The National Firefighter Near-Miss Reporting System has received 65 near-miss reports relating to attic fires. Nearly half the submissions report a collapse or firefighter fall, even though attic-fire hazards are well-known and have been cited in several high-profile fatality reviews.

Among the risks to firefighters when facing these fires are exposed supporting members such as rafters and trusses, limited access to the attic space, heavy fire loading, and little firestopping.

The most frequently cited contributing factor in the reports is situational awareness (70%). Decision-making follows a close second (63%). The remaining factors are nearly identical in frequency, though distant numbers from situational awareness and decision making. However, when firefighters' perception isn't in sync with reality, the remaining contributing factors are almost inevitable.

This data shows that:

• Greater emphasis on scene assessment and risk/benefit recognition are needed. When perception and reality are in sync, proper situational awareness is present. This leads to good decisions being made.
• Complete communication with relevant messages contributes information that in turn supports effective decision-making. Stronger command results when commanders have good information that can be used to effectively evaluate risks.
• Fewer errors occur in the long run because individuals are taking the right actions due to proper hazard recognition and good information supplied to decision-makers.

The end result is a firefighting force that is more in tune with its surroundings, more deliberate in its actions and less likely to be trapped in the attic or caught in a ceiling collapse. Scenario-based training, immediate post-incident reviews, and case study reviews of near-miss reports provide essential elements to the fight and survive mindset.

For more near-miss reports, visit www.firefighternearmiss.com.