Region 13 MAB Bus Deployed to Massive Food Plant Fire (49s and 1m28s marks in video)

On Friday June 15th just before noon a commercial fire was dispatched in the City of Arnold. First arriving units reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a multi story industrial complex. Another alarm was struck out and numerous Ladder Trucks added to the incident.

During the initial attack Firefighters began to become symptomatic of the heat conditions. Two Rehab Squads were added to the incident as well as the M.A.B. stationed with Lower Kiski EMS (Armstrong Co.).

Upon arrival of the M.A.B. a firefighter mayday was transmitted from roof operations with a firefighter reported down on the roof. R.I.T. deployed and effected a rescue from the roof. The down Firefighter was the third patient transported from this fire and was conscious and alert as the medic unit departed.

The M.A.B. arrived during the rescue and positioned inside the action area of fire operations. Within 2 minutes of arrival the M.A.B. was operational and receiving Firefighters with symptoms as well as rehabbing the team the preformed the rescue. The M.A.B. with a crew of six deployed the W.V.S.M.s enabling up to a dozen firefighters to be evaluated simultaneously. The unit’s numerous AC units provided a cool treatment area and a secondary rehab sector was established outside the M.A.B. under it’s awning with multiple water misting stations, active cooling chairs and rehydration.

Firefighters received rehydration, nutrition and rapid medical screening before being returned to action. The fire was brought under control with only one additional firefighter being sent to the hospital for evaluation. The resources and capabilities of the M.A.B. and it’s staff were able to be positioned in very close proximity to the fire operations and be operational with minutes of arrival. These factors greatly helped reduce effects of the fire conditions coupled with the warm weather.