor window. Larry Shapiro photo

Oklahoma City Fire Department fights house fire

Heavy smoke vents from the window. Larry Shapiro photo

Oklahoma City Fire Department fights house fire

Larry Shapiro photo

As the photos show, the room was heavily charged with smoke. After taking out the windows, the crew was unsure of the integrity of the floor because when they tried to sound it from the window they were unsuccessful at first.

Oklahoma City Fire Department fights house fire

A fireman attempts to search for the victim and checks the integrity of the floor before entering the room. Larry Shapiro photo

Oklahoma City Fire Department fights house fire

Larry Shapiro photo

Oklahoma City Fire Department fights house fire

The first fireman enters the room. Larry Shapiro photo

Oklahoma City Fire Department fights house fire

A second firemen tries to assist with the victim. Larry Shapiro photo

As it turns out, the window was not built to code and the ledge was over a foot higher than it should have been. The occupant had no chance of escaping through this window, and was overcome by the noxious smoke.

Oklahoma City Fire Department fights house fire

Larry Shapiro photo

Here is a link to more images from this incident.