In June, 2009, our fire department responded to a reported fire on the second floor of a senior high rise. Dispatch reported an explosion and fire out the window. Upon arrival, firefighters noted visible fire from 2 windows of the involved unit. As an entry crew made their way up the stairway, the pump operator reported another explosion and an oxygen tank flying through the window and out to the parking lot. As the entry crew approached the involved unit, another explosion occurred. The force of the explosion blew the steel door out of the casing, broke it in half, and slammed the top of the door into the hallway wall. Firefighters were low in front of the door, which meant the majority of the force went above their heads.

Lessons Learned: Several lessons can be learned from this experience. First, remember to stay low when approaching an area involved in heavy fire. Keep in mind that although oxygen tanks can be anywhere, a senior center certainly increases the odds, and must be considered when heavy fire conditions exist. Stay out of the way of doors until they are opened and any sudden fire condition change has had a chance to do with it's going to do. Finally, proper PPE is a must, every time.