Pipe Bomb Threatens Crew While Fighting Brush Fire
Engine personnel responded to a reported brush fire. Upon arrival on scene, we found an area approximately 1/2 acre in diameter on fire with heavy brush and deep mulch involved. Personnel (2) immediately began extinguishing the outer perimeter to prevent spread utilizing a pre-connected booster line.
Two witnesses on scene approached the incident commander and advised them that they were walking the perimeter prior to the engine's arrival on scene and that they heard an explosion in the immediate area of the fire. They also came upon what appeared to be a small pipe bomb on scene and then showed the area where the pipe bomb was found.
Upon examining the suspected pipe bomb, the incident commander immediately abandoned all fire fighting activities and secured the area. The pipe bomb was placed in a broken tree sapling approximately knee level high.
The incident commander advised dispatch of the new situation and requested assistance from the local Sheriff's Department. Sheriff Deputies arrived on scene and positively identified the item found as an actual pipe bomb that did not explode in the ensuing brush fire.
A large area surrounding the brush fire was secured and the deputies secured the scene as a crime scene. Engine company personnel kept the surrounding perimeter in check to keep the area involved from spreading. Representatives from local, state and federal agencies arrived on scene to gather evidence and once the area was determined free of any further devices the original pipe bomb was eventually exploded where it was found.
Once the scene was considered safe, fire department personnel were allowed back within the area to safely extinguish the fire.
Lessons Learned
Always be aware of your surrounding area and keep alert for anything out of the ordinary. I have responded to numerous brush fires throughout my 14 year career but never in my imagination would I believe that someone would place a pipe bomb within a brush fire situation.
LINK TO ORIGINAL
Two witnesses on scene approached the incident commander and advised them that they were walking the perimeter prior to the engine's arrival on scene and that they heard an explosion in the immediate area of the fire. They also came upon what appeared to be a small pipe bomb on scene and then showed the area where the pipe bomb was found.
Upon examining the suspected pipe bomb, the incident commander immediately abandoned all fire fighting activities and secured the area. The pipe bomb was placed in a broken tree sapling approximately knee level high.
The incident commander advised dispatch of the new situation and requested assistance from the local Sheriff's Department. Sheriff Deputies arrived on scene and positively identified the item found as an actual pipe bomb that did not explode in the ensuing brush fire.
A large area surrounding the brush fire was secured and the deputies secured the scene as a crime scene. Engine company personnel kept the surrounding perimeter in check to keep the area involved from spreading. Representatives from local, state and federal agencies arrived on scene to gather evidence and once the area was determined free of any further devices the original pipe bomb was eventually exploded where it was found.
Once the scene was considered safe, fire department personnel were allowed back within the area to safely extinguish the fire.
Lessons Learned
Always be aware of your surrounding area and keep alert for anything out of the ordinary. I have responded to numerous brush fires throughout my 14 year career but never in my imagination would I believe that someone would place a pipe bomb within a brush fire situation.
LINK TO ORIGINAL
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