By Jen Underwood, Editor, Everyone Goes Home Newsletter

Courtesy of Chief Greg Long, Port Wentworth Fire Rescue

Courtesy of Chief Greg Long, Port Wentworth Fire Rescue

Courtesy of Chief Greg Long, Port Wentworth Fire Rescue

Courtesy of Chief Greg Long, Port Wentworth Fire Rescue

Courtesy of Chief Greg Long, Port Wentworth Fire Rescue

Courtesy of Chief Greg Long, Port Wentworth Fire Rescue

Courtesy of Chief Greg Long, Port Wentworth Fire Rescue

Courtesy of Chief Greg Long, Port Wentworth Fire Rescue

Courtesy of Chief Greg Long, Port Wentworth Fire Rescue

Imagine this scenario: a major building explosion, a remote location, an unknown number of people missing, and a search area encompassing a 160-acre site. Oh, and you are expected to organize the entire rescue effort and ensure that each and every firefighter and rescue worker returns home safely and uninjured. Sound like a challenge?

That is the dilemma that Fire Chief Greg Long faced when a massive explosion occurred at the Imperial Sugar plant in Port Wentworth, Georgia, the evening of February 7, 2008. When asked how he handled the daunting task, Long humbly and succinctly replied "we established a chain of command" and "followed the NIMS system.¹"

Working with plant officials, Long reported that he, his firefighters, and the other rescue personnel, "divided the plant into controlled sectors and attacked each sector." Long explained that to keep radio communications as effective as possible, "each sector used a unique radio frequency" and that the "rescue workers in each sector communicated directly with the sector chief."

The sector chiefs then relayed information to the command staff using a main frequency. According to Long, that method of radio communication allowed the main frequency to remain relatively clear and free of excessive and jumbled voices.

The fire suppression and recovery efforts "lasted eight days" said Long, with the recovery efforts "taking place only during daylight hours" and "fire suppression taking place around the outside at night." The recovery efforts were hampered by 4000 degree molten sugar that burned continuously, with the runoff cooling to a concrete-like consistency.

Long was quick to praise the rescue personnel involved, and the Imperial Sugar officials, thanking them for their immense "cooperation and respect." By taking the time to follow NIMS procedures and establishing a chain of command, Long helped to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved with the fire suppression and recovery efforts following the explosion.

With a great deal of pride, and a bit of awe, Long concluded the interview with one last remarkable comment..."not one injury, not even a sprained ankle, not even a hang nail."

"A major building explosion, a remote location, an unknown number of people missing, and a search area encompassing a 160-acre site"

AND EVERY FIREFIGHTER WENT HOME SAFELY!

1. NIMS identifies the requirements for a standardized framework for communications, information management, and information sharing support at all levels of incident management. IS-700 National Incident Management System (NIMS) Self Study Guide Page 1-6 August 2004