2 Firefighters Injured By Projectile Hydrant Valve

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Just another reminder to watch out for those hydrants......first thing I ever learned about the fire service when I joined as an explorer. Also a reminder why EMS should be on scene and ready at EVERY fire.

2 Firefighters Injured By Projectile Hydrant Valve

On Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at 6:56 AM, six Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, six LAFD Rescue Ambulances, one Heavy Rescue, two Arson Units, three EMS Battalion Captains, three Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, under the direction of Battalion Chief Fred J. Mathis responded to a RS at 3849 S. Gibraltar Av. in Culver City.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department responded quickly to discover a two-story garden style apartment building with heavy smoke pouring out of one unit. Firefighters enlisted their training and diligence to knock the fire down in just 16 minutes and were able to confine the fire to the unit of initial involvement.

During initial firefighting operations, 2 firefighters were injured when the large diameter 4-way hydrant valve, utilized to gain access to a water supply for firefighting operations, broke loose from its hydrant connection. The main body of the 35 lb. fitting was launched into the air striking a young male firefighter in the chest, rendering him initially unconscious. He was immediately treated, and transported to an area hospital with injuries including a broken left arm and right clavicle, along with minor abrasions to his face. He is listed in serious but stable condition.

Another firefighter sustained minor injuries to his left wrist and ankle and was additionally transported. Cause of the fire is listed as intentional and Arson units took the suspect into custody following their investigation.

Damage estimated at $100,000 ($75,000 Structure and $25,000 content).

Submitted by Melissa Kelley

Los Angeles Fire Department

[Guest partyrock]

Its not really clear what exactly happened, but if you're leaving any caps on a hydrant you're using give them a twist and make sure they're secured.

[Remember585 815]

Remember too - don't straddle a charged line.

[Guest alsfirefighter]

That sucks. Its important to remember that the hoses we use are under pressure and anything can happen at anytime. Remember to stand in the safe area of the hydrant when opening it in the event any devices dislodge. This reminds me of a few butterfly valves attached to pump panels that have seperated due to a manufacturing problem where they used 2 incompatible metals.

Pump ops has been usually the 2nd leading cause of injuries to students out of all OFPC curriculums. FF 1 is normally #1.