CSST & Lightning: An Examination of 2 Line-of-Duty Death Incidents
8/23/23 at 10:00 AM to 8/23/23 at 11:00 AM
In an earlier webinar*, we introduced you to CSST, or Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing. Used in homes across the country to deliver propane and natural gas, CSST can develop arc holes as a result of lightning, causing fires to occur.
In the second part of this webinar, Adam St. John of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) will present a case study and detailed timeline reviewing an LODD that occurred while fighting a fire resulting from a lightning-induced failure of a CSST propane gas line. We will share a detailed forensic video timeline including Fire Dynamics Simulator, forensic electronic data, fire testing and photographs of the fire scene to help you understand the ignition, fire growth and floor collapse that ultimately led to a mayday and LODD. A side-by-side comparison of a second LODD that occurred during an additional fire caused by a lightning-induced CSST failure will also be discussed. Join us to learn essential information to keep yourself and your crews safe.
You’ll learn:
- Potential ignition sequences of lightning-induced structure fires, including CSST, as well as a detailed explanation of the complexities of elevated fire development, flame spread and structural collapse hazards associated with fuel gas system fires originating in concealed spaces.
- Common traits of two below-grade, lightning-related fires that resulted in LODDs.
- Tactical firefighting and investigative considerations for fuel-gas system fires.
Presented by:
Deputy Chief Bill Goldfeder, Loveland-Symmes Fire Department (OH)
Chief Thomas Coe, Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services (MD)
Captain Craig Matthews, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (MD)
Adam St. John, Special Agent, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)