With Fire Prevention Week coming upon us Captain Chris Butt of the Stephenville Fire Department wants people to think safety.
He says when you’re being burned your instinct is “I want this to stop and make it stop right now.”
During his 26-year career he only had one incident where he was burned and that was during a training fire in a simulator when a flash over got way hotter than expected.
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His mask got really hot, especially around the seal, to where it was burning his face including his nose, cheek and chin.
As an instructor his aim was to get the students out first.
“You know how to stop the burning and that’s to get out, so that’s what we did,” he said.
Fortunately his burns ended up being minor.
Butt said going into smaller homes and apartments are always more of a concern that bigger places, where the heat rises more.
When asked what it is like going into a fire knowing there’s likely a body in there, he reflects to an incident on St. George’s Avenue in Stephenville in early 2017.
On arrival firefighters were aware of people trapped inside a burning apartment and there was likely nothing they could do for them.
“It was the first time in 24 years I had to go into a fire with people inside,” Butt said. “It was a heavy fire but your training tells you to do what you can.”
When another firefighter knocked down the flames Butt said he went in and all he could do was search for the elderly couple but when he found them they were deceased.
Butt said the incident affected his sleep for about a week.
“When you go to fall asleep your mind goes back to what you could have done differently and you wake up,” he said. “You replay it a lot in your head but you eventually come to terms with the fact there was nothing else you could have done.”
Butt said there haven’t been a lot people trapped inside buildings or fire fatalities in Stephenville and that’s likely because of smoke alarms.
When asked what goes through his mind when an emergency call comes in, Butt said the reaction has changed during the years.
“In the early years I was that eager I’d get suited up right away and be in the fire truck in a flash,” he said.
Now, as a captain, when the alarm sounds he first listens for details, checks the map for the nearest hydrant and the closest route.
“Taking those few seconds to assess the situation can make a lot of difference when you arrive at the scene,” Butt said. “More experience teaches you to plan first.”
Butt advises people that because fires can happen so quickly and get out of control to not be care free with open flame. He said like any type of tool you use, fire is the same and it can help you but if not respected, can hurt you too.
In relation to motor vehicles, he said distracted driving is a real concern and the practice needs to stop.
Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 7-13):
Stephenville Fire Department will be visiting school to discuss fire safety and conduct fire drills.
Drop by the fire department any time to meet the team members who will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Fire Prevention Week and following few weeks
Stephenville Fire Department members will be going door-to-door to distribute fire prevention material and discuss any questions resident may have regarding fire safety.
These visits are for the benefit of the residents and not to force compliance with any regulations.
Firefighters will gladly check your smoke alarm.
