Hunter Industry Incident

1. Hunter IndustryIncident Sunday, October 26, 2003

2. Outline • San Diego County Fires • Hunter Fire Response • Challenges of Incident • Fire Preparedness and Interface with San Marcos Fire Department

3. San Diego County Fires • The Cedar and Paradise fires in San Diego County started on the evening of October 25 and the early morning hours of October 26. These two fires ultimately consumed 336,000 acres, destroyed over 3,800 residential/ commercial buildings, and killed sixteen people, including one firefighter.

4. San Marcos Fire Department Impact • When the Hunter Industry fire started, the San Marcos Fire Department had three fire apparatus with eight firefighters already assigned to the Cedar/Paradise fires. By that afternoon, the department sent two additional engines with six more firefighters. The San Marcos Fire Dept. recalled all personnel and staffed all reserve fire apparatus early Sunday morning.

5. Fire Alarm at 1940 Diamond St. • Engine 1412 was dispatched at 05:29 • Apparatus arrived on scene at 05:35 • Upon arrival, smoke was seen coming from the structure • A first alarm assignment/upgrade was requested

6. First Alarm Assignment • Chief Officer 1401 • Engine 1423 • Engine 1411 • Rescue Ambulance 1496 • Medic 1492 • Engine 2216 • A second alarm and a strike team of fire engines were eventually ordered for this incident

7. Mutual Aid Resources • Carlsbad Fire Department • Vista Fire Department • Escondido Fire Department • Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District • S.D. Co. Sheriff • Metropolitan Arson Strike Team • U.S. Treasury – A.T.F. • S.D. Co. Hazardous Incident Response Team • S.D. Co. Health Department

8. Incident Challenges • Resource availability due to wildland fires • Fire consisted of seven separate fires burning in different parts of the structure • Extreme smoke conditions from burning plastic materials causing severe visibility problems • Keys (master overrides for all locks) “The complex nature of this fire and smoke density caused me grave concern for firefighter safety. More so than any other fire in my experience…” Fire Captain Dave Schloss; First In Officer

9. Favorable Pre-Incident Actions • Long-term positive working relationship between Hunter Industries and the San Marcos Fire Dept. • Business fire pre plans were accurate and complete • Material Safety Data Sheets were available • Fire sprinkler system in place. ** Contained most of the fires • Fire Department members were familiar with the facility due to annual Fire-Life Safety Inspection Program “Standardized performance plans, a high degree of cooperation, and sound incident management practices were key to mitigating this fire.” Battalion Chief Brett Van Wey; Hunter Operations Chief

10. Recommendations for Developing Preparedness Plans • Work with your Fire Department to maintain current emergency fire pre-plans • Maintain fire protection systems • Keep fire hydrants clear of debris/obstructions • Do not block fire lanes or exits • Maintain good house cleaning habits • Proper storage and identification of hazardous materials

11. Preparedness Plans Cont: • Have all utility controls clearly labeled and accessible • Maintain stairwells and exits • Maintain up to date emergency call list • Prepare emergency evacuation plans for all departments • Maintain a business emergency response team

12. Incident Summary • No injuries to civilians or fire personnel • Sixteen fire companies • Forty firefighters • Eleven agencies involved on this incident • At the time of the incident, property loss was estimated at $3,000,000 • Contents loss was estimated at $3,250,000

13. Hunter Industry employees were instrumental in the rapid recovery process of this incident.