Local
Sun Prairie firefighter seen at Windsor blaze was managing truck, hose and water supply
Online video from an Oct. 7 house fire in Windsor led viewers to question why a firefighter appeared to stand back as flames rose from the roof. Sun Prairie firefighters say he was the driver, responsible for deploying equipment and establishing the water supply before assisting the crew.
A Sun Prairie firefighter who appeared to be standing near a fire truck in video of an Oct. 7 Windsor house fire was carrying out his assigned role as the driver, department officials say.
The footage, posted online, showed flames coming from the home’s roof and prompted questions about why the firefighter was not visibly fighting the fire. Sun Prairie Firefighter Adam Nieft said he was checking that the hose had been deployed properly and making sure his crew had the equipment and water it needed.
“People see it in the movies, but there are reasons to do things and reasons not to do things,” Nieft said.
Sun Prairie was the second company to arrive and assist at the fire. DeForest-Windsor Fire Department had established command and directed the Sun Prairie crew to enter the home for a fire attack and possible search, said Lt. Thomas Stoltenburg of the Sun Prairie Fire Department.
The driver’s work includes getting the crew safely to the scene and connecting firefighters with hose, ladders, equipment and water. Drivers generally remain by the truck while those supplies are set up. They may delay putting on turnout gear because bulky equipment and boots make driving less safe, Stoltenburg said. Once the water supply and hose lines were in place, Nieft donned his gear and helped the crew.
A four-person engine company includes a driver, an officer and two firefighters. The officer assesses the scene, identifies hazards and possible victims, and may circle the building to locate the fire and check whether crews need access to a basement. The officer also communicates by radio and coordinates assignments, Stoltenburg said.
Firefighters inside the structure have their own coordinated tasks. Senior firefighter Matt Kosky said he helps move and position the hose and uses hand tools to force entry when needed, while another firefighter operates the nozzle and the officer directs the crew.
Having each person focused on a defined responsibility helps the team act quickly, Stoltenburg said, and allows the officer to manage the response without also taking on a firefighter’s duties.
No one was injured in the Windsor fire. The home’s roof and deck sustained major damage, and the fire was brought under control within 20 minutes, according to DeForest-Windsor officials.