SUNY Potsdam High Rise Drill - Opens Students' Eyes

Potsdam Fire with cooperation from SUNY Potsdam officials conducted their monthly training drill, simulating a high rise dormitory fire in Lehman Hall on the SUNY Potsdam campus. In June, Potsdam firefighters conducted the first of two scheduled training drills to ensure many of the small problems encountered at the September 2003 Bowman Hall fire had been addressed and improved upon. Tonight, the second of the two drills was conducted with an added twist, the dorm would be filled with students who would encounter smoke filled hallways and blocked exits requiring them to find alternative means of escape.

Firefighters and EMS personnel from Potsdam Fire, Canton Fire & Rescue, West Potsdam Fire, and Potsdam Rescue Squad had an opportunity to enhance their skills with this drill. Many of the same firefighters and EMS personnel participating in this drill had also responded to the Bowman Hall incident.

First arriving firefighters on Potsdam Engine 48 encountered hundreds of students fleeing the building and reports of heavy smoke on the 4th, 5th, and 6th floor of Lehman Hall. University police were reporting possible occupants trapped. First Assistant Chief David McGregor established command and transmitted a working fire requesting mutual aid assistance.

First in Potsdam firefighters reported heavy smoke conditions in the stairwell while connecting the high rise pack to the standpipe on the 3rd floor. Potsdam firefighters Justin Perry, Tim Jerome, and Aaron Farney advanced the first line on the 4th floor, encountering heavy smoke and very poor visibility. Within minutes a victim was located and removed to safety by the first crew. The heroic rescues continued for several minutes as crews from West Potsdam Fire, assigned to search the 5th floor, located and removed another victims to awaiting EMT's and Paramedic from Potsdam Rescue on the second floor. Outside the action continued as the aerial ladders were flying from Potsdam Tower 5 and Canton Truck 1 in to position for rescue operations. Large diameter hose was stretched and firefighters were working diligently to shuttle equipment to the staging area on the second floor. Accountability/Safety Officer Al Grant had his hands full keeping track of every firefighter and rescue personnel entering and leaving the building.

Overall, the training drill was a success. Many of the issues regarding communications and building access encountered during the Bowman incident and the June training drill had been rectified. However, other issues developed that will be addressed in future drills.

Many of the students eyes were opened as they exited their dorm rooms to find the majority of the 4th and 5th floor filled with artificial smoke. The look on some of their faces was complete awe as they watched the arriving fire apparatus and firefighters go to work. The students had been notified a drill with the Potsdam Fire Department would be taking place on Monday, September 20th however they were not told of the exact time or location in the building. Students were surprised to see the smoke and many believed this was an actual fire. Some students panicked and attempted to enter the smoke filled hallways and stairwells, but were turned back due to poor visibility. Some students handled the incident just like they had practiced it. Overall, the student cooperation was outstanding and we appreciate their participation and hope some lessons were learned. The SUNY Potsdam Residence Life Staff should be commended for working to provide such a realistic training event.

The Potsdam Fire Department would like to thank all of the participating fire and rescue personnel. Your commitment to training and improving operations should be commended. A special THANK YOU to SUNY Potsdam for providing the facility and recognizing the need for continued fire safety training.