Samatters Radio

Raleigh Fire Captain Stephen Page, serving on the busy Ladder 4 in downtown Raleigh, responded to restaurant fire at 311 Glenwood Avenue. The ladder crew, followed by an engine crew with a hoseline, entered the heavily smoke filled environment with the mission of search and fire attack.   Crews were quickly overrun by changing conditions and an evacuation was ordered. All the crews scrambled for the exit, leaving Captain Page behind… along… without water… and disoriented. During this interview he recounts the story and shares his best advice, including: 1.    The need to pay attention to your gut instinct.  2.    Big fires need big water.  3.    Keep your focus on the big picture.  4.    Assess the risk-benefit of making entry in zero visibility environments. 5.    Maintaining allegiance to the mission of search, even after being informed by employees that everyone is out of the restaurant.  6.    The need to overcome pride and the competitive nature of firefighters to avoid creating risk.   Thank you to our