Michael and I both got to respond to the big Jackson gas explosion on Thursday. Being first onscene, I took a deep breath and assumed Incident Command. Micheal was heading south and positioned just right to load up into Engine 31 and respond from Hoback. His crew made an important attack on pallets stacked with the 5 gallon LPG tanks one finds at stores. I have been told by Amerigas authorities that our most significant danger were these pallets. At the time, we were all focused on the big ball of fire located at the propane truck (see videos). As IC, I sure appreciate Station 3's work to get water on these cylinders right away to prevent further explosions. Good work to the Nation Crew!!
There have been many articles and reports issued on the explosion. This is a big deal here. That no one was seriously injured is somewhat of a miracle; I was planning for fatalities as I set up the incident. I have linked these press releases and reports (if only for the sake of history - I hope to get to 84 and pull these reports back up on the screen to remember!).
As Incident Commander of a scene like this, one recognizes alot can go wrong. There were >120 people working under my command. That night, after the incident, I got a little shakey - I will confess - thinking of all the things that could have gone wrong. As an organization, we work hard, we train hard, we put up with each other's egos and disfunctionalities so that at moments like this, we can do the right things. And we walk away, proud. Proud and damn privlaged to be part of team that can bring order out of complete chaos. If there is such a thing as a good incident - this is one of them. (If the links don't work, just google jackson hole explosion. There are some amazing videos and pictures.)
JH News & Guide
Local News 8
JH News & Guide Nov 24 Report
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