BY LANCE C. PEEPLES
Fire departments throughout the United States will respond to thousands of automatic alarm activations during the course of a year. In many instances, early notification of the occupants and firefighters has prevented tragedy. Unfortunately, the high false alarm rate of these devices can lead to the "automatic alarm mindset" among firefighters. This can be disastrous when firefighters, lulled into complacency by frequent false automatic alarms, suddenly find themselves facing a serious fire.
Consider the following incident. On April 11, 1994, at 0205 hours, a central station monitoring service notified the Memphis (TN) Fire Department that the service had received a "trouble alarm" from the ninth floor of the Regis Tower. Located at 750 Adams, the 11-story, fire-resistive multiple dwelling had been the scene of numerous previous false alarms in recent years. Three engines, two ladders, and a battalion chief were initially dispatched. Engine 7, commanded by Lieutenant Michael L. Mathis, reported "nothing showing."
If you are a current subscriber,login hereto access this content.
If you would like to become a subscriber, please visit ushere.
