Bread-and-butter fires are single and multifamily dwellings. Commercial fires are far less common. That said, the latter present unique challenges, such as size, layout, access, occupancy and construction. Yes, we can inspect and preplan commercial buildings, but as Chief Frank Brannigan said, “The building is your enemy. Know your enemy.” In other words, the challenges aren’t necessarily mitigated from inspection and preplanning.
In May 2025, Tucson, AZ, Fire Department (TFD) firefighters responded to a fire in an abandoned gas station. The fire was believed to be in the attic space, and initial actions followed the department’s standard operating procedures. While members were operating, there was a smoke explosion that compromised the building, with firefighters on the roof and others in the blast zone. Fortunately, members suffered only minor injuries.
Reading smoke likely saved the lives of the interior crew, but using aggressive tactics almost cost the lives of others…