CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Illinois OSHA says the Chicago Fire Department needs to improve communication following the deaths of three firefighters since 2021.
An investigation found that an air hose on firefighter MaShawn Plummer’s breathing equipment had been torn while he was in a burning apartment building in 2021. He was alone and wasn’t in radio contact.
There was a delay in calling a mayday. There were two other firefighter deaths after that in 2023-Lt. Jan Tchoryk and Lt. Kevin Ward. Similar communication concerns were raised after their deaths.
“CFD must extinguish the practice of members operating alone inside structure fires," A letter from Illinois OSHA Chief Erik Kambarian said.
“IL OSHA will leverage all available enforcement tools to ensure members enter together, stay together, and exit together.”
Illinois OSHA made the following recommendations for training:
-Provide training for command team members with a focus on fireground safety and survival.
-Develop and implement computer-based simulation training and assessments.
-Dedicate additional staff and resources for training, specifically in areas of command, team continuity, radio communications, dynamic risk assessment, mayday procedures, and the safe person concept.
-Require all teams entering a basement to use a hose line and/or thermal imaging camera.
-Refine radio system software and hardware to ensure proper function and reliability.
-Work with firefighters, company officers, and command officers on an effective Emergency Alert Button (EAB) activation process, develop training for the process, drill on the process and periodically test the process.
A statement from the fire department said it appreciates the agency’s “diligent efforts” and that “CFD will continue our work to provide training, monitor performance and hold our department accountable.”
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